Break That Cycle

From leading a Bloods gang to leading a nonprofit dedicated to helping others escape gang life...

Daniel Powell's story is one of the most powerful transformations we've shared on Break That Cycle.

Daniel never planned to join a gang. What started as an attempt to protect someone he cared about quickly turned into leading a Bloods set that stretched across multiple states. He spent years living by the streets, serving time in jail and prison, and struggling to leave a life that seemed impossible to escape.

In this episode, Daniel shares what gang life is really like, why so many young people are drawn into it, what Hollywood gets wrong, and why leaving is often harder than joining.

Today, Daniel has dedicated his life to breaking that cycle through **Powells Foundation**, helping young people and formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives with housing, mentoring, transportation, education, and hope.

This isn't just a conversation about gangs.

It's a conversation about identity, redemption, second chances, and becoming the person you wish you'd had when you were growing up.

If you've ever wondered why people join gangs, why so many struggle to leave, or what real rehabilitation looks like, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. We'd love to hear what part of Daniel's story impacted you the most.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode. You never know who might need to hear Daniel's story today.

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⏱ CHAPTERS

00:00 Cold Open: "I Couldn't Just Leave" 01:01 Introduction

03:35 Segment 1: How One Decision Changed Everything 03:36 A Normal Childhood 06:20 Joining a Gang to Protect a Friend 10:30 Becoming a Gang Leader in One Month 13:05 Inside the Organization 14:20 What Daily Gang Life Really Looked Like 17:00 Running the Gang Like a Business 21:00 The Opportunities Gang Life Stole

26:57 Segment 2: Escaping the Life

27:00 Prison Didn't Change Me 30:10 Marriage, Family & Trying to Leave 32:00 Moving to Tampa 35:20 Why Change Takes Time 36:00 Can You Ever Really Leave a Gang? 40:35 Learning to Live a Normal Life 43:30 Did Gang Life Teach Me Anything?

45:20 Segment 3: Building Powell's Foundation

46:15 Turning Pain Into Purpose 51:15 Helping Formerly Incarcerated People 53:00 Housing, Mentorship & Second Chances 57:00 Education Changes Everything 58:40 What Powell's Foundation Is Doing Today 01:01:20 Thanking the People Who Helped 01:04:00 How You Can Support Powell's Foundation 01:05:00 Why Compassion Changes Lives 01:07:30 Final Thoughts

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#BreakThatCycle #GangLife #SecondChances

At 18 years old, Kyle Gianni was sexually assaulted by someone he trusted.

For months, he carried the weight of shame, guilt, and embarrassment—believing the assault was somehow his fault. Instead of asking for help, he stayed silent. Like so many survivors, Kyle questioned his own choices, blamed himself, and struggled to understand what had happened.

But silence didn't have the final word.

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Kyle shares how speaking publicly about his assault became the turning point that transformed his life. Today, he works with victims through the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office while preparing for law school, using his own experience to help others find hope after trauma.

This conversation explores why predators seek vulnerable people, how shame keeps survivors trapped, why healing is never a straight line, and how purpose can emerge from even the darkest experiences. Whether you're a survivor, someone supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand the lasting impact of trauma, this is an episode you won't forget.

In this episode: • Growing up gay and struggling with identity • The assault that changed everything • Why survivors often blame themselves • How shame keeps victims silent • PTSD, trauma, and healing • Why healing isn't linear • Turning pain into purpose • Working with survivors at the State Attorney's Office • Finding hope after trauma • Why your story matters

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About Break That Cycle

Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to helping people turn obstacles into opportunities. Through honest conversations with survivors, professionals, and community leaders, we explore domestic violence, addiction, trauma, mental health, homelessness, financial hardship, and the resilience it takes to build a better future.

If this conversation moved you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need to hear it.

👍 Like this video if Kyle's story inspired you.

💬 Leave a comment letting Kyle know what part of his journey resonated with you.

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about overcoming adversity and breaking unhealthy cycles.

#BreakThatCycle #TraumaRecovery #SexualAssaultAwareness

00:00 Cold Open: "Did You Ever Blame Yourself?"

