In this powerful episode, Alexis Contos reunites with Julie Cordua, CEO of Thorn, an organization building technology to defend children from online child sex exploitation. Julie and Alexis worked together 15 years ago on Thorn’s launch, and Alexis has watched Julie dedicate her life to this essential work while raising her own family.
Content note: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and trafficking. While we don’t include graphic details, the subject matter is inherently difficult.
This conversation explores what it means to be a Breadwinner when your currency isn’t just financial – it’s measured in children identified, child sex exploitation content identified and removed, and technology platforms made safer.
We discuss the impact of AI on child exploitation, the reality of the dark web, how tech companies must do better, and – critically – what parents can do right now to protect their children online.
Julie shares practical guidance for talking to kids about online safety, warning signs to watch for, and how everyday people can join the fight against child exploitation. Whether you’re a parent trying to navigate your child’s digital life or someone who wants to understand how to make a difference, this conversation will inform and empower you.
