Str8Up Show Podcast

Surviving Hagee: The Silence That Protected Everyone But Me

Episode Summary

Growing up in a household where faith, reputation, and family expectations carried enormous weight, Nat endured years of childhood sexual abuse, betrayal, and silence. With a father who was minister and law enforcement officer, Nat opens up about the painful reality of seeking protection from the very people who were supposed to provide it. Host Calvin also shares his own experiences with childhood abuse, creating an honest conversation about guilt, vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of breaking generational cycles. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, emotional and physical abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. Listener discretion is advised. FOLLOW NAT HAGEE: Instagram: @surviving_hageenat TikTok: @.survivinghagee BOOK: Surviving Hagee by Nat Hagee

Episode Notes

What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you become the very people responsible for your pain?

In one of our most emotional and personal conversations, author Nat Hagee joins the Str8Up Show Podcast to share their journey of survival, resilience, and healing.

Through their memoir, Surviving Hagee, Nat opens up about growing up in a prominent religious household, enduring childhood sexual abuse, and the painful silence surrounding their experiences.

Nat also discusses the lasting effects of trauma, struggles with addiction, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of therapy, self-love, and breaking generational cycles.

Host Calvin shares his own experiences as a survivor of childhood abuse, creating an honest and vulnerable conversation about guilt, family betrayal, faith, and finding the courage to heal.

This is more than a conversation about surviving. It's about reclaiming your voice, finding peace, and learning how to thrive.

In This Episode

• The story behind Nat's memoir, Surviving Hagee
• Childhood abuse and the consequences of family silence
• Growing up with a father who was a minister and police officer
• The emotional and psychological effects of childhood trauma
• Addiction, relationships, and the search for healing
• Religious trauma and the abuse of authority
• Seeking justice and confronting complicated family emotions
• Therapy, mental health, and breaking cycles of abuse
• Finding happiness and learning to love yourself
• Nat's message of encouragement for fellow survivors

ABOUT NAT'S BOOK

SURVIVING HAGEE BY NAT HAGEE

A deeply personal memoir exploring childhood trauma, family relationships, survival, and the journey toward healing.

Available on Kindle. Paperback release scheduled for October 31, 2026.

FOLLOW NAT HAGEE

Instagram: @surviving_hageenat

TikTok: @.survivinghagee

ORDER SURVIVING HAGEE

• Paperback
• Hardcover
• Kindle

TRIGGER WARNING 

This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. Some portions of this conversation may be difficult for listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and listen at your own discretion.

SUPPORT RESOURCES

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Phone: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Website: https://rainn.org

For mental health or suicide crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.