I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete

I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion Therapy

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 2 Lewis Crompton | I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion Therapy Dean James sits down with Lewis Crompton for a powerful and unflinching conversation about the hidden reality of gay conversion therapy in the UK. As a teenager, Lewis was drawn into an evangelical church with deep American roots, a place where fear was disguised as faith, and where a charismatic youth leader pushed extreme, restrictive beliefs that slowly reshaped his world. What began as community soon became control, pulling Lewis into years of internal conflict and shame. For over a decade, he lived under the weight of teachings that told him he was broken, sinful, and in need of “fixing.” But when Lewis finally confronted the truth of his sexuality, everything changed. He began dismantling the harmful narratives he’d been conditioned to believe, reclaiming his identity piece by piece. That journey - painful, courageous, and deeply human - became the foundation of the proud, grounded, and powerful man he is today. Trading became Lewis’s lifeline. It offered not just financial freedom, but emotional liberation - a way to step beyond the confines of the church and build a life defined by autonomy, confidence, and purpose. Today, he lives openly and joyfully with his husband, and leads Start Trading, where he mentors people around the world through workshops, education, and strategic wealth training. His expertise has been featured in Bloomberg, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, The Sun, The Metro, and more. And now, Lewis is on a mission far bigger than himself: to help one million families reduce financial stress and create more freedom in their lives through smart, strategic wealth management. This episode is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary strength it takes to rewrite your own story - no matter where it began. Learn more about Lewis' work here...Lewis Crompton Website [https://lewiscrompton.co.uk/home/]. Get involved with Start Trading. [https://startradingnow.com/] Follow Lewis Here: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/withlewiscrompton/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@withlewiscrompton] If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, or want to join the fight to ban gay conversion therapy in the UK, please use the following links: Stonewall UK [https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/ban-conversion-practices/everything-you-need-know-about-conversion-practices] Mind [https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-policy-work/conversion-therapy-ban/] Ban Gay Conversion Therapy - USDAW [https://www.usdaw.org.uk/member-support/help-and-advice/equalities/lgbtplus/ban-conversion-therapy/] Ban Gay Conversion Therapy - Gov.UK [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/banning-conversion-therapy/banning-conversion-therapy#how-to-respond] Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help! www.u2bdc.com [https://open.acast.com/networks/66bf306447151aa1d3c5bc07/shows/66bf317747151aa1d3c63970/episodes/www.u2bdc.com] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1lfS9VJJVYys8bEhNUMqZ1?si=b9d99966730f4d33] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u2bdc-used-to-bes-do-count/id1764966220] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkXzxsrWqMcAj4rLY9TCsA] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/438a8945-f733-4be8-9bbe-a74c500b293d/u2bdc-used-to-be's-do-count] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001182851] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/u2bdc.pod/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563487515578] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@u2bdc] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I Used To Be...A Caregiver

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 1 Susan Bloom | I Used To Be...A Caregiver Equine Gestalt specialist Susan Bloom sits down with Dean James for an unfiltered and deeply human conversation about love, loss, and the extraordinary strength required to keep showing up when life keeps knocking you down. Susan shares the raw reality of becoming a full‑time caregiver to her husband after he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. Walking away from her career, reshaping her entire life, and pouring every ounce of herself into his care. After years of complications and relentless health battles, Susan’s husband sadly passed away, leaving her to navigate a grief that reshaped her from the inside out. In this conversation, Susan opens her heart even further, speaking with courage about surviving breast cancer and the ongoing journey of caring for her son, who lives with seizures. Her story is one of endurance, devotion, and the quiet heroism so many caregivers carry without recognition. Today, Susan channels her lived experience into powerful, transformative work. Through her Equine Gestalt therapeutic programme, she supports caregivers, individuals, couples, and groups, helping them process trauma, grief, reconnect with themselves, and find healing through the profound connection between humans and horses. Based in Oskaloosa, Kansas, Susan also works with clients remotely, extending her compassion and expertise far beyond her local community. Discover more about Susan’s work and her mission to bring connection, healing, and synergy to those who need it most...Connections And Synergy Website [https://connectionandsynergy.com/]. Follow Susan here: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionAndSynergy/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connectionandsynergy/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-bloom-20522119/] If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links: Carers UK [https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/] Carers Trust [https://carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you] Embracing Carers [https://www.embracingcarers.com/support-for-carers/] Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help! www.u2bdc.com [https://open.acast.com/networks/66bf306447151aa1d3c5bc07/shows/66bf317747151aa1d3c63970/episodes/www.u2bdc.com] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1lfS9VJJVYys8bEhNUMqZ1?si=b9d99966730f4d33] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u2bdc-used-to-bes-do-count/id1764966220] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkXzxsrWqMcAj4rLY9TCsA] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/438a8945-f733-4be8-9bbe-a74c500b293d/u2bdc-used-to-be's-do-count] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001182851] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/u2bdc.pod/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563487515578] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@u2bdc] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 12 Dan Cooper | I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape More than two decades ago, at just 19 years old, Dan Cooper’s life was shattered by a devastating sexual assault at the hands of someone he knew and trusted. What followed were years of battling the hidden scars - both mental and physical - that lingered long after the attack. Eventually, Dan found the strength to report the assault for a second time, and after months of enduring the complexities of the criminal justice system, his perpetrator was finally put to justice. In this raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic episode, Dan sits down with Dean James to share the truth behind his journey; how he fought through trauma, navigated the courts, and faced the overwhelming glare of media attention. His story is not just about survival, but about reclaiming power and finding purpose in the aftermath of pain. Today, Dan has transformed his experience into a mission. Through social media, he amplifies his voice to reach others who may feel silenced, offering hope, insight and solidarity. Beyond his advocacy, he serves as a mental health and well-being coach and dedicates himself to protecting others as a Fire Fighter. Proof that resilience can ignite strength, and that even the darkest chapters can lead to a life of impact. Follow Dan here: TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@dancooper900281] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dc900281/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cooper-553a98b8/] Find out more about Dan's Story here: BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0ml41n72kyo] If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links: Rape Crisis [https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/supporting-a-survivor/] The Survivor's Trust [https://thesurvivorstrust.org/] CALM [https://www.thecalmzone.net/] Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/] Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help! www.u2bdc.com [https://open.acast.com/networks/66bf306447151aa1d3c5bc07/shows/66bf317747151aa1d3c63970/episodes/www.u2bdc.com] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1lfS9VJJVYys8bEhNUMqZ1?si=b9d99966730f4d33] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u2bdc-used-to-bes-do-count/id1764966220] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkXzxsrWqMcAj4rLY9TCsA] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/438a8945-f733-4be8-9bbe-a74c500b293d/u2bdc-used-to-be's-do-count] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001182851] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/u2bdc.pod/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563487515578] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@u2bdc] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I Used To Be...Physically Dependent

