Podcasts about support services

In this deeply moving Listener Series episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Kailee, who shares her story of infertility, recurrent placenta previa, NICU stays, medical trauma, and ultimately surviving placenta accreta with a life-saving hysterectomy.Kailee walks us through two high-risk pregnancies marked by hemorrhage, emergency cesareans, prolonged antepartum hospitalizations, NICU stays, and profound grief, alongside moments of advocacy, empowerment, and healing. Her story highlights how trauma can live alongside gratitude, and how reclaiming your voice can be life-saving.This episode is especially meaningful for NICU parents, those navigating placenta complications, birth trauma survivors, and anyone grieving the birth experience, or future, that was taken from them.In this episode, we discuss:

What does it really mean to give yourself permission, especially when you've been conditioned to put everyone else first?In this thoughtful and deeply resonant episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. George James, psychologist, speaker, executive coach, and author of I Give Myself Permission. With over a decade of shared history, Kayleigh and Dr. James reflect on growth, identity, trauma, and the invisible narratives that shape how we show up for ourselves, particularly after birth trauma.Dr. James shares how the pandemic, racial reckoning, leadership burnout, and family loss shaped his work and inspired his book. Together, they unpack why “just take care of yourself” is not only unhelpful, but often impossible without understanding the systems, identities, and stories we carry.This conversation is especially powerful for parents navigating birth trauma, clinicians supporting perinatal mental health, and anyone who feels stuck between survival and self-care.In this episode, we discuss:

In this powerful episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Alex, a mom of two and congenital heart disease survivor, who shares her journey through two high-risk pregnancies and two traumatic births.Alex opens up about living with complex congenital heart defects, undergoing open-heart surgery as an infant, and entering pregnancy knowing she would always be medically high-risk. Despite meticulous care and expert providers, both pregnancies took sudden, life-threatening turns, illustrating how trauma can exist even when everything is “managed well.”This episode explores the fear, grief, and lasting impact of emergency medical decisions, general anesthesia during birth, NICU life, and the heartbreak of realizing a redemptive birth may never come.In this episode, we discuss:

According to the Oregon Health Authority, nearly 35,000 Oregonians visited emergency rooms in 2023 for issues related to a brain injury. These injuries can result in a range of symptoms, from confusion and short-term memory loss to depression, anger issues and lack of impulse control. Depending on the severity of the injury, survivors may need access to resources such as employment and housing assistance in addition to medical and mental health services. Oregon launched a program last year to help brain injury survivors access those services. A team of trained navigators is available at 833-685-0848 to help people understand and connect with resources in their community. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle is the director of ODHS’s Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. Claire Madhavan is a navigator for the Oregon Brain Injury program. They both join us to talk about how the program is going.

In this clinically grounded episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Kina Wolfenstein, LCSW, therapist, educator, and certified trainer in Coherence Therapy, for a deep dive into a lesser-known but incredibly powerful trauma modality.Together, they explore what coherence therapy is, how it differs from more familiar approaches like EMDR, CBT, and IFS, and why it can be especially effective for birth trauma, medical trauma, and complex attachment wounds.Kina explains how coherence therapy views symptoms not as pathology, but as coherent responses rooted in emotional learnings and how true healing happens through memory reconsolidation, an innate brain process that allows those learnings to be updated at the root.This episode speaks directly to survivors who say, “I understand why I feel this way, but nothing changes,” and to clinicians looking for more precise, bottom-up tools for trauma healing.In this episode, we discuss:✨ What coherence therapy is and why so few people have heard of it

Daily Border Crossings partnered with The Siena School for this special edition episode on Transracial Adoption: A Conversation about Parenthood and Family when Love Race and Identity Intersect where panelists give relevant, thoughtful, necessary tips and pointers for navigating successfully across cultures and difference.Host Samantha Fletcher has an insightful, must-hear conversation with esteemed panelists Beverly Clarke and Christopher Brown on transracial adoption and how the experiences and needs are not unlike other adoptive families in many ways…and also are unique in certain ways. Guests explore complexities via first person lived experience and professional expertise. Our panelists will discuss the opportunities and challenges of raising and supporting children across racial and cultural lines, supporting parents and offering insight for educators and community members seeking to foster inclusive and affirming environments. Panelists are:Beverly Clarke, a former Siena parent, currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical & Support Services at The Barker Adoption Foundation.  In her role with Barker, Bev is responsible for managing, developing, implementing, and providing oversight and quality assurance for the clinical aspects of the work provided by the agency's adoption and support programs. Christopher Brown is the Dean of Equity and Belonging at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire; prior to Brewster, Christopher worked as an Academic Support teacher, Diversity Coordinator, coach, and advisor. He is a transracial adoptee, having been adopted by white parents, and he shares his story to impact the narrative on transracial adoption.Find Daily Border Crossings podcast at:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-border-crossings/id1517113315YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dailybordercrossingspodcas3258Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2U9ZjlsMZiE2dnRrdlP1BG Reach Samantha Fletcher at dailybordercrossings@gmail.com www.SamanthaFletcher.com

