Send us a text

A dark trend is silently devastating teen boys across America. Sextortion — digital blackmail using intimate images — has become a weapon in predators' arsenals, leaving thousands of young men and boys trapped between shame and fear. Behind screens and fake profiles, criminals manipulate teens into sharing personal content, then threaten to expose them unless demands for money or more images are met.

The statistics are alarming. The FBI documented over 7,000 sextortion cases targeting minors in 2022 alone, with at least 20 teens dying by suicide as a direct result. Boys are particularly vulnerable, often suffering in silence rather than reaching out for the support that could save them. The psychological toll is immense — victims withdraw from activities they love, distance themselves from friends, and carry a burden no young person should bear.

But there's power in knowing you're not alone and not at fault. This episode walks through the four critical steps to fight back: never pay the extortionist, tell someone you trust immediately, preserve all evidence, and report to authorities who stand ready to help. We outline specific resources including the FBI hotline and image removal tools that work without judgment or questions. For parents and friends, we provide guidance on recognizing warning signs and starting those difficult but potentially life-saving conversations. The predators count on silence and shame — but knowledge, community support, and courage are stronger weapons. Whether you're currently facing this nightmare or want to protect yourself and those you love, this episode provides the actionable strategies needed to turn victims into survivors.

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.

Send us a text

Drowning claims over 400 lives yearly in US recreational boating accidents, with a shocking truth hiding behind these statistics: 87% of drowning victims owned personal flotation devices but weren't wearing them when tragedy struck. This sobering reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into water safety equipment that could literally save your life.

Drawing from years of experience teaching thousands of paddlers through the American Adventure Sports Club, I share the costly mistake I made as a new paddler – purchasing an advanced whitewater Personal Flotation Device - PFD when I needed something more appropriate for my beginner skill level. This common misstep highlights why understanding PFD selection is critical for anyone heading out on the water, whether you're motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or kayak fishing.

We explore the crucial differences between life jackets and PFDs (they're not always the same thing!), break down the four main types of flotation devices, and explain performance levels from 50 to 275.

For parents, I share a powerful personal story of rescuing a four-year-old wearing an adult-sized PFD that would have offered zero protection in an emergency – a reminder that proper fit for children isn't just important, it's potentially life-saving. From the specialized Kokatat Hustle for whitewater enthusiasts to the feature-rich Leviathan for fishing adventures, you'll discover exactly which models work best for specific water activities.

Water adventures should bring joy, not tragedy. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will ensure you make informed choices about the most important piece of equipment you'll ever wear on the water.

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.

Send us a text

Transform those pesky yellow weeds in your yard into nutritional gold mines! Dandelions, often dismissed as lawn nuisances, pack more nutritional punch than kale or spinach, according to registered dietitian Nancy Gieb. When paired with raw local honey, they create delicious, therapeutic gummies that both kids and adults love.

These bright yellow flowers aren't just pretty — they're medicinal powerhouses with roots in traditional healing practices across cultures. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron and calcium, dandelions support liver health, fight inflammation, and may help regulate blood sugar. The jagged-leaved plants (whose name means "lion's tooth" in French) contain various antioxidants throughout their roots, leaves, and flowers.

Raw honey complements dandelions perfectly, bringing its own impressive benefits. As one beekeeper notes, "My customers swear by my raw honey for seasonal sniffles." This natural sweetener offers antibacterial properties, soothes digestion, eases sore throats, and might even help with allergies when sourced locally.

Making dandelion gummies is surprisingly simple and takes under an hour. Just gather pesticide-free dandelions, raw honey, and gelatin (or agar-agar for vegetarians), and you're set to create chewy treats that deliver both nutrition and satisfaction. Safety-conscious foragers should harvest from clean areas away from roadsides, wash thoroughly, and consider potential interactions with medications like blood thinners or lithium.

As mother Sarah T shared, "These gummies are a game-changer—my kids beg for them, and I feel good knowing they're eating something healthy." Ready to rethink those so-called weeds? Start transforming your backyard weeds into wellness today!

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.