In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Craig Polsfuss, author of "Reality Shattering Insights." Craig shares his powerful journey of personal awakening that completely transformed his life and professional approach.

Discover how Craig combines psychology, spirituality, and brain science to reveal the profound truth that everything we're seeking is already within us. Learn about:

• How one simple insight can radically change your entire reality
• The "outside-in" paradigm trap that keeps most people stuck
• Why the mind was designed first as a receiver, not a thinker
• The inspiring story of a welder whose life was transformed by a single realization
• Practical steps to access your inner source of healing and transformation

Craig explains how his four-book series "The Vortex of Living Truth" guides readers toward experiencing what he calls "personal heaven on earth." If you've ever felt that something significant is missing from traditional approaches to personal growth, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how complete transformation is possible in an instant.

[01:08] The Power of Personal Transformation

[03:56] Synchronicities and New Understandings

[08:25] The Role of Brain Science in Awakening

[10:29] Reality Shattering Insights: The Book Series

[17:09] Unlocking Inner Potential

[24:24] Practical Steps to Inner Peace

LINKS:

Craig's Book

This episode features a conversation with Jill McMahon, a licensed professional counselor, trauma specialist, and gun violence survivor who shares her personal journey and professional insights.

In this deeply moving interview, Jill discusses the unique challenges faced by gun violence survivors, the neurobiological effects of trauma on the brain, and effective approaches to healing.

Drawing from both her personal experience of being held hostage at gunpoint as a child and her two decades of clinical work, Jill offers compassionate guidance for survivors, caregivers, and mental health professionals.

Her book "Bulletproof: Healing After Gun Violence and Trauma" serves as a toolkit for understanding and recovering from trauma, with a powerful message that healing is possible and that survivors can emerge with a richer perspective on life.

[01:01] Jill McMahon's Personal Story of Gun Violence

[04:22] Challenges Faced by Gun Violence Survivors

[08:09] Physiological and Biological Responses to Trauma

[12:58] Healing and Regaining Control

[19:00] The Role of Caregivers and Secondary Victims

[23:59] Gaps in Traditional Trauma Treatment

[26:40] Hope and Final Thoughts

LINKS:

Jill's Book

Jill's Website

In this episode of Courage to Heal, host Anna interviews Leah Carey, a sex and relationship coach and host of the "Good Girls Talk About Sex" podcast. Leah shares her personal journey from growing up in an emotionally abusive household to becoming a respected voice in sexual education and healing.

She discusses her work with clients affected by purity culture, trauma, and societal conditioning around sexuality, offering insights into developing healthier relationships with intimacy.

The conversation covers topics like consent, the "good girl" stereotype, media portrayals of sexuality, and practical tools for exploring desires safely. Leah also explains what it's like to work with a sex coach and shares valuable resources for individuals and couples looking to improve their intimate relationships.

[00:45] Leah's Journey to Becoming a Coach

[09:38] Breaking Free from the Good Girl Stereotype

[16:44] Understanding Purity Culture

[29:37] Healing from Sexual Trauma

[35:21] Healthy Media Portrayals of Sexuality

[44:24] Working with a Sex Coach

Leah’s website

Leah’s YouTube Channel

Recommended media:

Good Luck to You, Leo Grant

Hope Springs

Offspring

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Nicole Laurent, an experienced psychotherapist specializing in the use of ketogenic diets for treating mental illness and neurological disorders. Nicole discusses the mechanisms of how ketogenic diets work, their potential benefits for conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as the support systems needed to effectively implement such dietary changes. They explore the rationale behind this approach, the importance of professional supervision, and emerging research supporting the mental health advantages of ketogenic diets. The conversation offers hope and new perspectives for those living with chronic mental health conditions.

[00:39] Understanding the Ketogenic Diet

[02:48] Ketogenic Diet for Mental Health

[06:38] Bipolar Disorder and Keto

[10:50] Metabolic Psychiatry and Research

[14:12] Implementing a Medical Ketogenic Diet

[21:05] Therapy and Ketogenic Diets

[28:31] Challenges and Support for Keto

[34:17] Nicole's Resources and Programs

Nicole's Website

Nicole's Instagram

Nicole's YouTube Channel

Research on Keto

Brain Energy by Chris Palmer

Living Well After Schizophrenia

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Larry Bilotta, an expert with a unique approach of reviving relationships on the brink of collapse. Larry emphasizes that it takes one person to heal a marriage and the importance of shifting from fear to love through conscious effort. He also discusses tools like the 'Love Strands Test' and concept of the 'Chaos Kid' to help individuals understand their relationship dynamics and improve them. Larry's insights provide hope, showing that even one motivated individual can transform a marriage.

[01:36] Understanding Family Energies

[06:22] The Concept of Reactors and Creators

[08:36] The Power of Love vs. Fear

[17:31] The Illusion of Being 'In Love'

[22:50] Reactors and Their Impact

[28:33] The Love Strands Test

[32:02] The Chaos Kid and Marriage Success

[37:03] The Knowing and Its Power

Larry’s website

Larry’s YouTube Channel

Are you pushing your spouse away without realizing it? Get the guide here.

In this powerful episode, Family Constellation Therapy facilitator Kat Daou shares her transformative journey from being the "black sheep" of her family to becoming an empowered cycle breaker. She explains how generational trauma gets passed down through epigenetics and discusses practical ways to heal ancestral wounds while maintaining family connections. Kat also reveals the unique therapeutic process of Family Constellation Therapy, including how it combines energy work, somatic healing, and emotional release to help clients transform their inherited trauma into generational gifts. Whether you're struggling with family dynamics or seeking to understand your role in your family system, this episode offers valuable insights on turning pain into purpose and reclaiming your authentic self.

[01:00] Understanding Family Constellation Therapy

[02:30] The Science Behind Epigenetics and Trauma

[04:28] Kat's Personal Healing Journey

[08:19] The Role of Generational Trauma

[14:54] Healing Through Forgiveness and Compassion

[20:55] The Process of Family Constellation Therapy

[28:08] Becoming a Cycle Breaker

[36:08] How to Work with Kat

Kat's website

Experience a live Family Constellation session on Kat’s podcast

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Courage to Heal, I sit down with Molly Booker—author, speaker, and advocate for authenticity. Molly shares her transformative journey of coming out in her 40s, overcoming perfectionism, and rediscovering her true self. Together, we explore the deep connections between self-worth, identity, and the courage it takes to step into your most authentic life.

Discover how perfectionism often stems from a fear of not being good enough, how to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, and why embracing the messiness of life is the key to connection and healing. Molly offers powerful advice for those struggling with their identity and the importance of accepting and loving one's true self.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to win a signed copy of Molly's book, Magic in the Mess!

[01:27] Molly's Journey with Perfectionism

[08:16] The Turning Point

[12:56] Compassionate Self-Forgiveness

[24:08] People Pleasing and Perfectionism

[28:16] Conforming to Societal Expectations

[32:58] Discovering Authenticity in Relationships

[38:46] Embracing Authenticity as Sexy

[44:57] Balancing Life's Dualities

To win a signed copy of Molly’s book Magic in The Mess, click HERE.

Buy a copy of Magic in the Mess HERE.

Learn more about Molly HERE.

In this episode of Courage to Heal, we hear a profound interview with Jamie Fleming, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who found remarkable healing through psychedelic assisted therapy. Jamie recounts her traumatic experiences from a young age, the long-term effects of this trauma, and her journey through various therapeutic modalities. She eventually found significant healing via Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatments, which helped her overcome her trauma and live a life free of fear and pain. Jamie's story offers hope and guidance for other trauma survivors, including practical steps towards healing and the transformative power of psychedelic therapy.

Timeline:

00:55 Jamie's Early Childhood and Abuse

06:08 Long-Term Effects of Trauma

10:53 Struggles with Therapy and Healing

16:10 Discovering Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

19:35 The Healing Journey with Psychedelics

29:05 A Journey of Self-Love

32:41 Life After Healing

40:57 The Power of Psychedelics

46:28 Continuing the Healing Journey

You can find Jamie here:

Jamie's Website

Jamie's Instagram

Tim Thomas, former UFC fighter and Special Forces veteran, shares his transformative journey from warrior to wellness advocate in this powerful episode of Courage to Heal. Drawing from his unique experiences, Tim reveals how he created some of Australia's most successful veteran mental health recovery programs and discovered the healing power of breathwork.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Tim's inspiring story of overcoming PTSD and finding his path as a healer
• The concept of becoming an "energetic millionaire" through mindful practice
• A practical approach to starting new habits by "cutting in half and taking 20% off"

Tim also guides listeners through an immersive breathwork experience, demonstrating how simple breathing techniques can transform both body and mind. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or simply seeking to enhance your well-being, this episode offers practical tools and profound insights for your healing journey.

Tim’s Website and Socials:

www.breathworkinbed.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/

https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed

Breathwork in Bed link that will guide you to sleep with peace and out of bed with power:

Apple

Google/Android

The tutorial for the breath of PEACE and POSSIBILITY

Breathwork in Bed audio book, narrated by Tim

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Chloe Jiménez-Peters, a transformational hypnotherapist and trauma-informed coach specializing in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Chloe shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic fatigue, depression, and PMDD, leading to her profound work helping others heal root cause traumas.

Together, they explore the connection between early-life trauma and PMDD, the role of subconscious beliefs, and the transformative power of Rapid Transformational Therapy.

Whether you’re navigating PMDD or supporting a loved one, Chloe offers practical advice, heartfelt compassion, and a message of hope.

Key Topics:

• Chloe’s personal story of healing and transformation
• Understanding the root causes of PMDD and its symptoms
• How subconscious beliefs shape emotional and physical well-being
• The impact of early-life trauma on sensitivity and resilience
• Practical self-compassion strategies for those with PMDD

You can find Chloe here:

https://chloejimenezpeters.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chloejimenezpeters/

Books mentioned in the episode:

Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power by S. H. Wurlitzer and A. Pope

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron