About this episode
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
