Ep.1/ For the record: The truth about my story

Every story has a beginning.
But the truth is, most stories are never fully told.

This podcast was created to give people a space to share the parts of their lives that often go unheard — the struggles, the mistakes, the survival, and the rebuilding that happens afterward.

Before I ask others to share their stories, I believe it’s important that I share mine.

This episode is For the Record: The Truth About My Story.

LISTEN NOW

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The Beginning

I didn’t grow up with the kind of stability many people take for granted.
My childhood was shaped by trauma, instability, and circumstances that I didn’t fully understand at the time.

My father spent much of my childhood in federal prison, from the time I was eight until I was sixteen right at the age when most kids are trying to figure out who they are.
My mother was doing the best she could after leaving an abusive situation, but life wasn’t always easy.

The one place I remember feeling structure, love, and accountability was with my grandparents.
Every school vacation and many summers were spent with them, and they showed me what stability looked like.

Even then, I remember acting out in ways I didn’t understand — trying to communicate things I didn’t yet have the words for.

Ep.1/

For the record: The truth about my story

For the Record

If I could go back and take away every mistake I’ve ever made, I probably would.

But if I did…

I might never have this moment.

I might never have the opportunity to sit with others, hear their stories, and remind them that their lives still have purpose.

So this is my story.

For the record.

And this is only the beginning.

About the Podcast

For the Record with Courtney is a podcast dedicated to sharing real stories of survival, recovery, accountability, and second chances.

Each episode creates space for individuals to speak honestly about their lives, the systems they’ve navigated, and the journey of rebuilding.

Because every story deserves to be heard.