Podcasts about post traumatic growth

The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 56:26

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

Post-Traumatic Growth, Creative Marketing, And Dealing With Change with Jack Williamson

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 68:43

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.

Your 80-Year-Old Self Is Screaming at You to Slow Down — Brad Kearns

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 67:17

Summary:In this conversation, Marcus Farris and Brad Kearns explore the intricacies of endurance training, nutrition, and the balance between technology and intuition in athletic performance. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of recovery, and the impact of modern fitness trends on health. The dialogue also delves into the psychological aspects of training, the epidemic of substitutes in nutrition and relationships, and the connection between mental health and metabolism. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a holistic approach to fitness and well-being, advocating for a return to fundamental principles and self-investment.Guest Links:https://bradkearns.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradkearns1/Chapters00:00 The Bonk: A Personal Experience02:22 Fundamentals of Endurance Training02:39 Balancing Stress and Rest05:26 Negotiating Expectations with Technology06:18 The Indomitable Will of the Human Spirit09:31 Training for Longevity vs. Peak Performance12:10 The Evolution of Athletic Training16:59 CrossFit and Endurance Training20:11 The Importance of Aerobic Conditioning25:31 Investing in Oneself32:57 The Primal Blueprint and Modern Nutrition36:01 Exploring Nutrition Through Maternal Cycles40:10 The Stress of Dietary Choices and Orthorexia43:52 Caveman Time: Understanding Relationship Dynamics51:51 Epidemics of Substitutes: A Deeper Look01:00:50 Radical Change Requires Radical Sacrifice01:03:48 Future Trends: Embracing Low-Tech Solutions 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

Create Post-Traumatic Growth | Tana Amen

Motivational Speeches

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 2:00

Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement MotivationCreate Post-Traumatic Growth | Tana AmenLearn how to transform trauma into strength with Tana Amen. Discover powerful strategies to build resilience, healing, and personal growth after adversity.Get AudioBooks for Free⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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3000 Days of Learning To Walk Again: Lessons from Robert Paylor

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 50:24

Summary: In this conversation, Robert Paylor shares his profound journey from being a world-class rugby player to facing a life-altering spinal injury. He discusses the challenges of dealing with unfair pain, the importance of mindset, and the transformative power of asking for help. Through his rehabilitation process, he learns to find purpose in his struggles and inspires others with his story of resilience and hope.Guest Links: https://www.robertpaylor.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/rob.paylor/FB: https://www.facebook.com/robertpaylor5Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/robert-paylorX: https://x.com/RobertPaylor5TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.paylorChapters: 00:00 Confronting Unfair Pain04:10 The Journey of a Rugby Player10:13 Life-Altering Injury15:46 Rehabilitation and Recovery21:16 The Nature of Surrender27:06 Asking for Help and Grit34:29 The Limitations of Self-Help41:54 Finding Purpose in Pain48:52 The Power of the Heart and Mind Connection49:56 Understanding Coherence and Its Impact50:03 Introduction to Resilience and 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

Science of the Vibe Check: HeartMath and Beyond

The Unforget Yourself Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 54:56

SummaryIn this conversation, John G White Jr discusses the principles and techniques of HeartMath, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the physiological effects of heart coherence. He explains how the heart's electromagnetic field influences our interactions and decision-making, and how HeartMath techniques can help individuals manage stress and improve mental health. The discussion also touches on the scientific research supporting these practices and their applications in various settings, including for veterans dealing with PTSD.Guest Linkshttps://www.heartmath.com/Linked InChapters00:00 The Vibe Check: Understanding Human Connection03:46 The Science of Self-Awareness and HeartMath Techniques06:26 Bridging Intent and Action: The HeartMath Approach09:25 Activating the Heart: Techniques for Emotional Regulation12:04 Real-Time Feedback: Measuring Heart Rate Variability15:15 The Impact of Emotions on Health and Wellbeing17:49 Recalibrating the Nervous System: Techniques for Stress Relief20:44 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Modern Life23:13 Understanding Heart Rate Variability27:11 The Importance of Coherence in Heart Rhythm29:47 Practical Techniques for Daily Coherence34:29 The Role of Memory and Emotion in Coherence38:19 Global Coherence and Its Impact43:49 The Science of Stress Management49:46 The Balance Between Metrics and Well-Being53:26 Introduction to Resilience and 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

Energy Literacy & Flow for Post-Traumatic Growth with Kyle Anthony Trautmann

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 39:27

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

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Steven Grayhm: Saving Veterans' Lives After 14 Years of Grit | MTNPOD #154

The MTNTOUGH Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 66:58

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.

Fantasy and Shell Shock: How Two Authors Re-enchanted the Western Mind

tiktok grief resilience shape domestic violence childhood trauma trauma healing emotional abuse post traumatic growth trauma recovery trauma informed care you matter delo complicated grief

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 42:06

SummaryThis conversation explores the profound impact of World War I on authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, examining how their experiences of disillusionment and trauma shaped their literary works. It delves into the concept of the monomyth, the role of fantasy in confronting darkness, and the importance of storytelling and language in understanding human values and cultural identity. The discussion highlights how these authors used their narratives to provide hope and meaning during times of crisis, emphasizing the enduring relevance of their works in today's world.Guest Linkshttps://www.josephloconte.com/Chapters00:00 The Lost Monomyth: A Cultural Reflection01:00 Disillusionment and the Impact of War06:34 Fantasy as a Response to Darkness10:59 The Role of Education in Times of Crisis17:38 C.S. Lewis: The Reluctant Convert23:30 The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Reality31:26 Language and the Art of Storytelling38:36 The Importance of Historical Perspective40:31 The Power of the Heart and Mind Connection41:35 Understanding Coherence and Its Impact41:45 Introduction to Resilience and 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

How Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence Shape Grief with Susie Delo

Our Dead Dads

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 76:37

CHECK OUT SUSIE'S WEBSITE!!Go to Susie's website by clicking HERE!Contact Susie by clicking HERE!WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS People navigating childhood trauma, domestic violence, complex grief, and long-term emotional healing after abuse and loss. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET A deeply honest conversation about grief, trauma, resilience, and how healing begins when someone finally feels that they matter. DESCRIPTION: This episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word features trauma-informed peer coach and You Matter founder Susie Delo, who shares her powerful story of surviving childhood abuse, domestic violence, and profound grief. In conversation with host Nick Gaylord, Susie explores how unresolved childhood trauma and silenced grief shaped her relationships, identity, and sense of self-worth. She reflects on losing her brother as a child, growing up in poverty and addiction, and enduring emotional and physical abuse that followed her into adulthood. Susie also opens up about the death of her abusive husband and the complicated grief that followed, including blame, shame, and isolation. Through therapy, faith, and advocacy, she transformed trauma into purpose by creating You Matter to help others heal. This episode centers resilience, post-traumatic growth, and the life-changing impact of finally being seen and believed. This episode answers: How does childhood trauma affect grief and adult relationships?What happens when grief is silenced or ignored for decades?How do survivors heal after domestic violence and emotional abuse?What is complicated grief after losing an abusive partner?How can trauma be transformed into healing and purpose?Key Takeaways: Unresolved childhood trauma deeply shapes grief responses later in lifeSilence around grief can create lifelong emotional damageSurvivors of domestic violence often carry shame that isn't theirsHealing begins when people feel believed, supported, and valuedPurpose and advocacy can grow from even the most painful experiences GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Thriving in Adversity with Dr. Paul Taylor

The Separation Guide | A starting point for better separation and divorce

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 52:36

SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Paul Taylor discusses the principles of Stoicism and resilience, drawing on historical examples and personal experiences to illustrate the importance of hardiness in overcoming adversity. He emphasizes the psychological orientations of hardiness, the significance of connection, and the role of nature in fostering resilience. The discussion also explores practical strategies for developing hardiness, including focusing on what one can control and engaging fully with life.Guest Links: https://www.paultaylor.biz/The Hardiness Podcast with Dr Paul Taylor: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hardiness-with-dr-paul-taylor/id1534267189Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paultaylor1971/IG: https://www.instagram.com/paultaylor.biz/TakeawaysJim Stockdale's story exemplifies resilience through philosophy.Hardiness is about growing from stress, not just bouncing back.There are four orientations of hardiness: commitment, challenge, control, and connection.Connection with others is crucial during times of stress.Adversity can be viewed as a worthy opponent to overcome.Creating meaning in hardship is essential for personal growth.Acceptance and control are both necessary in facing challenges.Attention and focus can significantly impact our stress response.Rewilding ourselves involves returning to our natural state and environment.Spending time in nature is vital for mental and physical health. Chapters00:00 The Journey from Technology to Stoicism02:51 Understanding Hardiness and Resilience05:53 The Psychological Framework of Hardiness09:05 The Role of Connection in Hardiness12:07 Finding Meaning in Adversity15:08 Embracing the Worthy Opponent17:48 Control and Acceptance in Life's Challenges26:32 The Power of Attention and Values29:30 Understanding the Gremlin and the Sage34:58 Challenge vs. Threat: The Psychological Perspective42:08 Rewilding: Returning to Our Natural State49:34 Engaging with Life: The Path of Heartiness 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

Episode 34: Separation Stories - Beyond the Script: Love, Identity and Life After Marriage with Aubrey Blanche

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 49:15

Title: Radical Intentionality and Post-Traumatic Growth with Aubrey BlancheIs it possible to experience divorce as a catalyst for growth rather than a sign of failure?In this incredibly candid and refreshing episode, DEI expert and "double divorced" advocate Aubrey Blanche joins Sabina Read to debunk the stigma surrounding multiple separations. Aubrey shares how they navigated two divorces with radical honesty, shifting the narrative from "everything is crumbling" to a process of intentional self-discovery and "post-traumatic growth."Together, they explore:Post-Traumatic Growth: How to use life's biggest transitions as a springboard for becoming a stronger, more authentic version of yourself.The "Marty Ginsburg List": Why establishing clear non-negotiables (and "anti-lists" for deal-breakers) is the key to long-term compatibility.Separation in the Queer Community: Addressing the unique weight of "letting the community down" and the power of chosen family support.Relationship Anarchy: Using clear communication and boundaries to build connections that are additive, not just "filling a hole".Support in the Workplace: Practical advice for managers on how to support employees through a life crisis.Whether you are navigating your own separation or simply looking to build more intentional relationships, Aubrey's "strategy-led" approach to life and love offers a roadmap for moving forward with dignity and hope.

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Autoimmunity and Post-Traumatic Growth: When the Body Becomes the Teacher

Harvesting Happiness Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 52:55

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.

064 | Post-Traumatic Growth: Recovering the Life God Intended

Sex, God, & Chaos

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 40:57

Episode Timeline:0:00 - Intro0:28 - The Redemptive Power of Conversation2:54 - Redefining Trauma in Modern Culture3:17 - Advertisement4:16 - Redefining Trauma (Continued)8:57 - The Partner's Perspective: Getting Unstuck13:36 - Practical Tools: The Three Circles of Self-Care17:10 - The Human Need to Be "Seen"24:13 - Post-Traumatic Growth: A Spiritual Journey29:16 - Processing vs. Resolving Trauma33:37 - Conclusion: Finding Transformation in the Valley To learn more about the Sex, God, & Chaos team, click the link below:www.sexgodchaos.comLooking for help? Book an appointment with LifeWorks Counseling today:www.lifeworks.msYou can purchase your copy of Sex, God, & Chaos here:www.amazon.comLink for our sponsor, Hope Quest:https://hopequestgroup.orgLink for our sponsor, The Samson Society:https://www.samsonsociety.com/

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From Trauma to Triumph: How Post-Traumatic Growth Restores Happiness and Resilience After Life's Adversity with MC McDonald, PhD

Harvesting Happiness

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 35:58

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.

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From Trauma to Triumph: How Post-Traumatic Growth Restores Happiness and Resilience After Life's Adversity with MC McDonald, PhD

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026

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How to Heal Your Nervous System for a Fulfilled Life With Christine Bardoe And Nicki Malcolm

Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 15:31

Welcome to the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we're talking about how to heal your nervous system to find peace and fulfillment in life.Nicki and Christine are Accredited Play And Creative Arts Therapists who recognised early in their careers how past trauma and life experiences impacted their clients' overall well-being, relationships, and sense of self. They have worked mostly in the Education Sector supporting young people, their families and staff. They both come from their own life challenges of ‘not feeling good enough' and ‘not feeling important', have suffered with severe low self-esteem and self-worth and craved to be loved… by anyone, which bought its own challenges and heart break. Today they both live a happier, more fulfilled life based on embodying what they teach in self-leadership and love for themselves. Driven by a shared passion for helping others live happier, more fulfilling lives based on love, trust, and connection, they came together in 2017 to form Blossoming Connections. Blossoming Connections is dedicated to supporting individuals' emotional well-being by breaking down barriers, understanding and healing from unseen wounds that make you live in the past and hold you back from living life in self-leadership. Their approach is rooted in core values of trust, safety, acknowledgment, kindness, and compassion. They have partnered with The Mental Wellbeing Company in a shared passion that creates a movement on educating more people so that you understand the impact of trauma, how your body holds onto that trauma and how to break the cycle and heal yourself and your families.As ICF and CPD Certified Somatic Trauma-Informed Positive Psychology Coaches, Nicki and Christine focus on educating individuals and organisations to become trauma informed, teaching them nervous system regulation, and the impact that trauma has in keeping you stuck in life… life is precious and so living it through joy, excitement and passion is their mission to support you find your light so that it shines and guides you through the darkness into Post Traumatic Growth. Connect with Christine And Nicki Here: Blossoming Connection's page: https://www.facebook.com/blossomingconnectionsbusiness/FB group- Inner circle: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/BFwNDLgMiYMLQyDA/?mibextid=K35XfPShort link: https://bit.ly/3YeHVSHLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/christine-and-nicki-blossomingconnectionsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomingconnections/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trauma.educators?_t=8m2sqk3kO36&_r=1Website: www.blosdomingconnections.co.ukGrab the freebie here: https://nervoussystemtips.blossomingconnections.co.uk/nervous-system-regulation-tips===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/

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S3 Ep17: SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE! Bridging the Mothman Tragedy with Bill and Jaci Kousoulas

Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 57:31

“It was Christmas time. It was supposed to be a time of happiness, but we had funerals in town. We couldn't put off the funerals until after Christmas. They said later, they found a hairline crack in an eyebolt, and once one part went down, the whole bridge went down.” – from the book Bridging The Tragedy by Bill & Jaci KousoulasWhen the Silver Bridge collapsed on December 15, 1967, the tragedy touched the lives of everyone in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. In the months leading up to the disaster, hundreds of people in the Ohio River Valley reported UFO sightings, psychic events, poltergeist activity, Men in Black and encounters with a flying humanoid that became known as Mothman. What happens to a community that undergoes this kind of trauma? Bill & Jaci Kousoulas decided to find out.Richard was fortunate enough to meet Bill & Jaci at the 2025 Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant. In this interview, Richard talks with them about their initial interest in the case (sparked by the movie The Mothman Prophecies), their paranormal investigations, the concept of “Post Traumatic Growth”, and the people they met in Point Pleasant – many of them first-hand witnesses to the bridge collapse and the Mothman himself – all of which led to the publication of their book Bridging the Tragedy -- Silver Linings In The Mysterious Ohio River Valley. LINKS: Buy Bill & Jaci's book “Bridging the Tragedy” here https://www.amazon.com/Bridging-Tragedy-Silver-Linings-Mysterious/dp/B0CGKK5KTC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UISTYHW9O71R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JGFkN_m1TGe7bsB-M4g1NV0X-SsmyxkAfqfydVAkI4z6qQIdI1EhVVj1HxqXLrXm.elAVktCytqkj6YX87VPcYvE9F4C_LnqmyBHd4r6AhBI&dib_tag=se&keywords=bridging+the+tragedy&qid=1769029017&s=books&sprefix=bridging+the+tragedy%2Cstripbooks%2C168&sr=1-1

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How Men Can Survive Grief and Loss Without Numbing Out with Michelle Ann Collins

Men Talking Mindfulness

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 71:36

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.

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Episode 334 : Jennie Gage Part 2

Life After MLM

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 67:50

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.

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190: The "Silent Crisis with David McLain & Jamal Jones

No Rain... No Rainbows

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 53:47

The unspoken reality of being a widower, a single father, and a man trying to find love again. In this episode, I sit down with David McClain and Jamal Jones, hosts of the powerful podcast Getting Back Up. Both men lost their wives to cancer and were left to raise their children alone. They reveal the brutal truths about grief that most men are too afraid to admit—from the anger you feel at your late spouse for leaving you, to the guilt of removing their furniture to reclaim your home. If you are struggling with loss, navigating single fatherhood, or feeling guilty about moving on, this conversation is the permission slip you didn't know you needed. Topics Discussed: - Why "staying strong" is actually a weakness in disguise. - The "Dad's House, Dad's Rules" moment: Changing the environment to survive. - How to date again without feeling like you are cheating on your late wife. - The concept of "Post-Traumatic Growth" and how to harden like an egg, not soften like a carrot. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: The Widower's Dilemma 01:44 - The "Playdate" That Saved My Life 04:51 - What Male Grief Actually Looks Like (It's Not What You Think) 09:07 - Single Dad Survival Mode: "Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner" 13:50 - The Hard Truth: "You Can't Live In The Grave" 20:41 - The Taboo Emotion: Being Angry At Your Dead Wife 27:15 - Post-Traumatic Growth: The Egg vs. The Carrot 31:48 - How To Stop Passing Trauma To Your Children 36:31 - Finding Love After Loss: Navigating The Guilt 39:41 - "Dad's Rules": Why I Changed The Furniture 47:09 - Why Me? vs. Why Not Me? McLain's & Jones's Links Amazon Podcast: Getting Back Up Podcast Finding Apple Podcast: Getting Back Up Podcast Finding iHeart: Getting Back Up Podcast Finding Free eBook Here: Mastering Self-Development: Strategies of the New Masculine: https://rebrand.ly/m2ebook ⚔️JOIN THE NOBLE KNIGHTS MASTERMIND⚔️ https://themodernmanpodcast.com/thenobleknights

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Post-Traumatic Growth After Infertility

The "So Now What?" Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 20:26

What Happens When the Future You Planned Doesn't Happen When fertility treatments end without a baby, you don't just grieve the child you hoped for. You grieve the future you were building your life around. In this episode of The So Now What? Podcast, you explore post-traumatic growth after infertility and why it matters for women who are childless not by choice. Not in a toxic-positivity way. Not as a lesson you were supposed to learn. But as a way to understand what happens after years of trying, waiting, and living in a fertility holding pattern. If you've ever thought, I'm not the same person I was before IVF, this episode helps you understand why—and what becomes possible next. In this episode, you'll hear: Why infertility and fertility treatments do count as trauma, even if no one ever named it that way How years of IVF, IUI, medical procedures, and waiting shaped your nervous system and identity Why the end of fertility treatments feels so disorienting, not just sad What post-traumatic growth actually means and what it does not mean The seismic "rebuild" moment that happens when the life you planned no longer exists The five areas where post-traumatic growth often shows up after infertility Why growth is optional, not required, and only happens when you feel safe enough How to move forward without erasing your dream of motherhood or minimizing what you endured What it looks like to find a starting point again after the fertility holding pattern ends Why post-traumatic growth matters after infertility You didn't go through infertility to grow. You didn't suffer for a reason. And you don't need to reframe your loss to justify moving forward. Post-traumatic growth simply explains what happens when your assumptions about the future break and you're left asking, So now what? This episode helps you see that wanting forward movement does not mean you're forgetting what mattered. It means you're ready to stop living in permanent disappointment and start building a life that feels connected, grounded, and meaningful—on your terms. Thrive After Infertility This episode reflects the core work you do inside Thrive After Infertility, the coaching program created for women who have completed fertility treatments and are ready to stop feeling incomplete because fertility treatments failed. Inside Thrive, you learn how to: Move out of the fertility holding pattern Reconnect with your body and nervous system Navigate relationships in a world full of parents Create meaning and direction for the decades ahead Growth doesn't come from time passing. It comes from learning how to intentionally rebuild after loss. Free resource mentioned in this episode If you've ever been told, "You can always adopt," or "Everything happens for a reason," and didn't know how to respond, download the free guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond)

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Post-Traumatic Stress & Growth: Healing, Resiliency, and Hope for First Responder Families

When The Call Hits Home

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 30:17

Hosts: Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer Episode Overview It's the kickoff to 2026 for "When The Call Hits Home"! Jennifer and Ashlee reunite after the holidays each with a few survival stories to share about sick kids, hospital visits, and football games. This episode takes a deep dive into mental health in the world of first responders, focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth. Key Topics Discussed PTSD: Clinical & Real-World Definitions What PTSD means according to the diagnostic manual, how its definition and understanding have evolved. Early understanding of trauma as mainly war or abuse, contrasted with today’s broader view (cumulative events, “big T” and “little T” trauma). Common symptoms: not just flashbacks & nightmares also avoidance, numbness, irritability, concentration issues, and impulsivity. First Responders & Mental Health Unique challenges faced, stigma around seeking help, and how even “expected” work-related trauma can have serious mental health impacts. Barriers to mental health support historically, and how policy is slowly catching up (e.g. recognizing PTSD as a compensable injury). The Power of Resilience & Growth Resilience as “bouncing back” – Rocky Balboa style! Introduction to Post Traumatic Growth: moving beyond survival to genuine transformation. Five domains of post traumatic growth: Appreciation of life Relationships with others New possibilities Personal strength Spiritual change Real-world examples of first responders not just surviving trauma, but thriving and inspiring meaningful change in themselves and their communities. Family Matters How PTSD and growth impact the family dynamics of first responders; encouragement for family-wide healing and mutual support. Personal stories, including the hosts’ own experiences as children of first responders. Therapy: Beyond Diagnosis The importance of not just earning diagnoses, but focusing on recovery, growth, and positive psychology. Shout-outs to the transformative process of therapy and the courage it takes to seek help. A Symbolic Reflection The Japanese art of Kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with gold, serves as metaphor for healing: your flaws and brokenness can become strengths and sources of beauty. Don’t Forget Shop the merch store for some WTCHH swag! Stay tuned for exciting announcements and new episodes in the new year. If this episode resonated with you, please share your thoughts and stories with us - we love hearing from you! For questions or more info, reach out to the hosts, and remember: When the call hits home, Jennifer and Ashlee are here for you. Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms! Follow Us: - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome - Whenthecallhitshome.com --- This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Post Traumatic Growth Starts With Self Attunement

