Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke

By Overcoming PTSDHealth & Fitness Mental Health Education

Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke episodes

October 03, 2025#5 PTSD Sleep Optimization: Healing Trauma While You Sleep | Recovery Secrets Series
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #5 — Sleep Optimization & Common PTSD Sleep Problems
Sleep isn’t just “rest”—it’s when your body repairs itself and your brain processes memories. If you’re healing from PTSD, optimizing sleep is critical. In this session, Brad and Kayleen share two sleep optimization checklists (behavior + environment) and walk through solutions to common PTSD sleep struggles, including nightmares and waking up anxious.
📑 Download the Sleep Optimization Checklist:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aj1iroflp9RJKxOk3lfT9POCRVbvzyHe/view
You’ll learn why sleep must be the foundation of your health, how consistent routines regulate brain chemistry, and why small changes (like removing screens, adjusting light, or even making your bed) have a massive impact. They also teach practical tools for when you can’t sleep, and give a step-by-step checklist for handling nightmares—so you can wake up calmer, clearer, and ready for recovery.
Key Takeaways:
Work your schedule around sleep, not the other way around.
Consistent bed/wake times train your brain chemistry.
Behavior + environment both matter for deep rest.
Tools like the butterfly hug, grounding, and progressive muscle relaxation can break nighttime anxiety loops.
Nightmares don’t mean you’re weak—they signal a brain skill you can redirect toward healing.
Action Step: Pick one item from the behavior checklist (e.g., set a consistent bedtime, fill out the Unbreakable Planner, or eliminate screens before bed) and implement it tonight.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
00:36 Welcome and Session Overview
01:47 Importance of Sleep for PTSD Recovery
03:36 Benefits of Optimized Sleep
07:35 Behavioral Checklist for Sleep Optimization
20:46 Environmental Checklist for Sleep Optimization
25:13 Common Sleep Problems and Solutions
26:14 Bonus Tip for Better Sleep
26:29 Processing Emotions to Fall Asleep
27:46 Handling Nightmares Effectively
28:31 Practical Tips for a Better Sleep Environment
30:03 Exercise Hacks for Better Sleep
31:35 Managing Inputs Before Bed
32:49 Q&A Session
34:10 Community Sharing and Final Thoughts
51:04 Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Next Up: Monday — Creating Your Recovery Hero & Identity (defining the version of you who fully heals).
53 min
October 02, 2025#4 Emotional vs Logical Thinking in PTSD: How to Regain Control of Your Mind | Recovery Secrets Series
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #4 — Emotional vs Logical Thinking: From Reactive to Adaptive
In today’s training, Brad dives into one of the most overlooked parts of recovery: balancing your emotional and logical thinking. He explains why being “too emotional” makes you reactive, why being “too logical” causes you to ignore feelings that still control you, and how the real breakthrough comes when you master both.
You’ll learn why most people stay stuck in reactive mode (repeating the same response no matter the trigger) and how to shift into adaptive mode—where you slow down, think independently, and create custom responses based on reality instead of the past. Brad also teaches the simple GPS framework (Goal → Problem → Solution) to guide your thinking, plus two daily practices (meditation + journaling) to build awareness.
Key Takeaways:
Recovery requires both emotional mastery and logical clarity.
Too emotional → you react to everything. Too logical → you deny feelings but still get pulled by them.
The goal is adaptive thinking: custom responses instead of automatic reactions.
Use the GPS framework (Goal → Problem → Solution) whenever you feel stuck.
“No” and “I don’t know” are not acceptable answers—there’s always a next step.
Awareness tools (meditation/journaling) help separate you from your thoughts.
Action Step:
When you feel triggered today, pause and take a breath. Remind yourself: “This isn’t life or death.” Then run through GPS: What’s my goal? What’s the problem? What’s one solution I can try right now?
Memorable Quote:
“Your reality is created by how you interpret it—and that interpretation is always up to you.”
Next Up:
Tomorrow’s session: Sleep Optimization—how to set up your environment for deep rest, handle nightmares, and calm your mind at night.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
00:44 Emotional vs Logical Thinking
01:47 Balancing Emotions and Logic in Recovery
07:43 Importance of Clear Thinking
12:33 Reactive vs Adaptive Thinking
18:36 Developing Awareness and Independent Thinking
32:42 Q&A Session
33:17 Reflecting on Survivor Stories
34:02 Understanding Trauma Responses
34:27 Balancing Logic and Emotion
38:27 Journaling and Emotional Awareness
40:03 Developing Self-Trust and Problem-Solving
57:02 Setting Goals and Self-Love
59:12 Conclusion and Next Steps
1 hr 3 min
October 01, 2025#3 Forgiving Trauma & Abuse: Letting Go Without Excusing It | Recovery Secrets Series
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #3 — Forgiveness: Letting Go to Heal
In today’s session, Brad and Kayleen introduce the third pillar of PTSD recovery: processing—starting with forgiveness. They break down what forgiveness isn’t (it’s not condoning, excusing, or letting someone “off the hook”) and what it really is: an intentional, voluntary act of letting go of the negative emotions that keep you stuck.
You’ll hear practical definitions, real-life stories (including Louis Zamperini’s powerful act of forgiveness after WWII), and a step-by-step exercise using visualization to finally set down the “box” of resentment you’ve been carrying. They also cover why forgiveness is ultimately for you, not the other person, and how self-forgiveness and even “forgiving the future” can open the door to peace and healing.
Key Takeaways:
Forgiveness is not condoning, forgetting, or reconciliation.
True forgiveness is intentional, voluntary, and about letting go.
Holding onto anger only hurts you—not the other person.
Visualization exercises (like the “box” method) make letting go tangible.
Progress > perfection: forgiveness can be a process, not a one-time act.
Action Step:
Try the box exercise today: visualize placing your resentment into a box, setting it down, and walking away—while saying out loud why you’re choosing to forgive.
Memorable Quote:
“If you hate somebody, it’s like a boomerang that misses its target and comes back to hit you in the head. The one who hates is the one who hurts.”
Next Up:
Tomorrow, Brad leads a special coaching session on independent thinking and processing chaos. Friday, don’t miss the deep dive into sleep struggles and nightmares.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
00:36 Welcome and Introductions
01:47 Overview of PTSD Recovery Pillars
02:43 Deep Dive into Forgiveness
03:08 Defining Forgiveness
04:54 The Importance of Forgiveness
21:45 Visualization Exercise for Forgiveness
29:44 Emotional Release and Growth
30:49 Understanding Grief and Ego in Forgiveness
31:44 Forgiveness Exercises and Future Planning
33:03 Q&A Session Begins
33:11 Sharing Personal Experiences and Insights
37:50 Tips for Emotional Processing
45:11 Safe Space and Mind Palace Visualization
50:43 Focusing on Progress and Setting Goals
52:56 Upcoming Topics and Final Thoughts
1 hr
September 30, 2025#2 Evening Routine for Trauma Recovery: How to Heal While You Sleep | Recovery Secrets Series
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #2 — Routines: How a Great Tomorrow Starts Tonight
Download 30 Day Unbreakable Planner Here Free: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12GcQtX1-Xtdz4lJXaiNZdtJt8K-3cEsh/view?usp=drive_link
Yesterday we kicked off with gratitude as the mindset foundation. Today, Kayleen shows how to cement that mindset with an evening routine so your brain (and life) stop running on chance. You’ll learn why a set bedtime regulates brain chemistry, how tiny nightly steps compound into big change, and how the Unbreakable Planner locks in consistency. The goal: design nights that set you up for success tomorrow—on your terms.
Key Takeaways
A great tomorrow starts tonight: evenings are the keystone, mornings are the follow-through.
Set, consistent bedtime → stabilizes sleep/wake chemicals and improves processing capacity.
Include one relaxation/recovery tool at night (breathing, journaling, grounding, etc.).
The Unbreakable Planner (filled out at night) boosts clarity, momentum, and follow-through.
Progress > perfection. Miss a day? Give yourself grace and get back on track.
Do This Tonight (Action Steps)
Choose a set lights-out time and protect it (weekends too).
Add one wind-down tool (5–10 min).
Fill out the Unbreakable Planner:
3 gratitudes
Tomorrow’s to-do list
3 things that would make tomorrow great
End-of-day review: 3 wins + 1 small improvement
Optional: set a 7:30 PM “wind-down” alarm to start closing loops.
Memorable Lines
“What’s easy to do is easy not to do.”
“Your life happens in the little moments—each one is a decision point.”
“Set your brain up for success, and it will do the work.”
Episode Guide
Why evenings beat mornings for consistency
Set bedtime & brain chemistry 101
Simple wind-down tools for PTSD recovery
Using the Unbreakable Planner step-by-step
Progress over perfection (grace > guilt)
Q&A highlights
Next Up
Tomorrow: Forgiveness — what it is, what it isn’t, and a step-by-step framework to start.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
00:43 Starting the Day with Gratitude
02:14 The Three Pillars of Recovery
03:10 The Importance of Evening Routines
05:18 Setting Up for Success: Evening Routine Tips
19:21 The Unbreakable Planner: A Transformational Tool
27:28 Q&A and Final Thoughts on Evening Routines
28:40 Morning Routines and Live Trainings
29:28 The Power of 1% Change
30:36 Planner Tips and Overcoming Perfectionism
31:12 Consistency and Grace in Daily Routines
35:24 Evening Routines and Sleep Optimization
48:43 Forgiveness and Setting Up for Success
51:21 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
53 min
September 29, 2025#1 How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain After Trauma | Recovery Secrets Series
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching #1 — Gratitude: The Fastest Way to Rewire a Negative Brain
In the kickoff to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching, Brad and Kayleen lay the mindset foundation of recovery and show how a simple gratitude practice can flip your brain from automatic negativity to automatic positivity. You’ll learn how repeated choices carve “neural pathways,” why early mindset work feels like “manual labor,” and how five daily gratitudes weaken the old route while strengthening a new, healthier default. They share personal stories, address “toxic positivity” concerns, and give you a concrete daily plan that compounds over time. Stick with it and you’ll hit the tipping point where positivity becomes your path of least resistance.
Key Takeaways
Gratitude is the easiest entry point to mindset work—easy to do, easy not to do; consistency wins.
Repetition builds positive neural pathways and weakens negative ones.
Expect it to feel unnatural at first—that discomfort means you’re changing.
Use topic-specific gratitudes (self, family, work, health) when you’re stuck.
Catch the decision point; if you slip, choose again. Progress > perfection.
Do This Today (Action Steps)
Do 5 gratitudes (morning or night).
Add a brief “why” to each (“I’m grateful for sleep because…”).
When negativity hits, list 3–5 gratitudes about that exact situation.
Bonus: share one gratitude with someone to reinforce the habit.
Memorable Lines
“What’s easy to do is easy not to do.”
“Your life happens in the little moments—each one is a decision point.”
“You’re not ignoring pain; you’re choosing focus so you can heal.”
Episode Guide
Welcome & series intro → why daily coaching
Mindset = foundation → “manual labor” in the brain
Neural pathways → the two paths in the woods
How to practice gratitude (what/when/how deep)
Handling ‘toxic positivity’
The decision point → catch and switch
Progress over perfection → stop the beat-yourself-up loop
Today’s action plan → 5-gratitudes challenge
What’s next this week: Routines (Tue), Processing (Wed), Special Topic (Thu), Tools (Fri)
Next Up
Tomorrow: Routines & Consistency—systems that make your mindset work stick.
55 min
September 28, 2025 NEW LIMITED SERIES: 100+ Daily Episodes Start TOMORROW
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast Website: https://www.overcomingptsd.com/
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overcoming-ptsd-podcast/id1444342036
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQm0kZjQukx9nKAd2KcQH?si=8e9SjnuIQdG45Skmzn48Iw
– RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/overcomingptsd/feed.xml

