Breaking Free: Drake Bell Talks Trauma and His Truth
The Man Enough Podcast
Confronting Trauma in Entertainment
This chapter explores personal struggles and emotional challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry, including a candid discussion with a special guest about trauma and feelings of inadequacy. It also addresses the complexities of trust and betrayal in relationships with public figures following revelations of misconduct.
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse of a minor.
Renowned actor and musician Drake Bell opens up about his struggles with past abuse, the complex road to accountability, and the ongoing journey towards healing. The conversation is a powerful reflection of the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of speaking one’s truth.
Co-host Jamey Heath shares his own story of abuse as a child, opening the door for Drake to share more about the scars left by his abuse as a young actor on Nickelodeon, which he revealed on the MAX docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. As he battles with the shadows of his past, co-hosts Justin Baldoni, Liz Plank and Jamey discuss the need for Drake to take accountability for his own actions, delving into his truths and the personal resolve to mend the broken pieces.
In this episode:
- How the abuse affected Drake’s relationship with his parents and his ex-wife
- Confronting betrayal by those Drake admired and who were in positions of power
- Taking accountability for his actions
- The struggle to trust and love again
- Finding hope on the other side of healing
Drake's vulnerability provides a roadmap for navigating through trauma with honesty and accountability, illuminating a path for others in search of healing and forgiveness.
This episode was recorded on March 30, 2024.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, help is available. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or go to the NO MORE Global Directory at nomoredirectory.org to find support.
TIMECODES
(00:00) Episode begins
(04:13) When was the last time you didn't feel enough?
(08:00) Background information on Drake's story and Jamey opens up about his assault
(13:00) Letters of support for Brian Peck's during trial
(17:36) Rehab and decided to share his story
(34:23) How trauma affected Drake and things he could have done better
(43:59) Allegations against Drake and holding him accountable
(1:07:43) Men who have been abused can become abusers
(1:14:19) Message to fans who are attacking his accuser online
(1:19:57) Blurred lines in relationships
(1:22:55) Drake on why shouldn't pressure people and public figures to speak out
(1:26:39) Creating a safe space for himself & healing
(1:37:20) What does it mean to you to be Man Enough?
QUOTES
“What happened to me doesn't have to define who I am.” - Drake
“I was crying when I watched your episode…I'm under a blanket on the plane crying because I’m feeling for you. I'm remembering mine. And it doesn't leave. But it doesn't have to control me anymore.” - Jamey
“One of the byproducts of trauma that you've experienced (not an excuse) is boundary issues. 30% of all men who have been abused become abusers.” - Justin
“Even in moments of weakness, you need to be able to discern and and recognize…you can't just blame a moment of weakness for why you got in your car when you were drunk and you crashed into somebody and hurt them.” - Drake
“As a woman I feel safe when men are acknowledging their mistakes, not when they are minimizing.” - Liz
ABOUT DRAKE BELL
Drake Bell is a 37-year-old American actor and musician from Newport Beach, CA. He got his rise to fame as a child actor in the 1990s on the popular Nickelodeon shows “The Amanda Show,” which aired for three seasons starting in 1999, and “Drake & Josh,” which aired for four seasons starting in 2004. He has starred in films such as, “Yours, Mine & Ours,”(2005), “Drake & Josh Go Hollywood” (2006), “Superhero Movie” (2008), and more. Bell has over five albums released, and is best known for his songs “Found a Way," “I Know”, and his recently released single called “I Kinda Relate." Bell currently resides in Mexico City where he has a large fan base supporting his music.
DRAKE LINKS
- Instagram:@drakebell
- Tiktok: @drakebell
- X (Twitter): @drakebell
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