U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count cover art

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count

U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count

Written by: Dean James
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About this listen

‘Used to Be’s’ do indeed count! “I used to be…” refers to a past human state, role, condition, identity or experience. Understanding the importance of what or who someone ‘used to be’ can provide valuable insight into one’s life journey, reflecting on how our 'used to be' has had influence on who we are today.


Dean James talks to inspiring guests, revealing the most intriguing, inspiring and enthralling stories of a life's past experiences; successes, failures and lessons are reflected on as we celebrate change, transition, transformation and personal development.


We’re not dwelling on the past in a negative, stagnant way. We are giving it it’s proper time, power and reflection, so we can understand the impact it has had on who we are today!

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Dean James Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion Therapy

    I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion Therapy
    Jan 28 2026
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 2Lewis Crompton | I Used To Be...In Gay Conversion TherapyDean James sits down with Lewis Crompton for a powerful and unflinching conversation about the hidden reality of gay conversion therapy in the UK. As a teenager, Lewis was drawn into an evangelical church with deep American roots, a place where fear was disguised as faith, and where a charismatic youth leader pushed extreme, restrictive beliefs that slowly reshaped his world. What began as community soon became control, pulling Lewis into years of internal conflict and shame.For over a decade, he lived under the weight of teachings that told him he was broken, sinful, and in need of “fixing.” But when Lewis finally confronted the truth of his sexuality, everything changed. He began dismantling the harmful narratives he’d been conditioned to believe, reclaiming his identity piece by piece. That journey - painful, courageous, and deeply human - became the foundation of the proud, grounded, and powerful man he is today.Trading became Lewis’s lifeline. It offered not just financial freedom, but emotional liberation - a way to step beyond the confines of the church and build a life defined by autonomy, confidence, and purpose.Today, he lives openly and joyfully with his husband, and leads Start Trading, where he mentors people around the world through workshops, education, and strategic wealth training.His expertise has been featured in Bloomberg, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, The Sun, The Metro, and more. And now, Lewis is on a mission far bigger than himself: to help one million families reduce financial stress and create more freedom in their lives through smart, strategic wealth management.This episode is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary strength it takes to rewrite your own story - no matter where it began.Learn more about Lewis' work here...Lewis Crompton Website.Get involved with Start Trading.Follow Lewis Here:InstagramYouTubeIf you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, or want to join the fight to ban gay conversion therapy in the UK, please use the following links:Stonewall UKMindBan Gay Conversion Therapy - USDAWBan Gay Conversion Therapy - Gov.UKDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • I Used To Be...A Caregiver

    I Used To Be...A Caregiver
    Jan 14 2026
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 3, Episode 1Susan Bloom | I Used To Be...A CaregiverEquine Gestalt specialist Susan Bloom sits down with Dean James for an unfiltered and deeply human conversation about love, loss, and the extraordinary strength required to keep showing up when life keeps knocking you down.Susan shares the raw reality of becoming a full‑time caregiver to her husband after he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. Walking away from her career, reshaping her entire life, and pouring every ounce of herself into his care. After years of complications and relentless health battles, Susan’s husband sadly passed away, leaving her to navigate a grief that reshaped her from the inside out.In this conversation, Susan opens her heart even further, speaking with courage about surviving breast cancer and the ongoing journey of caring for her son, who lives with seizures. Her story is one of endurance, devotion, and the quiet heroism so many caregivers carry without recognition.Today, Susan channels her lived experience into powerful, transformative work. Through her Equine Gestalt therapeutic programme, she supports caregivers, individuals, couples, and groups, helping them process trauma, grief, reconnect with themselves, and find healing through the profound connection between humans and horses. Based in Oskaloosa, Kansas, Susan also works with clients remotely, extending her compassion and expertise far beyond her local community.Discover more about Susan’s work and her mission to bring connection, healing, and synergy to those who need it most...Connections And Synergy Website.Follow Susan here:FacebookInstagramLinkedInIf you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:Carers UKCarers TrustEmbracing CarersDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr
  • I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape

    I Used To Be...A Victim of Rape
    Nov 26 2025
    U2BDC: Used To Be's Do Count | Season 2, Episode 12Dan Cooper | I Used To Be...A Victim of RapeMore than two decades ago, at just 19 years old, Dan Cooper’s life was shattered by a devastating sexual assault at the hands of someone he knew and trusted. What followed were years of battling the hidden scars - both mental and physical - that lingered long after the attack. Eventually, Dan found the strength to report the assault for a second time, and after months of enduring the complexities of the criminal justice system, his perpetrator was finally put to justice.In this raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic episode, Dan sits down with Dean James to share the truth behind his journey; how he fought through trauma, navigated the courts, and faced the overwhelming glare of media attention. His story is not just about survival, but about reclaiming power and finding purpose in the aftermath of pain.Today, Dan has transformed his experience into a mission. Through social media, he amplifies his voice to reach others who may feel silenced, offering hope, insight and solidarity. Beyond his advocacy, he serves as a mental health and well-being coach and dedicates himself to protecting others as a Fire Fighter. Proof that resilience can ignite strength, and that even the darkest chapters can lead to a life of impact.Follow Dan here:TikTokInstagramLinkedInFind out more about Dan's Story here: BBC NewsIf you are affected by any of the topics raised in this episode, please use the following links:Rape CrisisThe Survivor's TrustCALMSamaritansDon't forget to like, subscribe, share, connect and comment...we can only grow with your help!www.u2bdc.comSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon MusicDeezerInstagramFacebookTikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
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