Intrepid Storytelling

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Intrepid Storytelling Podcast with Deanna Powell — Real Stories. Raw Truth. Unbreakable Spirit. The Intrepid Storytelling Podcast is a powerful, truth-driven space where host Deanna Powell dives deep into the human experience through real, unfiltered, and transformational stories. Each episode features courageous individuals who have faced adversity, trauma, resilience, healing, reinvention, and personal breakthroughs. From survival and recovery to empowerment and purpose, this podcast uncovers the lessons, wisdom, and inspiration hidden within life’s most challenging chapters. Whether it’s overcoming abuse, battling illness, rebuilding after loss, or finding your voice after silence, these stories remind us of the strength we all carry. Perfect for listeners who crave authentic storytelling, personal growth, healing journeys, resilience narratives, and inspiring conversations that spark hope and change. Join Deanna each week as she amplifies voices that deserve to be heard and celebrates the bold, brave, and intrepid spirit within us all.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    27|Part 2 - The Church, The Cult, & The Celebrity: Lacey Gallear’s Story

    What happens when the "righteous" community you trust becomes the source of your deepest rejection?   In this intense and revealing Part 2, Deanna Powell continues the deep dive into her cousin Lacey Gallear’s life, a journey that moves from the rigid confines of a small-town California church to the high-stakes world of international "business" cults in Seattle. Lacey shares the heartbreaking moment her "naive" faith was shattered after she invited a gay friend to her church, only to witness his devastating rejection by a pastor she trusted. This pivotal red flag set the stage for a lifetime of questioning authority, even as Lacey found herself pulled into the "bright and shiny" allure of Pentecostal youth groups and high-pressure mission trips.   Chapters: 00:00 Unexpected Visitors and Preparation 01:06 The Journey of Storytelling 01:58 Faith, Acceptance, and Rejection 03:49 Personal Stories of Rejection 07:05 The Impact of Suffering 09:47 Mission Trips and Expectations 13:07 Disappointment in Service 15:55 Cultural Observations and Realities 18:46 Reflections on Guilt and Responsibility 22:09 Navigating Church Dynamics 24:59 Personal Growth and Independence 27:53 Family Dynamics and Recovery 32:34 Navigating Recovery: Personal Perspectives on Support Groups 36:26 Gardening Journey: Learning and Growth Through Nature 38:48 Unexpected Encounters: Meeting Martha Stewart 45:21 Influential Relationships: Mentorship and Personal Growth 50:18 The Allure of Amway: A Journey into Multi-Level Marketing 01:02:03 Cults and Control: The Dark Side of Amway 01:05:06 Personal Connections and Amway's Influence 01:11:21 The Fallout of Betrayal 01:15:31 Navigating Life After Divorce 01:22:31 The Struggles of Balancing Work and Amway 01:29:04 Exploring New Spiritual Paths 01:36:39 The Mars Hill Experience and Its Impact   Follow Lacey on: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KcubHXdVm/ https://laceygallear.substack.com/   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #LaceyGallear #Deconstruction #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #AmwayCult #ReligiousTrauma #MarsHill #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

    1hr 37min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    26|PART 1 - Parentified At A Young Age, Surviving Abuse & Alcoholic Parents: Lacey Gallear's Story

