I Didn't Know I Was Smuggling Cocaine

I Didn't Know I Was Smuggling Cocaine

In this episode, I sit down with Niki as she shares the unbelievable chain of events that led to her preparing to self-surrender to federal prison. Nikki opens up about losing her grandmother at a young age, growing up around addiction, unresolved childhood trauma, and the lifelong need to prove that she had everything together. Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. → Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://Wayfair.com [https://wayfair.com/] right now to shop all things home. → AquaTru | Go to https://AquaTru.com [https://aquatru.com/] now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.  On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:41 - A childhood growing up with parents addicted to crack→ 00:05:21 - A last-minute trip to Vegas→ 00:06:20 - Who did Nikki meet on the flight to Vegas?→ 00:18:06 - What happened when Nikki and her friends flew to Guadalajara?→ 00:23:16 - What were the red flags?→ 00:27:48 - Stopped at a checkpoint→ 00:31:36 - Why did a federal agent suddenly contact Nikki?→ 00:35:29 - How did this unexpectedly lead the federal government to Nikki?→ 00:40:14 - What was it like being interrogated by federal agents?→ 00:42:23 - $2 million worth in her truck…→ 00:45:32 - What was it like living in legal purgatory for 8 years?→ 00:50:26 - How did Nikki manage to reduce her sentence?→ 00:54:44 - Why is Nikki actually excited to finally go to prison?→ 01:01:19 - How does Nikki feel now that this chapter of her life is finally ending? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison [https://youtu.be/OQRab4JgnZg] More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

My Boyfriend Trafficked Me to His Friends

Deanna is sharing a part of her story she never thought she would tell publicly. After growing up in a deeply controlling religious environment, she entered adulthood without a clear understanding of boundaries, consent, or her own self-worth, leaving her vulnerable to relationships filled with manipulation, coercive control, abuse, and addiction.  She opens up about being groomed and sexually coerced by a partner, losing herself in unhealthy relationships, and turning to alcohol until a DUI and three months in jail became the wake-up call that ultimately saved her life. Through sobriety, recovery, and learning to trust herself, Deanna began rebuilding her identity and discovering that the family she'd always dreamed of didn't have to look the way she'd been taught. Check Out Deanna :  Subscribe To Intrepid Storytelling: → YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@IntrepidStorytelling [https://www.youtube.com/@IntrepidStorytelling] → Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579] → Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ?si=1213f92e209a4cbe [https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ?si=1213f92e209a4cbe] Follow Intrepid Storytelling On Social Media: → Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578154971079 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578154971079] → Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/intrepidstorytelling [https://www.instagram.com/intrepidstorytelling] → TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@intrepidstorytelling [https://www.tiktok.com/@intrepidstorytelling] Follow Deanna On Social Media: → Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/deanna.powell.5817/ [https://www.facebook.com/deanna.powell.5817/] → Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deannapowell [https://www.instagram.com/deannapowell] Deanna's Websites: → Podcast: https://www.intrepidstorytelling.com [https://www.intrepidstorytelling.com/] → Real Estate: https://www.intrepidhometeam.com [https://www.intrepidhometeam.com/] Sponsored By: → Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial at https://shopify.com/insane [https://shopify.com/insane] → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:25 - Why does she use the word intrepid? → 00:04:08 - What is the impact of the Diddy and Epstein cases? → 00:05:56 - Where was she born? → 00:07:48 - What was it like growing up as a southern baptist? → 00:12:13 - How was she disciplined as a child?  → 00:15:32 - What was sex education like for her?  → 00:22:57 - How was her dating life growing up? → 00:26:19 - What happened when she started stripping? → 00:28:17 - Why did she feel like she had to get married? → 00:32:28 - What did love bombing look like in her relationship with Steve? → 00:35:05 - What was it like moving in with Steve? → 00:37:59 - When were drugs introduced into the relationship? → 00:40:54 - When did the relationship begin to become coercive? → 00:44:36 - Why did she keep doing things she didn't want to do? → 00:48:40 -  Can you become addicted to another person? → 00:50:11 -  How did she finally get away from Steve? → 00:52:51 - When did she meet her second husband? → 00:57:12 - What happened during her second marriage? → 00:58:59 - What made her finally call 911 on her husband? → 01:00:45 - How did divorce lead to more drinking and self-destruction? → 01:06:43 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction? → 01:08:44 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction? → 01:12:35 - What made her decide to get sober for good? → 01:14:36 - How was outpatient treatment and probation? → 01:15:39 - What happened when she started dating again? → 01:20:31 - Why did she get married a third time? → 01:23:02 - What was off about her third marriage? → 01:27:13 - How did she feel when she found out he was cheating? → 01:31:31 - Why did she stop believing she needed a husband to have a family? → 01:34:51 - What is the foster parent application process like?  → 01:39:40 - Why did she pick her sperm donor?  → 01:43:33 - What is motherhood like for her?  → 01:47:59 - How did sobriety help She rebuild her self-worth? → 01:50:33 - How did telling her story finally help her let go of shame? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison [https://youtu.be/OQRab4JgnZg] More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time | https://shop.wereallinsane.com [https://shop.wereallinsane.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts: https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

