Daniel Sartin: Choosing sobriety and compassion after trauma, abuse, and abandonment

Trigger warning: This episode contains some racist and adult language

This week on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast, I interview Daniel Sartin. Daniel is just a bit younger than my oldest son, but he’s survived a lifetime of trauma and difficulty. Born into the foster system, he got adopted and raised by a relative. He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness even though he is queer, which resulted in deep shame about his sexuality. And then there’s just living while Black.

Daniel shared stories about his childhood and upbringing. He also shared vulnerably about his incredibly toxic and narcissistic first romantic relationship. This is not the stereotypical macho white guy with a submissive, terrified wife. In Daniel’s relationship, his ex-boyfriend actually called him the n-word on several occasions. Finally, Daniel could take the abuse no longer and he escaped the situation.

In spite of what he’s faced in his life, he is upbeat and optimistic…and committed to dedicate his life to helping other people. He has founded a nonprofit called Happy Havens, which aims to create a permanent housing situation for houseless people around the Portland area.

Next week on the Companies That Care podcast, I interview Kim Sundy, Kellogg’s director of corporate sustainability, on the Companies That Care podcast. Kim is living proof that you can get paid to change the world. I had no idea Kellogg was such a forward-thinking, innovative, and values-driven company. You won’t want to miss this conversation!

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Contact us if you can use some help with your writing, editing, communications, or marketing. With 30 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry, I am passionate about sustainability and corporate citizenship, equity & inclusion, businesses that use their power for good, and doing everything I can to create a kinder, more sustainable, and just world. We help organizations and people discover what makes them special and help them share that with the world.

As a podcaster for justice, I stand with my sisters from the Women of Color Podcasters Community. We are podcasters united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many others at the hands of police. 

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