54|From Inner-City Trauma to Saving Lives: Tony Charity’s Story

Intrepid Storytelling · Jul 13, 2026 · 1h 38m

How do you build a life of service and compassion when your own childhood was defined by poverty, severe abuse, and the harsh realities of the streets? In this raw and unflinching episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Deanna Powell sits down with veteran, first responder, and author Tony Charity. Tony opens up about his harrowing journey growing up in the New York City projects during the 1970s and 80s, where he survived severe physical abuse at home and navigated intense racial violence in his neighborhood. From risking his life to stand down a ruthless pimp to defend a classmate's sister, to…