Intrepid Storytelling

intrepidstorytelling

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. FEB 4

    13|Breaking Free From Cults To Consciousness: Shelise Ann Sola’s Powerful Deconstruction from LDS Mormonism

    In this transformative episode, Shelise Ann Sola, host of the popular podcast and YouTube show Cults to Consciousness, opens up about her deeply personal faith transition and deconstruction from LDS Mormonism. Raised in a devout Mormon household and immersed in the cultural expectations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shelise spent years following rules, suppressing doubts, and striving to be the “perfect” member. But beneath the surface, questions were growing—questions about doctrine, identity, purity culture, patriarchy, and the pressure to conform within a high-demand religious system. Shelise shares what it was really like to confront her faith crisis, unlearn fear-based teachings, navigate relationships during deconstruction, and rediscover her authentic self outside the LDS church. This conversation dives into: Religious trauma and recovery Purity culture in Mormonism Undoing indoctrination and reclaiming identity Life after leaving high-control religion Healing, empowerment, and conscious living If you’re navigating your own faith transition, curious about the realities of Mormon deconstruction, or simply love powerful stories of courage and awakening, this episode is for you. Follow Cults To Consciousness on YouTube: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousness   YouTube Facebook Instagram IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com

    1h 13m
  2. JAN 14

    10|Breaking the Silence: A Teen Survivor Exposes Childhood Sexual Abuse, Parental Manipulation, and the Cost of Believing the Wrong Story

    This gripping episode is Part 3 of a series that was started by Leila Culberson, who's story was told in Part 1 and Part 2 - Surviving The Unthinkable: A Mother's True Story Of Betrayal, Abuse, Fentanyl Loss, the Courage to Heal and Take Action. If you haven't listened to those episodes yet, head there first and come here for Part 3, Cash Nimmer-Culberson's True Story. For years, one man controlled the story. And for years, everyone believed him. Behind closed doors, he was sexually abusing his children — a father exploiting power, silence, and fear. In public, he was spinning lies, manipulating perception, and rewriting history while his victims were left unheard and unprotected. Until now. In this episode, a teenage survivor speaks publicly for the first time about childhood sexual abuse, family betrayal, and the devastating impact of gaslighting when the abuser is believed and the children are not. He shares what it was like growing up in a home where truth was punished, silence was enforced, and manipulation masked itself as authority. This is not a polished story. It is not easy to hear. And it is not meant to be comfortable. It is the reality of what happens when abuse goes unchecked — and what it takes to reclaim your voice after years of being erased. This episode is about: Childhood sexual, physical & emotional abuse by a parent The psychological damage of manipulation and gaslighting The courage it takes to speak when the world already chose a side Breaking generational cycles of abuse Telling the truth when it costs you everything This is not his father’s story anymore. This is the truth — told by the person who lived it.

    1h 9m
  3. JAN 7

    9|From Mystery Symptoms to MS Warrior: Michelle Troll’s Transformation Through Fitness - Part 2

    This is PART 2 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Don't miss hearing her first episode where she talks about her experience escaping domestic violence and an ex-husband who went on to murder his next victim. In this inspiring episode, Michelle Troll shares her courageous journey through years of unexplained symptoms, medical confusion, and the emotional fight to finally receive an accurate diagnosis: multiple sclerosis (MS). Michelle opens up about the frustration of not being believed, the fear of not knowing what was happening inside her body, and the life-changing moment everything finally made sense. But Michelle’s story didn’t end with a diagnosis — it ignited a new purpose. With fierce determination, she rebuilt her life through nutrition, strength training, and a commitment to pushing her body in healthy, empowering ways. What began as a fight for answers transformed into a passion for weightlifting, eventually leading her to compete in fitness competitions and inspire others living with chronic illness. Listeners will learn about: The challenges of seeking a diagnosis for invisible and unexplained symptoms What it’s like to finally hear “you have multiple sclerosis” How mindset, nutrition, and strength training became Michelle’s turning point The journey from patient to MS warrior and competitive fitness athlete Finding meaning, empowerment, and community after an MS diagnosis This episode is perfect for those navigating chronic illness, searching for hope, or looking for a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define you — but what you do next can change everything. Email Michelle at fitgirlguide@gmail.com Find us on: YouTube Facebook Instagram Contact us: IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com

    1h 38m
  4. 12/31/2025

    8|Escaping a Killer: Michelle Troll’s Survival Story Beyond Domestic Violence - Part 1

    This is PART 1 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Stay tuned for PART 2 where she talks about a shocking health diagnosis and her determination to overcome multiple sclerosis (MS)! In this powerful episode, we sit down with survivor and advocate Michelle Troll as she courageously recounts her escape from domestic violence at the hands of James Joseph Cain — a man who would later go on to murder one of his next girlfriends. Michelle shares her raw, real, and emotional journey of trauma, manipulation, survival, and ultimately reclaiming her life after escaping a dangerous abuser. Through her story, listeners will gain insight into the red flags of coercive control, the escalating patterns of domestic violence, the psychological grip of abuse, and the life-saving moment she found the strength to leave. Michelle’s testimony sheds light on the terrifying reality that many victims face and the critical importance of awareness, intervention, and support systems. This episode is perfect for those seeking true crime survivor stories, domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, empowerment, and real-life accounts of escaping abusive partners who escalate to lethal violence. Michelle’s voice stands as a beacon of hope for others trapped in silence — proving that survival is possible, and breaking free can save your life. Find Michelle on: Michelle's Instagram Find us on: YouTube Facebook Instagram Contact us: IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com

    2h 13m
5
out of 5
23 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.