Podcasts about post traumatic growth

Dr. Fred Moss challenges conventional psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, advocating for a human-centered approach that emphasizes authenticity, creativity, and connection. This conversation explores the limitations of labels, the power of self-awareness, and alternative paths to healing. Guest Links Website Twitter Chapters 00:00Introduction and Guest Credibility 00:40What is an un-doctor and why see one? 01:29Not feeling well doesn't mean you're wrong 02:21The myth of perfect life and the role of suffering 03:07Understanding the purpose of diagnosis in psychiatry 03:40The impact of medications and the perpetuation of symptoms 05:07The system of psychiatric diagnoses and its flaws 05:59The power of agreement in diagnosis 06:46Using unconditional love to undiagnose and undiagnose 07:23Seeking validation through diagnoses 08:17Eastern vs. Western perspectives on certainty and being 08:47The importance of tuning into what's real 10:02The role of diagnosis in relinquishing responsibility 10:42The murkiness of psychiatric boundaries and diagnoses 11:56The dependency created by diagnostic systems 13:12The trap of buying into the medical system 14:29The influence of diagnosis on ongoing symptoms 14:52How medications can cause or perpetuate symptoms 15:37The spiral of medication and symptom management 17:18The mosquito bite analogy and the role of medicine 18:48Collateral damage of medication and systemic effects 20:28The human response to circumstances and the myth of pathology 21:24Living with adversity without losing empowerment 22:21The role of feelings and circumstances in mood 23:21The acceptance of deep pain and suffering 24:22The importance of human connection and being heard 24:55Extreme cases and the potential for healing tools 27:04Creativity as a medicine and self-expression 28:10How creativity mitigates symptoms and fosters relief 29:49The transient nature of mood and depression 31:13Connecting with your authentic self and true voice 32:27Distinguishing real self from false personas 33:08The role of art and self-expression in discovering oneself 43:02The power of creative expression in authentic living 44:51Participation in creation as a form of love 45:05Healing the healer: Supporting practitioners in authentic practice 47:50The importance of finding your true voice 48:58Final thoughts and resources for listeners 51:51Introduction to Mission 22 and Resiliency Podcast 51:53Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth Initiatives To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Why do anomalous experiences so often arrive in the wake of trauma? And what happens when the people who understand that connection decide to use it as a weapon? This episode of Inquiry follows trauma as the hidden throughline connecting UFOs, consciousness, psychological operations, and the engineering of belief at scale. Kelly Chase starts with how human perception actually works, drawing on Donald Hoffman's "The Case Against Reality," James Madden's umwelt and über-umwelt from "Unidentified Flying Hyperobject," and Jeffrey Kripal's Filter Thesis, then grounds it all in the predictive processing model of the brain and Karl Friston's free energy principle. The picture that emerges is unsettling: trauma doesn't only wound a person, it makes them porous, loosening the filters that hold consensus reality in place. From there the conversation turns toward how that vulnerability has been exploited. It traces belief manipulation from the 1980 "From PSYOP to MindWar" paper by Michael Aquino and Paul Vallely, through MKULTRA and Operation Mockingbird, to the declassified reality of Operation Northwoods and the manufacturing of consent. It brings in Jacques Vallée's control system hypothesis and Colm Kelleher's concept of bidirectional mimicry to ask whether human institutions and the phenomenon itself may be using the same lever: disruption, destabilization, and the reshaping of belief in the rupture's aftermath. Then it turns the dread on its head. Research on openness to experience and Post-Traumatic Growth suggests the architects of mass stress made a critical miscalculation. Trauma creates openings, and openings go both ways. You can crack the shell of consensus reality to make people malleable, but you cannot control what hatches. Topics explored: Trauma and anomalous experience | experiencer patterns | the Filter Thesis | Donald Hoffman | perception as interface | umwelt and über-umwelt | James Madden | Jeffrey Kripal | predictive processing | Karl Friston | free energy principle | belief malleability | shattered assumptions | meaning violation | belief engineering | MindWar | Michael Aquino | Paul Vallely | psychological operations | MKULTRA | Operation Mockingbird | cognitive sovereignty | bidirectional mimicry | Colm Kelleher | black triangle craft | Jacques Vallée | control system hypothesis | Operation Northwoods | manufactured consent | openness to experience | Post-Traumatic Growth | consciousness-level immune response | non-human intelligence | contact experiences Inquiry with Kelly Chase is brought to you by SpectreVision Radio.Produced in partnership with Voltage.fm.  Referenced In This Episode The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes — Donald Hoffman (2019) Unidentified Flying Hyperobject: UFOs, Philosophy, and the End of the World — James Madden (2023) How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else — Jeffrey J. Kripal (2024) The Flip: Epiphanies of Mind and the Future of Knowledge — Jeffrey J. Kripal (2019) "The Free-Energy Principle: A Unified Brain Theory?" — Karl Friston (2010) "Trauma or Drama: A Predictive Processing Perspective on the Continuum of Stress" — Valery Krupnik (2020) "Predictive Processing and the Varieties of Psychological Trauma" — Sam Wilkinson, Guy Dodgson & Kevin Meares (2017) "Assumptive Worlds and the Stress of Traumatic Events" — Ronnie Janoff-Bulman (1989) Shattered Assumptions: Towards a New Psychology of Trauma — Ronnie Janoff-Bulman (1992) "PTSD as Meaning Violation: Testing a Cognitive Worldview Perspective" — Crystal L. Park, Mary Alice Mills & Donald Edmondson (2012) "Making Sense of the Meaning Literature: An Integrative Review of Meaning Making and Its Effects on Adjustment to Stressful Life Events" — Crystal L. Park (2010) From PSYOP to MindWar: The Psychology of Victory — Paul E. Vallely & Michael Aquino (1980) MindWar: The New Battle for the Mind — Michael Aquino (2016) Project MKULTRA, the CIA's Program of Research in Behavioral Modification — U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (1977) MKULTRA Collection — CIA Reading Room Intelligence Activities and the Rights of Americans, Book II (Church Committee Report) — U.S. Senate (1976) Justification for US Military Intervention in Cuba (Operation Northwoods) — Joint Chiefs of Staff (1962) "The Anxious State: Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America" — The Conversation (2025) "Politics Is Taking a Toll on People's Well-Being" — Psychology Today (2025) "Stressful Life Events and Openness to Experience: Relevance to Depression" — Chiappelli et al. (2021) "The Social Psychology of Responses to Trauma: Social Identity Pathways Associated with Divergent Traumatic Responses" — Orla Muldoon et al. (2019) "Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence" — Richard Tedeschi & Lawrence Calhoun (2004) "The Post-Traumatic Growth Approach to Psychological Trauma" — Richard Tedeschi (2023) "Confidence in U.S. Institutions Down; Average at New Low" — Gallup (2022) 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer — Edelman (2025) Support The Show Patreon: inquirywithkellychase.com Substack: inquirywithkellychase.substack.com Connect with Kelly Website: kellychase.media X: @kellychasemedia Instagram: @kellychasemedia TIMESTAMPS 04:12 Trauma and The Anomalous 07:01 Perception Is an Interface 11:05 Umwelt and Uber Umwelt 14:05 Kripal and Filter Thesis 18:27 Predictive Brain and Trauma 23:11 Belief Becomes Malleable 28:08 MindWar Doctrine 32:36 MKUltra and Mockingbird 36:58 Mimicry and Control System 42:17 False Flags and Consent 46:09 Algorithms as Trauma Engine 49:23 Openness and Growth 55:59 Consciousness Immune Response 57:18 Closing and Next Steps Learn more about your ad choices. 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Episode 91: People can grow in meaningful ways after trauma. In this episode, host and psychotherapist Debra Sloss, explores the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth with Richard G. Tedeschi, PhD, one of the researchers who coined the term, and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who shares how losing her husband to suicide shaped her life and public service. Beginning with a moving opening story from Holocaust survivor Gitta Ryle we then explore how people make meaning after trauma, why suffering and growth can coexist, and how connection, purpose, and support can help people rebuild after profound suffering.

Summary In this episode, Marcus Farris chats with Kyle Kamp about the power of consistency over intensity in health, fitness, and life transformation. Kyle shares his inspiring personal journey from losing 140 pounds to developing a coaching philosophy rooted in sustainable habits, emphasizing that small, consistent actions lead to long-term success. They explore how habits in one area spill into others, the importance of understanding your own system, and practical steps to start on the path of health and performance without overwhelm. Guest Links Website V2P Nutrition Podcast Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast Social Media Instagram To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Trauma is often seen as something you either carry… or try to move past. But there is another possibility that most people never fully explore. In this episode of TribeTalk, Mike Casey and Ann Hutyra are joined by Karin Clarke to examine what happens after a traumatic experience and why people respond so differently. Some remain caught in repeating patterns, while others begin to shift into something new. This conversation looks at what it actually means to process an experience instead of avoiding it or becoming defined by it, and how those patterns can influence both your health and your sense of identity over time. This conversation explores: How post-traumatic growth differs from simply coping or “bouncing back” The patterns that keep people cycling through the same emotional loops Why avoidance and over-identification both prevent forward movement How the body continues to respond to unresolved experiences Questions you can begin asking yourself to create a different path If you have ever felt like something from your past is still shaping how you think, feel, or respond, this episode offers a different way to understand what may be happening. Work with the Modern Holistic Health team: https://modernholistichealth.com/appointment/ Learn more about Modern Holistic Health: https://modernholistichealth.com Explore the full TribeTalk podcast archive: https://modernholistichealth.com/podcasts Listen now and consider what moving forward could look like for you.

Ernest Ellender, a trauma-informed life coach, discusses the transition from psychology to life coaching, the impact of insurance on practice, the importance of childhood skills, parenting and trauma-informed coaching, top questions in life coaching, the behavioral and emotional triangle, a rule-based approach to healing, natural consequences in parenting, defining success in parenting, and book availability and contact information.TakeawaysTrauma-informed life coachingNatural consequences in parentingChapters00:00 Introduction to Ernest Ellender06:06 The Impact of Insurance on Practice11:55 Parenting and Trauma-Informed Coaching17:57 Behavioral and Emotional Triangle24:05 Natural Consequences in Parenting29:58 Book Availability and Contact Information

 Summary Explore the fascinating world of quantum biology, the impact of light and water on health, and how reconnecting with nature can enhance well-being. Jackie Jolie shares insights on how modern life disconnects us from natural energy sources and offers practical tips to optimize health through light, water, and magnetism. Guest links Instagram Website Chapters 00:00 The Cancer Mystery: Why Horses Are Different 03:46 Understanding Quantum Biology: The Unseen Forces 06:41 The Energy Connection: Humans as Biological Batteries 09:41 The Role of Light in Health: More Than Just Vitamin D 13:26 Sunlight and Hormones: The Hidden Benefits 16:17 The Myths of Sun Exposure: Debunking Common Misconceptions 19:17 Navigating Winter: Biohacking for Vitamin D Deficiency 29:34 The Impact of Misleading Health Studies 33:25 Understanding Water Quality and Its Importance 38:13 The Role of Light in Health and Recovery 46:23 Exploring Consciousness and the Pineal Gland 51:14 Animal Behavior and Environmental Influences 57:37 Introduction to Mission 22 and Resiliency Podcast 57:38 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth Initiatives   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Social anxiety is often framed as shyness, insecurity, or fear of judgment. But for many people living with complex trauma, social anxiety is a nervous system output shaped by chronic relational stress, sensory overwhelm, hypervigilance, masking, shame, and learned survival patterns.  In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof explore how complex trauma changes social engagement, why connection can feel exhausting, the role of the inner critic and toxic shame, sensory processing, nervous system overload, people pleasing, social fatigue, masking, emotional suppression, and post-traumatic growth.  We discuss why awareness alone does not create change, how nervous system rehabilitation supports healing, and what becomes possible when safety, capacity, and authentic expression begin to grow. If social situations leave you drained, overthinking, scanning for danger, withdrawing, overperforming, or feeling exhausted afterward, this conversation offers a new lens for understanding why. Chapters 0:00 - Social Anxiety as a Full Nervous System Output 0:36 - Welcome: Social Anxiety Through the Lens of Complex Trauma 1:30 - Elisabeth: Why She Never Identified as Having Social Anxiety 2:46 - The Post-Social Binge, the Crash, and What the Outputs Were Saying 4:03 - Jennifer: How Alcohol, Food, and Cannabis Got Her Through Social Situations 5:33 - Scanning the Room, Monitoring Everyone, and Masking It All 7:25 - What Shifting Capacity Actually Looked Like at a Recent Social Event 9:09 - Discernment vs Avoidance: Knowing Your Real Capacity 12:17 - The Neuroscience: Social Anxiety as a Protective Output 13:41 - How the Output Becomes the Input: The Spiral Loop 14:07 - Fight, Flight, Fawn, Freeze in Social Settings 16:07 - Why Masking Is Metabolically Costly 17:29 - How the Inner Critic and Toxic Shame Compound Social Anxiety 21:43 - Sensory Mismatch, Sensory Overwhelm, and Why They Drive Social Anxiety 24:39 - Why Social Environments Are Especially Demanding Sensory Spaces 26:43 - HPA Axis Dysregulation and Chronic Relational Stress 32:12 - Tired but Wired: What It Is and Why It Happens 35:28 - Post-Traumatic Growth and Increasing Relational Range 38:22 - Introvert or Trauma Response? An Important Distinction 40:31 - Micro Exposures, Recalibration, and Growth That Does Not Erase Sensitivity 41:00 - Human Design, Boundaries, and Knowing What Is Yours 43:09 - Neurodivergence, Neuro Abundance, and Social Overwhelm 43:29 - Authenticity, Expression, and Feeling Safe in Your Own Body First   Ways to Engage with Neurosomatics    Join us inside Rewire: This is where you actually experience the practices Jennifer and Elisabeth talk about on the podcast that brought us freedom, self-attunement, a new relationship with food and our body.  rewiretrial.com   Explore the neurosomatics of boundaries: boundaryrewire.com   Introduction to neurosomatics for practitioners, coaches and therapists - The NSI foundations Bundle: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/workshops/   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence: https://stan.store/illuminated   Join Jennifer on Sacred Synapse to explore the intersection of neurosomatics and Psychedelic neuroscience: https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:  FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired   Resources and Links NSI Foundations Bundle for coaches and practitioners: neurosomaticintelligence.com/foundations Two week Rewire Trial of guided neuro somatic training: rewiretrial.com Learn more about Elisabeth's work at brainbased.com Learn more about Jennifer's work at her YouTube channel: Sacred Synapse https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23 Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.  We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.  We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.  We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.  Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.  We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com  All rights in our content are reserved  

Summary Chad Spivack shares his journey from military service to writing a novel addressing mental health, purpose, and transition challenges faced by veterans. Discover insights on finding purpose, the importance of authentic connection, and strategies for mental resilience. Guest Links Linkedin Now What? - On Amazon Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Writing 'Now What?' 10:05 Understanding Mental Health in the Military 18:24 The Purpose Void After Service 24:19 Transitioning Out of the Military 28:12 The Importance of Being Seen 29:33 The Impact of Leadership on Personal Growth 30:25 Personal Experiences with Empathetic Leadership 32:51 The Balance Between Military and Family Life 33:45 Finding Mindfulness and Hobbies for Transition 36:28 The Importance of Healthy Escapes 38:34 The Creative Process and Its Benefits 40:33 Navigating Distractions in Modern Life 43:35 Understanding the Need for Information 45:43 The Importance of Self-Compassion 54:47 Embracing Imperfection and Community Support 56:19 Introduction to Mission 22 and Resiliency Podcast 56:21 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth Initiatives   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Summary Dr. Scheeringa critically examines popular trauma narratives, exploring the scientific validity of concepts like ACEs, complex PTSD, and the impact of trauma on the brain. He discusses the influence of ideology, the complexity of genetics, and the importance of personal agency in understanding trauma and mental health. Guest Links Michael Scheering's Website Youtube X Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Dr. Scheeringa's research focus 02:34 The origins of trauma research and misconceptions 04:01 What does 'brain damage' from trauma really mean? 07:20 The influence of ideology and funding in trauma science 09:38 Symptoms versus human development: what trauma does and doesn't do 12:10 Genetics vs. environment in mental health 15:17 The complexity of genetic research in PTSD and depression 19:35 Concept creep and the broadening of trauma definitions 21:43 The importance of prospective studies in trauma research 24:13 Why some people develop PTSD and others don't 26:29 Current state of genetic research in trauma resilience 29:46 Inflammation, metabolism, and trauma: emerging hypotheses 33:19 The epistemology of trauma science and the role of worldview 36:44 Recalibration and growth after trauma 38:29 The cultural and political influence on trauma narratives 42:05 The importance of personal agency and choice 44:10 The political landscape of trauma policy 47:05 Harm caused by trauma policies and narratives 50:16 The role of genetics in individual differences in trauma response 52:54 The paradox of certainty and human resilience 53:59 Closing remarks and resources     To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Kintsugi: riparare con l'oro lasciando visibili le crepe. L'immagine è potente, ma cambia sapore quando il vaso sei tu: mentre l'“oro” deve ancora arrivare, ti senti solo rotto, senza fiato e con il corpo che pretende lentezza. Dopo l'incidente in moto del 25 aprile, la mortalità smette di essere un'idea astratta e diventa qualcosa di concreto, misurabile, appoggiato sull'asfalto e sulle costole.Tra terapia intensiva e degenza al Niguarda di Milano, emergono due livelli di analisi: quello clinico-organizzativo (il modello trauma center a regia chirurgica, capace di coordinare specialità e ridurre i tempi decisionali) e quello cognitivo. La Construal Level Theory (Trope e Liberman) spiega perché i progetti “un giorno” si tengono lontani e astratti, finché un evento vicino li rende immediati. E il Post-Traumatic Growth chiarisce perché, dopo un trauma serio, la ricerca di senso diventa prevedibile, quasi fisiologica.Rallentare non come resa ma come strategia: andare piano per tornare lontano. E un ringraziamento che diventa anche un fatto politico: il trauma team esiste perché esiste la sanità pubblica, quella rete che ti prende quando cadi.00:00 Kintsugi e crepe visibili02:16 Incidente del 25 aprile02:52 Bilancio clinico e interventi04:50 Il Trauma Team del Niguarda06:42 Mortalità: da astratto a concreto07:15 Construal Level Theory e priorità08:38 Recupero, limiti e rallentare12:54 Post-Traumatic Growth e senso#kintsugi #trauma #sanitàpubblica #psicologiacognitiva

Everyone has a critical inner voice. But if you grew up in an environment shaped by chronic relational stress, that voice does not just comment. It runs. It loops. It drives your body into a stress state before you have even finished the thought. In this episode, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof explore the inner critic as the next distinguishing characteristic of complex trauma in their ongoing CPT series. This is not a conversation about toxic positivity or affirmations. It is a precise, neuroscience-grounded look at why the inner critic develops, what it is actually doing in the brain and nervous system, and what it genuinely takes to loosen its grip over time. The inner critic is a predictive safety mechanism. It developed to preempt rejection, suppress behaviors that previously led to punishment, and maintain attachment in environments where connection felt conditional. It is not your core self. It is a learned neural pattern rooted in threat detection and self-referential processing that, once formed, keeps running because it worked. Or at least, it worked enough. Jennifer and Elisabeth trace how chronic relational stress reorganizes the default mode network around threat rather than flexible identity development, what the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex have to do with rumination and shame-based identity loops, and why children with developmental trauma learn to blame themselves for relational failures that were never their fault in the first place. They also go deep on the outward expression of the same pattern: the external critic, the person who micromanages, projects, and stays braced and guarded because the nervous system is still predicting the letdown. Both hosts bring this into their own lived experience with real honesty. Elisabeth talks about the constant body-focused narrator that used to run during recording sessions. Jennifer shares what the inner critic sounds like when she is launching something new and putting her voice out into the world. Neither of them is pretending it is gone. They are showing what it looks like when it no longer runs the show. The episode closes with practical, nervous system-grounded pathways for working with the inner critic, including why celebration and reward matter more than positive thinking, how oxytocin-mediated safety gradually quiets social threat monitoring, and why the most important move is not arguing with the voice but interrupting the loop at the body level first. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why the inner critic is a predictive nervous system adaptation, not a reflection of truth or identity How chronic relational stress reorganizes the default mode network around threat and self-monitoring What the medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex have to do with rumination and the inner critic Why children with developmental trauma internalize relational failures as personal flaws How perfectionism, body criticism, and post-performance crashes are all outputs of the same underlying pattern What the external critic is, why it always coexists with a loud inner critic, and how to recognize it in yourself Why you cannot think your way out of the inner critic loop and what actually interrupts it How the ventral striatum and reward signaling can be used to reinforce new behaviors and self-expression Why oxytocin-mediated safety, through connection, touch, nature, and sensory pleasure, reduces the social threat driving the critic What post-traumatic growth actually looks like in relation to the inner critic: not eliminating it, but expanding capacity beyond it Chapter Markers 0:00 - The Inner Critic as a Distinguishing Characteristic of Complex Trauma 0:58 - Welcome: What the Inner Critic Actually Is 1:49 - Jennifer and Elisabeth Share Their Own Inner Critic Experiences 4:36 - Why This Matters: Recognizing Complex Trauma in the Patterns 5:33 - The Difference Between a Normal Inner Critic and a Trauma-Amplified One 7:11 - The Neuro Biology: How the Inner Critic Develops as a Protective Pattern 8:28 - How Authenticity Becomes a Threat Signal 10:38 - The Default Mode Network and Self-Referential Rumination 13:52 - What the Growth Edge Actually Feels Like in Practice 17:05 - The Brain Science: The Default Mode Network, Medial PFC, and Posterior Cingulate 19:22 - Why Developmental Trauma Teaches Children to Blame Themselves 21:10 - How to Interrupt the Loop: Sensory Anchoring, Movement, and Tools 23:18 - Working With State to Shift the Story 24:51 - Perfectionism as an Output of the Inner Critic 28:11 - Why We Stay Stuck in the Loop Even When We Know Better 29:12 - The Ventral Striatum, Reward Signaling, and Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters 35:57 - Oxytocin, Social Safety, and Softening the Hypervigilance 39:49 - The External Critic: When the Inner Voice Gets Projected Outward 43:03 - Post-Traumatic Growth and the Inner Critic: What Actually Changes Ways to Engage with Neurosomatics    Join us inside Rewire: This is where you actually experience the practices Jennifer and Elisabeth talk about on the podcast that brought us freedom, self-attunement, a new relationship with food and our body.  rewiretrial.com   Explore the neurosomatics of boundaries: boundaryrewire.com   Introduction to neurosomatics for practitioners, coaches and therapists - The NSI foundations Bundle: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/workshops/   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence: https://stan.store/illuminated   Join Jennifer on Sacred Synapse to explore the intersection of neurosomatics and Psychedelic neuroscience: https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23   Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:  FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.  We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.  We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.  We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.  Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.  We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com  All rights in our content are reserved  

Overloaded nervous systems are not a sign of laziness. In this episode of The Vibe With Ky Podcast, Ky explores true post-traumatic growth.This season is sponsored by Sucreabeille. Check out the signature fragrance collab here:https://sucreabeille.com/products/why-did-i-walk-into-this-roomKy sits down with fashion model and therapist Monisha Holmes to discuss the physical toll of chronic stress and CPTSD. They discuss how to stop fighting your own biology and start using everyday tension to build a healthier, more accountable life. Listeners will learn actionable ways to check their emotional capacity instead of running themselves into the ground.The biological differences between surviving PTSD and actual post-traumatic growth.How to use metacognition to stop toxic overthinking loops.Breaking the cycle of hustle culture and emotional suppression to find lasting peace.Guest Website: https://www.monishaholmes.com/Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monishaholmesGuest Articles: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/author/429532/monisha-holmes/Join The Vibe With Ky: https://thevibewithky.comMental Health Hub: https://thevibewithky.com/mental-health-resources-hubInstagram: https://instagram.com/thevibewithkyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thevibewithkyFacebook Subscriber Hub: https://www.facebook.com/thevibewithky/subscribe/Disclaimer: I am not a licensed mental health professional. Please seek professional help if needed.

What happens when we stop treating suffering as a fixed identity and start relating to it as a changeable state?In this conversation, Amy Wheeler is joined by Colleen Millen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and yoga therapist who works at the intersection of somatic psychotherapy, nervous system regulation, and post-traumatic growth. Colleen shares how “healing happens in present time,” why choice and consent are foundational to real change, and how small, repeatable practices can reshape patterns that once felt permanent.Together, they explore neuroplasticity in everyday language (“neurons that fire together wire together”), how somatic tracking restores access to the prefrontal cortex when stress responses take over, and why therapy and yoga therapy can be most effective when they are collaborative—rooted in agency, curiosity, and what is life-affirming for the individual. In This Episode, You'll HearWhy post-traumatic growth can be a more empowering framework than only focusing on post-traumatic stressHow agency and consent orient the healing process (“Do you even want to rewire this?”)A practical, listener-friendly explanation of Dan Siegel's “hand model of the brain” and what it means to “keep the lid on”How somatic approaches support regulation when words aren't accessibleWhy short-term coping practices can lead to long-term changeWhat it looks like to track psychobiological shifts in real time and “stay with” the moment of the changeA grounded reframe: depression or anxiety can feel like a trait—until, over time, it becomes “a jacket that doesn't fit anymore”How yoga philosophy (including kriyā yoga and bhāvanā/intentionality) can support behavior change without forcing a one-size-fits-all approachThe role of telehealth in expanding access—especially for postpartum clients and busy householders Key Moments (listener roadmap)Colleen's path: journalist → yoga teacher (since 1999) → LMFT journey (began 2009; licensed 2018)Why “post-traumatic growth” matters: hope, agency, and the possibility of a new relationship to sufferingSomatic psychotherapy basics: how stress shows up through the body (breath, belly, skin, heart rate)Window of tolerance + polyvagal orientation: getting a “map” for the nervous systemDan Siegel's hand model: a clear explanation for both audio and YouTube listenersNeuroplasticity in daily life: how intention + repetition + small practices reshape what's possiblePresent-time stabilization: why you don't always need to “go into the past” to healRepetition and practice: why the micro-moments matter—and how real change accrues over time Practical Takeaways (gentle, doable)Name the moment: “Something just happened.”Anchor in the body: feel your feet, notice your breath, sense support from the chair.Choose one tiny action you can repeat (a short walk, a grounding pause, a few breaths, a hand on the heart).Track the shift: What changes in your breath, pace, sensation, or clarity when you slow down?Repeat: consistency is what makes the new pathway more available under stress. About Colleen Millen (LMFT-CA)Colleen Millen is a somatic psychotherapist and yoga therapist who supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, and the desire for post-traumatic growth. Her work emphasizes nervous system education, present-time stabilization, and collaborative inquiry that honors choice, pace, and lived experience. She currently offers telehealth and hybrid services in California. Resources MentionedNARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) — inquiry, agency, and what you want for yourselfPolyvagal Theory — understanding states and regulationWindow of Tolerance — a framework for tracking arousal and capacityDan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain — “flipping the lid,” cortex/offline vs. online regulation supportInterpersonal Neurobiology / Mindsight (Dan Siegel) Connect with Colleen (California)Positive Counseling & Psychology: PositiveCounselingPsychology.comRula: Rula.com