Columbia-based Impact Support Services describes itself as a leading provider for residents with disabilities in Boone County. They strive to be the best provider in all services offered. Impact Support Services says studies show that workers who have disabilities are more likely to stay in jobs longer, reducing high turnover costs. Impact Support Services executive director Don Lafferty joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's “CEO Roundtable” program. Mr. Lafferty grew up in northwest Missouri's Trenton, a town of about 5,600 in Grundy County. He earned a degree from what was then called Central Missouri State in Warrensburg. Impact Support Services used to be called Alternative Community Training. Mr. Lafferty started with the organization in 1992, working as a direct support professional (DSP). He says Impact Support Services has a staff of about 250 employees, noting about 200 of them are direct support professionals:

In this Listener Series episode, Kayleigh is joined by Bella, who courageously shares her journey through infertility, a high-risk twin pregnancy, perinatal depression, placenta previa, repeated hospitalizations, and an emergency C-section at just under 33 weeks.Bella walks us through the shock of conceiving triplets after one round of Clomid, the grief of losing one baby early in pregnancy, and the fear and uncertainty that followed as complications continued to stack. From significant bleeding episodes and preterm labor to an emergency birth that separated her from her babies, Bella's story sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of high-risk pregnancy and NICU life.Together, Kayleigh and Bella explore not only what happened medically, but the lasting emotional impact, including grief over missed milestones, infertility due to medical necessity, and learning how to cope when the birth and motherhood journey looks nothing like what you imagined.This episode is a powerful reminder that survival does not erase trauma, and that community can be a lifeline.In this episode, we discuss:

What happens when something doesn't feel right during labor or birth, but you don't know what to do, who to call, or even what to name it?In this eye-opening episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. Jennifer Dunatov, a healthcare ethicist with nearly 20 years of experience working inside hospital systems. Together, they unpack what ethics really looks like in labor and delivery and why it's a vastly underutilized (but incredibly important) resource for birthing people, families, doulas, and clinicians.Dr. Dunatov shares how becoming a mother herself transformed her work, leading her to focus on birth ethics after hearing countless stories of consent violations, loss of autonomy, and traumatic care. She explains what clinical ethicists actually do, how ethics consults work in real time, and how they can help amplify patient voices even when something has already gone wrong.This episode is essential listening for anyone who has experienced birth trauma, is preparing to give birth, or works in maternity care.In this episode, we discuss:What healthcare ethics actually is (and why it's not boring

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Danielle, a therapist and mother of three, to share a story that challenges the narrow ways we often define birth and postpartum trauma.Danielle's trauma did not occur during labor or delivery, it unfolded months postpartum, following what was supposed to be a routine surgical procedure to remove a fibroid. Instead, a cascade of medical complications led to a medical emergency, multiple surgeries, bladder injury, and an unplanned hysterectomy that permanently ended her ability to carry another pregnancy.Already navigating life with three young children, including a baby under one, Danielle suddenly found herself recovering from a major abdominal surgery, managing a catheter for weeks, and confronting the profound grief of losing her fertility without warning or choice.As both a therapist and a patient, Danielle brings a deeply reflective lens to this conversation, naming the invisible grief that so often accompanies medical trauma, especially when it doesn't “fit” neatly into recognized categories of loss.Together, Kayleigh and Danielle explore:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Tiffany Lowther, LMHC, a certified perinatal mental health professional and EMDR therapist, for an in-depth conversation about using EMDR to treat birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, OCD-like symptoms, and other perinatal mental health challenges.Tiffany shares both her professional expertise and lived experience, offering clear explanations of what EMDR is, how it works in the brain and body, and why it can be especially effective during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, Kayleigh and Tiffany unpack common misconceptions about EMDR and explain how this modality can support healing without requiring years of traditional talk therapy.In this episode, you'll learn:

