Intrepid Storytelling

16|Grief didn’t break him—it built him: This is a raw conversation about loss, ambition, legacy, and why sometimes the biggest ideas come from the hardest seasons.

In this episode, a successful entrepreneur shares how losing his father fueled a journey from real estate and mortgage success to launching Off Leash’d, the pet-lover match app taking over phones everywhere. This is a raw conversation about loss, ambition, legacy, and why sometimes the biggest ideas come from the hardest seasons.
Terry's success story is one of family, loss, and grit—and leads to real estate wealth, mortgage mastery, and founding the viral pet match app Off Leash’d. We break down entrepreneurship, startup mindset, tech innovation, and how turning personal pain into purpose can build a brand, a business, and a movement pet lovers can’t get enough of.
CONTACT TERRY JAMES: OffLeash'd
 
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15|Life Is A Gift & Love Is The Point: Ryan & Michelle Meeks' Story

What is left of your life when the community you built and the faith you preached both disappear in an instant?
In this deeply honest episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with former pastor Ryan Meeks and his wife, Michelle. Ryan shares the raw reality of what happened when his evangelical church, Eastlake Community Church, imploded after he announced they would fully affirm the LGBTQIA+ community. The fallout was immediate and devastating—a wave of backlash, the loss of his livelihood, and the painful unraveling of a faith system that no longer felt like home.
Just as Ryan was beginning to navigate the debris of his deconstruction, life delivered another blow: a lymphoma cancer diagnosis. Facing his own mortality while still healing from spiritual trauma forced Ryan to look past religious doctrine and search for a deeper meaning. Together, Ryan and Michelle discuss the difficult journey of spiritual reconstruction, moving from the rigid certainty of the church to a more inclusive, fragile, and beautiful understanding of what it means to be alive.
This conversation is a powerful exploration of church hurt, LGBTQIA+ affirmation, and the search for hope after a religious "death." Ryan’s journey proves that even when the buildings fall and the old beliefs fade, love can remain the steady foundation for a new life. Whether you are questioning your own faith or facing an unexpected life crisis, this story is a reminder that while certainty may disappear, love is the point.
PURCHASE RYAN'S BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/40d50FT
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Early Doubts About Faith
01:22 - Formative Years: Faith, Youth Group, and Purity Culture
02:22 - The Growing 'Doubt Basket' and Questioning Core Beliefs
03:35 - Building East Lake Community Church: Growth and Radical Inclusion
05:22 - Personal Crisis: Cancer, Burnout, and Final Deconstruction
06:17 - Embracing Embodiment, Nature, and a Life Message of Love
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Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
#IntrepidStorytelling #RyanMeeks #FaithDeconstruction #LGBTQIAAffirmation #ReligiousTrauma #InclusiveChristianity #CancerSurvivor #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

14|Haunted in Bothell, Washington: A Couple’s Real-Life Paranormal Experience Inside Their Family Home

They bought a house in Bothell, Washington… and something else came with it. In this true paranormal podcast episode, a couple reveals the unexplained events, ghostly encounters, and haunting experiences that turned everyday life into a constant state of unease. If you love real haunted house stories, Pacific Northwest paranormal activity, and true ghost encounters—this episode will stay with you long after the final word.
PURCHASE KEITH'S BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/4rxmI2O
 
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13|Breaking Free From Cults To Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola’s Powerful Deconstruction from LDS Mormonism

In this transformative episode, Shelise Ann Sola, host of the popular podcast and YouTube show Cults to Consciousness, opens up about her deeply personal faith transition and deconstruction from LDS Mormonism. Raised in a devout Mormon household and immersed in the cultural expectations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shelise spent years following rules, suppressing doubts, and striving to be the “perfect” member.
But beneath the surface, questions were growing—questions about doctrine, identity, purity culture, patriarchy, and the pressure to conform within a high-demand religious system. Shelise shares what it was really like to confront her faith crisis, unlearn fear-based teachings, navigate relationships during deconstruction, and rediscover her authentic self outside the LDS church.
This conversation dives into:
Religious trauma and recovery
Purity culture in Mormonism
Undoing indoctrination and reclaiming identity
Life after leaving high-control religion
Healing, empowerment, and conscious living
If you’re navigating your own faith transition, curious about the realities of Mormon deconstruction, or simply love powerful stories of courage and awakening, this episode is for you.
Follow Cults To Consciousness on YouTube: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousness
 
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12|From Rock Bottom to Real Estate Royalty: A Seattle Success Story of Addiction Recovery, Redemption, and Reinvention

This is a real-life comeback story you won’t forget. Once trapped in addiction and felony convictions, she hit rock bottom and checked herself into the Salvation Army—then did the work to completely transform her life. In this episode, we explore addiction recovery, life after prison, and how she defied the odds to become one of the most successful real estate agents in Seattle. If you believe in second chances, personal growth, and unstoppable resilience, this episode is for you.
 
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11|The Day Everything Changed: Alicia Brown’s Journey from Brain Aneurysm & Stroke to Brave Recovery

This is a shorter episode from the Intrepid Storytelling live event.
On February 6, 2023, Alicia Brown’s life was forever transformed when a ruptured brain aneurysm and stroke during surgery stole her ability to speak, write, spell, and function. In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Alicia opens up about the month she spent in the hospital relearning the basics of life, from opening her left eye to taking her first steps toward independence again. Through pain, humility, and isolation, she discovered an unshakable resilience and a will to fight she never knew existed.
Join us as Alicia shares her inspirational recovery story—a testament to courage, hope, and the power of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.
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10|Breaking the Silence: A Teen Survivor Exposes Childhood Sexual Abuse, Parental Manipulation, and the Cost of Believing the Wrong Story

This gripping episode is Part 3 of a series that was started by Leila Culberson, who's story was told in Part 1 and Part 2 - Surviving The Unthinkable: A Mother's True Story Of Betrayal, Abuse, Fentanyl Loss, the Courage to Heal and Take Action. If you haven't listened to those episodes yet, head there first and come here for Part 3, Cash Nimmer-Culberson's True Story.
For years, one man controlled the story.And for years, everyone believed him.
Behind closed doors, he was sexually abusing his children — a father exploiting power, silence, and fear. In public, he was spinning lies, manipulating perception, and rewriting history while his victims were left unheard and unprotected.
Until now.
In this episode, a teenage survivor speaks publicly for the first time about childhood sexual abuse, family betrayal, and the devastating impact of gaslighting when the abuser is believed and the children are not. He shares what it was like growing up in a home where truth was punished, silence was enforced, and manipulation masked itself as authority.
This is not a polished story.It is not easy to hear.And it is not meant to be comfortable.
It is the reality of what happens when abuse goes unchecked — and what it takes to reclaim your voice after years of being erased.
This episode is about:
Childhood sexual, physical & emotional abuse by a parent
The psychological damage of manipulation and gaslighting
The courage it takes to speak when the world already chose a side
Breaking generational cycles of abuse
Telling the truth when it costs you everything
This is not his father’s story anymore.This is the truth — told by the person who lived it.

9|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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8|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.
Find Michelle on: Michelle's Instagram
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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.
Contact Larry: ask@larryjsnyder.com
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