In this episode, Cornelius Edison shares his inspiring journey of navigating life's shifts—from running a half marathon untrained to transitioning out of professional football—highlighting the importance of resilience, faith, and systemic impact beyond the game. Guest Links Cornelius Edison - LinkedIn Mission 22 - Official Website The Art of Hustle Podcast Instagram   Main Topics:   The mental and physical lessons learned from running a half marathon with minimal training How humility and community shape the coaching journey and personal growth Transitioning from NFL athlete to community builder and systemic thinker The role of faith, discipline, and purpose in overcoming life's setbacks Building long-lasting systems that outlive individual effort and foster legacy The importance of a beginner's mindset, vulnerability, and humility in reinvention Balancing intensity and grace within leadership, parenting, and community service Practical strategies for NFL players and athletes to retool their identity and emotional intelligence The significance of systems, routines, and continuous improvement over fleeting motivation Timestamps:   00:00 - Introduction: Navigating life's major transitions with resilience 00:28 - Cornelius shares his experience running the Bend Half Marathon 00:55 - Coaching others through mental barriers and humility 01:23 - The diverse community within his gym and the power of shared effort 02:22 - Patterns and similarities among gym members and why community is vital 03:21 - The process of self-discovery through hard challenges and seasons of life 04:43 - From childhood to NFL, the sacrifices, and joyful suffering 05:11 - Rebuilding identity post-football and the importance of faith 06:23 - Motivation versus discipline, and the reconfiguration of purpose over time 06:52 - The necessity of systems and long-term planning for sustainability 07:50 - Lessons from endurance challenges and pushing through discomfort 08:18 - The importance of testing your reservoirs to discover inner strength 08:48 - Post-career struggles, resilience, and turning adversity into impact 09:18 - Managing personal and professional setbacks: pivoting and re-strategizing 10:16 - Building systems that outlast individual effort and foster legacy 11:06 - The role of creative thinking and adaptability in professional reinvention 11:34 - Recreating oneself at any stage, especially after sports or military service 12:03 - Advocating for purpose-driven, intentional living and connecting with authentic self 12:33 - Learning from failures and engineering success through mentorship and humility 13:02 - The importance of a beginner's mind to stay humble and open to growth 13:29 - The value of slowing down, reflective practice, and intentionality 14:56 - Developing emotional intelligence post-career and managing new challenges 15:25 - The power of tracking emotions and seeking mentorship for continued growth 16:07 - The challenge of taking the first step into new arenas and retooling identity 17:03 - The significance of connecting with community and the role of vulnerability 17:32 - Lessons from sports about handling wins and losses, and building team cohesion 19:00 - The paradox of winning and losing: learning and growth through both 19:27 - Understanding the balance of positive and negative interactions in relationships 20:26 - Reflection on a pivotal loss and its role in deepening bonds and growth 22:52 - Comparing sports seasons to life lessons about belief, perseverance, and grace 24:14 - The importance of purpose, belief, and managing expectations in life and sports 24:55 - How discipline outperforms motivation and creates sustainable habits 25:32 - The evolution of motivation into obsession, driven by purpose and discipline 26:28 - Turning motivation into ingrained habits and the role of “action” in results 28:22 - The significance of systems over emotions for consistent performance 28:50 - The power of action, intensity, and execution in achieving success 29:19 - Building supportive, flexible systems that nourish community and sustain effort 29:49 - The balance of intensity and grace in leadership and parenting 31:26 - The integration of tough love and tenderness—lessons from notable figures like Gordon Ramsay 32:19 - Differentiating between tough love and bullying in leadership styles 33:18 - The importance of grace, boundaries, and adaptive parenting 34:14 - Nurturing conversations and real community connection in a digital age 36:12 - Teaching kids the value of sitting with themselves and embracing imperfection 37:39 - The power of intentionality in cultivating purpose and legacy 38:07 - The critical role of community, mentorship, and ongoing influence in youth development 39:39 - The importance of timeless principles and the dangers of distraction 40:07 - Recognizing one's unique purpose and the influence of internal calling 41:01 - Learning to filter information and focus on impactful work 42:12 - The need to reduce noise, verity, and over-focus on problems to create effective solutions 43:13 - Developing systemic solutions to community issues and small-scale problems 44:41 - Education, delay of gratification, and the importance of incremental development 45:41 - Transitioning from grand visions to small, meaningful actions with big impact 46:40 - Moving at the right pace: understanding the different speeds of public and private sectors 47:39 - Creating sustainable systems that withstand change and adversity 48:21 - Building legacy through systemic design and team empowerment 49:28 - The joy of seeing systems and people grow and thrive beyond individual effort 51:22 - The importance of resilient systems, day-tight compartments, and managing life's punctures 52:19 - Connecting with the community and sharing ongoing journey   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Discover how environment, nutrition, and modern biohacks can amplify your resilience and health span. In this episode, Marcus Ferris chats with biohacker and health strategist Philip Lavasser about the science and philosophy behind optimizing human biology in a modern world. Resources & Links: Biohacking Techniques and Tools Quantum Biology Overview The Sacred Cow by Robb Wolf Biggest Little Farm Documentary Michael Pollan's Food Research Connect with Philip Lavasser: Website and Newsletter Instagram Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest  00:15 - Exploring the cathedral effect and environment's role in cognition  00:45 - Rethinking traditional health strategies through biohacking  01:01 - The impact of room size and lighting on focus and creativity  02:11 - Moments that shifted perspectives on health and longevity  02:27 - The unconventional tools improving performance and efficiency  03:23 - The influence of structured water and quantum biology on health  04:25 - Understanding ownership of health versus outsourcing to systems  04:52 - Tools and data empowering self-care and early intervention  05:22 - The importance of individual variability in health and nutrition  06:58 - How cravings can indicate nutrient needs and body wisdom  07:51 - The potential limitations of infrared sauna and red light therapy  09:07 - The significance of seasonality, regional eating, and understanding local food systems  10:53 - The importance of intuitive regulation over reliance on devices  12:17 - Balancing health optimization with mental well-being  13:04 - Avoiding dogmatism and embracing adaptable health principles  14:47 - The dangers of overcomplicating health practices and the value of subtraction  15:26 - The impact of environmental toxins like glyphosate on cellular communication  17:12 - Learning from nature and historical practices about food and health  18:37 - The concept of food as information and its influence on biology  19:47 - Quantum biology and the role of light, water, and electromagnetism in health  20:58 - The significance of light in food and circadian biology  22:24 - Challenges around structured water and water structuring techniques  23:48 - Exploring old and new paradigms in medicine and healing  25:14 - Systems thinking in ecology and agriculture as a blueprint for health interventions  26:44 - Practical advice for staying resilient amidst modern environmental and health challenges  27:04 - Resources, newsletters, and community engagement with Philip Lavasser To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

You could not think your way out of the pattern. That is not a failure of insight. That is the nature of complex trauma. In this episode, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof return to one of the most resonant threads in Trauma Rewired's history: complex post-traumatic stress. Several years ago they recorded a series on CPT that changed how thousands of listeners understood themselves. This is the revision. Not a replacement of what came before, but a deepening, one shaped by advances in trauma research, neuroscience, and by the hosts' own continued growth. The reframe at the center of this episode is one that matters: complex trauma is not a disorder. It is not something wrong with you. It is a predictive nervous system pattern, an intelligent set of adaptations shaped by prolonged relational stress, often beginning in childhood, that made complete sense in the environment they were formed in. The question is not what is wrong with you. The question is what did your nervous system learn and how can it learn something new? Elisabeth and Jennifer trace the history of CPT as a clinical concept, from Judith Hermann's early naming of what PTSD could not capture, through Pete Walker's lived experience framework, into the current neuroscience of predictive patterning, interoception, and the body as the site of both the wound and the healing. They explain why complex trauma has no single memory to point to, why it often lives in sensation and state rather than narrative, and why that means healing looks different here than it does for single-event trauma. The episode also goes deep on something that does not get named enough in healing spaces: the trap of the healing vortex. The way that understanding complex trauma can become its own form of nervous system activation, another thing to fix, another layer to excavate, another reason the system cannot rest. Real growth, they argue, requires repetition and safety and time, but it also requires rest, play, and the gradual experience of being okay in the present moment without urgency. This episode opens the new CPT series and previews what is coming: the inner critic, toxic shame, social anxiety, emotional flashbacks, and self-abandonment, each explored not as pathology but as nervous system strategies that once served a purpose and can now be worked with differently. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why complex trauma is better understood as a predictive nervous system pattern than a disorder The difference between CPT and PTSD and why that distinction matters for healing Why there is often no single memory in complex trauma, and why the experience lives in the body instead How interoception becomes disrupted in the context of chronic relational stress Why the nervous system seeks familiar environments, even harmful ones, and how that perpetuates the cycle How systemic and cultural trauma shapes the nervous system in the same way interpersonal trauma does What neuroplasticity actually requires: repetition, safety, and time, not insight alone Why pushing too hard into somatic work can backfire, and what pacing actually looks like How the healing vortex keeps people stuck and what stepping out of it makes possible What observer capacity is, why it is one of the most important markers of growth, and how it develops A preview of the five distinguishing characteristics of CPT that will be explored throughout the series     Chapter Markers 0:00 - CPT Shows Up Most Clearly in Relationships 1:13 - Welcome: Revisiting the Complex Trauma Series 2:04 - Why We Are Updating This Framework Now 4:25 - What Complex Trauma Is and Where the Term Came From 6:19 - Judith Hermann, Pete Walker, and Why This Language Matters 7:15 - Why We Use CPT Instead of CPTSD 8:07 - The Distinguishing Patterns: How Complex Trauma Shows Up 10:16 - DSM vs ICD-11: The Diagnosis Question 11:38 - CPT vs PTSD: Different Patterns, Different Healing 13:08 - When There Is No Memory: Implicit Patterning and the Developing Brain 15:20 - CPT as a Predictive Nervous System Pattern 17:09 - The Five Distinguishing Characteristics of CPT 18:07 - Trauma Lives in the Body, Not Just the Story 20:56 - Complex Trauma Is Fundamentally Relational 22:21 - Re-Patterning Secure Attachment Through Somatics 26:35 - Embodied Presence as the Foundation 29:55 - Systemic and Cultural Trauma: This Is Not Only Individual 34:24 - Pacing, Rest, and the Healing Vortex 37:24 - The Role of Play and Pleasure in Nervous System Re-Patterning 41:18 - Building Observer Capacity: The Shift From This Is Who I Am to This Is Happening in Me 43:22 - What Is Coming in the Rest of the CPT Series   Resources and Links NSI Foundations Bundle for coaches and practitioners: neurosomaticintelligence.com/foundations Two week Rewire Trial of guided neuro somatic training: rewiretrial.com Learn more about Elisabeth's work at brainbased.com Learn more about Jennifer's work at her YouTube channel: Sacred Synapse https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23 Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.  We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.  We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.  We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.  Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.  We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com  All rights in our content are reserved  

In this episode, Dr. Nicole LePera discusses her book on how to reparenting your inner child can transform your life heal old wounds. She explores how childhood experiences create implicit emotional memories that shape adult behaviors and nervous system responses. Dr. Nicole also introduces her Individual Development Model, covering five developmental spheres, and explains how “parenting yourself” means becoming your own nurturing caregiver. The conversation addresses shame, resilience, and why change feels uncomfortable before it feels better, emphasizing that small, consistent actions build self-trust and create lasting transformation. Exciting News!! My new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, is now available!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Key Takeaways: The concept of the inner child and its impact on adult behavior. The psychological and biological basis of childhood adaptations. Implicit emotional memories and their influence on current behaviors. The Individual Development Model and its five spheres of development. The process of “parenting the inner child” and its practical applications. The role of shame in personal identity and its development. Strategies for breaking the shame cycle and fostering self-compassion. The importance of small, consistent actions in personal change and healing. The definition of resilience as the ability to process emotions and adapt to life's challenges. For full show notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Dr. Nicole LePera:  Website | Instagram | LinkedInIf you enjoyed this conversation with Nicole LePera, check out these other episodes: Internal Family Systems with Richard Schwartz How to Find Your Path to Healing and Post-Traumatic Growth with Ralph De La Rosa By purchasing products and/or services from our sponsors, you are helping to support The One You Feed, and we greatly appreciate it. Thank you! This episode is sponsored by: Alma has a directory of 20,000 therapists with different specialities, life experiences, and identities, and 99% of them take insurance. Visit helloalma.com to learn more! Brodo Broth: Shop the best broth on the planet with Brodo.  Head to Brodo.com/TOYF for 20% off your first subscription order and use code TOYF for an additional $10 off. Quince: Refresh your wardrobe with Quince by going to Quince.com/feed for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at rocketmoney.com/feed. Pebl – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at hipebl.ai Hello Fresh – Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. David Protein bars deliver up to 28g of protein for just 150 calories—without sacrificing taste! For a limited time, our listeners can receive this special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to www.davidprotein.com/FEED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this special episode of The Resiliency Podcast, Marcus steps onto The Modern Man Podcast with host Ted Phaeton for a powerful conversation on suffering, purpose, and what it truly means to be a resilient man. Ted and Marcus dive into the idea that suffering isn't something to avoid—but something to move toward with intention. Drawing from Marcus's experience as a veteran, endurance athlete, and advocate with Mission 22, the conversation explores how pain, adversity, and challenge can become the very tools that shape identity and unlock purpose. They unpack the modern struggle many men face—feeling disconnected, chasing validation, and lacking meaningful community—and offer a different path: one rooted in service, connection, and honest self-examination. This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they approach hardship—and invites them to step into a life built on resilience, not avoidance. Guest Links Podcast: The Modern Man Podcast Website: https://themodernmanpodcast.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/tedphaeton Chapters 00:00 – Intro & setting the stage01:30 – Why Marcus chooses suffering on purpose04:00 – The connection between endurance and mental resilience07:15 – Life after the military: losing structure & identity11:00 – Why men today feel disconnected15:20 – The danger of chasing validation18:45 – Suffering as a pathway to purpose22:30 – How physical challenges translate to mental growth26:10 – Building resilience through intentional discomfort30:00 – The importance of brotherhood and community34:20 – From isolation to connection38:00 – Service as the foundation of meaning42:15 – Advice for men feeling stuck46:00 – Final reflections and takeaways To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

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Gary Hess is the founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), CEO of Teleleaf, and Founder of, Warrior Tribe Assembly – organizations he founded to help destigmatize and provide access to medical cannabis.Gary served in the Marine Corps for 11 years, both enlisted and as an Infantry Officer. After serving during the heaviest levels of fighting in Irag, Gary experienced the challenges of living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and pharmaceutical dependency first-hand. He used cannabis not only to manage his conditions safely on his path to recovery, but also to catalyze and expedite Post-Traumatic Growth. He is now an advocate and activist for the use of medical cannabis in post-traumatic recovery – both for veterans and trauma survivors.

