Episode Details

In this deeply moving "Best Of" episode of The World's Mayor Experience, Joshua T. Berglan connects with Meagan O'Nan, an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and a powerful voice for vulnerability and human connection.

Meagan shares her harrowing yet transformative journey of being outed in college in Mississippi, the trauma of rejection from her faith community, and the profound path she took to reclaim her identity. She discusses her book, Held and Free, and her upcoming TEDx talk on how to agree with people—even when you disagree with everything they stand for.

This conversation goes beyond the surface of "cancel culture" and dives into the heart of what it means to be human. From the wisdom of her six-year-old daughter to the letter-writing exercise that saved her relationship with her mother, Meagan offers a masterclass in turning pain into power and fear into connection.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Vulnerability: Why admitting your fear at the start of a tough conversation can change everything.
• Held and Free: Understanding the balance between trusting that life has your back (Held) and knowing you have the power to choose your path (Free).
• Breaking the Echo Chamber: How to find genuine connection in a polarized world by focusing on shared human needs rather than labels.
• The "Energy" of Attraction: A candid, unscripted discussion on identity, spirituality, and why love and connection transcend the boxes society puts us in.

Connect with The World's Mayor:

• Meet Joshua: https://www.joshuatberglan.com/The-Worlds-Mayor-Joshua-T-Berglan
• Shop The Collection: https://www.joshuatberglan.com/the-world-s-mayor-store