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

48|Surviving the Streets, Trafficking, and Addiction: Madyson Elisabeth’s Story

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 [https://www.facebook.com/madyson.elisabeth] Website: https://www.themorewelove.org/ [https://www.themorewelove.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 #Madyson #AddictionRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

47|Finding My Voice After My Husband Left Me for a Man: Laurie Hardie’s Story

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/laurie.hardie.7] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063929558318&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web# [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063929558318&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7daypodcastpro/ [https://www.instagram.com/7daypodcastpro/] Website: http://www.coachlaurie.com/ [http://www.coachlaurie.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 #LaurieHardie #TrueStory #SingleMomSurvivor #WomensResilience #LifeInterruptions #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

46|Escaping A S*x-Trafficking AA Cult: Mandi Pagliarini's Story

What happens when the group that promises to save you turns into a trap designed to control your entire life?   Adopted at birth and struggling to navigate the intense isolation of her teenage years, Mandi Pagliarini was desperate for connection and understanding. After a traumatic incident and a subsequent stint in a psychiatric facility in the 1990s, she was introduced to a seemingly vibrant and welcoming 12-step group for young adults. But this “support group”, who organized under the unregulated shelter of an (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous group. For seven years, Mandi endured extreme isolation, psychological control, and grooming tactics.   In this raw and impactful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Mandi sits down with Deanna Powell to recount her harrowing descent into the group, the undeniable red flags she finally recognized, and the immense courage it took to escape and rebuild her life from scratch at 22. Today, Mandi transforms her painful past into a powerful mission, educating parents and teens on how to trust their intuition, spot the subtle tactics of predators, and navigate difficult conversations with our kids about safety.   Chapters: 00:00 Struggles of Control and Freedom 02:31 Introduction to Mandy Pagliarini 03:44 The Importance of Early Conversations 08:54 The Power of Storytelling 10:44 Childhood and Adoption Trauma 17:02 Adolescence and Rebellion 22:35 Navigating Relationships and Consent 26:42 Mental Health Challenges and Support Systems 31:31 Finding Community in Recovery 34:21 The Influence of Peer Groups 37:31 Manipulation and Control in Recovery Groups 40:20 Recognizing Exploitation 43:40 The Turning Point 46:57 Breaking Free from Control 51:42 Rebuilding Life After a Cult 56:40 The Importance of Supportive Relationships 01:01:11 Reflections on Recovery and Cult Dynamics 01:03:26 Understanding Recovery Options 01:08:44 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships 01:12:24 The Importance of Intuition 01:18:10 Empowering Conversations with Children 01:25:29 Navigating Male Victimhood 01:30:37 Transforming Pain into Purpose   CONNECT WITH MANDI: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandipagliarini [https://www.facebook.com/mandipagliarini] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandiptalkspredators/ [https://www.instagram.com/mandiptalkspredators/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandiptalkspredators [https://www.tiktok.com/@mandiptalkspredators] Website: https://www.mandiptalkspredators.com/ [https://www.mandiptalkspredators.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 #MandiPagliarini #CultSurvivor #GroomingAwareness #SurvivorStory #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

45|Escaping The 4-Million-Member WMSCOG Cult: Mitch Cunico's Story

What happens when you dedicate your life to a church, only to realize you’re trapped in a highly manipulative organization that controls your marriage, your money, and your freedom?   Mitch Cunico was an assistant in church leadership, a massive, multi-billion-dollar South Korean religious group with 4 million members worldwide. Pressured into an arranged marriage, forced to work grueling 70 to 120-hour weeks without pay, and coerced into surrendering up to $7,000 a month, Mitch slowly uncovered the terrifying reality behind the church's doors.   When Mitch finally dared to question the leadership and step down, the church retaliated with attempted blackmail, private investigators, and Scientology-style "fair game" tactics designed to destroy his life and alienate his wife. Despite facing intense intimidation and a painful, coerced divorce, Mitch refuses to be bullied into silence. Now, he is fighting back on the frontlines with the Bible Vaccine Center to expose the alarming rise of East Asian mega-cults and help others break free before it's too late.   Chapters: 00:00 The Journey into Cult Life 02:48 Understanding Cult Dynamics and Counter Cult Apologetics 06:11 Childhood and Military Background 09:08 The Allure of the World Mission Society Church of God 12:03 The Growth and Structure of the Cult 14:56 Life Inside the Cult: Daily Routines and Expectations 18:11 Financial Exploitation and Control 20:46 Transitioning from Military to Cult Life 24:11 The Struggles of Social Life in a Cult 26:58 Theological Perspectives and Biblical Interpretation 29:51 Preservation of Scripture and Faith Challenges 32:54 Understanding Cult Dynamics and Biblical Knowledge 34:34 Personal Journey: From Belief to Doubt 39:45 Manipulation and Control in Cults 47:23 The Fight Against Cult Influence 55:07 Counter-Cult Efforts and Community Support   FOLLOW MITCH YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cult_audit?si=l3jBQLQ6tXkiyPG3 [https://youtube.com/@cult_audit?si=l3jBQLQ6tXkiyPG3] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cult_audit?igsh=MXU4YWZjdGFiN2NtcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/cult_audit?igsh=MXU4YWZjdGFiN2NtcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] Bible Vaccine Center International: https://biblevaccinecenter.com/ [https://biblevaccinecenter.com/]   🎧 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 #MitchCunico #CultSurvivor #ReligiousTrauma #CultDefector #TrueStory #SpiritualAbuse #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

44|Single Motherhood by Choice, Infertility, & The Open Road: Shae Beaudoin’s Story

Do you have to wait for the "perfect partner" to start the family of your dreams?   For Shae Beaudoin, the answer was a resounding no. Realizing early on that she had no desire for a traditional romantic relationship, Shae faced a crossroad: abandon her lifelong dream of becoming a mother, or chart her own path. In this honest and deeply personal episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Shae opens up to host Deanna Powell about her ongoing journey to become a Single Mom by Choice (SMBC).   Shae gets raw about the physical and emotional toll of battling debilitating PCOS, the heartbreak and financial strain of failed IUI fertility treatments, and her preparation for the IVF process. She also dives into the profound responsibility of selecting a sperm donor who honors her Guamanian roots, and why having open conversations with donor-conceived children from birth is essential. Beyond family planning, Shae shares how she took major life risks, from touring the country with the Warped Tour to becoming an independent travel advisor specializing in solo travel. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to fit into society's "normal" box to build a beautiful, fulfilling life.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 02:10 Journey to Becoming a Single Mom by Choice 04:25 Growing Up and Influences 11:23 Career Path and Passion for Music 22:22 Exploring Family Planning Options 24:08 Researching Single Motherhood and Donor Selection 36:36 Navigating the Challenges of Donor Conception 39:29 Navigating Childhood Emotions 42:14 The Journey to Parenthood 44:33 The Single Parent Experience 48:44 Understanding Fertility Treatments 55:00 The Importance of Community 01:01:22 Overcoming Obstacles and Pursuing Dreams   FOLLOW SHAE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeUnlockedWithLux [https://www.youtube.com/@LifeUnlockedWithLux] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewith_lux [https://www.instagram.com/lifewith_lux] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewith_lux [https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewith_lux] Website: https://luxlandmarks.com/ [https://luxlandmarks.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 #ShaeBeaudoin #SingleMomByChoice #IVFJourney #PCOSAwareness #DonorConceived #SoloTravel #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch