Trauma Intersections

Trauma Intersections

By Courtney Copeland

This podcast is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful healing. Together, we'll explore the ways trauma, loss, and life's hardest moments shape us—and how healing can happen in... more
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Best of Trauma Intersections

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

  1. Number 1: Navigating Miscarriage Grief and Healing with Dr. Diane Ortega

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney welcomes Dr. Diane Ortega, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Certified Nurse-Midwife, and mother of four. With nearly 20 years of experience as a midwife, Diane has built three birth centers from scratch while single-parenting through divorce. After those centers closed, she created her own framework for rebuilding identity and purpose in her fifties: Root, Reclaim, Rise, now taught through her Rebirth Journey program and podcast, The Midwife Life. Diane shares her personal journey through miscarriage and the often-dismissed grief of early pregnancy loss, emphasizing the importance of emotional support alongside physical care. She also discusses healing through journaling, breathwork, grounding, singing, and dancing, while encouraging women to reclaim joy, release the armor trauma creates, and embrace meaningful transformation. Timestamps Introduction to Diane Ortega (00:00:39) Diane Ortega, a midwife of nearly 20 years, introduces herself and her work supporting women through life's transitions. Diane's Path to Midwifery (00:01:25) Diane shares her personal story of a transformative experience with a midwife, which inspired her midlife career change. Trauma and Miscarriage (00:03:28) Diane discusses her personal and professional experiences with miscarriage, highlighting how society often minimizes the grief of early pregnancy loss. The Physical and Emotional Impact of Loss (00:05:24) The conversation covers the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of miscarriage and the lack of societal and workplace support. Supporting Women Through Grief (00:06:48) Diane explains how she provides emotional and psychological support to women, emphasizing community and filling gaps in traditional healthcare. Personal Healing Journey (00:09:51) Diane shares her own healing methods after her losses, which included support from friends who understood and consistent journaling. Healing Modalities for Clients (00:11:48) Diane discusses her approach to helping clients, using tools like storytelling, breathwork, and grounding to meet them where they are. The Power of Getting Outside and Finding Joy (00:14:35) The importance of reconnecting with nature and rediscovering joyful activities from childhood, like playing outside, is explored. Simple Ways to Reclaim Joy (00:17:26) Diane suggests simple, accessible ways to find joy, such as singing loudly, dancing in the kitchen, and engaging in crafts. Overcoming Self-Consciousness (00:20:32) The speakers discuss how self-consciousness develops around age eight and the importance of letting go of what others think. Diane's Transformational Work with Women (00:22:10) Diane explains how she helps women shed their "armor" and survival mode, giving them permission to rediscover their true selves. The Rebirth Journey Program (00:25:49) Diane describes her 12-week program designed to guide women through deep transformation and self-discovery after trauma or major life changes. Final Words of Wisdom (00:28:10) Diane encourages listeners to view trauma as a portal for growth and to seek help to discover who they are becoming. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Diane, "When you have a moment that I'm going to be a mother and then that gets taken away, it's really devastating." Diane, "Until I reached past that point of the loss, I just couldn't exhale." Diane, "Trauma really is an identity loss." Diane, "Not just asking, "How do I heal?" but also, "Who am I becoming on the other side?"" Diane, "Let go of the armor, put it down and, oh my gosh, it's so freeing to do that. There literally is a weight lifted." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Connect with Diane Instagram: instagram.com/diane.ortega Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sdhv4Fa7dOeqvWoQUnree?si=425d88f39eec4e4c Website: themidwifelife.co Free workshop, Aug 26: themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass "Trauma really is an identity loss." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    31min
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  2. Number 2: Diane Prince's Story: Overcoming Divorce, Bankruptcy, and Trauma to Build a Life of Peace and Purpose

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney welcomes entrepreneur Diane Prince, who shares her journey through success, trauma, and healing. Diane built a $50 million business, exited for $28 million, but later went bankrupt after her divorce. She discusses how Al-Anon transformed her life, helping her find peace, self-awareness, and kindness. Diane also opens up about shame, adoption trauma, and shifting from a hustle mentality to prioritizing well-being. Now a business coach, she helps entrepreneurs build teams using remote workers from the Philippines, creating opportunities globally while encouraging others to keep moving forward one step at a time. Timestamps Introduction to Diane Prince (00:00:43) Diane introduces herself and explains she's just starting to share her story of trauma and recovery more openly. Early Entrepreneurial Success (01:36) Diane discusses her first business, started at 27, which grew to $50 million in revenue and exited for $28 million. The Downfall and Divorce (04:10) After retiring in her 30s, Diane's life changed. She got divorced and began operating on autopilot, just going through motions. Discovering Al-Anon (05:28) Diane shares how she found Al-Anon, a 12-step program for people affected by alcoholism, which completely changed her life. The Impact of Al-Anon (07:35) Al-Anon taught Diane to focus on what she can control, leading to a spiritual awakening and improved life perspective. From Riches to Rags (09:43) Diane describes losing her fortune, going from a $10 million net worth to having no money and eventually going bankrupt. Finding Peace and Kindness (12:10) Through her journey, Diane's priorities shifted to peace, serenity, and kindness, leading to better relationships and self-forgiveness. Overcoming Shame (14:09) Diane talks about the immense shame she carried around her bankruptcy and how she eventually let it go. Self-Imposed Pressure (16:42) Diane reflects on the pressure she put on herself, influenced by peers, which led to risky business decisions. Exploring Personal Trauma and Adoption (20:04) Diane opens up about being adopted and how she's now starting to heal the wound from that early life experience. Bringing Trauma to Work (22:13) The host and Diane discuss how unresolved childhood issues and trauma inevitably show up in the workplace and business. How to Process Triggers (24:47) The host explains various methods for processing emotional triggers, including somatic work, parts work, and therapy, when they arise. Honoring Personal Boundaries (29:10) Diane shares a recent experience of canceling a speaking engagement to honor her body's need for rest and avoid burnout. A New Approach to Business (32:20) Diane contrasts her old "hustle" mentality with her current, more mellow approach, enjoying her work without constant pressure. Diane's Current Business (34:26) Diane explains her business, which provides remote operators from the Philippines to help founders increase their leadership capacity. Parting Words of Wisdom (37:11) Diane advises listeners to keep going through tough times, do the next right thing, and know they're not alone. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Diane, "What I did realize is I can change how I tell my story, and I can change my perspective on the past." Diane, "My life today, the most important thing to me is peace and serenity and kindness. I am so much nicer than I used to be." Diane, "I'm so much more at peace. I have better relationships. I forgive myself for a lot of mistakes I made." Diane, "I also really let go of the shame. I'm like, who cares? I'm an entrepreneur. I'm kind of a badass." Diane, "Whatever you're going through, there are probably people who've gone through it too. If you keep going, there is another side." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "You can't change the past, but you can change the story you tell about it." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    39min
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  3. Number 3: Breaking the Blue Wall of Silence with Bob: Mental Health and Trauma in Policing

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Bob, a 20-year law enforcement veteran from southeastern Virginia. Bob shares how trauma has been a constant presence throughout his career, from critical incidents to officer-involved shootings. He discusses the cultural stigma around mental health in policing, the "warrior mindset," and his personal struggle with self-medication. Bob highlights how improved peer counseling and culturally competent support changed his outlook. He also shares how playing bagpipes became an unexpected therapeutic outlet. The episode closes with Bob encouraging listeners to seek help, stay persistent, and find purpose amid their struggles. Timestamps Introduction to Bob (00:00:35) The host introduces Bob, a police officer with 20 years of experience in southeastern Virginia. A Career in Law Enforcement (01:06) Bob discusses his 20-year career, working the midnight shift, and joining the SWAT team early on. The Nature of Police Work and Trauma (02:38) Bob explains that police often encounter people on their worst days and discusses the high number of critical incidents. Managing Back-to-Back Trauma (04:17) The conversation covers the challenge of handling consecutive traumatic calls without a break and the need for a clean mental break. A Navy SEAL's Perspective (05:11) Bob shares a neighbor's insight on how police officers face continuous trauma without the decompression periods military personnel receive. The Old-School Mentality (07:04) Bob describes the "suck it up" culture that existed when he started, discouraging officers from seeking mental health support. Changes in Mental Health Support (08:52) Bob contrasts the handling of his first officer-involved shooting with his second, highlighting the evolution of mental health attitudes. Fear of Seeking Help (09:53) Bob explains the past fear of using Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), believing it would end an officer's street career. The "Warrior Mindset" and Its Flaws (11:31) Bob discusses developing a "warrior mindset" to cope, which led to unhealthy habits like sleep deprivation and self-medication. The Shift Towards Better Support (13:37) Bob describes the department's new approach, including a more developed peer counselor program and better mental health resources. The Importance of Cultural Competency (16:02) Bob praises the host's ability to connect with officers by understanding their culture, humor, and workplace nuances. The Need for Compartmentalization (19:55) Bob explains using compartmentalization to manage trauma, describing it as shoving bad experiences into a mental box. When the "Box" Overflows (21:06) Bob shares how a critical incident in 2022 caused his mental "box" to overflow, bringing up past traumas. Critical Incident Stress Debriefs (21:23) The value of post-incident debriefs is discussed, allowing officers, dispatchers, and medics to share perspectives and process events. The Role of Dispatchers (23:38) Bob highlights the immense stress dispatchers endure, hearing critical incidents unfold over the radio without seeing the outcome. First Responder Solidarity (25:01) The strong bond between police, fire, and medics is discussed, noting how they support each other during crises. Modern Therapeutic Approaches (28:20) The conversation touches on the availability of newer therapies like EMDR and organizations like the Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program (VALeep). The Holistic Approach to Wellness (33:58) Bob explains his holistic approach to healing, combining mental, physical, and spiritual practices like massage, chiropractic, and prayer. Healing Through Bagpipes (37:07) Bob discusses his hobby of playing the bagpipes as a non-job-related outlet and a way to honor fallen officers. The Public Perception of Police (43:17) Bob reflects on the changing public perception of law enforcement and the importance of community involvement to show their humanity. No Regrets and Finding Purpose (47:58) Bob states he wouldn't change his career experiences, as they shaped who he is and provided a sense of purpose. Advice for Listeners (49:37) Bob encourages listeners dealing with trauma to keep taking steps, find someone to talk to, and never give up. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Bob, "One day I woke up and I said, 'I'm drinking almost a pint of hard liquor a night just to go to sleep, and that's not me.' There's got to be a better way to do this." Bob, "Inside your head is a big box with a lid. Every time you have something bad happen, you just pop the lid up, shove it down in there, and shut the lid. I'll deal with it later." Bob, "Stuff that I had seen and experienced years and years ago was suddenly coming up to visit again, and that made it tough." Bob, "All these experiences, good and bad, made me who I am. I'm very comfortable with who I am, and I'm happy for it." Bob, "Just find a reason to win. That's all you need to do, and then eventually it's going to happen." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "True strength isn't carrying trauma alone—it's having the courage to ask for help." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    53min
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  4. Number 4: From Misdiagnosis to Mastery with Mariangela Saavedra: Overcoming Medical Trauma in Chronic Illness

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney Copeland interviews her longtime friend Mariangela Saavedra, a theater professional and older adult activity coordinator from Philadelphia living with multiple sclerosis and uterine cancer. Mariangela shares her difficult journey through misdiagnosis, medical trauma, and back-to-back health crises. She discusses the emotional toll of chronic illness, the importance of recognizing medical experiences as trauma, and the coping strategies that helped her heal, including breathing exercises, mindfulness, and therapy. Her story highlights the need for emotional acknowledgment alongside physical treatment. Timestamps Introduction to Mariangela (00:00:26) Host Courtney Copeland introduces her high school friend, Mariangela Saavedra, a theater professional and older adult activity coordinator. The Onset of Mysterious Symptoms (00:02:36) Mariangela describes the traumatic process of seeking a diagnosis for MS, starting with vertigo and numbness around her 40th birthday. A Frightening Escalation (00:06:15) While on jury duty, Mariangela experiences sudden partial blindness, leading to an emergency room visit and her first MRI. The Frustrating Search for a Diagnosis (00:10:04) After a botched spinal tap and an inconclusive diagnosis, Mariangela is left without answers or treatment for months. An Advocate Steps In (00:15:24) An endocrinologist recognizes the signs of MS from Mariangela's scans and fights to get her an immediate hospital admission. A Second Medical Crisis (00:22:39) Shortly after her MS diagnosis, Mariangela is diagnosed with uterine cancer after a sudden hemorrhage and emergency surgery. Navigating MS Treatment Options (00:27:43) After recovering from cancer surgery, Mariangela faces the overwhelming task of choosing a disease-modifying therapy for her MS. A Year of Flares and Steroids (00:31:20) Despite starting treatment, Mariangela endures four MS flares in one year, including a painful bout of optic neuritis. The Unpacking of Suppressed Trauma (00:34:05) Years later, a change in medication triggers a severe anxiety crisis, forcing Mariangela to confront her unprocessed medical trauma. Realizing the Impact of Medical Trauma (00:45:06) A therapist helps Mariangela connect her anxiety to her past medical experiences, finally giving a name to her trauma. Coping Strategies for Chronic Illness (00:56:14) Mariangela shares her coping mechanisms, including breathing exercises, "parts work," and allowing herself time to just be. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Mariangela, "When the trauma is happening, that's often when you don't feel it. It's when you have that moment of release that it all runs over you." Mariangela, "Suddenly, everything I had been feeling and squishing down just came all up to the surface, and I was completely unprepared with how to deal with that." Mariangela, "I have MS, but it doesn't have me." Mariangela, "Once I started really talking about it, understanding how it affected my life, and accepting it as traumatic, that's when things really got better." Mariangela, "I can acknowledge that, accept it, and accept that I will be upset about that. I'm going to let myself feel that because I don't want what happened in 2021 to ever happen to me again." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "Healing begins when we stop minimizing our pain and start honoring our story." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    1h 6min
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  5. Number 5: Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously with Addie MacDonald: A Deep Dive into Embodiment and Energy Work

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Addie MacDonald — Reiki master, embodiment coach, and poet — about her profound healing journey. Addie shares how her father's terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and living in a mold-infested home pushed her toward burnout. Discovering Reiki became a turning point, helping her reconnect with her body and process grief. She explains the distinction between somatic work and embodiment coaching, emphasizing the body as a source of wisdom. Addie and Courtney also explore how joy and grief can coexist, and the importance of holistic, authentic healing. Timestamps Introduction to Addie McDonald (00:00:32) Guest Addie McDonald introduces herself as a Reiki master, embodiment coach, poet, and mother currently traveling the world. What is an Embodiment Coach? (00:01:09) Addie explains embodiment coaching as exploring obstacles and goals by centering the body as a source of overlooked wisdom. Addie's Intersection with Trauma (00:02:40) Addie begins sharing her story, starting with her father's late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March 2020. Compounded Crises: Mold and Stress (00:05:32) While dealing with her father's illness, Addie's family discovered their rental home was severely infested with black mold. Discovering Reiki (00:06:42) Feeling disconnected despite traditional coping methods, Addie randomly Googled Reiki and booked a session that profoundly shifted her energy. The Journey After Reiki (00:12:31) Addie left her osteopathy program, recognizing she was hiding in her studies, and began her own energy work training. Learning to Hold Both Joy and Grief (00:15:35) Reiki and embodiment work helped Addie grow her capacity to experience deep grief and genuine joy simultaneously. Navigating a Parent's Final Days (00:19:39) Addie shares the experience of being with her father in his final days and his feeling of "permission" to let go. The Path to Embodiment Studies (00:23:20) Embodiment work helped Addie identify and enforce her personal boundaries, leading her to explore it more deeply. Finding the Right Coaching Program (00:26:08) Addie describes overcoming her initial aversion to coaching by understanding it as asking questions, not giving advice. Integrating Reiki into Her Business (00:30:14) Initially hesitant, Addie realized that incorporating Reiki into her coaching practice was essential for her to show up authentically. The Value of Mystery in Healing (00:34:11) Addie and Courtney discuss how it's okay to not scientifically understand everything, embracing the mystery in healing and life. The Importance of Proactive Joy (00:43:28) The conversation shifts to proactively seeking joy and silliness, like dance parties, as a form of preventative spiritual healthcare. How to Connect with Addie (00:45:55) Addie shares her Instagram handle, Substack, and booking information for listeners who want to connect or work with her. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Addie, "I was doing all the things I was supposed to do, and I wasn't feeling okay." Addie, "There was just a point where something lifted from my chest and I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I didn't know that was there.' I had no idea I was carrying that." Addie, "Living with somebody with a terminal illness is a very specific type of stress, because you're pre-grieving, too." Addie, "Being able to be in my body didn't only translate to maybe feeling lighter; it also changed the way I was able to be in relationships." Addie, "It's really too bad I can't bring the Reiki in, because that is what shifted everything. That's what allowed me to start listening to my body." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "Healing doesn't ask us to choose between grief and joy—it teaches us how to hold both." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

    49min
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How many episodes does Trauma Intersections have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.