🎙️ Episode Title: The Shape of Trauma: Healing What We Didn’t Choose

Description:

In this profoundly healing episode of Take Off the Mask, therapist and trauma expert Dr. Katie Wiggins joins CasieCasem for a soul-deep dive into the often invisible ways trauma shapes our minds, bodies, and relationships.

Through raw personal reflection and clinical insight, they unpack the hidden symptoms of trauma — from emotional disconnection to panic attacks — and how high-functioning individuals can carry lifelong pain without even realizing it. Together, they explore the powerful healing potential of modalities like EMDR and Internal Family Systems, while reminding listeners that trauma isn’t always about what happened — it’s often about what didn’t.

This isn’t a clinical lecture. It’s a heart-to-heart conversation about reclaiming your story, your safety, and your self-worth — even when justice never comes.

Key Themes:

• What trauma really is — and how it hides in plain sight
• Panic vs. anxiety: decoding trauma responses
• Relationship dynamics and trauma reenactment
• The role of somatic memory and the body’s response
• Self-regulation, self-love, and healing without permission
• Justice vs. liberation: which truly sets us free?

Quote to remember:
"Healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about honoring what we survived."

Before we wrap, Dr. Katie Wiggins shared two powerful resources that align beautifully with today’s conversation. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of trauma and the nervous system, we encourage you to explore the following:

"Still Face Experiment" by Dr. Edward Tronick
This foundational video illustrates the emotional impact of caregiver disconnection on infants and how early attachment experiences shape our lifelong understanding of safety and connection.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qlQeSnyLong

"Why You Can’t 'Think' Your Way Out of Trauma" featuring Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
A compelling explanation of how trauma lives in the body and why true healing must be embodied—not just intellectualized.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXXDklZQ4JQ

If the links above don’t open, you can copy and paste them directly into your browser:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qlQeSnyLong
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXXDklZQ4JQ

These resources are powerful reminders that healing is not only possible—it’s personal, ongoing, and entirely valid whether or not justice ever arrives.

What happens when grief isn’t something you remember—but something you’ve carried your whole life?

In this deeply personal episode of Take Off the Mask, host CasieCasem sits down with Dr. Katie Wiggins, Ed.D, LMHC, founder of Uprooted: Where Healing is Planted LLC, licensed mental health counselor, and grief educator. Casie and Katie are not just professionals in the world of healing—they're survivors. Both lost a parent to homicide. Both are members of Project Cold Case. And years ago, Katie was the first grief counselor Casie ever worked with.

Together, they explore what it means when grief finds you—and refuses to leave.

This conversation dives into:

• How grief shows up in hidden ways
• The grief of not knowing a lost parent
• Body-based trauma and nervous system regulation
• The myth of closure and the truth about healing
• The loneliness of violent loss
• Turning pain into purpose through advocacy and storytelling
• Creative expression as a grief response
• What to say—and what not to say—to someone who’s grieving

Whether you're holding a fresh wound or a lifelong ache, this episode offers space, solidarity, and soul-level reflection. It’s not about “getting over it”—it’s about honoring the life that continues, even in the shadow of loss.

💬 Connect with Dr. Katie Wiggins:

🌿 Website: https://uprootedhealing.com
🧠 Client Portal: https://katie-wiggins.clientsecure.me
📞 Phone: 904-993-2486

🕊️ Resources Mentioned:

• Project Cold Case – Advocacy and support for families of unsolved homicide victims
• CTFOD.com – Casie’s nonprofit supporting mental health and grief healing

✏️ Aftercare Prompt:

If this episode stirred something in you, take a moment to reflect:
What part of me is still grieving what I never got to say?
What part of me is still worthy of love, even in sadness?

Grief is not a problem to solve.
 It’s proof that love once lived.
 You are not alone. You are human. And you are held.

 To learn more about Casie's mother, Melissa “Missy” Taylor Ellison, visit her Project Cold Case spotlight at projectcoldcase.org/2019/06/10/melissa-ellison.
To read about Dr. Katie Wiggins’ father, Stephen Wiggins, visit projectcoldcase.org/2015/04/25/cold-case-spotlight-stephen-wiggins. 

Grief and depression are deeply intertwined, and healing from loss is a journey that looks different for everyone. In this heartfelt episode of Take Off the Mask with Casie Casem, I sit down with my dear friend Lauren Crews, who bravely shares her experience of losing her daughter, Edie, to heart complications.

Together, we explore the weight of grief, the unexpected ways depression can take hold, and the paths we can take toward healing. This conversation is raw, real, and filled with wisdom, love, and hope for anyone walking through loss.

💛 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, know that you are not alone. Join us as we hold space for healing and understanding.

Click here to watch the video podcast

Episode Title:

"Lived Experience and the Reality of BPD"

Episode Description:

In this powerful episode of Take Off the Mask (TOTM), host CasieCasem dives deep into the realities of living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Joined by Saadia Ali, co-chair of NEABPD’s Lived Experience Committee and the only current NEABPD board member with lived experience, and Amber Joy Kostecki, a dedicated advocate and fellow member of the Lived Experience Committee, this conversation sheds light on the truths, struggles, and hope that come with a BPD diagnosis.

Together, Saadia and Amber share their unique journeys, breaking down harmful stereotypes, exploring the complexities of BPD, and emphasizing the importance of lived experience in advocacy and recovery. This episode is a reminder that no one is alone in their diagnosis or their journey to healing.

Topics Discussed:

• What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and why is it so misunderstood?
• The diversity of BPD symptoms—256 possible combinations—and the "staple" characteristics.
• Dispelling harmful stereotypes surrounding BPD.
• The possibility of recovery and remission—what does healing look like?
• The power of advocacy through lived experience.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Family Connections Program (NEABPD):
   A free, evidence-based program designed to educate and support families and loved ones of individuals with BPD. Learn practical tools and skills to foster understanding and healthier relationships.
   Learn more: www.neabpd.org/family-connections
2. NEABPD Recovery Resources:
   NEABPD offers invaluable tools, information, and support for individuals living with BPD and their families.
   Visit for more resources: www.neabpd.org
3. Support/Source: MSTR (Mentalization-Based Therapy, Support, and Resources):
   For those seeking therapy approaches like DBT and other support systems designed to help individuals regulate emotions, navigate relationships, and build a meaningful life.
4. KiKi Fehling Workbooks and Resources https://www.kikifehling.com/resources 

Takeaway Message:
BPD may be complex, but recovery is possible. Saadia and Amber’s stories remind us that with the right support, compassion, and resources, healing is within reach.

Tune in, share, and remember—you are not alone.

In this heartfelt and informative episode of Take Off the Mask with Casie Casem, I (Casie Ellison, aka "CasieCasem") sit down with Tresa Freeman, LCSW, to explore the reality of Postpartum Depression (PPD) and shed light on a topic too often left in the shadows. Tresa brings her professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker and shares valuable insights on the challenges, symptoms, and journey toward recovery for mothers experiencing PPD.

As a friendly reminder, I’m not a medical professional—I'm simply here to open up the conversation to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding PPD. Our discussion is a call for compassion, understanding, and support for new mothers everywhere who may be silently struggling.

Resources and Final Advice for Postpartum Depression

We dive into a range of resources and expert advice, hoping to provide comfort and actionable guidance. Here are some of the support options we discuss:

1. National and Local Hotlines
   • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 for confidential, 24/7 support from local crisis centers, connecting callers to nearby resources and mental health guidance.
   • Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline: Call 1-800-944-4773 or text "Help" to 800-944-4773. PSI offers phone and text support to connect families with support groups, therapists, and local resources.
   • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-943-5746 for free, confidential support from trained counselors who provide resources, referrals, and guidance for postpartum mental health challenges.
2. Online Support Groups and Communities
   • PSI Online Support Groups: Weekly online groups cover topics from postpartum depression and anxiety to pregnancy and infant loss, providing mothers with a supportive, nonjudgmental space.
   • MotherToBaby: A free, confidential service answering questions about medications and treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Call 1-866-626-6847 or visit their website.
   • Facebook and Reddit Support Groups: Platforms like Facebook’s PPD Support Group and Reddit’s /r/Postpartum offer peer support and shared experiences from mothers around the world.
3. Trusted Websites for Information and Resources
   • Postpartum Support International (PSI): A comprehensive resource for PPD information, treatment options, and support networks.
   • March of Dimes: Provides information on postpartum mental health and guidance for the transition to parenthood.
   • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Science-backed resources on PPD symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
   • The Postpartum Stress Center: Founded by Karen Kleiman, this center offers information, a blog, and resources for mothers, including therapist training in postpartum care.
4. Books and Reading Materials
   • This Isn’t What I Expected by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin
   • The Postpartum Depression Workbook by Dr. Abigail Burd
   • Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
5. Apps for Mental Health Support and Self-Care
   • Happify: Offers activities and games based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness.
   • Headspace: Mindfulness app with tools for stress management, including a Mindful Parenting Collection.
   • MamaLift: Specifically designed for mothers with PPD, providing activities, mood tracking, and self-care guidance.

Final Advice for Listeners Supporting Someone with PPD:

• Be Patient and Present: PPD recovery takes time, so offering consistent support, even in small ways, can be incredibly impactful.
• Encourage Professional Help: Support loved ones in seeking professional help as a sign of strength.
• Build a Supportive Community: Encouraging connections with others can help mothers feel less isolated.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is essential, and it's okay to take breaks and recharge.

Join us for this impactful conversation that combines empathy, education, and real-world advice. Whether you’re a mother, partner, friend, or family member, you’ll find insights to help navigate PPD’s challenges and ensure that no one feels alone on their journey to healing.

Episode Title: Flipping the Switch: From Survival Mode to Thriving – Tools for Action with Natalyn from AscendEQ

Podcast: Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem

In this empowering episode of Take Off The Mask, host CasieCasem dives deep into the journey from surviving to thriving with special guest Natalyn Lewis, founder of AscendEQ. Natalyn brings her wealth of experience in emotional performance coaching, offering actionable tools to help listeners shift out of survival mode and begin thriving in their everyday lives.

Key Discussion Points:

 • Understanding Survival Mode: Natalyn explains the psychology behind survival mode—what triggers it and how it manifests in our daily behavior.

 • The Shift to Thriving: Learn the vital differences between surviving and thriving, and why making this shift is essential for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

 • Tools for Action: Natalyn shares practical tools from AscendEQ’s coaching framework, such as emotional regulation techniques, mindset shifts, and strategies to break free from limiting beliefs.

 • Real-Life Application: Casie and Natalyn discuss personal examples of using these tools to navigate challenges, with the goal of living a more intentional and fulfilled life.

 • Mindset Reset: Learn how to reframe difficult experiences, creating space for growth and opportunity even during life’s toughest moments.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in survival mode or looking to enhance your personal development, this episode offers powerful insights and practical strategies to help you not just survive, but truly thrive.

Tune in now to gain the tools to transform your mindset and start living the life you deserve!

AscendEQ is a coaching and personal development platform that focuses on improving emotional performance. Founded by Natty Lewis, AscendEQ offers various programs aimed at helping individuals overcome emotional barriers and achieve personal and professional growth. The coaching framework combines over a decade of research into emotional intelligence and human behavior. It offers different levels of support, including online courses, workbooks, and one-on-one or group coaching. The platform is tailored for those who want to improve their emotional resilience and relationships.

Chatty with Natty is a podcast by Natty Lewis, designed to offer casual, insightful conversations. It ties into the themes of AscendEQ by focusing on emotional well-being, personal stories, and life challenges, blending personal development with real-life experiences.

In this powerful episode of “Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM),” we sit down with Payton, famously known as the “Shake ‘n Bake of Sobriety,” to hear his remarkable journey of resilience and recovery. Payton opens up about his life as an addict with an addictive personality — someone who has been addicted to nearly everything, from substances to behaviors.

Payton shares his raw, unfiltered story of battling drug abuse, living on the streets, and fighting to find a way out. Now, two years sober, he talks candidly about the daily struggles and triumphs of recovery, the unrelenting temptations he faces, and the powerful realization that he can never touch those substances again.

Payton’s story is one of survival, strength, and the unwavering commitment to a life free from addiction. Whether you’re in recovery yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to understand the complexities of addiction, this episode offers a deep dive into what it takes to overcome it and find hope on the other side.

