The Courageous Podcast Episode #26: Brandon Farbstein (Gen Z Activist)

3:09 - How Brandon and Berman first met

3:48 - Brandon's background - GenZ activist, speaker, political activist, and influencer

3:57 - One of 84 people in medical history diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism called metatropic dysplasia

4:36 - Turning point at age 11 when I was close to ending my life...tired of the suffering

5:52 - Opportunity to share my story for the first time through TedX

6:06 - First time I was vulnerable and authentic...through this experience I found my purpose and mission in life at age 15

8:16 - We all experience the same emotions, that's what it means to be a human being

10:22 - Finding someone to open up to, be comfortable, and feel seen and heard

11:33 - Standing in my own way with my thoughts

13:01 - Looking back, I wish I could have given myself more empathy

15:02 - The process of writing Ten Feet Tall

16:45 - Strategies to push through and keep going

18:09 - Imposter syndrome

20:01 - How did I unpack that anger and release it?...through personal development and control of my own thoughts

20:58 - Hurt people.  Hurt people.

24:05 - Passing laws to support education on empathy and EQ

27:11 - Proactively address bullying and focus on mental health

31:52 - Understanding that it is totally ok to be different

32:03 - Authenticity is a super power

33:27 - Dealing with depression

34:41 - The pandemic of loneliness

35:05 - Depression causes you to disconnect and make you feel like you are all alone, trapped...if you see someone in crisis or a dark place the most important thing you can do is offer support

36:11 - Remind those that we love the most that they are not alone - even when they appear to be thriving

37:18 - Self care is not a privilege anymore, it's a priority

37:51 - Taking care of and elevating your emotional, mental and spiritual well being has never been more vital

38:13 - Give the gift to yourself and you will give it to those around you - you will show up as a better leader

38:54 - Disability doesn't mean debilitated

41:23 - What's next - D.C.

42:14 - In the moments of adversity and struggle, we grow the most