Why do so many people feel stuck in trauma long after the experience is over?

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam sits down with Steve Fogelman, a trauma survivor, spiritual coach, and creator of Lifeprint Reiki, to explore how trauma shapes identity—and what it actually takes to heal.

Steve shares his personal journey from trauma and survival mode into self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual growth. Together, they break down why so many people remain stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses—and how healing begins with awareness and self-understanding.

This conversation explores healing on every level—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

Topics covered include:

• How trauma reshapes identity and behavior
• Survival mode and nervous system dysregulation
• Self-awareness, shame, and self-forgiveness
• Boundaries and rebuilding self-worth
• Nature, mindfulness, and daily healing practices
• Reiki and energy-based healing approaches
• Creativity, simplicity, and reconnecting to self
• Moving from survival to authentic living

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, this episode offers insight into why—and how healing is possible.

Steve Fogelman is a trauma survivor, spiritual coach, and creator of Lifeprint Reiki.

He is also the author of Your Trauma Healing Journey, and his work focuses on helping people reconnect with self-love, release trauma-based identity patterns, and return to authenticity.

His approach integrates:

• Nervous system education
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation
• Reiki and energy healing
• Nature-based healing practices
• Self-forgiveness and inner awareness

Show Description

Real stories of people getting stuck in life, the paddles that helped them out, and hope for anyone still stuck in their own shit creek.

trauma healing, PTSD recovery, healing trauma podcast, survival mode, nervous system regulation, fight flight freeze fawn, emotional healing, self awareness, spiritual awakening, reiki healing, lifeprint reiki, steve fogelman, trauma survivor, overcoming trauma, mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, self forgiveness, boundaries, inner child healing, shadow work, mental health, personal growth

What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to rebuild from nothing?

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Scott Martin shares his powerful journey of survival, resilience, and rebuilding after a rare flesh-eating disease (necrotizing fasciitis) left him a quadruple amputee.

Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we share real shit creek stories, the paddles people use to get through them, and the hope that if you’re in your own shit creek right now… you’re not alone.

Scott opens up about:

• Surviving a life-threatening infection
• Losing all four limbs and navigating recovery
• The emotional toll of trauma and depression
• Rebuilding identity and purpose after catastrophic loss
• Returning to coaching and redefining his life

This is a conversation about resilience, perspective, and what it takes to move forward when everything is taken away.

Whether you are facing health challenges, grief, identity loss, or major life transitions, this episode offers hope and real-world insight into rebuilding after life breaks you down.

KeyWords - resilience, survival story, amputee, quad amputee, necrotizing fasciitis, flesh eating disease, trauma recovery, mental health, overcoming adversity, inspiration, life transformation, coaching, personal growth, mindset, disability, purpose, comeback story, podcast interview

Guest info: Scott Martin

Amazon eBook: https://tinyurl.com/whux44bj
Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/5343pe7j
CDC – Necrotizing Fasciitis Information (search via CDC website)

Contact Shit Creek Survivors:

Have a story to share or want to be a guest?

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com
Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors
Phone: 314-650-3132

Most people think burnout happens because they’re doing too much… but what if it’s actually because they’re thinking the same way over and over again?

Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we discuss real life stories of getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles that got us out, and hope for those stuck in their own shit creek right now.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andre P Walton, a TEDx speaker, international best-selling author, and expert in burnout prevention, wellbeing, and creative thinking.

Dr. Walton shares his personal experience with burnout, how he recognized it, and what he did to recover. He also explains why so many people silently struggle with burnout and shares practical tools you can start using today to protect your energy, regain focus, and boost creativity.

You’ll learn:

• How burnout develops and why it often goes unnoticed
• Early warning signs and how to catch burnout before it takes over
• Simple mindset and routine shifts to protect your energy
• How creative thinking can transform both personal and professional life
• The role of environment, social connection, and gratitude in wellbeing

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or mentally drained.

00:00 – Hook & Episode Intro
02:00 – Childhood in England & early challenges
05:00 – Social class, mindset, and creativity
10:00 – Career journey: Science → Innovation → Coaching
15:00 – Personal burnout: Causes, signs, and recovery
20:00 – Brain pathways: Creative vs analytical thinking
25:00 – Mental reset tools: Walking, environment shifts, routines
30:00 – Lessons from historical innovation
35:00 – Burnout as a societal issue
40:00 – Balancing structure & flexibility for wellbeing
45:00 – Resilience through personal challenges
50:00 – Habits to maintain creativity, energy & focus

Dr. Andre P Walton
Speaker, Author, Burnout & Innovation Coach

🎤 TEDx Speaker | 📚 International Best-Selling Author
🎓 Visiting Professor of Creativity & Entrepreneurship – Newport Business School, Wales, UK
🎓 Adjunct Faculty – Justice Management Master’s Program, University of Nevada, Reno
🎓 Professor of Marketing & Management – University of Nevada, Reno

📞 Phone: +1 (775) 232-3758
🌐 Websites: www.hiredrandre.com | www.plan4change.org
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plan4change
📅 Calendar: https://app.simplymeet.me/hiredrandre

• 📘 Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
• Meditation Teacher: Dana Burdell
• Burnout research: World Health Organization

📬 Contact Sh!t Creek Survivors

Have questions, ideas, or want to share your story? Reach out to us!