I Married a Ponzi Schemer

For 20 years, Andrea believed she was living her dream life. Then her husband confessed he had been secretly running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, shattering everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Andrea shares the devastating moment her world fell apart, how she navigated betrayal, financial ruin, and single motherhood, and what it took to rebuild her life after losing everything. She hopes her story reminds others that even after unimaginable trauma, healing is possible. Check Out Andrea:  → Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/realandreamerriman?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]  → TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@andrea.merriman?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Topics Discussed: → Ponzi Scheme Survivor → Marriage Built on Lies → Financial Betrayal → Life After Losing Everything → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → AirDoctor | Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com [https://airdoctorpro.com] and use promo code INSANE and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty, absolutely FREE! All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee. → ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane [https://zocdoc.com/insane] #sponsored → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:00:46 - What was Andrea's childhood like? → 00:03:06 - Why didn't wealth seem like a red flag? → 00:06:34 - How did she meet her future husband? → 00:08:08 - Why did Sean seem so charming? → 00:10:56 - Did their relationship seem too good to be true? → 00:12:42 - How did her father's death change what she wanted in a partner? → 00:16:31 - What were the first red flags in their marriage? → 00:19:10 - How did they build their dream life together? → 00:22:26 - How wealthy did they become? → 00:24:56 - What happened on March 18, 2009? → 00:29:38 - What did he confess first? → 00:31:50 - What is a Ponzi scheme? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:39:44 - What do you do after your entire life falls apart? → 00:44:34 - Why did she need her own attorney? → 00:49:18 - What was it like during the federal investigation? → 00:55:05 - How do you tell your children their father is going to prison? → 01:00:08 - How did she prepare her family for prison? → 01:04:00 - What happened when the first victim came to their door? → 01:08:54 - How dangerous did things become after the fraud was exposed? → 01:13:50 - How much money was stolen? → 01:17:20 - Why did she refuse to hide her jewelry? → 01:21:22 - How was she cleared by the government? → 01:23:12 - Why did her family move to Utah? → 01:27:00 - How did sharing her story help her heal? → 01:30:20 - How do you help your children recover from trauma? → 01:33:18 - Why is forgiveness the key to moving forward? → 01:35:02 - When did the shame finally disappear? → 01:36:44 - How did rebuilding her life lead to new opportunities? → 01:39:24 - Is recovery possible after losing everything? → 01:44:26 - How much prison time did her ex-husband serve? → 01:46:12 - Was it difficult to trust and love again? → 01:49:30 - How did she meet her current husband? → 01:50:52 - What does Andrea want others to know? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQRab4JgnZg] More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

