Intrepid Storytelling

Intrepid Storytelling

Download on the App Store

Intrepid Storytelling episodes

  • 43|Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate French’s Story
    How do you keep a devastating secret while running a business and raising a child completely on your own?

     

    Kate French’s life looked perfectly fine from the outside. As a single mother and business owner, she appeared to have it all together. But behind closed doors, she was fighting a deeply lonely and silent battle, unable to look at herself in the mirror without breaking down. Carrying the heavy weight of a secret struggle and a childhood completely void of memories, she reached a breaking point where she finally decided her life was worth more. In this raw and honest episode, Kate shares her intense journey from maintaining a high-functioning facade to seeking help and eventually releasing a massive burden of shame and guilt. Discover how she learned to bypass the mind, unlearn childhood programming, and completely transform her reality through the powerful practice of somatic breathwork.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Journey of Healing and Transformation
    11:59 Confronting Addiction and Recovery
    19:31 Discovering Breathwork as a Healing Tool
    31:30 Empowerment Through Self-Discovery and Intuition

     

    FOLLOW KATE:
    Website: https://www.strongersoul.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongersoulpnw/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.lowry.12

     

    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 #KateFrench #SomaticBreathwork #HealingJourney #Resilience #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast
    47 min
  • 42|Immigrating to America with $6 to Flipping a Senate Seat: Mona Das' Story
    What happens when you achieve your wildest dream, only to discover the system was designed to keep you out?

     

    Mona Das immigrated to the U.S. from India at eight months old with a family who had only $6 to their name. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1970s, she never saw leaders who looked like her, leaving her to believe her only acceptable career options were becoming a doctor or an engineer. But an audacious dream and a powerful moment of representation, seeing a yard sign for Pramila Jayapal, inspired her to eventually run for the Washington State Senate in a race where only 12 people believed she could win. After personally knocking on 8,000 doors, she resolutely defied the odds and flipped the district.

     

    However, her historic victory was just the beginning of a much harder battle. Mona faced blatant sexism and racism behind closed caucus doors, leading to an incredibly lonely and highly publicized moment where she bravely called out her own colleagues for their hate and ignorance. In this deeply honest episode, Mona opens up about the painful reality of institutional bias, the cost of refusing to apologize for speaking the truth, her legislative legacy protecting the environment, and how she is now shifting her focus to raise $1 billion for women entrepreneurs.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 The Journey to Leadership
    02:49 Inspiration and Representation
    06:05 Overcoming Barriers to Entry
    08:49 The Power of Visualization
    12:00 Legislative Achievements and Impact
    15:01 Lessons Learned in Office
    17:55 Reflections on Political Experience
    23:56 Mentorship and Influences
    26:39 Facing Racism and Sexism in Politics
    32:02 Standing in Truth and Resilience
    36:05 Understanding Systemic Inequities
    39:10 The Last Gasp of Patriarchy
    42:58 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

     

    FOLLOW MONA:
    Website: www.monadas.org
    Movie: www.bawdkas.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmonadas/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monadas/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monadas/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/monadas
    TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@senatormonadas
    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/monadas.bsky.social
    Write to Mona Das: [email protected]

     

    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 #MonaDas #WomenInPolitics #OvercomingRacism #ImmigrantStory #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast
    48 min
  • 41|Surviving Heroin, Hell, and Holy Trauma: Derek Lambert’s Story
    What happens when the religion meant to save you becomes a prison, and the drugs you use to escape become a death sentence?

     

    Derek Lambert, host of the MythVision podcast, spent his early life terrified of hell and desperate for divine approval. Trapped in a cycle of religious guilt, shame, and a desperate need to be a "good boy," Derek turned to substances to numb the overwhelming noise in his head. What started with early alcohol abuse and weed soon spiraled into a devastating dependency on painkillers and, eventually, heroin. He was blacking out, destroying his relationships, and drowning in a life he couldn't control.

     

    But hitting absolute rock bottom forced Derek to do the unthinkable: confront his severe addiction and dismantle the foundational beliefs of his entire life. In this raw and deeply honest episode, Derek opens up about the grueling reality of opiate withdrawals, the terror of leaving his faith behind, and how walking away from the church ultimately helped him find true sobriety, peace, and his authentic self.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling
    02:10 The Power of Storytelling
    04:44 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
    10:21 Religious Upbringing and Early Beliefs
    14:20 Struggles with Faith and Connection
    20:28 Aha Moments and Transformative Experiences
    27:07 Navigating Doubts and Beliefs
    34:10 Struggles with Faith and Self-Perception
    39:48 The Burden of Sin and Shame
    44:37 The Psychological Impact of Religious Narratives
    51:11 The Descent into Addiction
    57:32 The Journey of Deconversion and Self-Discovery
    01:09:09 The Catalyst of Change: Richard Rohr and Universalism
    01:12:54 The Love of God: Universalism vs. Traditional Beliefs
    01:16:09 Progressive Christianity: A Church for Everyone
    01:19:02 The Problem of Evil: Questioning God's Love
    01:22:52 Predestination and the Nature of God's Love
    01:26:17 Deconstructing Hell: Myths and Realities
    01:30:05 Imagining Hell: Nightmares and Cultural Influences
    01:37:49 Mythology and the Bible: Interconnections and Inspirations
    01:44:29 The Miraculous Transformation: Water to Wine
    01:48:20 Mythological Parallels: Dionysus, Attis, and Jesus
    01:52:10 The Influence of Greek Myths on Christianity
    01:53:06 Personal Journeys: Sobriety and Recovery
    02:05:27 Finding Authenticity: The Path to Self-Discovery

     

    FOLLOW DEREK
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MythVisionPodcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derek.lambert3
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dereklambert_7/
    Website: https://mythvisionpodcast.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 #DerekLambert #AddictionRecovery #ReligiousDeconstruction #HeroinSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast
    2 hr 19 min
  • 40|Groomed, Abandoned, and Broken: How Forrest Lang Survived Abuse, Found Brotherhood, and Rebuilt His Life
    What happens when the people meant to protect you become the ones who cause the deepest wounds?

     

    In this raw and deeply moving episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Forrest Lang shares his story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, grooming, and abandonment while in foster care. At just 12 years old, Forrest was placed in a situation no child should ever endure, left unprotected and unheard by the very adults responsible for his safety.

     

    This conversation sheds light on the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma, the failures within the foster care system, and what it means to carry pain that was never yours to begin with.

     

    But this is not just a story of trauma; it’s a story of resilience.

     

    Forrest opens up about how joining the United States Marine Corps gave him something he had never experienced before: brotherhood, structure, and a sense of belonging. Through that experience, he began to rediscover his worth, rebuild his identity, and reclaim control over his life.

     

    Today, Forrest has written a book, Angel Blue: A Song Of Redemption, and he's carved out a new path as a tattoo artist in La Jolla, California, transforming pain into art and helping others tell their stories through ink.

     

    This episode is for anyone navigating trauma, healing from abuse, or searching for purpose after being broken by life.
     
    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling
    03:00 The Importance of Sharing Personal Stories
    05:52 Childhood Trauma and Its Long-Term Effects
    08:48 The Journey of Healing and Redemption
    11:56 Navigating Relationships After Trauma
    14:46 The Impact of Abuse on Identity and Self-Perception
    18:06 The Role of Advocacy and Awareness
    20:55 The Complexity of Forgiveness and Justice
    24:11 Life After Trauma: Finding Purpose
    26:50 The Power of Resilience and Community Support
    34:27 Facing Trauma and Legal Battles
    40:02 The Aftermath of Acquittal and Homelessness
    41:55 Seeking Redemption Through Military Service
    49:53 Rebuilding Life After War
    51:50 The Power of Initiation and Healing
    56:03 Rediscovering Self-Worth and Purpose
    01:00:17 Navigating the Publishing World
    01:03:06 A Mission to Help Others Through Storytelling
     
    FOLLOW FORREST
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JJdag9jh1/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrestlangofficial?igsh=MTZwOXcyNjB5dHlzMA==
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forrestlang?_r=1&_t=ZP-95C8fslNWBy
     
    BUY THE BOOK - ANGEL BLUE: A SONG OF REDEMPTION: https://angelbluebook.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 #ForrestLang #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch
    1 hr 9 min
  • 39|Arrested for Rescuing Beagles from Ridglan Farms Testing Lab: Amanda Olejarz’s Story
    What if you were treated like a terrorist simply for saving a tortured puppy from a testing lab?

     

    Growing up, Amanda Olejarz was relentlessly bullied for her deep empathy and refusal to eat animals. Inspired by her grandmother, who reasoned with a soldier to save her grandfather from Auschwitz, Amanda learned early on that direct action works. That realization eventually transformed her from a quiet, bullied child into a courageous animal rights activist willing to put everything on the line. In this raw and impactful episode, Amanda takes us inside the harrowing reality of the Ridglan Farms testing lab, where thousands of beagles are born into wire cages and bred for vivisection. She details thea intense reality of participating in an open rescue, facing tear gas, risking prison, and the life-changing moment she pulled a terrified beagle named "Darling" to safety. This is an unsettling yet profoundly inspiring look at the dark side of animal testing and the incredible lengths one everyday person will go to in order to fight for the voiceless.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 The Power of Animal Rescue and Activism
    08:12 Growing Up Different: A Journey of Compassion
    16:11 Finding My Voice: The Path to Activism
    23:46 The Ridgeland Farms Rescue: A Day of Action
    32:04 Building a Community: The Importance of Support
    39:59 The Future of Animal Rights: Raising Awareness and Activism
    42:50 The Reality of Animal Testing
    48:11 The Rescue Mission and Arrests
    01:01:23 Taking Action for Animal Rights

     

    SUPPORT THE CAUSE:
    savethedogs.io
    savethedogs.uk

     

    FOLLOW AMANDA:
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589023194957
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/greenpillpack
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenpillpack

     

    CONTACT AMANDA FOR COACHING:
    https://www.skool.com/self-care-savages-6694/about

     

    READY TO GO VEGAN?
    https://challenge22.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CNQa2naPC/

     

    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 #AmandaOlejarz #AnimalRescueStory #AnimalRights #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch #RidglanFarms #Wayne Hsiung #The Simple Heart
    1 hr 14 min
  • 38|Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Jessica Decker’s Story
    How do you build a beautiful, stable life when your early years were defined by chaos?

     

    Jessica Decker spent her early childhood trying to survive, stepping in to care for her younger siblings while living in a highly unstable environment. At just ten years old, she was removed from her home and thrust into the foster care system, leading to heartbreaking separations from the siblings she had helped raise. Eventually, Jessica found an unlikely refuge: she was raised by nuns at the Carmelite Home for Girls, where she learned the importance of making her own positive choices.

     

    Despite enduring profound betrayal and unimaginable trauma throughout her youth and adulthood, Jessica refused to let her past define her or follow in the destructive footsteps of her family. From finding resilience in the military to becoming a fiercely devoted single mother, Jessica shares her raw, intrepid journey of taking back her power, cutting out toxicity, and breaking generational cycles. Her fearless story of survival reminds us of a powerful truth she learned in boot camp: "Pain is only temporary".

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Unveiling the Past: A Journey of Trauma
    07:10 The Impact of Childhood Trauma
    14:35 Navigating Foster Care: A Search for Stability
    21:55 Finding Support: The Role of Nuns in Healing
    29:26 Life After Foster Care: Reconnecting with Siblings
    36:33 Military Service: A New Chapter of Strength
    47:08 Overcoming Adversity: The Bootcamp Experience
    51:54 Life After the Military: Finding a New Path
    52:52 Navigating Relationships: Lessons from the Past
    55:13 Single Motherhood: Challenges and Triumphs
    01:01:15 Self-Discovery: Embracing Solitude and Independence
    01:13:09 Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Sharing
    01:29:11 Legacy of Resilience: Choosing to Rise Above

     

    CONNECT WITH JESSICA
    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.decker.737
    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mommaof1joce/

     

    BUY HER CHILDREN'S BOOKS
    Raising a Busy Brain: A Mother's Journey Through ADHD: https://amzn.to/48tDk4p
    Still Showing Up: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Men: https://amzn.to/4tHwAZa
    I’m Doing My Best: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Women: https://amzn.to/4vTSxWn
    My Busy Brain Feels Big Emotions: https://amzn.to/4mRFtg1
    My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: AmznAmazon.com: My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: 9798257557200: Decker, Jessica: Books

     

    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 #JessicaDecker #SurvivorStory #ChildhoodTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast
    1 hr 35 min
  • 37|Breaking Generational Cycles: Angelina Mojica’s Story
    How do you find your voice when you were taught your entire childhood to stay silent?

