Love, Trauma & The Stories We Tell Ourselves

What If Home Was Never a Place?

What happens when you leave the place that shaped you—but never fully felt like you belonged there? In this episode of Dare to Be Us, Ruth sits down with artist, curator, and visual storyteller Nahom Assefa for a conversation that goes far beyond art. Together, they explore what it means to carry multiple identities, navigate life as an immigrant, and question the stories we've inherited about culture, success, faith, and belonging. Nahom shares how growing up in Ethiopia, moving to Canada, and working as a curator transformed the way he sees history, creativity, and even himself. Through powerful reflections on Ethiopian history, the immigrant experience, and the responsibility of storytelling, this conversation invites us to ask: Who decides the story we tell about ourselves? Can we honor our culture without letting it define our future? What happens when home becomes more than a place? Whether you're an artist, an immigrant, someone searching for your identity, or simply curious about the stories that shape us, this episode will challenge the way you think about belonging. In this episode: • Growing up between cultures • The immigrant search for identity • Ethiopian history and the legacy of the Battle of Adwa • Community vs. individualism • Redefining success beyond money • Curating stories and preserving culture • Why art is more than aesthetics—it's communication • Finding your voice in a noisy world If this conversation resonates with you, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who's still discovering where they belong. 💛 Dare to be weird. Dare to heal. Dare to be us. 🎧 New episodes every week. Host: Ruth AKA Yuya Instagram: ⁨@daretobeus⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC_T45loGX-uTShxALFIediA]podcast Tiktok: ⁨@daretobeus⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC_T45loGX-uTShxALFIediA] website/submit your story: daretobeus.com [http://daretobeus.com] Listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! #DareToBeUs #Identity #ImmigrantStories #Ethiopia #Belonging #MentalHealth #Healing #Storytelling #Creativity #Artists #CulturalIdentity #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

Exploration of the neurodivergent mind.

What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start embracing the way your mind naturally works? This week, Ruth sits down with filmmaker, artist, historian, and fellow neurodivergent Daniel MacNeil to explore creativity, ADHD, dyslexia, burnout, history, spirituality, and the unexpected ways curiosity can shape a life. From spending over 500 hours reconstructing the original Fortress of Louisbourg in 3D to discovering why his best ideas arrive during long drives through nature, Daniel shares how learning to trust his unique way of thinking transformed his relationship with himself. Together, they discuss healing after difficult seasons, reconnecting with creativity, journaling, flow state, ancestry, and why sometimes the path to finding yourself begins by embracing what once made you feel different. A thoughtful conversation about identity, imagination, and the courage to create a life that feels authentic. 🎧 New episodes every week. Host: Ruth AKA Yuya Instagram: ⁨@daretobeus⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC_T45loGX-uTShxALFIediA]podcast Tiktok: ⁨@daretobeus⁩ [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC_T45loGX-uTShxALFIediA] website/submit your story: daretobeus.com [http://daretobeus.com] Listen to the podcast on your favourite platform! Guest: Daniel C MacNeil https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17669627/ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm17669627/] https://screennovascotia.com/production-guide/members/daniel-macneil/ [https://screennovascotia.com/production-guide/members/daniel-macneil/] https://www.tiktok.com/@avalonfilmcompany?_r=1&_t=ZS-97EddEB1ccJ [https://www.tiktok.com/@avalonfilmcompany?_r=1&_t=ZS-97EddEB1ccJ] #adhd #neurodivergent #mentalhealth #fortress #amnewbutnottheleast #podcast #Spirituality #history #capebreton #Podcast #DareToBeUs