בפרק מיוחד, עמוק ומרגש שיוצא ממש לקראת יום הזיכרון 2026, יום העצמאות והמעבר החד שביניהם, כשאנחנו עדיין בשיאה של מלחמה במדינת ישראל - עם או ללא הפסקת אש, אני מארחת את חגי רזניק. חגי הוא יו"ר הקרן לחיילים משוחררים במשרד הביטחון, ראש מכון ריפמן לפיתוח הנגב, לשעבר מנכ"ל משרד הבינוי והשיכון, וגם סופר. אבל מעבר לטייטלים המרשימים, חגי הוא יזם בנשמתו. המסע שלו מוכיח שיזמות היא לא רק הקמת סטארט-אפים בהייטק; יזמות היא DNA. היא היכולת לבנות מציאות יש מאין, לקחת כאב וקושי ולהתמיר אותם ליצירה ולמשמעות. השיחה שלנו נעה בין המסע האישי שלו לבין השליחות הלאומית שהוא מוביל היום עם דור הלוחמים שחוזר הביתה. ילד החוץ: שלושת מעגלי הצמיחה הסיפור של חגי מתחיל בילדות מורכבת בירושלים, בבית בסיכון, שממנו הוצא בצו בית משפט בגיל 12 ונשלח לקיבוץ רביבים שבנגב. מתוך קבוצה של 20 ילדי חוץ, הוא היה היחיד שנשאר (ולימים גם ניהל את הקיבוץ). חגי מתאר בצורה מופלאה שלושה "מעגלי צמיחה" שאפשרו לו לשרוד ולגדול, והם למעשה אבני היסוד של כל יזם: התשוקה לשייכות: חגי מספר איך בסופי שבוע, כשכולם היו עוזבים את הקיבוץ, הוא היה מתגנב בחזרה כדי להישאר. הוא היה יושב בחדרו ומקשיב לקולות שעלו מחדר הילדים של ילדי הקיבוץ המקומיים, עם תשוקה בוערת להיות שייך אליהם. בלי הרצון הפנימי הזה – שום דבר לא קורה. מסוגלות (Self-Efficacy): דרך סיפור על מתנדב ברזילאי בשם פאולו ריקרדו, שנתן לו כילד לחתוך ברזלים ולנהוג בטרקטור, חגי מסביר כמה קריטי שיש מבוגר אחד שרואה אותך, מאמין בך, ונותן לך את התחושה שאתה מסוגל. גבולות כביטחון: מדריך שהציב לו אולטימטום לאחר שנכשל בלימודים גרם לו לפתח גבולות פנימיים ומשמעת – שריר הכרחי לכל מי שרוצה להצליח בסביבה של אי-ודאות. "תאמיני בעצמך יותר ממה שהסביבה מאמינה בך" באחת ההרצאות של חגי לנוער בסיכון, שאלה אותו ילדה בת תשע: "איך נהיים מנכ"ל כמוך?". התשובה שלו מקפלת בתוכה את המיינדסט היזמי כולו: להפסיק לחכות לאישורים חיצוניים. יזמים, בדיוק כמו חגי בצעירותו, חייבים להאמין בחזון שלהם ובעצמם, הרבה יותר ממה שהסביבה (או משקיעים, או השוק) מאמינה בהם בתחילת הדרך. זהו מנוע הצמיחה החזק ביותר. דור התקומה והצמיחה הפוסט-טראומטית בחלק שהוקדש לחיילים שלנו – שחוזרים מעזה, מלבנון, מהשטחים ומחודשים ארוכים של לחימה בסדיר ובמילואים – דיברנו על המציאות המורכבת של המשתחררים היום. נגענו בשבר העמוק, באובדן, בפצועי הגוף והנפש, אך גם במושג "צמיחה פוסט טראומטית" (Post-Traumatic Growth). החבר'ה האלה נגעו במוות, הצילו חיים, וניהלו משברים עצומים. הם חוזרים הביתה עם חיפוש אדיר למשמעות ורצון שלא לבזבז יותר זמן על מה שלא חשוב. חגי רואה בהם, ובצדק, את ההנהגה הבאה של מדינת ישראל – בהייטק, בכלכלה, בחינוך ובחברה. תפקידנו כאקוסיסטם הוא להיות שם בשבילם, להעניק להם כלים של יזמות ולאפשר להם לבנות את עתידם ועתידנו. הבדידות של היזם (לעומת כס המנכ"ל) נקודה מרתקת נוספת שעלתה בשיחה היא ההבדל בין להיות מנכ״ל או נושא תפקיד רשמי (ה״אורגן״) לבין להיות "פאונדר" (יזם). חגי משתף בכנות שבתפקידיו הממשלתיים כמנכ"ל משרד ממשלתי – העשייה אמנם היתה חשובה ומשפיעה, אבל הדרך סלולה והמערכת מחבקת. לעומת זאת, במכון ריפמן שהוא הקים מאפס כדי לייצר מדיניות והסדרה בנגב – הוא חווה את הבדידות המוכרת של היזם. הבדידות של מי שצריך לשכנע את העולם שמשהו חשוב, לייצר יש מאין, להילחם על כל צעד, ולהחזיק חזון שמעטים רואים בהתחלה. להחזיק את הדואליות סיימנו את השיחה במושג שכל כך מתאים לימים האלה במדינת ישראל: הדואליות. היכולת להרגיש שייך ועדיין להשאיר "רגל אחת בחוץ" כדי לשמור על צניעות וענווה. היכולת לכאוב עד עמקי הנשמה ביום הזיכרון, אבל למצוא את הכוח לחלום, לרקוד ולייצר חיים ביום העצמאות. לחגי יש דרך ייחודית לעבד את הדואליות ואת המסע המורכב שלו: כתיבה. חגי החל לכתוב בגיל 24, וכיום הכתיבה משמשת עבורו גם ככלי תרפויטי. לאורך השנים הוא כתב לא פחות מחמישה ספרים – שני רומנים, שני ספרי ילדים וקובץ שירה אחד – שעוסקים בפערים בחברה הישראלית, בילדים מרקע מורכב ובצמיחה מתוך שבר, ומזכירים לכולנו שיזמות היא מסע פנימי לא פחות מאשר חיצוני, ושהיא DNA שאינו שמור רק להייטק - אלא לכל מי שרוצה לחולל שינוי.

Summary In this insightful interview, Josh Bledsoe shares practical principles from Dale Carnegie's teachings that enhance leadership, communication, and stress management across military and civilian life. Discover how living in compartments, asking open-ended questions, and embracing vulnerability can transform your personal and professional relationships. Guest Links Instagram: Josh Bledsoe 85 Dale Carnegie Training Linkedin Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:22 Josh Bledsoe's Military and Civilian Roles 03:40 Challenges of Guard and Reserve Leadership 05:22 Stress Management and Living in Compartments 07:19 The Power of Resetting and Showing Up Positively 08:52 Human Nature and Timeless Principles 10:51 Modern Communication and Dale Carnegie's Relevance 12:58 Conciseness and Digital Communication Pitfalls 14:55 The Value of Face-to-Face Communication 17:26 Involving Others and Distributing Responsibility 20:28 Delegation, Trust, and Leadership 23:33 Creating Ownership and Buy-In 26:03 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience 32:13 Turning Pain into Growth 38:11 Listening Skills and Human Connection 44:32 Problem Solving and Framing the Right Questions 51:46 Overcoming Ego and Asking for Help 57:00 The Power of Asking for Help and Self-Improvement 01:01:34 Embracing Valleys and Peaks in Life 01:04:24 Authentic Connection in a Digital World 01:04:30 Where to Find Josh Bledsoe and Dale Carnegie Resources   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Summary: The podcast episode features a conversation between Marcus Farris, the post-traumatic growth director at Mission 22, and Adam Turner, host of the Dancing with Depression podcast. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of finding a new purpose, and the role of organizations like Mission 22 in supporting veterans and their families. The episode delves into the history of Mission 22, its programs, and the significance of the number 22 in its mission to reduce veteran suicide. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, coaching, and shared experiences in helping veterans heal and find new paths for their strengths. Guest Links: Dancing with Depression Podcast on Sportify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7tK5AiiuhHCbL87qJn6QFZ Dancing with Depression Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dancing-with-depression/id1756179752 Chapters: 00:54 - The origins of Mission 22 and its mission to eliminate veteran suicide 02:54 - The story behind Mission 22's start and early actions 12:14 - The unique mental health challenges veterans face after service 13:36 - The importance of reimagining warrior traits for new purpose 15:02 - The role of community and connection in veteran healing 16:08 - Misconceptions about veteran violence and the sheepdog analogy 18:16 - Overview of core programs like R & R and coaching support 20:11 - The ambassador and Apex Crew programs showcasing growth stories 21:29 - What a peer-led retreat looks like and its benefits 27:36 - Success stories: veterans who transformed through Mission 22 29:42 - The importance of understanding transition challenges, including family dynamics 33:46 - The powerful message: Asking for help is strength 34:42 - How support networks enable resilience and long-term recovery 36:41 - Reflection on veteran service as a welding of new purpose from discarded parts 37:11 - Understanding the environment shift from military to civilian life 38:09 - The ongoing mission of supporting their strengths in new arenas Resources & Links: Mission 22 Brene Brown's work on vulnerability Surrounding Support & Community Organizations YouTube: Veteran stories and documentaries To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Magnus Johnson is a former Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Mission 22, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic. He has spent his life studying what breaks men and what builds them, first on the battlefield, then in the long, often invisible struggle of coming home. After leaving the military, Johnson faced what so many veterans face: the disorienting work of rebuilding identity outside the uniform. That journey, through art, mindfulness, community, and faith, became the foundation for everything he has built. This includes Mission 22's Recovery + Resiliency program, designed to help veterans transform trauma into Post Traumatic Growth. Find out more about 'The Men we Make' here : http://www.magnusrjohnson.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Summary   In this insightful interview, firefighter Jason Villeggiante shares his journey into firefighting, the challenges of shift work, and innovative solutions for improving sleep and health through biohacking. Discover practical tips, emerging technologies, and the importance of mental and physical resilience in first responder careers.   Guest Links https://www.tacticalsleeprescue.com/about-us Chapters   00:00 The Journey into Firefighting 03:59 Current State of Firefighting 05:20 Challenges in Staffing and Management 08:09 Balancing Work and Home Life 11:03 Mental Health and Coping Strategies 14:10 The Importance of Disconnecting 17:09 Navigating the Chaos of First Responder Life 20:20 The Genesis of Tactical Sleep Rescue 24:39 The Impact of Sleep on First Responders 28:48 Scaling Sleep Solutions for First Responders 32:36 Biohacking for Better Sleep 37:11 Detox and Wellness in Firefighting 41:01 The Connection Between Sweat and Mental Health 43:08 Mind-Body Dichotomy in Mental Health 44:43 The Impact of Light on Mental Well-being 46:00 Integrating Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health 46:29 A Day in the Life of a Firefighter 49:48 The Importance of Safety Naps 51:07 Utilizing Technology for Better Rest 55:19 Overcoming Stigma in Health Practices   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

With a mix of pure motivational messaging and practical action you can start taking to deal with adversity, this week's episode of the Faculty Factory is a celebration of tenacity in the face of a tough time. We also feature some very important clips and snippets surrounding post-traumatic growth in this best of the Faculty Factory "greatest hits" episode. This "Best of the Faculty Factory" compilation episode features clips from three masterful episodes in the Faculty Factory archive. (If you're interested in hearing the full conversations, you can find the original episodes below.) Appearing in order are the episodes that were clipped for this podcast: What I Learned from the “Masters of Adversity” with George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, FACLP, FAPA: https://facultyfactory.org/masters-of-adversity/  New Roles, Change, and Post-Traumatic Growth with Wendy Ward, PhD, ABPP, FAPA, FNAP : https://facultyfactory.org/wendy-ward/  Vulnerability and Post-Traumatic Growth to Help Find Meaning in Medicine with Nicole Piemonte, PhD: https://facultyfactory.org/nicole-piemonte/  Although a lot of the conversation is shaped by a time of COVID (many of these interviews took place as we were still in the throes of the global pandemic, or emerging from it), there are gems of wisdom and storytelling throughout this broadcast that can help anyone looking to emerge from a challenging time. As Dr. Ward mentions, there are reasons to be hopeful, based on the post-traumatic growth literature, for many of us to emerge from a traumatic event as "better than baseline."

Cath is joined by psychotherapist and coach Kate Merrick. Cath and Kate talked about Kate's path to motherhood, her lineage, how her ancestors turned up to support her journey, personal power in the postpartum time, advocating for our children, medical herbalism and much more.Kate is a mother, an embodied gestalt psychotherapist, transformational coach and a home herbalist and she is dedicated to guiding women on their journey's of healing and transformation. Kate specialises in the holistic treatment of childhood developmental trauma, ancestral trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth, empowering womento reclaim their inner authority, their innate wisdom, their cyclical rhythm and to deepen into loving compassionate relationships with themselves.As well as working in one to one practice, Kate also runs women's circles that centre around psychological and spiritual growth work. In addition, she now runs Rushmead Farm, her “garden cauldron”, making organic therapeutic products from her Somerset herb garden; natural elixirs that support our minds, bodies and spirits.You can connect with Kate on Instagram below@the.embodiedwoman@rushmeadfarmWebsite: www.katemerrickpsychotherapy.co.ukIf you're enjoying this podcast. Please leave a review and rate the podcast, this really helps others to find it.To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.com or @cathcounihan on Instagram. Follow Cath on social media here:Instagram: @cathcounihanSubstack: Nurture.Heal.GrowFacebook: Cath Counihan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Summary   In this insightful interview, Paul Vanderklay explores the deep questions of meaning, faith, and the human condition, drawing from history, theology, and personal stories. Discover how ancient texts, religious traditions, and modern struggles intertwine to shape our understanding of purpose and connection. Guest links   Paul's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulVanderKlay Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 02:02 The Roots of the Meaning Crisis in Western Culture 03:52 Interpreting Ancient Texts for Modern Life 07:36 The Role of Tradition and the Church 11:18 Nostalgia and the Search for a Golden Age 15:12 Love, Trauma, and the Human Heart 18:59 The Paradox of Knowledge and Mystery 22:14 Constraints, Freedom, and Human Flourishing 25:40 The Power of Community and Connection 30:15 The Internet, Echo Chambers, and Authenticity 34:35 The Role of Ritual and Sacred Space 38:59 God's Sovereignty and Human Free Will 43:35 Living with Uncertainty and Trust in the Divine 46:55 The Importance of Relationships and Trust 52:11 The Value of Deep Community and Conversation 56:46 Balancing Knowledge, Mystery, and Faith 59:31 Closing Thoughts and Resources   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Therapy can happen spontaneously. Trauma can lead to understanding. We often help others better because we've had a similar experience. A wide-ranging discussion about education, government, the media, and morbid entertainment, along with a critique of social attitudes towards offenders.More on the Mendota Study

Summary   In this conversation, Dave Rossi and Marcus Farris explore the profound differences between power and force, particularly in the context of masculinity and emotional health. They discuss the confusion many men face today regarding their identities and motivations, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from anger-driven actions to sustainable, passion-driven living. Rossi shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting the significance of vulnerability, healing, and self-discovery. The discussion also touches on the archetypes of masculinity, the impact of societal expectations, and the necessity of clarity in understanding one's purpose in life. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace authenticity, recognize their core selves, and navigate the complexities of human existence with grace and awareness.   Guest Links https://daverossiglobal.com/ IG/TikTok: @daverossiglobal Alphas Die Early: https://a.co/d/07VgucaI   Chapters   00:00 Understanding Power vs. Force 02:40 The Confusion of Masculinity Today 03:52 Transitioning from Anger to Sustainable Motivation 06:25 Breaking Traditional Masculine Norms 06:55 The Evolution of Masculinity 09:30 The Persona and Its Consequences 12:30 Identifying the True Self 15:18 The Mind-Body Connection 17:34 The Role of Beliefs in Perception 19:17 Archetypes of Masculinity 22:23 The Omega Path: Authenticity Over Performance 24:41 Lessons from Personal Experience 27:46 From Achievement to Authentic Living 30:15 Coping vs. Healing 32:22 Finding Clarity in Healing 35:42 The Importance of Vulnerability 37:22 Navigating Emotional Expression 40:19 The Balance of Needs and Boundaries 42:00 Understanding Dependency vs. Codependency 44:37 The Inner Work of Self-Discovery 47:10 Rediscovering the Core Self 50:36 The Journey of Surrender 51:58 Purpose Beyond Vocation 54:56 The Power of Choice and Control 58:29 The Role of Clarity in Life 01:01:15 Living with Reverence for Life 01:02:49 The Complexity of Human Existence 01:04:59 The Paradox of Life and Death 01:07:12 The Importance of Emotional Regulation 01:09:46 The Nature of Betrayal 01:11:45 Transforming Pain into Growth 01:13:45 The Power of Perspective 01:16:16 Conclusion and Resources 01:18:34 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

