Join me on a journey discovering what it means to become the hero of our own stories by addressing the self-limiting beliefs that are keeping us from being our best selves. No topic is off the table as I look into my own story and others’ to find the nuggets that help us step into our own power.
…
continue reading
Welcome to the Healing for Male Survivors Podcast, where male survivors of childhood trauma, especially sexual trauma, can find hope and healing. My main goal is to give a platform to YOU, my listener and fellow survivor. I want to make this a safe space for you to tell YOUR story - and telling your story can often jumpstart your healing. This *is* a faith-based podcast, but do not expect a lot of preaching, but I want to welcome anyone here regardless of faith. **Trigger Warning/Explicit Co ...
…
continue reading
Marcus Spaur is a Certified Recovery Coach, a Certified Inner Child Recovery Process Specialist, a Brainspotting Practitioner, and is a life & recovery coach with Between the Covers Coaching. He is a podcast host with the Between the Covers Podcast with Marcus Spaur with the theme of getting into people's stories to help them become the heroes in t…
…
continue reading
Today, let's talk about the concept of garbage in, garbage out. It's something I've heard from both the mental and physical health departments of this concept. We are capable of producing what we put in. Want to get healthier physically? Eating overly processed foods isn't going to help with that. Finding yourself in a negative mindset all the time…
…
continue reading
Johnny Braun is a 21 year old who grew up as a Mennonite in Canada and is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse . He is still working on recovery and full understanding of his past but he is also helping other people who have experienced trauma work through their own struggles. Contact info for Johnny: Instagram Other Links Mentioned: Men’s Encounte…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about the difference between reacting and responding. They are synonymous if you look at the definitions of them, yet I want to hypothesize that there is a difference between them. The key difference, reacting is unconscious where responding is conscious. I explore this concept based on my experiences and conversations I've had with othe…
…
continue reading

1
61 - Live Interview with Cranford Blackmon
1:03:47
1:03:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:47Cranford Blackmon is a former Air Force officer, Federal Agent, police officer, and Army soldier. He is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, family-controlled trafficking, satanic ritual abuse & mind control. Now he speaks and teaches to support male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, prevent violence, empower survivors, and support organiz…
…
continue reading
For this month's hero's study, I bring on a very special guest: my partner! I mention her so much in previous episodes. Once I decided to interview people for these episodes, I wanted to bring her on to share her story. She's been through so much and tells about her struggles with mental health and the support she's found. I hope you find inspirati…
…
continue reading

1
60 - Live Interview with Richard Windmann
1:00:59
1:00:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:59Richard Windmann, Ph.D. is a survivor of childhood sex abuse and sex trafficking from the age of 7 until 17. He estimates that he's been raped by hundreds, if not over a thousand men during that 10 year period. After doing advocacy work with SNAP, 5 years ago he started his own advocacy Nonprofit 501(c)(3) called "Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse” …
…
continue reading
Let's talk about believing in ourselves. I don't know about you, but this is something that I wrestled with all the time. I have more thoughts about how I'm failing in life than pointing out the good I'm doing. This is because I've struggled to believe in myself for years. It's not something I can point my finger at and blame a few key people. This…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about insecurity, a very old friend of mine. I could even go so far as to say it's a bedfellow since I was a child. There isn't anyone I know who doesn't struggle insecurity in some form or fashion. Whether we're talking with our bodies or image, intellect or knowledge, work experience, parenting, the myriad hobbies out there...need I go…
…
continue reading

1
58 - Forgiveness - Part 2 - Panel Discussion - LIVE
53:38
53:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:38This is week 2 on my series on Forgiveness - what it means for a survivor to forgive the perpetrators. In part 1, we went through a recent podcast episode by my friend & colleague James Gianakon on his Imago Dei Recovery podcast where he shares key principles on forgiveness. This week, in part 2, I host a panel discussion on forgiveness and what it…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about purity culture today. This is something that I grew up when it was thriving, and it's still around today, but it's name has changed. If you experienced abstinence only sex education, are familiar with promise rings, have heard that men are more sexually active than women, that men are more visually stimulated than women, that you m…
…
continue reading

1
57 - Forgiveness - Part 1 - James Gianakon’s podcast
37:29
37:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:29For the next 2 episodes I will talk on forgiveness - what it means for a survivor to forgive the perpetrators. In part 1, I go through a recent podcast episode by my friend & colleague James Gianakon on his Imago Dei Recovery podcast where he shares key principles on forgiveness. Next week, in part 2, I will host a panel discussion on forgiveness a…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about one of my favorite philosophies on life: don't yuck someone else's yum. It's something I've heard from several sources now, but my first experience was around 2010 when I was working through the backlog of Stuff You Should Know episodes where the podcast hosts Josh and Chuck shared this idea. This is a life philosophy that I operat…
…
continue reading

1
56 - Live Interview with Dr. Russell Stagg
58:47
58:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:47Dr. Russell Stagg is a trauma therapist specializing in sexual abuse and sexual assault. He has master's degrees in counseling psychology and Jewish studies (chaplaincy). He has been counseling since 2013, with psychotherapy licenses in three Canadian provinces. Before entering private practice, Russell was the Resident Chaplain for the Emergency, …
…
continue reading
Let's talk about another hero! This time, it's one of my favorite: Himura Kenshin. He's t he protagonist in the Rurouni Kenshin manga and anime and has been a favorite character of mine since I learned about him. What makes him an iconic hero in my eyes? Listen in to find out! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your fa…
…
continue reading
Dr. Mark Barber is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. A majority of his abuse occurred in the church. Mark began an earnest search towards wholeness 20 years ago. The healing journey has included battles with PTSD, anxiety, SSA, isolation and working to have a healthy understanding of God. He is currently a board certified family phys…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about hope this week. After the downer of an episode last week as I processed my fears for 2025, there's also hope to be found in everything that's going on. It's important that we don't succumb to fear and undermine opportunities to push forward. Hope can still be found even in the darkest of times. A large part of becoming the heroes o…
…
continue reading

1
54 - Live Interview with Michael Skinner
1:09:54
1:09:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:54Michael Skinner is an award-winning advocate, educator, writer and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist, addressing the issues of trauma, abuse and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing and his music. He has spoken at the National Press Club, was a keynote presenter for a conference held by the United Nations, The St…
…
continue reading
Another year is coming to an end. If only I could be more thrilled about the prospect of another year. This episode was recorded not long after the elections in November and I had some difficult thoughts and feelings. Part of that is what I'm afraid of for the coming year. Don't worry, though. There will be some hope. I fully expect to receive some…
…
continue reading

1
53 - [VIDEO] Special: Christmas 2024 - Marcus Spaur Interviews Mike
1:04:31
1:04:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:31Today is my Christmas Special. Recently, my friend, Marcus Spaur, host of the Between the Covers podcast, interviewed me for his podcast. we talked about my story, my healing journey, and my Santa Journey. Because of this, I thought it was a perfect option for my Christmas episode. Video Version is available on Spotify and YouTube. I also interview…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about the difference between protagonists and antagonists. If you're like me, then you see protagonists as the heroes and antagonists as the villains. It's actually much more nuanced than that. Let's look at what they are and how we can relate to them. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast…
…
continue reading
This week we have a panel discussion with 2 of my prior guests: Dan Carlson & Luke Weirsma. We discuss Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What is PTSD? What are the symptoms of PTSD? What coping methods are there when symptoms happen? What is the difference between CPTSD & PTSD? How do you handle PTSD Flashbacks? Suicide is talked about in this episod…
…
continue reading
*Content warning: this episode discusses childhood sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress. For this month's hero study, we're interviewing a friend of mine who fitting for the holiday season is a professional Santa portrayal artist. Mike Chapman is also a Christian recovery coach who works with men who have been sexually abused. He shares his story…
…
continue reading

1
51 - Live Interview with Iain Bryson
1:05:27
1:05:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:27Iain Bryson, aged 47, lives in Connecticut with his wife and their two cats. His daughter was parentally abducted in late 2010, and in May 2024 he published an evidence-based documentary memoir exposing the group that took his daughter as well as how they did it and what has happened since then. Iain was sexually abused by a twelve-year-old girl wh…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about rest today. During this busy season for many with holidays and family gatherings taking place, maybe even some vacations, shopping, and keeping with traditions, it's important for us to give ourselves time to rest. Regardless of what you're December looks like, make sure you are intentional about setting time aside every week or ev…
…
continue reading

