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What happens when the systems meant to support us become the places that cause the most harm? In this deeply moving conversation, Jacob shares his journey from surviving personal trauma to creating spaces where others can reclaim their narratives.

Jacob's story begins with his own experience of feeling silenced after a difficult breakup, when he found himself without a platform to share his truth while his ex controlled the social narrative. This personal pain transformed into purpose when he launched his podcast "Power of the Narrative," creating space for people whose stories might otherwise go unheard. From working with families of missing persons to supporting those recovering from abuse, Jacob has developed a powerful approach to narrative justice that centers the voices of those who've been marginalized.

"I was labeled as too much throughout my life," Jacob explains, "and now I can hold space for stories that are deemed too much." This profound shift from being silenced to becoming a witness for others' truths forms the foundation of his developing nonprofit work, which aims to make mental health resources accessible regardless of financial status or identity. Through narrative healing circles and community-based support, he's reimagining what mental health care can look like when it's designed for those traditionally excluded from therapeutic spaces.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the complexities of support groups that sometimes cause harm, the power dynamics in storytelling, and the political dimensions of whose narratives get centered in public discourse. Jacob's insights into narrative domination - how some people control the stories told about relationships, communities, and even historical events - offers listeners valuable tools for recognizing and challenging these patterns in their own lives.

What emerges is a powerful reminder that reclaiming our stories is essential not just for personal healing but for creating more just communities. As Jacob powerfully notes, "If they can choose their narratives, why can't people who want to heal do that too?" His work stands as an invitation for all of us to consider how we might better support others in telling their truths and how we might more authentically tell our own.

Find Power of the Narrative: https://open.spotify.com/show/1AhVcR2NBwstdm4C4qPrUQ

To connect with Jacob check here: https://www.powerofthenarrative.com/

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When Texas State Representative Jon Rosenthal sits down for a conversation, you're instantly struck by the fascinating contradiction he embodies. "I still identify in my head as an oil field engineer," he admits, despite seven years serving in the Texas legislature. This duality—practical engineer meets progressive politician—powers his unique approach to tackling Texas's most divisive issues.

Representative Rosenthal takes us behind the political curtain, revealing how the Texas legislature actually functions beyond the headlines. The numbers alone are staggering—8,719 bills filed last session with just 1,213 passing both chambers. For minority party members like himself, success is measured differently: "I had 10 bills heard in committee of the 50 that I filed and I passed three off the House floor. One was signed by the governor."

The conversation doesn't shy away from troubling realities. "Gun violence wasn't among the top five leading causes of death for children in Texas when I was first sworn in," Rosenthal reveals, "and now it's the leading cause of death for our citizens between 0 and 18 years old." This stark statistic underscores his frustration with continued weakening of gun regulations despite mounting evidence of harm.

As Vice Chairman of the Redistricting Committee, Rosenthal offers rare insight into gerrymandering's impact on Texas politics. The current system creates increasingly polarized representatives who only worry about primary challenges, not general elections. His solution? Nonpartisan commissions using open-source software to draw districts based on constitutional principles, not preserving incumbency.

Perhaps most compelling is Rosenthal's philosophy on perseverance: "You're only defeated if you have given up." Despite setbacks—like his bill to end child marriage passing the House but dying in the Senate—he remains determined. "It's not a failure," he explains, "it's just a step in the process."

Want to follow Representative Rosenthal's work? Find him on social media at @jon_rosenthalTX or through his campaign website to learn more about his continued fight for public education, healthcare access, and combating bigotry in all its forms.

https://house.texas.gov/members/3635

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Step into a living time capsule as we sit down with elders of Houston's LGBTQ+ community who share raw, firsthand accounts of the city's queer history spanning five decades. These aren't stories you'll find in textbooks—they're personal testimonies of survival, resistance, and community-building during times when simply existing as yourself could be dangerous.

Our guests take us back to the tense atmosphere of Houston's first Pride parade, where participants wore black armbands after police killed a gay man the night before. You'll hear about the elaborate warning systems gay bars created during police raids, with owners calling each other down Westheimer Road to protect their patrons. They reveal the origins of the Royal Court system, which became crucial when the AIDS crisis struck and the government turned its back on the community.

The conversation doesn't shy away from difficult truths. From being thrown out of bathrooms to losing housing after the failure of Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance, these stories provide crucial context for today's battles over transgender rights. Our guests candidly discuss the divisions within the LGBTQ+ community itself—how trans people were sometimes left behind in political compromises, and how lesbians stepped up to care for gay men during the AIDS crisis when their families abandoned them.

What makes this episode especially powerful is the intergenerational wisdom exchanged. Older activists offer perspective on navigating pronouns and gender identity with patience, while emphasizing that today's youth deserve better than what they endured. They share practical strategies for political effectiveness beyond protest, drawn from decades of experience.

Whether you're a longtime community member or an ally seeking deeper understanding, these stories will transform how you view LGBTQ+ history and the ongoing struggle for equality.

We invite you to connect with us, share your stories, and support the podcast through our website. Your experiences matter, and together we can ensure this important history is preserved for future generations.

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We hope you will listen often.

For more information, visit our website 22sides.com