In this episode, Katie sits down with Joanne Fearns (ishnutrition.com) a Trauma and Nutrition Health Coach that we like to call "your friendly neighborhood Trauma & Nutrition Health Coach," to discuss the powerful connection between trauma, the mind, body, and nutrition. Joanne shares her personal journey, from surviving childhood abuse and a challenging foster care experience to the pivotal moments that led her to find healing and ultimately build a career helping others do the same.

Joanne opens up about how her own trauma impacted her relationships and mental health, and how she learned to confront and heal the damage she was unknowingly carrying. With her deep knowledge of trauma-informed care and nutrition, she explores the ways our bodies respond to emotional wounds and how holistic healing practices can support true recovery.

This conversation is full of raw honesty, self-reflection, and practical insights for anyone on a healing journey. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of understanding your body’s needs, owning your past, and making space for authentic self-love and growth.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram: Katie @kaiteostresscoaching and Joanne @ishnutrition to learn more and schedule a discovery session.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of psychosocial development and childhood trauma. The conversation starts by exploring Erik Erikson's stages of development, from infancy to adulthood, and how each stage builds on emotional, cognitive, and social milestones. We then examine how trauma—whether from neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving—can disrupt these stages, often leading to long-lasting impacts on self-worth, trust, and relationships.

Through the lens of childhood trauma, we discuss how certain stages like trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame, and identity vs. role confusion can be affected, leading to struggles with shame, doubt, and fear of intimacy in adulthood. The episode emphasizes that trauma often shifts the focus from healthy exploration to mere survival, and how understanding these developmental processes can reduce shame, increase self-compassion, and guide individuals toward healing and self-parenting.

If you're ready to explore how past experiences shape your present behavior and relationships, or just curious about how childhood trauma impacts your journey, this episode offers a mix of education, compassion, and tools to help you heal.

Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching, and send me a DM if this sounds like you or if you have any questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of toxic positivity, exploring how it often conflicts with our natural emotional responses, especially when dealing with trauma. Host Katie opens up about her own experiences with toxic positivity and the challenges of being told to “just focus on the positive” when dealing with deep emotional pain. Is it possible to acknowledge the hard stuff—like anger, sadness, and frustration—without getting stuck in it? Or are we expected to bypass those feelings and constantly stay upbeat?

Katie explores how toxic positivity can invalidate real emotions, leading to guilt, shame, and isolation, particularly for those struggling with trauma. She highlights the importance of holding space for both the pain and the hope, creating a space where growth and resilience can coexist with the darker emotions. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of acknowledging the struggle while also allowing room for moments of joy and healing.

Throughout the episode, Katie emphasizes the power of emotional resilience and the need to validate our feelings while still embracing the potential for recovery and growth. The conversation sheds light on how to integrate both the pain and the progress, finding balance between focusing on the positive and honoring the reality of life's challenges.

If you’ve ever felt torn between holding onto your struggles and trying to stay positive, this episode will give you tools to navigate that tension. And we’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to DM Katie at @KatieOStressCoaching to join the conversation.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where we’ll bring in a special guest to dive even deeper into these themes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, I'll sit down with two trailblazers in the chronic illness and holistic health space—Taylor Goldberg and Naomi Bauer.

Together, they explore the multifaceted world of chronic illness, shedding light on the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks the complexity of these conditions.

Taylor, a hypermobility coach specializing in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and Naomi, a physical therapist and coach working with individuals affected by POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Long COVID, bring their unique insights on how chronic illness impacts not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well. They delve into the invisible nature of many chronic conditions, how individuals are often gaslit or dismissed, and why traditional medical models don't always provide the comprehensive care people need.

In a conversation that highlights the importance of an integrative, holistic approach, Taylor and Naomi discuss the need for self-advocacy, the trial-and-error process of finding what works for each person, and the significance of redefining "recovery" beyond just being symptom-free. They also explore the role of shame and stigma in chronic illness, offering empowering perspectives on how to reduce both.

Tune in to hear how both Western medicine and holistic practices can coexist to support individuals living with chronic illnesses, and why understanding the whole person—rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms—can make all the difference in healing and empowerment.

We also chat about the complexity and invisibility of chronic illnesses, why chronic conditions often require an integrative approach, the relationship between physical and mental health in chronic illness, reframing "recovery" and healing beyond the medical model, how to reduce shame and stigma surrounding chronic illness and much more.

Don't miss this enlightening and empowering conversation with these remarkable leaders in chronic illness support. Be sure to follow along with us on Instagram!

Katie: @katieostresscoaching, Taylor: @thehypermobilechiro and Naomi: @its_all_about_that_pace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the often avoided topic of emotions, especially the difficult and intense ones that society tends to bypass or dismiss.