1
50 - Live Interview with Laverne Friesen
1:05:58
1:05:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:58Laverne Friesen is on a mission to raise awareness on the harmful effects of the stigma that surrounds mental health. After surviving a prolonged mental health crisis, he was pulled back from the brink of suicide by the love and presence of his children. In an incredible journey of post-trauma growth, Laverne has triumphed over the effects of being…
…
continue reading

1
70 - Things I Learned from Soulsborne Games
30:09
30:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:09Let's talk about more things I've learned from some of my favorite things! This time, we're talking about the video game franchise made by FromSoftware, the studio behind the Demons/Dark Souls and Bloodborne games. What have I learned? Let's dive in! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website…
…
continue reading

1
49 - Live Interview with Jason Mellard
1:12:43
1:12:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:43Jason Mellard is the founder of Own Your Identity, where he empowers men experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction to live the life they truly desire. Jason is a Certified High Performance Coach and Certified Husband Material Coach. He has experienced sexual abuse, same-sex attraction, and freedom from porn. Jason is committed to helping men live b…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about taking care of ourselves. It's something that's important, has already been discussed in this space, and this likely won't be the last time. The most important things to remember are: Your care is worth investing time and energy into. You need to feel safe and secure to thrive. While others can help you, no one is going to advocate…
…
continue reading
This week we have a panel discussion with 2 of my prior guests: Rocky Pisor & Daniel Eichelberger. We attempt to answer and discuss this question: How do you deal with Holiday Trigger? What might Holiday Triggers look like? What strategies can you do ahead of time to prepare? What coping methods are there when they happen? Do we have to make it a “…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about this month's hero: Zelda from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Considering the franchise is named after her, she's often been more of a backseat character in the stories. One of the things I've enjoyed about seeing her grow is how she steps out from the shadow of the protagonist, Link, in order to be a hero in her own right. Please r…
…
continue reading

1
47 - Three Word Challenge Update & The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Case Update
23:12
23:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:12#menendezbrothers #lylemenendez #erikmenendez #freethemenendezbrothers #menendezbrothers Back in Episode 37, the end of Season 1, I mentioned the Three Word Challenge, said I would take it on, and challenged you to do the same. I want to share my results and what I learned. I wanted to share the very recent updates on the Lyle & Erik Menéndez Murde…
…
continue reading
Today I finish telling my story. There is absolutely more to say than what's been in these last four episodes, but it's a pretty succinct telling of the key events. This is also the one where I share the story of how my partner and I met and the almost romcom nature it details. Seriously. It could almost be a Hallmark movie. Please rate and review …
…
continue reading

1
46 - Live Interview with Pastor & Coach Mark Collins
27:39
27:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:39Mark is a Husband, Father, Pastor & Coach with a passion to see Christian Men equipped to be the HERO God created them to be. He has authored his first book, “Life Mastery: Living life by design, not by default”. He has developed and launched his Life Mastery online course and has had the privilege of speaking at conferences throughout the Western …
…
continue reading
*Content Warning* This episodes mentions thoughts of suicide and death. If you are uncomfortable with these topics, then skip this podcast. If you are prepared to listen to these stories, then take care of yourself if you ever do get triggered by what is discussed in this episode. US National Suicide Hotline: 988 or visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/h…
…
continue reading

1
45 - Live Interview with Steven Procopio, ground-breaking researcher and therapist specializing in Male Sex Trafficking Survivors
53:04
53:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:04Steven Procopio, ACSW, LICSW, is a trainer/consultant/therapist in working with males with a trauma history. His expertise is in the area of childhood sexual abuse, commercial sexual exploitation/human trafficking, other forms of sexual victimization and he has extensive experience with homelessness and runaway youth. Steven’s work in youth service…
…
continue reading
*Content Warning* This episodes mentions actions of self-harm and bullying. If you are uncomfortable with this topic, then skip this podcast. If you are prepared to listen to these stories, then take care of yourself if you ever do get triggered by what is discussed in this episode. I continue my story this week, discussing how I lost my voice and …
…
continue reading

1
VIDEO 44 - Male Survivor Awareness Day 2024 Live Event - Panel Discussion on Healing -Part 2
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58#MSAD #MaleSurvivor #MSAD2024 #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay2024 #1in6 #MenToo #BoysToo #MeToo #MenHealing #DVAM #MenYouAreNotAlone Due to Spotify’s video policy, the video version is only available to view within the Spotify app, though it is also available on YouTube & Facebook. This is the first of a 2-part live Zoom event i…
…
continue reading

