How do you go from earning $10.94 an hour as a substitute paraeducator to becoming the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of an entire county?

 

Wil Johnson’s path to leadership was paved with profound challenges, reinvention, and resilience. After dropping out of college and serving as a U.S. Army medic in Alaska, Wil faced a harsh reality during the 2008 recession: despite his military experience and newly earned degrees, he couldn't find a career. Starting at the bottom working one-on-one with aggressive special needs students, Wil learned how to connect with youth who were simply seeking connection, not just attention. Navigating his own personal hardships, including surviving two divorces, he learned the hard way that you have to "put your mask on first" to prioritize your well-being before you can help others.

 

Today, Wil is the host of the At Homish podcast and leads county-wide initiatives for social justice, proving that true equity is about creating environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and a deep sense of belonging.

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling

03:00 Will Johnson: A Journey of Diversity and Inclusion

05:20 Growing Up: From Atlanta to the Army

10:49 Life After the Army: Finding My Path

15:53 Navigating Relationships and Moving to Seattle

20:51 Teaching Journey: From Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher

29:54 Behavioral Challenges in Education

40:48 Leadership in Education: Supporting Teachers and Students

43:17 Reflections on George Floyd and Social Justice

50:02 Expanding Community Engagement in Education

56:22 Understanding DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

01:08:39 The Importance of Belonging and Community Support

01:11:50 Future Aspirations and Community Collaborationa

CONNECT WITH WIL

Website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/departments/student-success-services/equity-inclusion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wil.johnson1

At-Homish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-homish/id1714534402

 

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

 

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

 

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

 

#IntrepidStorytelling #WilJohnson #OvercomingAdversity #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch

How do you break a generational cycle of severe trauma when you were raised in the darkest of environments?

Janus Vallejo grew up enduring severe trauma and profound boundary violations at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect him. After surviving unimaginable horrors in his childhood and later during his military service, his unhealed wounds and profound dissociation manifested in devastating ways. Janus’s unresolved trauma led him down a destructive path where he caused harm to another and faced severe legal consequences. After losing everything, experiencing homelessness, and reaching a point where he nearly ended his own life, a moment of profound honesty in mandatory counseling sparked a turning point.

Today, Janus takes full accountability for his past and dedicates his life to the prevention of child abuse. He works directly with men in the prison system and the community to help them break the pattern of harm before it claims another victim. This is a raw, unsettling, and ultimately critical conversation about accountability, the deep roots of intergenerational trauma, and the relentless mission to save just "one less child".

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the Cycle of Abuse

02:48 Janus Vallejo's Journey and Advocacy

05:46 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

08:55 The Role of Family in Abuse Dynamics

11:47 Military Experiences and Trauma

14:53 The Path to Healing and Prevention

17:58 The Complexity of Offending and Recovery

20:51 Statistics and Misconceptions in Abuse

23:57 The Importance of Open Conversations

26:45 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

35:10 The Role of Parental Dynamics in Childhood Trauma

38:02 Confronting the Past: Seeking Accountability

40:46 Understanding Abuse: The Impact of Early Experiences

42:41 Breaking Patterns: Parenting Styles and Their Effects

49:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

55:11 The Power of Service: Transforming Pain into Purpose

01:00:50 Building a Community: The Importance of Connection

01:07:52 Understanding Offenders: The Complexity of Pedophilia

01:10:33 Understanding Pedophilia and Its Complexities

01:15:32 The Role of Society and Labels

01:20:22 Parenting and Its Impact on Children

01:25:37 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment in the Justice System

01:30:08 The Cycle of Abuse and Accountability

01:35:14 Teaching Children About Boundaries and Safety

01:40:10 The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting

01:43:24 Healing Through Sharing and Community Support

CONNECT WITH JANUS

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4eAdNdc

Website: http://www.breakthepatternnow.org

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Janusvaleo

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #JanusVallejo #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

What happens when your timeline for finding "the one" runs out, but your dream of becoming a mother is stronger than ever?

Nicole Orr knew she wanted to be a mom since she was a little girl, mapping out a plan to have a husband and four children by her early twenties. But when a difficult childhood, past trauma, and a grueling dating scene left her without a partner by age 30, she took her family planning into her own hands. In this raw and deeply empowering episode, Nicole shares her journey to becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). From the bizarre process of selecting a sperm donor based on a "carefree smile," to the grueling emotional rollercoaster of IUI treatments during the pandemic, Nicole never gave up her dream. She also opens up about her harrowing birth story, which started with plans for an unmedicated water birth and ended in an emergency C-section with a shocking 12.6-pound baby. Nicole’s fight for motherhood is an inspiring look at the resilience and determination it takes to build a family on your own terms.