I Dated My Predator

At 15 years old, Jess entered a residential treatment center while struggling with trauma and her mental health. There, she met a counselor she was meant to trust who slowly groomed and sexually abused her, exploiting her vulnerability and changing the course of her life. In this episode, Jess shares how childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and years of silence shaped her life and how she eventually found healing. She hopes her story helps other survivors feel seen, exposes the reality of abuse of power, and reminds people that healing is possible. Check Out Jess:  → Tik Tok | @graylightaura [https://www.tiktok.com/@graylightaura?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Topics Discussed: → Childhood Trauma & Mental Health → Grooming by a Treatment Center Counselor → Surviving Sexual Abuse → Addiction & Recovery → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane [https://forhers.com/insane] to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:42 - What was Jess's childhood like? → 00:02:40 - How did losing her aunt change her life? → 00:05:10 - How did her father's alcoholism affect her? → 00:09:14 - What led to her first mental health crisis? → 00:10:10 - What happened during her first suicide attempt? → 00:11:02 - What was it like being in psychiatric hospitals? → 00:19:36 - Why was she sent to a residential treatment center? → 00:21:56 - How did she meet the counselor who groomed her? → 00:24:42 - How did they stay in contact after treatment? → 00:26:48 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:27:38 - What happened on their first "date"? → 00:29:40 - When did the abuse become sexual? → 00:31:18 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:32:34 - How was she isolated and manipulated? → 00:37:18 - How did the relationship affect her family? → 00:39:34 - How did the trauma begin to consume her life? → 00:49:40 - Why couldn't she leave the relationship? → 00:59:48 - How did she try to start over? → 01:05:16 - How did becoming a mother change her life? → 01:08:56 - What made her finally report her abuser? → 01:13:44 - What happened when she confronted her former counselor? → 01:18:02 - Why was the investigation closed? → 01:22:32 - What was it like seeing her abuser in court? → 01:28:10 - What needs to change to better protect vulnerable kids? → 01:35:00 - What are the warning signs of grooming? → 01:39:12 - What does Jess want parents and survivors to know? Show links: → R*ped in Police Custody [https://youtu.be/VL5k8tHwknI?si=Jvoy3D9Kg7O3-PuQ] More We Are All Insane:  → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

R*ped in Police Custody

At just 14 years old, Chris entered the juvenile justice system for minor offenses, where he encountered a trusted county sheriff who would profoundly alter the course of his life. After being groomed and sexually abused, the trauma followed him into adulthood, leading to years of addiction, mental health struggles, and silence. Today, Chris is sharing his story to expose the abuse of power that went unchecked, advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, and prove that healing is possible even after decades of carrying the weight of the past. Check Out Chris:  → Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Survivors-Voice/61591676901788/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Cyqjv0ur6jsDEEh6&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1ERyKmfidH%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr] Topics Discussed: → Growing Up in the Juvenile Justice System → Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse → The Lasting Effects of Trauma → Holding Powerful People Accountable → Finding Healing Through Advocacy Sponsored By: → Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://Wayfair.com [https://wayfair.com] right now to shop all things home. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:40 - How did one false accusation change his life? → 00:03:58 - How did he meet Sheriff Bullock? → 00:05:18 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:07:02 - What happened during the first assault? → 00:10:36 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:11:20 - What happened during the second assault? → 00:15:12 - What was life like at Warren Acres? → 00:17:02 - Why did he keep returning to detention? → 00:19:07 - What happened during the third encounter? → 00:21:18 - How did he cope with the abuse? → 00:25:20 - Why did he begin acting out? → 00:27:03 - Why was he sent back to Warren Acres? → 00:29:54 - What happened during the final assault? → 00:31:12 - When did he first attempt suicide? → 00:35:30 - Why did he keep the abuse a secret? → 00:42:40 - How did the trauma follow him into adulthood? → 00:43:40 - How was Sheriff Bullock finally exposed? → 00:46:42 - What did life look like after the abuse? → 00:52:50 - What led to his next suicide attempt? → 00:55:24 - How was his life saved? → 00:56:38 - What was psychiatric treatment like? → 00:57:42 - What made him choose recovery? → 00:59:08 - How did sobriety change his life? → 01:07:12 - How did he discover the sheriff's trial? → 01:08:10 - Why did he decide to testify? → 01:19:18 - What was it like facing his abuser in court? → 01:27:14 - How did meeting another survivor change him? → 01:29:22 - How did survivors help change New Jersey law? → 01:30:23 - How many victims may there have been?  Further Listening:  → My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator [https://youtu.be/ChjEtgNM1EI?si=lbv7F6KLxVjYcwNk]  - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time [https://were-all-insane.myshopify.com/] - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  [https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]