Ocean examines the growing movement to relax child labor protections, reading lawmakers’ and industry statements and tracing state and federal proposals like the Teens Act.

The episode contrasts supporters’ claims about work experience and staffing needs with critics’ concerns about education, safety, and exploitation, and explains how these changes could reshape young people’s lives and rights.

This episode introduces "The Legalized Child," a three-part series examining how child labor has been normalized and in some places expanded through law and policy in the United States.

Host Ocean reviews federal and state rules, recent enforcement data and high-profile investigations, and previews the series' next episodes on policymaking, accountability, and who benefits from loosening child labor protections.

Ocean examines three workplace horror stories, secret replacements that weaponize trust, a grieving top performer shunned by colleagues, and the cruel practice of shadow onboarding, then breaks down the legal, ethical, and cultural risks each reveals.

Through PCE WINS analysis and Demon & Witches metaphors, the episode highlights how secrecy and silence corrode dignity and morale, and offers practical perspective on accountability, compassion, and courageous conversations.