In this episode, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof are joined in person by Dr. Lovey Bradley, NSI certified practitioner, BrainBased facilitator, and facilitator of the NSI BIPOC Affinity Group. Together they examine how racial stress and systemic oppression live in the body, how they shape nervous system patterns across generations, and what post-traumatic growth actually requires when the environment itself keeps activating survival. Dr. Lovey opens by sharing what brought her to this conversation, including a moment of messaging Elisabeth out of frustration, asking why race still has to be such a defining factor, and what it would take to start breaking those walls down. The answer they keep returning to: it starts with having the conversations. From there the episode moves into the physiology of racial stress, how chronic exposure to discrimination activates the HPA axis, elevates cortisol, suppresses progesterone, and drives the specific health disparities that show up disproportionately in melanated bodies, including fibroids, endometriosis, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic pain. Dr. Lovey names what she sees in the women she works with and connects those physical realities directly to suppressed expression, ancestral stress load, and the specific demands placed on bodies that have never had the systemic safety to soften. Elisabeth grounds the conversation in current research including the work of Resmaa Menakem on embodied racial trauma and Tema Okun's writing on white supremacy culture, which she connects directly to nervous system dysregulation rather than personality or ideology. The episode also traces how cultural conditioning normalizes threat-based behaviors like urgency, perfectionism, and emotional repression as efficiency or success, and what that means for everyone living inside those systems. Dr. Lovey also shares the story of how she accidentally created a healing community for melanated women after a single post went viral in a Facebook group, and what the response revealed about the collective hunger for real, unperformed connection. Topics Covered How racism functions as a chronic threat signal that reshapes the nervous system, not just belief or behavior What the HPA axis, cortisol, and progesterone have to do with racial stress and women's health outcomes How suppressed expression contributes to physical disease in melanated bodies What Resmaa Menakem's framework adds to neuro somatic approaches to racialized trauma Why white supremacy culture traits like urgency and perfectionism map directly onto chronic stress behaviors How the urgency to fix or regulate can itself become a form of bypassing in healing spaces What post-traumatic growth looks like at a collective level, not just an individual one Why witnessing state violence on social media is a genuine nervous system stressor, even for those not directly targeted How Dr. Levy's community for melanated women came to life and what it is building toward Chapter Markers 0:00 - Why This Conversation Had to Happen 01:57 - Welcome: Racial Trauma, the Nervous System, and Post-Traumatic Growth 07:25 - What Racial Stress Looks Like in the Body, for White and Melanated Bodies 10:44 - Post-Traumatic Growth at the Collective Level: What It Actually Requires 15:35 - The Danger of Regulating Out of Activation Before the Cycle Completes 18:09 - The Neuroscience: HPA Axis, Allostatic Load, and Chronic Racial Threat 24:27 - How Racial Stress Shows Up in Hormones, Cycles, and Women's Health 29:25 - Resmaa Menakem, White Supremacy Culture, and the Nervous System 38:42 - Dr. Levy's Community for Melanated Women and What It Is Building 41:35 - Witnessing Violence at Scale: What It Does to All Nervous Systems 49:11 - What This Work Has Made Possible: Dr. Levy on Choosing to Create a Different World 51:59 - Closing Reflection: What Post-Traumatic Growth Requires of Us Collectively Ways to Engage with Neurosomatics: Neurosomatic Intelligence is now enrolling : https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification Join us for a two week trial of neurosomatic practices at rewiretrial.com Free BrainBased neurosomatic workshop for entrepreneurs at rewirecapacity.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.  Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at https://www.boundaryrewire.com   Resources: Brave Heart, Maria Yellow Horse. "The Historical Trauma Response Among Natives and Its Relationship with Substance Abuse: A Lakota Illustration." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol. 35, no. 1, 2003, pp. 7–13. Brave Heart, Maria Yellow Horse, and Eduardo Duran. "Healing the Soul Wound: Counseling with American Indians and Other Native Peoples." Teachers College Press, 1995. DeGruy, Joy. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing. Joy DeGruy Publications Inc., 2005. Hobson, J. M., M. D. Moody, R. E. Sorge, and B. R. Goodin. "The Neurobiology of Social Stress Resulting from Racism." Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, vol. 17, no. 2, 2022, pp. 181–191. Hicken, Margaret T., et al. "Everyday Discrimination, Chronic Stress, and Cardiovascular Health." American Journal of Epidemiology, 2014. Geronimus, Arline T. "Weathering and the Health of African-American Women." Ethnicity & Disease, 2006. Menakem, Resmaa. My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. Central Recovery Press, 2017. Okun, Tema. "White Supremacy Culture." Dismantling Racism Works, originally published 1999, revised 2021. Williams, Monnica T. "Racial Trauma: Theory, Research, and Healing." American Psychologist, vol. 74, no. 1, 2019, pp. 33–42.  

Most people talk about resilience. Rachel Druckenmiller lived it. Six weeks into a global pandemic, while trying to save a brand-new business, Rachel was out for a run when she was literally hit by a Chevy Silverado. Two days later—with a spinal fracture and wearing a back brace—she was on Zoom teaching leaders how to find hope in uncertainty. But this isn't just a "hustle culture" story. In this episode, Rachel reveals the deep, often painful work of Post-Traumatic Growth. She explains why we often choose the "safe" path of being muted over the brave path of being seen, and how a brush with death finally gave her the courage to stop silencing her own voice. Connect with Rachel Druckenmiller: Website: RachelDruckenmiller.com Hire Rachel to Speak: Booking Form Listen to her Music: Available on Spotify Instagram: @unmutedlife LinkedIn: Rachel Druckenmiller Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

Our HWHW special guest is Dr. Mari Marquez, a personal growth educator who specializes in personal development and post-traumatic growth following the loss of loved ones. She is an international selling children's book author and holds a Ph.D. in psychology. Through her work, Dr. Mari offers research-backed tools for adaptation and personal growth in both English and Spanish through her workshops, resources, and her "Growth After Loss" podcast.  She serves as a facilitator for the Resilient Parenting Program through Arizona State University. Additionally, she co-leads a Spanish-speaking support group with the Modern Widows Club. Dr. Mari has received specialized training in post-traumatic growth, grief support, and prolonged grief disorder. She has had the honor of supporting many affected by traumatic losses in navigating their grief. She was a featured speaker at our Modern Widows Club 2022 Widow Empowerment Event in Scottsdale, AZ. Since then, she has been paving a way towards more empowering widow research.  Find Dr. Mari Marquez at https://drmarimarquez.com Instagram, Facebook & YouTube @drmarimarquez Find Modern Widows Club® The Movement for Widow Care (MWC) on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin and Widow Life® at Substack.   

Our HWHW special guest is Dr. Mari Marquez, a personal growth educator who specializes in personal development and post-traumatic growth following the loss of loved ones. She is an international selling children's book author and holds a Ph.D. in psychology. Through her work, Dr. Mari offers research-backed tools for adaptation and personal growth in both English and Spanish through her workshops, resources, and her "Growth After Loss" podcast.  She serves as a facilitator for the Resilient Parenting Program through Arizona State University. Additionally, she co-leads a Spanish-speaking support group with the Modern Widows Club. Dr. Mari has received specialized training in post-traumatic growth, grief support, and prolonged grief disorder. She has had the honor of supporting many affected by traumatic losses in navigating their grief. She was a featured speaker at our Modern Widows Club 2022 Widow Empowerment Event in Scottsdale, AZ. Since then, she has been paving a way towards more empowering widow research.  Find Dr. Mari Marquez at https://drmarimarquez.com Instagram, Facebook & YouTube @drmarimarquez Find Modern Widows Club® The Movement for Widow Care (MWC) on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin and Widow Life® at Substack.   

Summary   In this conversation, Marcus Farris and Coach Tara Garrison explore the complexities of knowing, intuition, and the importance of self-compassion in personal growth. They discuss the balance between data and experiential knowledge, the role of exercise in enhancing mood through neurotransmitters, and the significance of understanding emotions and addiction as clues to deeper issues. The dialogue emphasizes the need to reassess societal beliefs about purpose and happiness, advocating for a more compassionate and joyful approach to life. Guest links:   https://www.taragarrison.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachtaragarrison Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/78Bbw7luWc6ehYxvGPpbcq?si=4e42574f0e004631 Chapters   00:00 The Nature of Knowing: Intuition vs. Data 03:20 Embracing Uncertainty: The Path to Self-Trust 06:16 Post-Traumatic Growth: Transforming Pain into Purpose 12:52 The Power of Self-Compassion in Personal Growth 18:30 Understanding Emotional and Physiological States 24:25 Leveraging Exercise for Mental Clarity and Decision Making 33:17 Understanding Neurotransmitters and Mental Health 39:40 Addiction as a Clue to Underlying Issues 45:00 The Quest for Purpose and Self-Compassion 50:29 Redefining Happiness and Joy in Life 57:12 The Body's Intelligence and Communication 01:03:07 Introduction to Mission 22 and Resiliency Podcast 01:03:09 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth Initiatives   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

Summary   In this conversation, Marcus Farris and David Ocheltree explore the themes of leadership, trust, and personal responsibility through historical examples and personal anecdotes. They discuss the importance of being true to oneself, the role of faith in leadership, and how to build trust within teams. The conversation also touches on parenting as a form of leadership, the significance of being seen, and the challenges of taking responsibility in a complex world. Ocheltree shares insights from his book, highlighting lessons from figures like Lincoln and Roosevelt, and emphasizes the need for proactive leadership in an ever-changing environment. Guest Links   https://yankeedoodledave.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/yankeedoodledave/# IG: https://www.instagram.com/YankeeDoodleLeadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidocheltree Chapters   00:00 The Call of Dire Necessity 05:46 Lessons from History: The NASA Example 10:44 Building Trust: Lincoln's Leadership Style 16:20 Parenting and Leadership: Interchangeable Roles 21:05 The Importance of Being Seen 26:33 Taking Responsibility: Lessons from History 31:23 Leadership vs. Manipulation 35:58 Dealing with Stress: The Potato, Egg, or Coffee Bean 41:24 Proactivity in a Rapidly Changing World 47:32 Leadership from the Least of These   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthGuest: David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant, EMT, Peer Coach and Grammy-Nominated Producer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your greatest trauma became your most powerful mission? In this transformational episode, Julie Riga sits down with David Dachinger, a stage four cancer survivor, retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated producer, and resilience advocate, to unpack the three essential ingredients for post-traumatic growth: identity release, meaning making, and mission activation. This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and the power of choosing life.From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthAbout This EpisodeIn this deeply moving episode, Julie Riga welcomes David Dachinger, a clear testament to transformation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Together they explore what it means to evolve through adversity and how every leader and entrepreneur can activate their own post-traumatic growth journey. David shares how a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a legacy of healing, purpose, and mission activation.Guest BackgroundDavid Dachinger is a retired fire lieutenant and EMT who hosts Responder's Resilience: Igniting the Shift Within, engaging experts on first responder mental health. He serves as a peer coach for 22ZERO, supporting first responders and veterans. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, his life changed in 2014 with a stage four cancer diagnosis that became the foundation of his advocacy for purposeful living and wellness.Fun Fact: David's favorite food is the Holy Shiitake pizza from Mellow Mushroom.The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic Growth1. Identity Release A stage four diagnosis instantly shifted David from caregiver to patient. Clinging to a victim identity blocks transformation. Through intentional word choice and daily gratitude, he released the old self and stepped into a healed identity. Like the lobster, we must shed the old shell to grow a stronger one.2. Meaning Making The same event affects people differently because it is the meaning we assign that determines our outcome. David reframed adversity by asking, "What is the gift in this?" Gratitude practice, present-moment awareness, and a shift in self-talk became his most powerful tools. Words, he discovered, are medicine.3. Mission Activation David and his wife created Live Calm with Cancer, a book, app, and calming TV experience for patients. He then joined 22ZERO to help first responders, veterans, and cancer patients heal trauma. His full-circle return to cancer advocacy, equipped with lived experience and proven tools, is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Key Quotes"Suffering is optional. We have a choice in every situation.""How do I turn these adversities into my superpower?""We are powerful creators. Positive self-talk is the core of all of it."Key Takeaways for LeadersRelease the old identity. Growth begins when you stop defining yourself by trauma or circumstance.Make meaning intentionally. The meaning you assign to adversity determines whether it becomes a wound or a wisdom.Activate your mission. Pain with purpose becomes power. Your story is meant to serve someone else's transformation.Words are medicine. Language shapes belief, belief shapes biology, and biology shapes your life.Suffering is optional. You always have a choice, and that choice is the foundation of fulfillment and legacy.ConnectDavid Dachinger: www.respondertv.com | 22ZERO: www.22zero.org | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookJulie Riga: www.julieriga.com/lead | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#StayOnCourse #PostTraumaticGrowth #Leadership #Transformation #PurposeDriven

Rich — a leukemia survivor, nurse practitioner, and longtime oncology clinician — to talk about what it's really like to survive cancer, rebuild your life after treatment, and live with long-term side effects.Rich was diagnosed with leukemia at age 28, underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplant at Dana-Farber / Brigham and Women's, and is now a 29-year survivor. His experience as both a patient and provider offers a rare, honest look at cancer survivorship, prostate cancer side effects, sexual health, mental health, and post-traumatic growth.In this conversation, we cover:What it's like to be told you have leukemia in your 20sStem cell transplant and long-term survivalTurning cancer into purpose and becoming an oncology NPCommon prostate cancer side effects (urination, bowel changes, erectile dysfunction)How doctors actually manage these symptomsSexual health after cancer treatmentMental health, grief, and post-traumatic growthHow to rebuild your life after active treatmentThis episode is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and anyone navigating life after a cancer diagnosis.

