#21 Brandon Held - From Childhood Trauma, Poverty, and Divorce to a Life of Fulfillment
Manage episode 497481567 series 3571345
What happens when childhood trauma becomes your greatest teacher? Brandon Held's life story reads like a manual on resilience -- growing up in poverty, living with an abusive, alcoholic stepfather, losing his infant daughter, multiple failed marriages, surviving a suicide attempt, and emerging not just intact but mentally resilient and determined to help others.
Brandon's candid conversation reveals how he broke generational cycles of addiction and abuse. His military service was a good starting point in life while also exposing him to leadership - both exemplary and toxic - that shaped his understanding of human connection.
The most powerful moments come when Brandon discusses his relationships. After three failed marriages and numerous betrayals, he learned to establish boundaries and recognize genuine connection. This clarity came at a tremendous cost, including a suicide attempt following a devastating period where he simultaneously lost his wife, children, job, and home while burdened by crushing debt.
Where to find Brandon: https://linktr.ee/brandonheld
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Resources from This Episode:
The Happiness Hypothesis: https://amzn.to/43fzkkw
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Chapters
1. Welcome (00:00:00)
2. Introduction (00:00:12)
3. Childhood (00:01:44)
4. Joining the Air Force (00:16:13)
5. Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships (00:34:36)
6. Getting Professional Help (00:37:30)
7. Grief of Losing His Daughter (00:49:21)
8. Post Military Life and Suicide Attempt (00:52:11)
9. Starting the Life is Crazy Podcast (00:55:54)
10. Takeaways (01:00:42)
11. Closing Thoughts (01:03:13)
23 episodes