01:28 Introduction

03:42 Segment 1: Living with Shame & Silence

03:53 Growing Up & Finding Identity

05:11 Realizing He Was Gay

10:44 Meeting the Boyfriend

13:37 The Assault

19:31 Why Victims Blame Themselves

23:53 The Shame That Kept Him Silent

27:37 How Predators Find Vulnerable People

30:43 Why Survivors Don't Tell Anyone

35:19 Segment 2: Breaking the Silence

35:27 The First Time He Told His Story

39:03 The Beginning of Healing

42:08 Why Healing Isn't Linear

46:41 PTSD & Living with Trauma

51:18 The "Ball and String" Analogy

55:24 Turning Pain into Strength

58:42 Segment 3: Finding Purpose

58:49 Working with Survivors

01:01:54 Why He Wants to Become a Lawyer

01:05:09 What He'd Tell Someone Living Through Abuse

01:08:44 Continuing to Share His Story

01:09:38 Final Thoughts

At just 16 years old, Kellie Foreman experienced a series of traumatic events that would shape the course of her life. Kidnapped at gunpoint by an ex-boyfriend, sexually assaulted, forced to witness his suicide, and then left to navigate years of unprocessed trauma, Kellie's journey is one of unimaginable pain—but also incredible resilience.

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, Kellie opens up about the lifelong effects of trauma, why healing took decades to begin, how abusive relationship patterns continued into adulthood, and what finally helped her start breaking the cycle.

Kellie also shares how writing her book, Breaking the Cycle, became an unexpected part of her own healing journey, and why she's now committed to helping others realize they are not alone.

If you or someone you love has experienced trauma, abuse, or struggles with self-worth, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and encouragement.

📖 Purchase Kellie Foreman's book, Breaking the Cycle: https://buy.stripe.com/6oU7sN7Kv3c2dOfbsgeAg00

If Kellie's story impacted you, please consider purchasing her book and sharing this episode with someone who may need to hear it.

In this episode: • Kellie's childhood and searching for love • Surviving sexual assault at gunpoint • Living with trauma for decades • Why healing is harder than surviving • Recognizing abusive relationship patterns • Learning to love yourself • Writing Breaking the Cycle • Finding purpose through helping others

About Break That Cycle

Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to helping people turn obstacles into opportunity. Through honest conversations with survivors, professionals, and community leaders, we explore the realities of trauma, addiction, domestic violence, mental health, financial hardship, and personal growth—while showing that healing is possible.

Every story matters. If this episode helps even one person, then we've accomplished our mission.

👍 Like the video if it impacted you.

💬 Share your thoughts or words of encouragement for Kellie in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that help break cycles and build hope.

#BreakThatCycle #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SexualAssaultAwareness #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #Resilience #SurvivorStory #podcast

00:00 Cold Open: "He Told Me He'd Kill My Family"

00:52 Introduction

02:00 Childhood & Searching for Love

06:18 Meeting the Boyfriend

07:24 The Night Everything Changed

10:04 Assault at Gunpoint

12:10 Escape & His Suicide

13:54 The Aftermath

16:53 Living with Unprocessed Trauma

20:38 Realizing Healing Had Never Begun

24:15 What Finally Started the Healing Journey

25:23 Why She Wrote the Book

27:01 Discovering Life Patterns

28:26 The Biggest Revelation

29:49 Repeating Abusive Relationships

34:14 "I'm Tired of Fighting"

35:06 Bible Study & Finding Community

38:34 What Healing Taught Me

42:20 Why I Still Don't Love Myself

45:21 Writing as Therapy

46:28 Book Signing & Public Speaking

47:43 Self-Doubt While Writing

49:24 My Sister Changed Everything

50:19 Helping My Daughter

51:52 The First Reader's Response

54:02 Why Every Story Matters

56:01 The Purpose Behind the Book

58:36 Mental Health Today

59:36 "I'm Tired of Fighting"

01:00:50 If You Help One Person...

01:01:26 Final Message to Survivors

What happens when addiction steals your identity, your relationships, and your future?

In this episode of Break That Cycle, Jacob Jeffcoat shares his raw and honest journey through addiction, recovery, and the long road to rebuilding his life. From the darkest moments of substance abuse to finding hope, purpose, and community, this conversation is a reminder that recovery is possible—even when it feels impossible.

We talk about what addiction really looks like, the lies it tells, the challenges of getting sober, and why healing doesn't happen overnight. Jacob also shares how organizations like Know Us By Our Love and Broken Chains are helping people find support, accountability, and a second chance at life.

Whether you're battling addiction yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply trying to better understand the struggle, this episode offers honest conversation, practical hope, and proof that your past doesn't have to define your future.