Science of Abundance: Daily Alchemy

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 55:03

What if the places we have been hurt most, our relationships, can also become the places where we grow? In this episode, we explore relational healing as a powerful driver of post-traumatic growth. Together, we unpack why safe connection can feel threatening after complex trauma, how protective patterns like fight, freeze, and fawn are intelligent adaptations (not personal failures), and why "capacity" is less about willpower and more about what your nervous system can hold in real time. You will hear how micro-moments of self attunement can reduce hypervigilance, build trust from the inside out, and turn insight into embodied change. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide) are joined by Piper Rose, a Neurosomatic Relationship Coach, founder of Shadowplay Coaching, and Director of Operations and Continuing Education at NSI. Piper shares an honest, grounded look at how co-regulation, repair, and "the burden of love" can become a training ground for deeper intimacy, resilience, and self compassion. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Why healing is relational, not just individual 03:30 Meet Piper Rose and what "Neurosomatic Relationship Coaching" means 08:20 Trauma, attachment wounding, and protective F responses in relationships 16:10 Reframing patterns as adaptations, not defects, and finding the "gifts" inside them 22:40 Neuroscience of connection: co-regulation, threat prediction, and updating the model 31:30 Why safe relationships can trigger fear, emotional flashbacks, and vulnerability 41:10 Self attunement, needs, and practicing repair in micro-moments 49:20 Community, nature, and animals as lower-risk pathways to relational practice 56:30 Closing reflections: building trust, capacity, and support beyond one relationship Key Takeaways: Relational patterns like fight, freeze, and fawn are often strategic survival adaptations, not signs you are "broken." Safe connection can feel dangerous when your nervous system is trained to predict harm in intimacy. "Capacity" is not just skill or knowledge. It is whether your body can access those skills under pressure. Self attunement, like responding to thirst, overwhelm, or startle, builds a foundation for secure internal attachment and clearer boundaries. You do not have to do relational healing alone. Support teams, community, nature, and animals can provide safe enough co-regulation while you build trust. Resources Mentioned: Free live 90-minute workshop: Neurosomatic.com/Integration NSI Community: Neurosomatic.com BrainBased: BrainBased.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 Cozolino, L. J. (2014). The Neuroscience of Human Relationships: Attachment and the Developing Social Brain (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

Post-Traumatic Growth | Veterans, Identity, and the 14 Year Journey of Sheepdog

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 113:42

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Grayhm and Matt Dallas to unpack the real story behind Sheepdog. This is not just a film. It is a lived journey that took fourteen years to bring into the world and required confronting pain, resistance, and personal history at every step.We talk openly about trauma in the veteran experience, not as something to escape, but as the very force that forges clarity, purpose, and depth. Watching these men walk this path mirrored many moments in my own life. It became clear that what we label as trauma often carries the exact information needed for growth, leadership, and service.We explore the challenges of making a film that tells the truth, the internal battles that surfaced along the way, and what it means to keep going when the outcome is uncertain. This conversation is about resilience, responsibility, and discovering that there is life beyond the wound.This episode is for veterans, builders, and anyone who has been shaped by hardship and is ready to understand what that experience was preparing them for.Thank you and I Love you.

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[S3:E13] How we hit #1 Bestseller: Post-Traumatic Growth

SoulWork with Adi Shakti

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 30:57

BUY THE BOOK NOW BY CLICKING HERE! ---- In this episode, Adi Shakti celebrates Post-Traumatic Growth Through the SoulWork Lens hitting #1 Bestseller status on Amazon — and shares the deeper spiritual, leadership, and strategic layers behind the project. Adi explores why some people collapse after trauma while others alchemize hardship into wisdom, authority, and impact — and how SoulWork bridges somatic healing, nervous system regulation, and meaning-making into post-traumatic growth. She also walks through: The evolution from trauma-focused healing to collective responsibility How the book emerged from a live training and monthly membership model Why self-publishing was the aligned choice The exact strategy behind Kindle presales, categories, and launch timing How writing a book can become a long-term brand asset and authority amplifier This episode is both a spiritual transmission and a practical masterclass for anyone called to turn their lived experience into leadership, legacy, and service.

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What Post Traumatic Growth Really Is

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Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 60:22

Post-traumatic growth gets talked about like a mindset shift, but real change often starts somewhere else: the nervous system. In this episode, we explore why being around happy people can feel threatening, why "find the silver lining" pressure can lead to bypassing, and why growth is not the same as rushing to meaning. We also unpack the other trap: getting stuck in a healing loop that keeps re-entering the pain without creating new patterns. If you have ever felt ashamed for not "moving on" fast enough, this conversation offers a different map. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide) are joined by Matt Bush (Next Level Neuro, lead educator at NSI). Together, they break down what post-traumatic growth is (and is not), why connection and co-regulation are essential to healing, and how safety, repetition, and nervous system capacity create the conditions for authentic transformation. Timestamps: 00:00 Why "silver lining" pressure can trigger bypassing, and why happy environments can feel unsafe 06:30 What post-traumatic growth is (and what it is not), including the "toxic positivity" trap 14:30 Why trauma isolates, and why relational healing and co-regulation matter for recovery 23:30 Social bonding as a survival strategy: oxytocin, group rhythms, and threat reduction 34:30 Discernment in community: how to titrate connection and track nervous system outputs 45:00 Neuroplasticity and integration: why insight alone rarely rewires survival patterns 56:00 Practical integration for practitioners: frameworks, tools, and daily repetition for change Key Takeaways: Post-traumatic growth is not about forcing gratitude or meaning. It often emerges after safety and capacity return to the body. Trauma can make connection feel dangerous, even when connection is what the nervous system needs to heal. "Good advice" can still be harmful when it is delivered before the nervous system is ready, especially around forgiveness and resilience. Healing can get stuck in two loops: performative "I am fine" masking, or compulsive re-processing that repeats intensity without building new patterns. Tracking outputs (sleep, digestion, pain, mood stability, compulsions) can reveal whether a practice is supporting regulation or creating more dysregulation. Resources Mentioned: RewireTrial.com: Free two-week access to live neurosomatic intelligence classes and an on-demand library of nervous system practices BrainBased.com: Elisabeth's online community for applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change, resilience, and stress processing NSI Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification/ 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. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

Episode 410 - Post-Traumatic Growth with Teresa Glantz

The Nothing Is Wasted Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 85:31

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

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'Sheepdog' Director Steven Grayhm on PTSD, Veterans, and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Ryan Gorman Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 8:25 Transcription Available

Actor and director Steven Grayhm joins Read Shepherd and Dana McKay to discuss his powerful new film Sheepdog, which shines a light on the hidden struggles many veterans face after returning home. In this conversation, Grayhm opens up about the inspiration behind the film, the realities of PTSD among veterans, and the concept of post-traumatic growth — finding healing, purpose, and meaning after trauma. He explains why telling these stories authentically matters, how Sheepdog aims to spark honest conversations, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. Sheepdog arrives in theaters January 16, and this episode explores why its message is especially timely for veterans, families, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of trauma and resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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'Sheepdog' Director Steven Grayhm on PTSD, Veterans, and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Ryan Gorman Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 8:25

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439. Reflection and Creativity in the New Year: A Cohost Episode

Psychologists Off The Clock: A Psychology Podcast About The Science And Practice Of Living Well

