Born To Write Podcast with Azul Terronez

024: Larry Ruhl – Writing a Memoir to Heal From the Past

Born to Write Website: http://coachazul.com/blog/episode24

Episode Info

Larry Ruhl is the author of a very powerful memoir, Breaking the Ruhls: A Memoir, a beautiful story about going through trauma from sexual abuse, living in shame and guilt, and taking the courage to stand up and speak out. Even during the editing stage, Larry was still rattled by his own story. It wasn’t just any other story. It was his personal journey. Ultimately, the message he wants to come across is that you can shed shame and that healing is possible. Now, he’s ready to stand up, speak up, and share his story!

What We Discuss with Larry Ruhl:

• Larry recalls his experience writing at the monastery and what he learned from the monks.

• One of the biggest fears in writing a memoir

• His story’s message: you can shed shame and healing is possible

• Taking vulnerability with you wherever you go: Larry's challenges while writing the book

• Larry’s thought process in deciding which to write

• Some tough things he had to go through during the editing process

• The power of standing up for yourself

• The publishing experience and the waiting game

• Shifting from guilt to maturity

• The massive impact the book has made, especially to other “survivors”

• Larry recommends resources to those who are also hiding in shame and seeking help

WAMC's The Book Show Podcast →

The Book Show #1553 - Larry Ruhl

Listen here to Larry's interview with WAMC's Joe Donahue on The Book Show.

Each week on The Book Show, host Joe Donahue interviews authors about their books, their lives and their craft. It is a celebration of both reading and writers.

Larry Ruhl’s new book, “Breaking the Ruhls,” is a profoundly personal account of the impact of complex trauma on a man’s life. Larry’s father sought comfort from his only son, blurring critical boundaries that would prove deeply debilitating. Larry’s mother, with her spiraling, ever-changing mental illness kept the family in a constant state of anxiety.

LGBT Stories Podcast →

LGBT Stories- Episode 17- Breaking the Ruhls

LGBT Stories documents the struggles, hardships, questions, joys, eye-openers and more, that many in the LGBTQI community have faced as they've opened up with the public, their families and most importantly themselves about their true identity, the decision to come out and what life is like today for them.

In todays episode author Larry Ruhl shares an emotional roller coaster of the story with us. In his story he shares the back-and-forth relationship between his mother and father, the sexual abuse he sadly injured by his father, and horrible verbal abuse from his mother.

However, in the end, Larry comes out triumphant! He understands that telling our stories is the one thing that can bring hope an understanding to all.