This episode delves into the importance of allowing all emotions, even the “harder” ones, to be felt and processed. We dive into the pervasive culture of toxic positivity and “good vibes only,” advocating instead for the transformative power of human connection, empathy, and the simple act of being present with another person’s feelings.

Drawing from research in trauma and mental health, this episode underscores how validating emotions and holding space for them can significantly reduce mental, emotional, and even physical suffering.

Join us in this eye-opening conversation about the power of emotion, the necessity of connection, and why we must resist the urge to bypass what makes us human and don't forget to follow over on instagram @katieostresscoaching.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma – Season 2!

In this season, we’re diving deep into the integration of mind-body health with more guest experts, exploring the holistic and medical models of care, and the space where they intersect. We'll take you through fascinating topics that challenge the traditional "either/or" mindset when it comes to health – breaking down stigma, offering humor, and creating space for healing through both medical and holistic approaches.

In this episode, we kicks things off by discussing the concept of "Transcend and Include," where we look beyond the limitations of any one system and explore how to bring the best of both worlds together. Whether it's the evidence-based medical model or the whole-person, preventative approach of holistic care, I believe we can integrate them in a way that empowers us all to live healthier, more balanced lives.

This season, expect to hear about:

• The strengths and limitations of the medical and holistic models
• How both approaches can work together to improve mental health
• The importance of patient empowerment and the mind-body connection
• Why health should never be one-size-fits-all and how to navigate this complex journey

It’s going to be a fun, thought-provoking, and empowering season – so join us as we explore the beauty of integrating diverse approaches to health, laughter, and life. Don’t forget to DM me (@KatieOStressCoaching) with the secret words for a special giveaway, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations ahead!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this season finale of Season 1, we'll take a moment to reflect on the journey so far—how this podcast has evolved, the importance of reducing shame around trauma, and the power of open conversations.

As we head into the holiday season, today's episode explores the pressures and expectations that come with the holidays, both external and internal. Whether it's the dynamics within family units, the stress of pleasing others, or the weight of our own self-imposed standards, this episode is an invitation to take back your power. How can we navigate these challenging moments without losing ourselves in the process? How do we identify and confront those old survival mechanisms that no longer serve us?

From practicing boundaries to honoring your own needs, this episode is all about giving yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and make conscious choices—especially in moments when you're expected to give it all away. With plenty of humor, heart, and real-life insights, this is the perfect send-off for Season 1 as we look forward to the new year and Season 2, packed with amazing guests and even more meaningful conversations.

Join us for this heartfelt finale, and remember: through it all, you have the power to take back control, one choice at a time.

Happy holidays, and see you in January! -@katieostresscoaching

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this deeply reflective episode, we explore the complex relationship between health, self-worth, and perfectionism, particularly in the context of chronic illness, trauma, and recovery. Many of us have internalized the belief that if we aren't perfectly healthy, productive, or "well," then we are somehow less worthy or have failed in our healing journey.

We dive into the common narrative that links self-worth to how we feel physically or mentally on any given day, and how this can lead to an exhausting cycle of striving for perfection and fearing any sign of struggle. This episode challenges the idea that we must always be "well" to be worthy of love, care, and respect, and instead encourages listeners to redefine their value beyond their health status.

We also examine how societal expectations of resilience, productivity, and outward appearance often mask the deeper truths of human experience—like the inevitability of pain, imperfection, and setbacks. Healing is not linear, and struggling doesn't mean you’re failing.

This episode offers a powerful reminder: You are worthy just as you are, even in the midst of pain or hardship. Healing doesn’t make you more valuable; you’ve always been enough.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on self-compassion, breaking free from the all-or-nothing mindset, and the importance of grounding ourselves in values rather than perfectionism and be sure to follow along on instagram @katieostresscoaching for more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-acceptance and healing by acknowledging how our past survival mechanisms shaped us. We all learn how to survive challenging environments—whether that’s a toxic family dynamic, a difficult upbringing, or a system that made us adapt in ways we didn’t even realize. But what happens when those survival patterns no longer serve us, and we want to change?

We'll go through the emotional struggle of relinquishing these survival patterns, shedding light on how the mind and body, while trying to protect us, can make change feel incredibly difficult. With compassion and honesty, we'll explain how these survival behaviors were learned and how they can still impact our reactions today—even in safer environments. She shares insights on how to break free from old patterns, step by step, and encourages us to approach ourselves with grace, not shame, during the process.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own survival strategies or overwhelmed by the shame of your past behaviors, this episode offers both understanding and practical ways to move forward with TLC (tender loving care).

Tune in for a comforting reminder that you’re not alone, and change, though challenging, is absolutely possible with time, patience, and the right kind of support. Don't forget to follow @katieostresscoaching on instagram for more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.