Part One: The Inventor of Those 'Troubled Teen' Wilderness Camps Where They Kill Kids

The podcast episode features writer and voice actor Mara Wilson, who reminisces about her childhood acting career and discusses her memoir, "Where Am I Now?" Importantly, the conversation shifts toward the troubling practices of the troubled teen wilderness rehab industry, which Mara knows well due to friends' experiences. The hosts reflect on how these rehab facilities often operate in places like Utah, raising serious concerns about their methods, including the controversial practice of forcibly taking children from their homes. The light-hearted banter among the hosts adds humor to the episode as they talk about personal favorites, like food. They also mention the infamous moment when a Congress member referred to the internet as "a series of tubes," highlighting the comedic nature of the show even while tackling serious topics. Ultimately, the episode intertwines personal history with important social issues, demonstrating a unique blend of humor and critical discourse.

Historically, troubled teen programs have often been run by individuals with questionable ethics. Figures like Larry Dean Olson, who contributed to these programs in the 70s to 90s, sought to help kids but often ended up using harsh methods like starvation as a form of discipline. This legacy of mistreatment raises concerns about the motives of those in the industry, suggesting that even well-meaning people can participate in harmful practices. Paris Hilton's involvement in advocating against such programs highlights a shifting perspective on how society views these institutions, with many now recognizing that these approaches do more harm than good. Ultimately, these stories reveal a troubling pattern of neglecting the real needs of vulnerable young people, resulting in long-lasting negative effects rather than genuine support. Understanding this history helps inform current conversations about youth treatment and the importance of compassion in care.

In the late 1960s, BYU recognized that some students struggled academically and sought ways to help them. Larry Olson, who had a background in outdoor skills, started leading wilderness courses for them. These outings proved beneficial, helping students gain confidence and improve their school performance. Over time, this concept of wilderness therapy grew, with a belief that time spent in nature could aid troubled youth. However, while the early program aimed to support struggling students, future adaptations sometimes shifted towards harsher methods. Initially, the approach was well-intentioned, focusing on helping students feel more in control and bonded with peers, reflecting the positive effects of nature on well-being.

Larry, a controversial figure in wilderness therapy, left BYU amid allegations of sexual impropriety and mismanagement, with tragic incidents occurring under his leadership. Despite the deaths of young participants due to dehydration in his programs, he established new therapy ventures without facing accountability. This raises concerns about safety and ethics in programs that prioritize pushing boundaries over proper training and care. Many programs resemble costly summer camps, leading to a serious need for reform in a system that treats troubling behaviors as mere part of outdoor adventures. Ultimately, the narrative surrounding Larry reflects deeper issues in how society often overlooks significant wrongdoing, especially in contexts tied to fame or social values. These events highlight the need for a careful look at the individuals in charge of such activities to ensure participants' safety and well-being, especially for vulnerable individuals like children and young adults.

Steve Cardesano, after serving in the Air Force, created the Challenger Foundation, a wilderness school designed to reform misbehaving children. However, he lacked training in child development and relied on harsh military-style methods, believing that toughness alone could fix kids' issues. This approach ignores the complexity of children's behavior and the need for understanding and empathy in effective teaching. Many people assume they can teach survival skills without proper knowledge of child psychology, leading to potentially harmful experiences for kids instead of the constructive learning they need. It highlights the importance of qualified instructors in working with children, especially in challenging environments like the wilderness.

Over the years, there have been serious issues with brutal training methods, both in military and wilderness programs, leading to tragic deaths. Incidents like the Ribbon Creek disaster and the death of Lee Marecki highlighted the dangers of aggression in training. These events spurred changes in military training towards understanding recruits better. However, in private programs, there's often less oversight, allowing harmful practices, like kidnapping kids for wilderness therapy, to continue without accountability. This raises concerns about the treatment of children in such facilities, especially in places like Utah where regulations are lax. Individuals who exploit vulnerable youth, such as the founder of these wilderness programs, cause immense harm, impacting many lives and families without the same level of public scrutiny as in military contexts. More care and ethical practices are needed to protect youth and ensure effective, safe training methods.

Kidnapping children for so-called therapeutic programs, as discussed in the TikTok account of the Misfit Heroes podcast, raises serious ethical concerns. Many parents believe these methods are beneficial, yet they often lead to lifelong trauma and mental health struggles for the children involved. Real experiences highlight the fear and confusion that kids feel when taken from their homes, contrasting sharply with how these programs are marketed to parents. Media portrayals, like those on Dr. Phil, sanitize the abduction process, ignoring the distress caused to both children and families. While some may argue that strict discipline saves lives, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and can have devastating effects. Rather than offering genuine help, these programs often create more suffering, making it crucial to evaluate the effectiveness and morality of such interventions before deeming them appropriate for children.

Children with behavioral issues are often sent to extreme wilderness programs run by unqualified individuals. One such program, led by a man named Steve who seems more focused on profits than proper care, capitalizes on parents' fears. These expensive programs, sometimes costing over $20,000, promise to rehabilitate kids but lack proper training and safety measures. The marketing approach relies heavily on fear tactics, showcasing troubled kids turning their lives around in sensational media appearances. Although marketed as a solution for wealthy families facing challenges with their children, the methods used are questionable and could cause further harm instead of healing. In essence, it highlights the desperate measures parents take, often without thoroughly understanding the programs they choose. Critically, these programs feed into societal fears about drugs and delinquency, ultimately prioritizing profits over genuine care and rehabilitation.

The conversation highlights serious abuses in a camp run by Steve Cartesano, with testimonies implying horrific treatment of children, including violence and neglect. Cops have been involved due to severe injuries, and one sheriff described the trauma kids faced as extreme. Despite the appearance of success, Cartesano exploited his family's finances while leading a lavish lifestyle, showing a complete disregard for ethical behavior. This reflects a troubling dynamic where wealthy families face abuses, ultimately leading to legal consequences. Such situations underline the importance of accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals in similar environments.