Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Bravery

Hi Micah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

After enduring a grueling 15-year battle with cancer, compounded by a lifetime of unaddressed trauma, I found myself at the lowest point in my life. The weight of my past abuse, mostly sexual, which lasted for almost 11 years and was perpetrated by sadists who relished in inflicting pain, combined with the life-threatening illness, became unbearable. I knew that if I remained in my current state of mind and location, death was imminent. I was drowning in despair and needed to take drastic action to reclaim my life.

I mustered the courage to move far away from everything I had ever known. This was my chance to start over, to escape the abuse, the memories, and the illness. The journey was anything but easy. The death of my dad plunged me into the deepest depths of sorrow. It was in the midst of this sadness that I realized I needed to change my life.

I took time to revisit every piece of trauma I had endured. I allowed myself to work through the pain, piece by piece. I found a therapist who taught me how to communicate, how to express the emotions I had buried for so long. It was through this process that I began to experience moments of peace, something I had never felt before. These moments were fleeting at first, but they were enough to show me how broken I was and what I needed to work on.

As I continued to have these moments of peace and extended grace to myself and others, I noticed the world around me becoming brighter, greener. Life began to reveal its beauty, and I started to see my own beauty as well. Acceptance followed soon after, and with it, a profound sense of healing. I realized that healing is not a destination but a continuous journey, one that must be undertaken on our own terms and in our own time.

This realization led to the creation of These Fukken Feelings Podcast. I wanted to share my story of healing, to show others that no matter how deep their pain, they too could find peace. Two years later, our podcast has garnered 4 million downloads, over 300k followers across all platforms, and consistently ranks as one of the top podcasts in mental health. I never imagined that people would want to hear my story, but the truth resonates, and people gravitate towards authenticity.

Cancer did return for a second time, but I fought it off and am now back in remission. Through it all, I have found joy, love, and forgiveness. My journey has been one of immense struggle and heartache, but also of triumph and healing.

I am grateful for every moment, every battle, because they have brought me to where I am today. A place of peace, acceptance, and unwavering hope. I continue to share my story, not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. For me, for you, for all of us who need to know that healing is possible, that we are not alone, and that our stories matter.

In the stillness of the night, when the pain was at its worst, I would often find myself questioning why I had to endure so much. The physical agony of cancer treatments, the emotional torment of my past, and the overwhelming loneliness of feeling misunderstood and unseen. It was during these moments that I felt closest to giving up. But something deep inside me kept whispering that there was more to life, that there was a purpose to my suffering.

The decision to move away was one of the hardest I had ever made. I left behind the familiar faces and places, the comfort of routine, and the remnants of my former life. I moved to a place where no one knew my story, where I could begin anew without the weight of my past dragging me down. It was terrifying and liberating all at once.

The first few months were the darkest. Grieving my father’s death while grappling with my own health and the memories of abuse was almost too much to bear. But in that darkness, I found a spark of resilience. I began to see a therapist who helped me unpack the layers of trauma I had buried deep within. It was a painful process, revisiting each wound, but it was necessary for my healing.

My therapist taught me how to speak my truth, how to give voice to the pain that had silenced me for so long. She helped me understand that my feelings were valid and that my experiences, no matter how harrowing, did not define me. Slowly, I started to piece together the shattered fragments of my life.

The moments of peace that began to surface were like lifelines. They were brief and sporadic at first, but they gave me hope. I started to notice the small joys in life – the warmth of the sun on my skin, the beauty of a blooming flower, the kindness of a stranger. These moments reminded me that there was still goodness in the world, and within me.

As I continued my journey of healing, I realized that my story could serve a greater purpose. I wanted to create a platform where others could share their stories, where we could find solace in knowing we are not alone in our struggles. That’s how These Fukken Feelings Podcast was born. It became a safe space for honest conversations about mental health, trauma, and healing.

The response was overwhelming. People resonated with our message, with our raw and unfiltered truth. Our community grew, and we found strength in each other’s stories. The podcast became a beacon of hope for many, including myself. It was a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of mental health.

When cancer returned, it was a stark reminder of the fragility of life. But this time, I was prepared. I had built a foundation of strength and resilience through my healing journey. I faced the illness head-on, knowing that I had the support of my community and the inner peace I had fought so hard to achieve.

Now, in remission once again, I am filled with gratitude. I have learned to embrace joy, love, and forgiveness. I have forgiven my abusers, not for their sake, but for mine. Holding onto anger and resentment only kept me chained to my past. Letting go allowed me to move forward and truly heal.

My story is one of survival, but more importantly, it is one of hope. I want others to know that no matter how deep their pain, there is a way out. Healing is possible, and it begins with acknowledging our struggles and seeking help. We are not meant to go through life alone; our stories connect us, heal us, and give us strength.

These Fukken Feelings Podcast is more than just a show – it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and transformation. And it stands as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a flicker of light waiting to guide us home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has been anything but smooth. It’s been a journey marked by profound struggles, immense pain, and relentless challenges. Each step forward was often met with obstacles that seemed insurmountable, but these very struggles shaped me into the person I am today.

