Welcome to Resilience in the Shadows, the podcast by TentMakers, where we illuminate the powerful journey of individuals overcoming the darkness.

Dennis Peterson is a former aerospace engineer whose résumé spans orbit‑analysis work at Lockheed Martin and senior security‑systems engineering on classified drone programs at Raytheon. Financially independent by 48, he pivoted from high‑pressure defense projects to a life of scuba instruction, ultra‑endurance athletics, and hands‑on philanthropy. Through his nonprofit umbrella “JWICS—Just What I Can Support, Just What I Can Share,” Dennis funds scholarships, outfits orphanages, and is launching a free‑breakfast community kitchen for schoolchildren in Cozumel, Mexico.

Alex and Leticia Payton trace Dennis’s arc from a 14‑year‑old clerical‑abuse survivor to accomplished engineer and, ultimately, philanthropic changemaker. Dennis recounts how trauma shaped his life plan—marry young, stay active with his kids, retire early—and how a Catholic‑Charities training video finally propelled him to report his abuser decades later. The trio dig into the career ceilings imposed by secrecy and shame, Dennis’s unsuccessful bid to be formally excommunicated from the Church, and his decision to pour settlement money and personal savings into Jay Wicks instead of “a new Corvette.” They also explore survivor stigma, the power of straightforward apologies, and practical ways allies can break the silence. Throughout, Dennis emphasizes that transforming pain into purposeful giving—whether scholarships, soup kitchens, or mentoring—has proven more fulfilling than any corporate accolade.

Follow Dennis! https://www.facebook.com/myJWICS

Tentmakers Website: www.Tentmakers.la

Apple Podcasts Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-in-the-shadows/id1727772192

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vvl7WTTHZzmIzI84YOlvr?si=1575dc7ea9334f0e

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ResilienceintheShadows

Welcome to Resilience in the Shadows, the podcast by TentMakers, where we illuminate the powerful journey of individuals overcoming the darkness.

Ramon Vargas is an award-winning investigative journalist (currently with The Guardian) whose reporting spotlights institutional failures and systemic abuse—especially clergy sexual-abuse scandals and other cases where vulnerable people are harmed by organizations that should protect them. Known around Louisiana and New Orleans for breaking high-impact stories, he combines meticulous document digging with survivor-centered interviews to bring accountability and public awareness to subjects that might otherwise remain hidden.

Alex and Leticia invite Ramon onto Resilience in the Shadows to explore how investigative journalism can empower survivors and push institutions toward transparency and reform. Ramon recounts the tip that first drew him into covering clergy abuse, outlines how he corroborates survivor accounts, and explains the ongoing obstacles—such as secrecy, incomplete policy enforcement, and public fatigue—that hinder real change. The trio discuss the ripple effects of major exposés, the moral duty of journalists to give survivors a voice, and practical ways ordinary community members can confront silence or complacency. Throughout, Ramon emphasizes that sustained public scrutiny—not just isolated headlines—is essential to ending cycles of abuse and ensuring justice.

Tentmakers Website: www.Tentmakers.la

Apple Podcasts Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-in-the-shadows/id1727772192

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vvl7WTTHZzmIzI84YOlvr?si=1575dc7ea9334f0e

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ResilienceintheShadows

Welcome to Resilience in the Shadows, the podcast by TentMakers, where we illuminate the powerful journey of individuals overcoming the darkness.

In this episode, we speak to Kristi Schubert, who is a dedicated trial attorney and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, including rape, child molestation, sex trafficking, and institutional abuse, ensuring survivors feel heard and supported through the legal process. Beyond her legal practice, Kristi frequently educates communities on survivor representation and victims’ rights.

Kristi explains key concepts survivors and supporters should understand—such as child sexual abuse, grooming, and how institutional settings can enable abuse. Kristi clarifies the importance of using precise language (instead of softening terms like “boundary violation”) to acknowledge the reality of abuse. She explains the differences between civil and criminal cases, stressing how civil suits can offer survivors greater autonomy in seeking justice. We discuss the notion of consent (particularly for minors and vulnerable adults) and highlight how institutional policies must be actively enforced to protect children and other at-risk groups.

Kristi's Law Firm: https://lamothefirm.com/

Tentmakers Website: www.Tentmakers.la

Apple Podcasts Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-in-the-shadows/id1727772192

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vvl7WTTHZzmIzI84YOlvr?si=1575dc7ea9334f0e

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ResilienceintheShadows