<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></title><description><![CDATA[My professional Substack. ]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2tlk!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F327232fd-68f0-4699-ba47-c7f98e7fd87b_1280x1280.png</url><title>Brandon D. Campbell</title><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:22:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[brandondcampbell@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[brandondcampbell@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[brandondcampbell@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[brandondcampbell@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[The Silence of Healing💙]]></title><description><![CDATA[Looking back, I realized the quietest season of my life wasn't a sign that I'd been forgotten&#8212;it was where healing, boundaries, and transformation began.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-silence-of-healing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-silence-of-healing</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:36:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/201819407/130561de332ec5ad7f03423f68fda55d.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over the last few weeks, I&#8217;ve had the opportunity to participate in some incredible conversations with fellow authors and community leaders about literacy, creativity, and the power of storytelling.</p><p>A conversation took place live on air on The Broadway Joe Radio Show joined by fellow authors Selandria Jackson and Orlando M. Kendricks. I was honored to be able to be on the air and share the vision behind our upcoming authors&#8217; event.  </p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e26bf9f1-978f-4d10-a237-4c823bd5f5e2_2983x3874.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/160531ef-9688-4a3e-b24f-fb1b5582b30f_3024x4032.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2b589b28-d709-4e92-b5e8-600168514adf_1456x720.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>As we prepare for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Guw11SKac/">Family Authors in Conversation</a> in Little Rock&#8217;s historic West 9th Street corridor, I&#8217;ve been reflecting on another kind of story&#8212;the one many of us experience during seasons of transition.</p><p>The story of silence.</p><p>A few years ago, my life looked very different.</p><p>The phone wasn&#8217;t ringing.</p><p>The opportunities weren&#8217;t showing up.</p><p>The invitations weren&#8217;t coming.</p><p>People I had helped along the way seemed distant. Organizations I had supported moved forward without me. Relationships shifted. And for the first time in a long time, I found myself sitting in a quiet season that felt uncomfortable and unfamiliar.</p><p>At first, I interpreted that silence as loss.</p><p>But now I see it differently.</p><p>I believe many of us experience seasons where life intentionally becomes quieter.</p><p>Not because we&#8217;re being punished.</p><p>Not because we&#8217;ve failed.</p><p>But because we&#8217;re healing.</p><p>Healing can feel lonely because it often requires us to step away from the noise long enough to hear ourselves think. It requires us to examine old patterns, reset our boundaries, and let go of versions of ourselves that can no longer accompany us into our next season.</p><p>That&#8217;s difficult work.</p><p>It&#8217;s also necessary work.</p><p>One of the biggest lessons I&#8217;ve learned is that when you&#8217;re healing, you&#8217;re no longer attracting many of the things that once consumed your attention. The validation. The unhealthy relationships. The distractions. The environments that no longer align with who you&#8217;re becoming.</p><p>And when those things disappear, it can feel like emptiness.</p><p>But maybe it isn&#8217;t emptiness at all.</p><p>Maybe it&#8217;s space.</p><p>Space for growth.</p><p>Space for clarity.</p><p>Space for purpose.</p><p>Looking back, I realize that some of the most important transformations in my life happened during seasons when nobody was paying attention. When there was no applause. No recognition. No visible reward.</p><p>Just quiet work.</p><p>The work of becoming.</p><p>Today, I understand that healing often requires us to grieve the person we used to be before we can fully embrace the person we&#8217;re becoming.</p><p>And while that process isn&#8217;t always comfortable, it is often where our greatest breakthroughs begin.</p><p>So if you&#8217;re in a quiet season right now, don&#8217;t rush through it.</p><p>Sit with it.</p><p>Learn from it.</p><p>Trust it.</p><p>Because the silence may not be empty after all.</p><p>It may be preparing you for everything that&#8217;s next. &#127793;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128218; If you&#8217;re looking for meaningful ways to strengthen connection, communication, and emotional growth within your family, check out <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>.</p><p>&#127908; And if you&#8217;re in Central Arkansas, join us for Family Authors in Conversation as we celebrate literacy, storytelling, and the power of community.</p><div><hr></div><h2>Come join us on Sunday. </h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!e3Z-!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbf764f5f-2ce0-423b-9786-209dc89e6a83_1545x1999.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!e3Z-!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbf764f5f-2ce0-423b-9786-209dc89e6a83_1545x1999.jpeg 848w, 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Join us for Family Authors in Conversation on Sunday, June 14th from 2 PM&#8211;4 PM at Beyond the Divide - 724 West 9th Street in Little Rock. In celebration of National Children&#8217;s Day, local authors will share their journeys, inspirations, and how storytelling can strengthen families, support emotional growth, and inspire lifelong learners. Families will enjoy audience Q&amp;A, opportunities to meet the authors, and signed books available for purchase. </p><p>Click here to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/">RSVP</a>.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 848w, 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https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[This Award Reminded Me What "No" Really Means💙]]></title><description><![CDATA[Being named Author of the Month reminded me that every rejection, setback, and closed door was preparing me for something greater.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/this-award-reminded-me-what-no-really</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/this-award-reminded-me-what-no-really</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:35:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/200831904/a593aa096366ad45216fe2e1b78002ce.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week brought some incredible news.</p><p>I was honored to be named Author of the Month in<a href="https://501lifemag.com/issues/"> 501 Life Magazine</a>.</p><p>While I am grateful for the recognition, the feature meant far more to me than seeing my story in print.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg" width="1456" height="1858" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!25fY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4a30b171-a283-48f8-a48c-9c3ee6593eba_1605x2048.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>It represented a journey.</p><p>A journey that began with uncertainty, disappointment, and a loss of identity.</p><p>A few years ago, I experienced what many people fear most: the loss of a career path I had worked hard to build. Along with the loss of income came the loss of certainty. My confidence took a hit. My self-esteem suffered. Like many people, I had unknowingly tied parts of my identity to my title, my work, and what I could provide for others.</p><p>For a while, I viewed that experience as something that happened to me.</p><p>But recently, I&#8217;ve started to see it differently.</p><p>Instead of saying I lost my job, I&#8217;ve begun saying:</p><p><strong>The job lost me.</strong></p><p>That simple shift changed everything.</p><p>Because the truth is, I wasn&#8217;t thriving. I wasn&#8217;t fully operating as my authentic self. I had become disconnected from who I was meant to be.</p><p>And maybe you&#8217;ve experienced that too.</p><p>A job ends.</p><p>A relationship falls apart.</p><p>A door closes.</p><p>A dream gets delayed.</p><p>We naturally focus on the event itself. The disappointment. The rejection. The hurt.</p><p>But what if we focused instead on what comes next?</p><p>What if a layoff wasn&#8217;t a setback but a push forward?</p><p>What if being let go was actually freedom?</p><p>What if rejection was simply a notice to move on to something better aligned with your purpose?</p><p>That perspective helped me survive countless &#8220;no&#8217;s.&#8221;</p><p>Agents said no.</p><p>Publishers said no.</p><p>Opportunities said no.</p><p>Yet every rejection redirected me toward something greater.</p><p>Eventually, those experiences led me to write <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>, launch my business, strengthen my voice as a storyteller, and discover a deeper sense of purpose.</p><p>Most importantly, they taught me that our internal dialogue matters.</p><p>The stories we tell ourselves become the lives we build.</p><p>That&#8217;s why I wrote <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. Not simply to tell a story, but to help children and families reshape the narratives they carry about themselves, their potential, and their future.</p><p>Because every family deserves conversations that build confidence, connection, and hope.</p><p>So today, I encourage you to reconsider the story you&#8217;re telling yourself.</p><p>Maybe you weren&#8217;t rejected.</p><p>Maybe you were redirected.</p><p>Maybe you weren&#8217;t laid off.</p><p>Maybe you were pushed forward.</p><p>And maybe the thing you think you lost...</p><p>Actually, lost you.</p><p>&#127793; Sometimes the greatest transformation begins when we change the narrative.</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128218; Pick up your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> and continue the conversation with your family.</p><p>&#127908; Join me and five incredible family-focused authors at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4UtZQ2c9/">Family Authors in Conversation </a>on June 14 from 2&#8211;4 PM in downtown Little Rock&#8217;s historic West 9th Street District as we explore the power of family, literacy, storytelling, and connection.</p><div><hr></div><h2>Books on Da Block event on June 12-14. </h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!e3Z-!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbf764f5f-2ce0-423b-9786-209dc89e6a83_1545x1999.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!e3Z-!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbf764f5f-2ce0-423b-9786-209dc89e6a83_1545x1999.jpeg 848w, 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stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Join us for Family Authors in Conversation on Sunday, June 14th from 2 PM&#8211;4 PM at Beyond the Divide - 724 West 9th Street in Little Rock. In celebration of National Children&#8217;s Day, local authors will share their journeys, inspirations, and how storytelling can strengthen families, support emotional growth, and inspire lifelong learners. Families will enjoy audience Q&amp;A, opportunities to meet the authors, and signed books available for purchase. </p><p>Click here to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/">RSVP</a>.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 848w, 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https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" 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https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do This Instead After Heartbreak 💙]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever been hurt so deeply that all you could think about was proving someone wrong?]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/do-this-instead-after-heartbreak</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/do-this-instead-after-heartbreak</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2026 22:40:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/199805406/691c16f1f73f447afbd66ac800dc7fba.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Maybe it was a person.</p><p>Maybe it was a job.</p><p>Maybe it was a rejection you didn&#8217;t see coming.</p><p>Maybe it was a dream that didn&#8217;t unfold the way you expected.</p><p>Whatever it was, it left a mark.</p><p>I&#8217;ve been there.</p><p>After being laid off, I experienced uncertainty, disappointment, and the internal dialogue that many people face when life doesn&#8217;t go according to plan. I was responsible for supporting my family, navigating career transitions, and figuring out what came next.</p><p>Like many people, I could have spent my energy focusing on what was lost.</p><p>Instead, I learned something that changed my life:</p><p><strong>The greatest revenge is healing.</strong></p><p>Not getting even.</p><p>Not matching someone&#8217;s energy.</p><p>Not proving people wrong.</p><p>Healing.</p><p>Because healing requires something much harder than revenge it requires accountability, reflection, and growth.</p><p>It requires looking inward and asking difficult questions about who you want to become despite what you&#8217;ve experienced.</p><p>For me, that process wasn&#8217;t easy.</p><p>There were moments of frustration. Moments of doubt. Moments when doors continued to close.</p><p>Agents rejected my book.</p><p>Opportunities didn&#8217;t materialize.</p><p>Plans didn&#8217;t unfold the way I imagined.