In the heartfelt season 6 finale of A Trauma Survivor Thriver's Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock is joined by her cousin and Authentic Insider Magazine Creative Director,  Cali Binstock for an unscripted and emotional conversation about the realities of recovery, setbacks, and healing. The two dive deep into the messy middle of mental health—those moments when progress feels like it's slipping away, and the tools we've learned feel just out of reach. Lorilee vulnerably shares her recent struggles with feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to ask for help, while Cali offers insight, validation, and the kind of support that only a soul-connected family member can give. Together, they reflect on the importance of safe relationships, self-compassion, the power of naming what you need, and how healing is not linear—but more like blooming in cycles. They also discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma behaviors, and the emotional labor it takes to communicate your needs in relationships. Raw, real, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a moving reminder that thriving doesn't mean perfection—it means staying in the work, even when it’s hard.

🎙️ Choose You First: Michelle Bishop on Shedding the Masks and Reclaiming Your Authentic Self In this empowering episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with Michelle Bishop, Master Life Coach and author of Choose You First, to explore the life-changing power of putting yourself first—without guilt, shame, or apology. Michelle shares how so many of us live behind masks, shaped by stories we’ve been told and narratives we’ve told ourselves. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, she guides listeners on how to break free from people-pleasing, let go of limiting beliefs, and reconnect with their most authentic, empowered self. 💥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why choosing yourself is essential for healing and growth
• How to identify and release the masks you've worn to survive
• Tools for rewriting internal narratives rooted in trauma
• How authenticity leads to emotional freedom and personal power
• The connection between self-worth, boundaries, and transformation

Whether you're on a healing journey, navigating trauma recovery, or ready to stop playing small, this episode offers the insight and encouragement you need to finally choose you. 📘 Learn more about Michelle’s work and her book Choose You First 🎧 Subscribe to A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast for more expert interviews on healing, self-discovery, and mental wellness.

🎙️ Healing Education Through Trauma: Karen Gross on Mending Education and Supporting Students Post-Pandemic In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Karen Gross, a trauma-informed education expert, former college president, and author of Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma. Karen shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the education system—and why now is the time to rethink how we support students affected by trauma, anxiety, and mental health challenges. From social-emotional learning (SEL) to creative and connected classrooms, Karen offers real strategies for helping children thrive in a post-trauma world. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The long-term impact of trauma on student behavior and learning
• How to integrate emotional wellness into academic instruction
• The concept of breakaway learners and how to reach them
• Karen’s global perspective from working in Kenya and the United Kingdom
• How creativity, community, and compassion build better schools
• Practical tips for educators, parents, and policymakers alike

If you're interested in trauma-informed education, mental health in schools, and building resilient learning environments, this conversation is filled with inspiration and actionable insights. 📘 Learn more about Karen’s work at https://karengrosseducation.com/ 🎙️ Subscribe to A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast for more expert conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Babs Walters, survivor and author of Facing the Jaguar: A Memoir of Courage and Confrontation. Babs shares her courageous journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse by her father—a trauma she kept secret for over 70 years. Raised by teenage parents who met in reform school, Babs faced a childhood filled with violence, betrayal, and emotional neglect. After being sexually abused at age 11 and threatened into silence, she bravely attempted to speak out at 14 and 16—only to be dismissed and disbelieved by trusted adults. Decades of shame and guilt followed, until she began her path to healing later in life. 🎧 In this episode, Babs and Lorilee explore:

• The long-term effects of childhood trauma
• The silence and stigma surrounding sexual abuse
• What happens when survivors are not believed
• The impact of family secrets and generational trauma
• How Babs found healing through writing, self-reflection, and confronting the past
• The importance of sharing survivor stories to reduce shame and inspire others 

You can also share your story through https://bravevoices.org/speak/ This conversation is a raw and inspiring reminder that healing is always possible—no matter how much time has passed. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or someone looking to better understand the lasting effects of childhood trauma, this episode offers deep insight, compassion, and hope. 🔗 Connect with us: Website: www.traumasurvivorthriver.com Guest: by Babs Walters, Author of Facing the Jaguar  Host: Lorilee Binstock | A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast #ChildhoodSexualAbuse #SurvivorStory #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #BabsWalters #LorileeBinstock #FamilyTrauma #CSARecovery #SurvivorSupport #FacingTheJaguar #HealingFromAbuse #TraumaSurvivorPodcast #ItGetsBetter #EndTheSilence

How do we help children navigate grief in a way that feels safe and healing? In this episode, Dr. Haley Arias, chiropractor and author of When I Can't See You, shares her deeply personal story of loss, the challenges of infertility, and the healing journey that led her to write a book for grieving children. She discusses the power of EMDR therapy, the importance of destigmatizing grief, and how stargazing became a bridge between her and her late brother and father. Join us for an emotional and insightful conversation on how storytelling can help both children and parents process loss together. 🎧 Listen now! #GriefHealing #ChildrensBooks #MentalHealthMatters

New to the podcast or just want a deeper look into my journey? In this solo episode, I share an honest, unfiltered reflection on my story—where I started, how it’s going, what I’m currently working on, and insights from my latest 5-MeO-DMT experience. This stream-of-consciousness session is a deep dive into my personal evolution, challenges, and breakthroughs. If you're interested in personal growth, transformation, and psychedelic experiences, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content!

Growing Up in the Shadow of a Special Needs Sibling with Kathryn Selvidge In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Selvidge, author of Khloe’s New Start, a heartfelt children’s book inspired by her experience growing up as the sibling of a mentally ill older brother. When a child has special needs, parents naturally devote much of their time and energy to their care. But what about the siblings? Often, they are left to navigate their emotions alone, leading to feelings of neglect, isolation, and even unspoken resentment. Kathryn shares her personal journey, the struggles she faced as a child, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to parents raising both special needs and neurotypical children. This is an essential conversation for families, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand the unique challenges of siblings in special needs households. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! #TraumaSurvivorThriver #Podcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #MentalHealthAwareness #SiblingSupport #ChildrensBooks #HealingThroughStories

Unlocking Brain Restoration with Dr. David Stevens | A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast 🎙️🧠 Join Lorilee Binstock as she sits down with Dr. David Stevens, clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, to explore how understanding the brain's glucose system can transform mental health. In this episode, Dr. Stevens breaks down how glucose levels directly impact anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and emotional regulation — and how replenishing the brain’s fuel can help restore self-love and improve overall functioning. Discover how trauma, brain chemistry, and personalized healing programs can unlock new levels of self-understanding and restoration — even for those who feel lost in their healing journey. 🔑 Key Topics:

• The brain's three primary functions
• How glucose affects mental health
• Brain restoration methods
• Addressing trauma in incarcerated individuals
• Reclaiming inherent self-worth

Listen now and learn how to fuel your brain and restore your authentic self. #BrainRestoration #MentalHealthHealing #TraumaRecovery #Neuropsychology #AuthenticHealing 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform!

"Healing Through Intuition & Self-Love | Katie Beecher’s Journey" In this episode, Katie Beecher, a licensed professional counselor, renowned medical and spiritual intuitive and Author of Heal from Within: A Guidebook to Intuitive Wellness, shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. Growing up with an alcoholic father and abusive mother, Katie developed an eating disorder as a way to cope with feelings of shame and inadequacy. She opens up about overcoming depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma by learning to trust her intuition and embrace self-love. Through therapy and deep inner work, Katie learned to set boundaries, break free from dysfunction, and guide others on their own healing paths. Tune in as she discusses the power of intuition, the importance of self-acceptance, and how these tools can transform your life. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on healing, spirituality, and personal growth! #KatieBeecher #Intuition #SelfLove #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #Spirituality #TraumaRecovery #Podcast

In this episode with Dr. Jamie Huysman, Co-Founder of the STAR Network, we explore Neuro Parenting, an approach that acknowledges how complex trauma impacts a child’s developing brain and why traditional parenting methods may fall short. By re-parenting ourselves, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Dr. Jamie Huysman shares his insights on self-love, awareness, and therapy as key elements in healing from childhood trauma. Dr. Jamie discusses DBT, IFS, and neuroplasticity as tools for breaking cycles of trauma. We also highlight the STAR Network, and their weekly support groups, TARANON, which supports parents and children healing from toxic relationships and trauma through community programs and trauma-informed approaches. Tune in for expert advice on fostering resilience, self-regulation, and emotional safety in both parents and children.