Tim and Tamia are passionate advocates for youth online safety, dedicated to educating families, schools, and communities about the dangers of sextortion and online exploitation. Their mission stems from a deeply personal tragedy. Their only child, James Woods, took his life at age 17 after falling victim to sextortion. In response, they founded the Do It For James Foundation to honor his memory and ensure that no other family endures the same heartbreak. Through their advocacy, Tim and Tamia have reached thousands with their powerful message, speaking at schools, law enforcement events, and national conferences. They work closely with educators, policymakers, and law enforcement to push for stronger protections for children in the digital space. Their work has been recognized with numerous awards for their dedication to raising awareness and driving change.
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In this episode, host Ben Tracy, a leading speaker on youth online safety and Founder of Safe Social Network, sits down with Sam Chapman, CEO of Parent Collective, Inc. Sam lost his son, Sammy Chapman, at age 16 after he unknowingly got fentanyl from a dealer who contacted him on Snapchat.
Ben Tracy is joined by Brad and Kari Boettler, who tragically lost their son, Evan, after he fell victim to a social media sextortion scam. In the wake of Evan’s death, Brad and Kari became passionate advocates for keeping kids safe online. They founded a nonprofit in his honor, Evan's Voice, with the goal of raising awareness, supporting victims, and advocating for change.
Ben is joined by Todd and Mia Minor, whose son, Matthew, tragically lost his life to an online choking challenge at just 12 years old. In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Todd and Mia have dedicated themselves to keeping kids safe online. They have championed the Maryland Kids Code, awarded multiple scholarships to young leaders, and are actively working to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).
Today, Ben is joined by Adam Kavanaugh. Adam Kavanaugh is a retired Sergeant with the St. Louis County Police Department and now trains professionals in the areas of online child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. He teaches alongside advocates to emphasize the importance of multi-disciplinary teams. Adam offers training to law enforcement, first responders, medical professionals, community groups, schools, and more. With 21 years of experience working directly with victims of sex trafficking and online child sexual exploitation, Adam is no stranger to the dangers that face our children.
In this episode, Ben Tracy and Greg Miller dive into the world of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on kids. Greg breaks down the dangers of AI, from privacy concerns to its influence on mental health, and how parents and educators can stay ahead to protect and empower the next generation. Greg Miller has dedicated his career to education, starting his journey just before the release of the iPhone. With a wide range of experiences in various roles such as a high school guidance counselor, teacher, department chair, assistant principal, and principal, Greg has effectively navigated the impact of disruptive technologies and developments in the educational landscape. From the rise of smartphones, smartwatches, and learning management systems (LMS) to the challenges posed by social media, and the emergence of AI, he has demonstrated his ability to anticipate changes and lead communities through them.
Today, Ben is joined by Joann Bogard, a mother and online safety advocate from Indiana, who shares the story of her son, Mason. At the age of 15, Mason tragically lost his life after attempting a choking challenge he was fed on social media. Since then, Joann has dedicated herself to fighting for the safety of children online, working alongside other parents, lawmakers, and advocates in Washington to help protect kids from various online harms.
Online Safety Speaker Ben Tracy interviews Brian and Lauren Glass who lost their son, David Gonzalez, Jr., in January 2024 after he fell victim to a social media sextortion scam.
Chris Didier - Commercial airline pilot, Retired Air Force fighter pilot, devoted father, and advocate. He sits down and talks to Ben about his son Zach's story and explains the dangers facing kids today online regarding fentanyl.