Intrepid Storytelling

In this full episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Kevin P. Henry to explore surviving childhood trauma, true crime family secrets, and systemic racism.
 
Kevin grew up believing a fabricated tragedy designed to shield him from the horrific truth that his step-siblings were murdered by their stepfather, who set their house on fire to cover up the crime. Uncovering this dark family secret became the catalyst for his lifelong career confronting the most predatory behaviors of human nature, including human trafficking, severe child abuse, and financial devastation. This conversation rigorously examines the agonizing psychological toll of navigating society's ugliest realities, the dangerous ignorance fueled by living in isolated societal "bubbles," and the absolute necessity of forcing uncomfortable dialogues to dismantle generational bias.
 
Chapters:
00:00 The Impact of Childhood Trauma
09:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Purpose
19:45 Navigating Conversations on Race and Inclusion
29:46 The Challenges of DEI Work and Humanity's Dark Side
31:39 Understanding Historical Context and Personal Triggers
34:18 The Evolution of Racial Terminology
37:29 The Importance of Identity and Cultural Understanding
39:31 Navigating Stereotypes and Lived Experiences
45:07 Debunking Misconceptions about DEI
49:17 Equity vs. Equality in Opportunities
53:01 The Value of Lived Experience in Hiring
56:09 The Role of Diversity in Community Engagement
01:00:19 Politics and Its Impact on Business and Community
01:04:03 Understanding DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
01:11:17 The Importance of Education in Addressing Racism
01:20:13 The Relevance of Black Lives Matter Today
01:28:44 Empowering the Next Generation for Change
 
Kevin's Podcast: https://allthewayauthentic.podbean.com/
Kevin's Website: https://kevinphenry.com/
 
Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
Submit Your Story: Email us at IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform:
PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #KevinPHenry #ChildhoodTrauma #SystemicBias #TrueCrimeFamily #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #SWU #documentary

How do you keep living when the person you trusted to co-parent your child turns out to be a monster hiding in plain sight?
 
Ruvyn grew up isolated in a strict Jehovah's Witness household in rural Idaho, surrounded by poverty and abusive stepfathers. Desperate for an escape, she moved out as a teenager, eventually having a daughter and trying to build a normal life. But when her daughter’s biological father proved increasingly negligent, forcing their child to live in squalor and hoard-like conditions, Ruvyn had to fight for sole custody while working three jobs.
 
Just as life seemed to be stabilizing, a single message shattered her world: her ex had been arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison for unthinkable crimes against a vulnerable child. In this raw, heartbreaking, and fiercely inspiring episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Ruvyn opens up about surviving profound betrayal, battling severe depression and OCD, finding her voice on TikTok to fight for legal protection, and the relentless courage it takes to break cycles of trauma and protect your child at all costs.
 
Chapters:
00:00 The Journey of Hope and Transformation
02:46 Sharing Stories for Change
05:32 Growing Up in a Sheltered Environment
10:00 Understanding Relationships and Boundaries
12:52 Adolescence and the Quest for Independence
16:29 Navigating Early Parenthood
20:39 The Struggles of Co-Parenting
24:23 Seeking Stability and Support
29:03 Legal Battles and Custody Challenges
35:27 Finding a New Family Dynamic
38:16 Facing Betrayal and Heartbreak
41:50 Finding Inner Strength
44:41 Navigating Mental Health Challenges
52:36 The Impact of Relationships on Mental Health
58:16 Sharing My Story and Finding Community
01:03:06 Legal Battles and Personal Growth
01:10:12 Empowerment Through Storytelling
 
SUPPORT RUVYN:GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/53ca7034bFOLLOW RUVYN:IG: https://www.instagram.com/alchemy_with_rue/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alchemy_with_rue
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #RuvynWindsor #SurvivorStory #TrueCrimePodcast #TraumaHealing #SingleMotherhood #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch

How do you build a life of service and compassion when your own childhood was defined by poverty, severe abuse, and the harsh realities of the streets?
 
In this raw and unflinching episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with veteran, first responder, and author Tony Charity. Tony opens up about his harrowing journey growing up in the New York City projects during the 1970s and 80s, where he survived severe physical abuse at home and navigated intense racial violence in his neighborhood. From risking his life to stand down a ruthless pimp to defend a classmate's sister, to facing blatant racism in the military and deep within his own political party, Tony's path has been anything but easy.
 
Instead of letting the darkness consume him, Tony channeled his pain into a life dedicated to saving others. He shares his deep passion for his family's genealogy tracing his roots back to a freed slave in 1698, and explains how surviving a world without heroes inspired him to become one for others as a first responder and community volunteer.
 
Chapters:
00:00 From War Zones to Healing Hearts
02:49 The Power of Storytelling
06:09 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
09:01 Chivalry and Respect in Modern Times
11:47 Navigating Identity and Politics
15:11 Experiences of Race and Community
17:58 Resilience Through Adversity
20:54 The Journey to Washington and Beyond
32:23 Racial Dynamics in Education
35:16 Navigating Childhood Challenges
39:09 The Harsh Realities of Urban Life
47:55 Military Life and Its Challenges
01:00:05 Interracial Relationships and Societal Perceptions
01:05:09 Confrontation and Racism in Everyday Life
01:07:03 Journey to Seattle: A New Beginning
01:09:29 Tracing Ancestry: The Charity Clan
01:12:23 The Green Book: A Family Legacy
01:15:49 The Evolution of Poetry: From Personal to Historical
01:22:31 Career Path: From IT to Volunteerism
01:29:45 Volunteering: Making a Difference in the Community
01:35:30 Life Lessons: Seeing and Understanding Others
 
CONNECT WITH TONY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyWCharity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonycharity/
 
Buy SWEET DESTRUCTION BOOK: https://amzn.to/4yj6X3z
Buy the GREEN BOOK: https://amzn.to/4xXtZgd
Order the AUDIO CD: tamaracopeland@aol.com
 
Volunteer with Red Crosee: https://www.redcross.org/
Volunteer with animals: https://wasart.org/
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #TonyCharity #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #OvercomingAdversity #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

How do you go from earning $10.94 an hour as a substitute paraeducator to becoming the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of an entire county?
 
Wil Johnson’s path to leadership was paved with profound challenges, reinvention, and resilience. After dropping out of college and serving as a U.S. Army medic in Alaska, Wil faced a harsh reality during the 2008 recession: despite his military experience and newly earned degrees, he couldn't find a career. Starting at the bottom working one-on-one with aggressive special needs students, Wil learned how to connect with youth who were simply seeking connection, not just attention. Navigating his own personal hardships, including surviving two divorces, he learned the hard way that you have to "put your mask on first" to prioritize your well-being before you can help others.
 
Today, Wil is the host of the At Homish podcast and leads county-wide initiatives for social justice, proving that true equity is about creating environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and a deep sense of belonging.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling
03:00 Will Johnson: A Journey of Diversity and Inclusion
05:20 Growing Up: From Atlanta to the Army
10:49 Life After the Army: Finding My Path
15:53 Navigating Relationships and Moving to Seattle
20:51 Teaching Journey: From Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher
29:54 Behavioral Challenges in Education
40:48 Leadership in Education: Supporting Teachers and Students
43:17 Reflections on George Floyd and Social Justice
50:02 Expanding Community Engagement in Education
56:22 Understanding DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
01:08:39 The Importance of Belonging and Community Support
01:11:50 Future Aspirations and Community Collaborationa
 
CONNECT WITH WIL
Website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/departments/student-success-services/equity-inclusion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wil.johnson1
At-Homish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-homish/id1714534402
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #WilJohnson #OvercomingAdversity #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch

How do you break a generational cycle of severe trauma when you were raised in the darkest of environments?
 
Janus Vallejo grew up enduring severe trauma and profound boundary violations at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect him. After surviving unimaginable horrors in his childhood and later during his military service, his unhealed wounds and profound dissociation manifested in devastating ways. Janus’s unresolved trauma led him down a destructive path where he caused harm to another and faced severe legal consequences. After losing everything, experiencing homelessness, and reaching a point where he nearly ended his own life, a moment of profound honesty in mandatory counseling sparked a turning point.
 
Today, Janus takes full accountability for his past and dedicates his life to the prevention of child abuse. He works directly with men in the prison system and the community to help them break the pattern of harm before it claims another victim. This is a raw, unsettling, and ultimately critical conversation about accountability, the deep roots of intergenerational trauma, and the relentless mission to save just "one less child".
 
