<p><strong>Today on More to the Story Podcast: Everything Makes Perfect Sense with author Brinn Langdale</strong></p><p>I’m joined today by my client <strong>Brinn Langdale</strong>, whose powerful memoir <em>Everything Makes Perfect Sense</em> chronicles her journey through childhood trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Brinn is a licensed psychotherapist who began her healing path at age 22, ultimately transforming her lived experience into a book that supports survivors and shines a light on shame, resilience, and personal truth.</p><p>We talk about what it means to write a trauma story with intention—not as a “trauma dump,” but as crafted, meaningful literature—and the emotional and spiritual growth required to stand in your truth as a memoirist, even when family members may not be ready for what you share.</p><p>If you are writing personal narrative about difficult lived experience, this conversation will remind you you’re not alone—and that the process itself can be transformative.</p><p>About Brinn</p><p>At 22, Brinn began confronting her own childhood trauma, setting her on a lifelong journey of healing and forgiveness. Today, she runs a thriving private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, speaker and author. Brinn’s core message, that everything you do makes perfect sense and that healing is possible, resonates with a wide range of audiences, including students, professionals, survivors, and anyone seeking personal growth and self-improvement.</p><p><strong>In today’s episode</strong></p><p>* Brinn’s early journaling life and why writing helped her feel seen</p><p>* The moment she realized her trauma—and how naming it shifted everything</p><p>* The year she devoted entirely to forgiveness before turning 30</p><p>* Starting the memoir during the 2020 lockdown and drafting the ending first</p><p>* What her early “word vomit” draft taught her about storytelling</p><p>* Working together through developmental edits and learning to trust her voice</p><p>* The risk of hiding behind endless revisions—and when it’s time to move forward</p><p>* Choosing a hybrid publisher and navigating launch + visibility</p><p>* Family reactions to memoir, and how Brinn held her boundaries and truth with compassion</p><p><strong>Links mentioned in this episode</strong></p><p>* <strong>Brinn’s book </strong>→ <a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/11987/9781966343691"><em>Everything Makes Perfect Sense</em></a><a target="_blank" href="https://bookshop.org/a/11987/9781966343691"> on bookshop.org</a> (also available wherever books are sold)</p><p>* <strong>Learn more about Brinn & her work </strong>→ <a target="_blank" href="https://brinnlangdale.com/">brinnlangdale.com</a></p><p>* Submit or subscribe to <strong>Under the Gum Tree</strong> → <a target="_blank" href="https://underthegumtree.com/">underthegumtree.com</a></p><p>* Book a <strong>free 15-minute book diagnosis call</strong> → <a target="_blank" href="http://moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis">moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis</a></p><p>* Get my <strong>Book Outline Formula</strong> worksheet → <a target="_blank" href="https://moretothestory.co/bookoutline">moretothestory.co/bookoutline</a></p><p>* Try my family’s coffee → <a target="_blank" href="https://caffesantoro.com/janna">cafesantoro.com/janna</a> for 10% off your first order</p><p>Want help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.</p><p><strong>Follow & Connect</strong></p><p>* find show notes at <a target="_blank" href="https://moretothestory.substack.com/">moretothestorypodcast.substack.com</a></p><p>* follow me on Instagram <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/jannamarlies">@jannamarlies</a></p><p>* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/undergumtree">@undergumtree</a></p><p><strong>Question for you</strong></p><p>Have you ever written something that asked you to step into your truth—even when it felt vulnerable or uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear.</p><p>Thanks so much for listening and being here.</p><p><em>(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.)</em></p><p></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at <a href="https://moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe</a>