Join me, a three-time Iraq War combat veteran, who has been through a decades-long journey with PTSd, and now walking through Post Traumatic Growth as I help you understand PTSd from a biblical perspective. Combat-related PTSd is something many Americans deal with, either as veterans or families of veterans. It's one of the most misunderstood issues of our day by mental healthcare professionals and church leaders. Yet, the answers are right there in the Bible if we're willing to look.SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCombatChristianTRIVITA:Use my TRIVITA link to get started on your wellness journey: https://bit.ly/HealthyChristianCovenant Eyes: If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of p*rn, get Covenant Eyes: https://bit.ly/Restore-CovenantUSE CODE RESTORE30 at checkout to get your first 30 days FREE when you use the link ✅Other ways for you to support the ministry:

Summary. This conversation explores the themes of trauma, beauty, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with beauty after experiencing trauma. The discussion delves into the role of nature, quality, and awe in healing, as well as the balance between static and dynamic quality in life. The speakers reflect on the significance of archetypes, the influence of language on perception, and the necessity of caring as a connection to quality. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty and seek beauty in their lives.Guest Linkshttps://sevillakingmsw.com/ A Quality Existence Youtube ChannelZen and The Art of Motorcycle MaintenanceLila: An Inquiry to MoralsChapters. 00:00 Introduction to Beauty and Trauma05:27 Nature and Quality as Pathways to Healing08:13 Understanding Openness and Trauma10:55 The Concept of Quality in Life14:16 Harmony and Living a Balanced Life16:46 The Role of Archetypes in Personal Growth19:52 Navigating Personal History and Growth22:25 The Intersection of Politics and Personal Values25:19 Practical Applications of Quality and Awareness28:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts28:37 The Fight or Flight Response and Perception30:12 The Importance of Being Present32:09 Trauma and the Observant Self34:40 The Nature of Quality and Truth37:52 The Relationship Between Order and Chaos40:28 Connecting with the Ineffable Source43:10 Language and Perception47:04 Awe vs. Dread: The Flow State49:30 Care in Mechanics and Life52:41 Cultivating Experiences of Awe   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

