PART 1

Growing up in Malibu California in the 1970's and 80's, J.C. had what looked like a charmed life. He was the class clown and multi-star athlete, who lived in a big house on a hill overlooking the ocean.  

And yet J.C.'s childhood was hardly an enviable one. As the youngest of four kids, he fought hard for his family's approval, especially his hyper competitive, larger than life father, and highly critical siblings. His best efforts were never enough. His mistakes were magnified, his successes mocked or ignored. Again and again, he was viciously bullied and discouraged, verbal daggers that left him feeling like a complete failure and that nearly killed him as an adult.  

The Matador and The Mustang (Part 1) is J.C. Burkesmith's heartfelt true story of how he found meaning in his pain and suffering. How he turned the magnifying glass back on himself and took charge of his own thoughts and emotions and sought to repair his broken family and inspire and uplift others. It's also a story of love, faith, forgiveness, and, ultimately, personal transformation.