98. From prison to purpose with Sonny Von Cleveland

Trigger warning: Child Sexual Abuse, Graphic Violence

 

Welcome to Episode 98 – From prison to purpose with Sonny Von Cleveland

 

The thought of going to prison would horrify most people. But for some who have been in the prison system, it can provide safety, belonging and the time and space to heal. At least this was the situation for Sonny Von Cleveland. 

 

Sonny was sexually abused as a child, and his traumatic upbringing lead to a young life of crime. Repeat detentions in the juvenile system ultimately saw him enter the adult prison system as a 16 year old. It wasn’t long before the unprocessed trauma became too much and Sonny snapped; stabbing another inmate in the face, and from here fell in with a brotherhood of gang members. 

 

Later on, Sonny ended up in the hole – and it’s here that he discovered a way of healing the anger that was festering inside. Join us as Sonny take us through his transformational journey, and shares how he uses his pain to inspire change in others. 

 

In this episode, Sonny shares:

• The impact of being sexually assaulted as a child
• His 18 years in prison, including life as a gang member
• How prison bought out his unresolved anger
• The man in prison who helped him heal and discover his purpose
• His connection with Viking faith
• His techniques for moving thoughts out of his mind and calming himself 
• The back story of his book and why he wrote it

Key Quotes:

• "When you speak about your trauma it gets easier and easier. It's like lifting weights at a gym.”
• “When you puff your chest up and refuse to be vulnerable no one believes it.”
• "In my young mind, when I would get arrested, all the men that were abusing me went away."

Connect with Sonny:

Website: https://www.heywhiteboy.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechoiceeffect/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonnyvoncleveland8x

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonnyvonclevelandofficial 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaL7Noxq4twziF_yHHCgBqA

 

Connect with Mindful Men

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA

 

***If anything triggers you from today's episode, please reach out to your support networks or seek professional help***

 

Stay Mindful, Simon