Most people believe predators are strangers lurking in dark corners. But what if the real danger is much closer to home? What happens when the very people entrusted with the care of our youth are the ones causing harm? And most importantly—how can we tell the difference between those who help and those who hurt?
On this episode of Magnify Your Message, I sit down with John-Michael Lander, a former gold medalist in the World Games whose greatest battles weren’t fought in the pool or on the platform, but behind closed doors. As a young athlete, he was groomed and exploited by trusted adults who were supposed to be his protectors. It wasn’t just about sports—it was about power, manipulation, and silence.
Now, John-Michael is on a mission to expose the hidden tactics of abusers, empower survivors, and educate communities about the very real dangers of grooming, exploitation, and trafficking—whether it happens in athletics, schools, religious institutions, or even online.
🚫 The Myths We Need to Shatter About Grooming & Abuse:
⚡️ It’s NOT just a “sports” problem. Grooming happens in schools, churches, workplaces, and even online. John-Michael reveals why we often miss the warning signs until it’s too late.
⚡️ Predators don’t "look" like predators. We imagine them as strangers in dark alleys, but the real danger? It’s often the people we know and trust. John-Michael shares the subtle tactics abusers use to gain access to their victims—and why they’re so hard to detect.
⚡️ Survivors don’t always “act” like victims. Why do some victims stay silent for years? Why do others seem “okay” on the outside? John-Michael exposes the emotional and psychological layers that keep victims trapped—and what real healing looks like.
⚡️ Healing isn’t about “moving on.” The idea that survivors should just “get over it” is a dangerous myth. John-Michael shares how true healing comes from reclaiming your power, rewriting your story, and using your voice to help others.
This episode isn’t just about what happened to John-Michael—it’s about what’s happening all around us, often unseen. If you care about protecting kids, if you want to understand how abuse and trafficking *really* happen, and if you believe in empowering survivors, this conversation is for you.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now!
🔁 Share this. Speak up. Take action. Together, we can break the silence.
**Trigger Warning:** This episode contains themes of self harm and suicide. It may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners and viewers. Please prioritize your mental health; if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and need support, please call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. for resources and assistance.
About the Guest:
John-Michael Lander is a Survivor, Author, Speaker, and Advocate whose powerful journey has transformed the lives of countless individuals.
Founder of An Athlete's Silence, John-Michael has been a pivotal voice in the global fight against abuse and trafficking. He has been featured in Time Magazine, USA Today, CBC’s Canada Tonight , and CityNews Winnipeg. As a panelist for the Netflix documentary Athlete A and a key contributor to the Athletes' Bill of Rights, 2024 Paris Olympic Games Campaign to prevent abuse, exploitation, and trafficking worldwide, he is a leader in shaping protective policies for athletes worldwide.
John-Michael's groundbreaking programs, including the Predatory Grooming Trifecta©, Predatory Internet Grooming© (PIG), and PIG PATROL© which educate organizations, parents, and schools on recognizing and combating grooming and online exploitation.
Resources:
Email: johnmichael.lander@gmail.com
Websites: anathletessilence.com, https://johnmichaellander.com/
Instagram: @johnmichaellander
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucas.lander.14
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-oLvS3fcGg-VTffXP89q-Q
TikTok: @lucas27land;
Twitter: @jm27land
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmichaellander-31131075/
