The Outcasts: A Journey of Believing, Becoming, and Belonging
My name is JC (Jean Claude) Brooks, and my mission is to give a voice to those who have ever felt like they didn’t fit under a certain category… those who might feel like they “don’t belong.” From growing up as a young Haitian boy to being adopted as a teenager into a Caucasian family in America, this is my story of becoming. I look forward to introducing you to people like me, people unlike me, and people who are still figuring it out. We will also explore how you can help children who are in need of a forever home and the challenges that they face. I hope to take you deep into my journey and into the hearts of others while helping you continue to find yourself. Consider The Outcasts to be your safe space— a space where we will believe, become, and belong— together.
Episodes
16 episodes
Mental Matters: Advocating for Mental Health in the Black Community & Living with Bipolar Disorder with George P Brooks
I was blessed to have the opportunity to have an honest and open conversation with mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and life coach George P Brooks. George is the founder of METTA Association, a nonprofit organization committed to adv...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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31:48
Mental Matters: Working Through Trauma and Using Adversity to Make You Stronger with Zach Brooks
Trigger Warning: This episode contains content about suicide. Today, I share an eye-opening interview with my brother, Zach Brooks. Zach shares some major trauma that he has experienced and how he has taken his adversities an...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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53:21
Mental Matters: Navigating Anxiety and Deciding When It's Time with Kayla Crawford
In this episode of our Mental Matters series, I share with you an interview with a dear friend of mine, Kayla. She shares with us her journey of navigating life with anxiety from childhood to adulthood. Kayla discovered her feelings...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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35:57
Mental Matters: My Journey Through Therapy
We are back after taking some time to develop a new series: Mental Matters. Throughout this series, I will be taking you into the minds and the hearts of people like you... people with unique stories, everyday battles, and accomplishments...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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27:50
Adoptee Chronicles: Bebe Porpilia
In this episode, we hear the story of Bebe Porpilia, who was adopted by my paternal aunt. Bebe was the youngest adoptee from our orphanage in Haiti who recently graduated from Anderson University. We get to know more about her fami...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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52:36
Title Series: Becoming
You should always be your biggest supporter and always make sure to surround yourself with the right people that wants to see you win. Our minds are so powerful, and we have to use that to our advantage. We have to believe in our dream, put the...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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11:45
Title Series: Believing
I wanted to start a mini-series explaining the meaning behind the title of my podcast. Believing, becoming, and belonging are three powerful words that are the epitome of my journey, and this journey starts with believing. Through f...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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22:17
Adoptee Chronicles: Amanda Sparso
Amanda was adopted from China over 25 years ago. Growing up as a transracial adoptee, Amanda has embraced and celebrated both sides of her culture & heritage. She focused heavily on theater, dance, and music artistry before landing a career...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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46:45
Adoptee Chronicles: Merlande Brooks
In today's episode, my special guest is Merlande Brooks. Merlande and I are both from Haiti. We were adopted into the same family in 2010. Merlande is very resilient. She was raised by her grandfather before she got to the orphanage, and after ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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49:42
The Adoption Process feat. Tara
As promised, this week, I had the opportunity to interview the woman who made it all happen - my mother, Tara. I was able to gain a new perspective of my journey through Tara's story. Our interview was eye-opening to the obstacles s...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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31:21
Q&A
After telling you guys about my life story, I wanted to give each of you the opportunity to ask some questions and you guys did not disappoint. I want to thank each and everyone that took the time to ask a question.I had a special guess hel...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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57:45
Post-High School to Present Day in America
After I graduated high school, I got a scholarship to play football as a kicker at an HBCU in Missouri called Lincoln University, it was quite the shell shock for me. It was there that I learn so much about what it means to be black in America,...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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33:51
Being Adopted and Early Years in America
In this week's episode, the adoption is finalized and we made it home to the state of North Carolina. We had our first meal in the states after being adopted and you'll be surprised to find out what it is exactly. We find out the hardships Wood...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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24:11
Movement from Haiti to the United States
In February of 2007, my friends and I in the orphanage were brought to the United States as a choir to sing in churches throughout the country. During this period is when I met my adoptive family for the first time. Coming from Hait...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:21
Early Childhood in Haiti
As Early on as I can remember, I've had to make some big life-changing decisions. At a very young age, my mom passed and everything in my life had changed. In this episode, we will be traveling back to the earliest I can remember, from playing ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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31:52
Introduction "The Outcasts: A Journey of Believing, Becoming, and Belonging"
Our stories are what make each of us who we are, and every individual’s story is unique in its own way. I felt called to create a space of comfort, love, and fellowship and to share not only my life’s journey but other amazing narratives from p...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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6:33