Intrepid Storytelling

intrepidstorytelling
  • 5.0 (25)
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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. 1d ago

    54|From Inner-City Trauma to Saving Lives: Tony Charity’s Story

    How do you build a life of service and compassion when your own childhood was defined by poverty, severe abuse, and the harsh realities of the streets?   In this raw and unflinching episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with veteran, first responder, and author Tony Charity. Tony opens up about his harrowing journey growing up in the New York City projects during the 1970s and 80s, where he survived severe physical abuse at home and navigated intense racial violence in his neighborhood. From risking his life to stand down a ruthless pimp to defend a classmate's sister, to facing blatant racism in the military and deep within his own political party, Tony's path has been anything but easy.   Instead of letting the darkness consume him, Tony channeled his pain into a life dedicated to saving others. He shares his deep passion for his family's genealogy tracing his roots back to a freed slave in 1698, and explains how surviving a world without heroes inspired him to become one for others as a first responder and community volunteer.   Chapters: 00:00 From War Zones to Healing Hearts 02:49 The Power of Storytelling 06:09 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics 09:01 Chivalry and Respect in Modern Times 11:47 Navigating Identity and Politics 15:11 Experiences of Race and Community 17:58 Resilience Through Adversity 20:54 The Journey to Washington and Beyond 32:23 Racial Dynamics in Education 35:16 Navigating Childhood Challenges 39:09 The Harsh Realities of Urban Life 47:55 Military Life and Its Challenges 01:00:05 Interracial Relationships and Societal Perceptions 01:05:09 Confrontation and Racism in Everyday Life 01:07:03 Journey to Seattle: A New Beginning 01:09:29 Tracing Ancestry: The Charity Clan 01:12:23 The Green Book: A Family Legacy 01:15:49 The Evolution of Poetry: From Personal to Historical 01:22:31 Career Path: From IT to Volunteerism 01:29:45 Volunteering: Making a Difference in the Community 01:35:30 Life Lessons: Seeing and Understanding Others   CONNECT WITH TONY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyWCharity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonycharity/   Buy SWEET DESTRUCTION BOOK: https://amzn.to/4yj6X3z Buy the GREEN BOOK: https://amzn.to/4xXtZgd Order the AUDIO CD: tamaracopeland@aol.com   Volunteer with Red Crosee: https://www.redcross.org/ Volunteer with animals: https://wasart.org/   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 #TonyCharity #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #OvercomingAdversity #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

  2. 6d ago

    53|From Army Medic to Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer: Wil Johnson’s Story

    How do you go from earning $10.94 an hour as a substitute paraeducator to becoming the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of an entire county?   Wil Johnson’s path to leadership was paved with profound challenges, reinvention, and resilience. After dropping out of college and serving as a U.S. Army medic in Alaska, Wil faced a harsh reality during the 2008 recession: despite his military experience and newly earned degrees, he couldn't find a career. Starting at the bottom working one-on-one with aggressive special needs students, Wil learned how to connect with youth who were simply seeking connection, not just attention. Navigating his own personal hardships, including surviving two divorces, he learned the hard way that you have to "put your mask on first" to prioritize your well-being before you can help others.   Today, Wil is the host of the At Homish podcast and leads county-wide initiatives for social justice, proving that true equity is about creating environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and a deep sense of belonging.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 03:00 Will Johnson: A Journey of Diversity and Inclusion 05:20 Growing Up: From Atlanta to the Army 10:49 Life After the Army: Finding My Path 15:53 Navigating Relationships and Moving to Seattle 20:51 Teaching Journey: From Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher 29:54 Behavioral Challenges in Education 40:48 Leadership in Education: Supporting Teachers and Students 43:17 Reflections on George Floyd and Social Justice 50:02 Expanding Community Engagement in Education 56:22 Understanding DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 01:08:39 The Importance of Belonging and Community Support 01:11:50 Future Aspirations and Community Collaborationa   CONNECT WITH WIL Website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/departments/student-success-services/equity-inclusion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wil.johnson1 At-Homish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-homish/id1714534402   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 #WilJohnson #OvercomingAdversity #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #FacebookWatch

