U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 2

Lewis Crompton | I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion Therapy

Dean James sits down with Lewis Crompton for a powerful and unflinching conversation about the hidden reality of gay conversion therapy in the UK. As a teenager, Lewis was drawn into an evangelical church with deep American roots, a place where fear was disguised as faith, and where a charismatic youth leader pushed extreme, restrictive beliefs that slowly reshaped his world. What began as community soon became control, pulling Lewis into years of internal conflict and shame.

For over a decade, he lived under the weight of teachings that told him he was broken, sinful, and in need of “fixing.” But when Lewis finally confronted the truth of his sexuality, everything changed. He began dismantling the harmful narratives he’d been conditioned to believe, reclaiming his identity piece by piece. That journey - painful, courageous, and deeply human - became the foundation of the proud, grounded, and powerful man he is today.

Trading became Lewis’s lifeline. It offered not just financial freedom, but emotional liberation - a way to step beyond the confines of the church and build a life defined by autonomy, confidence, and purpose.

Today, he lives openly and joyfully with his husband, and leads Start Trading, where he mentors people around the world through workshops, education, and strategic wealth training.

His expertise has been featured in Bloomberg, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, The Sun, The Metro, and more. And now, Lewis is on a mission far bigger than himself: to help one million families reduce financial stress and create more freedom in their lives through smart, strategic wealth management.

This episode is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary strength it takes to rewrite your own story - no matter where it began.

Learn more about Lewis' work here...Lewis Crompton Website.

Get involved with Start Trading.

Follow Lewis Here:

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If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, or want to join the fight to ban gay conversion therapy in the UK, please use the following links:

Stonewall UK

Mind

Ban Gay Conversion Therapy - USDAW

Ban Gay Conversion Therapy - Gov.UK

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 1

Susan Bloom | I Used To Be...A Caregiver

Equine Gestalt specialist Susan Bloom sits down with Dean James for an unfiltered and deeply human conversation about love, loss, and the extraordinary strength required to keep showing up when life keeps knocking you down.

Susan shares the raw reality of becoming a full‑time caregiver to her husband after he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. Walking away from her career, reshaping her entire life, and pouring every ounce of herself into his care. After years of complications and relentless health battles, Susan’s husband sadly passed away, leaving her to navigate a grief that reshaped her from the inside out.

In this conversation, Susan opens her heart even further, speaking with courage about surviving breast cancer and the ongoing journey of caring for her son, who lives with seizures. Her story is one of endurance, devotion, and the quiet heroism so many caregivers carry without recognition.

Today, Susan channels her lived experience into powerful, transformative work. Through her Equine Gestalt therapeutic programme, she supports caregivers, individuals, couples, and groups, helping them process trauma, grief, reconnect with themselves, and find healing through the profound connection between humans and horses.

Based in Oskaloosa, Kansas, Susan also works with clients remotely, extending her compassion and expertise far beyond her local community.

Discover more about Susan’s work and her mission to bring connection, healing, and synergy to those who need it most...Connections And Synergy Website.

Follow Susan here:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:

Carers UK

Carers Trust

Embracing Carers

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 12

Dan Cooper | I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape

More than two decades ago, at just 19 years old, Dan Cooper’s life was shattered by a devastating sexual assault at the hands of someone he knew and trusted. What followed were years of battling the hidden scars - both mental and physical - that lingered long after the attack. Eventually, Dan found the strength to report the assault for a second time, and after months of enduring the complexities of the criminal justice system, his perpetrator was finally put to justice.

In this raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic episode, Dan sits down with Dean James to share the truth behind his journey; how he fought through trauma, navigated the courts, and faced the overwhelming glare of media attention. His story is not just about survival, but about reclaiming power and finding purpose in the aftermath of pain.

Today, Dan has transformed his experience into a mission. Through social media, he amplifies his voice to reach others who may feel silenced, offering hope, insight and solidarity. Beyond his advocacy, he serves as a mental health and well-being coach and dedicates himself to protecting others as a Fire Fighter. Proof that resilience can ignite strength, and that even the darkest chapters can lead to a life of impact.

Follow Dan here:

TikTok

Instagram

LinkedIn

Find out more about Dan's Story here:

BBC News

If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:

Rape Crisis

The Survivor's Trust

CALM

Samaritans

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 11

Joe O'Connor | I Used To Be...Physically Dependent

At 14, Joe survived a near-fatal road accident. At 32, he fell 400 feet during SAS selection, breaking his neck and facing a prognosis of lifelong paralysis. In between, he served with distinction in the British Army, became a top-tier financial adviser in the City of London, and earned elite status as a Class 1 Army PTI and bomb disposal expert.

But Joe’s story doesn’t end with survival...it’s about reinvention. After losing everything post-injury, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. Today, he’s the founder of The Transformer Company, a six-time Times-recognized top UK coach, and a man on a mission to help 1 million veterans achieve financial and personal success.

In this powerful conversation with Dean James, Joe opens up about the mindset that helped him overcome trauma, paralysis, and personal loss. He reflects on lessons from the battlefield that apply to business, money, and everyday life. He inspires people to choose purpose after devastation, and discusses why resilience is a decision and perspective is everything when facing life’s toughest challenges.

Joe’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. He turned pain into purpose - and how you can too.

