I Was Set Up by the Cartel

This week, Ellen opens up about the traumatic story of being attacked by two wolf hybrids when she was just 5 years old. She shares what she remembers from the attack, the devastating injuries that nearly cost her her leg, and the physical and emotional aftermath that followed. She also opens up about living with PTSD, night terrors, and panic attacks, how EMDR and art became part of her healing, and what it has meant to finally share her story 25 years later. Check Out Ellen:  → Instagram  → Website  Sponsored By: → Quince | Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com/insane. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. → MasterClass | MasterClass keeps adding new classes, so there’s never been a better time to get in. Head to https://masterclass.com/insane to get at least 15% off any annual membership. → ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsoredOn This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:03:30 - Why are wolf hybrids dangerous around children? → 00:05:14 - How did the attack happen? → 00:07:58 - How did the wolf attack her leg? → 00:08:42 - What does she remember afterward? → 00:14:58 - How did her parents react? → 00:17:00 - Why did doctors consider amputation? → 00:19:30 - How did the attack affect her parents? → 00:22:18 - How did she recover from four surgeries? → 00:27:36 - What was her hospital stay like? → 00:31:58 - How did losing her hamstring affect her? → 00:34:08 - How did she overcome her fear of dogs? → 00:36:08 - Did the owner face consequences? → 00:40:50 - How did the attack cause her passion for art? → 00:44:18 - What happened during her first psychedelic experience? → 00:50:26 - How did the trauma affect her family? → 00:59:12 - Why did she finally share her story? → 01:05:06 - Why was her dad worried about her sharing online? → 01:09:40 - Why do wolf hybrids end up in sanctuaries? → 01:13:50 - How did telling her story help her heal? Further Listening → Dove in a Lake and Broke My Neck More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99 a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, a survivor opens up about the deeply disturbing story of being sexually abused by an adult woman he trusted when he was just 11 years old. He shares how the grooming began, how he was manipulated into believing the abuse was love, the shame and confusion he carried for years, and how the trauma continues to affect his relationships, substance use, and healing today. Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:04:09 - What Was His Childhood Like? → 00:06:22 - What Was Happening at Home? → 00:08:32 - How Did He Meet His Abuser? → 00:13:22 - Why Did He Trust Her? → 00:19:00 - When Did Grooming Turn Into Abuse? → 00:24:02 - Why Did She Make Him Keep It a Secret? → 00:27:22 - Why Was She Giving Kids Drugs and Alcohol? → 00:33:46 - Did the Abuse Affect His Sexuality? → 00:36:08 - Why Did She Say He Would “Latch Onto” Her? → 00:36:48 - When Did the Sexual Abuse Escalate? → 00:41:44 - How Did the Abuse Affect His Family? → 00:44:34 - Why Couldn’t He Connect With His Mom? → 00:46:04 - Did His Friends Suspect What Was Happening? → 00:48:18 - How Did the Abuse Affect School and Friendships? → 00:51:34 - How did the abuse continue as he got older? → 00:55:06 - Why didn’t anyone intervene? → 01:00:00 - What happened when her niece came to visit? → 01:07:04 - When did he first try to end the relationship? → 01:10:44 - Why did the abuse start again? → 01:13:50 - When was the last time he saw his abuser? → 01:14:14 - How did he tell his fiancée what happened? → 01:16:22 - When did he finally start therapy? → 01:19:42 - What happened when he saw his abuser again? → 01:26:04 - Why does he want to speak out about his story? → 01:31:50 - What does he want other survivors to know? Further Listening → I Dated My PredatorMore We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  For ad-free, uncensored videos and plenty of exclusive content please subscribe to the We Are All Insane subscription channel at https://wereallinsane.supportingcast.fm/. It's $5.99 a month and watchable on Apple and Android mobile apps, Roku TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Niki as she shares the unbelievable chain of events that led to her preparing to self-surrender to federal prison. Nikki opens up about losing her grandmother at a young age, growing up around addiction, unresolved childhood trauma, and the lifelong need to prove that she had everything together. Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. → Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. → AquaTru | Go to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.  