  3. Jul 6

    52|Surviving Childhood Trauma and Breaking the Generational Cycle: Janus Valeo’s Story

    How do you break a generational cycle of severe trauma when you were raised in the darkest of environments?   Janus Vallejo grew up enduring severe trauma and profound boundary violations at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect him. After surviving unimaginable horrors in his childhood and later during his military service, his unhealed wounds and profound dissociation manifested in devastating ways. Janus’s unresolved trauma led him down a destructive path where he caused harm to another and faced severe legal consequences. After losing everything, experiencing homelessness, and reaching a point where he nearly ended his own life, a moment of profound honesty in mandatory counseling sparked a turning point.   Today, Janus takes full accountability for his past and dedicates his life to the prevention of child abuse. He works directly with men in the prison system and the community to help them break the pattern of harm before it claims another victim. This is a raw, unsettling, and ultimately critical conversation about accountability, the deep roots of intergenerational trauma, and the relentless mission to save just "one less child".   Chapters: 00:00 Understanding the Cycle of Abuse 02:48 Janus Vallejo's Journey and Advocacy 05:46 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact 08:55 The Role of Family in Abuse Dynamics 11:47 Military Experiences and Trauma 14:53 The Path to Healing and Prevention 17:58 The Complexity of Offending and Recovery 20:51 Statistics and Misconceptions in Abuse 23:57 The Importance of Open Conversations 26:45 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 35:10 The Role of Parental Dynamics in Childhood Trauma 38:02 Confronting the Past: Seeking Accountability 40:46 Understanding Abuse: The Impact of Early Experiences 42:41 Breaking Patterns: Parenting Styles and Their Effects 49:04 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing 55:11 The Power of Service: Transforming Pain into Purpose 01:00:50 Building a Community: The Importance of Connection 01:07:52 Understanding Offenders: The Complexity of Pedophilia 01:10:33 Understanding Pedophilia and Its Complexities 01:15:32 The Role of Society and Labels 01:20:22 Parenting and Its Impact on Children 01:25:37 Rehabilitation vs. Punishment in the Justice System 01:30:08 The Cycle of Abuse and Accountability 01:35:14 Teaching Children About Boundaries and Safety 01:40:10 The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting 01:43:24 Healing Through Sharing and Community Support   CONNECT WITH JANUS Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4eAdNdc Website: http://www.breakthepatternnow.org Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Janusvaleo   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 #JanusVallejo #TrueStory #SurvivorStory #BreakingTheCycle #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

  4. Jul 1

    51|Fighting for Motherhood: Nicole Orr’s Story

    What happens when your timeline for finding "the one" runs out, but your dream of becoming a mother is stronger than ever?   Nicole Orr knew she wanted to be a mom since she was a little girl, mapping out a plan to have a husband and four children by her early twenties. But when a difficult childhood, past trauma, and a grueling dating scene left her without a partner by age 30, she took her family planning into her own hands. In this raw and deeply empowering episode, Nicole shares her journey to becoming a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). From the bizarre process of selecting a sperm donor based on a "carefree smile," to the grueling emotional rollercoaster of IUI treatments during the pandemic, Nicole never gave up her dream. She also opens up about her harrowing birth story, which started with plans for an unmedicated water birth and ended in an emergency C-section with a shocking 12.6-pound baby. Nicole’s fight for motherhood is an inspiring look at the resilience and determination it takes to build a family on your own terms.   Chapters: 00:00 Dreams of Motherhood: A Journey Begins 03:13 The Power of Storytelling 06:05 Navigating Childhood and Acceptance 09:00 The Quest for Love and Family 12:11 Choosing to Be a Single Mom by Choice 15:03 Building a Support System 17:49 Researching Parenthood Decisions 21:01 Connecting with Donor Siblings 24:05 The Donor Selection Process 29:46 Intentional Family Planning 33:33 The Journey to Parenthood: IUI vs IVF 39:36 Navigating the Two-Week Wait: Emotions and Expectations 46:59 Dreams of a Larger Family: Challenges and Aspirations 52:37 Birth Stories: The Unpredictable Journey of Motherhood 01:04:50 Normalizing Single Parenthood: Dreams and Realities   CONNECT WITH NICOLE EMAIL: nicolekatrineorr@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleKatrine   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 #NicoleOrr #SingleMomByChoice #MotherhoodJourney #SoloParenting #DonorConceived #IUIJourney #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

