Did you know your childhood story can shape your health, work, and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, shares the science behind ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why nearly two-thirds of adults carry them. We talk about how trauma shows up in adulthood, why high achievers often live with hypervigilance, and the protective factors that can tip the scales toward healing. Tune in to learn why your past doesn’t define you and how to build a stronger, healthier future starting today.

In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 Meet Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America.

01:45 What are ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why do they matter?

05:45 How childhood adversity increases risk for physical and mental health issues.

07:00 The #1 protective factor proven to fuel adult healing and growth.

09:45 The link between ACEs, hypervigilance, and high-achieving adults.

13:15 Why a high ACE score can shorten life expectancy by nearly 20 years.

15:00 The weight of carrying family trauma across generations.

19:30 Examples of leaders creating safer and more supportive work environments.

23:45 Daily habits that retrain your biology to handle stress better.

25:45 Dr. Merrick’s go-to resources for stress and pressure relief.

Resources + Links

Learn more about ACEs HERE

Learn more about Prevent Child Abuse America HERE

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube 

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Dr. Merrick on LinkedIn