On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:41 - A childhood growing up with parents addicted to crack → 00:05:21 - A last-minute trip to Vegas → 00:06:20 - Who did Nikki meet on the flight to Vegas? → 00:18:06 - What happened when Nikki and her friends flew to Guadalajara? → 00:23:16 - What were the red flags? → 00:27:48 - Stopped at a checkpoint → 00:31:36 - Why did a federal agent suddenly contact Nikki? → 00:35:29 - How did this unexpectedly lead the federal government to Nikki? → 00:40:14 - What was it like being interrogated by federal agents? → 00:42:23 - $2 million worth in her truck… → 00:45:32 - What was it like living in legal purgatory for 8 years? → 00:50:26 - How did Nikki manage to reduce her sentence? → 00:54:44 - Why is Nikki actually excited to finally go to prison? → 01:01:19 - How does Nikki feel now that this chapter of her life is finally ending? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deanna is sharing a part of her story she never thought she would tell publicly. After growing up in a deeply controlling religious environment, she entered adulthood without a clear understanding of boundaries, consent, or her own self-worth, leaving her vulnerable to relationships filled with manipulation, coercive control, abuse, and addiction.  She opens up about being groomed and sexually coerced by a partner, losing herself in unhealthy relationships, and turning to alcohol until a DUI and three months in jail became the wake-up call that ultimately saved her life. Through sobriety, recovery, and learning to trust herself, Deanna began rebuilding her identity and discovering that the family she'd always dreamed of didn't have to look the way she'd been taught. Check Out Deanna :  Subscribe To Intrepid Storytelling: → YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@IntrepidStorytelling → Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579 → Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ?si=1213f92e209a4cbe Follow Intrepid Storytelling On Social Media: → Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578154971079 → Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/intrepidstorytelling → TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@intrepidstorytelling Follow Deanna On Social Media: → Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/deanna.powell.5817/ → Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deannapowell Deanna's Websites: → Podcast: https://www.intrepidstorytelling.com → Real Estate: https://www.intrepidhometeam.com Sponsored By: → Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial at https://shopify.com/insane → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:25 - Why does she use the word intrepid? → 00:04:08 - What is the impact of the Diddy and Epstein cases? → 00:05:56 - Where was she born? → 00:07:48 - What was it like growing up as a southern baptist? → 00:12:13 - How was she disciplined as a child?  → 00:15:32 - What was sex education like for her?  → 00:22:57 - How was her dating life growing up? → 00:26:19 - What happened when she started stripping? → 00:28:17 - Why did she feel like she had to get married? → 00:32:28 - What did love bombing look like in her relationship with Steve? → 00:35:05 - What was it like moving in with Steve? → 00:37:59 - When were drugs introduced into the relationship? → 00:40:54 - When did the relationship begin to become coercive? → 00:44:36 - Why did she keep doing things she didn't want to do? → 00:48:40 -  Can you become addicted to another person? → 00:50:11 -  How did she finally get away from Steve? → 00:52:51 - When did she meet her second husband? → 00:57:12 - What happened during her second marriage? → 00:58:59 - What made her finally call 911 on her husband? → 01:00:45 - How did divorce lead to more drinking and self-destruction? → 01:06:43 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction? → 01:08:44 - When did she realize her drinking had become an addiction? → 01:12:35 - What made her decide to get sober for good? → 01:14:36 - How was outpatient treatment and probation? → 01:15:39 - What happened when she started dating again? → 01:20:31 - Why did she get married a third time? → 01:23:02 - What was off about her third marriage? → 01:27:13 - How did she feel when she found out he was cheating? → 01:31:31 - Why did she stop believing she needed a husband to have a family? → 01:34:51 - What is the foster parent application process like?  → 01:39:40 - Why did she pick her sperm donor?  → 01:43:33 - What is motherhood like for her?  → 01:47:59 - How did sobriety help She rebuild her self-worth? → 01:50:33 - How did telling her story finally help her let go of shame? Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time | https://shop.wereallinsane.com → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts: https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 20 years, Andrea believed she was living her dream life. Then her husband confessed he had been secretly running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, shattering everything she thought she knew. In this episode, Andrea shares the devastating moment her world fell apart, how she navigated betrayal, financial ruin, and single motherhood, and what it took to rebuild her life after losing everything. She hopes her story reminds others that even after unimaginable trauma, healing is possible. Check Out Andrea:  → Instagram  → TikTok Topics Discussed: → Ponzi Scheme Survivor → Marriage Built on Lies → Financial Betrayal → Life After Losing Everything → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → AirDoctor | Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code INSANE and get up to $300 off ANY of their select AirDoctor models, plus you will get a 3-year warranty, absolutely FREE! All AirDoctor air purifiers come with a 30-day money back guarantee. → ZocDoc | Taking care of your health just got easier – start here with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/insane #sponsored → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:00:46 - What was Andrea's childhood like? → 00:03:06 - Why didn't wealth seem like a red flag? → 00:06:34 - How did she meet her future husband? → 00:08:08 - Why did Sean seem so charming? → 00:10:56 - Did their relationship seem too good to be true? → 00:12:42 - How did her father's death change what she wanted in a partner? → 00:16:31 - What were the first red flags in their marriage? → 00:19:10 - How did they build their dream life together? → 00:22:26 - How wealthy did they become? → 00:24:56 - What happened on March 18, 2009? → 00:29:38 - What did he confess first? → 00:31:50 - What is a Ponzi scheme? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:35:12 - How did she find out they had lost everything? → 00:39:44 - What do you do after your entire life falls apart? → 00:44:34 - Why did she need her own attorney? → 00:49:18 - What was it like during the federal investigation? → 00:55:05 - How do you tell your children their father is going to prison? → 01:00:08 - How did she prepare her family for prison? → 01:04:00 - What happened when the first victim came to their door? → 01:08:54 - How dangerous did things become after the fraud was exposed? → 01:13:50 - How much money was stolen? → 01:17:20 - Why did she refuse to hide her jewelry? → 01:21:22 - How was she cleared by the government? → 01:23:12 - Why did her family move to Utah? → 01:27:00 - How did sharing her story help her heal? → 01:30:20 - How do you help your children recover from trauma? → 01:33:18 - Why is forgiveness the key to moving forward? → 01:35:02 - When did the shame finally disappear? → 01:36:44 - How did rebuilding her life lead to new opportunities? → 01:39:24 - Is recovery possible after losing everything? → 01:44:26 - How much prison time did her ex-husband serve? → 01:46:12 - Was it difficult to trust and love again? → 01:49:30 - How did she meet her current husband? → 01:50:52 - What does Andrea want others to know?Further Listening → I Sent My Boyfriend’s Brother to Prison More We Are All Insane: → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 15 years old, Jess entered a residential treatment center while struggling with trauma and her mental health. There, she met a counselor she was meant to trust who slowly groomed and sexually abused her, exploiting her vulnerability and changing the course of her life. In this episode, Jess shares how childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, and years of silence shaped her life and how she eventually found healing. She hopes her story helps other survivors feel seen, exposes the reality of abuse of power, and reminds people that healing is possible. Check Out Jess:  → Tik Tok | @graylightaura Topics Discussed: → Childhood Trauma & Mental Health → Grooming by a Treatment Center Counselor → Surviving Sexual Abuse → Addiction & Recovery → Healing After Trauma Sponsored By: → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:42 - What was Jess's childhood like? → 00:02:40 - How did losing her aunt change her life? → 00:05:10 - How did her father's alcoholism affect her? → 00:09:14 - What led to her first mental health crisis? → 00:10:10 - What happened during her first suicide attempt? → 00:11:02 - What was it like being in psychiatric hospitals? → 00:19:36 - Why was she sent to a residential treatment center? → 00:21:56 - How did she meet the counselor who groomed her? → 00:24:42 - How did they stay in contact after treatment? → 00:26:48 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:27:38 - What happened on their first "date"? → 00:29:40 - When did the abuse become sexual? → 00:31:18 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:32:34 - How was she isolated and manipulated? → 00:37:18 - How did the relationship affect her family? → 00:39:34 - How did the trauma begin to consume her life? → 00:49:40 - Why couldn't she leave the relationship? → 00:59:48 - How did she try to start over? → 01:05:16 - How did becoming a mother change her life? → 01:08:56 - What made her finally report her abuser? → 01:13:44 - What happened when she confronted her former counselor? → 01:18:02 - Why was the investigation closed? → 01:22:32 - What was it like seeing her abuser in court? → 01:28:10 - What needs to change to better protect vulnerable kids? → 01:35:00 - What are the warning signs of grooming? → 01:39:12 - What does Jess want parents and survivors to know? Show links: → R*ped in Police Custody More We Are All Insane:  → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just 14 years old, Chris entered the juvenile justice system for minor offenses, where he encountered a trusted county sheriff who would profoundly alter the course of his life. After being groomed and sexually abused, the trauma followed him into adulthood, leading to years of addiction, mental health struggles, and silence. Today, Chris is sharing his story to expose the abuse of power that went unchecked, advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, and prove that healing is possible even after decades of carrying the weight of the past. Check Out Chris:  → Facebook Topics Discussed: → Growing Up in the Juvenile Justice System → Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse → The Lasting Effects of Trauma → Holding Powerful People Accountable → Finding Healing Through Advocacy Sponsored By: → Wayfair | Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:40 - How did one false accusation change his life? → 00:03:58 - How did he meet Sheriff Bullock? → 00:05:18 - How did the grooming begin? → 00:07:02 - What happened during the first assault? → 00:10:36 - How did the abuse continue? → 00:11:20 - What happened during the second assault? → 00:15:12 - What was life like at Warren Acres? → 00:17:02 - Why did he keep returning to detention? → 00:19:07 - What happened during the third encounter? → 00:21:18 - How did he cope with the abuse? → 00:25:20 - Why did he begin acting out? → 00:27:03 - Why was he sent back to Warren Acres? → 00:29:54 - What happened during the final assault? → 00:31:12 - When did he first attempt suicide? → 00:35:30 - Why did he keep the abuse a secret? → 00:42:40 - How did the trauma follow him into adulthood? → 00:43:40 - How was Sheriff Bullock finally exposed? → 00:46:42 - What did life look like after the abuse? → 00:52:50 - What led to his next suicide attempt? → 00:55:24 - How was his life saved? → 00:56:38 - What was psychiatric treatment like? → 00:57:42 - What made him choose recovery? → 00:59:08 - How did sobriety change his life? → 01:07:12 - How did he discover the sheriff's trial? → 01:08:10 - Why did he decide to testify? → 01:19:18 - What was it like facing his abuser in court? → 01:27:14 - How did meeting another survivor change him? → 01:29:22 - How did survivors help change New Jersey law? → 01:30:23 - How many victims may there have been?  Further Listening:  → My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator  - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 20 years old, Zach Cheremski dove into a lake he'd grown up on and instantly became paralyzed from the neck down. In this episode, Zach shares the moments leading up to the accident, what it was like to survive a catastrophic spinal cord injury, and the physical and emotional challenges that followed. He reflects on resilience, hope, and how one split-second decision changed the course of his life forever. Check Out Zackary:  → https://x.com/Geodezics Topics Discussed: → Surviving a life-changing diving accident → Living with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia → The physical and emotional challenges of recovery → Navigating addiction, chronic pain, and healing → Finding purpose, resilience, and hope after