Memoir, self-trust & standing in your story

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Everything Makes Perfect Sense with author Brinn Langdale

I’m joined today by my client Brinn Langdale, whose powerful memoir Everything Makes Perfect Sense chronicles her journey through childhood trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Brinn is a licensed psychotherapist who began her healing path at age 22, ultimately transforming her lived experience into a book that supports survivors and shines a light on shame, resilience, and personal truth.

We talk about what it means to write a trauma story with intention—not as a “trauma dump,” but as crafted, meaningful literature—and the emotional and spiritual growth required to stand in your truth as a memoirist, even when family members may not be ready for what you share.

If you are writing personal narrative about difficult lived experience, this conversation will remind you you’re not alone—and that the process itself can be transformative.

About Brinn

At 22, Brinn began confronting her own childhood trauma, setting her on a lifelong journey of healing and forgiveness. Today, she runs a thriving private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, speaker and author. Brinn’s core message, that everything you do makes perfect sense and that healing is possible, resonates with a wide range of audiences, including students, professionals, survivors, and anyone seeking personal growth and self-improvement.

In today’s episode

* Brinn’s early journaling life and why writing helped her feel seen

* The moment she realized her trauma—and how naming it shifted everything

* The year she devoted entirely to forgiveness before turning 30

* Starting the memoir during the 2020 lockdown and drafting the ending first

* What her early “word vomit” draft taught her about storytelling

* Working together through developmental edits and learning to trust her voice

* The risk of hiding behind endless revisions—and when it’s time to move forward

* Choosing a hybrid publisher and navigating launch + visibility

* Family reactions to memoir, and how Brinn held her boundaries and truth with compassion

Links mentioned in this episode

* Brinn’s book → Everything Makes Perfect Sense on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)

* Learn more about Brinn & her work → brinnlangdale.com

* Submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com

* Book a free 15-minute book diagnosis call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis

* Get my Book Outline Formula worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline

* Try my family’s coffee → cafesantoro.com/janna for 10% off your first order

Want help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.

Follow & Connect

* find show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com

* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies

* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree

Question for you

Have you ever written something that asked you to step into your truth—even when it felt vulnerable or uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear.

Thanks so much for listening and being here.

(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.)

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