If you're loving the show and want to show some support, consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub*Trigger Warning:* This episode contains discussions of suicide, depression, trauma, and mental health.What happens when homeschooling, isolation, and identity all collide? In this episode, I sit down with Beau to talk about growing up homeschooled in a deeply religious environment, navigating gender identity, struggling with severe mental health challenges, and ultimately finding purpose through helping others heal. Beau shares an incredibly honest story about the realities of loneliness, recovery, and becoming a Recovery Support Specialist after surviving some of life's darkest moments.*Connect with Beau*• Substack: https://substack.com/@healingkind• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/healingkind.bsky.social*Resources Mentioned*• CRHE: https://crhe.org• Homeschool Alumni Group Sessions: https://crhe.org/homeschool-alumni-groups/If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. *Connect with me*• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com• Listen on Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/exhsclub/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com*Chapters*00:00 Welcome Back to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club00:57 Let's Meet Beau02:17 Was Homeschooling Structured For You?05:58 How Much Responsibility Did You Hold At Home?08:38 Where Did You Grow Up?10:06 The Push To Get Into College Early12:59 Socializing As A Homeschooler17:17 What Was Making You Feel Out Of Place In School?22:06 When Did You Know You We're Trans?27:26 What Did Early Adulthood Look Like?30:45 Why Is Mental Health So Stigmatized In The Homeschool World?32:26 Trigger Warning: We're Talking About Suicide41:08 What Did It Take To Become A Recovery Support Specialist?51:06 How To Connect With Other Homeschool Alumni?58:06 What Do You Think About The Current State Of Homeschooling? 01:01:35 It's Always Ok To Change Your Mind01:02:42 Don't Be Afraid To Share Your Story01:05:44 Taking Care Of Yourself After Being Vulnerable01:10:04 Connect with Beau01:11:16 Do All The Internet Things