Episode 13 | John Studzinski on Tackling Modern Slavery

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean speaks with American-British investment banker and philanthropist John Studzinski. As founder of the Arise Foundation, a charity working to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, John shares his conviction that modern slavery is a $250 billion organised crime industry: one that must be treated as a serious criminal issue rather than a “soft” social concern.   Together they explore the hidden reality of modern slavery, and the urgent need for accountability in the systems that sustain it. Grounded in a belief in human dignity, John frames the fight against modern slavery as both a moral and Christian imperative, calling for stronger legal accountability and collective action.   00:00 Meet John and Arise 01:42 How Arise Began 03:34 Lessons and Frustrations 04:04 Why Slavery Persists 06:39 What Governments Must Do 07:20 Supply Chain Reality Check 09:50 Consumers and Gen Z Power 15:16 The Myth of Slave Free 16:34 Treat It as a Crime 18:18 Policing and Prevention 20:04 Can We Be Optimistic 21:28 A Christian Call to Act