37|Breaking Generational Cycles: Angelina Mojica’s Story

42|Immigrating to America with $6 to Flipping a Senate Seat: Mona Das' Story

What happens when you achieve your wildest dream, only to discover the system was designed to keep you out?   Mona Das immigrated to the U.S. from India at eight months old with a family who had only $6 to their name. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1970s, she never saw leaders who looked like her, leaving her to believe her only acceptable career options were becoming a doctor or an engineer. But an audacious dream and a powerful moment of representation, seeing a yard sign for Pramila Jayapal, inspired her to eventually run for the Washington State Senate in a race where only 12 people believed she could win. After personally knocking on 8,000 doors, she resolutely defied the odds and flipped the district.   However, her historic victory was just the beginning of a much harder battle. Mona faced blatant sexism and racism behind closed caucus doors, leading to an incredibly lonely and highly publicized moment where she bravely called out her own colleagues for their hate and ignorance. In this deeply honest episode, Mona opens up about the painful reality of institutional bias, the cost of refusing to apologize for speaking the truth, her legislative legacy protecting the environment, and how she is now shifting her focus to raise $1 billion for women entrepreneurs.   Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to Leadership 02:49 Inspiration and Representation 06:05 Overcoming Barriers to Entry 08:49 The Power of Visualization 12:00 Legislative Achievements and Impact 15:01 Lessons Learned in Office 17:55 Reflections on Political Experience 23:56 Mentorship and Influences 26:39 Facing Racism and Sexism in Politics 32:02 Standing in Truth and Resilience 36:05 Understanding Systemic Inequities 39:10 The Last Gasp of Patriarchy 42:58 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs   FOLLOW MONA: Website: www.monadas.org [http://www.monadas.org] Movie: www.bawdkas.com [http://www.bawdkas.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmonadas/ [https://www.instagram.com/realmonadas/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monadas/ [https://www.facebook.com/monadas/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monadas/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monadas/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/monadas [https://twitter.com/monadas] TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@senatormonadas [http://www.tiktok.com/@senatormonadas] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/monadas.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/monadas.bsky.social] Write to Mona Das: mona@monadas.org [mona@monadas.org]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [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@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #MonaDas #WomenInPolitics #OvercomingRacism #ImmigrantStory #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

41|Surviving Heroin, Hell, and Holy Trauma: Derek Lambert’s Story

What happens when the religion meant to save you becomes a prison, and the drugs you use to escape become a death sentence?   Derek Lambert, host of the MythVision podcast, spent his early life terrified of hell and desperate for divine approval. Trapped in a cycle of religious guilt, shame, and a desperate need to be a "good boy," Derek turned to substances to numb the overwhelming noise in his head. What started with early alcohol abuse and weed soon spiraled into a devastating dependency on painkillers and, eventually, heroin. He was blacking out, destroying his relationships, and drowning in a life he couldn't control.   But hitting absolute rock bottom forced Derek to do the unthinkable: confront his severe addiction and dismantle the foundational beliefs of his entire life. In this raw and deeply honest episode, Derek opens up about the grueling reality of opiate withdrawals, the terror of leaving his faith behind, and how walking away from the church ultimately helped him find true sobriety, peace, and his authentic self.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 02:10 The Power of Storytelling 04:44 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics 10:21 Religious Upbringing and Early Beliefs 14:20 Struggles with Faith and Connection 20:28 Aha Moments and Transformative Experiences 27:07 Navigating Doubts and Beliefs 34:10 Struggles with Faith and Self-Perception 39:48 The Burden of Sin and Shame 44:37 The Psychological Impact of Religious Narratives 51:11 The Descent into Addiction 57:32 The Journey of Deconversion and Self-Discovery 01:09:09 The Catalyst of Change: Richard Rohr and Universalism 01:12:54 The Love of God: Universalism vs. Traditional Beliefs 01:16:09 Progressive Christianity: A Church for Everyone 01:19:02 The Problem of Evil: Questioning God's Love 01:22:52 Predestination and the Nature of God's Love 01:26:17 Deconstructing Hell: Myths and Realities 01:30:05 Imagining Hell: Nightmares and Cultural Influences 01:37:49 Mythology and the Bible: Interconnections and Inspirations 01:44:29 The Miraculous Transformation: Water to Wine 01:48:20 Mythological Parallels: Dionysus, Attis, and Jesus 01:52:10 The Influence of Greek Myths on Christianity 01:53:06 Personal Journeys: Sobriety and Recovery 02:05:27 Finding Authenticity: The Path to Self-Discovery   FOLLOW DEREK YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MythVisionPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@MythVisionPodcast] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derek.lambert3 [https://www.facebook.com/derek.lambert3] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dereklambert_7/ [https://www.instagram.com/dereklambert_7/] Website: https://mythvisionpodcast.com/ [https://mythvisionpodcast.com/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [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@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #DerekLambert #AddictionRecovery #ReligiousDeconstruction #HeroinSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