</p><p>But looking back, I realize something powerful:</p><p>The doors weren&#8217;t opening because I wasn&#8217;t ready yet.</p><p>The work that needed to happen wasn&#8217;t external.</p><p>It was internal.</p><p>And once I committed to that journey, everything began to change.</p><p>That healing process led me to write <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. It led me to launch my business. It led me to discover a deeper sense of purpose.</p><p>More importantly, it helped me become someone new.</p><p>Someone stronger.</p><p>Someone more aligned.</p><p>Someone prepared for the opportunities that were waiting on the other side of the pain.</p><p>That&#8217;s why I believe storytelling matters.</p><p>Stories help us heal.</p><p>They help us connect.</p><p>They remind us that we&#8217;re not alone in our struggles.</p><p>That&#8217;s also why I&#8217;m excited to participate in Family Authors in Conversation as part of the Beyond the Divide initiative on National Children&#8217;s Day.</p><p>Together, we&#8217;ll share stories about family, resilience, healing, and how literacy can become a bridge for stronger relationships and healthier communities.</p><p>Because every family has a story.</p><p>And sometimes healing begins when we&#8217;re finally willing to tell it.</p><p>So, if you&#8217;re carrying hurt from a person, a place, a job, or an experience that left you broken, remember this:</p><p>Don&#8217;t get even.</p><p>Get healed.</p><p>The life you&#8217;re meant to live may be waiting on the other side of that decision. &#127793;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#128218; Get your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at BrandonDCampbell.com</p><p>&#127908; Join us for Family Authors in Conversation on June 14 from 2&#8211;4 PM in downtown Little Rock&#8217;s historic West 9th Street corridor and experience the power of storytelling, connection, and healing.</p><div><hr></div><h2>Books on Da Block event on June 12-14. </h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Join us for Family Authors in Conversation on Sunday, June 14th from 2 PM&#8211;4 PM at Beyond the Divide - 724 West 9th Street in Little Rock. In celebration of National Children&#8217;s Day, local authors will share their journeys, inspirations, and how storytelling can strengthen families, support emotional growth, and inspire lifelong learners. Families will enjoy audience Q&amp;A, opportunities to meet the authors, and signed books available for purchase. </p><p>Click here to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/">RSVP</a>.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQvfxUeT/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 848w, 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data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Children Carry Your Spirit 👨🏾‍👧‍👧💡]]></title><description><![CDATA[The energy, love, and emotional environment we create at home often shape how our children see themselves and the world around them.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/your-children-carry-your-spirit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/your-children-carry-your-spirit</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 23:23:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/198903292/85ace319a3071817e7e753fa81b46415.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week was emotional for me in the best way possible.</p><p>I had the opportunity to celebrate my oldest daughter&#8217;s fifth-grade graduation and promotion to middle school. Watching her walk across that stage filled me with pride, but it also made me reflect deeply on resilience, parenting, and the energy we pour into our children every single day.</p><p>My daughter started kindergarten during the height of the pandemic. Since then, our family has lived in multiple states, multiple cities, and she&#8217;s attended five different schools because of career transitions and opportunities I pursued. Through all of that uncertainty, she adapted. She persevered. She kept showing up. &#127793;</p><p>And seeing her score the highest possible marks on her ATLAS assessments reminded me of something important:</p><p>Children often reflect the spirit of the environment they&#8217;re raised in.</p><p>That realization challenged me.</p><p>Because as parents, it&#8217;s easy to focus only on behavior without examining what may be influencing it underneath the surface. But children are constantly absorbing our energy, our communication styles, our anxieties, and even our healing, or lack of it.</p><p>If we parent from fear, stress, anger, or emotional instability, those things can quietly transfer into our children.</p><p>And if we parent from intentionality, emotional safety, confidence, and love&#8230; that transfers too. &#128153;</p><p>That&#8217;s why self-awareness matters so much in parenting.</p><p>The way we speak at home.<br>How we respond to pressure.<br>How we communicate with others.<br>How we treat ourselves.</p><p>Our children are watching all of it.</p><p>This is also why I wrote <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother"> </a>to help children feel emotionally secure, seen, and comfortable being who they are becoming.</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/67b502ff-f0a3-4d0f-a25c-6f8192274499_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ad28f740-e2c2-4c6e-9154-82d2436c6bab_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/629defcf-2841-4f6c-961c-e527efbec691_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4af10d0f-ac7c-41cb-aa75-2c79f816af1e_1170x1087.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;My daughter's 6th grade promotion ceremony.&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6dbf904e-6ed5-49f7-88a1-cef7336c7ca3_1456x1456.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p><strong>Important announcement: </strong></p><p>I&#8217;m also excited to share on June 14th at 2 pm to 4 pm that I&#8217;ll be partnering with several incredible authors, the <strong>Central Arkansas Library System</strong>, Noir Mobile Book Company, and Beyond the Divide for a special National Children&#8217;s Day event in downtown Little Rock focused on storytelling, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning for families. &#128218;</p><p>Because stories don&#8217;t just entertain children.</p><p>They shape identity.<br>Build confidence.<br>And create connection.</p><p>At the end of the day, parenting is bigger than providing. It&#8217;s about modeling the emotional and mental foundation our children will carry into the world.</p><p>And sometimes the greatest reflection of who we are&#8230; is already watching us grow. &#129309;</p><div><hr></div><h2>Books on Da Block event on June 12-14. </h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4BvW!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e0207bc-8a23-4cc6-8a11-229fecd4f6cc_1080x1350.jpeg" width="1080" height="1350" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Celebrate National Children&#8217;s Day on June 14th at Beyond the Divide with local authors sharing their journeys, inspirations, and how storytelling strengthens families, supports personal growth, and inspires lifelong learners. Families will enjoy an audience Q&amp;A, meet the authors, and buy signed books. </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Journey Makes More Sense Looking Back 💭🌱]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sometimes the moments that shape our lives most aren&#8217;t the biggest accomplishments, but the conversations, memories, and experiences that quietly transform who we become.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-journey-makes-more-sense-looking</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-journey-makes-more-sense-looking</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 21:22:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/197909352/056fe972d5b2bb61393743c8a7741fb6.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week reminded me of something powerful:</p><p>Sometimes the moments that seem small while we&#8217;re living them&#8230; become the moments that shape us the most.</p><p>I want to start by thanking <strong><a href="https://www.pearlsbooks.com/">Pearl&#8217;s Books</a></strong> for hosting me for my social and emotional literacy experience. &#128218;&#128153;</p><p>It was an incredible time connecting with families, especially those from blended family backgrounds and single-parent households. What stood out most to me wasn&#8217;t just the event itself&#8212;it was the conversations that happened because people felt safe enough to open up.</p><p>That&#8217;s always the goal for me.</p><p>To create environments where parents and children feel comfortable enough to truly see one another.</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/89f1246e-dabc-44ed-a412-5c58ab7e9689_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4ae7a4d7-e1ec-4f7b-9f6a-8661bc63486d_2048x1518.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/86f66661-6e68-4864-9667-4c56856380f0_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8f100880-d4a2-418d-a268-11d4c6b6f989_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Social &amp; Emotional Literacy Experience at Pearl's Books in Fayetteville&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1b7380f5-59e6-40fa-b19f-5ab895a9db09_1456x1456.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>One moment I&#8217;ll never forget was watching a father talk to his daughters about his childhood dreams&#8212;what he wanted to become when he was younger. You could literally see their eyes light up with fascination as they discovered a different side of their dad.</p><p>Not &#8220;dad the provider.&#8221;<br>Not &#8220;dad the protector.&#8221;</p><p>But dad the human being.</p><p>That moment reminded me exactly why I wrote<strong> </strong><em><strong><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></strong></em>. Because real connection happens when families create emotional safety for honest conversations. And those conversations build trust that grows deeper over time. &#129309;</p><p>This week also took me down memory lane in another way.</p><p>I recently did a photoshoot for an upcoming special edition of <strong><a href="https://501lifemag.com/">501 LIFE Magazine</a></strong> and had to pull out memorabilia from earlier chapters of my career&#8212;my days working with <strong>WWE</strong>, <strong>E! Entertainment</strong>, my fashion week productions, old television projects from my time at the <strong>University of Iowa</strong>, and even old master tapes from some of my earliest creative work. &#127909;</p><p>And honestly?</p><p>It reminded me how important every season of life really is.</p><p>So many times, we rush to the next chapter without appreciating the one we&#8217;re in. We try to control outcomes instead of allowing the journey to unfold naturally.</p><p>But fulfillment often comes when we stop forcing and start flowing.</p><p>I never imagined some of those early experiences would lead me here&#8212;to author, fatherhood, mentoring, speaking, and helping families strengthen emotional connection.</p><p>Yet every experience mattered.</p><p>Every chapter prepared me.</p><p>Even the difficult ones.</p><p>This week also brought celebration&#8212;my daughter graduating Pre-K, my great niece graduating kindergarten, and spending meaningful time with family for Mother&#8217;s Day. &#129401;&#128144;</p><p></p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/aaffa023-45c1-498b-9002-130e4d1ea8c5_3024x4032.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/38896799-4d17-47d8-bcc2-49e6757c50e1_3024x4032.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;I celebrated my daughter Noelle and niece Sarenity's early education graduations.&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4b2c3c4e-7a91-4430-8aee-6a8995b9a85c_1456x720.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>And through all of it, I&#8217;ve learned this:</p><p>Ride the wave.<br>Don&#8217;t force everything.<br>Don&#8217;t chase what&#8217;s meant for you.</p><p>Attract it through alignment, purpose, and authenticity.</p><p>Because what&#8217;s truly for you will find you in time. &#127793;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127911; Listen to the full podcast episode for more reflections on family, growth, creativity, and purpose.<br>&#128218; Grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>And remember&#8212;sometimes the journey only makes sense once you stop long enough to appreciate how far you&#8217;ve already come.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Life You Model Becomes Their Normal 💭👨🏾‍👧‍👧]]></title><description><![CDATA[The way you communicate, respond, and lead today quietly shapes the relationships and life your children may choose tomorrow. So, what life are you grooming them for?]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-life-you-model-becomes-their</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-life-you-model-becomes-their</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 17:45:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/196925025/8a40ff948fc830f63674dc6f8a68aef1.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As parents, we spend so much time thinking about what we want <em>for</em> our children.</p><p>We want them to be successful.<br>Emotionally healthy.<br>Confident.<br>Secure.<br>Loved.</p><p>We want them to have better lives than we did.</p><p>But recently, I found myself grappling with a deeper question:</p><p><strong>What life are we actually grooming our children for?</strong></p><p>As a father, that question sits heavily with me because I understand something important:</p><p>The environment I create today will likely become the environment my daughters become comfortable with tomorrow.