Love, Trauma & The Stories We Tell Ourselves

What happens when trauma becomes identity? In this deeply vulnerable episode of Dare to Be Us, Ruth and Joe sit down with Dr. Stephen Paul for a raw conversation about healing, masculinity, authenticity, relationships, survival personas, and the stories we build around ourselves. Before the interview, Ruth investigated Dr. Stephen Paul’s public image, business claims, and online persona not to expose him, but to understand the tension between performance and truth in modern self-help culture. Together, they explore: * trauma and childhood conditioning * the identities people create to survive * vulnerability and masculine culture * monogamy vs polyamory * emotional safety and intimacy * spirituality and reinvention * authenticity in the age of social media * healing versus branding healing Joe and Ruth also openly share their opposing perspectives on polyamory, creating a powerful and emotionally honest dialogue around modern relationships and what people truly seek underneath love, sex, success, and connection. This episode isn’t about who is right. It’s about what becomes possible when people are willing to tell the truth. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. 🎙️ FOLLOW & SUPPORT 🌐 Dare to Be Us Dare to Be Us YouTube @daretobeus Insta & Tiktpk @daretobeus 🏠 Rowan House [https://www.rowanhouse.ca?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Website: https://rowan-house.com/ [https://rowan-house.com/] Insta: rowan.house 📖 Follow Dr. Stephen Paul Dr. Stephen Paul Instagram Landing Page: * https://bit.ly/4sIEsbp [https://bit.ly/4sIEsbp] Coaching unique link: * https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Ruth+Rementeria+Mendez&utm_medium=Dare+to+be+us%21+Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-+Ruth+Rementeria+Mendez [https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Ruth+Rementeria+Mendez&utm_medium=Dare+to+be+us%21+Podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-+Ruth+Rementeria+Mendez] Discount Code: VFT23!

Nobody was coming to save me

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode of Dare to Be Us, we sit down with Keonte, singer, speaker, author, and community leader, to explore what it truly means to turn pain into purpose. Growing up in North Preston, Keonte shares how music, community, and lived experience shaped his identity… but also opens up about one of the darkest moments of his life when, at just 12 years old, he began planning to take his life. What followed was a life changing realization: nobody was coming to save him. From that moment, Keonte began a journey of self-discovery, learning how to pour into himself, redefine self-love, and eventually transform his story into a mission to help others, especially children. Through children’s books, speaking, and powerful community work, he now gives young people the words he once needed to hear. This episode dives into: * Healing your inner child * Redefining failure and growth * Letting go of old versions of yourself * Building purpose through pain * The truth about self-love and showing up for yourself This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt alone… this episode is for you. Host: Ruth Insta: @daretobeus Tiktok: @daretobeus Co-Host: Yoseph Insta: @rowan.house Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rowan.Housementalhealth [https://www.facebook.com/Rowan.Housementalhealth] Website: www.rowan-house.com Guest: Kionte Beals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Key.Beals [https://www.facebook.com/Key.Beals] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keontebeals?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/keontebeals?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Website: https://keontebeals.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnF_S9jDG9TK4hI-uXnLkiM8U9R0uzbArfnX6bXKe2pUROad7zM41cLBww7xc_aem_JwHVdn6ScEYY9qtmuSzDBQ [https://keontebeals.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnF_S9jDG9TK4hI-uXnLkiM8U9R0uzbArfnX6bXKe2pUROad7zM41cLBww7xc_aem_JwHVdn6ScEYY9qtmuSzDBQ] Halifax Chamber of Commerce: https://halifaxchamber.com/business-voice/telling-my-true-story/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnUUNhXaMOdNvXbrxaRi1ySHB3ubpVplKu3IE9RBh7O8QUn1cVRXJpzMnqih4_aem_irNgaT8uk0UotjESW6nbRA [https://halifaxchamber.com/business-voice/telling-my-true-story/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnUUNhXaMOdNvXbrxaRi1ySHB3ubpVplKu3IE9RBh7O8QUn1cVRXJpzMnqih4_aem_irNgaT8uk0UotjESW6nbRA] Books: https://keontebeals.com/contact-book-keonte-beals-to-speak [https://keontebeals.com/contact-book-keonte-beals-to-speak]

Between Worlds with Shawn Leonard

In this episode of Dare To Be Us, we welcome Shawn Leonard for an open and thoughtful conversation on spirituality, lived experience, and the mysteries many people carry privately. Shawn shares parts of his personal journey, how spirit first began speaking in his life, and how those experiences evolved into a path of service, teaching, and responsibility. We discuss the Seven Grandfather Teachings, medicine, spirit animals, and the importance of humility and discernment. The conversation also explores larger questions around consciousness, dreams, intuition, divinity, and how to remain grounded while navigating experiences that don’t always fit traditional frameworks. This episode isn’t about belief systems, it’s about curiosity, reflection, and honoring personal experience with balance and respect. Topics include spirituality, healing, consciousness, Indigenous teachings, intuition, shadow and light, aliens, and personal growth.