** Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic content, sexual abuse, violence and other mature themes. Listener discretion is advised.

Sara Kruzan is a survivor. When Sara was only 11 years old, she met a man who groomed her to be exploited and sold for sex. From 13 to 16 years old, she was trafficked. And after years of systematic, dehumanizing rape and torture, she finally escaped, only to return a few days later and kill her trafficker on the orders of a local gangster who used her as bait to rob him. When Sara went to trial, the pain and trauma she experienced as a child was not admitted into evidence, nor was the fact that the victim was her trafficker. The mastermind of the crime was also not implicated. Without that evidence, the prosecution, the judge, and the media depicted Sara as a sophisticated killer – a far too common response for girls of color in our country, especially when sex or a murder is involved. Sara was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus four years. In 2013, after Human Rights Watch took up her case pro bono. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced Sara’s sentence, making her eligible for a parole hearing. Sara left prison on October 31, 2013.

Since Sara’s release she has worked tirelessly to reform the way the criminal legal system treats children who have been abused and exploited. She has a fierce advocate working with the non-profit organization Human Rights for Kids to educate and has led to the creation and introduction of “Sara’s Law” in more than a half a dozen states and the U.S. Congress. These protections allow judges to depart from harsh mandatory minimums, suspend sentences, and keep child victims in juvenile court instead of adult court. Sara has also written a riveting memoir about her life experiences and advocacy work, entitled I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverance, (Pantheon.)

Time and again, Sara had been victimized. She was let down by an abusive mother, by school authorities, social services, doctors, and the justice system. Through it all, Sara has remained a kind and compassionate woman. Although Sara's experiences are devastating and horrific -- hers is also one of the most powerful, inspiring stories of hope, persistence, grit, resilience, and unbelievable strength. Sara shows all of us that we CAN overcome, live with and move forward with unimaginable trauma. She sets an example of how to fight to create the changes the world needs-and how to be the champion you never had. 

This is very special set of Reppin episodes. Sara's discussion is part one of two. Please join us for part 2 as we continue this conversation with the co-author of Sara's book, Cori Thomas, an award-winning playwright and advocate for the incarcerated. Cori will bring us further into Sara's story, and describe what she learned from Sara.

Human trafficking is happening right in front of us. Exploitation and violation of all kinds are happening to people of all ages--even very young children. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away-it actually makes it more possible. Knowing that each of us has POWER to change how the world is--and to save another life is what we should embrace, own and exercise. Imagine the change you could make in another's life--just starts with one small step.

This is truly one of the most important and astonishing stories of our times —and Sara to me, is so amazingly inspiring. I’m privileged to have her on this podcast and to know her.

Be sure to purchase a copy of her powerful page-turner of a memoir: I Cried to Dream Again: Trafficking, Murder, and Deliverance

https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-cried-to-dream-again-trafficking-murder-and-deliverance-a-memoir-sara-kruzan/17377464?ean=9780593315880

If you would like to learn more, help or TO GET HELP:

humanrightsforkids.org

rights4girls.org 

worldwithoutexploitation.org

ecpatusa.org 

sharedhope.org 

polarisproject.org 

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Southern Progressive. That may sound as wild as spotting Big Foot at Starbucks ordering a latte-decaf with almond milk of course. But stand up comic, author, podcast host and content creator Trae Crowder is just that. Trae hails from the deep south from a tiny town and describes his style of comedy as being Jeff Foxworthy if he was a very verbose progressive. His videos like his perspective on transgender bathrooms have gone viral crushing the internet. You'll see him often in his car tackling sensitive issues like gun laws, student loan debt, Roe V Wade to the GOP to Biden. Trae is dismantling hypocrisies with laser precision, hilarity, heart --all with a southern twist.

He's the co-author of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin' Dixie Outta the Dark. Along with fellow comics, Corey Ryan Forrester and Drew Morgan they host a great podcast called WellRED.

In my conversation with Trae, you'll see how he became the "blue sheep" in a predominately conservative state, the challenges he faced growing up, how he managed being teased in his community for not following the norm and we explore the biases between the southern parts vs the northern parts of America.

You'll learn the origin story of his moniker The Liberal Redneck and what his goals were and continue to be. Trae will share how he's using his humor to look at difficult issues that are hard to talk about, how stereotypes, prejudices and how representation effects EVERYONE regardless of race, gender, and orientation. No matter who or what you are, what you do for a living all the way to where you live--biases and representation is something that we ALL have to contend with.

And through this conversation, you'll see that Trae isn't only super smart, tremendously talented and funny--but also incredibly passionate about making this world a better and inclusive place.