The Department of Family and Support Services held its annual Holiday Line Dance Party, bringing a live band, lunch, and, of course, dancing to the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Department of Family and Support Services held its annual Holiday Line Dance Party, bringing a live band, lunch, and, of course, dancing to the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Department of Family and Support Services held its annual Holiday Line Dance Party, bringing a live band, lunch, and, of course, dancing to the Chicago Cultural Center.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Kelsea, a mom of three, to share the emotional, terrifying, and deeply transformative story of her son Oliver's birth and NICU journey a birth she hoped would finally be a peaceful experience after two difficult deliveries, but instead became her most traumatic one yet.Scheduled for a repeat C-section at 37 weeks due to rising blood pressures and a history of preeclampsia, Kelsea entered the hospital with a pit in her stomach,  a feeling she now knows was intuition. The days that followed were filled with fear and uncertainty. Oliver deteriorated quickly, and for 24 hours, doctors weren't sure what was wrong. Finally, a NICU physician discovered that he had a pneumothorax, a collapsed left lung, and early signs of sepsis. He was intubated, placed on chest tubes, and put under strict no-hold restrictions leading to a heartbreaking stretch where Kelsea couldn't touch, comfort, or even pick up her newborn son.Together, Kayleigh and Kelsea talk through:

State Rep. Peter Abbarno visited the YWCA Clark County domestic violence shelter to learn about housing and service gaps for survivors. He called for increased legislative support for shelter expansion and restoring financial accountability for offenders under House Bill 1169. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/rep-peter-abbarno-tours-ywca-clark-county-domestic-violence-shelter-calls-for-stronger-support-services-and-accountability-for-offenders/ #ClarkCounty #DomesticViolence #Legislation

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C, therapist, educator, and host of The Misconceptions Podcast, for a deeply honest and compassionate conversation about surrogacy— the hopes, complexities, grief, joy, and emotional labor that shape this path to parenthood. Dvora shares what intended parents often navigate beneath the surface: the grief of letting go of a hoped-for pregnancy, the vulnerability of trusting another person with your baby, and the invisible emotional work that unfolds long before birth and long after.This conversation between with Dvora brings clarity to a journey that is too often misunderstood and oversimplified.Together, Kayleigh and Dvora explore:

As the holiday season approaches, we're revisiting one of the most requested and resonant solo episodes of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. In this special re-release, Kayleigh dives into the complex, emotional landscape of navigating the holidays after birth or perinatal trauma,  a topic that so many in our community quietly struggle with, but one that's rarely talked about openly.Drawing from her own experience and the countless stories shared within this community, Kayleigh unpacks the many layers that make the holiday season uniquely challenging after trauma, whether your trauma happened during the holidays or you're simply facing your first (or fifth) holiday season that looks nothing like you imagined.Inside this episode, Kayleigh explores:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Rachel, a mom of two, to share her powerful and deeply layered story of navigating two very different pregnancies and births, both marked by moments of dismissal, fear, and intense advocacy.Rachel's first pregnancy shifted dramatically at 30 weeks when she developed severe high blood pressure and preeclampsia, leading to weeks of confusion, mixed messages, and ultimately an induction at 34 weeks. Her experience left deep emotional imprints, including guilt, hypervigilance, and the grief of feeling disconnected from her own birth and early postpartum moments.Years later, Rachel and her wife decided to grow their family again,  a choice shaped by both longing and the fear of repeating past trauma. Her second pregnancy was medically smoother, but her birth once again challenged her sense of safety and autonomy through unheard concerns, rapid labor, and providers who dismissed her awareness of her own body.Together, Kayleigh and Rachel explore:

In this powerful conversation, Kayleigh sits down with Dr. Cheryl Tatano Beck, one of the most influential researchers in postpartum mood disorders and psychological birth trauma. Dr. Beck shares how her clinical work as a nurse and nurse-midwife led her into research, how she “fell into” traumatic birth as a focus, and why listening to mothers' own words and metaphors changed everything.Together, they explore breastfeeding after birth trauma, the role of dignity and respect in preventing trauma, and the possibility of post-traumatic growth—not as a silver lining, but as a real, complex outcome of surviving something life-shattering.This episode is for survivors, clinicians, nurses, midwives, OBs, lactation consultants, and therapists who want to better understand the lived experience of birth trauma and the research that gave it language.Together, Kayleigh and Dr. Beck explore: ✨ How she found her way into researching postpartum depression and traumatic birth ✨ Why qualitative research (and metaphors!) can crack open truth in a way numbers never could ✨ The powerful two-path framework for breastfeeding after trauma ✨ What surprised her most after decades of listening to survivors ✨ Post-traumatic growth and the ways some parents rebuild after everything collapses ✨ How clinicians can prevent trauma by protecting dignity, autonomy, and humanityResources & Links