Website: shitcreeksurvivors.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 314-650-3132
Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors
YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors

burnout prevention, prevent burnout, creative thinking, unlock creativity, mental health tips, wellbeing strategies, self development, mindset shift, personal growth, leadership tips, stress management, creativity hacks, high performance, resilience tips, productivity hacks, TEDx speaker, Shit Creek Survivors, overcoming burnout, work life balance, career growth, executive coaching

Narcissistic abuse can leave lasting emotional wounds that impact your self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, somatic coach and survivor Allie Treen opens up about her experiences growing up with a covert narcissistic mother and how it shaped her identity and emotional wellbeing.

We dive deep into what narcissism really is, the different types of narcissists, and how manipulation, gaslighting, and control can distort perception and create PTSD and trauma.

Allie shares her journey toward healing, including practical strategies like gray rocking, inner child work, somatic therapy, and boundary setting. She also discusses how to rebuild self-worth, recognize healthy love, and reclaim your identity after emotional abuse.

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse in any form—whether from a parent, partner, friend, or colleague—this episode provides insight, validation, and actionable tools for recovery.

Key Topicsnarcissistic abuse, narcissism, covert narcissist, narcissistic parent, toxic relationships, emotional abuse, gaslighting, trauma healing, PTSD recovery, complex PTSD, healing from narcissistic abuse, narcissistic abuse survivor, somatic healing, somatic therapy, inner child healing, gray rock method, boundary setting, self love after trauma, rebuilding self worth, mental health

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
00:16 – Meet Allie Treen: Somatic coach and survivor
01:07 – How narcissism affects identity and development
01:47 – Types of narcissists: covert vs grandiose
02:42 – Control tactics and manipulation
03:20 – Narcissistic rage and emotional volatility
04:33 – Making yourself smaller in toxic relationships
05:29 – Gaslighting and self-doubt
08:28 – Gray Rock strategy
17:14 – Healing through somatic awareness
26:48 – Inner child work and self-love
32:33 – Recognizing healthy love and self-worth
44:39 – Letting go and emotional surrender
55:11 – Facing fears and trauma retraining
84:18 – Learning to love yourself
85:10 – Final message of hope

Books / Tools:

• Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender – David R. Hawkins

• Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism – Robert Jay Lifton

• The Sedona Method – Hale Dwoskin

Connect With Allie Treen:

• Website: https://practicalsomatic.com

• Podcast: Not to Make This About Me But… – https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/not-to-make-this-about-me-but--5987204 (also available on all major platforms)

• TikTok & Instagram: @practicalsomatic

• Email: [email protected]

Connect With Sh!t Creek Survivors:

• Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 314-650-3132

• Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors

Resources Mentioned / Links

After a devastating brain injury, Matt Johnson discovered that hidden PTSD was blocking his healing. In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Matt shares how he used hypnosis and NLP to rewire his subconscious mind, heal trauma, and turn adversity into purpose.

He breaks down practical techniques for understanding your brain, releasing emotional baggage, and transforming your life—even when it feels like nothing is working.

Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we share real stories of getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles that got us out, and motivation for those in their own shit creek right now.

Listen, learn, and take your paddle.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery

• Hidden PTSD and its effect on healing

• Hypnosis and NLP for subconscious reprogramming

• Understanding emotional triggers and fight-or-flight responses

• Power poses and confidence boosting

• Brain plasticity and recovery

• Transforming adversity into purpose

• “Decide to cut off any other possibility.”

• “Your reptile brain’s only job is to keep you alive.”

• “Power poses increase confidence hormones by 25%.”

Notable Quotes / Soundbites

• “Decide to cut off any other possibility.”

• “Your reptile brain’s only job is to keep you alive.”

• “Power poses increase confidence hormones by 25%.”

  
  

  Contact the Guest (Matt Johnson)

  Website: www.mattjohnsonnlp.com
  All Links: https://allmylinks.com/mattjohnsonnlp

  Contact & Connect

Sh!t Creek Survivors Podcast
Website: shitcreeksurvivors.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors
YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors
Phone: 314-650-3132

Keywords / Tags

brain injury, hidden PTSD, hypnosis, NLP, subconscious mind, trauma healing, resilience, personal growth, mental health, emotional healing, self improvement, post traumatic stress expert

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

What if the hardest parts of your story were actually building your future?

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Sherry Lynne Williams shares her journey from 28 years of prostitution, addiction, and trauma to becoming a scientist, teacher, and speaker. She discusses the pivotal moments that led to her transformation, the importance of connection and love, and how difficult experiences can become meaningful “Data Points ©” that sustain us through life’s challenges.

Sherry’s story is a powerful reminder that you are not broken, your past does not define you, and even rock bottom can become the foundation for growth, empowerment, and purpose.

• Transforming trauma into purpose

• Releasing shame and embracing self-acceptance

• The power of vulnerability and connection

• Healing from PTSD and addiction

• Finding hope and meaning after rock bottom

Sherry reminds us:
"I was never broken."
"You are not broken."
"Time helps heal."

00:00 Introduction to Sh!t Creek Survivors
03:20 Sherry’s Journey: From Darkness to Light
10:00 The Power of Connection and Love
12:54 Transforming Pain into Purpose
18:21 The Beauty of the Struggle
19:20 Family, Identity & Belonging
22:47 Virginity, Shame & Self-Worth
25:39 Releasing Resentments
28:07 Trauma & PTSD
30:51 Healing & Self-Discovery
35:17 Experiencing Love Beyond Life
38:55 Empowerment & The Path Forward

Cameron McKay | Sh!t Creek Survivors Podcast
📱 314-650-3132
🌐 shitcreeksurvivors.com
📧 [email protected]
📺 YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors
📘 Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors

Prostitution recovery, addiction recovery, trauma healing, empowerment, personal growth, resilience, mental health, healing journey, self-discovery, PTSD recovery, transformation story, overcoming shame, hope after trauma, recovery inspiration, Sherry Lynne Williams, Sh!t Creek Survivors

What if laughter could save a life?

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, we sit down with Frank King, a mental health comedian who uses humor to talk about the darkest places many people are afraid to name—depression, suicidal thoughts, and the struggle to keep going.

Frank shares his personal journey through depression and suicidal ideation, explaining how vulnerability, storytelling, and authentic connection can help people feel less alone. This episode is not about statistics—it’s about real pain, real hope, and real recovery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why humor can open conversations about suicide

• How sharing your story can help others survive

• The courage it takes to ask for help

• Finding purpose in pain

• Why authenticity matters more than having perfect answers

Memorable quotes:

• “With this humor, there’s hope.”

• “I can’t kill myself.”

• “You’re not alone.”

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles with honesty and hope.

📬 Contact the Show

Have a story to share, feedback, or just want to connect? Reach out to Sh!t Creek Survivors:

Phone: 314-650-3132
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com
Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors
YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors YouTube Channel

We love hearing from our community—stories, questions, or just words of encouragement. Reach out anytime!

mental health, suicide prevention, depression recovery, mental health podcast, frank king, mental health comedian, suicidal ideation recovery, healing from depression, authentic conversations, resilience, hope, storytelling, personal growth, recovery, vulnerability

What happens when you stop hiding your pain and start telling the truth?

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, we talk with Sue Bowles, award-winning author, trauma survivor, and Master Life & Mental Health Coach. Sue shares her journey from surviving childhood trauma, sexual assault, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation to living an abundant, purpose-driven life.

We explore:

• How trauma impacts mental health

• Why eating disorders are often rooted in unresolved emotions

• The power of sharing your story

• The importance of community and professional support

• How to embrace self-worth and ongoing healing

“You cannot do it alone.”
“The rape was not my fault.”
“You don’t have to stay there.”

Whether you feel broken, stuck in the past, or unsure if healing is possible—this episode is for you.

👤 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://suebowles.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-bowles-a8649913
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.bowles.52/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@suebowles5756

Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 314-650-3132
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHTCreekSurvivors

Want to be a guest or share your story? You don’t have to navigate your shit creek alone.

🎙️ CONTACT THE SHOW | SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS

trauma healing, mental health recovery, survivor story, healing journey, self worth, eating disorder recovery, breaking the silence, vulnerability is strength, childhood trauma, sexual assault survivor, overcoming trauma, emotional healing, trauma survivor story, coping with trauma, healing from abuse, mental health support, personal growth, healing after rape, life coach for trauma, healing from eating disorders, self compassion, finding hope after trauma, Shit Creek Survivors, inspirational survivor stories, faith and healing, healing and resilience

What if shame isn’t just something you feel—but something you slowly become?

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, we begin with Cam sharing his near-death experience—waking up from a five-week coma—and the long road of recovery that followed, including PTSD, alcohol addiction, childhood trauma, and burnout.

From there, Cam is joined by Morrighan Lynne, who helps unpack how trauma reshapes identity, why self-criticism keeps us stuck, and why self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for healing.

This conversation explores:

• How shame quietly becomes identity

• Trauma, PTSD, and alcohol as coping mechanisms

• Burnout as an identity crisis—not a failure

• The role of faith, emotional processing, and authenticity

• How beliefs about self-worth shape the reality we live in

This episode is for anyone navigating trauma, mental health challenges, recovery, or burnout—and looking for a more compassionate path forward.

Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we share real stories of getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles we used to get out, and hope for those who are in their own creek right now.

🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Shame often becomes an identity when trauma goes unprocessed

• Self-compassion accelerates healing more than self-criticism

• Trauma shapes beliefs about self-worth

• Burnout is often an identity collapse, not failure

• Authenticity attracts genuine connection

• Sharing our stories helps integrate trauma

• Our beliefs about ourselves shape the reality we experience

  
  

  ⏱️ EPISODE CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

  00:00 Near-Death Experience and Awakening
  03:00 PTSD, Alcohol, and Survival Coping
  06:11 Finding Meaning in Pain
  09:01 From Victimhood to Responsibility
  11:57 Childhood Trauma and Identity
  14:54 Faith and Recovery
  17:52 Feeling Emotions to Heal
  21:05 Why Trauma Needs a Witness
  24:08 Value Beyond Achievement
  29:20 The Wounds of Worthiness
  32:59 Why Healing Isn’t Linear
  36:59 Burnout as an Identity Crisis
  40:39 Navigating Burnout
  45:31 Self-Worth, Capacity, and Comparison
  51:32 Resetting Inner Dialogue
  53:38 The Meaning of Home
  56:01 Choosing Experiences for Growth
  01:00:14 Pain and Personal Growth
  01:02:58 Core Wounds and Motivation
  01:08:37 Belief Shapes Reality
  01:14:03 Healing Through Vulnerability

  🔊 QUOTABLE MOMENTS

  • “Shame isn’t just something you feel—it becomes who you think you are.”

  • “Burnout isn’t failure. It’s an identity collapse.”

  • “Healing starts when self-compassion replaces self-criticism.”

    
    

    trauma healing, PTSD recovery, shame and identity, self compassion, mental health podcast, alcohol recovery, childhood trauma, burnout recovery, resilience, faith and healing, emotional healing, vulnerability, personal growth, self worth, authenticity, healing journey

    Morrighan Lynne is a trauma-informed coach, intuitive guide, author, speaker, and spiritual mentor with nearly two decades of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. She is the author of The Spirited Human – Proactive Tools for a Reactive World and creator of her debut oracle deck, The Sovereign Path.

    Over the past 19 years, Morrighan has worked with clients around the world, appeared on dozens of radio and podcast interviews, and collaborated on multiple television projects. Known for her down-to-earth approach, she blends practical insight with compassionate storytelling, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for audiences of all backgrounds.

    Whether she’s talking about personal growth, resilience, or reclaiming one’s voice, Morrighan brings humor, heart, and a refreshing perspective to every conversation—leaving listeners feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take their next step. Website: www.morrighanlynne.com

    📬 CONTACT US

    If this episode resonated with you, or if you’re interested in being a guest on the show, we’d love to hear from you.

    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: 314-650-3132
    Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com

    
    

Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we share stories of getting stuck up sh!t creek, the paddles we used to get out, and hope for anyone stuck in their own creek right now.

Today, Cam sits down with Wesley Farnsworth—author, speaker, and host of the UNMASKED podcast—for a deep dive into a struggle that often stays hidden in the shadows: pornography addiction.

Wesley describes his past self as a "master chameleon," a pastor's kid who perfected the art of people-pleasing while drowning in a secret life. In this episode, we discuss the heavy toll of codependency, the moment the mask finally cracked, and how Wesley used tools like Celebrate Recovery and faith to "change his stars."

In this episode, we cover:

• The Chameleon Trap: Losing your identity to seek approval.

• The Secret Creek: Navigating the shame of pornography addiction.

• The Turning Point: Why hitting rock bottom is sometimes the only way up.

• Finding Your Paddle: How community and accountability break the cycle of isolation.

• The Blueprint of Becoming: Redefining who you are beyond your past.

About the Guest:Wesley Farnsworth is the author of The Blueprint of Becoming and host of the UNMASKED podcast. He focuses on helping people navigate faith, failure, and finding their way forward.

• Website: blueprintofbecoming.com

• Book: The Blueprint of Becoming

Connect with Sh!t Creek Survivors:We are here to help you find your paddle. Reach out if you have a story to share or need support.🌐 Website: shitcreeksurvivors.com📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: 314-650-3132▶️ YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors📘 Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors

Recovery, Addiction, Pornography, Faith, Mental Health, Resilience, Celebrate Recovery, Codependency, Christian, Healing, Testimony, Self-Help, Men’s Health