Becoming Trauma-Informed

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Experiencing a whirlwind of emotions? Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of existence? This week's episode offers a thought-provoking exploration into our emotional landscape. 

This week, Katie Macks joins us to talk about the intricacies of internal conflict and the struggle to discover our authentic selves beneath layers of shame and societal expectations. Together, we dissect the harmful norms that underpin this inner turmoil and emphasize the importance of recognizing personal triggers and maintaining emotional equilibrium, especially during times of great stress.

Katie shares experiences of consciously choosing gentleness and surrender in trying times, a lesson that can be applied to all facets of life. We question the limitations of the traditional medical model in addressing emotional distress and underscore the significance of hearing out the messages behind our feelings, rather than suppressing them. The conversation then turns to the profound realization that physical health issues can often be alleviated by simply allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully.

We wrap up the episode with a discussion on the potency of staying rooted and responsive, even during times of prosperity, the influence of our emotional state on our pursuit of peace, and how body language can shape the spaces we create for ourselves and others. 

  

Guest Bio: 

Katie Macks is a leadership coach with Audacious Leadership. Katie supports and guides her clients on their journey to freedom through what she coins as "inner activism", with a focus on self-love and self-approval with a plethora of tools that release trauma to unleash their joy.

 

Connect with Katie:

https://www.facebook.com/katie.macks

https://www.instagram.com/katie_to_the_macks/

https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_macks

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
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By email:

• [email protected]

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Have you ever considered the immense significance a name carries, particularly when it's your own? Erika Zeb joins us as we navigate the labyrinth of emotions, personal experiences, and legalities that changing one's name involves. We dive into how name changes, often triggered by significant life events like marriage or divorce, can profoundly impact our identity. 

 

The complexities of identity go beyond names and into concepts like self-perception. Can we truly love and accept ourselves? Erika candidly shares her personal journey from career woman to stay-at-home mother, shining a light on the tumultuous emotional shift she experienced. We also scratch the surface of the societal obsession with beauty standards, unraveling the liberating potential of self-acceptance. 

 

We also grapple with gritty topics such as reparenting, body acceptance, and the role of nourishment in our overall well-being. We round out the episode by underscoring the importance of empathy, understanding, and patience. Teasing you with a sneak peek of future episodes focusing on self-leadership, we invite you on this journey of self-discovery and transformation.

 

 

Guest Bio: 

 

Erika teaches embodied confidence to leaders who are ready to stop spinning in self doubt so they can take consistent, bold, and aligned action towards their most authentic life and biz. She’s also a divorced, single mama of 2, dedicated to breaking cycles and healing generational trauma.

 

 

Links:

 

Instagram: @the.erikaz

TikTok: @the.erikaz

Facebook: Erika Zeb

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
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• [email protected]

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This week we are excited to share an eye-opening conversation with the exceptional Dr. Kimberly Wilson, a retired Marine who transitioned from the battlefield to the boardroom. With a unique blend of personal experiences and professional insights, she unravels the complexities surrounding trauma within the military, a subject that's often swept under the rug.

 

Dr. Wilson, also known as Dr. Burnout, takes us on a deep dive into the world of leadership, specifically from a woman's perspective. She provides a powerful narrative on the struggles women face in leadership roles, from being undervalued to dealing with societal pressures to be everything to everyone. As the conversation unfolds, we also delve into the impact of changing gender roles on men, discussing how they wrestle with societal and generational messages that can often lead to feelings of purposelessness and powerlessness.

 

Rounding off our discussion, we address the authoritarian nature of military culture and how it affects recruitment and retention, before touching on non-authoritarian parenting, and financial wellness for the entire family. Buckle up for a journey that promises to leave you enlightened and inspired.

 

 

 

Guest Bio: 

 

Dr. Kimberly L. Wilson aka Dr. Burnout supports banking and tech corporations to retain emerging women leaders, boost productivity, and increase happiness. She’s a speaker, streaming tv host, licensed therapist, and retired Marine.

 

Connect with Dr. Kimberly:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberly-l-wilson

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drkimberlylwilson?feature=sharec

TikTok: drkimberlylwilson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.l.wilson.98

Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/DrKimberlyLWilson

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkimberlylwilson?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

By email:

• [email protected]

Send us a text

 

Dr. Bennett has a PhD in social psychology. He currently runs over a dozens websites, has written over a dozen books mostly on the topics of critical thinking, and teaches several online courses. He has been in the self-publishing industry for over a decade and has written multiple screenplays. He is the creator of SQUAT! An animated sitcom taking place in a suburban fitness center.

 

Connect with Bo: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/thedrboshow/

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

By email:

• [email protected]

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered how trauma can act as a catalyst for spiritual awakening? Laura Mazzotta, a distinguished Holistic Therapist, and Spiritual Coach, joins us this week to talk about exactly that. 

 

Laura's personal journey of transformation began with a life-threatening bout of sepsis. We dive into her captivating story, discussing how we can connect with our energy and soul to achieve the pinnacle of wellness and authenticity. We also tackle the concept of mental wellbeing, offering a fresh perspective on being “toasty” versus being “toast”.

 

We also examine the connection between trauma and spiritual awakening. We look at how trauma can often leave us feeling victimized, but it's through navigating these challenging experiences that we find a path to empowerment. Laura provides unique insights into how personal trauma journeys should be respected and recognized for their crucial role in grounding us in the human experience. We also explore how spirituality and personal beliefs intertwine and how these connections can be harnessed for healing and growth.

 

Lastly, Laura shares her particular knack for helping people who feel stuck to better understand themselves and foster their spiritual connections. From auditory processing to awakening authenticity and self-trust, Laura's approach is all about creating space for healing and expansion. She encourages us all to carve out a little time in our day for spiritual practices and reassures that there are resources available to support our journey. 

 

Guest Bio: 

 

Laura Mazzotta is a Holistic Therapist of 20 years & Akashic Records Channel, grounding you into sustainable self-mastery, through expansion of your consciousness, confidence, and sovereignty in human connection.

 

Connect with Laura:

 

https://www.instagram.com/emergehealingandwellness/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/expansionportal/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcQ88JRcZ6blPbWKOzvAxg

http://www.tiktok.com/@emergehealingandwellness

https://www.theakashictherapist.com/

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
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By email:

• [email protected]

Send us a text

Could your life benefit from stronger emotional and mental foundations? This week, we welcome back Deana Tanner, a healthy human expert and the brain behind the BRACE method, and we discuss how to reinforce our foundation without having to reprocess the past.

 

Deana talks about setting healthy boundaries in relationships and protecting ourselves while fostering connection, and navigating relationships where boundaries were already set before you could influence them. We touch on discerning between trauma, conditioning, and other elements when deciding how to interact with others, and also touch on the emotional challenges that can surface when revisiting our childhood through the lenses of adulthood.

 

But this conversation isn’t just about personal relationships. We dive into parenting, self-discovery, and the emotional trials that come with them. It's a wonderful conversation on bracing ourselves for a healthier future.

 

 

 

Guest Bio: 

 

Deana Tanner is a queer, polyamorous, healthy humaning expert. The adultier adult all adults go looking for.

 

 

Connect with Deana: 

www.healthyhumaning.com

https://www.facebook.com/DeanaTannerHHI

https://www.instagram.com/healthyhumaninginstitute

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
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By email:

• [email protected]

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This week Dr. Lee is joined by Madeline Popelka, trauma survivor turned mental health advocate, as she shares her inspiring journey.

 

Madeline is an author, and also the creator of the Healing from PTSD community. Her personal experiences with trauma, stigma and shame, often overlooked in literature around PTSD, echo through her voice, resonating with those who feel alone and unheard.

 

Madeline's story is a vivid testament to the power of self-discovery and inner healing. She shares about her path to self-realization, how she learned to prioritize her needs over societal expectations, and how she found her true purpose and passion. Her life's trajectory, a clear deviation from her initial plans, is a symbol of her resilience and growth. Listen closely as she shares the wisdom she acquired from her healing journey - wisdom that will inspire you to find peace and contentment in your own journey.

 

But healing looks different for everyone, and joy, as Madeline emphasizes, is essential to making life worth living. Even in the mundane, joy exists. Madeline shares insights as a nurse practitioner, and she explores understanding those who are stuck in a life they don't want but don't want to actively harm themselves. This enlightening conversation on healing from trauma and embracing individuality in the process is sure to inspire you to seek your own path towards healing.

 

 

 

Guest Bio: 

 

Madeline Popelka is a trauma survivor, mental health advocate, and creator of @healingfromptsd, one of the largest trauma healing communities. She is the author of You're Going to Be Okay: 16 Lessons on Healing after Trauma.

 

Connect with Madeline:

 

Official Site: madelinepopelka.com

Instagram: @healingfromptsd

Facebook: @healingfromptsd

Twitter: @healingfromptsd

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
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By email:

• [email protected]

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What has our journey of 100 podcast episodes taught us about success, failure, and resilience? 

 

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we take you behind-the-scenes to share our experiences, growth, and the rich, life-changing lessons learned along the way. From the launch of the podcast and the evolution of our programs, to the overwhelming support from our ardent listeners, we've come a long way. 

 

As we reminisce about the dramatic changes over the past two and a half years, we stress the importance of persistence, even when the going gets tough. Discover how shifting perspectives and overcoming fear has helped us stay consistent with our podcast and maintain an unwavering commitment to our journey.

 

We explore the transformative power of embracing the present moment in our personal lives and how it has propelled the growth of our podcast and business. Finally, we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood by us, helped us navigate through the toughest times, and celebrated our victories. 

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

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By email:

• [email protected]

Send us a text

Who says entrepreneurs must always have it figured out? 

 

This enlightening conversation with Shannon Mattern, the founder of the Web Designer Academy, chronicles the roller coaster journey of entrepreneurship where success is accompanied by failures, and self-doubt often overshadows achievements.

 

Shannon doesn't sugarcoat the business experience; she dives into the messy aspects of running a venture, encouraging self-reflection and self-compassion, and highlighting the role of vulnerability in leadership.

 

This episode peels back the layers of Shannon's transition from a frustrating corporate job to a thriving freelance web design business and how she grappled with imposter syndrome and feelings of being unqualified. She shares her experiences of with internalized violence, and creating a culture of psychological safety within her team. Her approach to overcoming these hurdles reveals the power of realistic advice and of taking actionable steps.

 

Drawing on her lessons, Shannon emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. She reflects on the hard decisions she's had to make and her struggles with people-pleasing. Despite the challenges, Shannon's optimism is contagious as she talks about her gratitude for the lessons learned and offers encouragement to those experiencing tough times. 

 

Tune in for a conversation that's brimming with relatable experiences and valuable advice for anyone running a business.

 

 

Guest Bio:

 

Shannon Mattern is the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she helps web designers work less and make more money.

 

She’s also the host of the Profitable Web Designer Podcast and the Simply Profitable Designer Summit where she shares strategies and advice to help web designers create freedom, flexibility and financial independence.

 

Learn more and connect with Shannon at https://webdesigneracademy.com and https://webdesigneracademy.com/profitable-web-designer-podcast/ 

 

Learn more about Safe to Be Seen here: https://institutefortrauma.com/stbs

 

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

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By email:

• [email protected]

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Ever wonder about the transformative power of literacy? This episode, we're joined by Oliver James who has recently learned to read. His journey is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating the profound difference literacy can make in understanding life, trauma, and the fear of the unknown. 

 

Oliver candidly delves into his past, shedding light on the impact of his childhood experiences and trauma on his present and future. He explores the intricate interplay between past traumas and adult literacy, and discusses the crucial role of reading in reshaping neurological connections and facilitating healing. His courageous journey also underscores the importance of taking risks, building connections, and aligning our actions with our life's purpose. 

 

As the episode unfolds, Oliver reveals how he overcame fears that once paralyzed him, offering invaluable insights on handling fear, building self-confidence, and embracing mortality. His journey to literacy not only empowered him to overcome his fear of flying and public speaking but also taught him the art of turning life’s curveballs into opportunities. Above all, his story highlights the power of continuous learning in transforming lives, breaking the cycle of trauma, and cultivating resilience.

  

Guest Bio: 

 Oliver James is a TikTok sensation, aspiring reader, and motivational speaker. 

 In his TikTok videos, Oliver often introduces himself by saying “I’m a 34-year-old man

who struggles with reading.” However, it wasn’t long ago that he would say “I can’t

read.”

 

He opens up about many deep struggles he has gone through with learning to read and

his mental health. His story has been so inspiring that he ended up being featured on

ABC’s Good Morning America, the Rachael Ray Show, NPR, and other major outlets.

 

When he’s not working on reading or speaking, Oliver is tackling another new frontier:

parenting his son who was born in January.

 

 

Connect with Oliver:

 You can find him as @oliverspeaks1 on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter

Support the show

Want to connect with us?

On the web:

• The Institute for Trauma & Psychological Safety

On social:

• Instagram
• Tiktok

By email:

• [email protected]