In the absence of a father, family plays a crucial role in the development of a child. They become a cornerstone of support, providing guidance to help them navigate life’s challenges.
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In this episode of our Vanishing Fathers Series, host Jamie Truman is speaking to a very special guest: her father-in-law, Gerald Truman. His life poignantly illustrates the importance of family, who became a major influence on his personal growth and success after losing his father at a young age.
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During their conversation, Gerald reflects on his journey through various hardships and the strong work ethic and values that helped him power through them. He also discusses his deep commitment to family and work as baseball coach, exemplifying his dedication to shaping young minds and instilling within them the same values that empowered him.
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Tune in to hear his sage advice on resilience, parenthood, and more!

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Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Have you ever heard a song that you related to so much that you felt an immediate connection to it? For many people who have experienced abandonment by a parent, that song is Everclear’s 1997 hit, “Father of Mine.”
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In this episode, Everclear lead singer, Art Alexakis, tells his personal story that inspired the song that still resonates with people of all ages. The divorce of his parents and subsequent abandonment by his father affected Art and his siblings in profound ways, but just like the song’s lyrics say, he was able to break the cycle and become the father he never had.
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Now 34 years sober, Art is sharing his journey to sobriety, personal growth, and fatherhood with host Jamie Truman. He has advice for young men with the same internal struggles, and parents trying to raise children after divorce.
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Tune in to hear Art talk about his love of music, writing the band’s powerful song, and its impact on his family and the world. Plus, find out which songs he’s written have the most significance to him!
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Purchase Vanishing Fathers
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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Childhood serves as a crucial foundation for future learning and behavior, a period of time when children absorb lessons from adults around them, develop their sense of self, and gain confidence in their place in the world. In an inspiring conversation with host Jamie Truman, celebrity chef Ashish Alfred opens up about his complex relationship with his father and the impact of familial instability on his life.
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As the owner of several restaurants  Ashish has built a successful career — but his journey was not without its challenges. He offers a candid look into how family dynamics shaped the trajectory of his life, specifically his father’s absence and the internal struggles that ensued. He then discusses his addiction and the effect on his early business ventures, as well as the pivotal moments that led to his sobriety and culinary achievements.
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Ashish shares not just his culinary triumphs, but also the newfound clarity and focus he found through sobriety and rebuilding his family connections.

Tune in to hear Ashish’s story of passion, ambition and personal growth!
Connect with Ashish Alfred:
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Purchase Vanishing Fathers
100% of the proceeds go to charity that help at-risk youths

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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Email: [email protected]

This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Does having a different father than your siblings shape one's sense of identity and family bonds? How is your outlook on fatherhood impacted by not knowing your own?
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Host Jamie Truman sits down with her brother, Michael Callahan, in this episode to get answers to these questions and more. He shares what it was like growing up with a different father from his siblings, navigating complicated family dynamics and multiple stepfathers.
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In a heartfelt conversation, Michael opens up about the loss of his biological father at a young age — before he ever got a chance to know him. He also talks about entering the unknown world of fatherhood after not wanting to take on the role of parent.
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Purchase Vanishing Fathers 
100% of the proceeds go to charity that help at-risk youths

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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Email: [email protected]

This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Even the toughest experiences offer the most valuable lessons and can lead to profound transformation. For today’s guest, survivor educator Annette Mango, her journey from adversity to advocacy epitomizes this truth.
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In this episode, Annette shares her harrowing experience as a victim of sex trafficking, struggles with substance abuse, and periods of homelessness. Coming from a family of functional addicts and strained relationships with her parents, her childhood and adolescence lacked the support needed to avoid the cycle of abuse and addiction.
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Annette’s life took a pivotal turn when she joined the Renee Jones Empowerment Center and discovered the power of these simple words: What do you need? How can I help you?
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The invaluable support she received there led her on a journey of self-discovery, and now she’s an advocate for others, sharing her story and inspiring fellow survivors in her own recovery process.
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Tune in now to hear Annette’s story!
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You can reach out to Annette through email at [email protected]

Purchase Vanishing Fathers
100% of the proceeds go to charity that help at-risk youths

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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Email: [email protected]