1
44 - Male Survivor Awareness Day 2024 Live Event - Panel Discussion on Healing -Part 2
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58#MSAD #MaleSurvivor #MSAD2024 #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay2024 #1in6 #MenToo #BoysToo #MeToo #MenHealing #DVAM #MenYouAreNotAlone This is the second of a 2-part live Zoom event in honor of Male Survivor Awareness Day Back in 2022, MenHealing, MaleSurvivor and other groups who help men heal from sexual trauma set aside October…
…
continue reading

1
VIDEO-43 - Male Survivor Awareness Day 2024 Live Event - Panel Discussion on Healing (Part 1)
31:13
31:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:13#MSAD #MaleSurvivor #MSAD2024 #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay2024 #1in6 #MenToo #BoysToo #MeToo #MenHealing #DVAM #MenYouAreNotAlone Due to Spotify’s video policy, the video version is only available to view within the Spotify app, though it is also available on YouTube & Facebook.This is the first of a 2-part live Zoom event in…
…
continue reading

1
43 - Male Survivor Awareness Day 2024 Live Event - Panel Discussion on Healing (Part 1)
31:13
31:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:13#MSAD #MaleSurvivor #MSAD2024 #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay #MaleSurvivorAwarenessDay2024 #1in6 #MenToo #BoysToo #MeToo #MenHealing #DVAM #MenYouAreNotAloneThis is the first of a 2-part live Zoom event in honor of Male Survivor Awareness Day Link to FULL SHOW NOTES is here Back in 2022, MenHealing, MaleSurvivor and other groups who help men heal from s…
…
continue reading
It's story time! I've mentioned my story off and on for over sixty episodes, but I think it's time to actually tell my story. This is part one focusing on my early childhood up to my years in school. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interes…
…
continue reading
This week, we have a panel discussion with three of my prior guests: Luke Wiersma, Daniel Eichelberger, and Dan Carlson. Today, we discuss triggers: What kind of things trigger you? Have you ever been triggered to a point where nothing really helped, and what did you do? Are there positive triggers? What should you do when you feel triggered? What …
…
continue reading
Let's talk about this months hero, James Earl Jones. For me, the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, he has quite the legacy and story of overcoming his own trials in order to become the man that we knew. From Shakespeare to voice overs to recording the New Testament in the Bible, there are many who have heard his iconic voice and seen him perform, an…
…
continue reading

1
41 - ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences
23:34
23:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:34This week I talk about the ACEs study, what it is, how to take it and what the results mean. Also how to lessen the affects if you have a high score (4-10). If you would like to join us for future LIVE podcast events, learn more at: PolarLifeConsulting.com/live Links mentioned during the episode (and other helpful links on this topic): Free PDF on …
…
continue reading
Let's talk about community, something that is important to our survival as a social animal, and something t hat has been weaponized against us probably more times than we realize. Even a look at politics shows how people in power are trying to pit different communities against each other. It doesn't have to be this way and community can be very hea…
…
continue reading

1
40 - Interview with Jack W. Gregory (part 2)
36:13
36:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:13Jack W Gregory also known as The Accidental Journalist. He is a UK-based author, consultant, and actor among many things. He battles from being sexually trafficked within the UK Special School System, dealing with rejection, fear, mental illness, addiction, and criminality. He found myself homeless and addicted to crack cocaine. In 2014, he got cle…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about skepticism and being skeptical. This is almost a four-letter word these days because it's often tied to the questioning of Christianity and the faith's stalwart beliefs. As usual, I want to create a safe space to talk about these "taboo" topics and my own journey in asking questions and the power of skepticism. Being skeptical is n…
…
continue reading

1
39 - Interview with Jack W. Gregory (part 1)
48:29
48:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:29Jack W Gregory also known as The Accidental Journalist. He is a UK-based author, consultant, and actor among many things. He battles from being sexually trafficked within the UK Special School System, dealing with rejection, fear, mental illness, addiction, and criminality. He found myself homeless and addicted to crack cocaine. In 2014, he got cle…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about faith and the nature of it changing. This is something I've seen many people struggle with over the years. Many of my clients who come from a conservative Christian background don't want to admit that they wrestle with the nature of their faith. First off: this is natural! As we grow and experience more in the world around us, we f…
…
continue reading