We recently connected with Deonte Bolden and have shared our conversation below.

Deonte, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

🎙 The Bolden Experience Podcast
“Turning Pain into Purpose” 💫

There was a time when I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. After surviving two suicide attempts, I realized that God had kept me here for a bold purpose.

Losing my brother Jaquan, who had special needs, changed everything. His passing became the spark that inspired me to shine a light on others in the special needs and outside of the community to tell bold stories , celebrate their strength, and remind the world that every life has purpose, value, and a voice that deserves to be heard, we even created Bolden Magazine and The Bolden Awards to continue this bold journey of storytelling. The Bolden Awards 2.0 Home Away From Home will be May 23rd, 2026 @ 6pm in Atlanta.

Through The Bolden Experience Podcast, I now share stories that heal, uplift, and remind us that even in our pain, there is power.

🩵✨ “Be Bold. Be Brave. Amplify your bold voice so the world has no choice but to experience your greatness.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me, I’m Dr. Deonte’ Bolden — an award-winning playwright, filmmaker, author, and visionary entrepreneur whose mission is to turn pain into purpose and boldness into impact.

My journey into the arts began as a form of healing. After losing my brother Jaquan, who was differently abled, and surviving two suicide attempts, I made a promise to use my gifts to inspire others to overcome their obstacles. What started as therapy through writing evolved into a calling — to create stories that heal, empower, and reflect real human experiences.

Through Deonte’ Bolden Productions, I write, direct, and produce bold theatrical works and films like Differently Abled The Musical, which celebrates inclusion and the strength found within the special needs community. I’m also the author of books. As an author, my books Purpose Pains, Differently Abled, and my newest release, The Bold N Blueprint serve as powerful guides to discovering purpose and walking confidently in boldness.

In addition, I founded The Bolden Experience, Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches, equips, and assists individuals to overcome adversity while achieving excellence. My ecosystem of brands — The Bolden Awards, Bolden Magazine, Bolden Academy, and Bolden Your Story Workshops — all align under one vision:
“Where Boldness Meets Greatness.”

What sets me apart is authenticity and purpose. Every project I create is rooted in truth, faith, and empowerment. I’m not just telling stories — I’m creating platforms where others can find healing and see themselves reflected in bold, unapologetic ways.

I’m most proud of the fact that I get to honor my late brother’s legacy while helping others discover the power within their own stories. I want people to know that your difference makes a difference, and your pain can birth your greatest purpose.

So whether it’s through film, theatre, literature, or speaking — my goal is always the same: to inspire, to empower, and to remind the world that boldness changes everything

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was believing that I needed validation from others to feel worthy or successful. For a long time, I looked for approval — waiting for people to see my value, support my dreams, or affirm my purpose. But God had to remind me that my validation comes from Him, not from the applause or opinions of others.

I had to unlearn the idea that being “different” meant being “less than.” Losing my brother Jaquan and walking through my own moments of pain taught me that what makes you different is exactly what makes you powerful.

Once I stopped trying to fit into spaces and started creating my own, everything changed. That’s when I realized , boldness isn’t about being accepted; it’s about being authentic.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. The driving force behind my creative journey is purpose, using my gifts to heal, inspire, and empower others through bold storytelling.

Every project I create — whether it’s a film, stage production, book, or podcast — is rooted in one mission: to turn pain into purpose and remind others that their difference makes a difference. After losing my brother Jaquan, who had special needs, I made it my life’s work to honor his legacy by giving a voice to those who often go unheard.

Through my company Deonte’ Bolden Productions and my nonprofit The Bolden Experience, Inc., I strive to create platforms that amplify authenticity, inclusion, and courage. My latest book The Bold N Blueprint and The Bolden Experience Podcast both serve as guides — helping others navigate their journey toward boldness, greatness, and self-discovery.

My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy that reminds the world that boldness can be both a movement and a ministry one story, one life, one experience at a time.

If I can be bold than so can you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theboldenexperience.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/theboldenexperience and instagram.com/deonteboldenproductions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ZvUNRgYe/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deonte-bolden-your-story-79b37592?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/deontebolden
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/theboldenexperience

Image Credits

EbonVision, Deonte’ Bolden Productions