Most people fail at entrepreneurship for one simple reason: they jump in without doing the research, building the right support, or understanding how money really works.

Dr. Debra sits down with entrepreneur Holly Porter to break down what it actually takes to start smart, stay resilient, and build something that lasts.

After surviving a 70-day hospital stay, multiple intubations, and a near-death experience, Holly’s entire view of business, purpose, and success changed. She shares how that shift led her to launch the International Retreat Association, write her most meaningful book, and build a life rooted in multiple streams of income, intuition, and purpose-driven work.

Holly also explains why she believes the retreat industry is exploding, why in-person community still matters in an AI-heavy world, and how her new association is designed to give retreat leaders, venues, and service providers the standards, support, and networking they have been missing.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, scaling one, or turning a calling into something real, this conversation gives you the practical advice and the deeper reset behind it.

All of Holly's links can be found here:linktr.ee/hollyporterLearn more about MenHealing at www.menhealing.org

The emotional wounds we carry from childhood do not simply disappear. They can quietly shape how we connect, respond to conflict, experience intimacy, and move through the world.

In this episode, holistic healer Ben Oofana explores the connection between childhood attachment, unresolved trauma, emotional suppression, physical well-being, and relationships. Ben shares his unconventional journey through Native American healing traditions, vision quests, Taoist internal martial arts, bodywork, visualization, and energy-based practices.

Drawing from these diverse influences, Ben discusses his approach to helping people process emotions that have become trapped, avoided, or disconnected from conscious awareness. He explains how unresolved emotional experiences may continue to surface through relationship patterns, chronic stress, disconnection, and physical tension.

We explore:

• How anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns develop
• Why emotional suppression can affect both the body and relationships
• How body scanning can reveal emotions held beneath conscious awareness
• The role of breathing, visualization, and focused presence in emotional processing
• How attachment patterns can be gradually rewired toward greater security
• Why community, authenticity, and human connection remain essential to healing
• How painful experiences can become sources of insight, resilience, and growth

Ben also introduces practical techniques for accessing the body’s innate capacity for regulation and healing, including deep emotional breathing, energetic shifting, and learning to remain present with difficult sensations rather than automatically escaping them.

At a time when many people feel increasingly isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this conversation offers a different way of understanding healing: not as erasing the past, but as developing the capacity to meet it without allowing it to control the present.

Resources & Links:

Official WebsiteTeach Me to MeditateHeal My HeartacheInstagram YouTube Channel

Unlocking Healing Power Through Hypnotherapy with Craig Meriweather

In this episode, Craig Meriweather, a clinical hypnotherapist, breaks down what hypnotherapy truly is and how it can be a powerful tool for healing deep-rooted patterns, trauma, and anxiety. His story and insights demystify the misconceptions around hypnosis, showing how it leverages the subconscious mind for genuine change.

Main Topics:

• The journey that led Craig to hypnotherapy and its impact on his own healing
• What hypnotherapy is and isn't, busting myths about mind control and brainwashing
• How relaxation and altered states of consciousness access the subconscious
• The importance of rapport and timing in effective hypnotherapy
• Practical applications: overcoming phobias, anxiety, and trauma
• The role of practice, repetition, and anchoring in building confidence
• The science behind the placebo effect and mind's role in healing
• Strategies to get into the right mental state for specific goals
• The power of habitual practice in creating new patterns

Connect with Craig:

craigmeriwether.com

releasethepast.com

In this episode, Eric Robinson shares a compelling story of transformation—from a Baptist pastor to a seasoned FBI agent and now a speaker and author. His insights dive deep into how faith can serve as a powerful tool for resilience and compassion amidst confronting human darkness.

In this episode:

• Eric's transition from a church pastor to a 24-year career in federal law enforcement
• The role of faith and religion in understanding and combating extremism and violence
• Insights into training law enforcement for psychological awareness and empathy
• Real stories of survivors of abuse and sex trafficking and how compassion makes a difference
• The powerful concept of human resilience and the importance of trusting ourselves during hardships
• Eric’s upcoming book, Irreverent: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI
• Practical advice on staying grounded and compassionate in a world riddled with violence and trauma

Resources & Links:

• Eric Robinson on Instagram
• Eric Robinson on LinkedIn
• PreacherToBreacher.com

This episode underscores the profound power of faith, resilience, and compassion in healing and justice work. Whether you're in law enforcement, mental health, or simply interested in understanding human resilience, Eric's insights challenge us to see beyond the darkness and recognize the human capacity to recover and thrive.

