Intrepid Storytelling

In this episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Leilani Wells to explore non-traditional paths to success, radical self-reliance, and reclaiming personal agency. Picking up immediately following her release from juvenile placement, Leilani Wells details how working travel carnival jobs at age 15 became her ticket out of a volatile environment. She candidly shares her journey through standing up to group home bullies, breaking away from traditional expectations to study in London, living van life across America, and navigating single motherhood by choice. Concluding with a powerful masterclass on core values and mental sovereignty, Leilani lays out how honoring commitments to oneself is the ultimate key to unshakeable confidence. Chapters: 00:00 Building Confidence Through Self-Discovery 02:13 Experiences in Juvenile Hall and Placement Homes 05:33 The Impact of Bullying on Identity 10:47 The Loss of Personal Memories 13:01 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 23:26 Pursuing Education and Adventure 30:59 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 35:37 Reflections on Love and Commitment 39:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery 44:16 Embracing Non-Traditional Paths 52:40 Cultural Experiences and Travel Adventures 01:02:11 Exploring Heritage and Travel Dreams 01:03:35 Life Journey and Personal Fulfillment 01:05:04 Motherhood and Life Choices 01:07:27 Core Values and Personal Rules 01:11:21 The Impact of Cheating and Relationships 01:12:16 Developing a Strong Moral Compass 01:18:09 Building Confidence and Self-Reliance 01:25:15 Fighting Against Societal Programming 01:26:30 Connecting with the Sandbox Collective Follow Leilani Website: https://leilaniwells.com/ Agency website: https://leilanimedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilanimwells/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lani.m.wells Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanimwells/ X: https://twitter.com/leilanimwells TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leilanimwells Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-zaS1i4e0BUvX7vDoHt6Q Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leilanimwells/ Podcast: https://leilaniwells.com/podcast/ Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at [email protected] Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e #IntrepidStorytelling #LeilaniWells #SelfReliance #VanLife #MindsetShift #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

In this episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Leilani Wells to explore complex family secrets, teenage homelessness, and corrupt juvenile justice systems. Leilani Wells opens up about growing up amidst volatile domestic altercations, hidden paternity truths, and a search for cultural identity in Southern California. Driven to run away as a teenager to escape a toxic home environment, she navigated street life and couch surfing before being handed over to a corrupt judge who jailed non-violent runaways. From facing 30 days in juvenile hall and the trauma of being shackled at age 14 to uncovering systemic corruption and advocating for prison reform, Leilani candidly shares the raw realities that shaped her resilience. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 02:10 The Journey of Leilani Wells 04:05 The Importance of Sharing Stories 07:10 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics 15:50 Discovering Identity and Belonging 22:19 The Impact of Parental Relationships 27:10 Navigating Complex Family Relationships 34:51 Childhood Sports and Friendships 36:48 Influences and Observations in Early Life 38:24 Navigating Privilege and Hardship 40:20 The Decision to Run Away 42:36 Experiences of Running Away 46:36 Teenage Rebellion and Experimentation 49:43 Spiritual Connections and Near-Death Experiences 55:06 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth 01:00:05 Judicial System and Its Impact on Youth 01:08:17 Friendship in Adversity 01:11:15 Reflections on Trauma and Resilience 01:12:55 Understanding PTSD and Its Impact 01:14:51 The Journey of Healing and Accountability 01:17:03 The Power of Storytelling and Public Opinion 01:20:53 Finding Strength in Vulnerability 01:23:02 The Importance of Advocacy and Reform 01:28:40 Corruption in the Justice System 01:35:59 The Path to Healing and Empowerment Video of Judge Robert Dorn Sentencing Kids to Jail for Running Away or Missing School: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAHyzWnvZFB/?igsi=YmhsNHM1dzhxOW9l Article of Mayor Robert (Roosevelt) Dorn Pleading Gulity to Corruption: https://www.google.com/search?q=judge+robert+dorn+inglewood&client=ms-android-tmus-us-rvc3&hs=WGCB&sca_esv=c18f865cebe507ff&source=android-browser&sxsrf=APpeQntCcoAn52j6L0zxoBf71Hpa7BHFJA%3A1787944071227&ei=h9yRau6kDfqLruEP2sm12QI&biw=384&bih=742&oq=judge+robert+dorn+ingl&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIhZqdWRnZSByb2JlcnQgZG9ybiBpbmdsKgIIAjIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSOk8UPcOWL4xcAF4AJABAJgBlAGgAdUHqgEDMC43uAEByAEA-AEBmAIHoALsBsICBRAhGKsCwgIFECEYnwXCAggQABiJBRiiBJgDAIgGAZIHAzEuNqAH7B2yBwMwLja4B-gGwgcHMC4xLjUuMcgHJYAIAQ&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp Follow Leilani Website: https://leilaniwells.com/ Agency website: https://leilanimedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilanimwells/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lani.m.wells Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanimwells/ X: https://twitter.com/leilanimwells TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leilanimwells Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-zaS1i4e0BUvX7vDoHt6Q Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leilanimwells/ Podcast: https://leilaniwells.com/podcast/ Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at [email protected] Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e #IntrepidStorytelling #LeilaniWells #JuvenileJustice #TeenHomelessness #SystemicCorruption #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