40|Groomed, Abandoned, and Broken: How Forrest Lang Survived Abuse, Found Brotherhood, and Rebuilt His Life

What happens when the people meant to protect you become the ones who cause the deepest wounds?   In this raw and deeply moving episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Forrest Lang shares his story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, grooming, and abandonment while in foster care. At just 12 years old, Forrest was placed in a situation no child should ever endure, left unprotected and unheard by the very adults responsible for his safety.   This conversation sheds light on the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma, the failures within the foster care system, and what it means to carry pain that was never yours to begin with.   But this is not just a story of trauma; it’s a story of resilience.   Forrest opens up about how joining the United States Marine Corps gave him something he had never experienced before: brotherhood, structure, and a sense of belonging. Through that experience, he began to rediscover his worth, rebuild his identity, and reclaim control over his life.   Today, Forrest has written a book, Angel Blue: A Song Of Redemption, and he's carved out a new path as a tattoo artist in La Jolla, California, transforming pain into art and helping others tell their stories through ink.   This episode is for anyone navigating trauma, healing from abuse, or searching for purpose after being broken by life.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 03:00 The Importance of Sharing Personal Stories 05:52 Childhood Trauma and Its Long-Term Effects 08:48 The Journey of Healing and Redemption 11:56 Navigating Relationships After Trauma 14:46 The Impact of Abuse on Identity and Self-Perception 18:06 The Role of Advocacy and Awareness 20:55 The Complexity of Forgiveness and Justice 24:11 Life After Trauma: Finding Purpose 26:50 The Power of Resilience and Community Support 34:27 Facing Trauma and Legal Battles 40:02 The Aftermath of Acquittal and Homelessness 41:55 Seeking Redemption Through Military Service 49:53 Rebuilding Life After War 51:50 The Power of Initiation and Healing 56:03 Rediscovering Self-Worth and Purpose 01:00:17 Navigating the Publishing World 01:03:06 A Mission to Help Others Through Storytelling   FOLLOW FORREST Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JJdag9jh1/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1JJdag9jh1/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrestlangofficial?igsh=MTZwOXcyNjB5dHlzMA== [https://www.instagram.com/forrestlangofficial?igsh=MTZwOXcyNjB5dHlzMA==] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forrestlang?_r=1&_t=ZP-95C8fslNWBy [https://www.tiktok.com/@forrestlang?_r=1&_t=ZP-95C8fslNWBy]   BUY THE BOOK - ANGEL BLUE: A SONG OF REDEMPTION: https://angelbluebook.com/ [https://angelbluebook.com/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [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@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #ForrestLang #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

39|Arrested for Rescuing Beagles from Ridglan Farms Testing Lab: Amanda Olejarz’s Story