How can trauma become a catalyst for creative transformation? What lessons can indie authors learn from the music industry's turbulent journey through technological disruption? With Jack Williamson. In the intro, Why recipes for publishing success don't work and what to do instead [Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast]; Why your book isn't selling: metadata [Novel Marketing Podcast]; Creating a successful author business [Fantasy Writers Toolshed Podcast]; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn. Today's show is sponsored by ProWritingAid, writing and editing software that goes way beyond just grammar and typo checking. With its detailed reports on how to improve your writing and integration with writing software, ProWritingAid will help you improve your book before you send it to an editor, agent or publisher. Check it out for free or get 15% off the premium edition at www.ProWritingAid.com/joanna This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Jack Williamson is a psychotherapist, coach, and bestselling author who spent nearly two decades as a music industry executive. He's the founder of Music & You, his latest nonfiction book is Maybe You're The Problem, and he also writes romance under A.B. Jackson. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Finding post-traumatic growth and meaning after bereavement, and using tragedy as a catalyst for creative transformation Why your superpower can also be your Achilles heel, and how indie authors can overcome shiny object syndrome Three key lessons from the music industry: embracing change, thinking creatively about marketing, and managing pressure for better creativity The A, B, C technique for PR interviews and why marketing is storytelling through different mediums How to deal with judgment and shame around AI in the author community by understanding where people sit on the opinion-belief-conviction continuum Three AI developments coming from music to publishing: training clauses in contracts, one-click genre adaptation, and licensed AI-generated video adaptations You can find Jack at JackWilliamson.co.uk and his fiction work at ABJackson.com. Transcript of the interview with Jack Williamson Jo: Jack Williamson is a psychotherapist, coach, and bestselling author who spent nearly two decades as a music industry executive. He's the founder of Music & You, his latest nonfiction book is Maybe You're The Problem, and he also writes romance under A.B. Jackson. Welcome to the show. Jack: Thank you so much for having me, Jo. It's a real honour to be on your podcast after listening all of these years. Jo: I'm excited to talk to you. We have a lot to get into, but first up— Tell us a bit more about you and why get into writing books after years of working in music. Jack: I began my career at the turn of the millennium, basically, and I worked for George Michael and Mariah Carey's publicist, which I'm sure you can imagine was quite the introduction to the corporate world. From there I went on to do domestic and international marketing for a load of massive artists at Universal, so the equivalent of the top five publishers in the publishing world that we all work in. Then from there I had a bit of a challenge. In December 2015, I lost my brother, unfortunately to suicide. For any listener or any person that's gone through a traumatic event, it can really make you reassess everything, make you question life, make you question your purpose. When I went through that, I was thinking, well, what do I want to do? What do I want out of life? So I went on this journey for practically the next ten years. I retrained to be a psychotherapist. I created a bucket list—a list of all the things that I thought maybe my brother would've wanted to do but didn't do. One of the things was scatter his ashes at the Seven Wonders of the world. Then one of the items on my bucket list was to write a book. The pandemic hit. It was a challenge for all of us, as you've spoken about so much on this wonderful podcast. I thought, well, why not? Why not write this book that I've wanted to write? I didn't know when I was going to do it because I was always so busy, and then the pandemic happened and so I wrote a book. From there, listening to your wonderful podcast, I've learned so much and been to so many conferences and learned along the way. So now I've written five books and released three. Jo: That's fantastic. I mean, regular listeners to the show know that I talk about death and grief and all of this kind of thing, and it's interesting that you took your brother's ashes to the Seven Wonders of the world. Death can obviously be a very bad, negative thing for those left behind, but it seems like you were able to reframe your brother's experience and turn that into something more positive for your life rather than spiralling into something bad. So if people listening are feeling like something happens, whether it's that or other things— How can we reframe these seemingly life-ending situations in a more positive way? Jack: It is very hard and there's no one way to do it. I think as you always say, I never want to tell people what to do or what to think. I want to show them how to think and how they can approach things differently or from a different perspective. I can only speak from my journey, but we call it in therapeutic language, post-traumatic growth. It is, how do you define it so it doesn't define you? Because often when you have a bereavement of a loved one, a family member, it can be very traumatic, but how can you take meaning and find meaning in it? There's a beautiful book called Man's Search for Meaning, and the name of the author escapes me right now, but he says— Jo: Viktor Frankl. Jack: Yes. Everyone quotes it as one of their favourite books, and one of my favourite lines is, “Man can take everything away from you, apart from the ability to choose one thought over the other.” I think it's so true because we can make that choice to choose what to think. So in those moments when we are feeling bad, when we're feeling down, we want to honour our feelings, but we don't necessarily want to become them. We want to process that, work through, get the support system that we need. But again, try to find meaning, try to find purpose, try to understand what is going on, and then pay it forward. Irrespective of your belief system, we all yearn for purpose. We all yearn for being connected to something bigger than ourselves. If we can find that through bereavement maybe, or through a traumatic incident, then hopefully we can come through the other side and have that post-traumatic growth. Jo: I love that phrase, post-traumatic growth. That's so good. Obviously people think about post-traumatic anything as like PTSD—people immediately think a sort of stress disorder, like it's something that makes things even worse. I like that you reframed it in that way. Obviously I think the other thing is you took specific action. You didn't just think about it. You travelled, you retrained, you wrote books. So I think also it's not just thinking. In fact, thinking about things can sometimes make it worse if you think for too long, whereas taking an action I think can be very strong as well. Jack: Ultimately we are human beings as opposed to human doings, but actually being a human doing from time to time can be really helpful. Actually taking steps forward, doing things differently, using it as a platform to move forward and to do things that maybe you didn't before. When you are confronted with death, it can actually make you question your own mortality and actually question, am I just coasting along? Am I stuck in a rut? Could I be doing something differently? One of the things that bereavement, does is it holds a mirror up to ourselves and it makes us question, well, what do we want from our life? Are we here to procreate? Are we here to make a difference? Some of us can't procreate, or some of us choose not to procreate, but we can all make a difference. And it's, how do we do that? Where do we do that? When do we do that? Jo: That's interesting. I was thinking today about service and gratitude. I'm doing this Master's and I was reading some theology stuff today, and service and gratitude, I think if you are within a religious tradition, are a normal part of that kind of religious life. Whether it's service to God and gratitude to God, or service and gratitude to others. I was thinking that these two things, service and gratitude, can actually really help reframe things as well. Who can we serve? As authors, we're serving our readers and our community. What can we be grateful about? That's often our readers and our community as well. So I don't know, that helped me today—thinking about how we can reframe things, especially in the world we're in now where there's a lot of anger and grief and all kinds of things. Jack: That's what we've got to look at. We are here to serve. Again, that can take different shapes, different forms. Some of us work in the service industry. I provide a service as a psychotherapist, you serve your listeners with knowledge and information that you gather and dispense through the research you do or the guests you have on. We serve readers of the different genres that we write in. It's what ways can we serve, how can we serve? Again, I think we all, if we can and when we can, should pay it forward. Someone said this to me once in the music industry: be careful who you meet on the way up and how you treat them on the way up, because invariably you'll meet them on the way down. So if you can pay forward that kindness, if you can be kind, considerate, and treat people how you want to be treated, that is going to pay dividends in the long run. It may not come off straight away, but invariably it will come back to you in some way, shape, or form in a different way. Jo: I've often talked about social karma and karma in the Hindu sense—the things that you do come back to you in some other form. Possibly in another life, which I don't believe. In terms of, I guess, you didn't know what was going to happen to your brother, and so you make the most of the life that we have at the moment because things change and you just don't know how things are going to change. You talk about this in your book, Maybe You're The Problem, which is quite a confronting title. So just talk about your book, Maybe You're The Problem, and why you wrote that. Put it into context with the author community and why that might be useful. Jack: Thank you for flagging my book. I intentionally crossed out “maybe” on the merchandise I did as well, because in essence, we are our own problem. We can get in the way, and it's what happened to us when we grew up wasn't our fault, but what we do with it is our responsibility. We may have grown up in a certain period or a climate. We didn't necessarily choose to do that, but what we do with that as a result is up to us. So we can stay in our victimhood and we can blame our parents, or we can blame the generation we are in, or we can blame the city, the location—however, that is relinquishing your power. That is staying in a victim mindset rather than a survivor or a thriver mindset. So it's about how can we look at the different areas in our life. Whether that is conflict, whether that is imposter syndrome, whether that is the generation we're born into. We try to understand how that has shaped us and how we may be getting in our own way to stop us from growing, to stop us from expanding, and to see where our blind spots are, our limitations are, and how that may impact us. There's so much going on in the moment in the world, whether that is in the digital realm, whether that is in the geo-climate that we're in at the moment. Again, that's going to bring up a lot for us. How can we find solutions to those problems for us so that we continue to move forward rather than be restricted and hindered by them? Jo: Alright. Well let's get into some more specifics. You have been in the author community now for a while. You go to conferences and you are in the podcast community and all this kind of thing. What specific issues have you seen in the author community? Maybe around some of the things you've mentioned, or other things? How might we be able to deal with those? Jack: With authors, I think it is such a wonderful and unique industry that I have an honour and privilege of being a part of now. One of the main things I've learned is just how creative people are. Coming from a creative industry like the music industry, there is a lot of neurodivergence in the creative industries and in the author community. Whether that is autism, whether that is ADHD—that is a real asset to have as a superpower, but it can be an Achilles heel. So it's understanding—and I know that there is an overexposure of people labelling themselves as ADHD—but on the flip side to that, it's how can we look at what's going on for us? For ADHD, for example, there's a thing called shiny object syndrome. You've talked about this in the past, Joanna, where it's like a new thing comes along, be it TikTok, be it Substack, be it bespoke books, be it Shopify, et cetera. We can rush and quickly be like, “oh, let me do this, let me do that,” before we actually take the time to realise, is this right for me? Does this fit my author business? Does this fit where I'm at in my author journey? I think sometimes as authors, we need to not cave in to that shiny object syndrome and take a step back and think to ourselves, how does this serve me? How does this serve my career? How does this work for me if I'm looking at this as a career? If you're looking at it as a hobby, obviously it's a different lens to look through, but that's something that I would often make sure that we look at. One of the other things that really comes up is that in order for any of us to address our fears and anxieties, we need to make sure that we feel psychologically safe and to put ourselves in spaces and places where we feel seen, heard, and understood, which can help address some of the issues that I've just mentioned. Being in that emotionally regulated state when we are with someone we know and trust—so taking someone to a conference, taking someone to a space or a place where you feel that you can be seen, heard, and understood—can help us and allow us to embrace things that we perceive to be scary. That may be finding an author group, finding an online space where you can actually air and share your thoughts, your feelings, where you don't feel that you are being judged. Often it can be quite a judgmental space and place in the online world. So it's just finding your tribe and finding places where you can actually lean into that. So there'd be two things. Jo: I like the idea of the superpower and the Achilles heel because I also feel this when we are writing fiction. Our characters have strengths, but your fatal flaw is often related to your strength. Jack: Yes. Jo: For example, I know I am independent. One of the reasons I'm an independent author is because I'm super independent. But one of my greatest fears is being dependent. So I do lots of things to avoid being dependent on other people, which can lead me to almost damage myself by not asking for help or by trying to make sure that I control everything so I never have to ask anyone else to do something. I'm coming to terms with this as I get older. I feel like this is something we start to hit—I mean, as a woman after menopause—is this feeling of I might have to be dependent on people when I'm older. It's so interesting thinking about this and thinking— My independence is my strength. How can it also be my weakness? So what do you think about that? You're going to psychotherapist me now. Jack: I definitely won't, but it's interesting. Just talking about that, we all have wounds and we all have the shadow, as you've even written about in one of your books. And it's how that can come from a childhood wound where it's like we seek help and it's not given to us. So we create a belief system where I have to do everything myself because no one will help me. Or we may have rejection sensitivity, so we reject ourselves before others can reject us. So it's actually about trying, where we can, to honour our truths, honour that we may want to be independent, for example, but then realising that success leaves clues. I always say that if you are independent—and I definitely align a hundred percent with you, Joanna—I've had to work really hard myself in personal therapy and in business and life to realise that no human is an island and we can't all do this on our own. Yes, it's amazing with the AI agents now that can help us in a business capacity, but having those relationships that we can tap into—like you mentioned all of the people that you tap into—it's so important to have those. I always say that it's important to have three mentors: one person that's ahead of you (for me, that would be Katie Cross because she's someone that I find is an amazing author and we speak at least once a month); people that are at the same level as you that you can go on the journey together with (and I have an author group for that); and then someone that is perceived to be behind you or in a younger generation than you, because you can learn as much from them as they can learn from you. If you can actually tap into those people whilst honouring your independence, then it feels like you can still go on your own journey, but you can tap in and tap out as and when needed. Sacha Black will give you amazing insights, other people like Honor will give you amazing insights, but you can also provide that for them. So there's that safety of being able to do it on your own. But on the flip side, you still have those people that you can tap into as and when necessary as a sounding board, as information on how they were successful, and go from there. Jo: No, I like that. If you're new to the show, Sacha Black and Honor Raconteur have been on the show and they are indeed some of my best friends. So I appreciate that. I really like the idea of the three mentor idea. I just want to add to that because I do think people misunderstand the word mentor sometimes. You mentioned you speak to Katie Cross, but I've found that a lot of the mentors that I've had who are ahead of me have often been books. We mentioned the Viktor Frankl book, and if people don't know, he was Jewish and in the concentration camps and survived that. So it's a real survivor story. But to me, books have been mostly my mentors in terms of people who are ahead of me. We don't always need to speak to or be friends with our mentors. I think that's important too, right? Because I just get emails a lot that say, “Will you be my mentor?” And I don't think that's the point. Jack: Oh, I a hundred percent agree with you. If you don't have access to those mentors—like Oprah Winfrey is one of the people that I perceive as a mentor—I listen to podcasts, I read her books, I watch interviews. There is a way to absorb and acquire that information, and it doesn't have to be a direct relationship with them. It is someone that you can gain the knowledge and wisdom that they've imparted in whatever form you may consume it. Which is why I think it is important to have those three levels: that one that is above you that may be out of reach in terms of a human connection, but you can still access; then the people at the same level as you that you can have those relationships and grow with; and again, that one behind that you can help pave the way for them, but also learn from them as well. So a hundred percent agree that that mentor that you are looking for that may be ahead of you doesn't necessarily need to be someone that is in a real-world relationship. Jo: So let's just circle back to your music industry experience. You mentioned being on the sort of marketing team for some really big names in music, and I mean, it's kind of a sexy job really. It just sounds pretty cool, but of course the music industry has just as many challenges as publishing. What did you learn from working in the music industry that you think might be particularly useful for authors? Jack: The perception of reality was definitely a lot different. It does look sexy and glamorous, but the reality is similar to going to conferences. It's pretty much flight, hotel, and dark rooms with terrible air conditioning that you spend a lot of time in. So sorry to burst the illusion. But I mean, it does have its moments as well. There is so much I've learned over the years and there's probably three things that stand out the most. The first one was I entered the industry right at the height of the music industry. In 2000, 2001. That was when Napster really exploded and it decimated the music industry. It wiped half the value in the space of four years. Then the music industry was trying to shut it down, throwing legal, throwing everything at it, but it was like whack-a-mole. As soon as one went down such as Napster, ten others popped up like Kazaa. So you saw that the old guard wasn't willing to embrace change. They weren't willing to adapt. They assumed that people wanted the formats of CDs, vinyls, cassettes, and they were wrong. Yes, people wanted music, but they actually wanted the music. They didn't care about the format, they just wanted the access. So that was one of the really interesting things that I learned, because I was like, you have to embrace change. You can't ignore it. You can't push it away, push it aside, because it's coming whether you like it or not. I think thankfully the music industry has learned as AI's coming, because now you have to embrace it. There's a lot of legal issues that have been going on at the moment with rights, which you've covered about the Anthropic case and so on. It's such a challenge, and I just think that's the first one. The second one I learned was back in 2018. There was an artist I worked on called Freya Ridings. At that time I was working at an independent record label rather than one of the big three major record labels. She had great songs and we were up against one of the biggest periods of the year and trying to make noise. At the time, Love Island was the biggest TV show on, and everyone wanted to be on it in terms of getting their music synced in the scenes. We were just like, we are never going to compete. So we thought, we need to be clever here. We need to think differently. What we did is we found out what island the show was being recorded on, and we geo-targeted our ads just to that island because we knew the sync team were going to be on there. So we just went hard as nails, advertised relentlessly, and we knew that the sync people would then see the adverts. As a result of that, Freya got the sync. It became the biggest song that season on Love Island, back when it was popular. As a result of that, we built from there. We were like, right, we can't compete with the majors. We have to think differently. We need to do things differently. We need to be creative. It wasn't an easy pathway. That year there were only two other songs that were independent that reached the top 10. So we ended up becoming a third and the biggest song that year. The reason I'm saying that is we can't compete with the major publishers. But the beauty of the independent author community is because we have smaller budgets—most of us, not all of us, but most of us—we have to think differently. We have to make our bang for our buck go a lot further. So it's actually— How can we stay creative? How can we think differently? What can we do differently? So that would be the second thing. Then the third main lesson that I learned, and this is more on the creative side, is that pressure can often work against you, both in a business sense, but especially creativity. I've seen so many artists over the years have imposed deadlines on them to hand in their albums, and it's impacted the quality of their output. Once it's handed in, the stress and the pressure is off, and then you realise that actually those artists end up creating the best material that they have, and then they rush to put it on. Whether that's Mariah Carey's “We Belong Together,” Adele with her song “Hello,” Taylor Swift did the same with “Shake It Off”—they're just three examples. The reason is that pressure keeps us in our beta brainwave state, which is our rational, logical mind. For those of us that are authors that are writing fiction, or even if we are creating stories in our nonfiction work to deliver a point, we need to be in that creative mindset. So we need to be in the alpha and the gamma brain state. Because our body works on 90-minute cycles known as our ultradian rhythm, we need to make sure that we honour our cycle and work with that. If we go past that, our creativity and our productivity is going to go down between 60% and 40% respectively. So as authors, it's important—one, to apply the right amount of pressure; two, to work in breaks; and three, to know what kind of perspective we're looking at. Do we need to be rational and logical, or do we need to be creative? And then adjust the sails accordingly. Jo: That's all fantastic. I want to come back on the marketing thing first—around what you did with the strategic marketing there and the targeted ads to that island. That's just genius. I feel like a lot of us, myself included, we struggle to think creatively about marketing because it's not our natural state. Of course, you've done a lot of marketing, so maybe it comes more naturally to you. I think half the time we don't even use the word creative around marketing, when you're not a marketeer. What are some ways that we can break through our blocks around marketing and try to be more creative around that? Jack: I would challenge a lot of authors on that presumption, because as authors we're in essence storytellers, and to tell a story is creative. There's a great quote: “One death is a tragedy. A thousand deaths is a statistic.” If you can create a story, a compelling narrative about a death in the news, it's going to pull at the heartstrings of people. It's going to really resonate and get with them. Whereas if you are just quoting statistics, most people switch off because they become desensitised to it. So I think because we can tell stories, and that's the essence of what we do, it's how can we tell our story through the medium of social media? How can we tell a story through our creative ads that we then put out onto Facebook or TikTok or whatever platform that we're putting them out—BookBub, et cetera? How can we create a narrative that garners the attention? If we are looking at local media or traditional media, how can we do that? How can we get people to buy in to what we're selling? So it's about having different angles. For me with my new romance book, Stolen Moments, one of the stories I had that really has helped me get some coverage and PR is we recorded the songs next door to the Rolling Stones. Now that was very fortunate timing, very fortunate. But everyone's like, “Oh my God, you recorded next door to the Rolling Stones?” So it's like, well, how can you bring in these creative nuggets that help you to find a story? Again, marketing is in essence telling a story, albeit through different mediums and forms. So it's just how can you package that into a marketable product depending on the platform in which you're putting it out on. Jo: I think that's actually hilarious, by the way, because what you hit on there, as someone with a background in marketing, your story about “we recorded an album for the book next door to the Rolling Stones”—it's got nothing to do with the romance. Jack: Oh, the romance is that the pop star in the book writes and records songs. Jo: Yes, I realised that. But the fact is— For doing things like PR, it's the story behind the story. They don't care that you've written a romance. Jack: Yes. Jo: They're far more interested in you, the author, and other things. So I think what you just described there was a kind of PR hook that most of us don't even think about. Jack: I'm sure a lot of authors already know this, so it's a good reminder, and if you don't, it's great. It's called the A, B, C technique. When you get asked a question, you Answer the question. So that's A. You Build a bridge, and then you go to C, which is Covering one of your points. So whenever you get asked a question, have a list of things you want to get across in an interview. Then just make sure that you find that bridge between whatever the question is to cover off one of your points, and that's how you can do it. Because yes, you may be selling a story, like I said, about writing the songs, but then you can bridge it into actually covering and promoting whatever it is you're promoting. So I think that's always quite helpful to remember. Jo: Well, that's a good tip for things like coming on podcasts as well. I've had people on who don't do what you just mentioned and will just try and shoehorn things in in a more deliberate fashion, whereas other people, as you have just done with your romance there, bring it in while answering a question that actually helps other people. So I think that's the kind of thing we need to think about in marketing. Okay, so then let's come back to the embracing change, and as you mentioned, the AI stuff that's going on. I feel like there's so many “stories” around AI right now. There's a lot of stories being told on both sides—on the positive side, on the negative side—that people believe and buy into and may or may not be true. There's obviously a lot of anger. There's, I think, grief—a big thing that people might not even realise that they have. Can you talk about how authors might deal with what's coming up around the technological change around AI, and any of your personal thoughts as well? Jack: I was thinking about this a lot recently. I mean, I guess everyone is in their own ways and forms. One of the things that came up for me is we have genre expectations and we have generation expectations. When we look at genres, you will have different expectations from different genres. For romance, they want a happily ever after or a happy for now. For cosy mysteries, they expect the crime to be solved. So we as authors make sure we endeavour to meet those expectations. The challenge is that if we are looking at AI, we are all in our own generations. We might be in slightly different generations, but there are going to be different generation expectations from the Alpha generation that's coming up and the Beta generation that's just about to start this year or next year because they're going to come into the world where they don't know any different to AI. So they will have a different expectation than us. It will just be normal that there will be AI agents. It will just be normal that there are AI narrators. It will be normalised that AI will assist authors or assist everyone in doing their jobs. So again, it is a grieving period because we can long for what was, we can yearn for things that worked for us that no longer work for us—whether it's Facebook groups, whether it's the Kindle Rush. We can mourn the loss of that, but that's not coming back. I mean, sometimes there may be a resurgence, but essentially, we've got to embrace the change. We've got to understand that it's coming and it's going to bring up a lot of different emotions because you may have been beholden to one thing and you may be like, yes, I've now got my TikTok lives, and then all of a sudden TikTok goes away. I know Adam, when he was talking about it, he'll just find another platform. But there'll be a lot of people that are beholden to it and then they're like, what do I do now? So again, it's never survival of the fittest—it's survival of the most adaptable. I always use this metaphor where there are three people on three different boats. A storm comes. And the first, the optimist, is like, “Oh, it'll pass,” and does nothing. The pessimist complains about the storm and does nothing. But the realist will adjust the sails and use the storm to find its way to the other side, to get through. It's not going to be easy, but they're actually taking change and making change to get to where they need to go, rather than just expecting or complaining. I get it. We are not, and I hate the expression, “we're all in the same boat.” I call bleep on that. I'm not going to swear. We're not all in the same boat. We're all in the same storm, but different people are going through different things. For some, they can adjust and adapt really quickly like a speedboat. For others, they may be like Jack and Rose in the Titanic on that terrible prop where they're clinging to dear life and trying to get through the storm. So it's about how do I navigate this upcoming storm? What can I do within my control to get through the storm? For some it may be easier because they have the resources, or for some of us that love learning, it's easy to embrace change. For others that have a fear mindset and it's like, “Oh, something new, it's scary, I don't want to embrace it”—you are going to take longer. So you may not be the speedboat, but at some point we are going to have to embrace that change. Otherwise we're going to get left behind. So you need to look at that. Jo: The storm metaphor is interesting, and being in different boats. I feel I do struggle. I struggle with people who suddenly seem to be discovering the storm. I've been talking about AI now since 2016. That's a decade. Jack: Yes. Jo: Even ChatGPT has been around more than three years, and people come to me now and they're talking about stories that they've seen in the media that are just old now. Things have moved on so much. I feel like maybe I was on my boat and I looked through my telescope and I saw the storm. I've been talking about the storm and I've had my own moments of being in the middle of the storm. Now I definitely do struggle with people who just seem to have arrived without any knowledge of it before. I oscillate between being an optimist and a realist. I think I'm somewhere between the two, probably. But I think what is driving me a little crazy in the author community right now is judgment and shame. There are people who are judging other people, and there's shame felt by AI-curious or AI-positive people. So I want to help the people who feel shame in some way for trying new technology, but they still feel attacked. Then those people judge other authors for their choices to use technology. So how do you think we can deal with judgment and shame in the community? Which is a form of conflict, I guess. Jack: Of course. I think with that, there's another great PR quote: “If it bleeds, it leads.” Especially in this digital age, there's a lot of clickbait. So the more polarising, the more emotion-evoking the headline, the more likely you are to engage with that content—whether that is reading it or whether that's posting or retweeting, or whatever format you are consuming it on. So unfortunately, media has now become so much more polarising. It's dividing us rather than uniting us. So people are going to have stronger positions. There's so much even within this to look at. One is, you have to work out where people are on the continuum. Do they have an opinion on AI? Do they have a belief? Or do they have a conviction? Now you're not going to move someone that has a conviction about something, so it's not worth even engaging with them because they're immovable. Like they say, you shouldn't talk about sports, politics, and religion. There are certain subjects that may not be worth talking about, especially if they have a conviction. Because they may not even be able to agree to disagree. They may not be willing or able to hear you. So first and foremost, it's about understanding, well, where are those people sitting on the continuum of AI? Are they curious? Do they have an opinion, but they're open to hearing other opinions? Do they have a belief that could be changed or evolved if they find more information? That's where I think it is. It's not necessarily our jobs—even though you do an amazing job of it, Joanna—but a lot of people are undereducated on these issues or these new technologies. So in some cases it's just a case of a lack of education or them being undereducated. Hopefully in time they will become more and more educated. But again, it's how long is a piece of string? Will people catch up? Will they stay behind? Are they fearful? I guess because of social media, because of the media, as they say, if you can evoke fear in people, you can control them. You can control their perspectives. You can control their minds. So that's where we see it—a lot of people are operating from a fear mindset. So then that's when they project their vitriol in certain cases. If people want to believe a certain thing, that's their choice. I'm not here to tell people what to think. Like I said earlier, it's more about how to think. But I would just encourage people to find people that align with you. Do a sense test, like a litmus test, to find where they sit on the continuum and engage with those people that are open and have opinions or beliefs. But shy away or just avoid people that have convictions that maybe are the polar opposite of yours. Jo: It's funny, isn't it? We seem to be in a phase of history when I feel like you should be able to disagree with people and still be friends. Although, as you mentioned, there's certain members of my family where we just stay on topics of TV shows and movies or music, or what books are you reading? Like, we don't go anywhere near politics. So I do think that might be a rule also with the AI stuff. As you said, find a community, and there are plenty of AI-positive spaces now for people who do want to talk about this kind of stuff. I also think that, I don't know whether this is a tipping point this year, but certainly— I know people who are in bigger corporates where the message is now, “You need to embrace this stuff. It is now part of your job to learn how to use these AI tools.” So if that starts coming into people's day jobs, and also people who have, I don't know, kids at school or people at university who are embracing this more—I mean, maybe it is a generational thing. Jack: Yes. Look, there were so many people that were resistant to working from home, or corporations that were, and then the pandemic forced it. Now everyone's embraced it in some way, shape, or form. I mean, there are people that don't, but the majority of people—when something's forced on you, you have to adapt. So again, if those things are implemented in corporations, then you're going to see it. I'm seeing so many amazing new things in AI that have been implemented in the music industry that we'll see in the publishing industry coming down the road. That will scare a lot of people, but again, we have to embrace those things because they're coming and there's going to be an expectation—especially from the younger generations—that these things are available. So again, it's not first past the post, but if you can be ahead of the wave or at least on the wave, then you are going to reap the rewards. If you are behind the wave, you're going to get left behind. So that's my opinion. I'm not trying to encourage anyone to see from my lens, but at the same time, I do think that we need to be thinking differently. We need to always embrace change where we can, as we can, at the pace that we can. Jo: You mentioned there AI things coming down the road in the music industry. And now everyone's going, wait, what is coming? So tell us— What do you see ahead that you think might also shift into the author world? Jack: There are three things that I've seen. Two that have been implemented and one that's been talked about and worked on at the moment. The first, and this will be quite scary for people, is that major record labels—so think the major publishers on our side—they're all now putting clauses in their contracts that require the artists that sign with them to allow their works to be trained by their own AI models. So that is something that is now actually happening in record labels. I wouldn't be surprised, although I don't have insight into it, if Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, et cetera, are potentially doing the same with authors that sign to them. So that's going to become more standardised. So that is on the major side. But then on the creative side, there are two things that really excite me. The music AI platforms that we're hearing about, the stories that we've seen in the press, and it's the fact that with a click of a button, you can recreate a song into a different genre. I find it so fascinating because if you think about that—turning a pop song into a country song or a rap song into a dance song—the possibilities that we have as authors with our books, if we wish to do so, are amazing. I just think, for example, with your ARKANE series, Joanna, imagine clicking a button and just with one click you can take Morgan Sierra and turn her into a romantic lead in a romance book. Jo: See, it's so funny because I personally just can't imagine that because it's not something I would write. But I guess one example in the romance genre itself is I know plenty of romance authors who write a clean and a spicy version of the same story, right? It is already happening in that way. It's just not a one-click. Jack: Well, I think you can also look at it another way. I think one of the most famous examples is Twilight. With Twilight and Stephenie Meyer, if she had the foresight—and I'm not saying she didn't, just to clarify—but fan fiction is such a massive sub-genre of works. And obviously from Twilight came 50 Shades of Gray. Imagine if she had the licensing rights like the NFTs, where she could have made money off of every sale. So that you could then, through works that you create and give licence, earn a percentage of every release, every sale, every consumption unit of your works. There are just so many possibilities where you can create, adapt, have spinoffs that can then build out your world. Obviously, there may need to be an approval process in there for continuity and quality control because you want to make sure you're doing that, but I think that has such massive potential in publishing if we wish to do so. Or like I said, change characters. Like Robert Langdon's character in Dan Brown's books—no longer being the kind of thriller, but maybe being a killer instead. There's so many possibilities. It's just, again, how to think, not what to think—how to think differently and how we can use that. So that's the second of three. Jo: Oh, before you move on, you did mention NFTs and I've actually been reading about this again. So I'm usually five years early. That's the general rule. I started talking about NFTs in mid-2021, and obviously there was a crypto crash, it goes up and down, blah, blah, blah. But forget the crypto side—on the blockchain side, digital originality, and exactly what you said about saying like, where did this originate? This is now coming back in the AI world. It could be that I really was five years early. So amusingly—and I'm going to link to it in the notes because I did a “Why NFTs Are Exciting for Authors” solo episode, I think in 2022—it may be that the resurgence will happen in the next year, and all those people who said I was completely wrong, that this may be coming back. Digital originality I think is what we're talking about there. But so, okay, so what was the other thing? Jack: So the third one is the one that I'm most excited about, but I think will be the most scary for people. Obviously consumption changes and formats change. Like I said, in music I've seen it all the time—whether it's vinyl to cassettes, to CDs, to downloads, to streaming. Again, there's different consumption of the same format, and we see that with books as well, obviously—hardbacks, paperbacks, eBooks, audiobooks. Now with the rise of AI, AI narration has made audiobooks so much more accessible for people. I know that there are issues with certain people not wanting to do it, or certain platforms not allowing AI narration to be uploaded unless it's their own. The next step is what I'm most excited about. What I'm seeing now in the music industry is people licensing their image to then recreate that as music videos because music videos are so expensive. One of my friends just shot a music video for two million pounds. I don't think many authors would ever wish to spend that. If you can license your image and use AI to create a three-minute music video that looks epic and just as real as humanly possible, imagine if those artists—or if we go a step further, those actors—license their image to then be used to adapt our books into a TV series or a film. So that then we are in a position where that is another format of consumption alongside an audiobook, a paperback, an eBook, hardcover, special edition, and so on and so forth. It potentially has the opportunity to open us up to a whole new world. Because yes, there are adaptations of books that we're seeing at the moment, but for those of us that are trying to get our content into different formats, this can be a new pathway. I'm going to make a prediction here myself, Joanna. Jo: Mm-hmm. Jack: I would say in the next five to ten years, there will be a platform akin to a Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Apple Plus, where you can license the rights to an image of an actor or an actress. Then with the technology—and you may need people to help you adapt your book into a TV series or a film—that can then be consumed. I just think the possibilities are endless. I mean, again, I think of your character and I'm like, oh, what would it be if Angelina Jolie licensed her image and you could have her play the lead character in your ARKANE series? I mean, again, the possibilities potentially are endless here. Jo: Well, and on that, if people think this won't happen—1776, I don't know if you've seen this, it's just being teased at the moment. Darren Aronofsky has made an American revolutionary story all with AI. So this is being talked about at the moment. It's on YouTube at the moment. The AI video is just extraordinary already, so I totally agree with you. I think things are going to be quite weird for a while, and it will take a while to get used to. You mentioned coming into the music industry in 2000, 2001—I started my work before the internet, and then the internet came along and lots of things changed. I mean, anyone who's older than 40, 45-ish can remember what work was like without the internet. Now we are moving into a time where it'll be like, what was it like before AI? And I think we'll look back and go like, why the hell did we do that kind of thing? So it is a changing world, but yes, exciting times, right? I think the other thing that's happening right now, even to me, is that things are moving so fast. You can almost feel like a kind of whiplash with how much is changing. How do we deal with the fast pace of change while still trying to anchor ourselves in our writing practice and not going crazy? Jack: Again, it's that everything everywhere all at once—you can get lost and discombobulated. I always say be the tortoise, not the hare—because you don't want to fly and die. You want pace and grace. Everyone will have a different pace. For some marathon runners, they can run a five-minute mile, some can run an eight-minute mile, some can run a twelve-minute mile. It's about finding the pace that works for you. Every one of us have different commitments. Every one of us have different ways we view the industry—some as a hobby, some as a business. So it's about honouring your needs, your commitment. Some of us, as you've had people on the podcast, some people are carers. They have to care. Some people are parents. Some people don't have those commitments and so can devote more time and then actually learn more, change more as a result. So again, it's about finding your groove, finding your rhythm, honouring that, and again, showing up consistently. Because motivation may get you started, but it's habit and discipline that sees you through. Keep that discipline, keep that pace and grace. Be consistent in what you can do. And know where you're at. Don't compare and despair, because again, if you look at someone else, they may be ahead of you, but the race is only with yourself in the end. So you've got to just focus on where you are at and am I in a better place than I was yesterday? Am I working on my business as well as in my business? How am I doing that? When am I doing that? And what am I doing that for? If you can be asking yourself those questions and making sure you're staying true to yourself and not burning out, making sure that you are honouring your other commitments, then I think you are going at the pace that feels right for you. Jo: Brilliant. Jo: Where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? Jack: Thank you so much for having me on, Joanna, today. You can find me on JackWilliamson.co.uk for all my nonfiction books and therapy work. Then for my fiction work, it is ABJackson.com, or ABJacksonAuthor on Instagram and TikTok. Jo: Well, thanks so much for your time, Jack. That was great. Jack: Thank you so much. The post Post-Traumatic Growth, Creative Marketing, And Dealing With Change with Jack Williamson first appeared on The Creative Penn.