     

    Angelina Mojica grew up in a traditional household where she learned early on to keep quiet and meet impossibly high expectations. Seeking an escape, she married at just 19 years old, only to find herself trapped in a pattern of toxic relationships, betrayal, and profound hardship. After facing her darkest moments and realizing generational cycles were beginning to threaten her own daughter, Angelina knew she had to take ownership of her healing. In this raw and honest episode, she shares her powerful journey of surviving deep childhood wounds, discovering her faith, and ultimately breaking the patterns that held her back. Today, she is the founder of Empower Her Steps, a nonprofit dedicated to helping other women heal, elevate, and rebuild their lives.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Awakening to Trauma
    02:55 The Journey of Healing and Purpose
    06:10 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics
    08:49 Silence and Suffering
    11:58 Navigating Relationships and Expectations
    14:51 Rebellion and Self-Discovery
    18:14 The Impact of Parenthood
    21:08 Struggles with Identity and Self-Worth
    23:59 Marriage and Its Challenges
    27:06 Coping with Loss and Change
    29:52 Finding Strength in Adversity
    35:11 Navigating Family Dynamics and Relationships
    36:10 Finding Faith Amidst Turmoil
    37:30 Overcoming Shame and Guilt
    38:50 Coping with Loss and Responsibility
    39:49 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
    42:43 The Challenges of Stepparenting
    43:38 Survival Mode and Seeking Help
    45:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    49:46 Education and Personal Growth
    51:38 Facing New Challenges as a Parent
    54:53 Co-Parenting and Support Systems
    57:48 Understanding Relationship Patterns
    01:00:31 Empowerment and Healing
    01:02:49 Embracing Singlehood and Self-Discovery
    01:04:10 Launching a Nonprofit for Empowerment
    01:10:44 Leaving a Legacy of Hope

     

    CONNECT WITH ANGELINA
    WEBSITE: https://www.angelinamojica.com/
    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/angelina.mojica
    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-mojica-cfle/

     

    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 #AngelinaMojica #GenerationalHealing #OvercomingTrauma #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast
    1 hr 12 min
  • 36|Uncovering Hidden Secrets & Finding Vulnerability: Michael Fornerette’s Story
    How do you keep leading others when your foundation is shaken by hidden family secrets and unimaginable loss?

     

    Michael Fornerette is known for his intense competitive drive, elite leadership, and unwavering commitment to professional standards. But behind the structured exterior of this highly successful mortgage executive lies a profoundly human story of resilience. Growing up as a "forgotten" middle child to hardworking, blue-collar parents, Michael used sports and strict routines to forge his path in life.

     

    In this episode, Michael opens up to his former employee and host, Deanna Powell, about the hardest chapters he has ever had to face. From losing his mother to cancer at just 21 to the sudden, tragic loss of his older brother, Michael shares the painful realities he had to navigate while trying to be the strong protector of his family. He discusses the profound shock of uncovering deep family traumas decades after the fact, his physical journey to reclaim his health through biohacking and intentional habits, and his ultimate realization that true strength means embracing vulnerability rather than hiding behind a tough exterior.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Reflections on Family and Personal Struggles
    07:45 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics
    08:14 Childhood Influences and Family Background
    12:33 Sports and Competitiveness
    18:12 Health Challenges and Lifestyle Changes
    23:04 The Impact of Aging on Health and Fitness
    28:28 Transformative Fitness Journey
    31:10 The Importance of Stretching and Mindfulness
    32:36 Healing Through Meditation and Breathwork
    36:05 Uncovering Family Trauma
    41:55 Navigating Grief and Loss
    49:28 Empowering Others Through Leadership

     

    CONNECT WITH MICHAEL:
    WEBSITE: https://cfmtg.com/branch/the-fornerette-team/
    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mfornerette
    LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theforneretteteam/

     

    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 #MichaelFornerette #OvercomingTrauma #MenAndMentalHealth #VulnerableLeadership #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast
    57 min
  • 35|"Before I Die": Michel Pinard’s Honest Story About Living with Terminal Cancer
    How do you react when life hands you a terminal diagnosis? For Michel "Mitch" Pinard, the answer was simple: you keep going. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, Mitch decided that while his condition might be "incurable," his spirit certainly wasn't.

     

    In this deeply moving yet surprisingly uplifting conversation, Mitch joins Deanna Powell to discuss the beauty of "living with cancer" rather than just suffering from it. This isn't a story about dying, it's a story about the incredible resilience of the human heart and the importance of community.

     

    Mitch’s story is a beautiful reminder that a diagnosis doesn't define your life—your choices do. Whether he’s navigating the "CyberKnife" for his brain or planning his next trip home to Seattle, Mitch proves that every day is worth celebrating.
    Watch until the end to see the incredible AI-generated summary of Mitch’s medical journey.

     

    Chapters:
    00:00 Facing the Diagnosis
    02:48 The Role of AI in Understanding Cancer
    06:09 Childhood and Early Life
    08:57 Moving to Seattle and Building Connections
    11:52 Navigating Life with Cancer
    15:00 The Importance of Community and Support
    18:10 Reflections on Life and Legacy
    34:01 Fostering Comfort in Transition
    35:25 Preparing for the Inevitable
    37:15 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions
    39:15 Understanding Cancer Diagnosis
    41:12 The Journey Through Treatment
    44:29 The Impact of Chemotherapy
    46:18 Living with Cancer: Daily Realities
    49:28 Coping with Distance and Change
    51:46 Finding Joy Amidst Struggles
    53:11 The Complexity of Cancer Treatment
    56:19 The Role of Immunotherapy
    58:41 Living Life with Cancer
    01:01:45 Mental Strategies for Coping
    01:07:12 The Legacy of Life Beyond Cancer
    01:11:01 Finding Strength in Community and Support
    01:16:57 Living Life to the Fullest
    01:18:25 The Medical Paradox of Cancer Treatment
     

    CONNECT WITH MITCH: 

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

    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/socialmitch/

    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 #MichelPinard #CancerWarrior #Inspiration #TrueStory #AInMedicine #SurvivorStory #LivingLifeToTheFullest #Hope #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast
    1 hr 41 min
  • 34|From Bank Robberies to Prison Reform: Jacob Ivan Schmitt's Story
    "I didn't stop being afraid in life until other people became afraid of me." ⛓️

     

    How does a six-year-old child, conditioned by solitary confinement and physical abuse at home, find his way back to humanity after decades behind bars? Jacob Ivan Schmitt isn't just a survivor of the carceral system; he is a man who had to reverse-engineer his own soul in a place designed to strip it away. In this raw, deep-dive conversation, Jacob moves past the "bank robber" headlines to expose the systemic brutality of the American legal system and the profound power of restorative healing.

     

    Jacob’s life story is a masterclass in resilience and transformation. A childhood trauma survivor who spent more than thirty years in institutional settings, he eventually turned to self-education in law to strengthen his moral reasoning and cultivate a deep understanding of accountability. Today, as the founder and director of Just Us Solutions, LLC, Jacob translates that hard-earned vision into practical solutions for reentry, trauma care, and justice reform.

     

    His leadership is defined by strategy, empathy, and an ability to improve access to legal support and services for veterans and system-impacted individuals. Jacob’s influence now extends from community partnerships to the Washington State Legislature, where he has testified on reentry collaboration and justice reform. In every setting, Jacob holds to a simple belief: when all hope is lost, belief itself becomes the foundation for change.
     
    Chapters:
    00:00 Understanding Anxiety and Depression
    00:49 The Power of Storytelling
    02:14 The Journey to Justice
    03:09 Experiences in Confinement
    04:03 The Impact of Trauma
    05:01 The Importance of Dignity
    05:56 The Role of Community Support
    06:53 The Need for Change in the Justice System
    07:47 Childhood Trauma and Its Effects
    09:14 Finding Hope and Healing
    10:12 The Importance of Connection
    11:11 Creating a Better Future
    42:23 Trauma and Isolation in Childhood
    48:44 The Impact of Institutionalization
    55:02 Navigating Adolescence and Early Criminality
    01:01:05 The Prison Experience and Social Dynamics
    01:08:11 Learning and Growth in Confinement
    01:14:46 Relationships and Emotional Healing
    01:20:30 Abolition and the Need for Systemic Change
    01:25:02 Healing Through Consequences
    01:30:17 Reforming Correctional Systems
    01:35:21 Processing Trauma in Confinement
    01:40:56 Building Dignity and Confidence
    01:45:08 Empowering Through Education
    01:51:27 The Power of Love Over Hate

     

    CONNECT WITH JACOB:
    • WEBSITE: https://www.justus.solutions/about-us
    • FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jacobivanschmitt
    • LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-ivan-schmitt-376367298/
    •  

      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 #JacobIvanSchmitt #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #PrisonReform #MentalHealthPodcast #RestorativeJustice #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast
      2 hr 8 min

    About Intrepid Storytelling

    From the publisher's feed

    Intrepid Storytelling Podcast with Deanna Powell — Real Stories. Raw Truth. Unbreakable Spirit.
    The Intrepid Storytelling Podcast is a powerful, truth-driven space where host Deanna Powell dives deep into the human experience through real, unfiltered, and transformational stories. Each episode features courageous individuals who have faced adversity, trauma, resilience, healing, reinvention, and personal breakthroughs.