If you're feeling stuck in an identity that no longer fits and ready to grow into the best version of you, today's guest is living proof of what happens when you finally stop performing and start authoring your story from a place of authenticity and conscious choice.

Host Kristen Rocco interviews Trey Toler—Atlanta-based author, keynote speaker, and stand-up comedian—to unpack his powerful memoir, Good Damage. For years, Trey hid behind a polished mask and the role of the hilarious class clown to shield himself from the pain of his mother’s chronic illness and the secret of his sexuality. After her sudden death sent him spiraling into self-destructive patterns, Trey realized that while you can't control what happens to you, you are solely responsible for choosing who you become next. Through a profound shift in perspective, he stopped circling his trauma like a vulture and chose to live as a hummingbird—actively seeking life, color, and purpose.

🎧 You’re going to get immersed in Trey’s unbelievable transformation story and learn how he picked himself up out of the rubble to become the best version of himself, with plenty of comedic relief along the way:

• Vulture vs. Hummingbird: The powerful metaphor of hunting for decay versus actively searching for color, hope, and purpose.
• The Trap of the Performance: How keeping up a polished exterior hides your pain and prevents genuine healing and growth.
• Unmasking & Authenticity: Navigating the vulnerability of coming out and what it takes to stand fully rooted in your truth.
• The Illusion of an External Fix: Realizing that looking outward won't "fix" you until you do the internal work required to transform from within.
• Your Zone of Genius: How stepping into your natural gifts allows you to convert past pain into authentic connection and light.

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Bold Moves: How Did You Know? is for anyone at a midlife crossroads ready to navigate a career pivot, launch a business, start a project, or make a life transition with confidence. Each episode delivers the essential mindset shifts and actionable advice you need to conquer fear, silence imposter syndrome, stop people-pleasing, and shed the outdated identities that no longer serve you—so you can finally start designing a life on your own terms.

Connect w/ Guest Trey Toler:

• Memoir: Good Damage (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and everywhere books are sold)
• Instagram & TikTok: @toler_the_trey
• LinkedIn: Trey Toler

Connect w/ Host Kristen Rocco

• Substack: kristenrocco.substack.com
• Instagram: @kristenrocco
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BoldMovesHowDidYouKnowPodcast