Chapters:

00:00 Dreams of Motherhood: A Journey Begins

03:13 The Power of Storytelling

06:05 Navigating Childhood and Acceptance

09:00 The Quest for Love and Family

12:11 Choosing to Be a Single Mom by Choice

15:03 Building a Support System

17:49 Researching Parenthood Decisions

21:01 Connecting with Donor Siblings

24:05 The Donor Selection Process

29:46 Intentional Family Planning

33:33 The Journey to Parenthood: IUI vs IVF

39:36 Navigating the Two-Week Wait: Emotions and Expectations

46:59 Dreams of a Larger Family: Challenges and Aspirations

52:37 Birth Stories: The Unpredictable Journey of Motherhood

01:04:50 Normalizing Single Parenthood: Dreams and Realities

CONNECT WITH NICOLE

EMAIL: [email protected]

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKatrine

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #NicoleOrr #SingleMomByChoice #MotherhoodJourney #SoloParenting #DonorConceived #IUIJourney #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

What happens when you sit down with your abuser to ask them about their own horrific childhood trauma?

In this raw and powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with retired disability attorney and author Jason Prokowiew. Jason shares the harrowing history behind his memoir, War Boys, tracing his father’s journey from a ten-year-old orphan in Nazi-occupied Belarus to a deeply wounded man whose unresolved trauma manifested as severe alcoholism and abuse in his own home. Seeking answers, a 21-year-old Jason made the terrifying decision to interview his father about his wartime past, recording 50 hours of tapes to understand the roots of their generational pain. From finding his voice in an Al-Anon meeting to the agonizing reality of confronting a father who dismissed his abuse as "not that bad," Jason's journey is an unflinching look at breaking destructive family cycles. This episode dives deep into the complexities of healing, surviving, and finding the courage to realize your story matters, without forcing a traditional narrative of neatly packaged forgiveness.

Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of War and Family Trauma

12:07 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

23:48 The Journey of Storytelling and Healing

28:45 A Moment of Vulnerability

33:15 The Importance of Storytelling

35:33 Navigating Difficult Conversations

44:16 The Impact of Shared Trauma

51:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

 

BUY THE BOOK:

https://amzn.to/43SGUlT

CONNECT WITH JASON:

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #JasonProkowiew #GenerationalTrauma #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

Can someone truly change after spending 23 years deeply embedded in the criminal underworld?

David Boggs spent over two decades living a high-stakes life, navigating international borders, and utilizing his fluency in seven languages to build an illicit enterprise. But after receiving a five-year prison sentence, he found himself isolated and reflecting on the widespread damage of his choices. To cope with the loss of his relationship and the harsh reality of a broken correctional system, David began writing daily letters from his cell. When his loved one stopped writing back, he kept journaling to maintain his sanity, a practice that eventually birthed his self-published book, No Simple Explanation.

In this raw and honest episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with David to discuss the illusion of prison rehabilitation and the crushing weight of trying to rebuild a life when society repeatedly revokes second chances. Despite facing over 20 rescinded job offers due to his background, David shares his unwavering resilience, his three core life philosophies, and his mother’s simple but profound advice: "just keep going".

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling

02:31 David Boggs: A Journey of Redemption

05:53 The Birth of 'No Simple Explanation'

10:06 Reflections on Prison and Rehabilitation

12:20 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Stigmas

17:27 Life Lessons and Philosophies

39:00 The Power of Storytelling and Community

BUY THE BOOK:

https://amzn.to/4vrGHCo

CONNECT WITH DAVID:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578915953091

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories.

Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters.

If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #DavidBoggs #TrueStory #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAdversity #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

How do you find your way back to life when you're sleeping in a freezing tent in a trap house backyard, and the drugs make you forget you are even a mother?

Madyson's life began to spiral after her parents separated when she was twelve years old. What started as running away and adolescent rebellion led to a harrowing eight-year fight for survival on the streets. Unable to care for her children, she made the agonizing choice to leave them with someone safe while she faced homelessness. Madyson endured brutal domestic violence, crystal meth addiction, and sex trafficking just to secure a warm place to sleep. She hit rock bottom surviving in a tent, believing her life was over. However, a brutally honest intervention from an arresting officer and the organization "The More We Love" provided her with a life-saving scholarship to rehab.

