The Cluttered Path

#21 Brandon Held - From Childhood Trauma, Poverty, and Divorce to a Life of Fulfillment

Jul 31, 2025
Brandon Held, a life coach and host of the Life is Crazy podcast, shares his transformative journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty, trauma, and loss to a life dedicated to helping others. He candidly discusses breaking the cycles of addiction, the lessons learned through military service, and navigating personal relationships after significant heartbreak. He emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries, seeking therapy, and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity, offering invaluable insights for anyone facing tough times.
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ANECDOTE

Brandon's Harsh Childhood

  • Brandon grew up poor with an abusive, alcoholic stepfather and lacked food regularly.
  • At 17, he was skinny and determined to escape his difficult home environment.
INSIGHT

Life's Response Percentages

  • Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you respond.
  • Your response in hard times is the key determinant of life outcomes.
ANECDOTE

Mentor's Key Guidance

  • A supervisor encouraged Brandon to volunteer at a nursing home and take a college math class.
  • These activities boosted his confidence in his worth and ability to succeed in life.
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