  5. Jun 29

    50|My Dad Escaped The Nazis: Jason Prokowiew's Story

    What happens when you sit down with your abuser to ask them about their own horrific childhood trauma?   In this raw and powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with retired disability attorney and author Jason Prokowiew. Jason shares the harrowing history behind his memoir, War Boys, tracing his father’s journey from a ten-year-old orphan in Nazi-occupied Belarus to a deeply wounded man whose unresolved trauma manifested as severe alcoholism and abuse in his own home. Seeking answers, a 21-year-old Jason made the terrifying decision to interview his father about his wartime past, recording 50 hours of tapes to understand the roots of their generational pain. From finding his voice in an Al-Anon meeting to the agonizing reality of confronting a father who dismissed his abuse as "not that bad," Jason's journey is an unflinching look at breaking destructive family cycles. This episode dives deep into the complexities of healing, surviving, and finding the courage to realize your story matters, without forcing a traditional narrative of neatly packaged forgiveness.   Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of War and Family Trauma 12:07 Breaking the Cycle of Abuse 23:48 The Journey of Storytelling and Healing 28:45 A Moment of Vulnerability 33:15 The Importance of Storytelling 35:33 Navigating Difficult Conversations 44:16 The Impact of Shared Trauma 51:05 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward   BUY THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/43SGUlT CONNECT WITH JASON: https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com/ www.warboysbook.com https://www.instagram.com/jasonprokowiew/ https://bsky.app/profile/jasonprokowiew.bsky.social https://www.amazon.com/War-Boys-Father-Son-Memoir/dp/1949487709   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 #JasonProkowiew #GenerationalTrauma #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #TraumaRecovery #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

  6. Jun 24

    49|From Prison Cell Journals to Published Author: David Boggs’s Story

    Can someone truly change after spending 23 years deeply embedded in the criminal underworld?   David Boggs spent over two decades living a high-stakes life, navigating international borders, and utilizing his fluency in seven languages to build an illicit enterprise. But after receiving a five-year prison sentence, he found himself isolated and reflecting on the widespread damage of his choices. To cope with the loss of his relationship and the harsh reality of a broken correctional system, David began writing daily letters from his cell. When his loved one stopped writing back, he kept journaling to maintain his sanity, a practice that eventually birthed his self-published book, No Simple Explanation.   In this raw and honest episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with David to discuss the illusion of prison rehabilitation and the crushing weight of trying to rebuild a life when society repeatedly revokes second chances. Despite facing over 20 rescinded job offers due to his background, David shares his unwavering resilience, his three core life philosophies, and his mother’s simple but profound advice: "just keep going".   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 02:31 David Boggs: A Journey of Redemption 05:53 The Birth of 'No Simple Explanation' 10:06 Reflections on Prison and Rehabilitation 12:20 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Stigmas 17:27 Life Lessons and Philosophies 39:00 The Power of Storytelling and Community   BUY THE BOOK: https://amzn.to/4vrGHCo   CONNECT WITH DAVID: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578915953091   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 #DavidBoggs #TrueStory #RedemptionStory #OvercomingAdversity #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch

  7. Jun 22

    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 Website: https://www.themorewelove.org/   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 #Madyson #AddictionRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #TrueStory #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastYouTube #FacebookWatch #StorytellingPodcast

  8. Jun 17

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

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5
out of 5
25 Ratings

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
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Intrepid Storytelling

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