Escaping the Soviet Bloc, Sent to the Gulags, Raped in Prisons with Florica Means

My guest, Florica Means, is the first polymath I've had on this show. She was born & raised in Romania. She escaped her home country in 1990, at the age of 36.Her story is incredible, which, even writing the word incredible, feels like I've cheapened the word a long time. I've done it justice here though, but I've been forced to grapple with using the word too often—as we frequently use others words. Awesome comes to mind. Or unbelievable.But trust me when I say that "Flory" (permission granted to use her nickname)—her story is hard to believe. It's incredible, but true. I've been inside her home. I've seen pictures, passports, stamps, etc.I'll leave most of the story for her to share. Because she tells it so well.In this episode, once combined with her accent, goosebumps may ensue, which she herself admits to getting while telling her own story.We spend considerable time discussing Florica's experience living under Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime.We also talk about what led her to ultimately leaving her home country—the only home she'd ever known. Hint: she'd finally had enough, and wanted a taste of freedom.This was such an insightful discussion from as candid of a guest as I've welcomed here. In fact, I've never had a podcast episode like this.So candid. So vulnerable. I hope you enjoy and appreciate Flory as much as I did.