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Intrepid Storytelling with Deanna Powell, Madyson shares her grueling journey. She details the darkest corners of her abuse, her powerful surrender to recovery, and how she rebuilt her self-worth from the ground up. Today, Madyson is a peer advocate helping other women escape the streets, fighting to reunify with her own children, and proving that no matter how far down you go, a second chance is always possible.

Chapters:

00:00 Journey Through Darkness: A Life of Struggle

06:31 The Impact of Childhood: Family Dynamics and Early Choices

14:13 The Descent: Addiction and Domestic Violence

19:29 Hitting Rock Bottom: A Turning Point

24:42 Finding Hope: The Path to Recovery

30:40 Rebuilding Life: A Year of Transformation

39:47 The Power of Connection and Support

42:43 Embracing Gratitude and Personal Growth

46:04 The Ripple Effect of Recovery

51:25 Facing Fears and Building Resilience

56:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

01:01:45 The Importance of Community and Advocacy

01:07:05 Finding Strength in Vulnerability

01:12:30 Dreaming Big and Achieving the Unimaginable

CONNECT WITH MADYSON:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madyson.elisabeth

Website: https://www.themorewelove.org/

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories.

Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters.

If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #Madyson #AddictionRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

Have you ever felt like your life was suddenly interrupted, forcing you to rewrite your entire future from scratch?

Laurie Hardie stepped away from a burgeoning radio career to build her dream family, but in a single season, her life collapsed. While pregnant with her third child, her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury, she was in a severe car accident on the exact same day, and soon after, she uncovered a life-altering truth: her husband was secretly gay. Suddenly a single mother of three, including a child with extreme ADHD, Laurie found herself living in a camper at a Bible camp just to survive.

From surviving a dangerous second marriage to fighting her way back into the highly competitive radio industry at 40, Laurie’s journey is a testament to the raw strength of a mother's love. Today, as a beloved radio personality and podcast coach, she helps others turn their life’s biggest interruptions into powerful legacies. Join host Deanna Powell for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, the healing magic of sharing your truth, and why it is never too late to use your voice.

Chapters:

00:00 The Power of Storytelling

10:00 Navigating Personal Challenges

19:49 The Journey into Podcasting

30:08 Childhood Memories and Their Impact

39:08 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

42:58 Navigating Parenthood and Work

46:42 Pursuing Dreams Against All Odds

51:57 The Power of Storytelling

57:14 Legacy and Life Lessons

01:01:25 Creating a Platform for Others

01:06:26 The Importance of Listening

CONNECT WITH LAURIE

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.hardie.7

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063929558318&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7daypodcastpro/

Website: http://www.coachlaurie.com/

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #LaurieHardie #TrueStory #SingleMomSurvivor #WomensResilience #LifeInterruptions #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

What happens when the group that promises to save you turns into a trap designed to control your entire life?

Adopted at birth and struggling to navigate the intense isolation of her teenage years, Mandi Pagliarini was desperate for connection and understanding. After a traumatic incident and a subsequent stint in a psychiatric facility in the 1990s, she was introduced to a seemingly vibrant and welcoming 12-step group for young adults. But this “support group”, who organized under the unregulated shelter of an (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous group. For seven years, Mandi endured extreme isolation, psychological control, and grooming tactics.

In this raw and impactful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Mandi sits down with Deanna Powell to recount her harrowing descent into the group, the undeniable red flags she finally recognized, and the immense courage it took to escape and rebuild her life from scratch at 22. Today, Mandi transforms her painful past into a powerful mission, educating parents and teens on how to trust their intuition, spot the subtle tactics of predators, and navigate difficult conversations with our kids about safety.

Chapters:

00:00 Struggles of Control and Freedom

02:31 Introduction to Mandy Pagliarini

03:44 The Importance of Early Conversations

08:54 The Power of Storytelling

10:44 Childhood and Adoption Trauma

17:02 Adolescence and Rebellion

22:35 Navigating Relationships and Consent

26:42 Mental Health Challenges and Support Systems

31:31 Finding Community in Recovery

34:21 The Influence of Peer Groups

37:31 Manipulation and Control in Recovery Groups

40:20 Recognizing Exploitation

43:40 The Turning Point

46:57 Breaking Free from Control

51:42 Rebuilding Life After a Cult

56:40 The Importance of Supportive Relationships

01:01:11 Reflections on Recovery and Cult Dynamics

01:03:26 Understanding Recovery Options

01:08:44 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships

01:12:24 The Importance of Intuition

01:18:10 Empowering Conversations with Children

01:25:29 Navigating Male Victimhood

01:30:37 Transforming Pain into Purpose

CONNECT WITH MANDI:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandipagliarini

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandiptalkspredators/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandiptalkspredators

Website: https://www.mandiptalkspredators.com/

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #MandiPagliarini #CultSurvivor #GroomingAwareness #SurvivorStory #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

What happens when you dedicate your life to a church, only to realize you’re trapped in a highly manipulative organization that controls your marriage, your money, and your freedom?

Mitch Cunico was an assistant in church leadership, a massive, multi-billion-dollar South Korean religious group with 4 million members worldwide. Pressured into an arranged marriage, forced to work grueling 70 to 120-hour weeks without pay, and coerced into surrendering up to $7,000 a month, Mitch slowly uncovered the terrifying reality behind the church's doors.

When Mitch finally dared to question the leadership and step down, the church retaliated with attempted blackmail, private investigators, and Scientology-style "fair game" tactics designed to destroy his life and alienate his wife. Despite facing intense intimidation and a painful, coerced divorce, Mitch refuses to be bullied into silence. Now, he is fighting back on the frontlines with the Bible Vaccine Center to expose the alarming rise of East Asian mega-cults and help others break free before it's too late.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey into Cult Life

02:48 Understanding Cult Dynamics and Counter Cult Apologetics

06:11 Childhood and Military Background

09:08 The Allure of the World Mission Society Church of God

12:03 The Growth and Structure of the Cult

14:56 Life Inside the Cult: Daily Routines and Expectations

18:11 Financial Exploitation and Control

20:46 Transitioning from Military to Cult Life

24:11 The Struggles of Social Life in a Cult

26:58 Theological Perspectives and Biblical Interpretation

29:51 Preservation of Scripture and Faith Challenges

32:54 Understanding Cult Dynamics and Biblical Knowledge

34:34 Personal Journey: From Belief to Doubt

39:45 Manipulation and Control in Cults

47:23 The Fight Against Cult Influence

55:07 Counter-Cult Efforts and Community Support

FOLLOW MITCH

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@cult_audit?si=l3jBQLQ6tXkiyPG3

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cult_audit?igsh=MXU4YWZjdGFiN2NtcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Bible Vaccine Center International:

https://biblevaccinecenter.com/

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

#IntrepidStorytelling #MitchCunico #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #CultDefector #TrueStory #SpiritualAbuse #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

Do you have to wait for the "perfect partner" to start the family of your dreams?

 

For Shae Beaudoin, the answer was a resounding no. Realizing early on that she had no desire for a traditional romantic relationship, Shae faced a crossroad: abandon her lifelong dream of becoming a mother, or chart her own path. In this honest and deeply personal episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Shae opens up to host Deanna Powell about her ongoing journey to become a Single Mom by Choice (SMBC).

 

Shae gets raw about the physical and emotional toll of battling debilitating PCOS, the heartbreak and financial strain of failed IUI fertility treatments, and her preparation for the IVF process. She also dives into the profound responsibility of selecting a sperm donor who honors her Guamanian roots, and why having open conversations with donor-conceived children from birth is essential. Beyond family planning, Shae shares how she took major life risks, from touring the country with the Warped Tour to becoming an independent travel advisor specializing in solo travel. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to fit into society's "normal" box to build a beautiful, fulfilling life.

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling

02:10 Journey to Becoming a Single Mom by Choice

04:25 Growing Up and Influences

11:23 Career Path and Passion for Music

22:22 Exploring Family Planning Options

24:08 Researching Single Motherhood and Donor Selection

36:36 Navigating the Challenges of Donor Conception

39:29 Navigating Childhood Emotions

42:14 The Journey to Parenthood

44:33 The Single Parent Experience

48:44 Understanding Fertility Treatments

55:00 The Importance of Community

01:01:22 Overcoming Obstacles and Pursuing Dreams

 

FOLLOW SHAE:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeUnlockedWithLux

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewith_lux

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewith_lux

Website: https://luxlandmarks.com/

 

Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling

 

🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music

 

Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email [email protected]

 

#IntrepidStorytelling #ShaeBeaudoin #SingleMomByChoice #IVFJourney #PCOSAwareness #DonorConceived #SoloTravel #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch