Mary Nikkel’s Writing Clips

Stockholm syndrome and human trafficking

Few psychological phenomena have captivated public attention as thoroughly as Stockholm syndrome. A quick search of social media yields an unending stream of results — most of them anecdotal personal accounts, some of them pseudo-clinical pop psychology. So, is Stockholm syndrome real? Is it the same as trauma bonding? How do both relate to human trafficking?

 

Disciple 2025 Bio

For Disciple, the music and the mission have always been one and the same: fervent faithfulness carried by a blistering hard rock sound. With 18 number one singles including smash hits like “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me),” “After the World,” “Erase” and “Promise to Live,” Disciple’s songs have been imbuing listeners with grace-focused hope for over 30 years.

The History of HeartSupport

The year was 2011, and Jake Luhrs’ heart was breaking.

As the lead singer of metalcore mainstay August Burns Red, Jake had toured the country since 2006. During that half-decade, he’d found that their emotionally raw music resonated in the deepest, most troubled places of listeners’ lives. Every night, long after the final riffs had sunk into the cement floors of the venues the band played, Jake was still in the room. He reversed role from performer to listener, hearing the soaring highs and devastating lows of fans’ stories. Most nights, he’d stay until security asked him to leave.

Press Releases

Former Flyleaf Singer Lacey Sturm Releases Sophmore Solo Album ‘Kenotic Metanoia’

Lacey Sturm unveils her second solo album, “Kenotic Metanoia,” launching worldwide today (Nov. 17). The former lead singer of Flyleaf presents this project independently, featuring compelling singles such as “Awaken Love,” “Reconcile,” and “Breathe With Me.”

San Diego declares June 23, 2023 to be Sonny Sandoval Day in honor of P.O.D. singer

The City of San Diego has declared June 23, 2023 to be Sonny Sandoval Day in honor of the P.O.D. singer. The proclamation was made during a city council meeting.

'Still To Come' Illuminates The Hope of The Voice Winner Todd Tilghman

The single continues The Voice winner’s trend of consistently releasing heartfelt songs about his personal journey, his family and his deeply-held faith. It follows “Blood, Sweat & Tears” and “Dig My Grave,” both of which released earlier this year. As all of his 2023 releases prove, he’s not one to shy away from personal disclosure for the sake of connecting with listeners.

Love & Death announces ‘Perfectly Preserved Live’ album and DVD

Love & Death is preparing to release Perfectly Preserved Live, an explosive live album and video recording of their first concert in 8 years. The band’s long-awaited sophomore album firmly cemented Love & Death’s role as hard rock’s latest supergroup, with contributions from members Brian “Head” Welch (Korn), J.R. Bareis (Islander, Spoken), Jasen Rauch (Breaking Benjamin) and Isaiah Perez (Phinehas).

Grace Graber and Daniel Spriggs Surprise Fans with New Single

Christian punk artists Grace Graber and Daniel Spriggs have collaborated on the infectiously alive "My Favorite Part," a suicide prevention anthem inviting listeners to wait and experience the miraculous grace God has planned for them.

Kutless releases apocalyptic new single “End of the World” featuring Kevin Young of Disciple

Christian rock mainstay Kutless has released a concept-heavy, apocalyptic new single “End of the World.” The song features a guest vocal from Kevin Young of Disciple.

Convictions' Weighty New Album The Fear of God Debuts at #1 on iTunes Metal Chart

Metalcore heavy-hitters Convictions have released their latest album The Fear of God, securing the #1 spot on the iTunes metal chart. The album is available everywhere at https://bfan.link/the-fear-of-god-1.

“The album delves into personal and societal issues, from inner turmoil and loss to spiritual awakening and the quest for salvation,” Convictions singer and primary songwriter Michael Felker explains. “This album is our most personal and introspective work to date. It’s about facing the darkest parts of ourselves and finding the light on the other side.”

Matt Moore releases new single about navigating depression

Matt Moore has released a formidable new single with ‘Darker Waters,’ a track about navigating the treacherous depths of depression.

The track, which follows Matt’s current top 10 radio single ‘Tether,’ is available now on all major streaming outlets.

Nesdam bio

Nesdam is a man on truth’s mission with “The Hill,” his debut single with Xover Records. Nesdam’s whole life has led into his debut album Find The Truth. The moment listeners hear it, they’ll know: he’s not holding anything back.

Trampolines Bio

Trampolines is an explosive electronic band propelled by missional purpose that has taken them all around the world. Their genre-defying range is clear from a slew of singles featuring top voices from multiple styles: “Hey You” (featuring Aaron Cole), “Amen to That” (featuring Disciple), “Fight My Fight for Me” (featuring Citizen Way) and “FUTUREGLOW” (featuring Neon Feather).

Research Blogs and Features

You Are Sick Enough

I have had Anorexia Nervosa in a wide range of bodies over the 23 years since it first found me, a vulnerable 9-year-old. As a teenager, I was in a larger body, one that allowed my illness to be undetected—and praised. I became life-threateningly unwell, and my mortal wound was celebrated as willpower.

That experience provided a backdrop for me to see the stark difference when my eating disorder once again became life-threatening 10 years later.

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Editorial: Hayley Williams and When Emo Music Grows Up

This steady progression seems to be propelled by the same slow recognition: we have to start with recognizing that we’re not OK. But we can’t stop there. We can’t be 30-somethings still mired in the same things that held us captive at 13. We who have survived owe it to everyone still in the emotional trenches to tell a truer story.

Her name is strength: Valentina’s story

At only 18 years old, Valentina was being trafficked for sex hundreds of miles away from her home in Latin America.

As is true for most people who experience sex trafficking, Valentina’s heartache did not begin with the fateful day when she boarded the plane. She had been vulnerable her whole life.

Beetlejuice's Julia Sunay makes an impact as one of the only women conductors at the Broadway level

Julia Sunay, Associate Music Director for the first national Broadway tour of Beetlejuice, conducts the orchestra and actors through the character Delia’s uplifting song.

Human trafficking and human smuggling

It’s important to distinguish between the two often misunderstood crimes. Here are the key differences between human trafficking and human smuggling, as well as how the two criminal enterprises overlap.

What are human trafficking warning signs?

Although the best estimates currently indicate that around 50 million people are being trafficked globally, that number is likely not completely accurate because human trafficking warning signs are often subtle and hard to spot. Human trafficking is a complex crime that usually occurs in situations that seem harmless on the surface.

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