Ep. 73- Winning Beauty Pageants at 43 and Turning Pain into Purpose with Heather Brooke

In this episode of the More Than Your Age podcast, host Erica Pasvar interviews Heather Brooke, the reigning Miss West Tennessee for America. Heather opens up about her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, including sexual abuse and trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder. She shares how these challenges have shaped her into the woman she is today, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and self-compassion. Heather’s experiences in the world of pageantry, even after turning 40, offer inspiration for women of all ages. She highlights how competing in beauty pageants gave her the confidence to use her platform to advocate for mental health, personal growth, and community support. Heather’s journey is a testament to finding strength in adversity and using your past to fuel your future. Join us as Heather Brooke shares her message of resilience, empowerment, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose to inspire others. Whether you're passionate about mental health, personal development, or simply looking for motivation to pursue your dreams regardless of age, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace your journey. Takeaways -Heather's journey highlights the impact of childhood trauma on mental health. -Trichotillomania can be a subconscious response to stress and anxiety. -Sharing her story publicly helped Heather find healing and support. -Pageantry provided Heather with a platform to connect with her community. -The importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues. -Diet and lifestyle changes can significantly affect mental health. -Heather's book aims to educate children about trichotillomania. -Heather's nonprofit focuses on providing mental health services to those in need. -Age should not limit one's ability to pursue dreams and goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heather Brooke 04:08 Coming to Terms with the Past 09:35 Understanding Trichotillomania 12:55 The Journey to Diagnosis 15:25 Therapeutic Insights and Personal Growth 19:30 The Role of Pageantry in Heather's Life 22:27 Competing in Pageants: A Personal Journey 25:14 The Importance of Community and Volunteering 28:44 The Pageant Experience: What Judges Look For 30:36 Inspiration Behind 'Where's My Hair?' Book 33:21 Partnership with HairClub 37:51 Navigating Sponsorships in Pageantry 40:55 Competing at 43: Overcoming Age Barriers 44:55 Finding Purpose in Pain 48:44 Encouragement for Women Facing Limitations Connect with Heather www.heatherbrookelpc.com // Instagram // Facebook // TikTok Hair Club: Code: Heatherm10 for discount Where’s My Hair: A Trichotillomania Story- book Connect with Erica Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin Sign up for The More Than Your Age Podcast E-mail list ***This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - -  📱 Subscribe and Listen to The More Than Your Age Podcast Here: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - -  All Platforms: https://rb.gy/fb3ac2 Are you interested in starting your own podcast? Riverside.fm is a great tool for recording episodes remotely. The More Than Your Age Podcast is an affiliate and highly recommends this company. You can use this link to learn more: Riverside.fm Create your More Than Your Age Bucket List Here! Needing assistance with detoxing products in your home? Try Olive Tree People. Take the Skin Quiz Here! Cleaning and non-toxic self care products here! Intro and Exit Music written and performed by Daniel Ging.