In this deeply moving first installment of a two-part series, we sit down with Ed, a man whose life has been a harrowing blend of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience. His journey is not just a testament to the strength of the human spirit but also a raw exploration of the dark corners of trauma and the incredible power of healing.

Ed’s story begins with the wounds of his childhood. He shares the pain of growing up in an environment marked by gaslighting, emotional abandonment, and psychological abuse. These early experiences weren’t just fleeting moments—they became the foundation of a deeply ingrained programming that shaped his future. Ed talks openly about how these early traumas led him to develop codependency, constantly seeking love and validation in relationships that mirrored the abuse of his past. As an empath, he absorbed the pain and toxicity around him, often sacrificing his own emotional well-being in the process.

But nothing could prepare Ed for the ultimate betrayal. He reveals how his own wife—someone he trusted with his life—was slowly poisoning him with mercury. This act of calculated harm didn’t just threaten his physical health; it unraveled his world. Ed describes the confusion, fear, and anguish of realizing that the person he loved the most was the source of his suffering. This betrayal pushed him into the darkest depths of his life, forcing him to confront not only the pain inflicted by others but also the deep wounds within himself.

Ed’s survival wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and spiritual. As he navigated the aftermath of this toxic relationship, he found himself grappling with the patterns that had kept him bound to narcissistic and abusive dynamics for so long. He reflects on the psychological toll of these relationships and how they nearly broke him. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, Ed began to awaken to something greater.

In Part 1 of his story, Ed takes us through the harrowing details of his trauma, his near-death experience, and the moments when he questioned whether survival was even possible. It’s a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to face betrayal head-on and begin the slow, painful process of healing.

But this is only the beginning. While this episode sets the stage with the struggles that defined his life, it also hints at the incredible transformation to come. In Part 2, Ed will share how psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, became a profound tool for his healing journey. This plant medicine helped him confront his deepest fears, reframe his pain, and emerge with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.

Call to Action:
If Ed’s journey resonates with you, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share this episode with someone who needs to know they’re not alone in their struggles. Don’t forget to subscribe to Raw Minds Podcast so you’ll be the first to hear Part 2 of Ed’s story next Friday, where he delves into the transformative power of psilocybin and how it became the key to his awakening.

Follow Ed for More Inspiration and Insights:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ragged65?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Tune in Next Friday:
In Part 2, Ed explores the incredible healing potential of psilocybin. He shares how this medicine helped him break free from the chains of his trauma and rediscover his true self. It’s a journey you won’t want to miss—raw, real, and transformative.

We Want to Hear from You:
Do you have a story to share, or has Ed’s journey inspired you? Reach out to us at rawmindspodcast@gmail.com. Your story could inspire others and become part of our mission to promote healing and mental health.

Episode Title: Raw Minds S2 Ep.12 - Healing from Toxic Relationships: Wes’s Guide for Young Minds

In this powerful episode of Raw Minds, we sit down with Wes Woodson, an inspiring public speaker, mental health advocate, and author who has dedicated his life to helping young people navigate the challenges they face in their relationships and mental well-being. Wes travels across the country, visiting schools and communities to shed light on some of the most pressing and often overlooked issues, including the impact of toxic relationships on our mental health.

In "Healing from Toxic Relationships: Wes’s Guide for Young Minds," we dive deep into the complex world of relationship dynamics, unpacking what makes a connection toxic, how to identify unhealthy patterns, and the toll these connections can take on our emotional and psychological health. Wes brings his unique and heartfelt approach to this crucial conversation, sharing personal stories, eye-opening insights, and actionable advice for those struggling to find their voice in the shadow of toxicity.

We explore topics such as:

• How to recognize red flags and protect your mental space
• The impact of toxic relationships on self-worth and emotional stability
• Ways to break free from harmful cycles and begin the healing journey
• Strategies for building healthy, nurturing connections that uplift rather than drain

Wes’s message is not only about identifying and breaking free from toxic ties but also about understanding how these experiences shape us and how we can reclaim our power to grow stronger. Through compassion and vulnerability, Wes opens up a path to healing that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and surrounding ourselves with supportive, loving people.

Whether you’ve experienced a toxic relationship yourself or know someone who has, this episode is a guide to reclaiming your peace and rebuilding your mental health. Wes’s work continues to inspire and create ripples of change for young minds everywhere.

Follow Wes Woodson for more inspiration and resources on mental health and relationships:

• Instagram: Wes Woodson Instagram
• LinkedIn: Wes Woodson LinkedIn
• YouTube: Wes Woodson YouTube
• TikTok: @weswoodson
• Website: weswoodson.com

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, share it with friends and family, and let’s continue to break the silence around mental health and toxic relationships. We’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, or questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Us: Email us at: rawmindspodcast@gmail.com
Follow and support our mission for mental health awareness on social media:

• YouTube: Raw Minds Podcast YouTube
• Facebook: Raw Minds Podcast Facebook
• TikTok: Raw Minds Podcast TikTok
• Instagram: Raw Minds Podcast Instagram

Join us in this eye-opening episode as we learn how to heal, grow, and build the relationships we deserve. Remember, it’s okay to feel your emotions—and it’s more than okay to seek support. Tune in and find your way to a healthier mind with Raw Minds and Wes Woodson.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Raw Minds, Laverne courageously shares his story of survival, pain, and eventual hope. Raised in the tightly controlled environment of a cult, Laverne was subjected to sexual abuse that haunted him well into adulthood. Despite escaping the cult, he found himself trapped in emotionally abusive relationships, and although he built a career in law enforcement, his path took a devastating turn when a psychological injury ended his career.