What if you were treated like a terrorist simply for saving a tortured puppy from a testing lab?   Growing up, Amanda Olejarz was relentlessly bullied for her deep empathy and refusal to eat animals. Inspired by her grandmother, who reasoned with a soldier to save her grandfather from Auschwitz, Amanda learned early on that direct action works. That realization eventually transformed her from a quiet, bullied child into a courageous animal rights activist willing to put everything on the line. In this raw and impactful episode, Amanda takes us inside the harrowing reality of the Ridglan Farms testing lab, where thousands of beagles are born into wire cages and bred for vivisection. She details thea intense reality of participating in an open rescue, facing tear gas, risking prison, and the life-changing moment she pulled a terrified beagle named "Darling" to safety. This is an unsettling yet profoundly inspiring look at the dark side of animal testing and the incredible lengths one everyday person will go to in order to fight for the voiceless.   Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Animal Rescue and Activism 08:12 Growing Up Different: A Journey of Compassion 16:11 Finding My Voice: The Path to Activism 23:46 The Ridgeland Farms Rescue: A Day of Action 32:04 Building a Community: The Importance of Support 39:59 The Future of Animal Rights: Raising Awareness and Activism 42:50 The Reality of Animal Testing 48:11 The Rescue Mission and Arrests 01:01:23 Taking Action for Animal Rights   SUPPORT THE CAUSE: savethedogs.io [http://savethedogs.io] savethedogs.uk [http://savethedogs.uk]   FOLLOW AMANDA: FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589023194957 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589023194957] IG: https://www.instagram.com/greenpillpack [https://www.instagram.com/greenpillpack] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenpillpack [https://www.tiktok.com/@greenpillpack]   CONTACT AMANDA FOR COACHING: https://www.skool.com/self-care-savages-6694/about [https://www.skool.com/self-care-savages-6694/about] amandalacoaching@gmail.com [amandalacoaching@gmail.com]   READY TO GO VEGAN? https://challenge22.com/ [https://challenge22.com/] https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CNQa2naPC/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CNQa2naPC/]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [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@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #AmandaOlejarz #AnimalRescueStory #AnimalRights #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch #RidglanFarms #Wayne Hsiung #The Simple Heart

38|Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Jessica Decker’s Story

How do you build a beautiful, stable life when your early years were defined by chaos?   Jessica Decker spent her early childhood trying to survive, stepping in to care for her younger siblings while living in a highly unstable environment. At just ten years old, she was removed from her home and thrust into the foster care system, leading to heartbreaking separations from the siblings she had helped raise. Eventually, Jessica found an unlikely refuge: she was raised by nuns at the Carmelite Home for Girls, where she learned the importance of making her own positive choices.   Despite enduring profound betrayal and unimaginable trauma throughout her youth and adulthood, Jessica refused to let her past define her or follow in the destructive footsteps of her family. From finding resilience in the military to becoming a fiercely devoted single mother, Jessica shares her raw, intrepid journey of taking back her power, cutting out toxicity, and breaking generational cycles. Her fearless story of survival reminds us of a powerful truth she learned in boot camp: "Pain is only temporary".   Chapters: 00:00 Unveiling the Past: A Journey of Trauma 07:10 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 14:35 Navigating Foster Care: A Search for Stability 21:55 Finding Support: The Role of Nuns in Healing 29:26 Life After Foster Care: Reconnecting with Siblings 36:33 Military Service: A New Chapter of Strength 47:08 Overcoming Adversity: The Bootcamp Experience 51:54 Life After the Military: Finding a New Path 52:52 Navigating Relationships: Lessons from the Past 55:13 Single Motherhood: Challenges and Triumphs 01:01:15 Self-Discovery: Embracing Solitude and Independence 01:13:09 Healing Through Storytelling: The Power of Sharing 01:29:11 Legacy of Resilience: Choosing to Rise Above   CONNECT WITH JESSICA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.decker.737 [https://www.facebook.com/jessica.decker.737] INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mommaof1joce/ [https://www.instagram.com/mommaof1joce/]   BUY HER CHILDREN'S BOOKS Raising a Busy Brain: A Mother's Journey Through ADHD: https://amzn.to/48tDk4p [https://amzn.to/48tDk4p] Still Showing Up: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Men: https://amzn.to/4tHwAZa [https://amzn.to/4tHwAZa] I’m Doing My Best: A Real-Life Journal for Overwhelmed Women: https://amzn.to/4vTSxWn [https://amzn.to/4vTSxWn] My Busy Brain Feels Big Emotions: https://amzn.to/4mRFtg1 [https://amzn.to/4mRFtg1] My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: AmznAmazon.com: My Busy Brain: It's okay to think differently: 9798257557200: Decker, Jessica: Books [https://amzn.to/4cVdY0B]   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling [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@gmail.com]   #IntrepidStorytelling #JessicaDecker #SurvivorStory #ChildhoodTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast