Imagine facing a routine medical procedure only to have it morph into a harrowing ordeal, reawakening past traumas you thought had been laid to rest. Our courageous Julie Jewels Smoot, a survivor of PTSD, lays bare the soul-wrenching reality of Medical PTSD Triggering, sharing the distressing aftermath of a pelvic exam gone wrong. The conversation we have is as heartrending as it is eye-opening, calling attention to the necessity for trauma-informed care within the healthcare system. Her story, as much a lesson as a lament, underscores the need for medical professionals to honor patient histories and preserve their dignity—a topic she has also explored through poetry in her  book "The Journey Back to Myself: A Book of Healing Poetry, Second Edition."

When a voice calls out for understanding and is met with silence, the repercussions can be profound. This episode takes an unflinching look at the consequences of not being heard, as described by our Julie Jewels Smoot whose traumatic history was dismissed by the very institution tasked with her care. Her narration, punctuated by there experiences at the VA and the triggering of a body memory response, calls for a radical shift in the way we listen to and affirm survivors. The conversation is a pledge of solidarity with those who have endured similar journeys and a potent reminder of the power of validation—a theme echoed in the poetry from their book, offering solace and strength to fellow travelers on the road to healing.