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding the Cycle of Abuse
02:48 Janus Vallejo's Journey and Advocacy
05:46 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
08:55 The Role of Family in Abuse Dynamics
11:47 Military Experiences and Trauma
14:53 The Path to Healing and Prevention
17:58 The Complexity of Offending and Recovery
20:51 Statistics and Misconceptions in Abuse
23:57 The Importance of Open Conversations
26:45 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
35:10 The Role of Parental Dynamics in Childhood Trauma
38:02 Confronting the Past: Seeking Accountability
40:46 Understanding Abuse: The Impact of Early Experiences
42:41 Breaking Patterns: Parenting Styles and Their Effects
49:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
55:11 The Power of Service: Transforming Pain into Purpose
01:00:50 Building a Community: The Importance of Connection
01:07:52 Understanding Offenders: The Complexity of Pedophilia
01:10:33 Understanding Pedophilia and Its Complexities
01:15:32 The Role of Society and Labels
01:20:22 Parenting and Its Impact on Children
01:25:37 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment in the Justice System
01:30:08 The Cycle of Abuse and Accountability
01:35:14 Teaching Children About Boundaries and Safety
01:40:10 The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting
01:43:24 Healing Through Sharing and Community Support
 
CONNECT WITH JANUS
Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4eAdNdc
Website: http://www.breakthepatternnow.org
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Janusvaleo
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #JanusVallejo #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

What happens when your timeline for finding "the one" runs out, but your dream of becoming a mother is stronger than ever?
 
Nicole Orr knew she wanted to be a mom since she was a little girl, mapping out a plan to have a husband and four children by her early twenties. But when a difficult childhood, past trauma, and a grueling dating scene left her without a partner by age 30, she took her family planning into her own hands. In this raw and deeply empowering episode, Nicole shares her journey to becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). From the bizarre process of selecting a sperm donor based on a "carefree smile," to the grueling emotional rollercoaster of IUI treatments during the pandemic, Nicole never gave up her dream. She also opens up about her harrowing birth story, which started with plans for an unmedicated water birth and ended in an emergency C-section with a shocking 12.6-pound baby. Nicole’s fight for motherhood is an inspiring look at the resilience and determination it takes to build a family on your own terms.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Dreams of Motherhood: A Journey Begins
03:13 The Power of Storytelling
06:05 Navigating Childhood and Acceptance
09:00 The Quest for Love and Family
12:11 Choosing to Be a Single Mom by Choice
15:03 Building a Support System
17:49 Researching Parenthood Decisions
21:01 Connecting with Donor Siblings
24:05 The Donor Selection Process
29:46 Intentional Family Planning
33:33 The Journey to Parenthood: IUI vs IVF
39:36 Navigating the Two-Week Wait: Emotions and Expectations
46:59 Dreams of a Larger Family: Challenges and Aspirations
52:37 Birth Stories: The Unpredictable Journey of Motherhood
01:04:50 Normalizing Single Parenthood: Dreams and Realities
 
CONNECT WITH NICOLE
EMAIL: nicolekatrineorr@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKatrine
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #NicoleOrr #SingleMomByChoice #MotherhoodJourney #SoloParenting #DonorConceived #IUIJourney #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

What happens when you sit down with your abuser to ask them about their own horrific childhood trauma?
 
In this raw and powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with retired disability attorney and author Jason Prokowiew. Jason shares the harrowing history behind his memoir, War Boys, tracing his father’s journey from a ten-year-old orphan in Nazi-occupied Belarus to a deeply wounded man whose unresolved trauma manifested as severe alcoholism and abuse in his own home. Seeking answers, a 21-year-old Jason made the terrifying decision to interview his father about his wartime past, recording 50 hours of tapes to understand the roots of their generational pain. From finding his voice in an Al-Anon meeting to the agonizing reality of confronting a father who dismissed his abuse as "not that bad," Jason's journey is an unflinching look at breaking destructive family cycles. This episode dives deep into the complexities of healing, surviving, and finding the courage to realize your story matters, without forcing a traditional narrative of neatly packaged forgiveness.
 
Chapters:
00:00 The Impact of War and Family Trauma
12:07 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
23:48 The Journey of Storytelling and Healing
28:45 A Moment of Vulnerability
33:15 The Importance of Storytelling
35:33 Navigating Difficult Conversations
44:16 The Impact of Shared Trauma
51:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
 
BUY THE BOOK:https://amzn.to/43SGUlTCONNECT WITH JASON:
https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com/
www.warboysbook.com
https://www.instagram.com/jasonprokowiew/
https://bsky.app/profile/jasonprokowiew.bsky.social
https://www.amazon.com/War-Boys-Father-Son-Memoir/dp/1949487709
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #JasonProkowiew #GenerationalTrauma #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

Can someone truly change after spending 23 years deeply embedded in the criminal underworld?
 
David Boggs spent over two decades living a high-stakes life, navigating international borders, and utilizing his fluency in seven languages to build an illicit enterprise. But after receiving a five-year prison sentence, he found himself isolated and reflecting on the widespread damage of his choices. To cope with the loss of his relationship and the harsh reality of a broken correctional system, David began writing daily letters from his cell. When his loved one stopped writing back, he kept journaling to maintain his sanity, a practice that eventually birthed his self-published book, No Simple Explanation.
 