Trae's website and show dates: https://www.traecrowder.com/

Trae's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtraecrowder/?hl=en

Trae's link tree: https://linktr.ee/traecrowder

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Reppin's FULL line up:

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Reppin on Apple Podcasts:

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Instagram:

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Reppin is a Suburban Outlaw Productions

www.SuburbanOutlawProductions.com

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

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Chinese Canadian, Actor, Martial Artist, Model Ludi Lin is comfortable and confident on screen. He's appeared on international press, major blockbusters like Aquaman, Mortal Kombat, Power Rangers and most recently he was bad boy Kerwin Tan on CW's Kung Fu. He's been kicking ass on screen for years and he is NOT someone you want to mess with. But what would you say if you learned he was bullied?

In this personal conversation, we learn that Ludi moved around a lot as a kid-felt "abandoned," was bullied mercilessly and how he had to fight every single day to try and stand up for himself. Through some of these early, tough moments, he realized some of the boxes he was put in--racism he faced but also stopped to question, how he -possibly could also be a conduit of the very same biases he was facing. "I guess my first experience with racism is at both ends of the spectrum do you know what I mean? To be taught that, it didn't feel good and to be at the receiving end and for something that I, that I didn't choose. And I just felt lost and casted aside. So I think everyone needs to ask themselves at what point where you first racist and at what point where you being racist toward?"

Ludi shares some of those reflections and life lessons he's earned from his childhood-the changes he's made and how he's become a voice for the voiceless. Lean in and her how he overcame those hardships, what inspired him and helped him grow--and find out what happened that made him tear up.

Ludi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ludi_lin?lang=en

Ludi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludilin/?hl=en

Subscribe! Share! Download and Review!!

Reppin's FULL line up:

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast​

Reppin on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ReppinPodcast​

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...

Reppin's Youtube (Exclusive extras):

https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast

Reppin's Website:

https://reppin.tv/

Reppin is a Suburban Outlaw Productions

www.SuburbanOutlawProductions.com

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved.

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Actor and content creator Mike Bow (CW's Kung Fu, ABC's The Company You Keep) shared his personal experiences of growing up in New York and his dreams of being an actor. Being half Korean, half Chinese, he had more diversity around him, but saw roles for Asians in entertainment were incredibly scarce and what little he did see, Asians were being portrayed as the undesirable, social outcasts. Knowing that the odds were stacked against him, he still went after his dreams. We talked about his journey from struggling for roles, to what it meant when he was brought back by popular demand as fan favorite Simon Lau on Kung Fu. Our conversation was very insightful, emotional and frankly, personally revealing. Mike made me realize the insidiousness of the messages that are being out there, how very damaging it can be--and how it shaped me. This is a conversation about having the heart, courage and persistence to pursue your dreams, staying positive, and being the change that is needed.

Come behind the scenes with me as I detailed my time with Mike and what I learned from my conversation with this positive, talented guy.

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Content Creator and Actor Mike Bow grew up being with some diversity in Queens NY. Being half Korean, half Chinese he grew up assimilating to Western ideas, cultures and food while his parents introduced him to Korean Dramas and food. Mike dreamed of being an actor but noticed that the very rare cases he did see an Asian on screen where all portrayed as the nerdy, undesirable, awkward outcasts. He struggled with his identity, realized not only was he an "other" but if he were to try and pursue his dreams of being in actor --the odds were stacked against him. He knew that Asian roles were extremely rare and IF he were to even get a part, it was likely, that he be amplifying that stereotype. Mike still went to break into the entertainment industry and work to change the ideas of what an Asian is. Now, he has credits that include Maze Runner, How To Get Away With Murder and most recently, he was brought back by popular demand as Simon Lau on CW's Kung Fu.

Mike's story is one of the heart, determination and disposition it takes to pursue your dreams. The importance of positive and building one another up--and what it's like to not allow the world to label him and place him in the in between.

Hear how his experiences can help inspire you to go after your goals and how to not allow the world's biases to box you in.

Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebowshow/

Mike's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikebowshow

Mike's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mikebowshow

The short version: On the podcast called REPPIN-you'll meet really awesome people who share their incredible stories and lessons with YOU. It's your power packed dose of feel good-bad assery. Got it? Now, go get it.

Here's the breakdown:

Reppin is a podcast about representation of ALL kinds. You can represent a lot of things. The conversation goes beyond race, gender and orientation. You'll gain insight into notable people, people you THINK you know. You'll see who they are, what they fight for and what they represent. Essentially, you'll eavesdropping into a meaningful and revealing conversation. The stories are of diversity, empowerment, belonging, identity, courage, love, strength and so much more.

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Meet our amazing guests!

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast

Reppin on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ReppinPodcast

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...

