Nobody grows up thinking they'll become a human trafficking survivor. For Ali Allred, life began with childhood instability that created the first cracks in her foundation. Sexual assault at age three and eventual substance abuse as a teenager that formed a perfect storm of vulnerability that traffickers would later exploit.

Ali's raw, unflinching account reveals how trafficking often begins not with kidnapping, but through calculated manipulation. What followed was a nightmare of control, violence, and exploitation that spanned years and multiple traffickers. Making up to $10,000 daily while being allowed only $5 for herself, Ali experienced firsthand how thoroughly traffickers can strip away autonomy and identity.

The path to freedom proved treacherous. Multiple escape attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, substance relapses, and system failures marked her journey. When she finally broke free, she faced the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding from scratch—without even basic identification documents. Yet through this impossible struggle, Ali discovered her purpose. "I never thought I would be a human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual assault or domestic violence survivor," she says. "It just happened and I have to live with it. At the end of the day, I want to take my pain and turn it not only into power but purpose."

Join us for this powerful conversation about survival against impossible odds. Ali's story isn't just about the horrific reality of trafficking—it's about reclaiming voice, agency, and meaning after unimaginable trauma. As she reminds us, "We've survived 100% of our worst days." If you or someone you know is struggling with exploitation or trafficking, resources are available. You are not alone.

Ali's links:

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/ali-allred/

https://open.spotify.com/show/3Qg6bzW8VJagFxcOw7muin?si=_h9TooqrRqujVzEsx1FCTg&nd=1&dlsi=bf0c0da41865411e

https://www.facebook.com/ali.allred.3?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Fjn2s7xO8dT6jZW9&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1AiJsfkB4e%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

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If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.

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Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe