Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame (Podcast Series)

Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame (Podcast Series) brucewhealton

🎙️ Three Times A Victim — A Memoir Podcast

Ep. [1]: Blood-Covered Victim Called 911, Taken Away in Handcuffs: How a Gentle Therapist Became a Convicted Felon After Being Attacked

This podcast tells the true story behind Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame — a memoir of violence, injustice, survival, and the long fight to reclaim a stolen life.

🧩 What you’ll hear:

Each episode follows Bruce’s journey with raw honesty and emotional depth.

On October 1, 2004, I was violently attacked in my own home while expecting someone else. Despite my bleeding wounds and witnesses who saw my attacker leave unharmed, I was arrested while she went free. The truth about who I was—a compassionate healer dedicated to helping others—was erased overnight, replaced by a false label of "violent offender." Discover the truth and help make it right:

1. Read the full story - Get the book on Amazon (free with Kindle Unlimited) https://brucewhealton.com/victim-book

2. Short on time? Listen to the podcast instead https://brucewhealton.com/victim-podcast

3. Want to help now? Even $5 makes a difference on GoFundMe https://gofund.me/f74f4724

4. Know someone in media? Share this story https://brucewhealton.com/contact

📖 Ready for the next part of the journey?
Click the next chapter link below to keep watching the story unfold through podcast episodes.

Episode Two – Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame

Episode Two – Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame brucewhealton

A childhood shaped by fear, silence, and an unbreakable resolve — long before injustice shattered Bruce’s adult life.

In this second episode, we step back from the shocking assault to truly understand who Bruce is.

Before the justice system failed him, Bruce lived a life marked by selective mutism, family dysfunction, and deep emotional isolation.

Growing up in a home where fear was a weapon, Bruce made a vow — no one would ever fear him. While his silence in school was absolute, outside of it, he carefully reserved his kindness for those who deserved it. His connection with his aunt and cousins gave him brief glimpses of warmth, but his mother’s jealousy reinforced his deep shame and sense of unworthiness.

As Bruce moved through college, psychology courses and therapy helped him understand himself better. But the scars of childhood ran deep — he still struggled with feeling unlovable, unchosen, unseen. Yet, his instinct for gentleness and empathy remained unwavering.

💔 How did a boy who refused to be a source of fear become the target of injustice?

🎧 Listen and continue the journey by clicking "Next" below.

📖 Read the full memoir here: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Times-Victm-Living-Shadow-ebook/dp/B0F4NJHXCB/

📖 Episode Three – Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame

📖 Episode Three – Three Times A Victim: Living Under the Shadow of Toxic Shame brucewhealton

💔 "In Celta’s eyes, I finally saw my worth. But at home, I was nothing."

In Episode Three, Bruce experiences love for the first time — even while trapped in a home filled with belittlement and neglect.

🌟 What to Expect in This Episode:

  • A Toxic Home — Returning home after graduating Georgia Tech, Bruce’s parents show no interest in his dreams, happiness, or success. Instead, they continue to criticize and diminish him.
  • Finding Purpose — Volunteering at Georgia Regional Hospital gives Bruce his first real experience working with mental health patients, preparing him for his future as a therapist.
  • A Love Like No Other — Meeting Celta, a life-changing connection that makes him feel valued for the first time.
  • Feeling Seen & Chosen — In Celta’s presence, Bruce experiences true validation, love, and belonging—something he had never known before.
  • Tragedy Strikes — The loss of Celta on New Year's Day, 1991 changes Bruce forever.

🔹 "She looked at me with delight, transfixed—like I was something to be cherished. I had never felt that before. I didn’t know how much I needed it."

🎧 Ready for the next episode?
Click below to continue the journey.

📖 Read the full memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Times-Victm-Living-Shadow-ebook/dp/B0F4NJHXCB/