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 43:32

If you've been dragging some of last year around with you, or you've been feeling that strange mix of excitement and pressure that shows up every January, this episode is calling your name. Closing out the year, the POTC cohosts are bringing you a conversation about how creativity can be a lifeline, a mindset shift, and a really enjoyable way to start 2026 feeling more like yourself.Walking you through simple ways to reflect on the past year, we share some creative exercises that spark real insight and explore how tuning into your creative side can help you make meaning, connect with people, and better handle the tough stuff life throws at you. If you're craving more joy, connection, or just a new angle on the year ahead, you're bound to find something that resonates.So settle in, and join us in starting the year with intention, curiosity, and a little touch of creativity.Listen and Learn: Reflection Exercises, including: Finding Meaning: Reflecting on the past year, where were you last New Year's, and what were your biggest highs and lows since thenMeaningful Moments: Reflecting on two or three meaningful moments from the past year and vividly recalling the sights, sounds, and feelings of each experienceLessons, Wins and Moving Forward: Reflecting on your past year to uncover lessons from mistakes, celebrate achievements, and clarify what truly matters to you as you move into 2026Vision for the Year Ahead: Reflecting on what you truly want, the areas you've neglected, and the values you want to prioritize in the year aheadHow incorporating creative, life-affirming activities can boost your well-being and help you navigate life's challengesPractical exercises and tips to spark more creativity in your life in the new yearResources: Access the New Year's Reflection Questions from this episode (.pdf or editable MS Word versions available) Debbie's Guided Journaling Substack with writing prompts and a 30-day journaling challengeYear Compass worksheets: https://yearcompass.com/Word of the Year and Unravel Your Year worksheets by Susannah Conway: https://www.susannahconway.com/unravel Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/ Jill | Betrayal Weekly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jill-betrayal-weekly/id1615637724?i=1000726003078 If you have a story connected to trauma, crime, or someone who's caused harm—and you feel ready to share it—Jill would love to hear from you. You can book a free 30-minute consult at:https://jillstoddard.com/contact-us About the POTC CoHosts: Debbie Sorensen, PhD, Co-hostDebbie (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. She is author of the book ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She loves living in Colorado, her home state, with her husband, two daughters, and dog. When she's not busy working or podcasting, she enjoys reading fiction, cooking, traveling, and getting outdoors in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! You can learn more about Debbie, read her blog, and find out about upcoming presentations and training events at her webpage, drdebbiesorensen.com.Jill Stoddard, PhD, Co-hostJill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, bariatric coach, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Dr. Stoddard is the founder and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management, an outpatient practice specializing in evidence-based therapies for anxiety and related issues. She is the author of three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner's Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career. Her writing has also appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. She regularly appears on podcasts and as an expert source for various media outlets. She lives in Newburyport, MA with her husband, two kids, and disobedient French Bulldog. Michael Herold, Co-HostMichael (he/him) is a confidence trainer and social skills coach, based in Vienna, Austria. He's helping his clients overcome their social anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and fun exposure exercises. (Though the jury is still out on whether they're mostly fun for him). He is also a certified therapeutic game master, utilizing the Dungeons&Dragons tabletop roleplaying game to train communication, assertiveness, and teamwork with young adults. Or actually, anyone ready to roll some dice and battle goblins in a supportive group where players want to level up (pun!) their social skills. Michael is the head coach of the L.A. based company The Art of Charm, running their confidence-building program “Unstoppable” as well as workshops on small talk, storytelling, vulnerability, and more. He is the scientific advisor and co-producer of their large podcast with more than 250 million downloads. As a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Michael is the current President of the ACT Coaching Special Interest Group with nearly 1,000 coaches worldwide, and the co-founder of the ACT in Austria Affiliate of ACBS, a nationwide meetup for ACT practitioners in Austria. He's a public speaker who has spoken at TEDx, in front of members of parliament, universities, and once in a cinema full of 500 kids high on sugary popcorn. In a previous life, he was a character animator working on award-winning movies and TV shows such as “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda”. That was before he realized that helping people live a meaningful life is much more rewarding than working in the film business – even though the long nights in the studio allowed him to brew his own beer in the office closet, an activity he highly recommends. Michael grew up with five foster kids who were all taken out of abusive families. His foster sisters showed him how much positive change is possible in a person if they have the love and support they need.Emily Edlynn, PhD, Co-HostEmily (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in English from Smith College, a PhD in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford and Children's Hospital Orange County. Emily spent almost ten years working in children's hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily has written her blog, The Art and Science of Mom, since 2017 and a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019. Emily's writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and more. She recently added author to her bio with her book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children and has a Substack newsletter. Emily lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs in Oak Park, IL where she can see Chicago's skyline from her attic window. Yael Schonbrun, PhD, Co-hostYael (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who wears a number of professional hats: She has a small private practice specializing in evidence-based relationship therapy, she's an assistant professor at Brown University, and she writes for nonacademic audiences about working parenthood. She has a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postgraduate training at Brown University. In all areas of her work, Yael draws on scientific research, her clinical experience, ancient wisdom (with an emphasis on Taoism), and real life experiences with her three little boys. You can find out more about Yael's writing, including her book, Work, Parent, Thrive, and about her research by clicking the links. You can follow Yael on Linkedin and Instagram where she posts about relationship science or subscribe to her newsletter, Relational, to get the science of relationships in your email inbox!Related Episodes: 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz73. Essentialism with Greg McKeown257. The Gift of Being Ordinary with Ron Siegel 37. Post-Traumatic Growth with Diana and Debbie375. Midlife: From Crisis to Curiosity with Meg McKelvie and Debbie Sorensen 285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius 351. You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman 138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser 329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott ShigeokaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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221. Your Clients and Grief: An Interview with Krista St-Germain, Sharon Wirant, and Mikki Gardner [Rebroadcast]

The Masterful Coach

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 52:31

While the holidays are often a season of joy and celebration, they can also bring a certain heaviness. Grief around the holidays can show up unexpectedly and in many different ways—sadness for the people who are no longer with us, or a sense of loss around relationships that have changed or things we wish were different. That's why I'm bringing you this special rebroadcast episode about grief: to offer understanding for what you may be feeling and tools to help you navigate grief during the holiday season.In this episode, I'm joined by Krista St-Germain, Mikki Gardner, and Sharon Wirant—three incredible women who each guide their clients through grief in different contexts. Grief is not limited to death alone, but also includes the loss of marriages, health, identity, expectations, and imagined futures. We explore how grief often shows up indirectly in coaching conversations, and why the ability to recognize and work with it is such a vital skill for any coach.You'll hear why grief may be present beneath the surface of your clients' goals, resistance, or stuck patterns, and how the holistic approach of a master coach allows you to meet those moments with skill and care. This conversation is also an invitation to those of you here for your own personal growth to honor the grief you carry, to make space for it without fear, and to remember that grief does not need to hold you back or define what's possible.When we know how to support ourselves and others through every emotion and every season—including grief around the holidays—we create real transformation. I can't wait for you to hear this incredible episode.What you'll learn:Why grief around the holidays often includes losses that haven't happened yetHow divorce grief shows up as mourning the death of a future you expected to haveWhy mindset work alone can unintentionally work against clients experiencing griefHow grief and suppressed emotion can directly impact the body and energy levelsWhat a holistic master coach does differently when grief shows up as resistanceYou can read the full show notes here.About Krista St-GermainKrista St-Germain is a Master Certified Life Coach, grief expert, widow, mom and host of The Widowed Mom podcast. When her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 2016, Krista's life was completely and unexpectedly flipped upside down. After therapy helped her unfurl from the fetal position, Krista discovered Life Coaching, Post Traumatic Growth and learned the tools she needed to move forward and create a future she could get excited about. Now she coaches and teaches other widows so they can love life again, too.Website: www.coachingwithkrista.com Podcast: www.coachingwithkrista.com/podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifecoachkristaFacebook: www.facebook.com/coachingwithkristaAbout Sharon Wirant,...

