Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.

In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.

Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.

The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose. 

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or https://1800respect.org.au
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 

LINKS 
Find out more about Jon here
Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
Get tickets for our next Story Club show
Get Osher's latest books here
Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

 

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.
In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.
Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.
The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose.&nbsp;
SUPPORT: If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:
<ul>
<li>1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or <a href="https://1800respect.org.au">https://1800respect.org.au</a></li>
<li>Lifeline - 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a></li>
<li>Beyond Blue - <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au">https://www.beyondblue.org.au</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LINKS&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Find out more about Jon <a href="https://jonronson.com/">here</a></li>
<li>Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday <a href="https://makeitbetterthanyesterday.kit.com/7d9d18dcee">newsletter</a></li>
<li>Watch episodes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa-1kXDagJXvgJa9MNymv4jnKkfdtCqBd">Better Than Yesterday on YouTube</a></li>
<li>Watch full stories recorded live at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive">Story Club</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@storyclublive"> on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">Get tickets </a>for our next Story Club show</li>
<li>Get Osher's latest books <a href="https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg">here</a></li>
<li>Send a pic of what you're looking at to <a href="mailto:sendosheremail@gmail.com">sendosheremail@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...
<ul>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/comfort-is-holding-you-back-secrets-to-growth-and-confidence-with-ant-williams">'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/how-to-communicate-better-in-every-conversation-with-jefferson-fisher">How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher</a></li>
<li><a href="https://omny.fm/shows/better-than-yesterday-with-osher-g-nsberg1/the-reality-of-living-in-the-outback-brendan-cullens-journey-from-pain-to-purpose">The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher Günsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it’s authentic conversations. Sometimes we’ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you’ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher G&uuml;nsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it&rsquo;s authentic conversations. Sometimes we&rsquo;ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you&rsquo;ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

Helping you make today better than yesterday since 2013.

Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Better Than Yesterday with Osher Gunsberg

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Harrison James on Surviving Child Sexual Abuse and Making A Difference

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/1a72b885-b9dc-452f-889f-b4950016241a/transcript