Born in a coven of lesbian witches in a Haight-Ashbury commune after the fall of Saigon, young Joshua Safran soon hit the open road with his single mother, Claudia, and things only got stranger from there. A word of warning: this story contains some disturbing moments.

Joshua Safran is an author, attorney, and nationally recognized advocate for survivors of domestic abuse and the wrongfully imprisoned. His 7-year legal odyssey to free an incarcerated survivor of domestic violence from prison was featured in the award-winning documentary film Crime After Crime. To learn more about Joshua’s life, pick up a copy of his critically-acclaimed memoir, Free Spirit: Growing Up On the Road and Off the Grid (Hachette) or visit www.jsafran.com.


This episode of Strangers was supported, as always, by Audible, Casper and Squarespace.  This episode was also supported by Talkspace and Her Money.
—Talkspace offers unlimited messaging to a dedicated, licensed, therapist for just 25 dollars a week. Get $30 off by visiting talkspace.com/strangers.
—Her Money With Jean Chatzky is a podcast created by women, for women, about how to build the financial life you want. Learn more at jeanchatzky.com.

Baby Joshua, bathing in the San Francisco commune sink.

Joshua, heading to a Rainbow Gathering.

Joshua playing a fife in the New Mexico desert.

Joshua and his mother, Claudia.

The lean-to Joshua called home at 10 years old.

Claudia and Leopoldo’s Egyptian occult wedding.

Joshua and Claudia, finally free from Leopoldo.

Joshua, 16 years old.

Joshua with Debbie in prison.

Joshua with his daughter and Debbie, after Debbie’s release from prison.

Joshua Safran’s memoir, Free Spirit. Available on amazon.

Crime After Crime, a documentary film about Joshua Safran and Debbie Peagler.

If you’d like to learn more about Deborah Peagler, you can start here.