What happens when your past keeps rewriting your future? We all carry stories — ones we didn’t choose, ones that shaped our reactions, confidence, and leadership. But what if those stories aren’t true anymore? What if the version of you that learned to survive isn’t the same one called to lead? In this transformative episode, Jason VanRuler, MA, CSAT — a nationally recognized therapist, speaker, and author specializing in relationships, attachment, and dating — joins the conversation to share how facing your broken places can lead to true connection and personal freedom. Jason’s journey from a chaotic, trauma-filled childhood to becoming one of the most respected voices in emotional health and leadership offers a roadmap for anyone ready to take ownership of their story. Featured in major national news outlets, known for his strong social media presence, and having spoken on stages to thousands, Jason brings both professional insight and raw honesty to every conversation. He’s the author of Get Past Your Past (Zondervan, 2023) and the upcoming Discovering Your Communication Type, set to be released in April — a groundbreaking look at how our attachment styles shape the way we speak, lead, and love. He reveals why truth is the ultimate kindness, how confidence is something we earn through small, consistent action, and why uncovering your origin story is the foundation of authentic leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or yourself, this episode will challenge how you view growth, success, and self-awareness. Quotes: “The best kind of confidence is the kind you earned. You can only earn it if you know where you’re starting.” “If we don’t really understand why that’s the goal, we’ll never get there. What fuels us fools us into thinking, ‘When I get X, I will feel Y,’ but fulfillment comes from knowing our true origin story.” “You don’t have to do the big thing every day, but you’ve got to do a thing every day that helps you be better—and do it consistently.” Actionable Takeaways: Identify your “scale moment.” Write down one area of your life where you’ve been avoiding the truth — your finances, health, or relationships. What would it look like to face it honestly this week? Audit your personal story. Reflect on a belief you’ve carried since childhood (“I’m not good enough,” “I always mess up,” etc.). Ask yourself: Is this still true today — or just an old story I’ve never rewritten? Earn your confidence through small wins. Choose one habit or routine you can do daily — no matter how small — that reinforces trust in yourself. Consistency, not perfection, builds authentic confidence. Define your communication type. Are you a Peacemaker, Advocate, Thinker, Harbor, or Spark? Notice how you naturally communicate under stress, and identify one way to better connect with someone who communicates differently. Celebrate progress, not just results. At the end of each week, list one thing you accomplished or handled better than before. Pause to acknowledge growth before moving on to the next challenge. Conclusion: Jason VanRuler reminds us that growth doesn’t begin with perfection — it begins with honesty. When we stop hiding behind stories that no longer serve us and start owning where we really are, we gain the power to change everything. Confidence isn’t something we’re given; it’s something we earn through daily discipline, reflection, and courage. Whether you’re a leader, parent, or student of life, the path forward starts with one question: What story about yourself needs to change — and what truth are you finally ready to face? Call-to-action: If this episode inspired you, take the next step: dive deeper into Jason’s work through his books Get Past Your Past and Discovering Your Communication Type , and begin building a more intentional, truthful, and connected version of yourself. 📘 Order Jason’s book: ➡️ Get Past Your Past 🌐 Visit www.jasonvr.com for more resources.