</p><p>How I communicate.<br>How I respond under pressure.<br>How I love.<br>How I handle conflict.<br>How I show up emotionally.</p><p>They&#8217;re watching all of it. &#128064;</p><p>And whether we realize it or not, children often normalize what they consistently experience.</p><p>I grew up in a chaotic and unstructured environment.</p><p>And like many people, I carried pieces of that into adulthood without even realizing it.</p><p>Not because my upbringing lacked love&#8230;<br>But because sometimes survival doesn&#8217;t leave room for emotional awareness.</p><p>Many of us were raised under the idea that children should be &#8220;seen and not heard.&#8221; Our thoughts, feelings, and questions were often minimized.</p><p>But today&#8217;s children are different.</p><p>They&#8217;re observant.<br>They&#8217;re emotionally aware.<br>They ask questions.<br>And they pay attention to far more than we think. &#128173;</p><p>That&#8217;s why parenting requires intentionality.</p><p>Because the truth is, no parent says:</p><ul><li><p>&#8220;I want my child to struggle emotionally.&#8221;</p></li><li><p>&#8220;I want my child to lack empathy.&#8221;</p></li><li><p>&#8220;I want my child to normalize dysfunction.&#8221;</p></li></ul><p>But if we&#8217;re not mindful, our behaviors can unintentionally shape exactly that.</p><p>This podcast episode challenged me to reflect on something important:</p><p>Am I parenting from purpose&#8230;<br>or simply repeating patterns?</p><p>That distinction matters.</p><p>Because real parenting isn&#8217;t just about providing financially or creating comfort.</p><p>It&#8217;s about creating emotional safety.<br>Healthy communication.<br>Structure.<br>Presence.<br>And an example worth following.</p><p>At the end of the day, our children will learn as much from how we live as they do from what we say.</p><p>And that&#8217;s why this work matters so deeply to me. &#128153;</p><p>It&#8217;s also why I wrote <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>&#8212;to create conversations that strengthen emotional connection, awareness, and understanding between parents and children.</p><p>Because every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and emotionally secure.</p><p>So, I&#8217;ll leave you with the same question I asked myself:</p><p><strong>What are you grooming your children for?</strong></p><p>Because the answer may shape generations.</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast episode and join the conversation.<br>&#128218; Grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>And if you&#8217;re in Northwest Arkansas, join me at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/191zXhwjPh/">Pearl&#8217;s Books</a> in Fayetteville as I share my social and emotional literacy</p><p> experience with families and community leaders. &#129309;</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/6dadbb1a-d91e-4411-aa3a-4d699f226ea4_800x600.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0b51fdc0-69f0-40a4-be20-6341a036a135_480x640.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d1e845e0-7ff6-4b2e-84af-9cb2fb8f9da5_480x640.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/95691040-d46a-45b3-8006-9458e8efff8f_480x640.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/511f0067-8d35-41df-a22c-96643af034b1_480x640.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Social &amp; Emotional Literacy Experience at Pyramid Art, Books, &amp; Custom Framing for International Independent Bookstore Day&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9914024c-9926-4238-89da-fdd6598f8dfe_1456x1210.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><div><hr></div><h2>My SEL Experience in Fayetteville on May 9th</h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:648384,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/193761616?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>On Mother&#8217;s Day weekend, join me at Pearl&#8217;s Book for an interactive storytime for families. </p><p>Using my new children&#8217;s book OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER as the bridge, I&#8217;ll guide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to support <strong>children&#8217;s social and emotional development, spark meaningful conversations between parent and child and deepen family bonds. </strong>Guests can also enjoy an author Q&amp;A, meet the author, and buy a personalized signed copy of the book. </p><p>Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the bookstore for this special event.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded">Book</a> me for your next literacy experience.   </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Can't Give What You Never Got. 💭💙]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the latest podcast and blog, I explain why I believe in trying to give our kids the life we never had, we must become the parent that we needed.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/can-you-give-what-you-never-got</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/can-you-give-what-you-never-got</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 21:11:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/196155964/157375a978009e97e06225ae6c664810.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As parents, we all want the same thing.</p><p>We want our children to be successful.<br>To live better lives than we did.<br>To be confident, emotionally secure, and free to be who they truly are.</p><p>But here&#8217;s the truth I&#8217;ve been sitting with lately:</p><p><strong>Success isn&#8217;t just built on opportunity&#8230;it&#8217;s built on parenting.</strong></p><p>And more specifically intentional<strong> </strong>parenting.</p><p>I was inspired by my recent conversation on my podcast with mental health specialist Beatrice Klokpaw. We talked about something that challenged me deeply:</p><p><strong>Reparenting.</strong></p><p>Not just parenting our children&#8230;</p><p>But parenting <strong>ourselves.</strong></p><p>Many of us are raising children while still healing from our own childhood experiences.</p><p>I know I am.</p><p>Growing up in a single-parent household, navigating environments with limited resources, I didn&#8217;t always have the guidance, emotional support, or structure that I needed to reach my full potential.</p><p>There were gaps.</p><p>And those gaps don&#8217;t just disappear with time.</p><p>They show up in how we think.<br>How we respond.<br>How we lead.<br>And how we parent.</p><p>So, the question becomes:</p><p><strong>How do we give our children what we never had&#8230;while still becoming whole ourselves?</strong></p><p>The answer is in doing both at the same time.</p><p>We have to become the parent we needed.</p><p>We have to give ourselves:</p><ul><li><p>Grace</p></li><li><p>Structure</p></li><li><p>Emotional support</p></li><li><p>Accountability</p></li><li><p>Vision</p></li></ul><p>Because without that, we risk becoming the bottleneck in our children&#8217;s future.</p><p>Yes, vision matters.</p><p>Every successful child you admire had someone who saw something in them and created a pathway&#8212;whether it&#8217;s icons like Michael Jackson or Serena and Venus Williams.</p><p>But here&#8217;s the part we don&#8217;t talk about enough:</p><p><strong>What good is success if a child loses themselves in the process?</strong></p><p>We don&#8217;t just want successful kids.</p><p>We want <strong>whole</strong> kids.</p><p>Kids who are emotionally grounded.<br>Psychologically free.<br>Secure in who they are.</p><p>And that starts with us.</p><p>When we don&#8217;t heal, it trickles down.</p><p>When we lack self-awareness, it shows up in our parenting.</p><p>But when we choose to grow&#8230;<br>When we choose to evolve&#8230;<br>When we choose to reparent ourselves&#8230;</p><p><strong>That transformation flows directly into our children.</strong> &#127793;</p><p>This is exactly why I wrote <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>. &#128218;</p><p>Because it&#8217;s more than a children&#8217;s book&#8212;it&#8217;s a bridge.</p><p>A bridge to deeper conversations.<br>To emotional safety.<br>To connection between parent and child.</p><p>It creates space for both to grow together.</p><p>So here&#8217;s my challenge to you:</p><p>Be the parent you needed.<br>Give yourself what you didn&#8217;t receive.</p><p>And in doing so&#8230;</p><p><strong>You&#8217;ll give your children something even greater than success.</strong></p><p>You&#8217;ll give them <strong>wholeness.</strong> &#128153;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast to go deeper into this conversation.<br>&#128218; Grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>Because the work you do on yourself today&#8230;<br>becomes the legacy your children live tomorrow.</p><div><hr></div><h2>My SEL Experience in Fayetteville on May 9th</h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, 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data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:648384,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/193761616?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>On Mother&#8217;s Day weekend, join me at Pearl&#8217;s Book for an interactive storytime for families. </p><p>Using my new children&#8217;s book OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER as the bridge, I&#8217;ll guide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to support <strong>children&#8217;s social and emotional development, spark meaningful conversations between parent and child and deepen family bonds. </strong>Guests can also enjoy an author Q&amp;A, meet the author, and buy a personalized signed copy of the book. </p><p>Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the bookstore for this special event.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded">Book</a> me for your next literacy experience.   </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[This conversation explains more than you realize]]></title><description><![CDATA[In my conversation with licensed therapist Beatrice Klokpah, we uncover the hidden patterns shaping your reactions, and how to finally break them]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/this-conversation-explains-more-than</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/this-conversation-explains-more-than</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:00:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195266347/dee01ea0af6ad44655b8c9e88cc70ce0.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week&#8217;s podcast conversation was one that reminded me why I do this work. &#128591;&#127998;</p><p>I had the honor of sitting down with mental health expert <strong><a href="https://www.eunoiatherapyar.com/">Beatrice Klokpah</a>,</strong> the clinical director at Eunoia Therapy &amp; Self Development in Texas, and what we unpacked wasn&#8217;t just theory&#8212;it was truth, lived experience, and a roadmap for healing.</p><p>And at the center of it all was one powerful idea:</p><p><strong>We don&#8217;t just grow up&#8230;we carry things with us.</strong></p><p>Beatrice broke down how childhood experiences, especially around <strong>attachment, neglect, and abandonment</strong>, don&#8217;t just disappear as we age. They show up.</p><p>They show up in our relationships.<br>They show up in our work environments.<br>They show up in how we see ourselves.</p><p>Sometimes as people-pleasing.<br>Sometimes as overperforming.<br>Sometimes as a deep sensitivity to rejection. &#128148;</p><p>And if we&#8217;re not aware of it, we repeat those patterns, trying to heal wounds we don&#8217;t even fully understand.</p><p>That&#8217;s why awareness is everything.</p><p>But awareness alone isn&#8217;t enough.</p><p><strong>Healing requires action.</strong></p><p>One of the most powerful things Beatrice shared was the concept of <strong>reparenting yourself</strong>, learning how to give yourself what you may not have received growing up.</p><p>That could look like:</p><ul><li><p>Taking a pause before reacting</p></li><li><p>Creating space to reset your emotions</p></li><li><p>Meeting your own needs before pouring into others</p></li></ul><p>Simple&#8230;but transformational.</p><p>As a father, that hit home for me.</p><p>Because so much of what I&#8217;m intentional about today, my routines, my walks, my meditation, even how I communicate with my daughters, is rooted in modeling what emotional and mental health looks like in real time. &#128153;</p><p>Not just telling them&#8230;</p><p>But showing them.</p><p>Because our children don&#8217;t just listen to us.</p><p><strong>They become what they see.</strong></p><p>This is also why I wrote <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>. &#128218;</p><p>When I first shared the manuscript with Beatrice, she immediately recognized its relevance&#8212;not just for children, but for parents navigating their own healing.</p><p>Because the truth is&#8230;</p><p>Many adults are still unpacking childhood experiences while trying to raise healthy, emotionally secure children.</p><p>And that&#8217;s not easy.</p><p>But it is possible.</p><p>One thing Beatrice said that stayed with me:</p><p><strong>&#8220;We are not responsible for what happened to us&#8212;but we are responsible for what we do with it.&#8221;</strong></p><p>That&#8217;s accountability.<br>That&#8217;s growth.<br>That&#8217;s legacy. &#127793;</p><p>So, whether you&#8217;re a parent, a professional, or simply someone doing the work to become better&#8230;</p><p>Start with awareness.<br>Commit to the work.<br>And give yourself the same grace you give others.</p><p>Because healing doesn&#8217;t just change you&#8230;</p><p><strong>It changes generations.</strong> &#128175;</p><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast episode to hear this powerful conversation.