What if the simple act of "spilling tea" could become a powerful metaphor for healing and transformation? Join us as we sit down with Elizabeth Gagnon, a courageous author whose journey through a tumultuous childhood and a 16-year abusive marriage led her to create a unique space for connection and recovery. Her grandmother's wisdom about tea ceremonies became the cornerstone of her healing process, and now, it's changing lives everywhere. 

Elizabeth's gripping story unfolds in her four-book series, "Sacred Hearts Rising," where she bravely shares her experiences of childhood abuse, forced marriage, and the harrowing realities of domestic violence. Her writing became a therapeutic outlet, liberating her from the weight of her past and empowering others to find their voices. In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moments that pushed Elizabeth to break free from her abuser, the profound impact of familial betrayal, and the societal challenges that often keep people trapped in toxic relationships.

As we journey through Elizabeth's path to self-discovery, we also explore the emotional aftermath of her struggles, such as dealing with empty nest syndrome and reclaiming her identity. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of empathy, self-care, and resilience. We wrap up with Elizabeth’s reflections on the costs of unresolved trauma and her message to those still battling their own demons. It's a powerful call to count the cost, make meaningful changes, and stay resilient on the road to healing. Visit www.traumasexpensive.com for more resources and support as you navigate your own journey.

#Podcast #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #SurvivorStories #DomesticViolenceAwareness #ChildhoodAbuseSurvivor #Resilience #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellness #OvercomingTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #EmpowermentThroughHealing #SacredHeartsRising #AbuseSurvivor #WomensEmpowerment #EmptyNestSyndrome #HealingThroughWriting #SelfDiscovery #EmotionalHealing #TraumaIsExpensive #SpillingTeaForHealing #ToxicRelationshipAwareness #HealingAndTransformation #CountTheCost #ReclaimYourIdentity 

Have you ever wondered how personal trauma can be transformed into a powerful source of resilience and strength? Join us as Angelica Ross, renowned for her role as Candy in the groundbreaking series Pose, shares her journey and insights on overcoming trauma through art and truth. Angelica’s heartfelt stories and reflections highlight the profound experiences of Black trans women, illustrating the depth of their resilience and the necessity of community support. Together, we explore the complexities of trauma and the transformative power of embracing one’s truth in fostering healing and compassion.

In this riveting episode, we venture into the intersectionality of being a Black trans woman in the tech industry, focusing on authenticity and representation. Angelica’s activism and vocal stance against systemic barriers offer a compelling perspective on self-education and the dynamics of social media. We unravel the influence of algorithms on our awareness and the critical importance of personal responsibility in combating ignorance. By sharing personal anecdotes, we underscore the power of authentic voices in shaping a more inclusive and informed society.

Balancing personal growth and community support is a recurring theme as we discuss the journey of healing and self-discovery. From Buddhist principles of endurance to the impact of small gestures in recognizing shared humanity, we emphasize the significance of building capacity and finding calm amidst life’s demands. This episode also highlights the importance of self-reflection and maintaining a balanced approach to mental health struggles. Join us in fostering a supportive community where everyone can thrive and find their own path to victory.

#AngelicaRoss #TraumaIsExpensive #AuthenticityMatters #ResilienceInAction #BlackTransLivesMatter #PoseFX #TransRights #LGBTQAdvocate #CommunityHealing #PersonalGrowthJourney #PalestineConflict #SocialMediaActivism #AlgorithmAwareness #SystemicChange #HealingFromTrauma #SelfAcceptance #EmotionalResilience #LiteratureForHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #UnplugFromSociety #OvercomingChallenges #VideoGameOfLife #HealingTogether #TraumaRecovery #PersonalResponsibility #MindfulLiving

What if the most impactful journey you ever embark on is the one towards self-healing? In this episode of "Trauma Is Expensive," I, Micah Bravery, reveal the unexpected origin of our podcast—how a simple misheard comment about the cost of living in Toronto transformed into a profound realization about the price of unhealed trauma. From there, we explore how sharing personal stories on this platform, much like on my other project "These Fukken Feelings Podcast," can create a ripple effect of positive change. A new focus is spotlighted: opening up the floor to listeners who wish to share their own tales of trauma, healing, and transformation.

