From Law to Liberation: John Richmond's Fight Against Human Trafficking

The Masculine Wilderness Podcast

In this episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, host Tom Perez, CEO and founder of Epik Project, interviews John Richmond, an American attorney and diplomat renowned in the global anti-trafficking movement. John shares his extensive career experiences, from serving as a U.S. Ambassador to monitor and combat trafficking to his current roles at Atlas Free and the Libertas Council. Tom and John discuss the effectiveness of legal frameworks in combating trafficking, cultural challenges, and the influence of personal and professional experiences. John also highlights the importance of community, the role of political will, and personal practices to manage trauma and sustain commitment in the fight against human trafficking.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Atlas Free

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

00:27 Introducing John Richmond: A Leader in Anti-Trafficking

00:59 John Richmond’s Career Journey and Impact

03:14 A Conversation with John Richmond: Personal Insights

06:28 Balancing Family and a Demanding Career

10:28 Challenges and Lessons in Anti-Trafficking Work

15:54 The Role of Law and Justice in Combating Trafficking

29:08 Cultural and Philosophical Perspectives on Human Dignity

30:10 The Value of Human Dignity

31:01 Cultural Crisis and Human Dignity

32:13 Selfishness and Narcissism

33:42 Hope for Cultural Change

35:14 Flourishing in Community

37:36 Parenting and Community Building

48:12 Dealing with Trauma and Pain

53:08 Life-Giving Practices

54:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections

About our Guest, John Richmond

John Richmond is an American attorney and diplomat. From 2018 to 2021, Richmond served as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. He currently works as Chief Impact Officer at Atlas Free.[2] He also serves as president of the Libertas Council, a leadership community focused on combating human trafficking, advancing democracy, and affirming human dignity.

Before becoming CIO at Atlas Free, John joined International Justice Mission and relocated to Chennai, India where he served as the Field Office Director for South India. Richmond pioneered IJM’s work to identify human trafficking victims, provide the victim’s protection services, and support the government as it held the traffickers accountable.

After that, John was sworn in as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. He was a founding member of the Department’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. Richmond prosecuted police misconduct, hate crimes, and labor and sex trafficking crimes.

--

CONNECT with Epik Project