Michael Arnold

Monday State of Mind

Michael Maassel

  • Episode 2: From Fear to Freedom

Episode 2: From Fear to Freedom

Monday 19th June 2023

Join Patrick Custer as he shares his powerful journey of self-discovery and acceptance in this episode of 'Monday State of Mind'.
32 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
Transformative

About this podcast

Monday State of Mind
Author:
Michael Arnold
Overview:
Categories:
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Creative Recovery Journeys
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Patrick Custer's Journey: From Religious Roots to Self-Acceptance

Episode Overview

  • Patrick Custer shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance, navigating through the complexities of identity and fear
  • The conversation explores the impact of internalized homophobia and the journey to authenticity
  • Patrick emphasizes the importance of educating oneself and creating a supportive environment for personal growth
  • His journey serves as a beacon of hope, providing a sense of connection and understanding for those facing similar challenges
  • The episode highlights the transformative power of self-acceptance and resilience in navigating through fear and societal expectations
I want to be as much of an example and walk through whatever fear I can, because I stand in privilege today. I understand that I experienced certain levels of safety and privilege that many people in my area do not. If I can pave the way and show someone a loving and respectable upright citizen, that is caring and compassionate, I might be the first gay person I mean, I'm not joking. I know this is probably hard for you to understand coming from more open-minded circles in Colorado, but here there's a ton of closed-mindedness, and we run into people all the time that I guarantee you, like they've never had a remotely meaningful conversation with a gay person before. So if I can walk through that fear, I'm going to do it a hundred percent of the time, just so that I can blaze that trail for the next person that's coming behind me. - Patrick Custer
Ever felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on your true self? In this episode of 'Monday State of Mind', host Michael Arnold sits down with Patrick Custer, a remarkable individual whose story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Patrick opens up about growing up in a deeply religious household in the South, where understanding and acceptance of his identity were hard to come by.
As he shares his experiences during Pride Month, Patrick’s candid storytelling takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of reconciling his authentic self with the rigid dogmas of his upbringing. He talks about his internal battles, the fears he faced, and the profound hurdles he had to overcome to embrace his true identity. This episode dives into the delicate balance between faith, community, and personal growth, illustrating how Patrick found the strength to accept himself and challenge societal norms.
His journey is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance is a transformative process, one that requires courage and support from those around us. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, Patrick's story will resonate deeply, offering hope and inspiration for anyone grappling with similar challenges. Tune in to hear how one man's path to self-love can light the way for others.