Every headline-making story that trends online can leave a trail of real stories from real people in its wake. These real people are deeply affected — sometimes scarred — for life by news-making individuals or events. Often, these stories go unheard, with our short-lived media cycle moving quickly on to the next salacious soundbite or breaking news.
Lisa Phillips has been one of those real stories, and she knows all too well how hard it can be to feel unheard, forgotten, or cast aside in favor of the next big story. Now, Phillips is taking her personal experience and giving a particular group of survivors a voice through her new docu-podcast “From Now On.”
Coming forward
As a young model, Phillips was full of hope and excitement for what she was sure would be a long and successful career in fashion. Like many young models, she traveled the world, shooting campaigns with some of the biggest names in film and rubbing elbows with the elite.
One such run-in would end up becoming life-altering for the young Phillips, who was a victim of one of the most notorious perpetrators of the 20th century — Jeffrey Epstein. Along with many others, Phillips found herself a young, admittedly naive model on Epstein’s island.
In the years following her abuse — and Epstein’s capture and subsequent death — Phillips has discovered that telling her story has been cathartic. “I just didn’t confront the abuse part of it until I started meeting other survivors and then realizing that the stories that I had were very similar to theirs,” she told USA Today.
Phillips decided to be open about what she experienced, going on the record in an official deposition detailing her story. She even participated in the “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein” program along with other survivors, laying a strong case not only against Epstein posthumously but also against his cohort Ghislaine Maxwell, who has since been convicted for her part in the abuse.
Investigations into the Epstein sex trafficking empire have uncovered hundreds of survivors of abuse, each with a unique and tragic story of their experience. Ultimately, however, those survivors — like Phillips — find strength in telling their stories.
Sharing stories of survival
Hosted by Phillips, the “From Now On” docu-podcast not only tells her own story but also the stories of victims of high-profile abusers like Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, P. Diddy, Armie Hammer, and Larry Nassar. The show paints a sordid picture of a man who sought to control and exploit young, vulnerable women.
Having launched on September 12, 2024, “From Now On” is a chance to hear the stories of the victims without being overshadowed by the imposing figure that Epstein casts — even in death. Phillips goes far beyond the clickbait headlines to educate about sex trafficking and abuse, to empower those affected by abuse, and to help her fellow victims heal.
“My goal is to help create a culture that prioritizes the well-being of survivors,” says Phillips. After seeing how survivors can often be forgotten in the midst of massive news stories such as the Epstein case and Sean Combs, she feels it is time for them to step into the spotlight and have their time.
“From Now On” creates a safe space for survivors and for Phillips herself, who is still working through her experience with Epstein. “I share my own story of abuse and trafficking in full for the first time,” she says.
Phillips is hopeful that by being vulnerable and open, she will encourage other victims of abuse to step forward and reclaim their stories.
A 360-degree view of hope
Beyond just sharing stories, “From Now On” explores the power dynamics, the knowledge people need to protect themselves, and the sometimes rocky road to empowerment inherent in most victim stories.
“The show should resonate with a diverse audience,” says Phillips. Apart from those who are familiar with the Epstein cast, the show is for all survivors of abuse or unhealthy power dynamics, anyone seeking empowerment, or simply listeners who are interested in true crime from the victim’s perspective or the entertainment industry.
As a former model and current model scout at one of the biggest model agencies in the world, Phillips is deeply invested in creating healthier environments in the entertainment industry away from the dark underbelly of entertainment that can produce monsters like Jeffrey Epstein. “I’m hoping to help build a kinder, gentler entertainment industry where women know they are powerful too,” she says. For Phillips, it is a change that is a long time coming.
Through raw, honest conversations, “From Now On” is a 360-degree view of survival, education, and hope. By delving into the harrowing experiences of victims of one of the most prolific abusers of our time, the podcast focuses on a journey toward healing — for the host and the guests. Shedding light on systemic failures as well as resilience, “From Now On” serves not as a rehashed tale of a criminal and an abuser but as a triumphant collection of survival stories.