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Mindful Moments: Integrating Mindfulness for On-Duty Challenges"

PTSD Growth Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 13:00

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the power of mindfulness and how it can become an essential tool for first responders navigating high-pressure, on-duty challenges. Discover practical strategies for staying present, reducing stress, and building resilience, even amid chaos. From mindful breathing exercises to sensory awareness techniques, you'll learn how to use these simple yet powerful tools to enhance your focus, maintain emotional regulation, and prevent burnout. Whether you're dealing with the stress of the job or seeking ways to foster long-term resilience, this episode will equip you with the skills needed to thrive both on and off duty. Staying calm in the chaos could be the key to thriving as a first responder. Join us as we explore how integrating mindfulness into your daily routine can sharpen your focus, reduce emotional reactivity, and build the resilience needed to endure the pressures of the job. Topic 1: The Importance of Mindfulness in High-Stress SituationsExplore how mindfulness can help first responders stay present and focused in chaotic environments. Learn how practicing mindfulness reduces emotional reactivity and builds long-term stress management and resilience. Topic 2: Practical Mindfulness Techniques for On-Duty Scenarios Discover simple mindfulness techniques such as grounding through sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and body scans that you can integrate during moments of downtime or transition between calls. Topic 3: Building Resilience Through Mindfulness Understand how mindfulness not only reduces stress in the moment but also builds emotional regulation and long-term resilience, helping first responders manage PTSD and recover from traumatic experiences. Topic 4: Tactical Breathing Exercise Learn the 2-Minute Tactical Breathing exercise designed to quickly calm your mind and body after a high-intensity call, preparing you for the next challenge with a clear head and a calm demeanor.Tune in to gain actionable insights on how mindfulness can become a cornerstone in your mental and emotional well-being, ensuring you not only survive the job but also thrive in it.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

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Inside the Boy's Club (Video); Five men discuss sexual abuse of male children

The Locked up Living Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 65:35

Summary This conversation features a group of five men discussing their experiences with male sexual abuse and the project 'Inside the Boys Club'. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness, creating a supportive community, and the need for justice and accountability. Personal stories highlight the long-lasting impact of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. The group aims to empower male survivors and foster collaboration for change, while also addressing the inadequacies of the judicial system and the importance of therapy in the healing process. Keywords male sexual abuse, awareness, support, mental health, collaboration, healing, justice, Inside the Boys Club, personal stories, community Takeaways The project aims to raise awareness about male sexual abuse. Boys comprise a significant number of sexual abuse victims. It takes men a long time to disclose their experiences. The importance of creating a supportive community for survivors. Collaboration among survivors can lead to greater impact. The judicial system often fails to support victims adequately. Therapy and professional help are crucial for healing. Speaking up can be a vital part of the healing process. There is a need for more awareness and support for male survivors. The project aims to create a platform for male voices. Sound bites "We need to break the silence." "This is a global epidemic." "We're not alone anymore." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inside the Boys Club 02:45 The Importance of Addressing Male Sexual Abuse 05:30 Personal Stories and Experiences of Abuse 10:58 The Need for Awareness and Support 13:40 The Role of Society and Institutions 16:34 The Impact of Power Dynamics on Abuse 22:15 The Broader Context of Abuse Across Demographics 27:49 The Challenges of Disclosure and Support 33:10 Advice for Survivors Seeking Help 37:23 The Ripple Effect of Speaking Up 39:27 Judicial System Challenges and Victim Support 43:37 Reclaiming Voice and Agency 45:43 The Struggle for a Voice in Inquiries 48:28 The Importance of Speaking Up 50:46 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience 56:23 Future Directions and Collective Action

Inside the Boy's Club (Audio); Five men discuss sexual abuse of male children.

The Locked up Living Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 65:35

Dan, Andy Woodward, Rafael Viola, Joe Sabien, Tobi Tarquin Summary This conversation features a group of five men discussing their experiences with male sexual abuse and the project 'Inside the Boys Club'. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness, creating a supportive community, and the need for justice and accountability. Personal stories highlight the long-lasting impact of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. The group aims to empower male survivors and foster collaboration for change, while also addressing the inadequacies of the judicial system and the importance of therapy in the healing process. Keywords male sexual abuse, awareness, support, mental health, collaboration, healing, justice, Inside the Boys Club, personal stories, community Takeaways The project aims to raise awareness about male sexual abuse. Boys comprise a significant number of sexual abuse victims. It takes men a long time to disclose their experiences. The importance of creating a supportive community for survivors. Collaboration among survivors can lead to greater impact. The judicial system often fails to support victims adequately. Therapy and professional help are crucial for healing. Speaking up can be a vital part of the healing process. There is a need for more awareness and support for male survivors. The project aims to create a platform for male voices. Sound bites "We need to break the silence." "This is a global epidemic." "We're not alone anymore." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inside the Boys Club 02:45 The Importance of Addressing Male Sexual Abuse 05:30 Personal Stories and Experiences of Abuse 10:58 The Need for Awareness and Support 13:40 The Role of Society and Institutions 16:34 The Impact of Power Dynamics on Abuse 22:15 The Broader Context of Abuse Across Demographics 27:49 The Challenges of Disclosure and Support 33:10 Advice for Survivors Seeking Help 37:23 The Ripple Effect of Speaking Up 39:27 Judicial System Challenges and Victim Support 43:37 Reclaiming Voice and Agency 45:43 The Struggle for a Voice in Inquiries 48:28 The Importance of Speaking Up 50:46 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience 56:23 Future Directions and Collective Action

Dr. Jen Ashton on Unimaginable Loss, Mental Health, and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 87:21

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. You are not alone, and help is available.Pre-Order The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK and receive exclusive bonuses: https://drgabriellelyon.com/playbook/Want ad-free episodes, exclusives and access to community Q&As? Subscribe to Forever Strong Insider: https://foreverstrong.supercast.comDr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with renowned medical correspondent and OB/GYN, Dr. Jen Ashton, for a profoundly personal and candid conversation about navigating life's most intense tragedies while maintaining a public career.Dr. Ashton bravely opens up about the devastating suicide of her first husband, a world-class surgeon, 18 days after their divorce was finalized. She shares the raw reality of being in clinical shock and how the immense tragedy became an unexpected catalyst for post-traumatic growth.Dr. Ashton, who holds a Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences, also brings her medical expertise to current health debates:The Power of Fitness: Learn how resistance training became Dr. Ashton's lifeline to snap her out of emotional numbness and shock.The Hormone Misinformation Crisis: They discuss the flawed data and flawed media that led to 20 years of women being under-treated for menopause after the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).GLP-1 Myths: Dr. Ashton breaks down the top myths surrounding GLP-1 medications, the difference between absolute vs. relative risk, and the non-weight related benefits that are just beginning to emerge.The Problem with Extremes: They address the societal tendency to seek out quick-fix solutions in health, menopause, and obesity care, arguing that the true sweet spot is in a nuanced, moderate position.Finding Love Again: Dr. Ashton shares the unexpected miracle of finding profound love with her current husband, legendary sports executive and TV producer, Tom Werner.About Jen Ashton: Retiring stiff paper gowns and unrelatable medical advice, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a Board-certified Ob-Gyn, author, and TV medical correspondent, breaks the barrier between doctor and patient. Affectionately referred to as your all-in-one ‘BFF'/Ob-Gyn, Dr. Jennifer Ashton marries an unparalleled medical background with an accessible‘girl's-girl' attitude. Though Dr. Ashton can easily speak to the latest beauty and fashion trends, this Ivy League graduate means business when it comes to women's health.Thank you to our sponsors: Timeline - Get 20% off your order at https://timeline.com/LYON OneSkin - Get 15% off with the code DRLYON – https://www.oneskin.coFind Jen Ashton at: Book: Life After Suicide - https://a.co/d/0HvOeSHIG:

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Sheepdog movie tackles veterans' stories about recovery, redemption and healing – EP297 Tango Alpha Lima

Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 75:57

Get a sneak peek at “Sheepdog,” an uplifting, award-winning movie, inspired by countless first-hand accounts from veterans about recovery, redemption and the journey of healing. Writer, director and actor Steven Grayhm and Emmy-winning actor Vondie Curtis Hall, who also stars in the film, are the guests in this episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast. Grayhm talks about interviews with veterans from the Vietnam War, Global War on Terrorism, OIF and OEF, and others that serve as the basis for this uplifting movie that highlights Post Traumatic Growth. Also in this episode, a record $23.3 billion in VA claims benefits, Buddy Checks for the Army during the holiday season, and more.SHOW LINKSEP287 - Doug Evans The Sprouts GuyFuel the Fight - Fund the MissionBart Womack - Tango 271Sheepdog the Movie WebsiteVet TixJoin the USA250 ChallengeAmerican Legion Be the OneBuddy ChecksArmy leaders ordered to check in daily with soldiers over the holidaysRecord year for American Legion Service OfficersFind a Service OfficerSupport Service Officers and Military Families

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Ka Bogso: The 5Rs Model of Posttraumatic Growth for Somali Refugee Women

SAGE Psychology & Psychiatry

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 31:00

In this episode of The Counseling Psychologist podcast series, Ms. Fowsia Musse and Dr. Yunkyoung Garrison talk about the article recently published in TCP titled, "Ka Bogso: The 5Rs Model of Posttraumatic Growth for Somali Refugee Women."

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"Leading with Empathy: Trauma-Informed Leadership in Action"

PTSD Growth Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 16:15

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the essential role of empathy in leadership, particularly in trauma-informed environments. For first responders, repeated exposure to high-stress situations often results in lasting emotional and psychological effects. As leaders, understanding and addressing trauma is key to building resilient teams and fostering a supportive work culture. We'll explore the principles of trauma-informed leadership, from recognizing how trauma impacts workplace dynamics to cultivating trust, safety, and empathy within teams. We'll also share practical, actionable strategies for integrating empathy into leadership practices and creating a trauma-sensitive culture. Whether you're in a leadership role or aspiring to one, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of empathy and trauma-informed approaches to enhance team morale, performance, and overall well-being. Join us as we lead with empathy, helping first responders thrive, not just survive. Key Topics:Understanding Trauma-Informed Leadership: Discover the profound impact trauma has on workplace dynamics and how leaders can foster safety, trust, and empathy to support their teams.Empathy as a Key Leadership Skill: Learn how empathetic leadership strengthens team connections, boosts morale, and fosters psychological safety.Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Work Culture: Explore actionable strategies to implement trauma-sensitive policies that enhance organizational resilience and individual well-being.Empathy in Action Reflection Exercise: Reflect on your leadership style and apply trauma-informed principles in your daily interactions to see immediate positive changes. Tune in and lead with empathy! Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

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The AI Frontier in Ultrarunning + Technology Doping (Nick Thompson Interview)

Singletrack

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 60:54

Nick Thompson joins the show to talk about use cases for AI in ultra-trail running, the concept of technology doping, urban design for run commuting, his new book The Running Ground, and some of his fairly low-key favorite races in the sport -including the Escarpment, the Twisted Branch 100K, and more.Chapters:02:00 The Intersection of AI and Ultra Running05:10 Exploring the Role of Technology in Training08:12 The Future of Coaching in the Age of AI10:59 Urban Design and Run Commuting14:08 The Impact of Analytics on Sports20:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Running31:44 The Complexity of Commitment in Sports37:11 The Luddite Perspective on Modernity38:55 Sketches of Meaningful Lives43:12 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience45:54 Ambition vs. Spiritual Awakening53:32 Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Races57:42 Influencing Public Figures in Ultra RunningPartners:Norda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever made (https://nordarun.com/)Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next order (https://www.precisionhydration.com/planner/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=singletrack)deltaG Ketones - use code Singletrack20 at checkout on their website to get 20% off your next order (https://partners.deltagketones.com/SINGLETRACK20)Raide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains (https://raideresearch.com/)Gorewear - use code SINGLETRACKPOD30 at checkout on their website (bit.ly/3JVNIbL) to get 30% off your purchase.Additional Links:Follow Nick on LinkedIn, The Running GroundFollow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Twitter, Youtube, and PatreonSupport the show

Beyond Resilience: The Art of Post-Traumatic Growth

The EMS Educator

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 38:08

How can EMS educators help their learners find resilience in what is sure to be a challenging profession? In this episode, recorded live at the 2025 New York State Vital Signs Conference, Prodigy EMS Medical Director Maia Dorsett sits down with renowned artist, retired paramedic, and counseling therapist Dan Sundahl. Their conversation explores the powerful intersection of creativity, trauma, and learning in EMS. Starting with a “Mindset Minute” from Ginger Locke, the episode challenges the traditional analytical focus of EMS education and highlights how inductive, creative thinking supports both better clinical reasoning and mental health. Dan shares his journey through PTSD, the role of art in healing, and the transformative potential of post-traumatic growth. Educators will gain insight into how creative pathways, neuroplasticity, and deliberate processing can help learners find resilience—and even emerge stronger—after difficult experiences. Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute." The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform. Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks! Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com. Follow @ProdigyEMS on FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.

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"Badge of Courage: Overcoming Fears with Faith and Fortitude"

PTSD Growth Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 13:57

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this empowering episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the role of fear in the lives of first responders and explore how to face it with faith and fortitude. Fear is a natural part of the job, but it doesn't have to hold you back. Join us as we discuss how to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth, harness the power of fortitude to overcome challenges, and transform fear into purposeful action. We'll also guide you through a reflective exercise to identify your fears and create a personal action plan for moving forward with courage.Key Topics:Embracing Fear as Part of the Journey: Learn how to recognize fear as a signal of growth, reframe it as a tool for personal development, and rely on faith to navigate challenges with resilience.The Power of Fortitude in Overcoming Challenges: Discover how fortitude—mental and emotional strength—can help you face adversity head-on. By drawing from past victories and leaning on your community, you can cultivate resilience and thrive in tough times.Transforming Fear into Action: Fear can paralyze or propel you forward. Learn how faith and fortitude enable you to take incremental steps toward overcoming fear, building courage along the way.Fear Reflection and Action Plan (Exercise): Participate in a guided reflection to identify your fears, break them down into manageable steps, and develop a personal plan to move forward with faith and courage. Tune in and learn how to turn fear into a source of strength and resilience on your journey as a first responder.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