Note: This episode discusses addiction and substance abuse, which may be sensitive for some listeners. If you need support, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis hotline.

In this episode of *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM),”* we dive into the transformative benefits of cognitive therapy through the inspiring story of Kelsey. Join us as we listen to Kelsey’s interview, where she shares how cognitive therapy became a powerful tool in her journey toward mental health and well-being.

Kelsey opens up about her struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and negative thought patterns, and how cognitive therapy helped her reframe her mindset, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and build healthier coping strategies. Through her story, we explore what cognitive therapy is, how it works, and why it can be a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their mental health.

Whether you're considering therapy, searching for ways to manage your mental health, or simply curious about the power of positive thinking, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life.

**Please note:** This episode discusses mental health topics that may be sensitive for some listeners. If you need support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or trusted resource.

for more information on how you can help- Change the Face of Depression, explore our website: www.CTFOD.com 

*Thank you for tuning in to *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM)”*. We hope today’s episode has provided you with insight, inspiration, and support. Remember, mental health is a journey, and we’re here to walk it with you.*

*If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue our mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.*

*Stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming episodes. You can find us on Facebook, instagram, and youtube.com.*

*If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis hotline. You’re not alone.*

*Thank you for being a part of the conversation. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.*

*This is Casie Casem, signing off -See you next week.*

In this deeply moving episode of *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM),”* we explore the powerful intersection of self-image, food addiction, and depression through the heartfelt story of Scooter. Join us as we listen to Scooter’s emotional interview, where she opens up about her complicated relationship with food, her struggle with body image, and how these battles intertwined with her experience of depression.

Scooter shares her journey with raw vulnerability, revealing the hidden pain behind food addiction and how it shaped her self-worth and daily life. Together, we discuss the impact of society's expectations, the internal and external pressures to conform, and how food addiction can become a coping mechanism in the face of emotional pain.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of self-criticism or struggled to find balance with food, this episode is for you. Join us to uncover the nuances of Scooter's story, find understanding, and learn how compassion and self-acceptance can pave the way to healing.

**Please note:** This episode contains sensitive discussions about self-image, depression, and food addiction. If you need support, reach out to a mental health professional or a support group.

For more information on how you can help Change the Face of Depression, visit our website: www.CTFOD.com 

*Thank you for tuning in to *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM)”*. We hope today’s episode has provided you with insight, inspiration, and support. Remember, mental health is a journey, and we’re here to walk it with you.*

*If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue our mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.*

*Stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming episodes. You can find us on Facebook instagram and youtube.com *

*If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis hotline. You’re not alone.*

*Thank you for being a part of the conversation. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.*

*This is Casie Casem, signing off from *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM)”*. See you next week.*

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In this episode of *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM),”* we delve into the gripping and powerful story of Serena, a courageous individual who faced the dark reality of addiction and emerged stronger on the other side. Join us as we listen to Serena's raw and honest interview, where she shares her journey through the struggles, setbacks, and ultimate triumph over addiction.

We’ll explore the profound impact addiction has on mental health, relationships, and self-identity, and discuss the often-overlooked effects it can have on every aspect of life. Serena’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of support, empathy, and understanding in the face of adversity.

If you or someone you know has been affected by addiction, this episode is a reminder that recovery is possible, and you’re never alone in your journey. Tune in to be inspired, informed, and to join a community that stands together against the stigma of addiction.

**Please note:** This episode includes discussions about addiction, which may be sensitive for some listeners. If you need support, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or crisis hotline.

for more information on how you can help Change the Face of Depression, visit us @ www.CTFOD.com 

*Thank you for tuning in to *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM)”*. We hope today’s episode has provided you with insight, inspiration, and support. Remember, mental health is a journey, and we’re here to walk it with you.*

*If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue our mission of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.*

*Stay connected with us on social media for updates, resources, and upcoming episodes. You can find us on Facebook, instagram and youtube.com

*If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis hotline. You’re not alone.*

*Thank you for being a part of the conversation. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.*

*This is Casie Casem, signing off from *“Take Off The Mask with CasieCasem (TOTM)”*. See you next week.*