During this dark period, Laverne faced a prolonged mental health crisis, struggling with suicidal thoughts for months, too terrified to speak up. When he finally gathered the courage to confide in the one person he trusted, their response—“I know”—before walking away, left him feeling abandoned. But the love for his young daughter, who crawled into bed with him each night, and the thought of her and her brother, became his anchor, giving him the strength to keep going, even when he didn’t know how.

Laverne has since turned his pain into purpose, publicly sharing his story to expose the stigma around mental health and to offer hope to those still struggling in silence. His journey from darkness to light is a testament to resilience, courage, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.

Follow Laverne’s journey and support his work to inspire others:

• Facebook: Laverne Friesen
• Instagram: @trueemotioncoach
• TikTok: @trueemotiondad
• Website: www.trueemotion.ca

Call to Action: If you’ve dealt with toxic surroundings or have your own experiences with bad apples, we want to hear from you. Drop us a comment, share your story, or leave a review to help others who might be going through the same thing. You can also reach out to us at Rawmindspodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might need it.

Hey everyone, we’re hitting the pause button this week as we work on exciting upgrades behind the scenes to improve your listening experience. While there won’t be a full episode today, we’re using this time to make sure Raw Minds continues to deliver the content you love in the best possible way.

Next week, we’ll be back with a special guest and some amazing new discussions that we can’t wait to share with you. We can’t thank you enough for your patience and continued support—it truly means the world to us.

If you’ve dealt with toxic surroundings or have your own experiences with bad apples, we want to hear from you. Drop us a comment, share your story, or leave a review to help others who might be going through the same thing. You can also reach out to us at Rawmindspodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might need it.

In this deeply reflective episode of Raw Minds, hosts Erick, Joey, and Anthony tackle the profound question: is failure your greatest source of power or the prison that traps you in fear? Drawing from their own life experiences, they delve into how failure can shape us—either as a stepping stone to growth or as a force that keeps us confined. The hosts share personal stories of how they’ve confronted failure head-on, from career setbacks to personal challenges, and how they’ve used those moments as opportunities for learning and transformation.

The episode highlights the psychological barriers that failure creates, such as feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, but also the resilience that emerges when one chooses to see failure as a teacher rather than a threat. Erick discusses how the fear of failure almost held him back from launching the podcast and how embracing that fear ultimately led to the success and global reach of Raw Minds. Joey and Anthony share stories from their own journeys, whether it's overcoming professional obstacles or personal relationships that seemed to falter.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into reframing their relationship with failure. The hosts explore practical strategies for overcoming the paralysis of fear, including how to embrace vulnerability, set achievable goals, and use failure as a feedback loop for self-improvement. They also touch on the societal pressures that make failure seem like the end of the road, especially for men, and offer a fresh perspective on how to redefine success on your own terms.

Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt or feeling trapped by past failures, this episode is a powerful reminder that failure is neither the enemy nor the final chapter. Instead, it's the fuel for your next breakthrough. The conversation will challenge you to ask yourself: will failure be the power that propels you forward or the prison that holds you back?

Call-to-action (COA): If you’ve dealt with toxic surroundings or have your own experiences with bad apples, we want to hear from you. Drop us a comment, share your story, or leave a review to help others who might be going through the same thing. You can also reach out to us at Rawmindspodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might need it.

Have you ever considered that trauma isn't just about the events that happen to us, but rather what unfolds within us as a result? We dive into this intricate world on Raw Minds, sharing personal stories that reveal how even the smallest incidents can shape our lives in unexpected ways. From childhood embarrassments to the complexities of the healthcare system, we use our own experiences to illustrate the multi-layered nature of trauma and the essential role of personal responsibility in the healing journey.
Our conversation doesn't shy away from the tough topics. We tackle the emotional toll of healthcare system failures, sharing poignant stories, like a father's agonizing wait for surgery, to highlight systemic issues. Through these narratives, we emphasize the impact of trauma on our mental health and relationships, urging listeners not to let past wounds justify hurtful behaviors toward others. We challenge the notion of being "triggered" and discuss how taking charge of our healing is vital for breaking the cycles of anger and victimhood.
Finally, we explore the power of vulnerability, facing fears, and finding light within darkness. Inspired by Manson's Law of Avoidance, we encourage embracing life's uncertainties, sharing personal anecdotes about overcoming anxiety and stepping out of comfort zones. We conclude by inviting listeners to connect with us on social media and consider sharing their stories on our show, reinforcing the importance of support and connection in the healing process. Join us on this heartfelt exploration toward healing and self-discovery, because while the journey is challenging, it's also profoundly transformative.

Call to Action:
If you’ve dealt with trauma or have your own experiences to share, we want to hear from you. Drop us a comment, share your story, or leave a review to help others who might be going through the same thing. You can also reach out to us at Rawmindspodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might need it.