Rewriting the Story: Derek Newborn on Resilience, Healing, and Spiritual Awakening

In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin travels to Clermont, FL and welcomes Derek Newborn, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from abandonment, trauma, and self-destruction to transformation, healing, and purpose.

Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, Derek faced the pain of parental incarceration, single-parent struggles, and a deep sense of abandonment. Becoming a father at 16 and navigating hardships such as divorce, narcissism, and a suicide attempt, Derek reveals how he reached rock bottom and began the hard process of rebuilding his life.

Through deep vulnerability, self-reflection, and a spiritual awakening, Derek learned to take ownership of his story. His journey of resilience offers listeners valuable insight into self-compassion, accountability, and the power of rewriting one’s narrative.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Key Takeaways:
● Childhood experiences and family dynamics shape adult struggles and emotional development.
● Derek shares the impact of parental incarceration and the challenges of being raised by a single parent.
● Abandonment and isolation influenced destructive patterns in relationships and self-worth.
● His journey of self-discovery highlights the importance of accountability and rewriting one’s story.
● Trauma is subjective—its impact depends on how it’s carried and processed.
● Community support, vulnerability, and self-compassion are vital to healing.
● Forgiveness is powerful but doesn’t always mean reconciliation.
● Derek describes the shift from narcissism and self-centeredness to authentic connection.
● A spiritual awakening redefined his purpose and ability to help others.

Derek Newborn’s Bio:
Once named one of Florida’s “Top Personal Trainers” and a published fitness model, Derek Newborn appeared to have it all. But beneath the surface, he was unraveling. Multiple suicide attempts, destructive relationships, and narcissistic behaviors nearly cost him everything.

Instead of ending his life, Derek chose to end the version of himself that was destroying it. Through resilience, accountability, and faith, he rebuilt his life brick by brick. Today, Derek helps women escape toxic relationships with narcissists, reclaim their worth, and reconnect with their authentic selves—mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Having lived many lives—teenage father, construction worker, trainer, model, business owner, and survivor—Derek proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. His mission is clear: no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again—and thrive.

Connect with Derek Newborn:
🌐 Website: dereknewborn.com
📘 The High Ground Coaching Community: Skool – The High Ground

Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:
Website: https://www.thehxpod.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod

Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.