In This Episode:

• How addiction begins and why it spirals
• The realities of hitting rock bottom
• The hardest part of getting sober
• What recovery actually looks like
• Finding purpose after addiction
• The mission behind
• Know Us By Our Love
• How Broken Chains is helping people rebuild their lives
• Encouragement for anyone struggling today

Break That Cycle is a podcast dedicated to real conversations about the challenges that shape our lives—from addiction, trauma, and mental health to relationships, finances, and personal growth. Every episode is designed to provide hope, practical insight, and remind you that cycles can be broken.

If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Sometimes one conversation can change a life.

• 02:57 Segment 1: How Addiction Begins
• 03:05 Childhood & Growing Up
• 05:57 First Experience with Alcohol
• 08:40 When Addiction Took Over
• 11:05 Crack Cocaine Changed Everything
• 13:05 What Addiction Really Feels Like
• 16:55 The Biggest Misconceptions About Addiction
• 18:35 Rock Bottom
• 23:22 Segment 2: The Road to Recovery
• 23:22 Why Rehab Finally Worked
• 27:07 Why Recovery Failed Before
• 31:39 Building a New Life
• 34:00 Does the Temptation Ever Go Away?
• 35:58 Why Community Matters
• 38:38 Broken Chains Motorcycle Ministry
• 41:29 What Addiction Stole
• 45:14 Hope for Someone Who Feels Too Far Gone
• 46:42 Segment 3: Know Us By Our Love
• 46:46 Taking Recovery Into Prisons
• 48:24 Why They Started the Nonprofit
• 50:50 Recovery vs. Temporary Sobriety
• 56:42 The Vision for Recovery Homes
• 01:02:15 Success Stories
• 01:04:06 How You Can Help
• 01:05:21 Final Message of Hope

What if the biggest thing holding you back financially… was never being taught how money actually works?

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with retired banker Larry to break down real-world financial knowledge in plain English — the kind of stuff most people were never taught growing up.

We talk about budgeting, banking, debt, credit scores, scams, saving money, and how the financial system really works behind the scenes. Whether you're starting from scratch, trying to rebuild, or just want to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can actually use.

This isn't financial jargon or corporate talk. It's real conversation about real money problems people deal with every day.

In this episode:

• How credit scores actually work
• The best ways to build or repair credit
• Common financial mistakes people make
• Why banking matters and the risks of staying outside the system
• Predatory loans and hidden financial traps
• How scams and identity theft happen
• Ways to protect yourself financially
• Budgeting and saving tips for real life
• What banks look for behind the scenes
• Simple habits that can change your financial future

About Larry: Larry recently retired after a long career in banking and financial services. In this episode, he shares practical insight, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and straightforward advice to help people better understand money, credit, debt, and financial stability.

About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations people don't normally have — from trauma and mental health to life skills, finances, relationships, and personal growth.

If this conversation helped you, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

00:00 Cold Open: The Credit Card Secret 01:07 Introduction & Meet Larry

06:35 Segment 1: Money Foundations 06:40 Why Everyone Needs a Bank Account 09:44 Online Banks vs Traditional Banks 14:18 Healthy Spending Habits 17:49 Why Most Budgets Fail 20:18 The Biggest Financial Mistakes 23:31 The Two Bills You Never Skip 25:33 How Small Savings Become Big Money

28:50 Segment 2: Credit, Debt & Banks 29:14 Larry Explains Credit Scores 32:22 Building Credit the Right Way 34:20 Credit Cards: What NOT To Do 35:35 How Bad Credit Costs You Thousands 39:40 The Fastest Way to Build Credit 43:31 Payday Loans & Predatory Lending 47:15 How Car Dealers Trap Buyers 50:22 Why Long Car Loans Are Dangerous

53:05 Segment 3: Scams, Fraud & Protecting Your Money 53:24 Real Scam Stories 55:57 The Biggest Scam Red Flags 57:39 How Fraudsters Steal Your Accounts 59:33 Never Click These Links 01:03:11 Why You Should Stop Writing Checks 01:05:40 Freeze Your Credit Today 01:08:08 Smart Money Moves 01:09:17 The Power of a 401(k) 01:11:37 Larry's Advice for Young Adults 01:15:05 Final Thoughts

What if everything you thought you knew about anxiety and depression wasn't the full story?

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Gleim — psychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss — to have a real conversation about mental health, culture, and the pressure to "have it all together."

We dive into how anxiety and depression actually show up in real life, especially for high-achieving individuals, and how cultural expectations can shape the way we experience — and hide — what we're going through.

This isn't surface-level advice. This is the kind of conversation that helps you understand yourself — or someone you love — on a deeper level.