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Kyle Trautmann, founder of High Vibe Holonomics, the first and only institution devoted to Energy Literacy and Flow for Post-Traumatic Growth. He helps 6 to 7 figure entrepreneurs and business owners elevate their energy, heal, and achieve greater success by mastering what he calls the seven systems of the human experience.Through his process of Education to Liberation, Kyle has guided over 10,000 individuals through personal transformation, teaching them how to change their energy signature and unlock their full potential.Now, Kyle's story of overcoming substance abuse and a severe brain injury to build a multiple six-figure organisation demonstrates how true mastery of energy and consciousness can lead to remarkable post-traumatic growth.And while expanding his teachings through The Holonomic Institute, he continues to make complex concepts of energy and consciousness accessible to anyone ready to change their life from the inside out.Here's where to find more:www.highvibeholonomics.comhttps://www.facebook.com/kyle.a.trautmannhttps://www.instagram.com/kyleatrautmannhttps://www.instagram.com/highvibeholonomics________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

In this powerful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer Steven Grayhm to unpack his 14-year journey creating Sheepdog—a human drama about a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran confronting the long aftermath of war and finding post-traumatic growth through community, faith, and purpose. Steven shares the raw origin story sparked by a tow-truck driver's confession, nationwide road trips collecting veterans' testimonials, heartbreaking losses to suicide, Hollywood resistance, and the relentless mission to get the film right. He discusses the film's focus on healing over PTSD, the importance of brotherhood, Gold Star families, mental health professionals, and civilian understanding—plus firsthand testimonials proving the film is already saving lives. A must-watch conversation on resilience, obedience to calling, spiritual warfare, and why Sheepdog could be one of Hollywood's greatest success stories if it saves even one veteran. Out now!Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S.

In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore autoimmune conditions through a nervous-system and psychoneuroimmunology lens—moving beyond the idea that the body is "attacking itself." Instead, we examine autoimmunity as an adaptive output of a system that has lived in chronic threat for too long. Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof unpack how immune response, emotional expression, boundaries, trauma history, and social stress intersect at the level of physiology. Drawing on research from ACEs, chronic inflammation, the HPA axis, the inflammatory reflex, and shame-based immune activation, they explain how the brain's predictions—rather than isolated biology—shape immune behavior. You'll hear why autoimmune conditions disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities, how emotional suppression and boundary violations translate into inflammation, and why anger, shame, and safety are biological—not just psychological—processes. The episode closes with a grounded conversation on post-traumatic growth: what it means to live in partnership with the body, retrain predictions through sensory and interoceptive work, and expand resilience alongside medical care. This is an invitation to replace self-blame with curiosity—and to see regulation, expression, and safety as central to immune health.     Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Autoimmune as protection, not self-attack 08:40 – Autoimmune, ACEs, gender, and nervous system prediction 21:05 – Chronic inflammation, HPA axis & the inflammatory reflex 35:20 – Boundaries, anger, shame & post-traumatic growth 52:00 – Closing reflections & integration     Key Takeaways Autoimmune responses can be understood as nervous-system outputs shaped by prediction and chronic threat. Early adversity, emotional suppression, and social stress significantly increase inflammatory load. Boundaries are physiological capacities rooted in interoception and proprioception—not just communication skills. Training safety, expression, and regulation can complement medical care and reduce flare frequency.     Call to Action:   Join us for a free NSI workshop Feb 11: Integrating the Nervous System with Precision and Purpose: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/integration-workshop/   Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at boundaryrewire.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.  Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired    Get a two-week free trial of neurosomatic training at rewiretrial.com Resources Mentioned NIH – Autoimmune Diseases & Women: https://orwh.od.nih.gov/research/maternal-morbidity-mortality/autoimmune-diseases Danese & Lewis (2017) Psychoneuroimmunology of Early-Life Stress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27860545/ Dube et al. (2009) ACEs & Autoimmune Risk: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19234146/ McEwen & Gianaros (2016) Stress, Brain & Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26766224/ Dickerson & Kemeny (2004) Shame, Social Threat & Inflammation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15250837/   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

Adversity and grief are universal aspects of life. Most of us will encounter a form of trauma that triggers a survival response, anchoring the mind in past pain. However, this physiological loop does not have to be a life sentence. By cultivating resilience, we can navigate through the overwhelm and move toward post-traumatic growth, where it is possible to rediscover a profound sense of happiness and joy. To reframe how we think about trauma and post-traumatic growth, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with MC McDonald, a research professor and life coach specializing in trauma psychology and philosophy. MC describes the physiological survival mechanisms at the core of the body's trauma response and the benefits of post-traumatic growth. She offers insights about the in-depth research that is the foundation of her book, The Joy Reset: Six Ways Trauma Steals Happiness and How to Win It Back. Like what you're hearing? WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on https://harvestinghappiness.substack.com/ and https://medium.com/@HarvestingHappiness.

Most men don't grieve by sitting in circles and talking about feelings. They grieve by working harder, staying busy, isolating, or pushing pain down until it shows up as anger, anxiety, exhaustion, or illness.In this powerful episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Michelle Ann Collins—grief coach, mindfulness teacher, and survivor of profound loss—to explore how men actually process grief and why “try harder” is not a plan.Michelle shares her personal journey through her husband's suicide, PTSD, dissociation, and recovery through somatic, body-based mindfulness. Together, they unpack why men are conditioned to suppress grief, how shame and regret keep men stuck, and why embodied practices—not forced emotional expression—are often the safest entry point into healing.This conversation offers real tools men can use in their truck, at work, or at home—without needing to relive the trauma or perform vulnerability.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why men and women feel grief similarly but process it differently• How action-style grief shows up as overworking, isolation, or emotional shutdown• Why suppressing grief often leads to anxiety, panic, illness, or burnout• How embodied mindfulness helps men stay present without dissociation• What post-traumatic growth actually looks like in real life• A simple grounding practice men can use anywhere• How to move from the grief cave toward meaning without rushing the processIf you're a man carrying loss silently—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a grounded, compassionate path forward.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comLearn more about Michelle's work: https://inhabitjoy.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Content Warning : This episode includes mention of self harm, sexual abuse, domestic violence, white supremacy and more. Please use discretion when listening.In part 2 of Jennie's story, we discuss the intersections of religion and the results of childhood indoctrination on adult relationships, the impact of the LGBTQ+ community on her beliefs, and the role of therapy in her healing process. Jennie emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and the power of community in overcoming the challenges posed by breaking free from toxic cult-like environments. Show NotesConnect with Jennie : Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeWhy a Mom of 5 Gave up her Life to Start Over at 44Leaving MAGA : Jennie GageWhat is Post Traumatic Growth?The Influence ContinuumOut of MLM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The BITE Model⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LAMLM Book Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MLM Dupes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How can you help?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MLM Change⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Report Fraud⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Truth in Advertising⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Report to your state Attorney General's office!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Not in the U.S.? No Problem!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Podcast!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy Me a Taco⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life After MLM is produced by Roberta Blevins. Audio editing is done by the lovely⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kayla Craven⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, video editing by the indescribable⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RK Gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Michelle Carpenter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is our Triple Emerald Princess of Robots. Life After MLM is owned by Roberta Blevins 2025.Music : Abstract World by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexi Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*Some links may be affiliate links. When you purchase things from these links, I get a small commission that I use to buy us tacos.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can life after trauma hold something more than pain? How can you discover new purpose and growth after suffering?Nothing Is Wasted Coaching Director, Teresa Glantz, has walked her own path of trauma and healing—and has transformed her pain into a calling to help others heal through teaching about trauma and post-traumatic growth. She is passionate about showing others that while pain and trauma may happen to us, they do not have to define us, and that beauty can emerge even from the most difficult parts of our stories. Through the Biblical Trauma Care Specialist course offered at Nothing Is Wasted, Teresa is on a mission to help others understand the role trauma inevitably plays in our lives and how we can move toward post-traumatic growth.In this episode, Davey and Teresa step into a time of year when many are seeking personal growth by exploring how to make healing part of a new year, what post-traumatic growth truly is, and the different stages of trauma.If you are looking ahead and wondering whether anything good can come from your pain, this episode offers a reminder that growth can be found in the aftermath of trauma. Website: nothingiswasted.com/coaching nothingiswasted.com/btcs www.teresaglantz.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/teresaglantzcoachingStories matter. They inspire, uplift, and remind us we're not alone in our pain. Hope in the Valley: 42 Days of Healing Through the Psalms After Loss, Grief, and Tragedy is a new devotional featuring real stories from the Nothing Is Wasted community—offering strength, comfort, and hope in life's hardest moments. Order your copy today at: www.nothingiswasted.com/hopeinthevalley Wondering where to get started on your journey towards healing? Join Davey on our next FREE, live Zoom call and find out how you can begin to take back your story and how Nothing is Wasted can help. Sign up today at: www.nothingiswasted.com/starthere Looking for help in navigating the valley of pain and trauma? Our Nothing is Wasted coaches can help: www.nothingiswasted.com/coaching Want a pathway through your pain? The Pain to Purpose Course can lead you through all you've been through: www.nothingiswasted.com/paintoppurpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices