In this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Adrienne Caldwell — a survivor, author, and advocate whose journey proves that even the darkest beginnings can lead to a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope. Adrienne opens up about a childhood marked by trauma and instability, but also the powerful turning point that set her on a path toward healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her voice.

Today, she uses her story to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own healing. This conversation is emotional, courageous, and ultimately uplifting — a reminder that no matter what you've been through, it's never too late to rise, heal, and write a new chapter.

Guest Bio

Adrienne Caldwell is the author of the forthcoming memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — a raw and unflinching account of her journey through trauma, survival, and ultimately, healing. The book sheds light on the darkest corners of the human experience, including untreated mental illness, homelessness, foster care abuse, incest, addiction, and sexual violence, and emerges with a message of fierce resilience and unbreakable hope. More than a chronicle of pain, Unbroken is a story of identity, family, love, and finding your voice when the world refuses to listen. It's about reclaiming power and choosing purpose over despair.

You'll hear About

• The childhood trauma that shaped Adrienne's early life

• How repression, addiction, and self-medicating became survival tools

• The moment that changed her healing journey

• How writing her book forced her to face decades of buried trauma

• Finding peace, stability, and purpose after a lifetime of hardship

 

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:10 Adrienne's Mission and Early Life

02:14 Trauma Beginning at Age Five

04:39 Suicide Attempts and a Life-Changing Moment

07:01 Growing Up with Mental Illness in the Home

09:23 Moving Homes, Instability, and Emotional Repression

11:51 Attachment Disorder and Numbing the Pain

13:50 The Psychiatric Ward Epiphany

16:41 Discovering the Truth in Her CPS Files

18:49 Emotional Abuse in Foster Care

20:53 Beginning the Writing and Healing Process

23:36 Overcoming Grief, Loss, and Hardship

26:07 Family Patterns and Lack of Awareness

28:30 Gratitude, Stability, and a New Life

30:53 Living with Purpose and Inspiring Others

33:20 A Message to Anyone Who Feels Hopeless

35:42 Chuck's Closing Reflections

Chuck's Challenge

This week, take one honest step toward facing something you've been avoiding. Stop the numbing, stop the running, and give yourself permission to feel what needs healing. You don't have to do it alone — just start with one step.

Connect with Adriene Caldwell

Book: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UnbrokenCaldwell

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/UnbrokenCaldwell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwel/

Connect with Chuck
Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/

Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked

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