#011 Story of Redemption: Breaking the Cycle of Violence, Drugs and Crime | Bruce Mathieu

This is a story of Bruce, an ex-gang member turned into a desistor-mentor and sought-after Singaporean motivational speaker. He was the first ex-offender to be invited to speak at Thai Institute of Justice during the conference for senior officials in 2022. Bruce overcame a 30-year drug addiction battle and two decades of incarceration, being in and out of prison five times. Raised in Singapore by a single Chinese mother after his French father's departure, Bruce endured a turbulent childhood marked by abuse and anger. His teenage years led him into a dark world of drugs, joining a gang at the age of 13 and sparking a relentless cycle of crime.Despite multiple incarcerations, Bruce couldn't break free, even after marriage and fatherhood. However, a poignant moment during a prison visit from his daughter on her 4th birthday became his turning point. Unable to hold his child, he vowed to change. Since his 2016 release, Bruce's transformation into a motivational speaker has inspired others to break free from addiction and find hope in recovery. Bruce's story is a testament to resilience. He shares his journey of redemption and how he now dedicates his life to helping others find their way back into society. Join Yana for an intimate conversation with Bruce as he opens up like never before about his remarkable transformation and his mission to inspire change.🌏 Follow YanaTV for authentic conversations with impactful and conscious people of Asia 👉 https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg?sub_confirmation=1IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Introduction to Bruce Mathieu's journey(01:37) Overcoming childhood trauma(06:15) A glimpse into the world of addiction and crime(09:55) A turning point: the day that changed everything(16:43) Bruce's mission: from ex-offender to mentor(12:20) The unwavering support of family(16:09) The lifelong battle of self-forgiveness(20:11) A message to those still struggling(23:18) Reflecting on the 12-year-old boy's choices(14:07) Conclusion and the power of sharing life stories___________OUR HOST, YANA FRYHi People!! I'm Yana. I have been interviewing thought leaders and changemakers since 2015. This channel brings to you the most interesting, conscious and impactful people of Asia. I have heart-to-heart conversations with them and ask deep and direct questions about their life, career, relationships and way of living. Enjoy!I am also the founder and CEO of Awaken Human, where I help leaders worldwide to realise their highest potential and maximise their impact. I have been studying and teaching human potential, consciousness and wellness since I was 8 years old and my clients and students come from 30+ countries.In addition to anchoring Yana TV, I am hosting Timeless Teachings Podcast, ranked among top podcasts in Singapore in Spirituality.Let’s Connect!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry Bookings and Collaborations: [email protected] ~ YanaTV is a Singapore’s leading independent talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful and conscious people of Asia.To listen to Timeless Teachings Podcast, visit this link:  https://linktr.ee/timelessteachings ___________OUR GUEST, BRUCE MATHIEUTo connect with Bruce, visit: https://www.brucemathieu.com/Desistor Network - Singapore Prison Service: https://www.sps.gov.sg/resource/media-releases/launch-of-desistor-network/ CARE Network for Rehabilitation of Ex-offenders: https://www.sana.org.sg/care-network/ Ex-Offender Retention Programme: https://www.maximussingapore.sg/yellow-ribbonSoup Kitchen: https://willinghearts.org.sg/