INTERVIEW: Tim Ross Talks ‘The Missing Peace,’ Being Sexually Assaulted, Healing, Faith Vs. Fear + More

In this powerful episode of The Breakfast Club, host Tim Ross opens up about his journey of healing from deep trauma, including childhood sexual abuse at age eight, the loss of his brother Miles in a car accident, and the grief of losing his father. He discusses how silence and secrecy have long-term consequences, emphasizing that true peace comes not from external achievements but from internal cultivation and honest, vulnerable communication. Ross shares how breaking the silence—both with his family and publicly—was essential to his healing, and how horizontal confession (sharing with trusted others) brings a level of healing that vertical confession (prayer alone) cannot. He also explores the difference between faith and fear, the importance of emotional regulation, and the necessity of community and accountability in sustaining mental wellness. His new book, *The Missing Piece: How to Be Held Together When You're Falling Apart*, serves as both a personal testimony and a guide for others navigating trauma and emotional struggle. Ross challenges the myth that peace means the absence of turmoil, asserting instead that peace can coexist with anger, sadness, and grief. He stresses that emotional honesty, not suppression, is key to long-term healing. Drawing from his 28 years in therapy and 30 years of faith, he offers practical wisdom on choosing peace even in chaos, using the metaphor of cultivating 100 acres of land—peace is already there, but it requires ongoing work. The episode ends with a heartfelt prayer and a call to action: to support mental health awareness, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, and to prioritize truth-telling, connection, and courage in the face of pain.