<br>&#128218; Grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>Because real impact starts within, and then spreads outward. &#129309;</p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>Rock Cities Book Crawl at Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing</strong></h2><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4a898777-df05-42b8-b572-0b267ed61f70_1086x1419.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ea1b7177-ec49-4891-976b-5ad6a9236560_719x899.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/45a8eaeb-09e4-4705-b46f-ab27b44b82d0_1456x720.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><div><hr></div><h3>Experience this&#8230;</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:648384,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/193761616?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>On Mother&#8217;s Day weekend, join me at Pearl&#8217;s Book for an interactive story time for families. </p><p>Using my new children&#8217;s book OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER as the bridge, I&#8217;ll guide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to support <strong>children&#8217;s social and emotional development, spark meaningful conversations between parent and child and deepen family bonds. </strong>Guests can also enjoy an author Q&amp;A, meet the author, and buy a personalized signed copy of the book. </p><p>Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the bookstore for this special event.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded">Book</a> me for your next literacy experience.   </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Was Wrong About What People Think of Me.💡💭]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this latest episode, I introduce the SPOTLIGHT EFFECT to explain why most people aren&#8217;t thinking about you, and how that sets you free.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-was-wrong-about-what-people-think</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-was-wrong-about-what-people-think</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:45:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194533178/063f4a3f2e8449f3704ad10d9d604cb7.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let me ask you something&#8230;</p><p><strong>What are you really afraid of?</strong></p><p>Is it failure?<br>Or is it the judgment that might come with it?</p><p>That question hit me differently during one of the lowest points in my life. I had lost my job, was providing for my family, and was carrying a weight of disappointment, doubt, and uncertainty. At the same time, I was shopping my manuscript for <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>&#8212;and hearing &#8220;no&#8221; over and over again. &#128218;</p><p>It felt like everything around me was rejecting what I believed in.</p><p>But then I came across something that shifted my entire perspective:</p><p><strong>The Spotlight Effect.</strong> &#128161;</p><p>The spotlight effect is the idea that we overestimate how much people are actually paying attention to us&#8212;our failures, our appearance, our decisions. In reality, people are far more focused on themselves than we think.</p><p>That realization was freeing.</p><p>Because if people aren&#8217;t watching as closely as we think&#8230;<br>Then what&#8217;s really holding us back?</p><p>For me, it was fear of judgment from another potential failure.</p><p>I had to ask myself:</p><p><strong>Who am I becoming?</strong></p><p>And more importantly&#8230;</p><p><strong>What would I do if I stopped caring what people thought?</strong></p><p>The answer was simple:</p><p>I would bet on myself.<br>I would start my business. <br>I would release the book&#8212;no matter how many &#8220;no&#8217;s&#8221; I heard.</p><p>And that&#8217;s exactly what I did.</p><p>The moment I made that decision, something shifted. The pressure lifted. The noise quieted, and I got to work. &#128736;&#65039;</p><p>Not for validation or approval from others. </p><p>Now, I carry that same lesson into how I show up as a father. When my daughters feel self-conscious or worried about what others think, I remind them:</p><p><strong>People aren&#8217;t thinking about you as much as you think they are.</strong></p><p>They&#8217;re thinking about themselves.</p><p>That&#8217;s not a bad thing&#8212;it&#8217;s human nature. </p><p>That truth is also part of why I wrote <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>I wanted to create a story for young boys, especially those growing up in single-parent or blended households, who are trying to figure out who they are. Boys dealing with insecurity, identity, and emotional challenges&#8230;. just like I did.</p><p>Because if we can teach them early to understand themselves&#8212;not the opinions of others&#8212;we set them up for something powerful:</p><p><strong>Confidence. Clarity. Leadership. </strong></p><p>Here&#8217;s my encouragement to you:</p><p>Stop letting the fear of judgment hold you back.<br>Stop overestimating who&#8217;s watching.</p><p>And start becoming who you&#8217;re meant to be.</p><p>Because at the end of the day&#8230;</p><p><strong>Most people are too busy thinking about themselves, anyway. </strong></p><p>So, you might as well live your life for you. &#128175;</p><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast episode to dive deeper into this message.<br>&#128218; Grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>Because your story deserves to be told&#8212;whether people are watching or not. &#128153;</p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>On Saturday, join me at the 2nd Annual Arkansas Children&#8217;s Book Festival!</strong></h2><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;2464438c-38b8-4165-ae80-39b1a9953ed8&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg 848w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://camps.uca.edu/view.php?id=58549&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://camps.uca.edu/view.php?id=58549"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h3>Experience this&#8230;</h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1350,&quot;width&quot;:1080,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:648384,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/193761616?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>On Mother&#8217;s Day weekend, join me at Pearl&#8217;s Book for an interactive storytime for families. </p><p>Using my new children&#8217;s book OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER as the bridge, I&#8217;ll guide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to support <strong>children&#8217;s social and emotional development, spark meaningful conversations between parent and child and deepen family bonds. </strong>Guests can also enjoy an author Q&amp;A, meet the author, and buy a personalized signed copy of the book. </p><p>Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the bookstore for this special event.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded">Book</a> me for your next literacy experience.   </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Boundaries Hurt…Here's Why 💭💔]]></title><description><![CDATA[The truth about growth, grief, and becoming who you&#8217;re meant to be]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/boundaries-hurtheres-why</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/boundaries-hurtheres-why</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:02:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/193761616/94d01180f690d0f8b87e930e862a138a.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week has been special.</p><p>From being featured in <em><a href="https://aymag.com/arkansas-author-brandon-d-campbell/">AY Magazine</a></em><a href="https://aymag.com/arkansas-author-brandon-d-campbell/"> </a>to preparing for upcoming events with families and children, I&#8217;ve been reflecting deeply on my journey where I started and who I&#8217;m becoming. &#128591;&#127998;</p><p>In the middle of all the wins, there&#8217;s something real I had to confront:</p><p><strong>Setting boundaries doesn&#8217;t always feel good.</strong></p><p>In fact, sometimes it hurts.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever started saying &#8220;no&#8221; after years of saying &#8220;yes,&#8221; you know exactly what I mean.</p><p>You feel the tension.<br>You feel the guilt.<br>You might even feel grief.</p><p>And that&#8217;s because you&#8217;re not just changing your behavior&#8230;</p><p><strong>You&#8217;re letting go of an old version of yourself.</strong></p><p>For a long time, I was that person.</p><p>The one who showed up for everyone.<br>The one who avoided conflict.<br>The one who said yes even when it cost me my peace.</p><p>If I&#8217;m being honest, a lot of that came from deeper places.</p><p>From childhood experiences.<br>From environments where boundaries weren&#8217;t taught or weren&#8217;t respected.<br>From learning to cope by pleasing others just to feel safe or accepted.</p><p>So, when you finally decide to set boundaries, it can feel unnatural.</p><p>Even painful.</p><p>Because now, you&#8217;re rewriting the rules. &#9997;&#127998;</p><p>Here&#8217;s what I&#8217;ve learned:</p><p><strong>The sadness you feel isn&#8217;t failure. It&#8217;s growth.</strong></p><p>It&#8217;s the discomfort of no longer being who you used to be.<br>It&#8217;s the tension of choosing your future over your familiarity.</p><p>And yes&#8230;not everyone will understand that.</p><p>Some people were comfortable with the old version of you.<br>The version that overextended.<br>The version that didn&#8217;t push back.</p><p>But growth requires change, and change requires boundaries. &#128721;</p><p>As a creative entrepreneur, this has changed how I approach everything, especially opportunities and relationships.</p><p>Not every opportunity is aligned.<br>Not every connection is meant to go deeper.</p><p>That&#8217;s okay.</p><p>Because now I move with intention.</p><p>That is exactly why I wrote <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. &#128218;</p><p>So many of us are walking around as adults trying to learn things we were never taught as children:</p><p>How to express emotions.<br>How to communicate.<br>How to create healthy boundaries.</p><p>This book is about helping families start those conversations early, so the next generation doesn&#8217;t have to unlearn what we&#8217;ve had to fight through.</p><p>If you&#8217;re in a season where you&#8217;re setting boundaries and it feels uncomfortable&#8230;</p><p>Lean into it.</p><p>Be proud of it.</p><p>You&#8217;re not losing yourself&#8230;</p><p><strong>You&#8217;re finally choosing yourself.</strong> &#128153;</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast episode to hear more of this conversation.<br>&#128218; And grab your copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at <a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">BrandonDCampbell.com</a></p><p>Because growth isn&#8217;t just about becoming more&#8230;</p><p>It&#8217;s about becoming <strong>whole.</strong></p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>I&#8217;m being featured at the 2nd Annual Arkansas Children&#8217;s Book Festival on April 18th at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.</strong></h2><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;2464438c-38b8-4165-ae80-39b1a9953ed8&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg 424w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png" width="1080" height="1350" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!T2tj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5f914e78-32f0-4e49-b534-da11c34464e8_1080x1350.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>On Mother&#8217;s Day weekend, join me at Pearl&#8217;s Book for an interactive storytime for families. </p><p>Using my new children&#8217;s book OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER as the bridge, I&#8217;ll guide a one-of-a-kind experience designed to support <strong>children&#8217;s social and emotional development, spark meaningful conversations between parent and child and deepen family bonds. </strong>Guests can also enjoy an author Q&amp;A, meet the author, and buy a personalized signed copy of the book. </p><p>Join us on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the bookstore for this special event.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz5b3i6Wk/"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded">Book</a> me for your next literacy experience.   </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png" width="16" height="16" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:16,&quot;width&quot;:16,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:null,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&#10084;&#65039;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:null,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="&#10084;&#65039;" title="&#10084;&#65039;" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CNYZ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb82470c5-b276-4ec2-8041-1bdc6a60e4e6_16x16.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Started Saying No—Everything Changed]]></title><description><![CDATA[How choosing alignment over opportunity reshaped my life, my family, and my future.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-started-saying-noeverything-changed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-started-saying-noeverything-changed</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:12:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/193104516/bd76be31e79186d4d4692cf4adb995b0.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;m in a season of life where I can honestly say I&#8217;m becoming the man I once dreamed of. &#128591;&#127998;</p><p>A father.<br>A husband.<br>An entrepreneur.<br>A published author.<br>A creator who impacts lives.</p><p>And while I&#8217;m grateful for the opportunities coming my way, I&#8217;ve also had to make some difficult decisions lately&#8230;</p><p><strong>I&#8217;ve had to say no.</strong></p><p>Not because the opportunities weren&#8217;t good.<br>But because they weren&#8217;t <strong>aligned</strong>.</p><p>As a creative entrepreneur, it&#8217;s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything, every stage, every collaboration, every check, every room. I&#8217;ve been there before. Early in my journey, I showed up everywhere, chasing visibility, validation, and connection.</p><p>But what I&#8217;ve learned is this:</p><p><strong>Not all connection is alignment.</strong> &#129309;</p><p>And not all opportunities are meant for the version of you that you&#8217;re becoming.</p><p>Over the past few years, especially while writing <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>, I had to do some real internal work. I asked myself a question that changed everything:</p><p><strong>Who am I becoming?</strong></p><p>From there, I defined my core values. Here are some of them:</p><ul><li><p>Family &#128104;&#8205;&#128103;&#8205;&#128103;</p></li><li><p>Fatherhood &#10084;&#65039;</p></li><li><p>Emotional and mental well-being &#129504;</p></li><li><p>Growth &#127793;</p></li><li><p>Respect &#129309;</p></li></ul><p>These values now guide how I move, how I build, and who I partner with.</p><p>Because partnerships matter.</p><p>The right partnership should <strong>honor your values</strong>, not challenge your identity.<br>It should create <strong>mutual respect</strong>, not silent resentment.<br>It should feel like alignment, not obligation.</p><p>One of my greatest values is family.</p><p>Before I commit to anything, I ask:<br><strong>Does this take me away from being the father I want to be?</strong></p><p>Because at the end of the day, I want my daughters to remember me remember me as someone who <strong>showed up</strong>. &#128153;</p><p>Present.<br>Attentive.<br>Loving.</p><p>That&#8217;s success to me.</p><p>What I&#8217;ve come to understand is that boundaries aren&#8217;t limitations. They&#8217;re protection. &#128737;&#65039;</p><p>They protect your peace.<br>They protect your purpose.<br>They protect the future you&#8217;re building.</p><p>And most importantly, they protect the person you&#8217;re becoming.</p><p>So now, every opportunity runs through a filter:</p><p><strong>Does this align with my values?<br>Does this support who I&#8217;m becoming?<br>Does this reflect the life I&#8217;m building?</strong></p><p>If the answer is no, it&#8217;s okay to walk away.</p><p>Because the right opportunities&#8230;<br>the right connections&#8230;<br>the right partnerships&#8230;</p><p><strong>Won&#8217;t require you to compromise who you are.</strong></p><p>&#127911; Watch the full podcast episode to hear more about this journey.</p><p>&#128218; And if you&#8217;re on your own journey of growth, healing, and family connection, grab a copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> <a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">here</a>.</p><p>Because building a better life isn&#8217;t just about what you say yes to&#8230;</p><p>It&#8217;s also about what you&#8217;re willing to say no to. &#128175;</p><div><hr></div><h4><strong>I&#8217;m being featured at the 2nd Annual Arkansas Children&#8217;s Book Festival on April 18th at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.</strong></h4><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;2464438c-38b8-4165-ae80-39b1a9953ed8&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RNdK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd44cf5d3-8c8c-4a0b-b2cd-6d1fc719d07c_446x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://camps.uca.edu/view.php?id=58549&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;RSVP Now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://camps.uca.edu/view.php?id=58549"><span>RSVP Now</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Are Not the Problem.]]></title><description><![CDATA[A powerful reminder about love, purpose, and showing up for others.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/you-are-not-the-problem</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/you-are-not-the-problem</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:55:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192338662/abb8d34828d08b8866939392cc9ff517.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>This week has been a blessing. &#128591;</p><p>Not just because of accomplishments or progress, but simply because I&#8217;m still here. I don&#8217;t take that for granted. There are so many people right now who are struggling&#8212;emotionally, financially, spiritually&#8212;and I want to start by saying something that someone out there needs to hear:</p><p><strong>You are loved.</strong></p><p>Even when life feels uncertain.<br>Even when you don&#8217;t recognize the person in the mirror.<br>Even when it feels like no one sees you.</p><p><strong>You are loved.</strong></p><p>Not just in a general sense. Your life has meaning. Your presence matters to someone, whether you realize it or not. In a world where so many people are navigating silent battles, sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is remind each other of that truth.</p><p>This week also allowed me to live that message out. </p><p>During Spring Break, my family and I spent time volunteering with <strong>Feed Arkansas Kids</strong> at the Church at Rock Creek. Together, we helped serve over <strong>1,600 families</strong> in a short period of time. &#127869;&#65039;</p><p>While the impact on those families was important, what meant the most to me was what my daughters experienced. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the energy they put into each food bag they made for a family brought a feeling of joy that I thought only came from their academic achievements.  </p><p>I wanted them to see what it looks like to give <strong>not out of convenience, but out of compassion.</strong> I wanted them to understand that there are children their age who are facing real challenges, including food insecurity. For some kids, the meals they receive at school may be the only meals they get in a day.</p><p>That&#8217;s a reality many of us didn&#8217;t grow up fully understanding.</p><p>However, it&#8217;s one they need to be aware of.</p><p>Because gratitude isn&#8217;t something you just teach with words&#8212;it&#8217;s something you build through experience.</p><p>Moments like this remind me that part of our responsibility as parents isn&#8217;t just to provide, but it&#8217;s to <strong>prepare our children to serve</strong>.</p><p>To recognize when they are blessed.<br>To understand when others are in need.<br>And to step in when they can make a difference.</p><p>That&#8217;s how we build not just successful kids, but compassionate, aware, and emotionally grounded human beings.</p><p>As I reflect on this week, I&#8217;m reminded that no matter what we&#8217;re going through individually, we all have the ability to be a light for someone else.</p><p>Sometimes it&#8217;s through a conversation.<br>Sometimes it&#8217;s through service.<br>Sometimes it&#8217;s simply reminding someone that they matter.</p><p>If you want to learn how to build compassion in your child through emotional connection, buy my debut children&#8217;s book <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em> anywhere books are sold. </p><p>Write a review on Amazon. </p><p><a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">Book</a> me for your next engagement. </p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Selected for the Arkansas Authors' Children&#8217;s Book Festival in April </strong></h3><h4>I will be showcasing Oh Brother, My Brother at the 2nd annual children&#8217;s book festival on April 18th at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.  </h4><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;066c3084-5a98-43dd-be4e-9310cea06c9d&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 424w, 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Today, I converse with the publisher of Hohm Press. Watch the video below about the Book Festival I was selected for as a featured author.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/interview-with-my-books-publisher</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/interview-with-my-books-publisher</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:54:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/191599915/8d532920740de77667e093f6ff3d116b.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!hx52!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F927a711f-3143-4e68-9acb-d6dba5812309_897x1266.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!hx52!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F927a711f-3143-4e68-9acb-d6dba5812309_897x1266.jpeg 424w, 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>One of the highlights of my week was being featured as the <strong>High-Profile cover story in the <a href="https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/mar/15/high-profile-brandon-dorel-campbell/">Arkansas Democrat-Gazette</a></strong>. &#128240;</p><p>I&#8217;m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way. But even with that milestone, what stayed with me the most this week was a deeper conversation I had on my latest podcast. &#127897;&#65039;</p><p>I had the opportunity to sit down with <strong>Dasya Zuccarello</strong> from <strong>Hohm Press</strong>, and we talked not just about the book, but about the journey behind it. What many people don&#8217;t see is the reality that before this partnership ever happened, I was turned down by over 100 agents. That&#8217;s a lot of &#8220;no&#8217;s.&#8221; But sometimes those &#8220;no&#8217;s&#8221; are necessary to align you with the right &#8220;yes.&#8221;</p><p>When I connected with Hohm Press, it felt different. Not only was it about publishing my first book, but it was about purpose. They focus on healing, spirituality, parenting, and meaningful work. Alignment was important to me, because <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> was never meant just to entertain. It was created to make an impact. &#10084;&#65039;&#128214;</p><p>During our conversation, something really stood out to me. So many books today are designed for quick consumption, for entertainment. However, Oh Brother, My Brother is about something deeper. It&#8217;s about helping families navigate real-life challenges, blended families, emotional connection, childhood trauma, and the importance of being present as parents. It&#8217;s about giving children language for their emotions and giving parents space to reflect and heal, too.</p><p>That&#8217;s what made another part of the conversation hit even harder. Dasya shared his own experience of losing his father at a young age and how that absence shaped him, not just in childhood, but throughout his life. That kind of honesty is powerful because it reflects the reality for so many families today. &#128173;</p><p>Whether it&#8217;s a blended family, a single-parent household, or even a two-parent home, unhealed experiences don&#8217;t just disappear. They show up in how we communicate, how we love, and how we lead. Too often, we pass those traumas down without even realizing it.</p><p>That&#8217;s why this book is for parents, too, because healing doesn&#8217;t start with them&#8230;it starts with us.</p><p>We&#8217;re living in a time where people are more connected than ever, but many families are still disconnected where it matters most&#8212;at home. Less conversation. Less presence. Less intentional connection. And that&#8217;s exactly what <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> was created to restore. &#129309;</p><p>If you want to hear the full conversation and understand the deeper story behind this journey, I encourage you to watch the full podcast episode. &#127911;</p><p>If you&#8217;re ready to be intentional about building stronger connections in your home, I invite you to grab a copy of <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> at BrandonDCampbell.com.</p><p>My book is about helping families heal, one conversation at a time. &#128153;</p><p>Buy <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em> anywhere books are sold. </p><p>Write a review on Amazon. </p><p><a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">Book</a> me for your next engagement. </p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Selected for the Arkansas Authors' Children&#8217;s Book Festival in April </strong></h3><h4>I will be showcasing Oh Brother, My Brother at the 2nd annual children&#8217;s book festival on April 18th at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.  </h4><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;066c3084-5a98-43dd-be4e-9310cea06c9d&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg" width="446" height="640" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:640,&quot;width&quot;:446,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:120941,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/191599915?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0k2R!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2eedabf9-ae27-4348-9b14-e7a3baca4315_446x640.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The one major parenting mistake we make.]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Trauma Children Feel&#8230;Even When They&#8217;re Too Young to Remember. What this one celebrity said about her daughter after her divorce struck a nerve.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-one-major-parenting-mistake-we</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-one-major-parenting-mistake-we</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:39:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/190853114/6a084b9b24bc79c625886dc0890a05ec.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to <strong>Bean&#8217;s Books</strong> for hosting such a wonderful <strong>book signing event</strong>. &#128218;</p><p>Seeing families and educators come out, sharing conversations about emotional health, and signing copies of <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother"> </a>was incredibly meaningful. Moments like that remind me why I wrote this book in the first place: to start conversations about family, healing, and the emotional well-being of our children.</p><p>That mission was on my mind recently while recording my latest podcast episode.</p><p>Normally, I don&#8217;t comment on celebrity news or drama. But something I read stopped me in my tracks.</p><p>Television personality<a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1427900/jeannie-mai-on-jeezy-divorce-aftermath"> </a><strong><a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1427900/jeannie-mai-on-jeezy-divorce-aftermath">Jeannie Mai</a></strong>, the ex-wife of rapper <strong>Jeezy</strong>, recently <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1427900/jeannie-mai-on-jeezy-divorce-aftermath">spoke</a> about their divorce and made a statement about their daughter. She said she was grateful her daughter was only one year old when everything happened because she wouldn&#8217;t remember the turmoil.</p><p>And when I read that, one thought immediately came to mind:</p><p><strong>That&#8217;s the mistake many of us make as parents.</strong></p><p>We assume that because children are very young, they won&#8217;t remember trauma or experience its effects.</p><p><strong>The truth is that children don&#8217;t have to remember trauma for it to shape them.</strong></p><p>Research shows that some of the most critical developmental stages happen between the <strong>ages of newborn and 3</strong>. During that time, the brain, especially the <strong>frontal lobe and limbic system</strong>, is developing rapidly. This is when children begin forming emotional regulation, behavioral patterns, and even early defense mechanisms.</p><p>So, when a child experiences conflict, instability, neglect, or emotional turmoil during those early years, it can impact their development, even if they never consciously remember it later in life.</p><p>Studies have shown that trauma during these early stages can slow emotional development and increase the likelihood of challenges later, including anxiety, depression, maladaptive behaviors, or even substance abuse.</p><p>This isn&#8217;t about blame.</p><p>It&#8217;s about <strong>awareness</strong>.</p><p>If anything, moments like this remind us how important it is for parents, especially during divorce, separation, or difficult life transitions, to intentionally create <strong>safe, loving environments</strong> for our children.</p><p>Children need connection.</p><p>They need stability.</p><p>They need to feel loved and secure by the people who brought them into this world.</p><p>The earlier we pour into them emotionally, the stronger and healthier they become as adults.</p><p>That&#8217;s one of the reasons I wrote my debut children&#8217;s book, <em><strong>Oh Brother, My Brother</strong></em>. It&#8217;s designed to help families start conversations early, while children are still young, about emotions, healing, and the importance of communication.</p><p>The goal isn&#8217;t just raising successful kids.</p><p><strong>It&#8217;s raising emotionally healthy adults.</strong></p><p>&#127911; If you&#8217;d like to hear the full conversation and the deeper context behind this discussion, watch the <strong>latest episode of my podcast</strong>.</p><p>&#128218; And if you want a meaningful resource to help start healing conversations in your own family, grab a copy of my debut children&#8217;s book, <em><strong><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></strong></em>.</p><p>Visit <strong>brandondcampbell.com</strong> to watch the full episode and order your copy today.</p><p>Because healing families starts with <strong>intentional conversations.</strong> &#128172;</p><p><em>Watch my latest podcast interviews as featured guests - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSjPSzE4FVQ">Wright on Education</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPqVjgFoYic&amp;t=61s">Rebuilding the Bluff</a>. </em></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What My Daughter Said Made Me Pause]]></title><description><![CDATA[A simple moment of vulnerability and active listening reminded me that our kids need idle time, too. Also, meet me Saturday, March 7th at Bean's Bookstore in Conway, AR for a book signing.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/what-my-daughter-said-made-me-pause</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/what-my-daughter-said-made-me-pause</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:06:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/190157838/41b35a735910c339afaa9d5094e0709b.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy <strong>Read Across America Week</strong>! &#128218;</p><p>To celebrate, I&#8217;m excited to share that I&#8217;ll be doing an <strong>official in-store visit at Bean&#8217;s Books, located at 315 US-65, Conway, AR, United States, 72032</strong>. If you&#8217;re in the area, stop by between <strong>12 and 2 PM</strong> to say hello and grab a signed copy of my debut children&#8217;s book, <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>. I&#8217;d love to meet you. &#9997;&#127998;&#128214;</p><p>I also want to share that my conversation on the <strong>Little Rock School District podcast </strong><em><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/RSjPSzE4FVQ?si=R_7xXd1gOoAAcyql">Wright on Education,</a></strong></em> is now live. It was a powerful discussion with Superintendent <strong>Jermall Wright</strong>, architect <strong>Ernest Banks</strong>, and school counselor <strong>Marquis Cooper</strong> about how we raise emotionally secure and healthy boys who grow into strong leaders.</p><p>It&#8217;s a conversation I hope many families, educators, and mentors will watch.</p><h3>A Busy Week with Kids</h3><p>This past week has also been full of school visits and meaningful conversations with students.</p><p>On Read Across America Day, I had the honor of visiting <strong>Bryant Pre-K</strong> and reading <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> to Ms. Allen&#8217;s class.</p><p>Seeing children engage with the story, ask questions, and recognize themselves in the characters is always one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. &#10084;&#65039;</p><p>But something else happened this week that reminded me of an important parenting lesson.</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/8a03cb24-854c-4e5e-9fc3-eac72b19bc00_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/faa869b3-ed10-4415-b0e3-985a49a6dcc4_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3e2d3c77-841d-463c-b002-75d510d91cc9_2048x1536.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/57556e7c-b0f2-47d8-a611-fa51aa1c4721_1456x474.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><h3>Is an Idle Mind Really a Problem for Our Kids?</h3><p>Growing up, many of us heard the saying:</p><p><strong>&#8220;An idle mind is the devil&#8217;s playground.&#8221;</strong></p><p>And sometimes that&#8217;s true.</p><p>But this week taught me something different.</p><p><strong>Sometimes, a restless mind can be just as dangerous.</strong></p><p>My wife and I have three daughters, and like many parents, we try to give them every opportunity we can&#8212;sports, arts, activities, experiences we didn&#8217;t always have growing up.</p><p>Between tumbling, acrobatics, practices, school, and even attending the opening night of <em>MJ the Musical</em> at the <strong>Robinson Center</strong>, our schedule was packed this week.</p><p>One evening after practice, one of my daughters became quiet as we walked to the car. I could see tears forming in her eyes.</p><p>When I asked what was wrong, she said something that stopped me in my tracks:</p><p><strong>&#8220;Dad&#8230;and I just want time to relax.&#8221;</strong></p><p>She didn&#8217;t want to be doing something every night.<br>She wanted to go home, be in her space, read, and simply rest.</p><h3>Kids Need Reboots Too</h3><p>That moment reminded me of something we often forget as parents.</p><p>Kids need <strong>reboots</strong>, just like we do.</p><p>As adults, we take walks, meditate, decompress after long days. However, sometimes in our desire to give our children more opportunities than we had, we accidentally take away something equally valuable:</p><p>Time to simply exist.</p><p>Time to recharge.</p><p>So, we adjusted. Instead of filling every night with activities, we scaled things back. Fewer practices. More space to just be present. </p><p>Because raising healthy children isn&#8217;t only about keeping them busy.</p><p>It&#8217;s about helping them find <strong>balance</strong>.</p><h3>Final Thought</h3><p>An idle mind may sometimes cause trouble.</p><p>But a <strong>restless mind</strong>, one that never gets a break, can wear down a child&#8217;s spirit.</p><p>As parents, mentors, and educators, our job is to help children find the space where <strong>effort, joy, and rest all coexist.</strong></p><p>And if you want to explore more of the conversations around family, connection, and emotional awareness, I invite you to check out my book.</p><p>&#128214; <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> is available now.</p><p>Visit <strong>BrandonDCampbell.com</strong> to learn more and grab your copy.</p><p>Sometimes the most important lessons we teach our kids&#8230;<br>are the ones they teach us first. &#128153;</p><div><hr></div><h2>Saturday, March 7th at 12 pm to 2 pm, Book Signing in Conway, AR!</h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!m7M2!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d747a36-666e-427e-8c44-a2420ee940cd_3375x4219.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!m7M2!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d747a36-666e-427e-8c44-a2420ee940cd_3375x4219.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!m7M2!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d747a36-666e-427e-8c44-a2420ee940cd_3375x4219.png 848w, 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data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0d747a36-666e-427e-8c44-a2420ee940cd_3375x4219.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1820,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:7345838,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/190157838?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0d747a36-666e-427e-8c44-a2420ee940cd_3375x4219.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" 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stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>To RSVP or learn more information visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1V7J181Sim/">here</a>. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Crisis No One Prepared Us For]]></title><description><![CDATA[Four emotional literacy practices families, educators, and mentors can teach boys before another young man's life is lost, and another family is broken.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-crisis-no-one-prepared-our-boys</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-crisis-no-one-prepared-our-boys</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:53:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/189388439/fdd2465ef309c5e2477c64265246a465.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This past week reminded me why I do this work.</p><p>My interview on the <a href="https://youtu.be/jPqVjgFoYic?si=M4uOCV_FEOzzRYPf">Rebuilding the Bluff</a> podcast premiered on K&amp;C Media Network. I share personal stories, leadership lessons, and practical ways we can rebuild, not just infrastructure, but people. I encourage you to watch it. </p><p>I had the honor of being a featured author at the Black History Month Book Festival hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children&#8217;s Library. I met incredible families, shared <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em> &#128216;, and engaged in honest conversations about blended families, single-parent households, and identity. The response was powerful.</p><p>I also made a guest appearance at Parkway Elementary School for their Black History Celebration &#9994;&#127998;. What made that moment unforgettable? I was introduced by my daughters. Watching them stand proudly as they introduced me as an author was something I will never forget. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/30883d19-321b-448b-b79c-8b17291187e3_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3fe870b5-7e68-4c33-b14b-7fb3417c3c53_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0b58b996-b7c3-4fbe-9fb6-94e1cf3dba30_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e34f2eaa-8465-4ba2-b360-a6b251bc3a33_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/77f414b3-d962-400e-86ac-25a941f545a7_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9a33152b-d053-4c28-b303-c338a9c16cb5_4000x3000.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9754238f-acd5-4d1c-b9ac-f52e9e760993_1456x964.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>I connected with students and personalized autographed copies of my book, <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. Representation matters, especially when children can see up close what healthy leadership looks like.  </p><p>But this week also carried heaviness.</p><p>In light of the tragic death of NFL wide receiver <a href="https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-mourn-passing-of-wr-rondale-moore">Rondell Moore</a>, I felt compelled to address something deeper: the emotional and mental health crisis facing young men. &#129504;</p><p>When I read the news, my heart broke. A young man in his twenties reached a moment where he felt unseen, unheard, and without options. And unfortunately, we are seeing this happen more often, particularly among successful Black men.</p><p>This is why I wrote <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>.</p><p>We have to reach boys early, when they are building their emotional infrastructure. When they are forming their identity. When they are deciding whether they are worthy, lovable, and secure.</p><p>If we don&#8217;t address emotional wounds early, love poured into them can feel like water in a cup with a hole in it.  It never fills. &#128167;</p><p>On the podcast, I shared four reminders for men and young men facing emotional crisis:</p><p><strong>1&#65039;&#8419; You better think. (Yes, that&#8217;s a reference to Aretha Franklin&#8217;s famous song, &#8220;Think.&#8221; </strong><br>Pause before reacting. Create space between emotion and action.</p><p><strong>2&#65039;&#8419; Identify the one dependable person that, when you call, you know they&#8217;ll answer</strong><br>Not text. Call. Who will answer? Put them on speed dial. &#128222;</p><p><strong>3&#65039;&#8419; Retain your autonomy.</strong><br>What brings you peace? Brotherhood. Golf. Walking. Safe spaces with positive men. &#9917;&#127948;&#127998;&#8205;&#9794;&#65039;</p><p><strong>4&#65039;&#8419; Give yourself grace.</strong><br>The empathy you extend to others, extend it to yourself. &#129293;</p><p>This isn&#8217;t a laughing matter. Saving our communities means keeping our men here. Keeping fathers present. Keeping sons alive. Creating spaces where they feel safe in their own skin.</p><p>The work starts early.<br>In homes.<br>In schools.<br>In libraries. &#128218;</p><p>Teach the boy.<br>Save the man.<br>Strengthen the family.</p><p>And if you&#8217;re ready to start those conversations at home, I invite you to pick up <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> &#128216; at brandondcampbell.com.</p><p>Let&#8217;s do the preventative work now.</p><p>On another note&#8230;</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclv6NSQN29kj0UuZ7CpDUq5XoeDaS2Lyms5DjAXFU8NbS7HQ/alreadyresponded?pli=1&amp;pli=1">Book me</a> for your next school event or speaking engagement. </p></li><li><p>A book is only as good as its reviews, so please review the book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oh-Brother-My-Brothers-Blended/dp/1963433122/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WI8IVCGLEDIS&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Nj1gBqwpMSDRUlYN3CVu1tffYz_hi8MGPYmay7mMo8I4WZ7NXEKznAzWIzuJBleMECZEM8bqVIZKqaeZm6-84JX5_cM0NgI1czpJQ_eL4sQX5WBmzdWNpP1op5C_25fAHu0ONKHcH-d8CgEqu_Y7YJ0qubO2hmvWimvjmfUYVxo3NJQmuRWxobSa9D86d5nlFWtvcp3TpCVOsNPMuILLrY_QnnzsNp6e80-QmCkjW8c.QOCpzLaC-nMm8NbebV5ewxoX3XRfyFKI4I8j3jZtFOs&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=oh+brother+my+brother&amp;qid=1772219239&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C134&amp;sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.  </p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h2>March 7th Book Signing in Conway at Bean&#8217;s Books</h2><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3wlK!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa4688bfe-f41a-4477-b3cd-8171c7f5b44b_3375x4219.png" width="1456" height="1820" 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1BiTWUxBHH/">here </a>for more information. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Said This On Air, and I Meant It]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new approach to mentoring boys before the damage becomes generational.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-said-this-on-air-and-i-meant-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/i-said-this-on-air-and-i-meant-it</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:33:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/188641729/4f18ade8e0cdffa8f8744690eb6adc97.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg" width="1456" height="1941" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_Cr1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc74f921a-6e6a-4c42-abba-92f005784fd4_3024x4032.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">I appeared on the &#8220;Wright on Education&#8221; podcast hosted by Jermall Wright, Little Rock School District Superintendent. </figcaption></figure></div><p>I had the honor of being featured on <em><a href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/podcast/talk-of-iowa/2026-02-19/knowing-the-signs-of-teen-dating-violence">Talk of Iowa</a></em><a href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/podcast/talk-of-iowa/2026-02-19/knowing-the-signs-of-teen-dating-violence"> </a>through Iowa Public Radio&#8212;returning to the University of Iowa, where I discovered both my talent and my calling. That experience reminded me of something powerful: when you succeed in one place that stretches you, you realize you can succeed anywhere.</p><p>But the most meaningful conversation happened on <em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wright-on-education/id1835958058">Wright on Education </a>podcast</em>, hosted by Dr. Jermall Wright, the Superintendent of the Little Rock School District.</p><p>We talked about leadership. Representation. Emotional wellness. And specifically, what Black boys need in schools today.</p><p>Here&#8217;s what I said, and what I firmly believe:</p><p>If we develop emotionally aware and intelligent boys today, we won&#8217;t have to repair broken men tomorrow.</p><p>If we raise emotionally available and securely attached boys today, we won&#8217;t be trying to fix fractured families later.</p><p>If we equip boys with emotional literacy tools now, we won&#8217;t have to worry about broken communities in the future.</p><p>Yes, I said it on the podcast: we could put the prison business out of business. But it starts at home, and it&#8217;s reinforced at school.</p><p>Leadership doesn&#8217;t suddenly appear at 37 years old.<br>It begins at six and seven. </p><p>Many young boys are carrying trauma, unmet needs, and toxic shame, the quiet belief that they are unworthy or unlovable. When those emotions go unnamed and unaddressed, they show up in behavior, disconnection, and sometimes destructive outcomes.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg" width="2479" height="2479" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!C9MJ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc7f685b-ef58-4184-9de0-56f9505b812a_2479x2479.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Pamela Smith, the communications director of the Little Rock School District, is someone I&#8217;ve admired as a journalist for many years. She organized the podcast interview, and she was also one of the first professionals to review &#8220;Oh Brother, My Brother.&#8221; Read her review <a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">here</a>. </figcaption></figure></div><p>That&#8217;s why storytelling matters.</p><p>Books. Representation. Characters who reflect their lived experiences. Stories that help them feel seen and heard.</p><p>This is also why I introduced the concept of <strong>micro-mentoring</strong> during the conversation. Not everyone has time for traditional one-on-one mentorship. However, we can merge passion with presence through school visits, book readings, pop-ups, and group discussions, impacting dozens of young people at once.</p><p>When I read <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em> in schools, I&#8217;m not just sharing a story. I&#8217;m introducing authorship, entrepreneurship, economic development, and healthy masculinity. I&#8217;m modeling the possibility.</p><p>Because healing doesn&#8217;t just happen in therapy offices.<br>It happens in classrooms.<br>At kitchen tables.<br>In libraries.<br>Through honest conversations.</p><p>Strong families build strong leaders.<br>Strong leaders build strong communities.</p><p>And it all starts with the boy.</p><p>If you believe in raising emotionally secure, confident, and compassionate young leaders, I invite you to join the movement.</p><p>Let&#8217;s do the preventative work now</p><p>Buy <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em> anywhere books are sold. </p><p>Write a review on Amazon. </p><p><a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">Book</a> me for your next engagement. </p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Join me at the Black History Book Fest on Feb. 21st</strong></h3><h4>I will be reading &#8220;Oh Brother, My Brother&#8221; and leading a discussion with families.  </h4><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!viSD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2208e189-d978-4378-997a-739a0a723a2b_651x845.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!viSD!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2208e189-d978-4378-997a-739a0a723a2b_651x845.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!viSD!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2208e189-d978-4378-997a-739a0a723a2b_651x845.png 848w, 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class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Click <a href="https://events.cals.org/event/15757029">here </a>to register. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[My First Podcast Guest...and A Surprise Comment]]></title><description><![CDATA[The illustrator behind my book, the classroom reaction I didn&#8217;t see coming, and my upcoming events]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/my-first-podcast-guestand-a-surprise</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/my-first-podcast-guestand-a-surprise</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:08:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/187863299/691111284ee67dfc5681b4cb9495b8c7.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First, thank you. &#128591;&#127998;</p><p>To everyone who attended my <strong>sold-out book release</strong>, I am deeply grateful. Seeing my family, friends, and supporters gathered in one space to celebrate <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> was emotional in ways I didn&#8217;t fully anticipate. There&#8217;s something powerful about watching a vision that started in your heart become real and shared. &#10084;&#65039;&#128214;</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a26f8558-8e8d-48dc-8e64-ad4fb28e4e2d_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/74d8052e-7f1f-4345-9eaa-f8f658ec0bb6_2048x1536.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/846cb105-3505-424c-8c01-96bc715584e3_1660x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e46bb45a-8f46-46f7-8fff-ed9767ec3605_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;I celebrated with my mother and father at my first book release event for Oh Brother, My Brother&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/90b47955-df71-4a7e-9950-014e0266305d_1456x1456.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>This week, I had the honor of visiting <strong>Baker Elementary School</strong> to read to Mrs. Campbell-Berry&#8217;s music class for Black History Month. When I held up the very first page and illustration of the book, a student blurted out, <em>&#8220;This is going to be a good book!&#8221;</em> &#129401;</p><p>Before I read a single word.</p><p>That moment reminded me why details matter. Why illustrations matter. Why representation matters.</p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/55e1318c-35b7-415f-b653-020687e3c6d6_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c12e2a09-ca53-41f1-9062-d5ccd77c5351_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/860204e4-496b-4fb4-ab06-306d70a1b431_1536x2048.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0957e1e0-8643-44cb-b4df-6a09605a1726_3024x3432.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;I read my story, \&quot;Oh Brother, My Brother\&quot; at Baker Elementary School &quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/add290d6-9e10-4ebd-bcd5-38d833d1f6be_1456x1456.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>And that brings me to this week&#8217;s podcast episode.</p><p>For the first time, I welcomed a guest to the Brandon D. Campbell Podcast&#8212;<strong>Shanzay Saquib</strong>, the illustrator behind <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em>. &#127757;&#10024; Shanzay is based in Pakistan, and despite being 11 hours ahead, we built a creative partnership rooted in communication, trust, and shared vision.</p><p>What drew her to this project wasn&#8217;t just the storyline&#8212;it was the healing and resilience within it. She recognized that this book was meant to be more than pages and pictures. It was designed to be a bridge between parents and children, especially with the reflection questions at the end meant to spark deeper conversations.</p><p>One of the most powerful parts of our collaboration was the intentionality behind the characters. The church scene became one of her favorites. For me, the illustration of Ohmar sitting emotionally on the bench stands out. Those images carry weight.</p><p>We also had important conversations about cultural accuracy&#8212;hairstyles, urban neighborhoods, and the Black church experience. Shanzay didn&#8217;t just draw; she researched. She leaned in. She connected with the story from a place of respect.</p><p>Her advice to authors? Find an illustrator who connects with your story, not just your style, and then trust their creative process. Magic happens when collaboration replaces control. &#10024;</p><p>Her advice to aspiring illustrators? Start where you are. Don&#8217;t wait for perfection. Try different styles. Challenge yourself.</p><p>This episode is about more than art. It&#8217;s about partnership. It&#8217;s about intentional storytelling. And it&#8217;s about how visuals can help children feel safe enough to have the conversations many families avoid.</p><p>&#127911; Listen to the full episode.<br>&#128216; Grab your copy of <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em>&#8212;available everywhere books are sold.</p><p>The stories we tell, and how we tell them, matter.</p><div><hr></div><h2>I had my first father&#8211;daughter dance with my girls&#8230;and I&#8217;ll never forget it.</h2><div class="native-video-embed" data-component-name="VideoPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;3436b43c-9d77-4926-8f02-ac4a556d0f64&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:null}"></div><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a1e9c8e7-b302-4cab-acf7-4c6fe5b89bc1_2538x2795.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b45e6815-9a3e-4061-b2e5-4e86dc0610db_2463x2522.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5759016c-ea03-4195-82cb-5307f3368fa9_1456x720.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><div><hr></div><h3>Join me at the Black Book Bash on Feb. 21st </h3><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://events.cals.org/event/15757029" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg" width="1456" height="1884" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!axDy!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6da44609-a62b-4711-a640-ba9dda8af21e_1545x1999.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Click <a href="https://events.cals.org/event/15757029">here </a>to register. </p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Family Experience I Only Heard About]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a first-time author, a lot is new to me. However, this one event that I get to experience with my daughters is just as important. Watch the podcast or read the blog to learn what it is.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-family-experience-i-only-heard</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/the-family-experience-i-only-heard</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:48:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/187105400/65f65dcf46c25387fa01373a93b997d8.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0556baa9-6a5f-4d42-9082-80fb5bb0024b_4624x2604.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/9816f583-1759-49c9-8252-3e1459dc00e0_4032x3024.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/08450a51-285a-4c77-8091-d01eed27c1bc_3024x2937.jpeg&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/aafc2add-0e31-44bc-a0cd-f0b6b365555c_960x1280.jpeg&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bba76a37-df60-4554-975f-767352a36550_1456x1456.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>February marks more than a new month; it marks a milestone. During Black History Month and Library Lovers Month, I officially became a published author. <em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> is now available everywhere books are sold, and the response so far has been overwhelming in the best way possible.</p><p>The messages, emails, DMs, and conversations I&#8217;ve had since the release have reminded me why this work matters. This story is resonating with families, especially blended families, because it speaks to real life, real challenges, and real healing. At its core, this book is about connection, mental health, and the role families play in shaping not just children, but entire communities.</p><p>Recently, I had the opportunity to talk about this journey on <strong><a href="https://www.fox17online.com/morning-mix/michigan-native-debuts-first-childrens-book-on-blended-families">Fox 17&#8217;s The Morning Mix</a></strong> in West Michigan, a place my family and I once called home. During that interview, we focused on how mental health shows up in blended families and why having honest conversations early can change outcomes later. Blended families don&#8217;t just impact households; they influence schools, neighborhoods, and the future leadership of our communities.</p><p>That theme carried into my appearance on the <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KandCNetwork">Rebuilding the Bluff</a></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@KandCNetwork"> </a>podcast, produced by Angelica Perkins-Walton of K &amp; C Media Networks. This platform shines a light on rural and underserved communities, including places like Pine Bluff, Arkansas. What stood out most in that conversation was how family structure, healthy or unhealthy, can determine whether communities merely survive or truly thrive.</p><p>At the same time, this season has been deeply personal for me as a father. I&#8217;m preparing to take my daughters to their very first father-daughter dance. It&#8217;s a moment I never experienced growing up, and one I don&#8217;t take lightly. It&#8217;s about modeling love, respect, and presence; showing them what care and intention should look like, long before someone else steps into that role.</p><p>These moments on stage, on screen, and at home are all connected. They reinforce why <em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Oh Brother, My Brother</a></em><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother"> </a>exists. It&#8217;s a story designed to help families talk, heal, and grow together. It&#8217;s for parents navigating blended households, for children trying to understand their place, and for communities invested in doing better for the next generation.</p><p>On <strong>February 7</strong>, I&#8217;ll be hosting my official <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/events">book launch</a> at the Hillary Clinton Children&#8217;s Library, with both in-person and virtual options. It&#8217;s a celebration of family, storytelling, and the journey that brought this book to life.</p><p><em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> is available now at <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">BrandonDCampbell.com</a>, Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, and bookstores nationwide. I&#8217;m also booking readings, podcast interviews, and community events, because these stories are meant to be shared.</p><p>Healing starts with conversation. Sometimes, it starts with a book.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do you know what today is? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Author Brandon D. Campbell's new book, Oh Brother, My Brother, has been released, kicking off Black History Month. The book is available everywhere books are sold, including www.brandondcampbell.com.]]></description><link>https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/do-you-know-what-today-is</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/do-you-know-what-today-is</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brandon D. Campbell]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:38:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vaxX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5aadceac-cd40-42d2-8b5e-818156c6dc72_2586x3387.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><hr></div><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!vaxX!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5aadceac-cd40-42d2-8b5e-818156c6dc72_2586x3387.jpeg 424w, 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;BUY NOW&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother"><span>BUY NOW</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h1>Readers praise Oh Brother, My Brother as a valuable tool for social-emotional learning!</h1><p><strong>February 1, 2026</strong> marks the official release of <em><strong>OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER: Two Brothers. Blended Family. A Journey of Healing</strong></em>&#8212;a heartfelt children&#8217;s book by <strong>Brandon D. Campbell</strong> that celebrates love, resilience, and connection within modern families.</p><p>Launching in conjunction with <strong>Black History Month</strong>, this timely release honors the power of family, cultural identity, and emotional growth through the eyes of two young brothers learning to navigate rivalry, imagination, and blended family dynamics. Told through alternating perspectives, the story invites young readers to see both sides of the journey&#8212;fostering empathy, understanding, and compassion.</p><p>More than a story, <em><strong>OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER</strong></em> includes <strong>Conversation Questions </strong>designed to strengthen parent&#8211;child bonds and open the door to meaningful conversations. This makes the book not only engaging for children ages 6&#8211;11 but also a practical tool for families, educators, and counselors.</p><p>Available now in <strong>paperback, </strong>the title is ideal for classrooms, libraries, counseling programs, and family reading time&#8212;especially during Black Appreciation Month celebrations and cultural programming.</p><p>Schools, community organizations, and family-serving agencies are encouraged to take advantage of <strong>special bulk-order pricing</strong> to support reading initiatives and educational events throughout February and beyond.</p><p><strong>Join us in celebrating this powerful story of healing and hope.</strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">Order your copies today</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">Schedule author Brandon D. Campbell for readings, interviews, or virtual events</a></strong><br><strong>Share this story with families who need it most</strong></p><p><em><strong><a href="https://www.hohmpress.com/products/oh-brother-my-brother">OH BROTHER, MY BROTHER</a></strong></em> is now available wherever books are sold. You can buy it from your neighborhood bookstore! </p><div><hr></div><h3>Reviews</h3><p><strong>Pamela Smith</strong>, Communications Professional and Youth Advocate &#8212; <em>This children&#8217;s book offers a gentle way to spark meaningful conversations about belonging, acceptance, and understanding within families. While not prescriptive, it provides a thoughtful framework parents/guardians can use to guide discussions with their children. The beautifully illustrated pages bring the message to life, making it both engaging and visually captivating for readers of all ages. </em></p><p><em> </em><strong>Beatrice Klokpah</strong>, LCSW-S &#8212; <em>As a mental health professional, I found this book to be a powerful exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the longing for belonging. Through the lens of two half-brothers, the author captures the complexities of growing up in blended families, navigating differing relationships with their fathers, and making sense of adult behaviors that often feel confusing to children. The story offers an authentic look at how young people process love, loyalty, and rejection&#8212;reminding us of the resilience of children while also highlighting the profound impact of family systems on emotional development.</em></p><p><strong>Leslie Barner,</strong> Director of Publishing, <em>FamilyLife </em>&#8212; <em>This beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story explores important themes of belonging, self-worth, and blended family dynamics in a way that is entertaining, relatable, and thought-provoking. Told from a child&#8217;s perspective, it reminds us all of the power of love, family, affirmation, and connection.</em></p><p><strong>Venise Berry</strong>, Editor, <em>The Black Superwoman &amp; Mental Health: Power &amp; Pain &#8212; Oh Brother, My Brother is the heartwarming story of a blended family. Brandon Campbell has combined powerful images and words to inspire and inform readers about the importance of love and respect among families of all kinds.</em></p><div><hr></div><p>To celebrate the release, we are offering:</p><ul><li><p><strong><a href="https://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=20trw&amp;m=3kZqNH2u.WglPXM&amp;b=Z11VQ.s3TlvSO8AdY.QeVw">CLICK HERE TO REQUEST AN ADVANCE ELECTRONIC REVIEW COPY!</a></strong></p></li><li><p><strong><a href="mailto:clientservices@hohmpress.com">Bulk order discounts</a></strong><a href="mailto:clientservices@hohmpress.com"> for schools, libraries, and organizations (minimum orders apply).</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/contact">Book </a>Brandon D. Campbell for special <strong>Black History Month</strong> programming.</p></li></ul><p><em>Be the first to discover a heartfelt children&#8217;s book that&#8217;s already sparking excitement among families and educators.</em></p><div><hr></div><p><em>Oh Brother, My Brother</em> has been gaining national attention in the news.  Click <a href="https://www.brandondcampbell.com/p/events">here</a> to read and watch media coverage. </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="http://www.brandondcampbell.com" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg" width="568" height="834.8351648351648" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:2140,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:568,&quot;bytes&quot;:2146350,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http://www.brandondcampbell.com&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.brandondcampbell.com/i/186504025?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!sQ8U!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd2de5341-c3af-493c-9df8-1205b074f40f_2029x2982.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>