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 11 Joe O'Connor | I Used To Be...Physically Dependent At 14, Joe survived a near-fatal road accident. At 32, he fell 400 feet during SAS selection, breaking his neck and facing a prognosis of lifelong paralysis. In between, he served with distinction in the British Army, became a top-tier financial adviser in the City of London, and earned elite status as a Class 1 Army PTI and bomb disposal expert. But Joe’s story doesn’t end with survival...it’s about reinvention. After losing everything post-injury, he rebuilt his life from the ground up. Today, he’s the founder of The Transformer Company, a six-time Times-recognized top UK coach, and a man on a mission to help 1 million veterans achieve financial and personal success. In this powerful conversation with Dean James, Joe opens up about the mindset that helped him overcome trauma, paralysis, and personal loss. He reflects on lessons from the battlefield that apply to business, money, and everyday life. He inspires people to choose purpose after devastation, and discusses why resilience is a decision and perspective is everything when facing life’s toughest challenges. Joe’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. He turned pain into purpose - and how you can too. Find out more about Joe's work here: Joe Teams Success Club [https://www.joeteams.com/] The Transformer [https://thetransformer.co.uk/] Transformation For Veterans [https://transformationforveterans.org.uk/#navigation] Follow Joe here: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the1transformer] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjoeoconnor/] If you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links: Help For Heroes [https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/] The Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/] Mind [https://www.mind.org.uk/] CALM [https://www.thecalmzone.net/] Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help! www.u2bdc.com [https://open.acast.com/networks/66bf306447151aa1d3c5bc07/shows/66bf317747151aa1d3c63970/episodes/www.u2bdc.com] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1lfS9VJJVYys8bEhNUMqZ1?si=b9d99966730f4d33] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u2bdc-used-to-bes-do-count/id1764966220] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkXzxsrWqMcAj4rLY9TCsA] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/438a8945-f733-4be8-9bbe-a74c500b293d/u2bdc-used-to-be's-do-count] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001182851] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/u2bdc.pod/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563487515578] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@u2bdc] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 10 Michael Bugary | I Used To Be...A Pro Athlete Michael Bugary rose from a promising young athlete to the Major Leagues, playing baseball for the Boston Red Sox. But a brutal arm injury shattered his career - and his identity. In this raw and honest episode he speaks to Dean James about spiralling into addiction and depression, and later facing a brain tumour the size of a lacrosse ball. After surviving multiple surgeries and cancer treatments, his battle with mental health and addiction continued...until he met Lingo. His therapy dog gave him new purpose and hope. Lingo helped Michael focus on his recovery and live in the moment, accepting what he can't change, but working hard to change what he could no longer accept. Now sober and thriving, Michael channels his journey into public speaking, inspiring audiences worldwide. His debut book, The Disease of Me, is set to release soon - a raw, powerful account of resilience, recovery, and reinvention. Find out more here...Michael Bugary [https://www.michaelbugary.com/] Be the first to hear about the release of The Disease of Me...Sign Up to the Waitlist [https://www.michaelbugary.com/the-disease-of-me] Follow Michael: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mbugary/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bugary-29802a323/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@michael.bugary?] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/michael.bugary.2025] If you were affected by any of the themes explored in this episode: UK Based: Mind [https://www.mind.org.uk/] Alcoholics Anonymous [https://www.aa.org/] Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/] USA Based: Help [https://www.help.org/] Mental Health America [https://mhanational.org/] Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help! www.u2bdc.com [https://open.acast.com/networks/66bf306447151aa1d3c5bc07/shows/66bf317747151aa1d3c63970/episodes/www.u2bdc.com] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1lfS9VJJVYys8bEhNUMqZ1?si=b9d99966730f4d33] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u2bdc-used-to-bes-do-count/id1764966220] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkXzxsrWqMcAj4rLY9TCsA] Amazon Music [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/438a8945-f733-4be8-9bbe-a74c500b293d/u2bdc-used-to-be's-do-count] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1001182851] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/u2bdc.pod/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563487515578] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@u2bdc] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.