Power of the Narrative

Jacob Newsome

Power of the Narrative is more than a podcast it’s a movement for those healing out loud. Hosted by Jacob Newsome a Black, gay educator, poet, and Narcissist Hunter this space is for survivors, cycle-breakers, and truth-tellers reclaiming their voice after trauma. From spiritual gaslighting to narcissistic abuse, we unpack it all. Expect raw confession, poetic fire, emotional justice, and deep soul commentary. We don’t shrink. We don’t perform. We testify and we rise.

Episodes

  1. 10/17/2025

    Episode 13: The Rise of the Multi-Hyphenate: Wrestling with Dreams, Acting through Pain with Collin Roach

    Host: Jacob NewsomeGuest: Collin RoachProduction: Power of the Narrative (in partnership with KPFT Queer Voices)Recorded & Mixed by: Jacob NewsomeFull Video Episode: Coming soon In this charged and inspiring conversation, Jacob Newsome sits down with Collin Roach — a 23-year-old actor, writer, producer, and professional wrestler — whose story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and rebirth. From a childhood cut short by concussions to building a new world through film, Collin reveals how loss, imagination, and discipline shaped him into a multidimensional artist. The conversation unpacks what it means to belong in a world that tries to box you in, and how performance became both therapy and purpose. Together they explore: Collin’s journey from athlete to actor to professional wrestler How a devastating injury unlocked his storytelling gift The art and psychology of wrestling as performance His collaboration with filmmaker Wayne Cella on Insignificant Portraying queer love with authenticity and respect, as an Ally Grieving lost dreams and finding power in reinvention Legacy, identity, and the weight of being young, gifted, and Black in Hollywood This episode is an anthem for anyone standing at a crossroads — unsure which dream to chase first, but unwilling to stop running. Quote from Collin: “I don’t want to be an actor. I don’t want to be a wrestler.I want to be an entertainer — the best version of all of it.” Follow & Support:Website: ⁠Power of the Narrative⁠Instagram: ⁠**@PoweroftheNarrative⁠ | ⁠@jnewsome232⁠ | ⁠@collinrroach⁠TikTok: ⁠@jacob.newsome3⁠Watch: ⁠Insignificant⁠ (directed by Wayne Cella)Support the work: ⁠Buy Jacob a Coffee⁠ Listen on Spotify, KPFT 90.1 FM, and wherever stories wrestle their way into truth.

    51 min
  2. 10/17/2025

    Episode 12: The Spell of Freedom: Becoming, Belonging, and the Power of the South with Raquel Willis

    Host: Jacob NewsomeGuest: Raquel WillisProduction: Power of the NarrativeRecorded & Mixed by: Jacob Newsome & Riverside.fmFull Video Episode: Coming soon In this luminous and soul-stirring conversation, Jacob sits down with Raquel Willis, award-winning Black trans activist, journalist, and author of The Risk It Takes to Bloom, to explore what it means to embody truth, power, and liberation in a world that often denies both. Together, they trace the sacred threads of Southern roots, ancestral wisdom, and trans brilliance. Raquel opens up about her father’s influence, the fire of her grandmother, and the spirits of movement ancestors like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Monica Roberts, and more. She reflects on the delicate line between survival and freedom, the price of authenticity, and the revolutionary magic of belonging. This episode is a meditation on becoming, on what it costs, what it gives, and what still waits to be born. They discuss: Reclaiming the South as a cradle of liberation Lessons from The Risk It Takes to Bloom The beauty and danger of Black trans visibility Desire, legacy, and love as radical acts The politics of grief, joy, and spiritual resistance Raquel’s Call to the World:“Be radically defiant. Do not obey.” Follow & Support:Website: ⁠Power of the Narrative⁠Instagram: ⁠**@PoweroftheNarrative⁠ | ⁠@jnewsome232⁠ | ⁠@raquelwillis_⁠TikTok: ⁠@jacob.newsome3⁠Book: ⁠The Risk It Takes to Bloom⁠⁠

    43 min
  3. 07/08/2025

    Episode 11: Where Is Jared Chavis?