FOLLOW & CONNECT:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OvercomingPTSD?sub_confirmation=1
3 min
September 26, 2025The 10 Biggest Mistakes People Make in PTSD Recovery
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

In this episode I lay out 10 critical mindset shifts that separate people who stay stuck from those who fully recover. From moving out of dependence to owning your recovery, to befriending pain and playing bigger—this episode is a practical blueprint to get back in control.
Key takeaways (the 10 shifts):
Dependence → Independence: stop outsourcing healing; take the wheel.
Blame → Responsibility: no more excuses; own your outcomes.
“No Control” → Self-Control: you can influence thoughts, emotions, choices.
Stuck Loops → Choose a New Path: if the old path fails, change paths—today.
Avoid Pain → Befriend Pain: pain is a signal and a teacher.
Self-Deception → Radical Honesty: feel and say what’s true, so it can release.
Self-Hatred → Self-Love: compassion unlocks closed parts of you.
Suppressing → Releasing Emotions: learn the skill of safe, full expression.
Short-Term Hits → Long-Term Focus: consistency beats quick fixes.
Playing Small → Playing Big: massive action creates outsized results.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to PTSD Recovery
00:55 Dependent vs. Independent Mindset
03:03 Hitting Rock Bottom and Turning Points
04:34 Taking Control of Your Recovery
07:22 From Blaming to Taking Responsibility
15:34 The Power of Change
21:43 Avoiding Pain and Embracing Healing
21:52 Embracing Pain for Growth
24:04 The Power of Honesty
27:48 From Self-Hatred to Self-Love
31:20 Releasing Suppressed Emotions
34:24 Long-Term Thinking for Recovery
38:33 Playing Big for Big Results
40:57 Recap and Final Thoughts

PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast Website: https://www.overcomingptsd.com/
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overcoming-ptsd-podcast/id1444342036
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQm0kZjQukx9nKAd2KcQH?si=8e9SjnuIQdG45Skmzn48Iw
– RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/overcomingptsd/feed.xml

FOLLOW & CONNECT:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OvercomingPTSD?sub_confirmation=1
45 min
September 25, 2025 42 Years of Bulimia Gone in 6 Hours: Interview With Mimi L.
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

Healing 42 Years of Trauma-Induced Bulimia in Two Sessions: Mimi's Story
In this episode of the Overcoming PTSD podcast, I interview a Mimi who overcame 42 years of trauma-induced bulimia in just two sessions of processing over six hours.
Mimi shares her journey, starting from her teenage years in 1979, how bulimia progressively took over her life, and the turning point that led to her healing.
She discusses the triggering events, her process of self-discovery, failed attempts to find help, and the eventual breakthrough through a combination of journaling, analyzing emotions, and processing trauma.
This episode sheds light on the connection between trauma and eating disorders, offering hope and actionable insights for those struggling with similar issues.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:27 Mimi's Early Struggles with Bulimia
01:58 Realization and Self-Discovery
04:20 Managing Bulimia for 20 Years
06:50 The Turning Point: Finding BTU
08:42 Processing Trauma and Healing
13:23 Insights on Eating Disorders and Trauma
17:36 Brad's Reflections and Further Questions
35:31 Healing Trauma at the Root
36:31 Rapid Processing and Results
39:58 The Power of Journaling
44:27 Analyzing and Processing Emotions
51:51 Core Beliefs and Self-Perception
57:43 Advice for Those Struggling
01:01:18 Final Thoughts on Healing

PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast Website: https://www.overcomingptsd.com/
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overcoming-ptsd-podcast/id1444342036
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQm0kZjQukx9nKAd2KcQH?si=8e9SjnuIQdG45Skmzn48Iw
– RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/overcomingptsd/feed.xml

FOLLOW & CONNECT:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OvercomingPTSD?sub_confirmation=1
1 hr 4 min
August 27, 2025Healing a Dozen Traumas in 270 Hours: Interview With Cayla
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

What does it really take to heal from PTSD?
In this episode, I sit down with Cayla to break down her healing journey in raw detail.
Over the past 8 months, Kayla processed:
✅ 12 major traumas
✅ 57 limiting beliefs
✅ 270.5 hours of deep processing work
That’s an average of just 3 weeks to fully heal each trauma, and about 4 hours 45 minutes to shift each core belief.
But behind the numbers is a much bigger story:
How Cayla went from feeling like “a ball of chaos” to experiencing true inner harmony.
The exact step-by-step processes she used to stay consistent and actually heal.
What it feels like when a trigger that once controlled your life suddenly becomes a non-issue.
Why doubt never fully goes away—and how she turned that doubt into fuel for growth.
The role of parts work, emotional safety, and detachment in creating lasting peace.
If you’ve ever wondered what consistent trauma healing looks like in practice, this episode gives you the inside look.
📌 Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been on the journey for years, Kayla’s story proves one thing: healing is possible—and it’s worth every hour you put in.
🔗 Resources & Links:
https://www.overcomingptsd.com/
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overcoming-ptsd-podcast/id1444342036
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQm0kZjQukx9nKAd2KcQH?si=8e9SjnuIQdG45Skmzn48Iw
– RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/overcomingptsd/feed.xml

FOLLOW & CONNECT:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OvercomingPTSD?sub_confirmation=1
1 hr 3 min
January 25, 2025 Buddhist Woman Cures 53 Years of CPTSD Naturally (Even Her Doctor Couldn't Believe it)
Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

From CPTSD and daily seizures to complete freedom...my guest Mimi has done some incredible things. From undergoing surgery with nothing but a Buddhist mantra (no pain meds), to curing her nightmares and trauma induced seizures.
This episode reveals healing techniques that truly defy medical explanation!
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Overview
2:14 Hit Rock Bottom: Mimi's Journey Before Healing
5:10 The Turning Point: Finding Hope for Recovery
15:45 Eliminating Nightmares Within One Week
25:30 Buddhist Meditation & Mindfulness Practices
38:15 The Surgery Without Anesthesia Story
45:30 Understanding PNES: When Seizures Aren't Epileptic
1:10:45 The Power of Taking Action in Recovery
1:25:45 The Movie That Changed Everything: White Squall
1:34:20 Integration: How Six Movie Viewings Led to Healing
1:58:15 Final Message: Healing is Possible
Please support this podcast by checking out the links below:

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable

PODCAST INFO:
– Podcast Website: https://www.overcomingptsd.com/
– Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overcoming-ptsd-podcast/id1444342036
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQm0kZjQukx9nKAd2KcQH?si=8e9SjnuIQdG45Skmzn48Iw
– RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/overcomingptsd/feed.xml

FOLLOW & CONNECT:
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OvercomingPTSD?sub_confirmation=1
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvercomingPTSD/

2 hr 2 min

About Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke — the show that helps trauma survivors fully recover and rebuild their lives without therapy or medication.