Hi Lizzie!

I want to thank you for joining us on the Fierce Freedom Podcast. You will find information on the topics you would like to cover, the recording and publishing plan, podcast questions and promotional graphics. These will be added as we get them completed.

The Podcast Guest Survey will assure that we have your details correct for the podcast. You will be able to upload your bio and any photos / headshots to be used for promotion. Please complete this at your earliest convenience.

The survey password is “fierce”. 

Sincerely,

Cat Morgan, Fierce Freedom Podcast Producer

Lizzy Hershberger

Lizzy Hershberger

Author of Behind Blue Curtains, Speaker, Survivor of Sexual Abuse, Co-Founder of Voices of Hope

Lizzie Hershberger grew up Swartzentruber Amish, which is the most conservative Amish among all Amish communities. After coming forward about systematic abuse in her church, one of her abuser got convicted and sentenced.

She also was recognized as an expert on Amish culture and has testified as an expert witness on the Amish for a wastewater case that resulted in substantial environmental improvements.

She is active in her community and has served as a school board member, children’s leader in church, and active victim Services volunteer. She has co-founded support groups, one for parents of young children, and one for survivors of abuse called Voices of Hope Givers.

She and her husband of 26 years had four children and live in southern Minnesota.

She is an author, speaker and strong advocate for victims of any kind of abuse. She supports victims and survivors going thru the process of reporting, healing and court proceedings. Her story was published in the Cosmopolitan magazine in February 2020 and she published her memoir “Behind Blue Curtains” in March 2021.

“I believe that one individual who is determined to make a difference in the world, can, with desire, drive, dedication, discipline, passion, and persistence. The world can be altered and billions of people’s lives can be impacted positively in an unimaginable way.” ATGW

Topic(s) To Discuss

  • Your experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse within the Amish community
  • To help bring awareness about sex trafficking. It happens in all communities

PODCAST QUESTIONS

  1. What was your goal in writing your memoir “Behind Blue Curtains”?
  2. Could you share a little bit about how you grew up and what it was like for you as a young Amish girl?
  3. What were some of the conditions that you think contributed to not only your abuse but the subsequent times it occurred?
  4. What were some of the challenges you faced as you considered leaving this community?
  5. With the cumulation of these traumatic experiences, were you able to process what had happened to you?
  6. Can you talk about seeking justice against your abuser? How did you feel with the end result?
  7. Anything you want to say to those being victimized or in a similar situation?
  8. What do you hope in the future?
  9. How can others support you and the work you’re doing?

PROMOTIONAL GRAPHICS / LINKS

  • Facebook Promotional Graphic – Coming Soon
  • Instagram Promotional Graphic – Coming Soon

Our Mission

The Fierce Freedom Podcast aims to shine light on all aspects of modern-day slavery by sharing compelling conversations with individuals who are using their passions and talents to fight human trafficking and exploitation. By telling these stories, we hope to both educate listeners through spreading awareness and to inspire individuals to rise up and fight within their sphere of influence. 

Recording

Once you have confirmed the date and time that works with our producer, you will receive a calendar invite with a link to a Zoom meeting. If you need to change the date or time we ask you try to let us know 7 days ahead of scheduled recording. 

We typically ask guests to reserve an hour of recording time, please let us know if you need to leave early so we can be sure to adjust accordingly.

The recording will then be edited for clarity and timeliness and will typically air the following Tuesday at 5am CDT. If you’d like to listen to the recording in advance, please let our producer know by the Friday before the air date.

If there are any topics you’d prefer not to speak on please let our producer know, we are also happy to edit anything out in post-production. Recording style is relaxed and conversational. Even though this is a serious topic our goal is to present information in an accessible way to listeners, we like to end on a note of inspiration and hope whenever possible.

That being said, relax, be yourself, and as always thank you so much for sharing your time and talents with us!

 

 

"I believe that all jails desperately need your training as the victims of human trafficking frequently pass through the system. If staff is not trained on the warning signs of human trafficking and what the victims my look like, these are missed opportunities to provide help."

Captain Curt Dutton, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office

“Your agency is my greatest resource to share with anyone I talk to.”

Amy O’Donahue, Deputy, Specialized Enforcement, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Officer Ashland and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Offices

"Human trafficking is a worldwide crisis. Everyone can do something. Stand against this egregious violation and maltreatment of our fellow brothers and sisters on this planet. Join Fierce Freedom and fight human trafficking at home and around the world!"

H.W.

"Fierce Freedom is at the forefront of anti human trafficking! They are constantly working with the community to train, rescue, and bring awareness! If you're going to support an organization in your area, this is the one to partner with!"

J.K.