Description:
Childhood should be safe. For some of us, it wasn’t. In this raw and deeply personal episode, I open up about growing up with an abusive stepdad—the fear, the beatings, and the emotional scars that followed me for years. But this chapter isn’t just about pain—it’s about healing.

I share my journey from trauma to forgiveness, and how I took back my power and self-worth. Whether you’ve faced physical abuse or know someone who has, this episode is for anyone ready to face the past, understand it, and move forward stronger.

We’ll talk about:

• The long-term impact of childhood abuse

• Why forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook—it’s about freeing yourself

• The struggle many stepfathers face (and why some fail)

• Tools to cope with trauma and rebuild your life

• And how to turn your pain into purpose

This episode is heavy—but necessary. If you're ready to heal, this one’s for you.

Link to my book, "Forged without a Father"-

https://a.co/d/dNR9rkn

In this episode, I share stories from Chapter 3 of my book, "Scouting the World with a Single Mom." Growing up in the '80s and '90s, I learned the value of hard work, self-reliance, and hustle. From handing out milk for lunch to digging post holes for arcade money, these early lessons shaped the man I became. If you’re a young man trying to find your way—especially without a father figure—this episode is for you. Stick around until the end, and I’ll show you how these moments built my foundation. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, check out the full book on Amazon. Let’s dive in.

Purchase my book:

https://a.co/d/eUmoFyb

Let go of years of hatred for the person who abandoned you and have empathy and compassion for what they may have gone through. I finally understood after 40 something years and was able to drop the weight of feeling abandoned early in life. Learn to trust but verify the people you get to keep in your life.