Surviving and Chilling with Debbie

🎃 Halloween Looks Different Now

In this episode of Surviving and Chilling with Debbie, I'm reflecting on how Halloween and other holidays change as we move through different seasons of life. From childhood memories of costumes and trick-or-treating to creating traditions with our own families, each stage brings something unique.

I also share some thoughts on grief, missing loved ones during the holidays, and learning to appreciate both old memories and new traditions. Whether you're celebrating with family, missing someone special, or simply reflecting on your own journey, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.

In this episode of Surviving and Chilling with Debbie, I'm talking about something I've been struggling with during my recovery: the guilt of resting. Why does taking a break sometimes feel wrong? How do we tell the difference between being lazy and giving ourselves the time we need to heal? Join me as I share my personal experiences, what I'm learning about slowing down, and why rest is an important part of taking care of ourselves.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can reach me at [email protected] to share your experiences, suggest future topics, or simply say hello. ❤️

This week is a shorter, more personal episode as I continue recovering from surgery. After a difficult day of pain and exhaustion, I had a strange experience that left me questioning the line between sleeping and waking. I could hear a podcast playing, see people in my room, and felt as though I knew them, yet I couldn't speak or fully wake up. In this episode, I share what happened, how it felt, and some thoughts on healing, recovery, and the mysterious ways our minds and bodies respond during difficult times.

Sometimes life calls for a shorter episode, and this is one of those weeks. Today's episode is simply a quick check-in and a brief conversation about Verity, a movie I recently watched and enjoyed. Thank you for continuing to join me on this journey. Your support means more than you know.

This week on Surviving and Chilling with Debbie, I'm sharing my thoughts on the movie Primetime and the deeper questions it raised for me about the former television show To Catch a Predator. Was the show about protecting children, seeking justice, entertainment, or a combination of all three? Join me as I discuss my reactions to the film, the impact of public accountability, and what our fascination with these types of programs might say about us as a society. 

💜 Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of child exploitation, predatory behavior, crime investigations, abuse, trauma, and media sensationalism.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

💜 Remember, healing isn't just surviving the storm. Sometimes it's learning to trust the calm that comes afterward.

Disclaimer: 

The thoughts, opinions, and experiences shared in this podcast are my own. I am not a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional. I'm simply sharing my personal journey and speaking my truth in the hope that others may feel less alone.

Sometimes the hardest part of healing isn't surviving the chaos, it's learning how to live in the peace that comes afterward.

In this episode of Surviving and Chilling with Debbie, I talk about why peace can feel uncomfortable after experiencing trauma, abuse, abandonment, anxiety, or years of living in survival mode. We'll explore what happens when calm feels unfamiliar, why we may question good things in our lives, and how healing often means learning to trust peace one day at a time.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Remember, healing isn’t just surviving the storm. Sometimes it’s learning to trust the calm that comes afterward.

The Hardest Lessons I've Learned

In this episode of Surviving and Chilling with Debbie, I share some of the hardest lessons I've learned through life's challenges, healing, and personal growth. From learning that you can't change others to discovering that healing isn't a straight line, these lessons weren't easy to learn, but they helped shape who I am today. My hope is that something in this conversation reminds you that you're not alone on your journey.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of childhood and adult abuse trauma, abandonment fears, anxiety, grief, and concerns about the safety of loved ones.

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you.  Feel free to share your thoughts, your story, or simply say hello at [email protected].

#SurvivingAndChillingWithDebbie #TraumaRecovery  #HealingJourney #SurvivorStories #YouAreNotAlone      

Disclaimer: 

The thoughts, opinions, and experiences shared in this podcast are my own. I am not a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional. I'm simply sharing my own personal journey and speaking my truth in the hope that others may feel less alone.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What would you tell your younger self?

In this episode, I reflect on the lessons learned through trauma, healing, loss, and growth. Join me as I share the words I wish I could have heard when I needed them most and explore how looking back can help us move forward.

Sometimes the kindness we needed then is the kindness we can give ourselves now.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood and adult abuse, trauma, anxiety, grief, abandonment fears, and concerns about loved ones' safety.

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you.  Feel free to share your thoughts, your story, or simply say hello at [email protected].

#SurvivingAndChillingWithDebbie #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #ChildhoodTrauma #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodcastCommunity #YouAreNotAlone       

Disclaimer: 

The thoughts, opinions, and experiences shared in this podcast are my own. I am not a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional. I'm simply sharing my own personal journey and speaking my truth in the hope that others may feel less alone.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I Didn’t Know Any Different As a child, I thought what was happening to me was normal. It was the only life I knew, and I didn't have anything to compare it to. In this short, personal episode, I share my thoughts about growing up without realizing that the fear, confusion, and challenges I experienced were not part of every childhood. We talk about how children view the world, why many survivors don't recognize abuse until later in life, and the importance of showing compassion to our younger selves.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of childhood and adult abuse trauma, abandonment fears, anxiety, grief, and concerns about the safety of loved ones.

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you.  Feel free to share your thoughts, your story, or simply say hello at [email protected].

#SurvivingAndChillingWithDebbie #IDidntKnowAnyDifferent #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #ChildhoodTrauma #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodcastCommunity #YouAreNotAlone     

Disclaimer: 

The thoughts, opinions, and experiences shared in this podcast are my own. I am not a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I'm simply sharing my own personal journey and speaking my truth in the hope that others may feel less alone.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The drive home after leaving my daughter at college was much more than a trip back home. It was a journey through grief, pride, love, anxiety, and healing. In this episode, I share the reality of saying goodbye, navigating an empty house, and learning that letting go isn't the end of the story. It's another form of love. Join me as I reflect on motherhood, trauma recovery, and embracing a new chapter. 💜

I think the first version is stronger because it captures both the college-dropoff story and your broader theme of healing from trauma and life's transitions.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood and adult abuse trauma, abandonment fears, anxiety, grief, and concerns about the safety of loved ones.

💜 If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you at [email protected].

#CollegeMoveIn #LettingGo #ParentingJourney #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #LifeTransitions #SurvivingAndChillingWithDebbie

Disclaimer: 

The thoughts and opinions, and experiences shared in this podcast are my own. I am not a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I'm simply sharing my own personal journey and speaking my truth in the hope that others may feel less alone.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse , is in an unsafe relationship, or needs support, please know that you are not alone and support is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)   

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)

Both services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.