Join me as I recount my ongoing struggle with religious trauma and the painful condemnation I faced due to my sexuality. This chapter lays bare the hardships of seeking self-acceptance and a personal understanding of God while emphasizing the crucial importance of self-care and setting boundaries after a lifetime of prioritizing others. This heartfelt reflection aims to underscore the necessity of healing oneself, acknowledging past mistakes, and ultimately striving for inner peace despite a tumultuous past.

We also address the deeply personal journey of recovering from sexual molestation and the overarching importance of consent in every aspect of life. As we proudly rank number 21 in the mental health charts, our mission is to provide a supportive platform where listeners can share their stories of overcoming trauma and finding love for themselves. Wrapping up, we reflect on the past year's experiences and encourage everyone to continually chase their dreams and support each other.

Now, we want to open "Trauma is Expensive" up to the world. There are plenty of stories out there that need to be told, and we invite anyone who wants to tell their story to send it to us in their own recorded words. Inspire others with your life lessons. Send us an email at [email protected], and we will play your stories. This is not a monetized podcast, so no one is making money off of you, but you—and that goes for everybody—can save a life. Why not do it here? Join us in creating a ripple effect of positive change. 

Stay tuned for our next episode where we welcome a new, random guest, and remember to visit www.traumaisexpensive.com for resources on understanding, healing, and transformation.

#MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #SelfHealingJourney #ReligiousTrauma #LGBTQSupport #SelfCare #Boundaries #SexualMolestationRecovery #ConsentMatters #EmotionalWellness #PodcastCommunity #ShareYourStory #HealingTogether #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #MentalHealthAwareness #TransformYourLife #SupportSystem #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #InnerPeace #LoveYourself #ChaseYourDreams #PositiveChange

What happens when the person you love has been away at war for five years and is finally coming home? Micah Bravery shares his deeply personal journey of reconciling with his long-distance partner's return, highlighting the anxiety, hope, and challenges involved. With insights from his sister-in-law Fatima and contributions from Producer Crystal, Micah explores the emotional complexities of adjusting to new dynamics, the impact past sexual abuse has on current relationships, and the critical importance of consent and communication. This episode dives fearlessly into the real-life issues of trauma and healing, aiming to empower survivors to transform their pain into progress.

Transitioning from long-distance love to cohabitation isn't just about moving in—it's about navigating uncharted emotional terrain together. Micah, Fatima, and Crystal tackle the humorous yet significant daily challenges of sharing a space, from bed-sharing quirks to managing personal items. They also delve into setting boundaries and maintaining personal habits while fostering a respectful and understanding environment. Through candid anecdotes and vulnerable reflections, they highlight the fears and excitement of this transition, emphasizing the resilience required to overcome past trauma and build a thriving, live-in relationship. Join us for this heartfelt discussion on healing, mutual respect, and the journey of moving forward together.

 #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #LongDistanceLove #CohabitationChallenges #SurvivorStories #HealingJourney #ConsentIsKey #RelationshipGoals #PodcastLife #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast

Imagine growing up under the weight of societal expectations that teach you to stifle your emotions. How would that shape your mental health? In this powerful episode of Trauma Is Expensive, we open up the conversation about the intersection of masculinity and mental health. We break down the emotional suppression boys are conditioned to accept from a young age and the detrimental long-term impacts on their emotional well-being. We dive deep into the unique and intensified challenges faced by men of color, who must navigate not only societal pressures but also systemic racism.

Strong support networks are often a lifeline for mental health, and we shine a spotlight on their importance. We discuss how friends, family, mental health professionals, and community groups can collectively create a solid foundation for men struggling with mental health issues. Practical self-care practices such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation, and journaling are explored, underscoring the need for men to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. This episode also tackles the stigmas surrounding mental health—especially for men of color—advocating for environments where men can express their truths without fear of judgment.

As we bring the episode to a close, we focus on the journey of navigating trauma and transformation. By turning pain into progress, we encourage listeners to count the cost of trauma and actively pursue positive change. Resources available at www.fukkenfeelings.com offer a dynamic space for healing and transformation. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: stay resilient, stay empowered, and continue making meaningful changes in your life. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey.

#MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #TraumaIsExpensive #MentalHealthMatters #SupportNetworks #SelfCare #Mindfulness #MentalHealthStigma #MenOfColor #BreakingBarriers #SystemicRacism #HealingJourney #EmbraceVulnerability #TransformingTrauma #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealthSupport #BlackMentalHealth #BrownMentalHealth #MenSupportingMen #MentalHealthResources #FukkenFeelings #StayResilient #EmpoweredLiving

Can life's toughest battles shape our deepest truths? Join me, Micah Bravery, as I navigate the complex intersections of trauma, identity, and healing. This episode kicks off by acknowledging the significance of Pride Month and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring how they intertwine. I share candid updates about my second book and the challenges of balancing life and work while facing a cancer diagnosis. Through my journey, I emphasize the necessity of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, and I offer support for those who cannot openly be themselves due to fear or danger.

Listen as I recount how a life-threatening battle with cancer forced me to embrace my identity as a gay man. I'll take you through the emotional landscape of celebrating Pride while confronting societal threats and my family's concerns for my safety. We dive into the complexities of intimacy influenced by past traumas and the guilt of wanting to prioritize my own well-being after years of being the rock for others. This chapter also sheds light on the unique challenges of navigating a predominantly white work environment as a light-skinned, educated person of color and the balance between giving and preserving one's well-being.

Reflecting on past Pride celebrations, especially the vibrant parades on Christopher Street in New York City during the early 2000s, we explore the duality of partying and protesting. Recognizing the importance of honoring past struggles for LGBTQ+ rights, we find moments of joy amidst ongoing global challenges. The episode concludes with an invitation to explore resources at www.traumasexpensive.com, underscoring the costs of trauma and the transformative journey toward healing. It's a heartfelt call for resilience, empowerment, and living fully, appreciating the progress made while continuing the fight for equality and justice.

 #PodcastLife #PrideMonth #MensMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #LGBTQCommunity #CancerSurvivor #SelfCare #IdentityJourney #Intersectionality #PrideAndProtest #LGBTQRights #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #Empowerment #HealingJourney #BookUpdate #BalancingLife #SettingBoundaries #SupportAndStrength #LivingFully #EqualityAndJustice 

How much does trauma really cost us in our daily lives? Our latest episode of "Trauma is Expensive" features a raw and emotional conversation with Sam Swidzinski , who shares his personal experience growing up with bipolar disorder and enduring deep-seated trauma. Sam opens up about a significant and painful incident from his childhood that left both physical and emotional scars, shedding light on how societal pressures and the need for approval can disastrously affect mental health. This eye-opening discussion examines the impact of overworking to meet expectations and the necessity of making one's well-being a priority. 

Navigating the labyrinth of mental health support is no small feat. Sam recounts the arduous journey he faced in finding the right therapeutic help for his bipolar disorder. We delve into the crucial role that research psychiatrists played in his path to recovery, exploring the different facets of bipolar disorder, including the differences between bipolar type one and type two, and how they can sometimes be confused with conditions such as ADHD. The importance of accurate diagnosis and a compassionate approach to mental health care is underscored, providing essential insights for anyone supporting a loved one with mental health challenges.

