Content Note:

This episode discusses trauma, nervous system responses, and embodied healing. While not graphic, the conversation may resonate deeply with survivors of abuse or religious trauma.

In Episode 17, we are joined by Jeffrey Shearer (Jeff), a trauma therapist who helps us explore what trauma really is, how it impacts our sense of self-worth, and why healing must involve both the mind and the body.

Jeff walks us through how trauma is stored in the body, the difference between hypervigilance and hypovigilance, and how these nervous system responses often develop as survival strategies. Together, we unpack why so many survivors struggle with self-worth and how learning to understand our bodies can be a powerful step toward healing.

This episode is grounding, educational, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating life after trauma.

1. What trauma is and how it shapes self-worth
2. How trauma is stored in the body
3. Hypervigilance vs hypovigilance
4. Nervous system responses and survival patterns
5. Why trauma-informed healing matters
6. Compassionate approaches to recovery

Jeffrey Shearer is a trauma therapist who specializes in helping individuals understand their nervous systems, rebuild self-worth, and move toward embodied healing.

🌐 Jeff’s Website:

https://www.jeffreyshearer.com/

Many survivors are told to “think differently” or “pray harder,” while their bodies remain stuck in survival mode. This conversation reminds us that trauma is not a failure of faith or character — it is a physiological response, and healing is possible when we approach it with compassion and understanding.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Roy Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at [email protected]

If this episode brings anything up for you, pause when needed and tend to yourself with kindness. Your nervous system learned to survive — and it can also learn safety.

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land.

Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler!

Politically Speaking with Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer is a sharp, engaging podcast breaking down politics with insight, wit, and a fresh perspective.

The Preach Jacobs Podcast is hosted by Columbia South Carolina's very own Ambassador, Hiphop Artist, Columnist and Owner of SoulHAUS Art Gallery, Preach Jacobs!

All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

FAIR USE COPYRIGHT NOTICE The Copyright Laws of the United States recognize a "fair use" of copyrighted content. Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states:

NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 106 AND 106A, THE FAIR USE OF A COPYRIGHTED WORK, INCLUDING SUCH USE BY REPRODUCTION IN COPIES OR PHONO RECORDS OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS SPECIFIED BY THAT SECTION, FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING (INCLUDING MULTIPLE COPIES FOR CLASSROOM USE), SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH, IS NOT AN INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT.

This Video/Audio in general may contain certain copyrighted works that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above. If you have any specific concerns about this usage, or our position on the Fair Use Defense, please contact us at [email protected] so we can discuss amicably.

Thank you.

Mentioned in this episode:

BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026

BIG Media