In this special listener series episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Lillian, a licensed clinical social worker to unpack both the personal and professional realities of NICU trauma, for parents, families, and the clinicians who support them.As a psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health, Lillian has spent years supporting women through infertility, postpartum mood disorders, and the transition to motherhood. But her work took on new meaning after her own experience as a NICU parent, giving birth to triplets at 34 weeks during the height of COVID-19 and being separated from her babies for ten long days after delivery.Through vulnerability and clinical wisdom, Lillian shares what it's really like to be a “visitor” in your own child's life, the deep shame that can come from not feeling instantly bonded, and the importance of validation and compassion in healing from perinatal trauma.Together, Kayleigh and Lillian explore:

Listen to this episode if... You've been offered child inclusive mediation and don't know what to expect You're worried about how separation is affecting your child You're in a high-conflict co-parenting situation or dealing with coercive control You've been told that involving your child in mediation will "help" You want to make informed, child-centered decisions in your family law journey  

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Maggie Runyon, nurse educator, author, and co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Birth Nurse Program, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about what it means to care, and to keep caring, in a system that so often asks too much of its helpers.Maggie's new book, I Thought I Was Here to Help, explores the emotional and professional identity of nurses and other healthcare providers, unpacking how the “helper” mindset, while rooted in empathy and purpose, can also lead to burnout, moral distress, and trauma when left unchecked.Together, Kayleigh and Maggie explore how the same drive that brings so many clinicians to this work can, without boundaries and reflection, begin to harm them, and how shifting from a hero or handmaiden mindset to one of advocacy can create space for more sustainable, compassionate care.They also dive into:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Betsey, a therapist, mother, and birth trauma survivor, to share her powerful and ongoing story of survival, advocacy, and rebuilding trust in the medical system.Betsey's pregnancy started off routine, until her daughter Mara's heart rate began showing signs of distress at 39 weeks. What followed was a series of events that would forever change Betsey's experience of birth and motherhood.But Betsey's trauma didn't end in the delivery room. Her postpartum experience was marked by repeated medical dismissal, for both herself and her daughter, as she navigated months of unanswered questions, failure-to-thrive diagnoses, and a long fight to uncover the truth: a severe cow's milk protein intolerance that had gone unnoticed by multiple providers.As both a mental health therapist and a mother, Betsey brings unique insight into the emotional and psychological toll of birth trauma, medical gaslighting, and raising a medically complex child.Together, Kayleigh and Betsey explore:

A program that has offered parental support services to incarcerated mothers will soon be available to men held at the state prison in Newport.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh opens a gentle and honest conversation about the journey of considering pregnancy after birth trauma and introduces her new workshop, created specifically for this season.The Pregnancy After Birth Trauma workshop was designed as a supportive, trauma-informed space for anyone exploring a subsequent pregnancy after a difficult or traumatic birth. It offers guidance, reflection prompts, and tools to help you move through this process with clarity and a sense of agency. Whether you're actively trying, quietly wondering if you're ready, or still holding the question gently from a distance, this workshop honors the complexity of your experience and walks alongside you with care and grounding.In today's episode, Kayleigh speaks to the emotional landscape that so many survivors navigate when thinking about growing their family again. Rather than rushing answers, she reflects on the fears, hopes, and complicated "maybes" that live in this space, and why this decision deserves slowness, compassion, and support.She explores:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Christine, a mom of four, to share her harrowing and powerful story of surviving a rare and life-threatening birth and postpartum experience.After being induced at 37 weeks for hypertension, Christine's delivery with her fourth son, Caden, started calmly, until everything changed. What followed was a series of medical emergencies including a cervical tear, uterine rupture, hemorrhage, and emergency exploratory surgery, followed by multiple re-hospitalizations and near-death experiences in the weeks after giving birth.Christine opens up about the long physical and emotional recovery that followed, from memory loss and PTSD to regaining her strength through pelvic floor physical therapy, and how her desire to understand what happened to her body led to deep reflection on communication gaps in healthcare.Together, Kayleigh and Christine explore:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Dr. Jackie Dallaire, an OBGYN and former social work major, to explore what truly human-centered care looks like inside the world of obstetrics.Jackie's path to medicine began with a foundation in social work, where she learned the importance of empathy, systems thinking, and seeing every person in the context of their story. Those lessons have shaped how she shows up in her practice today, as a doctor who listens deeply, centers her patients' autonomy, and advocates for a more compassionate model of care.Together, Kayleigh and Dr. Dallaire unpack what it means to practice trauma-informed medicine in a system that often prioritizes efficiency over empathy, and why collaboration between OBs and midwives is one of the most powerful ways to create safer, more empowering birth experiences.They explore:

In this deeply moving listener story episode, Kayleigh is joined by Meghan, who shares the heartbreaking and powerful story of her son, Max.

In this episode, of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Caitlin, a certified nurse midwife practicing within an OB/GYN group, to talk about how midwives are redefining patient-centered care inside traditional medical settings. Together, they explore what makes the midwifery model unique, why collaboration with obstetricians matters, and how integrating both perspectives can create safer, more supported birth experiences.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how the midwifery model emphasizes relationship, trust, and holistic support, even within hospital-based systems, and why this approach can be a powerful antidote to the fragmentation so many birthing people experience in modern maternity care.Together, Kayleigh and Caitlin explore:The core philosophy of midwifery care and how it differs from the traditional medical model.How midwives and OBs can work together rather than compete, creating a continuum of care that honors safety and connection.The value of presence and time, why listening and relational continuity matter in birth outcomes.How midwifery care supports trauma-informed, patient-led decision making.The challenges and opportunities of practicing midwifery within a hosptial system.Resources & LinksFollow Caitlin on TikTok: @Caitlin.Emmaline

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Sowania Germain, LMHC-D, PMHC, a licensed therapist and fellow birth trauma survivor, to share her powerful story of pregnancy complications, hospitalization, and healing.Sowania's journey began with an unexpected pregnancy that led to months of antepartum bed rest, countless medical interventions, and a premature birth, followed by the heavy emotional aftermath that so many parents silently carry. As a therapist and Haitian American woman, Sowania offers an insightful perspective on the intersections of medical trauma, cultural shame, and the long road toward self-compassion.Together, Kayleigh and Sowania explore:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Alicia Rainwater, LCSW, the newest member of the Holding Hope Perinatal therapy team. Alicia brings nearly a decade of experience as a medical social worker and shares how both her professional and personal journeys have shaped her approach to perinatal trauma and grief work.From walking alongside families in hospitals during some of their hardest days to navigating her own motherhood journey after losing her mom, Alicia's story beautifully illustrates the heart of trauma-informed care, presence, empathy, and validation.Together, Kayleigh and Alicia explore:

As the fall quarter begins and students dive into parties, dating, and new relationships, it's important to know how to stay safe and where to turn for help. KCSB's Lina Lim speaks with Julia Pennick, director of UC Santa Barbara's Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) office. Topics include ways to intervene safely as a bystander, what resources to turn to when facing interpersonal violence, and learn about practical steps you can take to look out for yourself and your friends while enjoying all that Isla Vista has to offer. October is also relationship violence awareness month.

Dr. Brittany Penner, an author and practicing family physician in Manitoba, joined me to talk about her new memoir, "Children Like Us: A Métis Woman's Memoir of Family, Identity and Walking Herself Home," growing up as an Indigenous woman in a non-Indigenous family, the 60s Scoop, and how her experiences growing up, including multiple traumatic events, shaped who she is as a person and a doctor.A note of warning, in this episode, we're going to talk about sexual assault and suicide. I'll include some support information in the show notes, but if this is going to be triggering for you, you may not want to listen to this episode.Canada - Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services -https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres-crisis-lines-and-support-services/U.S.A. - National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence - Hotlines - https://www.ncdsv.org/hotlines.html

