Family Breakup, Hidden Wounds, and the Courage to Speak

Family breakup is one of the most painful experiences a child can face — and yet it’s rarely spoken about openly.
For many, it becomes a silent wound carried far into adulthood.
In Episode 2: Family Breakdown of The L.J. Robson Podcast, Lee shares his own story — not because it’s unique, but because millions of people have lived through similar pain in secret.

When Lee’s family broke apart, the world he knew disappeared overnight.
He lost his home of nine years, the place that held every childhood memory. His father removed the support system he relied on. Lee learned quickly to “keep it all in”, burying his confusion, shame, and hurt.
At just 15, he hit a breaking point and contemplated suicide — a moment no young person should ever have to face.

Yet even in the darkness, small lifelines appeared.
For Lee, football — especially NUFC — became a source of escape, identity, and emotional safety. It gave him something stable when life felt out of control.

But the real turning point came at 22, when he met his wife.
With her support, Lee began to rebuild a new version of himself — one who no longer hid in the shadows.
He found the strength to speak, share, and start healing from the pain he had carried since childhood.

His memoir, The Boy With The Thorn In His Side, became a way of putting words to what had been held inside for years. Writing it helped him understand not only the trauma, but also the courage it took to survive. And today, he uses his platform to help others — especially men — who find it hard to open up.

Family breakup affects far more people than we realise.
But silence is where shame grows.
Sharing is where freedom begins.

Lee’s message is simple:
You don’t have to bury your pain. You don’t have to carry it alone. Speaking out is the first step toward healing.

If this topic is part of your story, Episode 2: Family Breakup of The L.J. Robson Podcast offers honesty, understanding, and hope — from someone who has lived it.