72: Own Your Story with Joshua Cruz

Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling

I came across Joshua on social media and his post was very honest and he was unapologetically proud about who he is, and I thought I must interview this man!

He is a transformational coach specifically helping queer men of colour to reignite their self-worth and lead a more authentic life

As a young boy, he was taken advantage of, his sister’s life was taken too soon and he lost his mother to a heart attack

Depression, addiction and anxiety plagued his life for years. After hitting rock bottom and begging for help Joshua sought the treatment he needed

Recovery, joy and service to others are now what fills his life.

Through authentic storytelling, Joshua brings to life his experiences for others to relate to and feel part of, allowing others not to feel alone anymore

He aspires to speak to those who feel lost, alone and ready to change their lives. Joshua truly believes that owning your story and experiences brings freedom and he’s here to help you with yours!

Some key points from our interview:

· How despite losing his Mum when he was just twelve years old, she left him with her qualities of courage, strong, brave and caring

· How he hadn’t yet come out as gay to his mum, but he has a sense that she knew

· How for a long time he hid who he really was for fear of being judged by others

· How he recognises that within the black community there is discrimination against gay black men

· How he’s now passionate about helping others to share their story in order to be free to be their authentic self

You can find Joshua here:

www.LinkedIn.com/joshuamcruz

www.instagram.com/wordsbyjoshua

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"Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling" features individuals who have all triumphed after adversity and have not just bounced back in life, but forward and are now making a difference for others.
Hosted by Madeleine Black, the show will share stories of all the amazing people Madeleine has met on her own journey as an author/speaker and these stories will heal, motivate, inspire and bring hope when they share their wisdom and knowledge with her.
She really believes in the power that comes when we share our stories, that in fact we are not story tellers but story healers. Tune in to discover what helped them to stay unbroken and together we will discover that none of us are broken beyond repair.
You can find out more about Madeleine, her story and her memoir, Unbroken, from her website: https://madeleineblack.co.uk/
Watch edited highlights on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken

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Watch Short Vlog Versions on our You Tube Channel HERE