To learn more about MenHealing, visit www.menhealing.org

In this compelling episode of Just Healing, Heather Ann Ferri shares her profound journey from childhood trauma to becoming a trauma coach, healer, and advocate for healing water. Her insights reveal how generational trauma shapes us, the power of movement and water in healing, and the importance of reclaiming our voices and ancestral wisdom.

Key Topics

• The impact of generational trauma, its scientific and emotional layers, and how it influences health, relationships, and identity
• The role of dance, tap shoes, and movement as a channel for healing and voice activation
• How water quality and indigenous healing waters are foundational to trauma recovery and overall health
• The connection between trauma, body memory, and the importance of working head-on with pain
• Tools such as involuntary shaking, inner child work, and spiritual practices to release trauma and realign the body
• The significance of community and engaging with healing modalities for sustainable growth
• Heather's healing journey, her books Transcending Victim to Goddess series, and her water activism

Heather's Book - Transcending Victim to Goddess, Part One

Connect with Heather Ann Ferri:

Website: https://www.heatherannferri.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@heatherannferri

Email: [email protected]

Empowered by Heather’s storytelling and expertise, remember that healing is an ongoing journey rooted in understanding your history, honoring your body, and reconnecting with nature’s most vital elements—water and movement. Start where you are, and let that initial step guide your transformation.

In this episode of Just Healing, Dr. Andrea Barnes shares a compelling journey across psychology, law, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, systemic awareness, and individual initiative in creating change.

Whether you're navigating higher education or tackling societal injustices, her insights offer a blueprint for impact.

In this episode:

• Dr. Barnes’s unusual career combining psychology and law, and why continuous learning is vital
• The power of genuine mentorship and why supportive, non-judgmental guidance matters
• How systemic biases—like those in law and licensing exams—maintain social hierarchies
• The cycle of in-group/out-group dynamics and their effects on social mobility
• The threats to democracy rooted in ignorance, misinformation, and fear
• Practical ways individuals can advocate effectively, from local to national levels
• The importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in a media landscape rife with misinformation
• How societal shifts towards capitalism have weakened social safety nets and increased insecurity
• Strategies for speaking up against bias and sexism, even when it costs personal comfort
• The role of history and civics in empowering informed citizenship

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Andrea Barnes and her interdisciplinary career
02:12 - The importance of lifelong learning and diverse expertise
03:32 - Mentorship: supporting growth without bias or judgment
04:52 - The impact of individual connections in education and career
08:50 - Systemic biases in law school, licensing, and societal structures
11:56 - How privilege creates barriers in professional standards
14:00 - The ripple effects of societal disruptions like wildfires and economic shifts
16:22 - Intergenerational consequences of in-group and out-group dynamics
17:09 - Barriers to mental health access and the importance of advocacy
20:01 - The erosion of social safety nets in favor of capitalism
22:36 - How misinformation and fear are manipulated for power
24:52 - The significance of understanding government and civics in preserving democracy
27:36 - Combating misinformation in media and social platforms
29:36 - The importance of speaking up and individual activism
32:37 - Everyday sexism, racism, and biases and how to challenge them
36:09 - The importance of authentic self-expression versus politeness
37:22 - Systemic sexism exemplified by past Supreme Court cases
38:17 - The interconnectedness of societal issues, corporate influence, and trauma
40:19 - Practical advice for advocacy and how to connect with experts

Resources & Links:

Andrea Barnes on LinkedIn

The Handbook of Women's Psychology and the Law by Dr. Andrea Barnes

Systemic Bias in Education and Law

Civil Rights Movements & Protest History

Learn more about MenHealing by visiting www.menhealing.orgReal societal change begins with informed, courageous individuals willing to speak up, challenge ingrained biases, and advocate at all levels; from personal interactions to policy shifts. Mentorship nurtures growth and resilience, and critical thinking is essential to navigate misinformation and systemic inequality.

In this episode, Dr. Debra hosts filmmaker Thitu Muiruri to explore how her powerful short film, "His Name is Eku," is breaking cultural taboos around male sexual abuse in Africa. They discuss the importance of storytelling for healing, cultural challenges, and the global impact of addressing this silent trauma.

