What story do you tell yourself about where you come from

And what if rewriting that story could change your life?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Robert Bonnick — best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Bali’s largest weekly talk show, Speak Up Monday — to uncover how he transformed the pain of growing up in an orphanage into a purpose-driven life of impact, connection, and global influence.

From surviving childhood trauma to becoming a sought-after voice for diversity and empowerment, Robert shares how he created a new identity rooted not in lack, but in love — and how we can all rewire our internal code to move from victim to visionary.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and practical tools to own your story and lead with heart.

Inside this episode:

• Growing up in an orphanage — and learning to build family without blood ties

• How diversity shaped Robert’s worldview and deepened his empathy

• Reframing rejection: the moment he stopped taking it personally

• The power of belief and the simple question that changed his life

• From model to social impact leader — the unexpected journey to legacy

• What 1,000+ interview guests taught him about humanity, healing, and impact

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Rewriting the Story of Who We Are

04:10 – Life in an Orphanage: Early Lessons in Survival & Belonging

08:45 – How Diversity Became His Superpower

13:20 – The Rejection Reframe: “It’s Not About Me”

17:50 – Forming Identity Without Family Roots

23:30 – From London Nightlife to Purpose-Led Living

29:00 – The Power of Holding Space: Speak Up Monday Origins

34:15 – Why Everyone Deserves to Be Heard

39:45 – Shifting From Scarcity to Empowerment

45:20 – The Beliefs That Shape Our Reality

50:10 – Fatherhood, Legacy, and Healing Generational Pain

54:30 – What 1,000 Conversations Taught Him About Humanity

58:50 – The Role of Faith, Forgiveness & Surrender

1:03:15 – Living Your Message: Lessons from the Spotlight

1:06:30 – Final Reflections: You’re Not a Product of Your Past

About Robert Ian Bonnick:

Robert Ian Bonnick is a global speaker, best-selling author, and host of Speak Up Monday, Bali’s biggest weekly talk show. With over 1,000 guests and more than 450 episodes, his work has reached millions — but his journey began in a children’s home in London.

Through resilience, love, and a deep commitment to service, Robert has turned his life into a platform for connection, inclusion, and inspiration. He now empowers others to unlock their voice and rewrite their beliefs to create a life of purpose and power.

“Don’t let where you started define where you finish. You get to choose who you become.” – Robert Bonnick

This episode will challenge the way you think about identity, race, trauma — and your power to rise above it all.

🎧 Tune in. Let the code activate something deep within.

With love and abundance,

Sam

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Connect with Ian : //www.instagram.com/robertianbonnick/

Follow Sam : //www.instagram.com/samchurchofficial/

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