Episode #656 Healing Trauma & Rewriting Your Story — Jason VanRuler

“Your superpower is understanding your origin story.”

— Jason VanRuler, Therapist and Author

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Therapist Jason VanRuler shares powerful insights on healing, resilience, relationships, leadership, and rewriting the stories that shape our lives.

Episode Summary

What happens when we stop running from the “closet” we’ve stuffed all our pain into?

In this deeply insightful — and surprisingly funny — conversation, Jason VanRuler joins Audley for a powerful discussion about trauma, healing, self-awareness, leadership, and the stories we tell ourselves.

Jason explains why so many people stay stuck in old patterns, how unresolved pain quietly shapes our relationships, and why healing begins the moment we become willing to examine our “origin story.” Together, Audley and Jason unpack the importance of courage, vulnerability, grace, and personal responsibility while weaving in Spider-Man references, leadership wisdom, and enough laughter to remind listeners that growth doesn’t always have to feel heavy.

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is the idea that our painful experiences don’t have to define us. Instead, they can become the very thing that equips us to help others.

There’s a lot of wisdom in this episode, but what makes it special is the humanity. This genuinely feels like two people sitting down, talking honestly about life, healing, and what it means to move forward without pretending we’ve got everything figured out.

Meet Our Guest:

Jason VanRuler is a seasoned therapist and author with over a decade of experience in trauma recovery, relationship counseling, and leadership coaching. He specializes in helping individuals and leaders understand their pasts to foster healthier relationships and create positive change. Jason's compassionate approach and expertise make him a trusted guide in the healing process.

Top 4 Key Takeaways

1. Your Past Isn’t Meant to Be a Prison

Jason emphasizes that healing starts when we stop avoiding our past and begin understanding it. The goal isn’t to erase the story. It’s to understand it differently.

2. Self-Awareness Is the Real Superpower

Whether in leadership, relationships, or personal growth, self-awareness shapes everything. As Jason points out, we often think we know ourselves far better than we actually do.

3. Pain Can Become Purpose

Audley’s Spider-Man analogy became one of the standout moments of the episode: the bite hurt, but it also created the ability to help others. Sometimes the thing that wounded us also becomes the source of our strength.

4. Healing Requires Courage — One Step at a Time

Growth rarely happens through giant leaps. More often, it’s one honest conversation, one uncomfortable realization, and one courageous step forward at a time.

Chapters

• Why People Stay Stuck in Their Past

• The “Closet” Analogy for Trauma and Emotional Avoidance

• Understanding Your Origin Story

• Leadership, Relationships, and Self-Awareness

• Why Vulnerability Builds Strength

• The Courage Required to Heal

• The Difference Between Living in the Pit vs. Climbing Out

• The Power of Reframing Your Story

• Fearless Fast Round

Special Offers

Check out Jason's books, "Get Past Your Past" and "Discovering Your Communication Type," for valuable insights and practical advice on healing and communication.

Related Blog Post

“Why Self-Awareness Changes Everything”

A deeper look at how self-awareness impacts leadership, relationships, emotional healing, and personal growth.

Personal Insights from Audley:

As I listened to Jason share his insights, I was reminded of the profound impact our past experiences have on our present. Embracing our stories is not just about healing; it's about empowering ourselves to live audaciously.

Best Point of Contact:

Listeners can connect with Jason VanRuler through his website at [jasonvr.com] or follow him on Instagram at @jason.vanruler for daily relationship advice.

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If this episode resonated with you, make sure to listen, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need this conversation right now.

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