Intrepid Storytelling

11|From Mystery Symptoms to MS Warrior: Michelle Troll’s Transformation Through Fitness - Part 2

This is PART 2 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Don't miss hearing her first episode where she talks about her experience escaping domestic violence and an ex-husband who went on to murder his next victim.
In this inspiring episode, Michelle Troll shares her courageous journey through years of unexplained symptoms, medical confusion, and the emotional fight to finally receive an accurate diagnosis: multiple sclerosis (MS). Michelle opens up about the frustration of not being believed, the fear of not knowing what was happening inside her body, and the life-changing moment everything finally made sense.
But Michelle’s story didn’t end with a diagnosis — it ignited a new purpose.
With fierce determination, she rebuilt her life through nutrition, strength training, and a commitment to pushing her body in healthy, empowering ways. What began as a fight for answers transformed into a passion for weightlifting, eventually leading her to compete in fitness competitions and inspire others living with chronic illness.
Listeners will learn about:
The challenges of seeking a diagnosis for invisible and unexplained symptoms
What it’s like to finally hear “you have multiple sclerosis”
How mindset, nutrition, and strength training became Michelle’s turning point
The journey from patient to MS warrior and competitive fitness athlete
Finding meaning, empowerment, and community after an MS diagnosis
This episode is perfect for those navigating chronic illness, searching for hope, or looking for a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define you — but what you do next can change everything.
Email Michelle at fitgirlguide@gmail.com
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10|Escaping a Killer: Michelle Troll’s Survival Story Beyond Domestic Violence - Part 1

This is PART 1 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Stay tuned for PART 2 where she talks about a shocking health diagnosis and her determination to overcome multiple sclerosis (MS)!
In this powerful episode, we sit down with survivor and advocate Michelle Troll as she courageously recounts her escape from domestic violence at the hands of James Joseph Cain — a man who would later go on to murder one of his next girlfriends. Michelle shares her raw, real, and emotional journey of trauma, manipulation, survival, and ultimately reclaiming her life after escaping a dangerous abuser.
Through her story, listeners will gain insight into the red flags of coercive control, the escalating patterns of domestic violence, the psychological grip of abuse, and the life-saving moment she found the strength to leave. Michelle’s testimony sheds light on the terrifying reality that many victims face and the critical importance of awareness, intervention, and support systems.
This episode is perfect for those seeking true crime survivor stories, domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, empowerment, and real-life accounts of escaping abusive partners who escalate to lethal violence. Michelle’s voice stands as a beacon of hope for others trapped in silence — proving that survival is possible, and breaking free can save your life.
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7|The Heart of a Hope Dealer: Larry J Snyder on Love, Loss, and Caring for Aging Parents

In this powerful episode, author, humanitarian, and community advocate Larry J Snyder opens up about one of the most challenging chapters of his life—caring for his aging parents as they battled dementia. Known as a “hope dealer,” Larry has spent his life uplifting others, but nothing prepared him for the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight of watching the two people who shaped him slowly slip away.
Larry shares the raw truth of navigating dementia caregiving, from the heartbreaking moments to the unexpected blessings found in connection, patience, and love. He talks about the guilt, the grief, the impossible decisions, and the resilience required to keep showing up day after day. Through his story, listeners gain insight into family caregiving, eldercare challenges, Alzheimer’s and dementia realities, and the importance of hope, advocacy, and community support.
This is a conversation about legacy, compassion, and the courage it takes when the roles reverse—when we become the caregivers for the people who once cared for us. Larry’s story reminds us that even in the darkest chapters, there is still room for purpose, grace, and hope.
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6|Rising Strong: Denise’s Journey from Classroom to Comeback After a Near-Fatal Crash

This is a shorter episode from the Intrepid Storytelling live event.
In this inspiring episode of Intrepid Storytelling, we meet Denise, a former elementary and middle school educator who transformed her life and career after surviving a near-fatal automobile accident in 2009. Her path from teaching to thriving in the mortgage industry is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and personal growth.
After enduring both physical and emotional challenges, Denise refused to let tragedy define her. With the help of unexpected allies, unwavering faith, and an unbreakable spirit, she rebuilt her life stronger than ever. Her story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, healing, and purpose on the other side of adversity.
Tune in to hear how courage, community, and perseverance can turn unimaginable hardship into a story of triumph—and why Denise now believes that sometimes, life’s biggest detours lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
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5|Rising Through the Storm — A Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Purpose

