In a recent episode of How I Made It Through with Kristin Taylor and Ray Catania, I had the incredible opportunity to share my journey, opening up about parts of my life that were once buried in pain but have now transformed into sources of empowerment. I’m deeply grateful to both Kristin and Ray for creating such a welcoming space to explore my past and the work I’m now passionate about.

The conversation was a profound one, starting with the trauma I faced in my early years. From enduring both sexual and physical abuse to navigating life with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), these experiences have undeniably shaped who I am today. It wasn’t an easy path, but it taught me the power of truth. At [03:00], I shared how, through the chaos and confusion, the moment I learned to be honest with myself, my life began to change. Truth became my compass, guiding me out of darkness and into the light.

One of the most meaningful parts of our discussion happened around [09:00], where we delved into how DID impacted my relationships and identity. It was a long road to understand and integrate the many parts of myself, but that integration brought me peace. As we spoke, it reminded me just how essential it is to confront and embrace our true selves if we want to find freedom — both personally and within our communities.

At [12:00], I had the chance to explain why media literacy is not just a passion of mine but a necessary tool for empowerment. I believe that in today’s creator-driven economy, media is a force for good. It allows individuals, especially those from underserved communities, to rise above societal barriers, create their own opportunities, and reshape narratives that have historically held them back.

We also touched on the future of work, with media at its core. The shift we are seeing towards self-expression and content creation as viable economic paths is exhilarating. As I emphasized around [18:00], equipping people with media skills is crucial as we move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It’s about more than just creating content — it’s about giving people the power to tell their stories, monetize their talents, and build a future on their terms.

I want to take this moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kristin and Ray. Their genuine curiosity and warmth made this conversation feel safe and empowering. It is through conversations like these that we can begin to break down societal barriers and, together, build a world where truth is not only accepted but celebrated.