Breaking The Chains: Brandon Marshall's Path To Self-Discovery Artwork

Own Your Essence

Welcome to Own Your Essence, the podcast where healing meets empowerment!

I'm your host, April DeMille—a psychic medium and life coach specializing in grief, trauma, and toxic relationship recovery. This is a space for deep conversations, powerful transformations, and raw healing.

Each week, we’ll dive into soul-centered topics like psychic mediumship, the supernatural, metaphysical wisdom, emotional grief, addiction, mental health, spiritual wellness, and self-discovery. Through inspiring interviews and personal insights, this podcast is here to spread awareness, spark connection, and support your healing journey.

If you're ready to set boundaries, reclaim your confidence, and step into your true power—you're in the right place.

Let’s Own Your Essence together!

All Episodes

Own Your Essence

Breaking The Chains: Brandon Marshall's Path To Self-Discovery

May 03, 2026 • April DeMille • Season 2 • Episode 19

0:00 | 46:08

Host April DeMille interviews magazine photographer and author Brandon Marshall on Own Your Essence. Brandon reflects on turning 40, earning his GED, attending two semesters of school, and publishing his third book (having written six). He discusses quitting alcohol three times and deciding on December 11th to stop for good, while still using marijuana and periodic mushrooms for spiritual grounding. Brandon recounts childhood abuse, being malnourished by his stepmother, and drinking to numb hunger and gain courage, leading to violence, juvenile hall, jail, and two prison terms. A later incarceration in Arizona became a catalyst for change and future goals. He describes two years of celibacy, simplifying life, disconnecting from TV, spirituality, and his book “My Life as Soul Foods,” which shares real stories of trauma, growth, and awareness, alongside his photography as an identity anchor after prison.

Born in Los Angeles, Brandon Marshall experienced significant instability early in life. After his parents separated when he was five years old, he moved back and forth between Los Angeles and the rural area of Valley Springs. During his childhood, he witnessed domestic violence and suffered abuse.

Brandon began drinking at the age of 11 and was in juvenile hall by 17. Over the years, he spent time in six county jails and, by age 25, served his first prison term. He completed his last prison sentence at 30.

Since then, Brandon has worked hard to rebuild his life and create a new path forward. Today, he shares his story of resilience, healing, and transformation.

https://artbp13.com/professional-portfolio

https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/my-life-as-soul-food

artbyphotography13@gmail.com

✨ Work with April 1:1
If you’re looking to work with April privately, here are the booking links:

30-Minute Intuitive Breakthrough Reading

https://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/intuitive-breakthrough-reading-with-april-demille

45-Minute Intuitive Breakthrough Reading

https://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/intuitive-breakthrough-reading

15-Minute Discovery Call
https://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/breakthrough-discovery-call-15-minute

Send us Fan Mail

Working with April 1:1