In this episode of Some Assembly Required, host Candace Carnahan sits down with clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Jody Carrington for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about trauma, connection, burnout, and belonging. 

Together, they explore why the opposite of trauma isn’t calm but connection, how childhood stories, family secrets, and generational patterns quietly shape who we become, and what happens when we spend years being the “strong one” or the “connector” for everyone else. Jody shares her journey from a small town in Alberta to becoming a leading voice on trauma and connection, including the shocking discovery of a biological sister in her 30s and how that revelation reshaped her drive, her sense of worth, and her understanding of family. 

If you’ve ever felt lonely in a full life, guilty for wanting rest or boundaries, or afraid you’re not getting it “right,” this episode will make you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.

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