Episode 198: Turning abuse into advocacy and a life of inspiration. Jean-Paul (JP) Bedard

Jean-Paul Bédard is an author, advocate, elite endurance athlete, and  was named one of the "50 Most Influential Canadians" by Huffington Post. In 2013, Jean-Paul disclosed to family and friends that he is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and rape. As a result, he turned to long-distance running to help him battle his addiction and mental health issues. Since that time, he has become an international advocate for other survivors of sexual violence.  In 2014, Jean-Paul ran the iconic Boston Marathon (http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/04/22/toronto_runner_conquers_double_boston_marathon_and_much_more.html) twice in the same day in a highly publicized campaign. In 2015 he was awarded the "Golden Shoe Award" for being named "Canadian Runner of the Year (http://runningmagazine.ca/our-golden-shoe-awards-runner-of-the-year-j-p-bedard/)".  As a Brooks sponsored athlete and veteran of over 130 marathons and ultra marathons, Jean-Paul represented Canada in the prestigious Comrades Marathon (http://www.breathethroughthis.com/running/the-ultimate-human-race) in South Africa, a grueling 90km race through mountainous terrain. In the fall of 2015, Jean-Paul ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon (http://canadarunningseries.com/blog/2015/06/runner-aiming-for-triple-toronto-waterfront-marathon-by-paul-gains/) three times in the same day to demonstrate the resiliency of survivors of trauma.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-trauma-therapist-podcast-with-guy-macpherson-phd-inspiring-interviews-with-thought-leaders-in-the-field-of-trauma/exclusive-contentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.---Thank you for listening!If you want to support the show, I've got three options and every bit helps.$5.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/NPKS32G8KVSN2$10.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/495AMDFXQFC3L$15.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/M7V5RREUKVD8JThank you to our Sponsors: Jane App - use code GUY1MO at https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/ngvcwcxqt2jx-4afv8i (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)Rebound - https://hellorebound.com/ttBeducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beduc.at/pd2629-traumatherapist