Love, Trauma & The Stories We Tell Ourselves

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.

Why Healing alone, doesn't work?

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything to heal… and still feel stuck? In this episode of Dare to Be Us, Ruth sits down with Joe for a real, honest conversation about something many people experience, but rarely talk about: Why healing alone doesn’t fully work. We explore the gap between awareness and transformation, the role of the nervous system, and why so many people feel like they’re “doing the work” but not seeing real change. This episode is for you if: * You understand your patterns but still feel stuck * You’ve been doing self-work on your own * You’re ready for deeper, real-life change Because healing isn’t just about what you know… It’s about what you experience, practice, and integrate. In this episode, we talk about: * The self-awareness trap * Why healing happens in relationship * Nervous system safety and real change * The difference between knowing and integrating * What’s actually missing in most healing journeys Deeper support? If this episode resonated with you, you don’t have to do this alone. Explore the SPR Program at Rowan-House.com a space designed for real-life integration, guided support, and meaningful change: 👉 Rowan House [https://rowan-house.com/pages/services] Instagram: @rowan.house Facebook: Rowan-HouseMentalHealth 🎙️ Stay connected with Dare to Be Us: This podcast is a space for real conversations around healing, identity, mental health, and becoming who you truly are. Follow, share, and be part of the community: 👉 Spotify Link [https://open.spotify.com/show/5aYQUapBfNMNMmSHN96DVU?si=475234dda48142a0] 👉 Apple Podcasts Link [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dare-to-be-us-podcast/id1844731500] 👉 [YouTube Link] Instagram: @daretobeus Tiktok: @daretobeus

Broken Secrets

In this episode, I sit down with Denika, author of Broken Secrets, a deeply personal and powerful memoir about surviving childhood sexual abuse, breaking decades of silence, and reclaiming power after trauma. This is not an easy conversation… but it is an important one. Denika shares her journey through grooming, manipulation, and the long lasting impact of trauma, while navigating life as a mother, building a life for her children, and silently carrying the weight of what happened behind closed doors. We talk about: * How trauma shapes the way we see ourselves and others * The hidden reality of survival while “functioning” on the outside * The courage it takes to speak up, even decades later * And the truth that healing is not defined by systems or outcomes This episode holds space for the messy, the painful, and the powerful parts of healing. ✨For survivors ✨ For those breaking cycles ✨ For anyone learning that their voice matters This is a reminder: It is never too late to speak. It is never too late to heal. It is never too late to take your power back.