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Actress Yvonne Chapman from CW's Kung Fu is leading the charge with being a VIP on Reppin, with three guest appearances thus far. With each conversation, we have gone deeper -we've learned how she wrestled and managed expectations, her fears and self doubts, the importance of community and how she gambled and left a lucrative, stable career in corporate finance in pursuit of being an actress. In her most recent guest stint--which was the most revealing--Yvonne shared what she's learned since that leap of faith and the seismic life changes she's been going through.

Through each conversation, I've had the opportunity to get to know this talented actress and find her to be a genuine, thoughtful and all around lovely human being. Here today, I share what I've learned, how our relationship has formed and some of my behind the scenes stories with Yvonne.

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ALL EPISODES ARE AVAIL FOR DOWNLOAD!!

Yvonne's social links:

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en

Yvonne's 1st appearance on Reppin:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000527878304

Yvonne's 2nd appearance on Reppin:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000557101860

Reppin's Website:

Reppin.tv

Reppin's FULL line up:

https://campsite.bio/reppinpodcast​

Reppin Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reppin_podc...

Reppin Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@Reppinpodcast

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Yvonne Chapman is a talented actress with credits that include Street Legal, Family Law, Netflix's upcoming release Avatar and currently on CW's hit Kung Fu as Zhilan. She's guested twice before on Reppin and on her latest guest appearance is without question the most personal conversation we have had on the show. She has allowed us into her private life, revealing some of the inner changes she's been experiencing in the last year. In the conclusion of this conversation, she continues to share what other changes she's had to go through in the last few years and you'll find out IF and how she's been trying to move ahead.

YOU. DO. NOT. WANT. TO. MISS. THIS.

Be sure to subscribe, share, leave a review —and download! 

YVONNE’S SOCIAL LINKS:

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en

1st Reppin appearance from Yvonne:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000527878304

2nd Reppin appearance from Yvonne’s 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000557101860

REPPIN SERIES LINK: Meet the other incredible guests who have come by!

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/LAV5292937504

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Yvonne Chapman is a talented Chinese Canadian actress from Street Legal, Family Law and she’s most known for being the complicated, ass kicking anti-hero Zhilan on the CW’s KUNG FU. She has guested twice before on Reppin, where she shared how she gambled a stable, lucrative career in finance in pursuit of her dream to be an actress. Yvonne talked about being on a show that features an all Asian cast, the importance of representation and how a cab driver gave her precious advice that changed her life. Yvonne shared how she  had wrestled with self doubt, pressures of expectations, the importance of community and collaboration. Here on her return —Yvonne talks more about being on Kung Fu, her character Zhilan and how she's grown. But Yvonne also really allows us into her personal life and opens up on the major life changes she’s struggled with in the past several years. And you'll hear IF she’s been able to process and reconcile all of it. 

You're right to think the first two episodes with Yvonne were deep. But get ready- this one is the MOST personal, real and contemplative conversation we’ve had on the show. 

Find out what this talented, amazing actress has been going through in her real life, how much heart and courage she displays in her real life, how she’s trying to manage the seismic shifts she had to go through. And perhaps if what she’s doing in her life—can help you with your own self growth. 

This is part 1 of 2….and you—DO. NOT. WANT. TO. MISS. THIS.

Be sure to subscribe, share, leave a review —and download! 

YVONNE’S SOCIAL LINKS:

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en

1st Reppin appearance with Yvonne:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000527878304

2nd Reppin appearance with Yvonne’s 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reppin/id1480913421?i=1000557101860

REPPIN SERIES LINK: Meet the other incredible guests who have come by!

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/LAV5292937504

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Reppin: Learned Lessons

Evelien & Zach Smadu

Zach Smadu by Photo Credit: Richie Lubaton

Actor Zach Smadu from CW’s Family Law shared how his father’s battle with cancer reshaped his life and perspectives. Today, on my time with you, I’m going to share what I connected with and my personal reflections. So, let’s get to know one another as I let you into my own takeaways and see if you agree!

I’ve also made my donation to support Zach and to help the brilliant researchers do what they need to to help further along cancer research. Pitch in if you’re able to.

Donate to the organizations Zach works with:

Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan: cancerfoundationsask.ca

Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada:

www.bloodcancers.ca

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What can you learn when you and your loved ones are faced with a life threatening illness? Actor Zach Smadu from CW’s Family Law a show featuring a dysfunctional family law firm operating to help other families navigate a host of legal problems.

Zach maybe on a show that details a complicated, dysfunctional family-but in real life, his family is anything but that. Zach talks about how he and his family struggled and fought through cancer, how that impacted him -how that terrible experience made his life better and how you can salvage invaluable perspectives and lessons in spite of a devastating experience that can make your life better.

Zach’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/zachsmadu?lang=en

Zach’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachsmadu/To

Donate to the organizations Zach works with:

Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan: cancerfoundationsask.ca

Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada:

www.bloodcancers.ca

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