Uncorking a Story

Facing the Jaguar: Babs Walters on Breaking the Chain of Generational Trauma

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“Each time I speak, someone comes up crying, saying they finally feel seen. That’s how I know the healing matters.” —Babs Walters


Babs Walters has spent her life helping others find their voice—first through corporate training, and now through the courageous act of telling her own story. In this heartfelt episode of Uncorking a Story, Babs joins me to discuss her raw and inspiring memoir Facing the Jaguar, a story decades in the making. As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Babs unpacks the long journey from disassociation to healing, how generational trauma shaped her family history, and how facing her own metaphorical jaguar allowed her to break a painful cycle. With grace, wisdom, and just the right amount of humor, Babs proves it’s never too late to speak your truth—or publish your first memoir at 80.


Key Takeaways:

  1. The Healing Power of Storytelling – Writing Facing the Jaguar was not only cathartic for Babs but also a gift to others walking through their own trauma.
  2. Finding the Through Thread – The image of a jaguar chasing her in dreams as a child became a powerful metaphor for her survival and title of her memoir.
  3. Memoir Writing is Collaborative – From courses to accountability partners, Babs emphasizes that memoir isn’t a solitary act—it takes a village.
  4. Generational Trauma is Real – Babs’ parents were both survivors of their own unresolved pain. Understanding their stories helped her find grace for theirs.
  5. Secrets Hurt – Whether it’s incest, adoption, or addiction, families often avoid discussing difficult truths—and that silence causes lasting damage.
  6. It’s Never Too Late – Babs published her first memoir at 80, reminding us all that the right time to share your truth is when you’re ready.
  7. Encouragement is Courage Given – Through public speaking and advocacy, Babs continues to give others permission—and courage—to share their secrets.

    8. Buy Facing the Jaguar

    Amazon: https://amzn.to/4l1n7He

    Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647429201

    Connect with Babs

    Website:  https://www.babswalters.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557585332531

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walters.babs/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FacingtheJaguar

    Connect with Mike

    Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

    If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    #MemoirWriting #TraumaSurvivor #GenerationalHealing #FacingTheJaguar #BabsWalters #AuthorInterview #WomensVoices #HealingThroughStory #UncorkingAStory #SpeakYourTruth


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    Uncorking a StoryBy Michael Carlon
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