About one in nine people in Australia are carers — people who look after an ageing or frail relative or friend, or for someone living with a health condition or disability. But many carers do not recognise themselves as such, or know there is a range of free support services available to them. - Otprilike jedna od devet osoba u Australiji je njegovatelj – osoba koja brine o starijem ili nemoćnom rođaku ili prijatelju, ili o nekome ko živi sa zdravstvenim stanjem ili invaliditetom. Ali mnogi njegovatelji često ne prepoznaju sebe kao takve, niti znaju da postoji niz besplatnih usluga podrške koje im stoje na raspolaganju.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Rachael to share her powerful story of surviving placenta accreta, not once, but twice, and the far-reaching impact it had on her body, her family, and her healing.Rachael, an IVF mom and nurse, opens up about her traumatic birth experiences: the emergency surgeries, hemorrhage, ICU stay, and the devastating loss of her ability to breastfeed after a pituitary rupture. She also shares her second accreta journey, which ended in a hysterectomy, and the complicated grief of both relief and loss that followed.But this conversation doesn't stop with the medical story, it shines light on the ripple effects of birth trauma. Rachael bravely discusses the toll it took on her marriage, her husband's hidden struggles with alcohol, and the often-overlooked suffering of partners in the aftermath of traumatic births.Together, Kayleigh and Rachael explore:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Dr. Arianna Cassidy, maternal-fetal medicine physician at UCSF, to unpack one of the most complex and high-risk conditions in pregnancy: placenta accreta.Placenta accreta spectrum disorders have been rising alongside C-section rates, yet remain widely misunderstood. Dr. Cassidy shares her personal journey into medicine, her role in building UCSF's multidisciplinary accreta center, and why the care for these patients must go beyond surgery and survival.Together, they explore:

When her husband was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration at just 29, Katie Brandt's life changed overnight. What began as confusion and heartbreak became a lifelong calling to transform how we see, support, and study dementia. Today, Katie is the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations at the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit, and the Founder & CEO of Katie Brandt Advocacy. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to become a “caregiver detective”, the quiet observer, the record keeper, the advocate who pieces together the truth when something feels off. We explore how early and accurate diagnosis brings dignity, how research becomes more human when it includes caregiver voices, and why supporting caregivers isn't just compassionate, it's strategic. Katie shares the lessons she's learned through love, loss, and leadership, and how her belief that “love will end FTD” continues to guide her work and the families she serves.   To buys tickets and learn more about A Night with the Arts for FTD, an annual gala featuring the Sermos Memorial Art Show, benefitting the clinical research program in the MGH Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. Visit HERE. The MGH Frontotemporal Disorders Unit hosts From Care to Cure podcast. Listen HERE. Thank you to our Sponsor Zinnia TV is a therapeutic dementia care platform that supports caregivers. We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts. Please follow for updates, rate & review! For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

Many U.S. Department of Agriculture services are frozen as a result of the government shutdown. The freeze could have significant impacts for Montana's farmers.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I'm joined by Diane for a powerful and emotional retelling of her son Tommy's birth and the long, complicated postpartum recovery that followed. What began as a smooth induction and quick delivery turned into a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage, a diagnosis of placenta accreta, and an eventual hysterectomy, weeks after birth.Diane walks us through the cascade of events, from being dismissed when she sensed something was wrong to advocating for the testing that ultimately revealed retained placenta with an accreta component. She shares the fear of facing major surgery, the relief of trusting her intuition, and the ways she has found healing through EMDR therapy, support groups, and reconnecting with her body.Her story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, the importance of listening to birthing people, and the long tail of emotional recovery after medical trauma.What You'll Hear in This Episode:

In this special crossover episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast and The Misconceptions Podcast, Kayleigh and Dvora sit down with Dr. Heather Nixon, an obstetric anesthesiologist, to unpack one of the most overlooked aspects of birth trauma: pain during C-sections and failed anesthesia.Inspired by Season 2 of The Retrievals podcast, this conversation dives into what happens when patients are told, “you're not feeling pain,” even when they clearly are. Dr. Nixon shares her professional journey of reckoning with the ways anesthesia has been taught, normalized, and misunderstood in obstetric care, and why communication and validation are just as critical as the medical interventions themselves.Together, they explore:

In this debrief episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast and The Misconceptions Podcast, Kayleigh and Dvora reflect on their powerful conversation with Dr. Heather Nixon, an OB anesthesiologist working to transform how pain is managed and communicated during C-sections.While the first conversation laid the groundwork, this follow-up goes deeper into the emotional, psychological, and systemic layers of what it means when patients feel pain and aren't believed.Kayleigh and Dvora unpack:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Lindsey, who shares her harrowing story of developing acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and HELLP syndrome at 37 weeks. What began as a healthy, joyful pregnancy quickly spiraled into a medical emergency involving liver failure, internal bleeding, intubation, dialysis, and a two-week ICU stay.Lindsey walks us through her fragmented memories, the video of meeting her daughter that went viral, and the hidden layers of ICU delirium and psychosis that shaped her early postpartum days. She also opens up about the long recovery process — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and the ongoing grief of not having the choice to grow her family in the way she once imagined.In this powerful conversation, Lindsey shares:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Andrea Wetterau, a licensed clinical social worker, EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, and perinatal mental health certified provider, for an eye-opening conversation on the intersection of birth trauma, body image, and eating concerns in the perinatal period.Andrea shares her personal journey of developing an eating disorder as a teen, choosing recovery every day, and later facing the resurfacing of old struggles after experiencing significant birth and postpartum trauma herself. Now, through her work with pregnant and postpartum clients, Andrea helps parents navigate the complex ways food and body struggles can show up during and after birth trauma.This conversation explores:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, we are joined by Angel, who shares her powerful story of birth, near-death, and healing after a rare and life-threatening complication: uterine inversion.Angel describes how her labor started smoothly and seemed “perfect" until the unexpected happened. What followed was a cascade of emergencies, including massive blood loss, emergency surgery, a hysterectomy, and days in critical care. Angel walks us through the terrifying moments of saying goodbye to her husband, the prayers she whispered before surgery, and the relief of waking up alive.But her story doesn't end at survival. Angel opens up about the aftermath, the postpartum depression she never expected, the shame of feeling broken despite being grateful, and the ongoing work of therapy, community, and healing.In this episode, Angel shares:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. Ono Nseyo, an OB-GYN practicing in the Bay Area, for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation about patient-centered, trauma-informed care and what it means to show up as both a clinician and a human.Dr. Nseyo shares her journey from growing up as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants to becoming a physician passionate about addressing health disparities and providing care that honors dignity and autonomy. Together, Kayleigh and Dr. Nseyo explore what happens when healthcare providers reject the pressure of rushed, 10-minute appointments and instead prioritize listening, presence, and human connection.This conversation explores:

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Katelynn, a labor and delivery nurse who was at the bedside during a devastating traumatic birth, Julia's story (Episode 137).Together, they revisit that day, but this time through the eyes of the provider. Katelynn opens up about the chaos of rushing Julia to the OR, the horror of watching her patient code, and the emotional toll that followed. What unfolds is a powerful conversation about the very real trauma healthcare workers face when catastrophic events occur in labor and delivery.Katelynn shares:

Planning for birth often centers around the joyful, expected moments, skin-to-skin, golden hour, and bringing your baby home. But what about the unexpected? What happens if birth takes a catastrophic turn?In this joint episode with The BirthLounge Podcast, HeHe Stewart and I are collaborating again. Together, we unpack what it means to create a catastrophic birth plan, a tool to help families feel informed and empowered even in rare, life-threatening situations.I share my personal experience of surviving an AFE and what I wish had been in place for myself, my baby, and my partner. This episode explores:

On this week's Listener Series, we are doing a special re-release. We are sharing Julia's story again and tune in next week to hear from her L&D nurse, Katlynn. This is such a special duo - honoring both the patient and the provider in a traumatic experience.A little bit about Julia's story - Julia was induced at 38 weeks due to gestational hypertension. A routine delivery turned terrifying, when Julia suddenly became unresponsive. What followed was a litany of complications landing Julia and her baby in the ICU and NICU, and still to this day with an uncertain diagnosis. She shares with us the process of bringing home a NICU baby after a significant trauma and what her healing journey has been like.On this episode, you will hear:- labor complications and emergency response- NICU experience and family dynamics- second opinions and diagnosis- navigating an ICU experience- bonding journey after ICU and NICU experience- the stress of bringing home a NICU baby- finding healing and community supportYou can find and follow Julia on Instagram: @julia.omickFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this episode of Grow Think Tank, host Gene Hammett talks with Nate Medoff, CEO of Quatrro Business Support Services, about the challenge of scaling without losing your culture. Quatrro Business Support Services No. 4197 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Medoff reveals how Quattro has grown through rapid expansion and acquisitions while staying true to its cultural values and retaining top talent. He discusses leveraging AI to enhance client services without losing personal connection, measuring culture with clear KPIs, and fostering innovation by creating a safe space to learn from failure. This conversation offers leaders practical strategies to scale successfully while preserving the culture that fuels long-term success.