My battle with cancer was a defining chapter in my life. Fifteen years of treatments, surgeries, and the constant fear of recurrence took a toll on my body and soul. The physical pain was excruciating, but it was the emotional and mental anguish that nearly broke me. I was constantly reminded of my mortality, and the uncertainty of my future loomed over me like a dark cloud.

During this time, I had not yet confronted the trauma from my past. The abuse I endured for almost 11 years left deep scars that I tried to bury, but they always found a way to resurface. The sadists who tormented me inflicted pain that went beyond the physical. They shattered my sense of self-worth and left me feeling powerless. The combination of dealing with this past trauma and the ongoing fight against cancer was overwhelming.

There were nights when the darkness felt endless, and I questioned whether I had the strength to continue. The death of my father added another layer of grief and loss. He was my anchor, and losing him felt like losing a part of myself. I found myself at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of despair. It was in these moments of profound loneliness and sorrow that I realized I needed to change my life or risk losing it altogether.

Moving away from everything familiar was both a terrifying and necessary decision. It meant leaving behind not just the physical place, but also the memories and the people who were part of my old life. It was a chance to start over, to rebuild from the ground up. But starting over meant confronting the very things I had spent years trying to escape.

The process of healing was arduous. Therapy forced me to face the demons I had long avoided. Each session was like peeling back a layer of armor, exposing wounds that had never fully healed. There were days when I felt like giving up, when the weight of my past and present struggles seemed too heavy to bear. But with each breakthrough, no matter how small, I began to see glimpses of hope.

One of the hardest parts was learning to forgive myself. For years, I blamed myself for the abuse, for not being strong enough, for not speaking out. Therapy taught me that the shame and guilt I carried were not mine to bear. I began to understand that healing required compassion – not just for others, but for myself as well.

The return of cancer after 15 years was another devastating blow. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, just as I was beginning to find some semblance of peace. But this time, I was different. I had tools, I had support, and I had a newfound resilience. I faced the treatments with a determination that came from a place of self-love and a deep desire to live.

Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of community and connection. The creation of These Fukken Feelings Podcast was born out of my own need to share and connect with others who had faced similar battles. It became a space where raw and unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and healing could take place. The response was beyond anything I could have imagined. People resonated with the honesty and vulnerability, and the community that formed around the podcast became a source of strength for me.

The road has indeed been rough, filled with heartache and hurdles. But it has also been a path of immense growth and transformation. Each struggle taught me something valuable about myself and the world around me. I learned that pain, while deeply personal, is also a universal experience that connects us all. Through sharing my story, I found not just healing for myself, but also a way to help others on their journeys.

Today, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the struggles that have shaped me, for the support that has lifted me, and for the resilience that has carried me through. The road to where I am now was paved with challenges, but it was also illuminated by moments of profound beauty and joy. It is these moments that make the journey worthwhile and remind me that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I host two popular podcasts, “These Fukken Feelings” and “Trauma is Expensive.” My work revolves around exploring the depths of human emotions and mental health. I specialize in creating a safe and supportive space for listeners to navigate their feelings and experiences.

I am known for my candid discussions and insightful narratives that resonate with listeners worldwide. My authenticity and vulnerability set me apart in the podcasting world. I believe in the power of sharing personal stories of resilience and healing, and I strive to inspire others to embrace their own journeys.

What I am most proud of is the impact my work has had on others. With over 4 million downloads in just 1.5 years and consistently ranking in the top ten charts in our category, it’s clear that the messages shared on my podcasts have touched many lives. But beyond the numbers, it’s the personal stories from listeners about how the podcasts have helped them feel less alone and more understood that truly make me proud.

What sets me apart from others is my personal journey. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA community and a two-time cancer survivor, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My experiences have shaped my approach to discussing mental health, allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I believe that by sharing our struggles and triumphs, we can help each other navigate the complexities of life and find healing.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

I can tell you that my journey has been filled with risks. From moving away from all that I knew to start afresh, to opening up about my deepest traumas on a public platform, each step was a risk. But I believe that taking risks is a part of life and a part of growth.

In my view, risk-taking is about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. It’s about making decisions that might be scary, but could also lead to incredible growth and transformation. It’s about trusting in your ability to navigate whatever comes your way.

One of the major risks I took was starting “These Fukken Feelings” and “Trauma is Expensive” podcasts. Sharing my personal experiences and feelings with the world was a daunting prospect. I was opening myself up to judgment and criticism. But I also knew that by sharing my story, I could help others who might be going through similar experiences.

Another major risk was my decision to move away and start over. This was a huge step, filled with uncertainty and fear. But it was also a step towards healing and self-discovery.

So yes, I consider myself a risk-taker. But I also believe in calculated risks. It’s important to weigh the potential outcomes, to consider the pros and cons, and to listen to your intuition. At the end of the day, it’s not about avoiding risks, but about learning to navigate them. And each risk I’ve taken has led me to where I am today – a place of healing, growth, and self-acceptance. So, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fukkenfeelings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahbravery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micahbravery
• Twitter: https://x.com/MicahBravery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fukkenfeelings