SPECIAL GUEST: Barrett Carroll - PART 1

Barrett is one of a kind! Being raised in a controlled and abusive environment, Barrett found refuge in the entertainment industry. As a child actor, Barrett was introduced to perspectives that were far-removed from the worldview instilled in him through his experience of homeschooling and isolation. Although acting brought it's own set of challenges, Barrett was introduced to a wide variety of different experiences, forming his way to eventually leaving his controlled environment to pursue a life devoted to helping others heal from their traumas. From Barrett's website: I came to a position where I knew something had to change. It was never about becoming rich or famous for me. It was about creating things that mattered. I wanted to put purpose into pain and create art that did the same. For many years I lived a life filled with secrets and hardships. I had gone through seasons of great success and great failures. As soon as I seemed to be heading in the right direction, I would quickly get pulled away by a different hardship or.... opportunity as I now choose to look at it. I have an unusual story as many of you know. I grew up in a type of small evangelical based cult within a very abusive home. I never received a proper education until I attended college. I struggled with severe depression, Complex PTSD, anorexia and anxiety. During my childhood I was not aware of the depth of the trauma that I was experiencing. I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I had some extended family that worked in entertainment and recognized my abilities at a young age. This led to me eventually working in commercials, Indie films and regional theatre for several years before attending college. I attended Baldwin-Wallace University and The University of Oklahoma where I received my Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre. I worked at Disney World briefly after graduation but was shaken to my core during that time by the death of 8 of my friends within a year and a half as well as continued family conflict back in Oklahoma. During my time in Florida, I almost lost my own life due to an unexpected sickness and physical complications. After battling, health issues and depression alone, I found myself at the start of a spiritual awakening. --- An accomplished author, actor, and friend, Barrett has so much to offer the world. Be sure to check out Part 2, releasing on Wednesday, May 4th. Also, you can connect with Barrett's work here: Website Book: The Acorn's Journey Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mygaychurchdays/support