This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Developing a sense of security is an immense challenge when you’ve been betrayed by those meant to protect and nurture you. Today’s guest, Camille Briggs, was an early survivor of abuse at the hands of her stepfather and subsequently went down a path of further exploitation in a search for belonging.
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Camille’s descent into addiction and the dark world of sex trafficking was a stark contrast to the life she had envisioned for herself. But in the end, she was able to turn this pain into purpose and learn to survive on her own, all the while mending her relationships and, most importantly, finding her voice.
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As an Empower Her Network representative in Atlanta, she channels her experiences into her work to empower others. One way she’s making a difference is through her newest venture: the Krystal Clear Foundation. Her non-profit aims to help other women who have been trafficked get the education they need to start a new life.
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Tune in to hear more about Camille’s journey to true joy, happiness and freedom!
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Camille's Nonprofit
Krystal Clear Foundation
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

“To be a father was my way of breaking a cycle and starting over.” In this one sentence, today’s guest, Peter Gronvall, insightfully reflects on his journey to fatherhood after growing up in a cult.
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During his conversation with host Jamie Truman, Peter discusses his experience living in two distinct worlds: One world where he and his eight siblings were subjected to severe emotional and physical abuse, and another where he was a dedicated student and spent time with friends. He shares how he and his siblings persevered through these painful years, and the impact on his relationship with his parents.
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Remarkably, Peter didn’t let his experience derail his aspirations. He earned a full scholarship to college and then got accepted into Yale Law School, all the while being a source of support to his siblings. Most importantly, he became the type of father he always wanted: nurturing, empathetic, and protective.
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Tune in to learn more about Peter Gronvall and how he survived growing up in a cult.
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Purchase Vanishing Fathers
100% of the proceeds go to charity that help at-risk youths

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Losing a parent at a young age will undoubtedly impact a child, but the presence of a nurturing stepfather can help fill the void left by such a significant loss. Justin Pugh’s story is a testament to this: After losing his father at 13, it was his stepfather who became the father figure he needed, providing guidance, support and stability during this crucial period of development.
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In this episode, Justin talks about the loss of his father, his special bond with his family, and the role his stepfather has played in his life. He also shares how his stepfather helped steer his NFL career for the New York Giants, and his secret to reaching his goals.
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Influenced not only by his stepfather but also by his older brothers and father-in-law, Justin has navigated the challenges of his NFL career and personal life with a foundation built on their lessons of hard work and resilience.
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Tune in to hear how he’s carrying these values into his own fatherhood journey!
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Connect with Justin Pugh on Instagram!

Purchase Vanishing Fathers
100% of the proceeds go to charity that help at-risk youths

Connect with Jamie at Truman Charities:
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Email: [email protected]

This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Keshia LaVett, in her novel Through Her Eyes, puts a spotlight on the often overlooked experiences of the visually impaired. Drawing from her rich background as an educator, LaVett brings to life the story of Hope, a young girl striving for independence while navigating the world with a visual impairment.
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In this engaging conversation with host Jamie Truman, Keshia talks about the student that inspired the character of Hope and her passion for bringing more inclusive representation in children’s literature. She dives into issues of ableism and shares her personal observations as a literacy teacher, including the importance of teaching children how to be compassionate and accepting of those with disabilities.
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Keshia also discusses her writing process, focusing her commitment to the authentic telling of Hope's journey through the daily challenges and victories of someone sight-challenged.
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Tune in to learn about Keshia’s future plans to address discrimination and foster more empathy and understanding for the visually impaired community!

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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

“There’s 10,000 Americans turning 65 in this country every day, but there’s no real federally-based infrastructure to deal with dignity in aging,” says Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). His organization is stepping up to meet this challenge, offering innovative transportation solutions for seniors and facilitating charitable donations in a way that maximizes their impact across various nonprofit sectors.

 In this episode, Howard speaks to host Jamie Truman about the organization’s unique mission, their process for partnering with nonprofits across the nation, and how their management of car and real estate donations have benefitted both communities and donors. He highlights CARS’ impressive achievements, including serving over 8,400 nonprofits and returning nearly $90 million to the community.

 Howard also discusses their evolving On The Go program, a national transportation system for older Americans which provides rides to attend social events and beyond. This innovative program not only enhances social engagement, but improves overall health and well-being.

 Tune in to find out how one donation can have such a powerful impact in the lives of so many!

 To learn more about how you can get involved, email Howard Pearl directly at [email protected].

 Get more information on the On The Go program on their website! https://otgrides.org/home

 Connect with Charitable Adult Rides & Services:
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This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/