In this inspiring episode of Intrepid Storytelling, I sit down with Sherlynn Hemphill, a true warrior who has faced and overcome unimaginable challenges. From battling cancer to enduring more than ten surgeries and living through two ileostomies, Sher’s journey is one of courage, faith, and unshakable resilience. Today, as a cancer survivor and proud ileostomy warrior, she shares her story with nearly 30,000 TikTok followers, inspiring others to embrace hope and strength through life’s hardest battles. Tune in as Sher reveals how she turned her pain into purpose, proving that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can rise, heal, and shine.
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4|From Neglect to Empowerment: Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse and Reclaiming Self-Worth

In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, we follow the inspiring journey of Joanie Elisabeth who transformed deep childhood neglect into unshakable strength. Drawn for years to men with narcissistic traits, she found herself trapped in cycles of emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and self-doubt. But through courage, therapy, and radical self-awareness, she learned to recognize the red flags, break free from toxic relationships, and rebuild her identity from the inside out.
Now a thriving mental health and empowerment coach, she dedicates her life to helping other women heal from narcissistic abuse, reclaim their confidence, and step into their authentic power. This is a story of resilience, awakening, and freedom—a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can rewrite your story and rise resolutely fearless.
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BONUS|Deanna's Story on Interrupted Podcast: What Happened In Her Life That Changed Her Trajectory, and Why She Started Intrepid Storytelling

In this powerful episode on Interrupted: Act 2 (reinventing your life) Podcast with Laurie Hardie, Deanna Powell opens up about her courageous journey from surviving abusive relationships and battling alcoholism to rebuilding her life with unwavering determination. After choosing sobriety and taking small, steady steps forward, Deanna turned to community resources like 211, Hopelink, and Catholic Community Services, slowly piecing together a foundation of stability, hope, and healing. Her story highlights the transformative power of recovery, self-worth, and resilience as she worked tirelessly to reclaim her future.
Despite believing motherhood was beyond her reach, Deanna’s intrepid spirit, persistence, and faith in her own growth helped her achieve the most meaningful dream she ever held—to become a mom. Today, she is living the life she once thought was impossible, proving that with courage, support, and a refusal to give up, anyone can rise from rock bottom and rewrite their story. Which is also why she started her OWN podcast, Intrepid Storytelling. This episode is a testament to survivorship, sobriety, empowerment, and the unstoppable strength of hope.

3|From Silence to Strength: Breaking Free from Abuse and Rewriting Her Story

This is a short episode from the Intrepid Storytelling live event.
Born into a sheltered, fundamentalist Christian upbringing, Deanna Powell was taught that women and children were to be seen, not heard—and that a woman’s purpose was to serve men, marry, and have children. Naïve to the world and lacking boundaries, she became a target for predators, enduring sexually abusive relationships and three failed marriages. Struggling with addiction, her life took a dramatic turn on June 20th, 2012, when she got sober and began reclaiming her voice and self-worth. Choosing to embrace life on her terms, she became a single mom at 41 through IVF, then a foster mom, ultimately adopting two siblings. Her story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the power of rewriting your own narrative. This episode is for anyone seeking hope, courage, and the reminder that giving up is never an option.
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2|Surviving the Unthinkable: A Mother's True Story of Betrayal, Abuse, Fentanyl Loss, Courage to Heal and Take Action - Part 2

This is PART 2, and if you haven't listened to PART 1 yet, you'll want to do that first.
In this deeply moving episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna sits down with Leila Culberson, a courageous mother whose life was shattered by unthinkable betrayal and loss — discovering her husband had been sexually abusing their children, and later facing the heartbreaking death of her teenage daughter to fentanyl poisoning. Out of unimaginable pain, she chose a path of healing, advocacy, and empowerment. Today, she leads a nonprofit that helps survivors reclaim their voices and turn their pain into power.
This episode is a raw, emotional, and inspiring testament to resilience, bravery, and the unbreakable strength of a mother’s love. If you’ve ever wondered how light can emerge from the darkest places, this story will remind you of the power of purpose, hope, and courage to rise again.
DONATE TO LEILA'S FOUNDATION
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1|Surviving the Unthinkable: A Mother's True Story of Betrayal, Abuse, Fentanyl Loss, Courage to Heal and Take Action - Part 1

This is PART 1 of a 2 part series. In this deeply moving episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna sits down with Leila Culberson, a courageous mother whose life was shattered by unthinkable betrayal and loss — discovering her husband had been sexually abusing their children, and later facing the heartbreaking death of her teenage daughter to fentanyl poisoning. Out of unimaginable pain, she chose a path of healing, advocacy, and empowerment. Today, she leads a nonprofit that helps survivors reclaim their voices and turn their pain into power.
This is a raw, emotional, and inspiring testament to resilience, bravery, and the unbreakable strength of a mother’s love. If you’ve ever wondered how light can emerge from the darkest places, this story will remind you of the power of purpose, hope, and courage to rise again.
DONATE TO LEILA'S FOUNDATION
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Facebook
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IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com