    A Father’s Search for Truth, Justice, and a Son Who Never Came Home Host: Jacob NewsomeGuest: Willie SmithProduction: Power of the Narrative (in partnership with Texas Center for the Missing)Recorded & Mixed by: Jacob Newsome and Riverside.fmFull Video Episode: Coming soon On January 12, 2018, 19-year-old Jared Chavis got into a black Ford Fusion in Houston, Texas—and was never seen again. Seven years later, his father, Willie Smith, is still searching for answers. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Jacob sits down with Mr. Smith to revisit the night Jared vanished, the botched investigation, the heartbreak of unanswered questions, and the love of a father who refuses to give up. Together they discuss: The events surrounding Jared’s disappearance The silence and negligence of law enforcement The emotional toll on Jared’s son and sister What it means to seek justice in a system designed to forget A direct call to those who were there that night This episode is more than a podcast. It’s a plea. A demand. A sacred record.And we won’t stop until justice speaks. Crime Stoppers Tip Line: $10,000 REWARD for information leading to Jared’s location and the arrest of those responsible. Contact Houston Crime Stoppers or call 713-222-TIPS https://crime-stoppers.org/solve-crime/unsolved-crime/5611318 Website: Power of the Narrative Instagram: @PoweroftheNarrative | @jnewsome232 TikTok: @jacob.newsome3 Support the work: ⁠Buy Jacob a Coffee⁠ Share your story: ⁠Submit via this form⁠ All Links: ⁠Linktree Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere your spirit searches for truth.

    30 min
  4. 07/08/2025

    Episode 10: Written, Directed, Survived by Wayne Cella

    Host: Jacob Newsome Guest: Wayne Cella Production: Power of the Narrative Recorded & Mixed by: Jacob Newsome and Riverside.fm Full Youtube Video Episode: Coming soon What if the trauma we survive becomes the raw material for the art we create? In this brave and soul-deep conversation, Jacob sits down with filmmaker and actor Wayne Cella to explore what it means to live and create after childhood sexual abuse, queer erasure, and years of silencing. With searing honesty and poetic clarity, Wayne reflects on healing as a nonlinear process, filmmaking as exorcism, and friendship as both mirror and medicine. Together, they unpack: Surviving priest-perpetrated abuse in childhood Making art from grief, rage, and queer becoming Trauma responses vs. true desire in intimacy Why stories save us and why silence kills How chosen family heals what bloodlines could not Wayne’s films Insignificant, Talisman, and Mercury aren’t just projects. They’re ritual containers for reclaiming voice, queerness, and power.This is a conversation about the ache of memory, the genius of inner children, and the courage it takes to stay alive when the world tells you you shouldn’t be. If you’ve ever felt like your softness was unsafe or like your rage had nowhere to go this one’s for you. Connect with Us: Website: Power of the Narrative – Empowering change through storytelling and healing educationInstagram: @PoweroftheNarrative | @jnewsome232 TikTok: @jacob.newsome3 Support the work: Buy Jacob a Coffee Share your story: Submit via this form All Links: Linktree Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your soul-fed.

    40 min
  5. 07/05/2025

    Episode Nine Risking It All to Say Goodbye: The Disappearance of Mayolo Carrillo

    In this devastating and urgent episode of Power of the Narrative, Jacob Newsome sits with Alejandro Carrillo and advocates to share the story of Mayolo Carrillo—a father, grandfather, and beloved brother who vanished near Eagle Pass after trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to say goodbye to his dying mother. Mayolo's family opens up about their heartbreak, the systemic failures they’ve faced, and the haunting silence from investigators. They are doing what law enforcement refuses to: searching every day, following every clue, and demanding the dignity Maolo deserves. This is not just one family's grief, it's a mirror reflecting how immigrant lives are treated as disposable. “He risked his life to say goodbye.” “We’re doing the police’s job.” “To them, he’s just another person. To us, he’s everything.” Featuring: Alex Carrillo Host: Jacob Newsome ⁠Linktree – All the links⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Buy Jacob a coffee⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠Power of the Narrative⁠⁠⁠ – Empowering change through storytelling and healing education Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@PoweroftheNarrative⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠@jnewsome232⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@jacob.newsome3⁠⁠⁠ Your story matters. Tell it here: ⁠⁠⁠Submit via this form⁠⁠⁠ Listen On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your soul-fed. https://crimesolverscentral.com/blog/post?name=a-sons-final-journey-the-disappearance-of-mayolo-23084 https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/missing-person-namus-mp143114

