Diamond Holts’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Diamond Holts shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Diamond , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Personally, I feel my calling right now is to complete my Master of Law in paraprofessional. I was genuinely terrified of going back to school and avoided it for almost two years. The thought of juggling studies with everything else felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to succeed after being out of the academic loop for so long. But now, it feels like the right path forward, and I’m ready to face that fear head-on.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey everyone! I’m Diamond, though most people just call me Di. At 25, I’m deeply immersed in the world of criminal justice, both through my current work in the field and my journey back to school for a Master of Law. Fueled by a deep passion for justice, I am a creator and advocate dedicated to fostering genuine human connection. While pursuing my studies in the criminal justice system, I create vital spaces for the honest, unfiltered conversations necessary for healing and understanding.

After a brief hiatus confirmed that my true calling lies in advocacy and storytelling, I have rededicated myself full-time to this mission.

This commitment comes to life through two primary platforms. My podcast, “The Unfiltered Take,” hosts candid discussions on mental health and relationships, building a community around shared experience. Complementing this, my Instagram page, @healinginink (The Soul Wrote This), offers a space for reflection with writings on anxiety, vulnerability, and personal growth.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world started nudging, then pushing, then outright demanding who I should be, I was simply Diamond, a kid with a burning curiosity for justice and a tender heart. Even in childhood, long before I understood career paths, I felt an undeniable pull towards the criminal justice system. It wasn’t about glamour; it was about a fundamental sense of right and wrong, an instinct to protect and understand.

However, the world’s influence quickly began. Growing up, I faced the sharp edges of bullying and wrestled with mental health challenges throughout my teenage years and into early adulthood. These experiences, while incredibly difficult, subtly reshaped me, making me more reserved in some ways, more guarded. They made me acutely aware of vulnerability and the human struggle, further solidifying my innate desire to advocate and create safe spaces. Despite these challenges, I was incredibly fortunate to be nurtured in a loving family environment, which provided a crucial anchor and allowed that core, empathetic self to persist beneath the layers of protection I built.

So, who was I? I was that same kid, driven by justice and empathy, but perhaps a bit more open, a little less self-conscious, and unburdened by the weight of external validation or past hurts. That’s the essence I’m reconnecting with now – bringing my raw experiences, my passion for understanding, and my deep-seated desire for connection to my work in criminal justice, my podcast, and my new community for vulnerability. It’s about shedding those old scripts and embracing the authentic Diamond who always knew what truly mattered.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I will tell her “Your inherent sense of justice and your sensitive heart are your greatest strengths, not vulnerabilities. The challenges you’ll face – the bullying, the struggles with your mental health – they won’t break you. Instead, they’ll forge an incredibly strong, empathetic advocate who truly understands what it means to struggle and to seek fairness. Keep nurturing that inner voice that pulls you towards helping others and understanding the world’s complexities. Every hard moment is simply preparing you for the powerful, authentic work you’re destined to do. Don’t dim your light to fit in; the world desperately needs the unique perspective and compassion only you can offer.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
For me, working in the criminal justice industry, the biggest lie the system often tells itself is that it’s solely about punishment and deterrence, and that these are always the most effective solutions. This belief dangerously oversimplifies complex human issues, frequently overlooking the deep-seated societal, economic, and mental health factors that truly drive criminal behavior. By fixating on punitive measures, the system often neglects vital rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, leading to a revolving door of recidivism rather than genuine transformation.

Similarly, in the creator and podcasting industry, the biggest lie we’re told is that you need to be an overnight sensation or achieve viral fame to truly succeed. This pervasive myth is incredibly damaging, pushing many talented individuals to chase fleeting trends rather than cultivating their unique voice and passion. The truth is, genuine success in the creative world is almost always built through consistent effort, authentic connection, and gradual growth.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply that most people don’t is the transformative power of vulnerability and authentic connection in the face of systemic challenges. While many view vulnerability as a weakness, especially in professional spheres or rigid systems like criminal justice, you recognize its profound strength. Your lived experiences have taught you that acknowledging and addressing struggles isn’t a liability, but the foundation for true resilience and empathy. You grasp that meaningful change within complex institutions, and genuine impact as a creator, comes from fostering human connection and understanding the deeper “why” behind actions, rather than solely focusing on punishment or chasing fleeting fame. You uniquely see that humanity’s messy, authentic core is not something to hide, but the very force capable of driving profound understanding, healing, and positive transformation in both personal lives and broader systems.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Allthingsdi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsdi_?igsh=emZxMHQ0d3FodjRh&utm_source=qr