In this episode:

• How anxiety shows up differently across cultures • The hidden side of depression in high-achievers • Common misconceptions about mental health • The impact of cultural expectations like "stay strong" and "don't burden others" • Practical ways to better understand and manage anxiety and depression • Dr. Andrea's journey and the mission behind her work

About Dr. Andrea:

Dr. Andrea Gleim is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and entrepreneur focused on helping individuals honor their full selves — mind, body, and spirit. Through her work with Mindfully Mine, Mindful Ambition, and TheraBoss, she supports people in navigating mental health, identity, and success without burnout.

Connect with Dr. Andrea: https://www.iammindfullymine.com

About Break That Cycle: Break That Cycle is a podcast focused on real conversations that people don't have — from mental health and trauma to personal growth and life skills they were never taught. If this conversation hit home, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Cultural differences define various depressions

26:10 - The beast that is anxiety

52:01 - Mindfully Mine, TheraBoss, and more?!

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Kim Figueroa, a survivor of long-term sex trafficking who now uses her voice and lived experience to help others find a way out. Kim's story is not what most people expect. It didn't begin with a dramatic moment — it started quietly, shaped by childhood experiences, difficult circumstances, and survival decisions that led her into "the life." For years, she lived through exploitation, control, and trauma that many people never see or understand.

But this is not just a story about survival — it's a story about breaking free.

In this conversation, we explore:

How trafficking often begins and why it's so hard to leave. The reality of living "in the life" and the choices that come with it. What helped Kim finally get out and begin her healing journey. What survivors actually need — and what people often get wrong. Her work today alongside task forces and professionals fighting trafficking.

This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's meant to educate, challenge assumptions, and offer hope to those who may feel trapped in their own circumstances.

00:00 – Intro

01:21 – Life didn't become bad, it started bad

25:21 – How I was trafficked

48:48 – The survivor becomes the hunter

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we introduce a new series called Wednesday Recap — real conversations inspired by a Tuesday night women's group hosted by an MMH employee. Each week, a topic is brought to the table, and the group dives deep into honest discussion. On Wednesdays, we recap those conversations and unpack the themes together. This week's discussion centers around three powerful relationship topics: Roles in a relationship — who does what, and why? Entitlement — when expectations become unhealthy Discouragement vs. encouragement — how the words we use shape connection This episode is about self-awareness, accountability, and growth. Whether you're single, married, dating, or rebuilding, these conversations are meant to challenge thinking and strengthen relationships. Sometimes breaking the cycle starts with how we show up for each other.

00:00 – Intro

00:58 – Roles in a relationship

28:23 – Entitlement

54:09 – Discouragement vs. Encouragement

In this episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Pearl Chiarenza, founder of Women's Successful Living, to talk about finding empowerment, purpose, and inner strength after unimaginable loss. Pearl shares her personal story of losing her son and the long, difficult road of grief that followed. Instead of allowing tragedy to define her, she chose to transform her pain into purpose — helping women uncover their worth, reclaim their confidence, and move forward even when life feels unbearably dark. In this conversation, we explore: Pearl's journey through loss and how she learned to keep going Tools for coping with tragedy, grief, and emotional pain How women can rediscover their inner beauty and strength during hard seasons The mission behind Women's Successful Living, her books, speaking work, and empowerment programs This episode is for anyone who has experienced loss, heartbreak, or hardship — and is searching for a way forward. Pearl's story is a reminder that empowerment isn't about avoiding pain, but learning how to rise through it.

00:00 – Intro

01:09 – Pearl's story and the loss of her son

28:43 – Navigating grief and finding purpose

55:54 – Tools for healing and self-empowerment

In this powerful episode of Break That Cycle, we sit down with Dotti Groover-Skipper, founder and CEO of the HeartDance Foundation, to expose the realities of human trafficking and the urgent need for awareness right here in our communities. Dotti's journey into advocacy didn't begin in policy rooms or headlines—it began with lived experience, calling, and decades of frontline work. Today, she is one of Florida's most respected voices in the fight against human trafficking, having helped shape statewide initiatives, trained faith communities, educators, businesses, and law enforcement, and supported survivors of exploitation in rebuilding their lives. In this conversation, we break down: What human trafficking really is (and the many forms it takes) How trafficking hides in plain sight—far beyond the stereotypes Warning signs and red flags people should know What to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked The mission and impact of HeartDance Foundation and how they support survivors This episode is educational, eye-opening, and deeply human. Whether you think trafficking "doesn't happen here" or you want to better protect your family and community, this is a conversation everyone needs to hear.