In this episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Fausto Castellanos to talk about his Grooming, Child Sexual Abuse, Crystal Meth Addiction, and Radical Forgiveness. Fausto grew up in an environment shaped by paternal narcissistic abuse and early childhood sexual trauma, developing chameleon-like coping mechanisms and the need for attention and acceptance to survive. As a teenager, his emotional pain escalated into a dangerous spiral of alcohol, ecstasy, and crystal meth dependency, leading to psych ward holds, near-fatal overdoses, and severe suicidal ideation. After reaching ultimate rock bottom, Fausto confronted his deeply ingrained codependency and pursued radical forgiveness, transforming his traumatic past into clinical work as a motivational speaker and counselor. His narrative exposes the raw truth of overcoming severe addiction, family dysfunction, and trauma to reclaim personal agency and break generational dysfunction. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning 01:02 The Journey of Hope and Healing 03:25 Childhood Struggles and Family Dynamics 05:19 Experiences of Abuse and Its Impact 09:54 Seeking Acceptance and Identity 12:40 Navigating Relationships and Codependency 15:52 The Role of Parenting and Communication 19:32 Education on Safety and Awareness 21:43 Understanding Self-Worth and Empowerment 26:16 The Early Struggles: A Journey Begins 30:31 The Allure of Substance: Finding Acceptance 32:30 Escalation: From Partying to Harder Drugs 36:48 The Dark Side: Grooming and Abuse 45:16 Hitting Rock Bottom: A Desperate Plea for Help 49:07 A Turning Point: Finding Hope in Desperation 53:38 The Power of Self-Advocacy and Emotional Healing 54:07 The Journey to Sobriety Begins 55:27 Sharing Truth and Finding Community Support 56:26 The Importance of Mentorship in Recovery 57:54 Embracing Self-Help and Personal Growth 01:00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Setting New Goals 01:01:48 The Reality of Recovery: Facing Challenges 01:08:20 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Sobriety 01:10:43 The Role of Forgiveness in Healing 01:12:58 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Relationships CONNECT WITH HOPE DEALER FAUSTO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeDealerFausto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faustocastellanoss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopedealerfausto/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hopedealerfausto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fausto-castellanos/ Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at [email protected] Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e #IntrepidStorytelling #FaustoCastellanos #NarcissisticAbuse #AddictionRecovery #RadicalForgiveness #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #HopeDealerFausto

In this episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Richelle Bauman to explore surviving childhood abuse, escaping violent relationships, and reclaiming life as a paralegal. Richelle Bauman shares her harrowing journey of growing up amidst severe domestic violence, child abuse, and a broken foster care system. After enduring traumatic instability, family betrayal, and horrific physical threats from abusive partners, she made devastating sacrifices to survive and protect her children. Through perseverance, mentorship, and legal self-education, Richelle reclaimed her life and established a thriving career as a paralegal dedicated to helping others navigate crisis. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning 02:06 Rochelle's Early Life and Family Background 04:59 Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence 11:03 Foster Care Experiences and Systemic Challenges 22:07 Adoption Journey and New Beginnings 29:58 Confronting the Past and Healing 34:58 The Cycle of Domestic Violence 40:01 Adoption and Its Emotional Toll 46:29 Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships 01:02:10 Finding Strength in Legal Advocacy 01:07:17 Resilience and Hope for the Future Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at [email protected] Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@intrepidstorytelling PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e #IntrepidStorytelling #RichelleBauman #ChildhoodTrauma #DomesticViolence #FosterCare #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast

In this full episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Mirella Stoyanova to explore trauma recovery, international adoption, and identity reclamation. Mirella Stoyanova is a writer and licensed therapist who experienced a harrowing childhood in Bulgaria, witnessing a tragic murder-suicide involving her parents at just three years old. Following this trauma, she was adopted twice, first by her grandmother in Sofia to shield her from a paternal custody battle, and later by an upper-middle-class American family in Seattle[5]. Plunged into a new culture, Mirella quickly lost her native language and Bulgarian identity, a systemic consequence of international adoption practices of the era that failed to center the child's origin story. Through years of deep identity work and a career dedicated to social work, she ultimately reclaimed her agency, learned to see the complex humanity in her past, and now helps other survivors navigate trauma and reclaim their authentic selves. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling 02:07 Mirella's Journey Begins 05:57 The Impact of Trauma and Loss 12:04 Adoption and New Beginnings 17:47 Cultural Identity and Language Loss 24:01 The Role of Adoptive Parents 27:18 Understanding Open Adoption and Its Impact 31:02 Growing Up in a Unique Family Structure 35:15 Navigating Identity and Cultural Heritage 37:33 The Journey into Social Work and Therapy 41:48 Specialties in Therapy: Trauma and Identity 45:34 Finding Power in Adversity 51:49 Connecting with the Therapist: Resources and Support Connect with Mirella Website: http://www.mirellastoyanova.com Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling Submit Your Story: Email us at [email protected] Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@intrepidstorytelling PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e #IntrepidStorytelling #MirellaStoyanova #TraumaRecovery #InternationalAdoption #IdentityReclamation #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast