The Many Faces of Identity: Sam Deering on Survival, Expression, and the Search for Belonging

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my brother, Sam Deering, to explore the layered journey of identity—how it forms, evolves, fractures, and heals over a lifetime. Sam shares openly about his search for belonging through many identities. We dive into big questions like Who am I? and Where do I belong?, weaving in the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand how parts of ourselves are shaped by survival, societal pressures, and the deep human need for connection. _________________________ We explore: What identity really means, and why it matters How society pressures us to exile parts of who we are The desperate human need for belonging and connection Sam’s identity journey How anger became a tool for survival and expression as a man Lessons the military taught him about values, boundaries, and self-trust Using creativity and boundaries to channel identity healthily How Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy sheds light on identity fragmentation and healing The power of acceptance, kindness, and making space for mistakes Why diversifying your identity is essential for resilience and wholeness Sam speaks with honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom about how belonging isn't something we find "out there"—it's something we reclaim inside ourselves, one part at a time. ________________________ About Sam Deering Sam Deering is a potter living in the hills of southern New Hampshire, working with one of humanity’s oldest mediums: clay.  After leaving the military and enrolling in a college pottery class on the GI Bill, Sam found a new path—one rooted in simplicity, creativity, and grounded living. He apprenticed under master potter Kevin Crowe at Tye River Pottery in Virginia, and today he creates beautiful, functional pieces that make everyday life feel a little calmer, a little richer, and a little more human. _______________________________ Connect with Sam & See His Work: 🌐 Spotted Horse Pottery on Etsy 📸 @spottedhorse_pottery on Instagram   Tune in now for a conversation that’s honest, soulful, and full of insight about belonging, becoming, and the courage it takes to live as your whole self. _____________________________ Want to work with Natalie? Contact her below   Website: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/ Contact: https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/contact  Instagram: @nataliedeering _____________________________   Donate to the podcast Here!    Interested in sponsoring an episode of the podcast? Upgrade your business and let more people know about your amazing services or products by reaching hundreds to thousands of people by sponsoring an episode for only $100!  Please email [email protected] for more information.  Thank you for the support!    *Please support the podcast by following, rating, and leaving a review*