In this raw and honest episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with David to discuss the illusion of prison rehabilitation and the crushing weight of trying to rebuild a life when society repeatedly revokes second chances. Despite facing over 20 rescinded job offers due to his background, David shares his unwavering resilience, his three core life philosophies, and his mother’s simple but profound advice: "just keep going".
 
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling
02:31 David Boggs: A Journey of Redemption
05:53 The Birth of 'No Simple Explanation'
10:06 Reflections on Prison and Rehabilitation
12:20 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Stigmas
17:27 Life Lessons and Philosophies
39:00 The Power of Storytelling and Community
 
BUY THE BOOK:
https://amzn.to/4vrGHCo
 
CONNECT WITH DAVID:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578915953091
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories.
Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters.
If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #DavidBoggs #TrueStory #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAdversity #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

How do you find your way back to life when you're sleeping in a freezing tent in a trap house backyard, and the drugs make you forget you are even a mother?
 
Madyson's life began to spiral after her parents separated when she was twelve years old. What started as running away and adolescent rebellion led to a harrowing eight-year fight for survival on the streets. Unable to care for her children, she made the agonizing choice to leave them with someone safe while she faced homelessness. Madyson endured brutal domestic violence, crystal meth addiction, and sex trafficking just to secure a warm place to sleep. She hit rock bottom surviving in a tent, believing her life was over. However, a brutally honest intervention from an arresting officer and the organization "The More We Love" provided her with a life-saving scholarship to rehab.
 
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Intrepid Storytelling with Deanna Powell, Madyson shares her grueling journey. She details the darkest corners of her abuse, her powerful surrender to recovery, and how she rebuilt her self-worth from the ground up. Today, Madyson is a peer advocate helping other women escape the streets, fighting to reunify with her own children, and proving that no matter how far down you go, a second chance is always possible.
 
Chapters:
00:00 Journey Through Darkness: A Life of Struggle
06:31 The Impact of Childhood: Family Dynamics and Early Choices
14:13 The Descent: Addiction and Domestic Violence
19:29 Hitting Rock Bottom: A Turning Point
24:42 Finding Hope: The Path to Recovery
30:40 Rebuilding Life: A Year of Transformation
39:47 The Power of Connection and Support
42:43 Embracing Gratitude and Personal Growth
46:04 The Ripple Effect of Recovery
51:25 Facing Fears and Building Resilience
56:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
01:01:45 The Importance of Community and Advocacy
01:07:05 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
01:12:30 Dreaming Big and Achieving the Unimaginable
 
CONNECT WITH MADYSON:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madyson.elisabeth
Website: https://www.themorewelove.org/
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories.
Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
Your story matters.
 
If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #Madyson #AddictionRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

Have you ever felt like your life was suddenly interrupted, forcing you to rewrite your entire future from scratch?
 
Laurie Hardie stepped away from a burgeoning radio career to build her dream family, but in a single season, her life collapsed. While pregnant with her third child, her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury, she was in a severe car accident on the exact same day, and soon after, she uncovered a life-altering truth: her husband was secretly gay. Suddenly a single mother of three, including a child with extreme ADHD, Laurie found herself living in a camper at a Bible camp just to survive.
 
From surviving a dangerous second marriage to fighting her way back into the highly competitive radio industry at 40, Laurie’s journey is a testament to the raw strength of a mother's love. Today, as a beloved radio personality and podcast coach, she helps others turn their life’s biggest interruptions into powerful legacies. Join host Deanna Powell for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, the healing magic of sharing your truth, and why it is never too late to use your voice.
 
Chapters:
00:00 The Power of Storytelling
10:00 Navigating Personal Challenges
19:49 The Journey into Podcasting
30:08 Childhood Memories and Their Impact
39:08 Embracing Change and New Beginnings
42:58 Navigating Parenthood and Work
46:42 Pursuing Dreams Against All Odds
51:57 The Power of Storytelling
57:14 Legacy and Life Lessons
01:01:25 Creating a Platform for Others
01:06:26 The Importance of Listening
 
CONNECT WITH LAURIE
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.hardie.7
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063929558318&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7daypodcastpro/
Website: http://www.coachlaurie.com/
 
Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
 
🎧 Watch and listen on your favorite podcast app: YouTube | Facebook | PodBean | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music
 
Your story matters. If you’d like to share it with us, email IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
 
#IntrepidStorytelling #LaurieHardie #TrueStory #SingleMomSurvivor #WomensResilience #LifeInterruptions #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch