Episode 32

Christopher Friesen: From depths of personal pain to building a legacy | EP 32 | Pathfinders Podcast

Published on: 12th October, 2025

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode includes discussion of deep emotional struggles and personal trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is finding things difficult, please reach out for support — you’re not alone. 💛

Global & Regional Hotlines:

🇺🇸 United States: Dial 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or visit 988lifeline.org
🇨🇦 Canada: Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca
🌐 International (Befrienders Worldwide): befrienders.org – Find hotlines by country
🌐 Find a Helpline (global directory): findahelpline.com, covering 160+ countries

Episode:

In this deeply honest conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan sits down with Christopher Friesen, an emotional intelligence coach who helps men rebuild their lives with purpose and integrity. 🌱

Christopher shares his journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a guide for others seeking healing, leadership, and authentic living. He opens up about the power of self-dialogue, the role of community, and how faith and emotional intelligence can transform pain into purpose.

💡 Key themes & insights:

🌿 From trauma to transformation: Christopher’s story shows how confronting past wounds can become the foundation for healing and leadership.
💬 Mastering self-dialogue: Understanding and reshaping inner conversations is key to emotional freedom and personal growth.
🤝 The strength of community: True change happens when men stop isolating and start connecting with others who hold them accountable.
🔥 Authenticity over appearance: Real ministry and leadership come from honesty, not perfection.
🙏 Faith as a foundation: Trusting a higher power opens the door to healing, courage, and resilience.
🧠 Emotional intelligence in action: A reminder that leadership begins within — by naming emotions, embracing vulnerability, and choosing growth daily.
🌍 Legacy through empathy: Whether in family, business, or culture, impact is built through compassion, understanding, and shared humanity.

==============FOLLOW================

👉Follow our guest Christopher Friesen

Author of Growing Up at 50: Creating the Legacy I Wish I Had

Keynote Speaker and Founder of Braveheart EQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-friesen-bravehearteq/

👉Follow our host Vijayan Swaminathan

Website: https://xaddwell.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayanswaminathan/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/vijswam

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