    What happens when the people meant to protect you are the ones you have to survive?   In this gripping episode of Intrepid Storytåelling, host Deanna Powell sits down with her cousin, Lacey Gallear, to uncover a childhood defined by high-stakes family drama and rigid religious structures. Lacey shares the shocking reality of her earliest years, a "double kidnapping" between parents that landed her on a family commune in Placerville. There, Lacey led a "Cinderella" existence, parentified at age eight to perform grueling housework and childcare under the shadow of a volatile stepmother who used creative, often mental, punishments to keep her in line.   From "walking on eggshells" to survive physical discipline to being told her own intuition was "of the flesh," Lacey’s journey is one of profound resilience. She speaks candidly about the moment her world fractured at age 15, when she was given an ultimatum to leave her father’s house forever. Moving to Seattle brought a new set of challenges: navigating her biological mother’s escalating alcoholism and seeking refuge in a Pentecostal youth group that offered hope but carried heavy new expectations.   The episode reaches a powerful cliffhanger as Lacey describes the beginning of her spiritual deconstruction. From questioning global suffering to witnessing a pastor’s heartbreaking rejection of a gay friend, Lacey explores the fractures that eventually led her away from fundamentalism. This is a raw look at the courage it takes to finally listen to your gut after a lifetime of being told to ignore it.   Chapters: 00:00 Trusting Intuition: A Journey of Self-Discovery 01:55 Childhood Memories: Family Dynamics and Early Life 09:53 Navigating Relationships: Stepmother and Sibling Responsibilities 20:11 Struggles with Identity: Religion and Self-Esteem 30:06 Adolescence: Challenges and Personal Growth 44:22 Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities 51:36 Confrontation and Rebellion 58:30 Decisions and Consequences 01:02:54 Moving to a New Environment 01:09:20 Struggles with Parental Relationships 01:18:20 Finding Independence and Purpose 01:25:06 A Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance   Follow Lacey on: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KcubHXdVm/ https://laceygallear.substack.com/   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #LaceyGallear #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #Deconstruction #ReligiousTrauma #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

    1hr 28min

  3. 1 APR

    25|From Dealing Dr**s & Overdose to Stand-Up Comedy: Jimmy Shin's Story

    Can the most destructive moments of your life actually become the foundation for your greatest success?   Jimmy Shin grew up in a turbulent home, navigating life as the child of immigrants while dealing with his father's alcoholism and physical abuse. Desperate to fit in and escape the intense pressure of his father's demand that he become a lawyer, Jimmy started stealing and selling alcohol in junior high, a path that soon escalated into a dangerous double life. By the time he reached law school, he was funding his lavish lifestyle by trafficking large quantities of drugs and working in real estate, believing he was untouchable until the 2008 financial crash stripped away his illusions of stability.   Chapters: 00:00 Survival Skills from a Toxic Environment 02:49 The Power of Storytelling in Recovery 06:04 Lessons from Rock Bottom 08:57 The Illusion of Stability and Success 11:46 Growing Up Immigrant: Struggles and Aspirations 15:02 The Allure of the Fast Life 17:47 The Impact of Addiction on Relationships 21:01 The Journey to Sobriety and Self-Discovery 23:48 Rewriting Your Story 27:12 Courage in Surrendering Control 30:02 Finding Comedy in Adversity 31:27 The Courage to Perform 34:16 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Passion 36:37 The Struggles of Addiction and Recovery 42:10 Forgiveness and Family Dynamics 49:18 Transformative Power of Storytelling 54:32 Manifesting a New Life 01:01:11 Empowerment Through Self-Talk and Affirmations   Follow Jimmy Shin on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimmyshinster TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjimmyshin?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc FB: https://www.facebook.com/jimmyshin IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamjimmyshin/ Website: https://jimmyshindig.com/   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #JimmyShin #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #TrueStory #OvercomingTrauma #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast #thecomedystore #laughfactory #hollywoodimprov #tacomacomedyclub

    1hr 3min

  4. 30 MAR

    24|Helicopter Flight Nurse Burnout: Saving Lives While Losing Himself | First Responder Mental Health Story

    How do you save everyone else when you’re quietly drowning yourself?   Sergio Cardenas grew up navigating the challenges of a strict upbringing, childhood poverty, and moving across borders to escape the 1992 LA riots. Despite early academic struggles and a denied dream of becoming a doctor, he eventually found his true calling in emergency medicine. For years, Sergio served as a dedicated firefighter and flight nurse, even becoming the medical hero who helped save co-host Denise Powell's life in the back of a helicopter after her near-fatal car crash.Journey.   Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Healing and Caregiving 03:03 The Impact of Personal Stories 05:54 The Role of a Flight Nurse 08:46 Childhood Influences and Aspirations 12:05 Navigating Nursing School 15:00 The Emotional Toll of Emergency Care 17:53 Lessons from Family and Hardship 20:48 The Importance of Mental Health in Healthcare 24:12 Finding Purpose in Adversity 35:11 The Journey of a Flight Nurse 38:31 Facing Job Loss and Identity Crisis 41:28 Seeking Help and the Power of Breathwork 46:52 Transformative Experiences and Self-Discovery 52:08 Healing Through Compassionate Inquiry 56:55 Embracing Emotions and Personal Growth 01:02:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 01:07:16 A Message of Hope and Kindness   Follow Sergio's social media accounts! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flylifts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergio.cardenas.1884   Connect with Sergio: https://www.mictlanjourneysomatics.com/   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #SergioCardenas #FirstResponderMentalHealth #SomaticBreathwork #OvercomingTrauma #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch #firstresponder #mentalhealth

