Episode #85: Logan Taylor - Trauma Informed Educators Network Podcast

Having it easy" is never a phrase you would use to describe Logan Taylor's childhood. Raised by his grandmother in low-income housing and with an absent father and barely-there mother, Taylor struggled as a child and young adult. Add to these issues sexual abuse, drug addiction, a horrible car wreck, multiple suicide attempts, and crippling anxiety, and it's hard to imagine how he ever made it. And yet, he not only persevered but has also used the memory and pain of these experiences to help other at-risk kids and poverty-stricken families day. Taylor is an author of educational journals for students, an entrepreneur, and a popular speaker who has made it his life's work to help students and teachers maximize their potential."Never accept the life given to you ... If you want to change it, you can actually change it;' he says. Taylor has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide, inspiring them to be great and find their purpose in life. Through the magic of YouTube, he's motivated even more students and adults, with more than 8 million views of his videos. Taylor is also the founder of Y.B.Normal?, a organization that helps struggling youth in schools and implements curriculum and journal writing that focuses on social-emotional development. In addition, he leads community outreach events. One that he is particularly proud of is called Cut the Hate and Share the Love. This annual outreach initiative provides haircuts, clothing and shoes, and hot meals for the homeless community and people less fortunate. Leaving an environment better than the way he found it is Taylor's goal. He is certified in Social Emotional Learning from the University of Colorado and ACEs certification Taylor is currently working to obtain a master's degree as a therapist. Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve and I am honored to be able to do my part. Logan Taylor has proven this to be true. He lives his life by the mantra of Y.B.Normal?, when you can be extraordinary.