    22 min
  6. 07/05/2025

    Episode Eight She Hugged Me Like She Knew: A Mother’s Grief for Iris Santos

    On April 23, 2021, Iris Santos, a radiant, fierce, 22-year-old trans woman, was murdered outside a Chick-fil-A in Houston. Her mother, Maria Carreon , never received a call from police. She found out through neighbors. In this deeply intimate and heartbreaking conversation, Maria tells the story the media never fully captured: the pain of losing her youngest child, the coldness of the system, and the spiritual love that Iris carried everywhere she went. “She hugged me over and over before she left,” Maria says. “Like she knew it would be the last time.” This episode is a sacred testimony of grief, justice, and a mother’s refusal to let her daughter’s name fade. Featuring: Maria Carreon Email: mariacarreon8@gmail.com Tiktok: Marita482 Host: Jacob Newsome Justice for Iris Santos Learn more or share tips: [713-222-TIPS] https://crime-stoppers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Iris-Santos-Revised-Media-Flyer-HPD-539367-21-Murder-@-8600-Westheimer-Rd.-Inv.-M.-Barrow.pdfhttps://crime-stoppers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Iris-Santos-Revised-Media-Flyer-HPD-539367-21-Murder-@-8600-Westheimer-Rd.-Inv.-M.-Barrow.pdf Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of anti-trans violence, murder, grief, police neglect, and trauma. Listener discretion is advisedHow to support: ⁠Linktree – All the links⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Buy Jacob a coffee⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠Power of the Narrative⁠⁠ – Empowering change through storytelling and healing education Instagram: ⁠⁠@PoweroftheNarrative⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠@jnewsome232⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@jacob.newsome3⁠⁠ Your story matters. Tell it here: ⁠⁠Submit via this form⁠⁠ Listen On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your soul-fed. https://www.hrc.org/news/hrc-mourns-iris-santos-latinx-trans-woman-killed-in-houston

    47 min
  7. 06/02/2025

    Episode One: Healing Isn’t Pretty- Cortney Navarro on Trauma, Truth & Reclaiming Joy

    Host: Jacob Newsome Guest: Cortney Navarro Cortney's Tiktok: mamasok88 Production: Power of the Narrative Recorded & Mixed by: Jacob Newsome and Riverside.fm Full Episode: https://youtu.be/7uCchw1Z6uo What if trauma didn’t make you stronger, but fragmented your sense of self? In this vulnerable and liberating episode of Power of the Narrative, Jacob Newsome sits down with poet and survivor Cortney Navarro to explore the real, raw journey of healing from emotional abuse and generational trauma. Together, they discuss: Why "your trauma made you stronger" is a harmful myth How emotional manipulation distorts self-worth The rage ritual as a healing tool The truth about complex PTSD and post-separation abuse The power of community, poetry, and self-love in reclaiming identity “You have to safeguard yourself.” “You are going to be fine.” “You are worthy of love.” This isn’t just an episode, it’s a lifeline for anyone navigating the fog of trauma and fighting to find their voice again. Tap in and witness what healing really looks like. Trigger Warning / Disclaimer This episode contains candid discussions about emotional abuse, physical abuse, complex PTSD, suicidal ideation, grief, and post-separation trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those currently navigating or recovering from abuse. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider reaching out to a trusted support line, therapist, or local resource. This conversation is for education and empowerment—not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice Support: Linktree: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/MynameisJacobPoet⁠⁠ Buymeacoffee: buymeacoffee.com/JacobN Website: ⁠⁠Power of the Narrative: Empowering change through storytelling and healing education.⁠⁠ IG: PoweroftheNarrative and jnewsome232 Tiktok: ⁠⁠tiktok.com/@jacob.newsome3⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Follow Power of the Narrative for more unfiltered episodes on emotional justice, queer healing, and story reclamation. Want to be featured? DM @powerofthenarrative on insta or email me: mynameisjacobpoet@gmail.com Tell me your story and I will feature it on my podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgMkWHQ1sy-CVWr0JBKSXuA9YEh5o7vWnq6TDxFBUJkqNR-g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108936374874680550054 Episodes available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

    1h 12m

About

Power of the Narrative is more than a podcast it’s a movement for those healing out loud. Hosted by Jacob Newsome a Black, gay educator, poet, and Narcissist Hunter this space is for survivors, cycle-breakers, and truth-tellers reclaiming their voice after trauma. From spiritual gaslighting to narcissistic abuse, we unpack it all. Expect raw confession, poetic fire, emotional justice, and deep soul commentary. We don’t shrink. We don’t perform. We testify and we rise.