trauma On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:20 - Why did they decide to go night swimming? → 00:04:29 - What was going through his mind while trapped underwater? → 00:05:26 - How was he finally rescued? → 00:11:26 - What happened after he arrived at the hospital? → 00:18:38 - Who helped his family find hope during the darkest days? → 00:20:20 - What unexpected complications happened after the accident? → 00:23:30 - Why did he ask to "pull the plug"? → 00:27:38 - How did the support of others change his mindset? → 00:36:50 - Which unexpected visitor gave him hope? → 00:41:46 - What was recovery in the ICU really like? → 00:52:12 - How did pain medication become another battle? → 01:01:48 - What was it like returning to college after paralysis? → 01:13:20 - Why was going home harder than the hospital? → 01:16:42 - Did the hallucinations change the way he saw life? → 01:20:00 - Why did he question what was real after the accident? → 01:35:20 - How did he finally overcome addiction? → 01:51:20 - What does healing really look like after surviving trauma? → 01:57:45 - What message does he hope others take away from his story? → 02:01:10 - How has this experience changed the way he lives today? Show links: → Hung From a Power Line By My Leg for an Hour More We Are All Insane!  - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 14 years, Cynthia endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of the man she believed was her father. From the age of five until she escaped at 19, she was groomed, manipulated, and repeatedly sexually abused by her stepfather…all while living in what appeared to be the perfect family. When she finally found the courage to tell someone at 16, she expected protection. Instead, she was met with disbelief, shame, and pressure from the very people who should have stood by her. Resources:  → https://rainn.org/  → https://paar.net/ Check Out Cynthia:  → https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaadelgado?utm_source=qr Sponsored By: → Shopify | Every story has a turning point. If you're ready to build something of your own, start your journey with a free trial at https://shopify.com/insane → HERS | Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://forhers.com/insane to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. → AquaTru | Go to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code INSANE. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.  On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:00 - What was her family dynamic?  → 00:01:48 - What was her first memory of sexual abuse?  → 00:02:51 - What was her next memory of abuse?  → 00:05:51 - What feelings dominated her childhood?  → 00:07:37 - Why didn't she know her stepfather wasn't her biological father? → 00:08:56 - How did she feel when she found out he wasn’t her father?  → 00:09:49 - How often was she abused?  → 00:10:13 - What happened when she became seriously ill? → 00:13:08 - How did everyone react when they found out? → 00:14:17 - Did her mom know what was happening? → 00:16:51 - Who else did he sexually abuse?  → 00:19:01 - How did the abuse escalate as she got older? → 00:24:26 - How did the abuse change when she was 14? → 00:26:06 - How did her high school girlfriend change everything? → 00:27:32 - What happened after the school reported the abuse? → 00:29:26 - Why was the police investigation so traumatizing? → 00:30:22 - How did her stepfather manipulate her from jail? → 00:33:19 - How did her family convince her to protect her abuser? → 00:36:09 - How was she manipulated into staying silent? → 00:38:48 - Why did the abuse begin again after he returned home? → 00:43:51 - How did her mother treat her differently from her sister? → 00:46:03 - What is a mother wound? → 00:48:38 - How did her mother also groom her?  → 00:51:56 - How does her family treat her abuser to this day? → 00:53:29 - Why does she still struggle to cut off her mother? → 00:57:17 - Why is it so difficult to understand her mother's choices? → 00:59:29 - How did her mother respond to the allegations? → 01:02:55 - What happened when he got out of jail? → 01:05:01 - How did her stepfather regain her trust? → 01:08:01 - What happened after he slapped her? → 01:14:37 - How did he continue manipulating her emotionally? → 01:17:19 - Why did she finally leave home? → 01:20:01 - When did she leave the city?  → 01:23:53 - What happened during the court proceedings? → 01:27:09 - How has family betrayal impacted her adulthood? → 01:30:20 - When did they get married? → 01:31:22 - How did the assault affect her mental health? → 01:34:05 - How is she breaking cycles moving forward? → 01:37:41 - How is she struggling with people pleasing?  → 01:40:02 - What is her relationship with her family like now? → 01:42:48 - Why do so many survivors feel guilty?  → 01:46:02 - How has becoming a stepmother changed her perspective? → 01:48:35 - How do you live your life with trauma? → 01:51:02 - Why does she feel obligated to share her story?  → 01:54:38 - Why is it so important for survivors to speak out?  Further Listening:  → My Father Was a Pastor and a Predator More We Are All Insane:  → OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time → Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some stories are incredibly difficult to hear—but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be told. At 16 years old, he brought a shotgun into his high school. One teacher was shot, countless lives were forever changed, and he would spend the next 17 years in prison living with the consequences of his actions. Today, he works alongside educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, speaking openly about warning signs, intervention, accountability, healing, and hope for those who may be struggling in silence. Topics Discussed: → What causes someone to become a school shooter? → Can childhood trauma lead to violent behavior? → What are the warning signs before school violence? → How does untreated depression affect teenagers? → Can someone truly change after prison? Sponsored By: → AirDoctor | Head to https://AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code INSANE to get $250 off select AirDoctor air purifiers, including the 3500, 4000, and 5500 models. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs every purchase. → Cozy Earth | Stay comfortable all summer long with Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set, Everywhere Pant, and Everyday Polo. For an exclusive offer, head to https://cozyearth.com and use code INSANE to receive 20% off your order. On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:57 - What can we learn from someone who committed school violence?  → 00:02:52 - Why is he telling his story now? → 00:05:24 - What was his childhood really like? → 00:07:27 - How did childhood sexual abuse shape his mental health? → 00:08:01 - When did depression begin to take over? → 00:09:05 - Why did he attempt suicide? → 00:12:21 - How did his relationship with school change? → 00:13:59 - Did the mental hospital actually help? → 00:16:16 - How did his mental health spiral so quickly? → 00:17:36 - Why did his mom hire an attorney?  → 00:20:18 - Why didn't he tell anyone about the abuse? → 00:22:59 - What is the impact of being open about your trauma?  → 00:26:20 - How can we all relate to each other more?  → 00:27:57 - What happened after he left school for the summer? → 00:28:43 - How did he feel when he returned to school?  → 00:29:55 - How did it feel to drop out of high school?  → 00:31:48 - How did he start to feel at community college?  → 00:33:55 - How was his mom handling his mental decline?  → 00:35:21 - What is the gun safety process?  → 00:37:12 - When did he become suicidal again?  → 00:38:33 - Why did he decide to bring a gun to school? → 00:40:51 - What was in his suicide note?  → 00:41:29 - What was going through his mind that morning? → 00:42:33 - How was he feeling throughout the shooting?  → 00:44:36 - Did he come in with a plan?  → 00:46:50 - When did he decide to start shooting?  → 00:49:06 - What happened when he fired the first shot?  → 00:51:22 - How was the shooting stopped? → 00:53:37 - Why did he finally give up?   → 00:54:17 - How does he feel about being alive today?  → 00:55:36 - What is his mission in life?  → 00:57:52 - How did his friends and family respond? → 01:01:32 - What was prison really like? → 01:04:29 - Who did he maintain contact with while in prison?  → 01:08:09 - When did he decide to share his story? → 01:13:01 - How does it feel to share his story now?  → 01:14:15 - What did he do after getting out of prison?  → 01:16:28 - What happened when he experienced an act of violence?  → 01:24:31 - Why did he accept his death?  Further Listening: → My Dad Planned To Kill Us Check Out Jon Romano:  → https://www.tiktok.com/@jonseekingpeace → https://chooselovemovement.org/ → https://988lifeline.org/ More We Are All Insane: - OFFICIAL MERCH NOW AVAILABLE - code INSANE10 gets you 10% off for a limited time: https://shop.wereallinsane.com - Join We’re All Insane Mailing List for EXCLUSIVE Content + Discounts: https://mailchi.mp/6d0e5d7a3998/were-all-insane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices