TW: Sexual Abuse
What if everything is a choice? And what if we are not any reflection of our past? This episode we sit down to help you connect with the power of your choices, break free from victim mentality, and embrace the vulnerabilty (especially within masculinity) in our most intense podcast episode yet, with Author of "Hey White Boy", Sonny Von Cleveland.
In this episode, Sonny shares his deeply personal experiences of molestation, incarceration and finding healing through the challenges of prison, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit. He reminds us that while none of us choose to be victims, we do have the power to rewrite our stories and reclaim our sense of agency in life.
As we explore the theme of vulnerability, Sonny challenges traditional notions of masculinity, advocating for its reclamation as a strength rather than a weakness. Through his own journey and wisdom, he illustrates the transformative power of vulnerability in fostering connection and personal growth. Sonny also shares practical insights on forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of extending grace to ourselves and others as a pathway to inner peace.
Furthermore, Sonny delves into the importance of understanding and reaching individuals, particularly children, who are grappling with behavioral issues. Drawing from his own experiences and expertise, he offers valuable strategies for fostering empathy and building meaningful connections. Additionally, Sonny underscores the power of relatability in fostering understanding and support within communities. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we navigate the complexities of healing, forgiveness, and empowerment with Sonny Von Cleveland.
About Sonny:
Sonny Von Cleveland is a motivational speaker, coach, and author passionate about sharing his history and experiences of sexual abuse and incarceration to aid in the healing of others. He is an ardent advocate for fearlessly and authentically owning one’s story to rise and choose growth from adversity.
He advocates for this because for five years, throughout his childhood, he was the victim of sexual molestation and violence from multiple men, and, not knowing how to deal with the trauma, he repeatedly saw himself in trouble with law enforcement, which eventually saw him incarcerated at age sixteen for eighteen years, where violent gang banging ensued for survival and protection.
He resigned himself to a life of incarceration and gang life until a pivotal moment changed his life. In his late 20s, he was sent to solitary confinement, and while there, he met a Muslim man who changed his life. Over the next nineteen months, through this man's tutelage, Sonny transformed his life by learning the power of forgiveness and letting go of the past, as well as extensive self-examination and personal growth. He owes the mindset and extensive self-awareness skills he holds today to the 14,000-plus hours of personal development he garnered during his time in solitary confinement, and he now uses his transformation to aid and inspire others.
Sonny is also an anti-bullying advocate for Boo2Bullying, a youth development and suicide prevention organization, and is a regular speaker and mentor to disenfranchised youth in juvenile facilities in Southern California. Furthermore, he is a re-entry coach and activist for the Anti-Recidivism Collation in Los Angeles. He lives in Palm Springs, California, with his wife, Claire, their dog Sophie Grace and their felines, Luna and Puma.