On Depression, Callings, and Post Traumatic Growth | Chelsea Pottenger

The Courageous Life

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 58:46

6 years ago Chelsea Pottenger found herself in a psychiatric hospital. Deep in the throes of severe PostNatal Depression following the birth of her daughter,Chelsea in many ways was fighting for her life and at the beginning of a long road toward healing, and ultimately post traumatic growth. Along the way she found herself in a monastery learning and practicing meditation,Arriving at new insights about how she wanted to live, And eventually choosing to leave a very successful corporate career to found EQ Minds - a company on a mission to reset the corporate agenda. Chelsea and her team work with some of the world's most iconic businesses to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their employees first. In addition to founding and directing EQ Minds, Chelsea is now a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author of the Mindful High Performer, and was just nominated for Australian of the Year. Today she will share some of this journey.Her heart wrenching, and inspiring story of transforming pain into purpose. A story that in many ways offers us a beautiful reminder:There is a deeper and richer experience of life available to us.An experience that often begins with coming home to who we truly are. For more on Chelsea, her book, speaking and the incredible work they are doing at EQ Minds, please visit: https://www.eqminds.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Listening and Attending to the Soul | James HollisOn Heartbreak, Healing, and Transformation | Sara Avant StoverOn Learning to Be a Better Friend to Ourselves | Megan PragerJoin Joshua on a NEW 6-month journey in uncovering how we can open our hearts and minds to live a more expansive life. A life that brings us alive. A life that is driven primarily by curiosity, wonder, and love (vs. certainty, control, and fear).Learn more about and register for "From Fear to Love: A 6 Month Journey" here. Thanks for listening!Support the show

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#290 Resilience & Post-Traumatic Growth | H'Sien Hayward, PhD

SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 53:50

In this episode of SuperPsyched, host Dr. Adam Dorsay delves into the realities of resilience and post-traumatic growth with Dr. H'Sien Hayward, a psychologist who shares her incredible personal journey. Dr. Hayward recounts her experiences growing up on a self-sustained homestead, the life-changing accident just before her 17th birthday, and her inspiring academic and professional achievements. The discussion explores profound topics, such as the hedonic treadmill, the importance of finding meaning and purpose, and the nuanced differences between trauma and growth. Enjoy an engaging and intellectually stimulating conversation on how creating meaning after loss can lead to profound personal and collective growth.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 The Myth of 'What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger'01:25 Introducing Dr. H'Sien Hayward02:43 H'Sien's Early Life and Accident06:50 The Road to Recovery and Resilience10:53 Delayed Grief and Healing20:07 The Hedonic Treadmill and Finding Meaning27:27 Key Findings from Happiness Research27:46 Hedonic Adaptation and Set Points28:34 Exceptions to Hedonic Adaptation29:19 Cosmetic Surgery and Sustained Happiness31:17 Effort and Sustainable Happiness31:36 Positive Psychology Interventions39:54 The Role of Play and Resilience40:16 The Importance of Meaning Over Money44:09 The Power of Humor and Levity46:24 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsHelpful Links:Dr. H'Sien HaywardDr. H'Sien Hayward LinkedIn

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Post Traumatic Growth vs Post Traumatic Wisdom; Emotional Processing and Female Nervous System AUDIO

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 61:38

Functional healing isn't about bouncing back, it's about becoming more whole. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by somatic expert Veronica Rottman, founder of Soma School, to explore what happens when post-traumatic growth deepens into post-traumatic wisdom. Together, they unpack how healing often involves grief, identity shifts, and surrender, not just resilience and strength. You'll hear how emotions are constructed in the body, why dissociation and fawning are intelligent survival responses, and how safety is rebuilt through slow, titrated somatic experiences. We discuss how cultural narratives about “getting stronger” can overlook the body's need for modulation, rest, and relational repair. You'll learn how capacity building is nonlinear, why co-regulation and oxytocin-based safety cues matter, and how tending to wounds rather than fixing them can transform pain into embodied wisdom. Join us for a workshop, taking a deeper dive into Hormones, Stress and the Female Nervous System, combining applied neuroscience and somatics to support female cycles: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and framing: growth vs. wisdom 05:30 Emotions as predictions and survival patterning 14:00 Dissociation, boundaries, and identity shifts 22:30 Somatic titration, oxytocin, and co-regulation practices 31:00 Capacity, achievement, and health trade-offs 39:30 Reframing fawn and freeze as intelligent responses 47:00 Cyclical needs, rest, and redefining growth 54:00 Integration, tending, and systemic context 59:00 Takeaways and next steps Key Takeaways: Post-traumatic wisdom includes grief, ambiguity, and letting identities evolve, not only resilience. Emotions are constructed from interoception and predictions; safety cues can update those predictions. Small, consistent somatic doses help the system perceive more safety without overwhelm. Fawn and freeze are adaptive; meeting them with curiosity reduces shame and supports change. Capacity building is relational; co-regulation and oxytocin-supportive practices can expand what feels possible. Resources Mentioned: Soma School – founded by Veronica Rottman Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification Brain Based The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron (via Alanis Morissette interview) Peter Levine on Somatic Titration and Safety Dr. Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Perspective Lisa Feldman Barrett – Theory of constructed emotion Vincent Felitti – The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study Raja Selvam – Integral Somatic Psychology Call to Action: If this episode offered you a new perspective on healing—or gave language to something you've felt but couldn't name—share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or tap the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode. If you've ever noticed your focus, energy, or emotions shift throughout your cycle, this next workshop will help you understand why. On November 13th at 12pm Central, Elisabeth Kristof and Veronica Rottman will explore how your hormones interact with your nervous system—and how somatic tools can support you through every phase. Join live or catch the replay at https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/ 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.

Why Your Nervous System Capacity Predicts the Size of Your Life

capacity nervous system mental wellness predicts positive change post traumatic growth

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 12:10

Welcome to this week's episode of the Mastin Kipp Podcast!In this episode, you'll learn about:Why high-level coping mechanisms like yoga, breath work, and self-care can become fancy ways to dismiss emotions rather than building true nervous system capacity.How mental health diagnoses have increased from 100 to almost 300 since the 1950s, and why reframing disorders as "responses" (like ADHD Response instead of ADHD Disorder) creates more self-compassion.The powerful mantra "It's just a feeling" and how recognizing emotions as temporary experiences rather than your identity or truth can transform your relationship with difficult feelings.And much more!Click here to get free samples of all six Lypo-Spheric LivOn supplements (a $30 value) with your first purchase at LivOnLabs.com/mastin.Click here to get my brand new book Reclaim Your Nervous System: A Guide to Positive Change, Mental Wellness, and Post-Traumatic Growth.

How to Make Regulated Decisions Even When You Feel Dysregulated

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Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 14:38

Welcome to this week's episode of the Mastin Kipp Podcast!In this episode, you'll learn about:Why you can make regulated decisions while feeling dysregulated and how your behavior, not your words, determines whether you've actually made a decision.How activating your entrepreneurial nervous system means getting triggered and why taking courageous, imperfect action (CIA) is the highest priority for creating results.Why student debt has increased 1,930% since 1999 while money value decreased, and how creating your own economy through personal branding gives you financial agency regardless of external economic conditions.And much more!Click here to get free samples of all six Lypo-Spheric LivOn supplements (a $30 value) with your first purchase at LivOnLabs.com/mastin.Click here to get my brand new book Reclaim Your Nervous System: A Guide to Positive Change, Mental Wellness, and Post-Traumatic Growth.

How to Stop Doing ‘All the Things' and Focus on What Actually Works

mental wellness positive change actually works post traumatic growth

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 11:31

Welcome to this week's episode of the Mastin Kipp Podcast!In this episode, you'll learn about:Why building nervous system capacity is like strength training at the gym and how most people get stuck in a hodgepodge of healing modalities without clear direction.How we get stuck because we avoid one or two specific emotions out of the seven primary emotions, and all our healing work becomes about avoiding these feelings rather than building capacity to handle them.What nervous system regulation really means - it's not about staying calm but developing the ability to experience the full spectrum of human emotion without becoming dysregulated.And much more!Click here to get free samples of all six Lypo-Spheric LivOn supplements (a $30 value) with your first purchase at LivOnLabs.com/mastin.Click here to get my brand new book Reclaim Your Nervous System: A Guide to Positive Change, Mental Wellness, and Post-Traumatic Growth.

What Keeps Expert Practitioners Stuck and How to Escape for Good