Main insights:

• Thitu’s journey from research to filmmaking on male sexual abuse, highlighting cultural barriers.
• The significance of regional and cultural practices, such as rites of passage and FGM, in shaping attitudes toward male trauma.
• How the film "His Name is Eku" depicts the aftermath of abuse and the healing process for African men.
• The role of community screenings in fostering vulnerability and conversation among African populations.
• The importance of organizations like MenHealing and faith-based groups providing resources for male survivors.
• Thitu’s strategic approach to international film festivals and community outreach to promote awareness.
• The potential for films to serve as a catalyst for cultural change and individual healing.

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Thitu Muiruri and the episode’s focus on African culture and healing01:19 - Thitu’s journey from researching sexual abuse to making her film03:31 - Overview of "His Name is Eku" and its storyline04:58 - The impact of childhood abuse and societal silence in African communities07:45 - Audience reactions and the universal nature of male vulnerability08:15 - Cultural norms hindering men from speaking out about abuse09:14 - The influence of cultural rites and practices on abuse experiences10:13 - Challenges in discussing and addressing male sexual abuse in Africa13:02 - How Thitu connected with survivors and researchers across cultures14:52 - The importance of storytelling in de-stigmatizing male trauma15:43 - Healing journeys and support organizations featured in the film16:40 - The power of private and community screenings to foster conversations18:07 - How the film encourages survivors to seek help and share their stories19:57 - Future goals for disseminating the film and fostering societal change22:13 - How and where to watch the film and engage with Thitu31:38 - Final message: Finding strength and peace in healing

Resources & Links:

"His Name is Eku" - Official Websitehttps://hisnameiseku.com/Thitu Productionshttps://thituproductions.com/Trailer of “His Name is Eku”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DYDjMq4FiMThitu Productions on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@thituproduction9821MenHealing Organizationhttps://www.menhealing.org/

Connect with Thitu:Email: [email protected]Thitu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salthitumuiruri/

Remember, healing from trauma is a journey, especially within cultural contexts that often silence these experiences. Thitu’s film and story remind us that bringing light to hidden wounds can ignite change and offer hope to many.

In this episode, Roger Canaff, a former Special Victims Prosecutor, explores the profound risks of generative AI technology used for abuse and exploitation, especially its impact on trauma and the urgent need for legal and platform accountability. This conversation sheds light on the sinister ways AI is weaponized against individuals, primarily women, and discusses potential legal and societal responses.

In this episode:

• Roger’s background as a legal expert in crimes against vulnerable populations and how that shapes his understanding of AI-related abuses
• The evolution from the internet to generative AI as a new frontier for exploitation and trauma creation
• Specific threats including deepfake images, manipulated videos, and avatar-based abuse
• The significant psychological trauma inflicted by AI-generated explicit images and videos of victims
• Challenges in legislation and enforcement, including the difficulty of tracking perpetrators and the limitations of current laws
• The responsibility of tech companies in moderating harmful content and the ethical dilemmas involved
• The importance of platform accountability, human guardrails, and supporting moderation staff
• The role of parents, educators, and societal change in shielding vulnerable populations
• The need for industry-wide oversight, better funding for moderation, and global cooperation

Resources & Links

• Roger Canaff's Website
• City Dark on Amazon

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the dark intersection of AI, trauma, and legal issues
00:25 - Roger’s background in law and trauma expertise
01:12 - How AI amplifies predatory behavior and abuse
01:49 - The internet revolution and its dual potential for good and harm
02:31 - The rise of generative AI as a new threat for image and video manipulation
02:49 - The creation of explicit images from innocent photos and its implications
03:43 - Explaining generative AI: text-to-image and image-to-video synthesis
04:22 - The dangers of deepfakes and manipulated content of well-known individuals
05:17 - Ads and platforms facilitating non-consensual image manipulation
06:06 - The trauma caused by abused images ending up online and exploited repeatedly
07:30 - The evolution from private sharing to AI-generated content and its psychological impact
08:52 - The targeted abuse of women, especially public figures, through AI
09:39 - Current legal responses and their enforcement challenges
10:53 - The complexity of tracking perps, especially minors, involved in AI abuse
11:39 - The resilience and adaptation of female politicians and celebrities to these threats
13:10 - Comparing avatar-based abuse to real sexual assault and legal considerations
14:01 - The impact of AI on virtual environments like metaverses and their traumatic potential
15:15 - Platform responsibility: moderation, detection, and the need for dedicated human teams
16:35 - The technological arms race: how malicious actors circumvent filters
17:59 - The ethical obligation of tech giants and the importance of well-supported moderators
19:34 - The influence of platform incentives: ad revenue and content moderation trade-offs
20:56 - Who holds ultimate responsibility: creators, platforms, or users?
22:47 - Industry accountability and the urgent need for global regulation
24:24 - The potential scale of illicit AI content and the complicity of large platforms
25:24 - Support for individuals engaging with or targeted by AI abuse
28:11 - Building resilience through education and reducing shame and stigma
29:38 - Practical steps: voting with your digital footprint and supporting victims
30:33 - The importance of open conversations and trauma-informed support
31:05 - Roger’s latest novel and ongoing work blending crime fiction with societal issues
32:52 - Resources for crisis support, legal help, and community action

To learn more about MenHealing, visit www.menhealing.org

In this episode, we explore the vital role of data in understanding trauma, healing processes, and disparities among marginalized populations. Evan Basting, a doctoral student and trauma-focused clinician, shares how research can validate survivors' experiences and inform more effective interventions.

Key topics:

• The intersection of trauma, ACEs, and societal witnessing, including recent societal trauma
• How data validates and enhances clinical practice for trauma survivors
• The impact of intersectionality on trauma, resilience, and risk
• Gender differences in trauma experiences and substance use pathways
• Relationship dynamics post-trauma and avenues for healing through healthy relationships
• The importance of community-academic partnerships in trauma research
• The practical application of research findings in clinical and policy contexts

Resources & Links:

• MenHealing — Program evaluation and community resources
• ACE Study — Overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences research
• Intergenerational Trauma — Academic article on trauma transmission
• Trauma-Informed Care — Principles for clinical and organizational settings

Connect with Evan Basting:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Timestamps:00:00 - Introducing the podcast and guest, Evan Basting00:32 - Evan introduces himself: background in psychology and research interests01:13 - The cycle of violence and intergenerational trauma02:02 - Trauma's influence on relationships and health-risk behaviors02:57 - Men Healing program evaluation and prison-based psychoeducation04:04 - The importance of self-care and balance for clinicians and survivors05:23 - Trauma research focus: impact on behavior, especially in sexual and gender minority populations06:07 - How societal and minority-specific stressors amplify trauma risk07:18 - ACEs and their relationship to long-term health outcomes08:37 - Expanding ACEs to witnessing violence and societal trauma09:53 - The role of internalized stigma in trauma appraisals10:45 - Intersectionality and its effect on trauma and resilience12:45 - Bridging clinical practice and research: validating survivors with data14:06 - The impact of societal messages and stigma on trauma internalization15:03 - Diversity within populations experiencing trauma and potential disparities16:44 - Trauma and substance use: coping mechanisms, especially for male survivors20:10 - Gender differences in trauma responses, substance use pathways, and societal influences23:23 - Relationship dynamics: trust, intimacy, and re-victimization27:13 - Relationship as a healing space and how to support survivors through healthy interactions30:13 - How research supports or informs survivor healing in real time32:54 - The importance of community-academic partnerships for ethical and effective research33:07 - Reflections on integrating research into practice and policy35:41 - Practical steps for supporting survivors through data and community engagement36:10 - Closing thoughts and gratitude

This discussion underscores how integrating research with community insights creates a powerful approach to healing and systemic change. By grounding clinical practice in data and fostering collaboration, we move closer to effective trauma recovery for all.

In this episode of Just Healing, David Martinez shares his inspiring journey from technology to filmmaking, emphasizing how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for healing, cultural preservation, and fostering understanding. His insights challenge us to see the potential of film not just as entertainment, but as a force for education and connection across borders.

Main Topics Covered:

• The transformative power of storytelling for personal and collective healing
• The significance of cultural and historical narratives in film
• Filmmaking as a medium to promote empathy and bridge bicultural identities
• The importance of depicting overlooked regional histories, like California or Texas
• How political and social conflicts are reflected and resolved through stories
• The role of vulnerability in filmmaking as a path to emotional growth
• Strategies for creating impactful, authentic stories rooted in human values
• Exploring underrepresented historical figures and events for epic film projects
• Using film to teach tolerance, shared humanity, and the nuances of bicultural relationships

Resources & Links:

• David Martinez's Portfolio
• The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro
• Film School Resources
• Juan Enriquez's Book "The Untied States of America"
• Ángeles Mastretta Quote

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn
• David's Website

To learn more about MenHealing, visit www.menhealing.org