I crawled out from under the truck, on fire, to see absolute destruction and a life-saving snowbank..."
What do you do when the ground beneath you literally turns into a 3,000-gallon fireball? On this high-octane episode of Empowered with JoJo, host JoJo Horn sits down with the ultimate "Born Survivor," Shaun Free.
In 2018, Shaun’s life changed in a blinding flash. An industrial propane explosion left him with burns over 46% of his body, led to a near-death experience where he coded on the table, and forced him into a grueling battle against double pneumonia and MRSA in the Burn ICU. But the fire that burned his skin only forged a stronger spirit.
In this powerful deep-dive, JoJo and Shaun discuss:
The Moment of Impact: The harrowing split-second decisions Shaun made while on fire and the instinctual drive to reach the "life-saving snowbank."
The Transition to Thriving: How to move past being a "Victim" or even a "Survivor" to becoming a "Thriver" who uses their scars as a roadmap for others.
Self-Leadership in the Dark: The mental discipline required to lead yourself when you’re intubated, immobile, and facing a mountain of complications.
The Road to Recovery: How Shaun’s passion for motorcycle safety and community became the fuel for his new mission as a motivational speaker.
Shaun is a living "receipt" that you can come back from anything if you know how to look past the chaos and find something to focus on. Whether you are facing a literal fire or a metaphorical explosion in your life, this episode is your blueprint for resilience.

What happens when a "life sentence" isn't served in a cell, but inside your own home? On this powerful episode of Empowered with JoJo, host JoJo Horn sits down with best-selling author and survivor Caty to pull back the curtain on a staggering 33-year narcissistic marriage.
For over three decades, Caty lived through the subtle, calculated dismantling of her reality. Today, she’s sharing the "receipts" of her journey—from the "boiling frog" effect of slow-drip gaslighting to the moment her body finally screamed that it could no longer survive the stress.
In this deep-dive conversation, we explore:
The Psychological Warfare: How narcissistic abuse moves from "love-bombing" to total isolation, and why it can take decades to see the mask slip.
The Physical Toll: The literal health consequences of living in a 33-year state of "fight or flight."
The Impossible Shift: The terrifying and beautiful moment Caty chose the unknown over a familiar prison.
Reclaiming the "Self": How to figure out who you are, what you love, and how to use your voice after it’s been silenced for a generation.
Caty’s mission is to raise radical awareness about the soul-crushing detriment of narcissistic abuse and to prove that it is never too late to break free. Whether you are in year one or year thirty, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to stop living in the shadows and start walking in their light.
Connect with our Guest:

Book: Cultvating freedom: A personal Journey

Website: CultivatingFreedom.ca

Host Jojo Horn sits down with Nick Pagan (Autisticpod) to dive deep into a difficult but crucial topic: depression. Nick bravely shares his personal struggles as an autistic individual navigating serious mental health challenges. This episode offers empathy, insights, and a powerful message of hope for anyone feeling lost or alone.

Hey, family! I know it's been a minute since I've been on here, and I'm getting real about why the show took a pause—I was focused on building the foundation right! Today, I'm flying solo to tackle the core decision we all face: Authenticity vs. Approval.
Y'all know my story: I spent years performing, hiding my scars, and chasing validation—and it left me exhausted and trapped. In this raw, deep-dive episode, I’m breaking down why approval-seeking is a toxic survival strategy that kills momentum. We’ll talk about the science of suppressing your truth, why your past struggles (addiction, prison, identity) are actually your receipts of resilience, and the final, simple practice that sets you free. Stop apologizing for your journey and learn why your true, messy self is the only person who can lead you to power. It's time to fire the approval committee and claim your worth. Period.

Can humor save your life? Today, Jojo sits down with the incredible Frank King, 13-time TEDx Speaker and "The Mental Health Comedian," who transformed his lifelong struggle with chronic suicidality and depression into a mission of hope and healing. Frank shares the practical tools he uses to cope with dark moments, why humor is a powerful act of self-empowerment, and how we can all use laughter to destigmatize mental health. Prepare for a conversation that is as honest as it is hilarious.

Host Jojo takes listeners on an intimate and motivational journey, tackling the universal experience of overcoming life's major challenges—from systemic struggles to personal battles with addiction or identity. This hour-long episode introduces the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and challenges the greatest enemy of resilience: shame. Jojo shares the emotional details of his own pivotal moment of surrender and the exhausted clarity that followed. More than just a story, this episode provides a clear blueprint for listeners through The Four Pillars of Action, giving you concrete homework to practice Radical Acceptance, utilize The Compassionate Voice, and build a support network that truly empowers you. If you are stuck in a cycle of pain, this episode is your permission to choose control.

Join host JoJo Chanel Horn, a resilient transgender woman who has overcome major adversity, for a sneak peek at the podcast that celebrates strength, resilience, and authentic conversation.
Empowered with JoJo is the safe space you’ve been looking for. Every week, we feature compelling guests, from celebrities to everyday heroes, who share their raw, honest stories of triumph. We tackle challenging issues head-on, covering everything from news on global hate and politics to the crucial importance of mental and physical health.
If you're ready to be inspired and reminded of your own power, subscribe now! Don't just survive—be empowered! New episodes drop weekly.