Childhood trauma and healing childhood wounds are central themes in this raw and revealing episode of Everything’s Perfect, hosted by Autumn Calabrese and Donald Stamper. If you've ever wondered how your childhood trauma might still affect you today or if healing childhood wounds is even possible, this episode will offer you both validation and tools to begin that journey.
Autumn and Donald open the conversation lightheartedly—with tech issues, glass-related kitchen injuries, and five-star listener shoutouts—but quickly dive into the heart of today’s discussion: their childhoods. From growing up in blue-collar neighborhoods in Ohio to facing emotional, physical, and cultural challenges, both hosts share deeply personal stories that shaped who they are today.

Donald talks about being homeschooled in a religious household and the confusion and emotional complexity of being a queer child in an environment that didn't have the tools to understand him. He recounts memories of joyful hikes and post-sledding hot chocolate, but also addresses the emotional toll of parental yelling and corporal punishment. Despite the difficulties, he reflects on how love and chaos often coexisted in his home—and how both contributed to who he is today.

Autumn, raised by a single father after her parents’ divorce, offers a parallel experience filled with early work responsibilities, strict rules, and a house above her family’s Italian restaurant. She describes the lasting effects of a volatile household, including moments of fear, guilt, and being thrust into adult-like duties at a young age. But she also speaks with pride about the grit, independence, and work ethic those years instilled in her.

Together, the hosts unpack what it means to reflect without resentment, forgive without forgetting, and use personal history as a roadmap to becoming better—not bitter. They both emphasize how healing is not about rewriting the past, but understanding it. With humor, honesty, and deep empathy, they remind listeners that no one comes out of childhood untouched—and that’s okay.

Whether you're deep in your healing journey or just starting to unpack your past, this episode will meet you where you are. It’s not just a look back—it’s an invitation forward.