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Berend McKenzie is still thriving after an abusive adoptive family, drug addiction, and HIV at 16

Berend McKenzie is still thriving after an abusive adoptive family, drug addiction, and HIV at 16

FromThe Authentic Gay Man Podcast


Berend McKenzie is still thriving after an abusive adoptive family, drug addiction, and HIV at 16

FromThe Authentic Gay Man Podcast

ratings:
Length:
66 minutes
Released:
Aug 8, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

My guest, Berend McKenzie, grew up in a home with adoptive parents that taught him to lie at an early age, in order to make the family look good.  When his lies didn't measure up, he was physically abused.  Berend experienced his life as so painful that he made his first unsuccessful suicide attempt, while in the third grade.  He set the house on fire with the intention of jumping into the fire.  Later, to numb himself from the pain, he started using alcohol at age 13 and it progressed to heavy drug addiction that resulted in him losing all of his teeth at age 21.  He was diagnosed with HIV at age 16 and told he would die.  In spite of all this, Berend had an awakening and miraculously begin to turn his life around.  His story of healing and redemption will truly inspire you.Berend is a writer, actor, and producer.Berend's ProfileBe a GuestFollow Us on FacebookPower Moments With MaddoxAll Maddox's Links
Released:
Aug 8, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (82)

Coach Maddox, host of The Authentic Gay Man Podcast, reveals why so many gay men experience loneliness and isolation and the steps they can take, so they can create deep meaningful friendships that help them experience a profound sense of belonging and community. If you have ever felt like you were on the outside looking in, you’re not alone. It's a common theme among gay men. Maybe you are wondering what it means to be an Authentic Gay Man? Maddox engages his guests in honest and raw conversations, concerning topics that gay men rarely speak about. When we are able to get real with ourselves, it enables us to get real with others. That creates emotional intimacy…something we often fear and crave at the same time. Discover how to become more authentic and vulnerable, so you are magnetic to the people you engage with. Tune into each episode for a raw, candid, and uncensored exploration into the challenges of being an Authentic Gay Man. If you’re interested in gaining insights into your own challenges by hearing vulnerable stories of other gay men and if you aspire to be an Authentic Gay Man, this is the podcast for you.