    1hr 11min

  5. 26 MAR

    23|It’s Okay to Be Lucky: Jose Moreno’s Story

    Is success a result of the "bootstrap" mentality, or is it simply the grace of being lucky?   In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with Jose Moreno, a high-level Public Relations executive who has navigated the high-stakes worlds of sports and politics. Jose pulls back the curtain on his "all-American" childhood in Anaheim, California, marked by the resilience of a single mother who left a respected but toxic father to give her children a better chance. Jose shares the raw reality of growing up in a multicultural melting pot where he learned early on to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves, a trait that led to multiple school suspensions but eventually paved the way for his career as a protector and advocate.   Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Sharing Stories 02:51 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact 06:11 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 09:04 Professional Life and the Value of Giving Back 15:05 Dealing with Mortality and Grief 24:11 The Role of Therapy in Mental Health 29:52 The Power of Vulnerability and Community Support 36:10 Legacy and the Impact of Luck 39:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #JoseMoreno #TrueStory #Philanthropy #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness #SportsPR #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

    47 min

  6. 24 MAR

    22|Traumatic Brain Injury & Unlocking True Happiness: Michelle Valley’s Story

    What if the brick wall you just hit isn't an end, but a beginning?   In this deeply insightful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell reconnects with her longtime friend and colleague, Michelle Valley. Michelle pulls back the curtain on a life defined by "Superwoman" tendencies—the habit of taking care of everyone else at the expense of herself. She shares the fascinating details of a childhood spent moving between Washington’s "Christmas Town USA" and England, a journey that forced her to "raise her father as much as he raised her." Michelle reflects on the collapse of a 17-year marriage that left her as a "zombie," and how she navigated the 2008 market crash while fighting a four-year custody battle with zero income.   Connect with Michelle Valley: Website: https://www.freedomcollaboration.com/about Facebook: Michelle Valley - Freedom Collaboration Facebook Group: Next Level Women's Circle Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Financial Challenges 01:05 The Birth of Freedom Collaboration 05:10 Childhood Influences and Family Dynamics 09:55 Lessons from Relationships and Parenting 15:07 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength 19:54 The Journey to Financial Independence 25:00 The Impact of Toxic Relationships 30:05 Shifting from Victim to Empowered 35:11 Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening 37:03 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth 39:04 Taking Responsibility and Ownership 41:31 Energy Healing and Inner Reflection 44:16 Life-Altering Events and Career Changes 51:50 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change 56:52 Investing in Yourself and Finding Your Path 01:01:10 Gratitude in Adversity and Personal Insights 01:07:18 Understanding Abundance Beyond Finances 01:10:09 Empowering Others Through Collaboration   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #MichelleValley #TraumaticBrainInjury #TrueStory #OvercomingAdversity #FreedomCollaboration #EntrepreneurMindset #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

    1hr 14min

  7. 18 MAR

    21|From Dolphin Training to TEDx Stage: Erin Loman Jeck’s Story

    What if your greatest pain became your greatest purpose? In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, host Deanna Powell sits down with TEDx speaker, public speaking coach, and storytelling expert Erin Loman Jeck to share her deeply moving true story of resilience, grief, and transformation. From growing up in a small town in Idaho to training dolphins, Erin’s life took a heartbreaking turn after losing her father at age 10. Just years later, she faced another devastating challenge when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer—forcing Erin into an adult role far too soon. This raw and emotional conversation explores childhood trauma, loss of a parent, navigating grief, and the strength it takes to rise through adversity. Erin shares how she turned pain into purpose—becoming a world-renowned communication coach, helping others find their voice, and stepping onto the TEDx stage to inspire thousands. If you’re searching for inspirational stories, grief recovery, overcoming adversity, personal growth, mental health, or a real life story podcast about resilience and transformation—this episode will move you. ✨ Topics include: grief and loss, childhood trauma, resilience, personal growth, divorce, parenting, public speaking, storytelling, and finding your voice. 👉 SUBSCRIBE to Intrepid Storytelling, and hit the notification BELL for powerful true stories, healing, and real conversations that remind you what’s possible. Connect with Erin Loman Jeck: Website: www.erinlomanjeck.com Facebook: Erin Loman Jeck Speaker Coach LinkedIn: Erin Loman Jeck Instagram: @erinlomanjeck Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of Early Responsibility 09:07 The Journey of Storytelling and Communication 19:27 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength 23:45 Pursuing Dreams Against All Odds 33:13 Negotiation Skills in Parenting 35:08 Personal Growth Through Relationships 39:31 Lessons from Marriage and Divorce 41:21 Navigating Grief and Loss in Relationships 49:42 Emotional Expression and Parenting 51:06 Transitioning from Social Work to Public Speaking 59:33 Living Fully Expressed and Sharing Your Story Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #ErinLomanJeck #TEDxSpeaker #OvercomingGrief #SurvivorStory #PublicSpeakingCoach #TrueStory #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #tedtalk #tedtalks

    1hr 6min

  8. 16 MAR

    20|From Convicted Felon to PhD: Dr. Angelo Reynolds’s Story

    What do you do when the rug is pulled out from under you and you lose everything you’ve ever worked for, including your freedom and your name? In this powerhouse episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with Dr. Angelo Reynolds, a man whose life journey reads like a masterclass in resilience. Dr. Reynolds shares the harrowing details of how his thriving mental health practice was decimated overnight due to a fraudulent partnership he unknowingly entered. Faced with 42 counts of fraud and the threat of decades in prison, he describes the gut-wrenching decision to take a plea deal for a crime he didn’t commit just to stay with his wife and newborn son. This choice left him as a convicted felon, unemployable for seven years, and forced to sell books out of the trunk of his car to survive. Chapters: 00:00 The Unforeseen Downfall 10:12 The Plea Deal Dilemma 20:12 Resilience Through Adversity 29:58 The Journey to Redemption 34:13 Embracing Life's Lessons 37:08 The Impact of Family Dynamics 38:30 Transforming Lives in the Penal System 41:16 The Journey of Writing and Sharing Stories 46:06 Building a Business from Experience 50:01 Lessons Learned from Business Challenges 52:27 Mentoring and Supporting Reentry 56:14 The Ripple Effect of Helping Others 01:01:01 The Power of Hard Work and Resilience 01:03:21 Protecting Your Peace and Managing Trauma Connect with Dr. Angelo Reynolds: Website: https://angeloreynolds-7l3j.vercel.app/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transformersacademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mypo2003 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformers_academy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mypo2003 PURCHASE: A Transforming You on Amazon here https://amzn.to/4bNGHUL PURCHASE: The Act of Change on Amazon here https://amzn.to/3P6Ps4t PURCHASE: Overcoming Obstacles, Beating the Odds on Amazon here https://amzn.to/4seK4uK   Your support helps us keep telling meaningful stories. Donate here: 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 #DrAngeloReynolds #FromFelonToPhD #Resilience #TrueStory #MentalHealthAdvocate #HopeDealer #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #SuccessMindset

    1hr 9min
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About

Intrepid Storytelling Podcast with Deanna Powell — Real Stories. Raw Truth. Unbreakable Spirit. The Intrepid Storytelling Podcast is a powerful, truth-driven space where host Deanna Powell dives deep into the human experience through real, unfiltered, and transformational stories. Each episode features courageous individuals who have faced adversity, trauma, resilience, healing, reinvention, and personal breakthroughs. From survival and recovery to empowerment and purpose, this podcast uncovers the lessons, wisdom, and inspiration hidden within life’s most challenging chapters. Whether it’s overcoming abuse, battling illness, rebuilding after loss, or finding your voice after silence, these stories remind us of the strength we all carry. Perfect for listeners who crave authentic storytelling, personal growth, healing journeys, resilience narratives, and inspiring conversations that spark hope and change. Join Deanna each week as she amplifies voices that deserve to be heard and celebrates the bold, brave, and intrepid spirit within us all.

Information

  • Creator
    intrepidstorytelling
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Intrepid Storytelling

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