A Trauma-Informed Future

Have you ever sat through a nonprofit fundraising gala and felt your stomach drop as the lights dimmed for yet another emotionally devastating video? 

You're not alone. And according to trauma-informed storyteller Maria Bryan, there's a better way.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma-Informed Feature, host Katie Kurtz sits down with Maria Bryan to unpack the often-overlooked harm happening in nonprofit storytelling. From the marketing director gathering stories to the donor watching from the audience, everyone in what Maria calls the "storytelling ecosystem" deserves consideration.

As nonprofits face funding challenges, story extraction isn't just harmful—it's unsustainable. This conversation offers a path forward that honors both story and humanity.

Learn more about Maria:

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She is the host of the When Bearing Witness® podcast and facilitates the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program.

Maria’s work helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.

Her learning lineage spans a Master's Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, and professional certifications in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment and Regulation.

Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria:

• Website: https://www.mariabryan.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariabryancrtv/ 

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Welcome back to a new season of A Trauma-Informed Future! After a restorative pause, Katie is offering transparent updates about the behind-the-scenes shifts that have unfolded since the last episode. Acknowledging the deep distrust shaping our world-from politics to community safety to information itself-Katie reminds us that trust is built slowly, at the pace of the nervous system, through aligned intentions and actions. She reflects on the collective trauma of the current moment, the exhaustion and hopelessness that doom-scrolling can amplify, and the grounded hope that trauma-informed practice continues to offer as people make daily choices toward humanity, safety, and care. Katie shares the evolution of her work, including the emergence of TRUST™ (Trauma-Informed Relational Upskilling and Systems Transformation) as the aligned home for her methodology, the beta launch of TRUST Works, and the growing community of trusted partners.  Centering the power of caring as courageous rather than “soft,” Katie calls listeners into mindful action, inviting them to reflect on where their care lives, how they can use their power within their spheres of influence, and how choosing trauma-informed care in small everyday moments contributes to a broader trust swell. 

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When people feel truly seen, heard, and valued, their nervous systems shift from protection to connection. As humans, our deepest drive is to feel safe—and that sense of safety is shaped by our internal physiological state, governed by the autonomic nervous system. We’re navigating a world marked by uncertainty and disconnection—at work, at home, and in our communities. Trust is in short supply, yet it’s the very thing we need most. In low trust times, trust becomes the glue—what holds us together when everything else feels unstable. In this timely and hopeful conversation, host Katie Kurtz explores the neuroscience of trust and why it matters now more than ever. You'll discover how each of us carries the power to build, repair, and sustain trust—one relationship, one choice, one nervous system at a time.

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Many people turn to their faith communities to seek safety, connection, and support.  Without a trauma-informed lens, well-intentioned practices can unintentionally cause harm or retraumatize. Host Katie Kurtz is joined by coach and consultant Candace Wallace as they explore the integration of trauma-informed practices within faith-based communities. With expertise drawn from her extensive background, Candace Wallace explores the dual nature of faith communities as havens of healing and potential harm, urging the necessity for accountability and compassion.  If you're part of or curious about faith-based systems, this episode is an essential guide to embedding trauma-informed principles into your community's foundation. 

Learn more about Candace:

Candace Wallace is a passionate coach and consultant with a proven track record in designing and leading public health strategies at the federal, state, and local levels. As the founder of Seeds of Life Consulting, she empowers and equips agencies—including faith-based institutions—to integrate trauma-informed care practices that foster resilience, healing, and equity within their communities. Recognized for her servant leadership and strategic expertise, Candace is a 2025 German Marshall Fund - Marshall Memorial Fellow and has been featured in esteemed publications, including the 2020 APHA and Case Western Reserve University’s Cancer Disparity Symposium.

Connect with Candace:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/crusaderchic 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-l-wallace/

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Still think trauma isn’t relevant to your work? Recent populations studies have shown that virtually all people have or will experience trauma in their lifetime. Whether it’s your employees, customers, or clients, individuals have experienced some form of trauma in their lives and it can impact how they interact with you and your business. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with career HR professional and CEO & founder of the Wounded Workforce, Stephanie Lemek. This episode shines a spotlight on the essential role of trauma-informed practices in transforming workplace culture. Stephanie highlights examples of how trauma-informed practices contributes to a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture, which translates to higher employee engagement, retention, and overall organizational success.

Learn more about Stephanie:

Stephanie is on a mission to build trauma informed workplace cultures, leading her to found The Wounded Workforce™ in 2023.

Stephanie has over 16 years of experience in a variety of HR roles, spanning various industries and in organizations ranging from large Fortune 500 to growing start-ups.

In every role, Stephanie noticed that the workplace just isn’t built with everyone in mind. And despite the best efforts of HR teams and leaders, sometimes people still don’t have the right supports to be successful.

With a lifelong mission of helping both organizations and individuals be successful (and at the same time!), there had to be a way to create organizational cultures where everyone can be successful- and that’s where trauma informed workplaces come in!

Through a passion and research, Stephanie found that what she was looking for to help leaders, HR, and Talent professionals approach the workplace with an understanding and responsiveness to the traumatic experiences over 70% of adults bring with them to the workplace, didn’t exist. So, she set on a mission to build it herself!

Connect with Stephanie:

• Website: https://www.thewoundedworkforce.com/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wounded_workforce/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Wounded-Workforce/61551729635346/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoundedWorkforce 

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What if the traditional way of doing business is no longer the way forward? What if people and profit could coexist without extraction or harm?  Today's guest, Angela Johnson had these questions and set out on a journey to research how this could be possible using trauma-informed care. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with business strategist Angela Johnson discussing the critical role of integrating trauma-informed care into business practices. She underscores the importance of viewing trauma as a fundamental component of human interaction and how it influences business strategies, marketing, and communication. This episode offers resources to help businesses incorporate trauma-informed approaches, highlighting the transformative potential for both business success and personal fulfillment.

Learn more about Angela:

Angela is a trauma-informed coach and strategist who helps multi-passionate rebel entrepreneurs and DEI-focused organizations craft their unique message and implement their marketing without using pain points, complicated funnels, or other gimmicky strategies.

Since 2008, she has helped hundreds of private clients and over 3,000 students in her courses and events ditch one-size-fits-all formulas and lead their businesses with their values. She is best known for her simple 1-page marketing plans and keen ability to help her clients craft compelling messaging while prioritizing their nervous systems.

Angela has shared the stage with renowned thought leaders like Liz Gilbert, Lynn Twyst, and Lisa Nichols. Her work focuses on guiding business owners and organizations to integrate trauma-informed marketing and communication so that collectively, we dismantle systemic oppression and co-create a world that prioritizes equity and compassion.

Connect with Angela:

• Website: www.angelamjohnson.com 
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelajohnsonbiz/
• Free Trauma-informed Business Guide: https://tools.angelamjohnson.com/free-trauma-guide

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In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz invites Caroline Brunne, a distinguished trauma survivor coach and breath work facilitator to discuss the powerful role of peer support. Caroline shares her compelling journey, underlining the critical role of personal lived experiences in the realm of trauma-informed care. This episode highlights how those who have navigated similar challenges bring valuable insight and a unique perspective that can bridge gaps between traditional support systems and personal recovery. Caroline, alongside her loyal therapy dog Louie, is dedicated to fostering environments of safety and growth through her initiative, In Support Community, which provides vital peer support for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Content Warning: This podcast episode mentions the lived experiences of childhood sexual abuse and incest. Although specific details are not mentioned, please be aware and listen with care. 

Learn more about Caroline:

For over two decades, Caroline has had the privilege of supporting individuals in transforming their lives through coaching, life management, and personal growth. Her work has been featured on platforms like Channel 7’s Sunrise, Mamma Mia, Women’s Health, Channel Nine News, Body & Soul, and numerous podcasts and publications – a testament to the impact of her journey and dedication to helping others.

But beyond the accolades and appearances lies a story of resilience. As a high-functioning trauma survivor, Caroline knows the weight of building a life of accomplishments while carrying the shadow of past pain. In 2020,  Caroline took her first steps toward unpacking and healing her lived experiences, confronting the trauma that had long lingered in silence. That journey led her to a place of transformation, and in 2022, she took an act of unshakable courage by self-publishing her debut book, More Than One Thing Can Be True.

This memoir is not just a story – it’s a testament to survival, healing, and hope. In it, Caroline shares her lived experience of overcoming child sexual abuse, incest, and trauma, offering a narrative of bravery and resilience. Her goal is to inspire individuals and communities to open conversations about these experiences, to replace shame with understanding, and to illuminate the path to healing.

Since releasing her book, Caroline has expanded her mission, stepping into the role of a lived experience expert and survivor advocate. She has the honor of speaking at conferences and events across Australia, contributing to media discussions, and sharing insights that empower others to embrace their healing journeys.

In 2024, Caroline combined her personal experiences with her professional expertise to create The Survivor Coach – a space where coaching and breathework come together to support transformation. Today, alongside her therapy dog Louie, Carline works with clients to move beyond trauma, reclaim their power, and step into lives of purpose and authenticity.

Connect with Caroline:

• Website: https://carolinebrunne.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgb.mgmt# 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_brunne/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-brunne/ 
• Breathwork bookings: https://cbrunne.setmore.com/ 
• Louie the Therapy Dog: https://carolinebrunne.com/meet-louie/ 

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How do we meet the moment while also running a business? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz explores the intersection of trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and effective marketing and business practices with Tristan Katz. An LGBTQIA+ DEI facilitator and consultant, Tristan shares their profound insights on creating meaningful change and fostering supportive environments for entrepreneurs.  By highlighting the interconnectedness of solidarity and entrepreneurship, this is a compelling call to action for reflection and sustained efforts towards an inclusive future.

Learn more about Tristan:

Tristan Katz (they/he) is a business consultant and equity-inclusion facilitator specializing in culturally competent marketing strategies and LGBTQ+ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB). Tristan currently serves as COO and Director of Programming for Fruition Growth Network, a platform designed to support entrepreneurs with affordable programming, free trainings, coaching, and community. His clients are at the forefront of creating more access and inclusion in the yoga industry and beyond, with social media audiences of 20k and above; many of them have been featured in NPR, the New York Times, NBC, and USA Today, and have worked with companies like Google, the Met, and TikTok. As a longtime student of social movements and social justice, Tristan’s work centers on values-focused marketing, the exploration of power and privilege, and the intersection between solidarity and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Tristan:

• Website: www.katz-creative.com 
• Instagram: @tristankatzcreative

Mentioned in this episode:

• Michelle Cassandra Johnson
• Fruition Growth Network
• Prentis Hemphill

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Trauma-informed care holds profound importance but is currently facing significant challenges. At its core, trauma-informed care is meant to be inclusive, compassionate, and universally applicable, addressing the needs of all individuals without exclusion. However, recent shifts in federal policies, funding priorities, and organizational practices have raised concerns about the erosion of this approach. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz discusses how efforts to dilute or limit trauma-informed care, including discriminatory exclusions and censorship, undermine its fundamental principles. She shares a recap from a recent Trauma-Informed Town Hall and highlights important discussions and resources to protect this vital framework and to remain steadfast, collaborative, and adaptive.

Resources mentioned:

• Trauma-Informed Town Hall Resource List
• Podcast with CTIPP's Jesse Kohler
• CTIPP website & resources

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In the face of overlapping social, economic, and cultural crises, many of us are carrying the weight of collective trauma, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But even amidst the chaos, we don’t have to be consumed by the flames. This micro-episode is validating for anyone feeling familiar 2020 pandemic feelings of hypervigilance, functional freeze, growing uncertainty and fear. Host Katie Kurtz shares some affirming messages and practical takeaways including a free opportunity to connect with other trauma-informed leaders across industries at the upcoming virtual Trauma-Informed Town Hall on March 4th 12pm EST.

Join us for the free Virtual Trauma-Informed Town Hall on March 4th at 12pm EST

Download your FREE guide on how to acknowledge “these times”

Watch this episode on our new YouTube channel

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