Find out more about Joe's work here:

Joe Teams Success Club

The Transformer

Transformation For Veterans

Follow Joe here:

Instagram

LinkedIn

If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:

Help For Heroes

The Samaritans

Mind

CALM

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 10

Michael Bugary | I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete

Michael Bugary rose from a promising young athlete to the Major Leagues, playing baseball for the Boston Red Sox. But a brutal arm injury shattered his career - and his identity. In this raw and honest episode he speaks to Dean James about spiralling into addiction and depression, and later facing a brain tumour the size of a lacrosse ball. After surviving multiple surgeries and cancer treatments, his battle with mental health and addiction continued...until he met Lingo. His therapy dog gave him new purpose and hope. Lingo helped Michael focus on his recovery and live in the moment, accepting what he can't change, but working hard to change what he could no longer accept.

Now sober and thriving, Michael channels his journey into public speaking, inspiring audiences worldwide. His debut book, The Disease of Me, is set to release soon - a raw, powerful account of resilience, recovery, and reinvention.

Find out more here...Michael Bugary

Be the first to hear about the release of The Disease of Me...Sign Up to the Waitlist

Follow Michael:

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

Facebook

If you were affected by any of the themes explored in this episode:

UK Based:

Mind

Alcoholics Anonymous

Samaritans

USA Based:

Help

Mental Health America

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 9

David Booth | I Used To Be...A Cop

From the Fast Lane to a New Life. In this gripping episode, David Booth sits down with Dean James to reflect on his decades-long journey as a traffic cop in Atlanta, Georgia. A career marked by high-speed chases, close calls, and the everyday grit of keeping the roads safe. But everything changed in an instant. A catastrophic accident not only ended his time in uniform but left him fighting for his life. What follows is a story of resilience and reinvention. David opens up about the physical and emotional toll of recovery, and how he found new purpose beyond the badge. Today, he’s channelling his experience into educating the next generation of drivers and training motorcycle enthusiasts for Harley-Davidson. It’s a powerful conversation about identity, impact, and the road to rebuilding.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 8

Brezz Hall | I Used To Be...Hopeless

In this raw and powerful episode, Brezz Hall opens up to Dean James about his lifelong battle with addiction, shaped by deep trauma and a family history of substance abuse. Gripped from a young age, Brezz hit rock bottom, but he didn’t stay there. He broke the cycle, got clean, and now dedicates his life to helping others do the same as a peer support worker. Living so long with no hope, Brezz now has hope and purpose.

Beyond recovery, Brezz is sparking real conversations through his apparel brand, 4th Dimension Apparel, where fashion meets purpose. A portion of every sale goes to organisations helping people get and stay sober.

This is more than a comeback. It’s a movement.

Find out more about Brezz here...Brezz Hall

Explore Brezz's Apparel Collection here...4th Dimension Apparel

If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

UK Based:

Mind

Alcoholics Anonymous

Samaritans

USA Based:

Help

Mental Health America

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 7

Kane Howard | I Used To Be...A Woman

In this raw and powerful episode, Kane Howard sits down with Dean James to share his unfiltered journey of transitioning from female to male. From emotional upheaval to financial strain, Kane opens up about the realities of transitioning in the USA and what it means to be a Trans man in today's age. But this isn’t just a story of struggle—it’s one of triumph. Now living as his true, authentic self, Kane has reclaimed his pride, redefined his purpose, and reignited his creativity. He’s written a book, re-educated himself, and is channelling his lived experience into bold new ventures. This is more than a transition—it’s a transformation.

Find out more about Kane's books here: Kane Jesse Howard

And follow Craig on:

Instagram

Facebook

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If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

UK Based:

Trans Directory

Good Law Project

Terrence Higgins Trust

USA Based:

Trans Directory

Trans Lifeline

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U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 6

Craig Maddern | I Used To Be...A Soldier at War

Craig Maddern spent 15 years in the British Army, serving in global conflict zones including Afghanistan. But the battles didn’t end when he left the front lines. In this gripping episode, Craig opens up to Dean James about the physical toll, the mental scars, and the fight to reclaim his life after a bipolar diagnosis, deep depression and PTSD. Now a best-selling author and life coach for high-stress dads, Craig shares how he turned breakdowns into breakthroughs—and why vulnerability, communication, and purpose are the new pillars of strength for modern men. Raw, real, and deeply inspiring.

Find out about the wonderful work Craig is doing here: CraigMaddernCoaching

Get Craig's Best-Seller here: How I Went From Stress and Hospital Beds, to Enjoying My Life

And follow Craig on:

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

Help For Heroes

Samaritans

Mind

Calm

Royal British Legion

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 5

Anthony Palacin| I Used To Be...Psychotic

Anthony Palacin joins Dean James for a fearless conversation about surviving a psychotic episode and being sectioned in a psychiatric ward. With raw honesty, Anthony unpacks the trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles that once consumed him—and the radical healing journey that followed. From confronting deep-rooted pain to breaking destructive patterns, Anthony shares how he rewired his life, reduced his reliance on medication, and discovered the power of flow-states. Now a coach helping others unlock clarity, resilience, and productivity, Anthony’s story is a masterclass in transformation, self-awareness, and the courage to rewrite your narrative.

Find out about the wonderful work Anthony is doing on his website: https://www.palacin.co.uk/

And follow Anthony on:

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

If you are affected by any of the themes explored in this episode, please seek professional, medical help/advice. The links below are there to help you:

Samaritans

Mind

Calm

MHFA

Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!

www.u2bdc.com

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Apple

YouTube

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Deezer

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.