Added: Sep 26, 2023
In this podcast episode, the guest, Lee Marvin Hitchman, discusses his life story, which includes a difficult upbringing and a life of crime and addiction. He begins by sharing that he was born in a women's prison to drug-addicted parents. He was later placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a Jamaican man and a Welsh woman. However, his adoptive father was abusive and would beat him for bedwetting.Hitchman's life of crime started at a young age, as he began stealing from local shops and engaging in petty theft. He also became involved in the drug scene, starting with glue sniffing and later moving on to crack cocaine. He describes his addiction as a horrible and disgusting life, and he would commit crimes to support his habit. He spent time in and out of prison, constantly getting caught for robberies and other offenses.
One significant event in Hitchman's life was when he was shot by a man he had robbed. He describes the incident and the aftermath, including his hospitalization and discharge. During this time, he met a woman named Keira who had also experienced abuse. They formed a connection and he encouraged her to report her abuser, which ultimately led to his conviction.
Hitchman also discusses his struggles with addiction and his attempts to get clean. He talks about the constant battle between wanting to change and the allure of drugs. He shares that he often questioned whether life was worth living and contemplated death as an escape from his pain. However, he also felt a sense of duty to change his life, especially after witnessing the terminal illness of his girlfriend's father.
Throughout the podcast, Hitchman reflects on his experiences and the impact they have had on him. He discusses the difficulty of keeping his abuse a secret and the relief he felt when he finally shared his story. He also talks about the role of prison in his life, describing it as a place that felt like home to him. He discusses his involvement in debt collection within the prison system and the tough environment he faced.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Hitchman acknowledges the progress he has made and the positive changes he is trying to make in his life. He has written a book about his experiences and is working towards building a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his story and not keeping secrets, as he believes it is a way to heal and move forward.
Hitchman discusses his relationship with his birth parents, both of whom were involved in drugs and criminal activities. He shares his feelings of abandonment and questions why they didn't come to take him away from his difficult circumstances. He also talks about his adoptive mother, who provided him with love and support but couldn't answer all of his questions about his birth family.
The guest describes the trauma he experienced as a child, including being burned with a cigarette and the emotional toll it took on him. He also shares his search for his birth mother and the devastating news he received when he finally found her. Hitchman's birth mother had passed away, and he learned that she died shortly after his adoptive mother's death. He grapples with feelings of guilt and wonders if his actions contributed to the deaths of people he knew.
Despite his troubled past, Hitchman has found a sense of purpose in spreading a message of hope and resilience. He believes that no matter what someone has been through, they can turn their life around and make positive changes. He shares his belief in the power of self-talk and the importance of spreading positivity and encouragement.
Hitchman also discusses his experiences in prison, including witnessing violence and death. He talks about the challenges of being incarcerated and the impact it had on his mental health. He reflects on the loss of freedom and the loneliness he felt during his time in prison.
The guest shares his journey of recovery and finding peace in his life. He talks about the importance of family and the joy he finds in being a father. Hitchman acknowledges his past mistakes and regrets but is grateful for the opportunity to make positive changes in his life.
He also discusses his struggles with physical health, including a spine disease and a brain tumor. Despite these challenges, Hitchman remains hopeful and focused on living each day to the fullest.
Hitchman continues by acknowledging that prison is an easier option for some people, but he emphasizes that restorationship is not going anywhere. He expresses his gratitude for having someone in his life who has never left him, despite his struggles. He considers himself lucky and acknowledges that his partner has also faced her own challenges.
Talking about his life is not easy for Lee Marvin Hitchman, but he finds it therapeutic and empowering. He believes that sharing his story benefits him and helps him heal. He mentions that writing about his experiences was a difficult and time-consuming process. He credits his editor, Victoria, for helping him shape his story and expresses his gratitude towards her.
When asked about his plans for the future, Lee Marvin Hitchman reveals that he has big visions of telling his story to the world and helping others. He hopes to set up a charity to support abused children. He also expresses his interest in speaking at schools, although he believes that other survivors should be given the opportunity to share their stories as well.
Reflecting on his own journey, Lee Marvin Hitchman emphasizes the importance of speaking out and reporting abuse. He encourages victims to report their experiences and not let the secret consume them. He believes that reporting abuse sets victims free and urges them not to wait another minute to seek help.
Related episodes