Shifting gears, we explore the power of gratitude and growth in achieving peace and resilience. Transforming a mindset of negativity into one of gratitude can change lives, and we share practical steps to help reinforce positivity, such as journaling things you're thankful for and vocalizing affirmations. These small daily practices can make a huge difference in navigating life's challenges. We wrap up with themes of hope and healing, drawing inspiration from Sam's book "Winning the War with Bipolar" and encouraging listeners to keep striving for better mental health. Tune in for a heartfelt and enlightening episode, reminding us all that the journey to self-care and mental wellness, while challenging, is profoundly rewarding.

#MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaRecovery #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealthJourney #EmotionalHealing #PsychiatricSupport #AccurateDiagnosis #TherapeuticHelp #OvercomingTrauma #SocietalPressures #MentalWellbeing #BipolarTypeOne #BipolarTypeTwo #ADHDDiagnosis #CompassionateCare #GratitudeMindset #GrowthAndResilience #SelfCareJourney #MentalWellness #HopeAndHealing #WinningTheWarWithBipolar #PositiveAffirmations #JournalingGratitude #HealingJourney #MentalHealthSupport #BipolarAwareness #EmotionalResilience #TherapeuticJourney #SelfCareMatters #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaIsExpensive #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast

When my mother consciously chose her path over the expected norms of sacrifice, it sparked a pivotal shift in my understanding of love and family dynamics. As Crystal and I celebrate our 300th episode, between all of our podcast,  we're thrilled to unveil a tapestry of discussions on the fine line between sacrifice and choice. The conversations are intimate, with stories spanning from my personal revelations about parenting choices to the broader implications of these decisions on our relationships and self-perception.

Under the microscope is the weight of sacrifice in our friendships and the silent trade-offs that shape the bonds we cherish. We delve into the currency of passion, measuring the cost of our pursuits against the backdrop of personal connections, like the evenings I forfeited with my mother for the sake of this podcast. The ebb and flow of recognition and forgiveness within our families takes center stage, as we unwrap the poignant layers of responsibility, the art of communication, and the transformative power of understanding.

Wrapping up, we confront the paradox of parental sacrifice. Is it a noble act or a potential source of psychological strain for the next generation? Crystal and I dissect the self-care conundrum, sharing tales of parents like Rebecca, whose stories illustrate the necessity of setting boundaries. Through laughter and earnest discussion, we honor the intricate dance of caregiving, illuminating the wisdom in sometimes choosing oneself. Join us for a deep and heartfelt exploration of these themes, as we continue to empower through our ongoing dialogue about trauma and healing.

#MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #FamilyDynamics #LoveAndSacrifice #ParentingChoices #PodcastMilestone #HealingJourney #Empathy #TraumaRecovery #Caregiving #Boundaries #EmotionalWellness #IntimateConversations #Understanding #Resilience #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #RelationshipGoals #ParentalSacrifice #CommunicationSkills #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast #TraumaIsExpensive

Ever been to Dollar Tree only to discover the price tags have betrayed the store's name? Well that's just the start of our journey today. We kick things off with a quirky tale of unexpected indulgences, like my out-of-state mani-pedi adventure, and the light-hearted realization that life's little oddities can lead to profound reflections. From impulsive nail color choices to navigating teenhood in the aisles of a discount store, we're peeling back the layers of everyday experiences to uncover what they reveal about our evolving world and the selves we're becoming.

It's not all laughs and green nail polish, though. We steer the conversation to the rocky terrain of personal expression, acceptance, and the heavy toll of societal judgment. Tackling fabricated tales and real-life prejudice, we discuss the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community and the desperate need for empathy over scrutiny. The narrative spirals to the heart of our familial ties, sharing intimately from my sister's playbook of single parenting, to dissect the impact of childhood experiences. Together, we're recognizing the nuanced challenges in nurturing compassion and understanding amidst the trials of raising the next generation.

Finally, we're getting candid about the bedrock of all relationships: communication. Ever argued about a squished toothpaste tube? I'll tell you why those tiny irritants matter and how setting clear boundaries can transform your home life. We'll also unpack the baggage of past grievances and the importance of voicing discomfort, using my own encounters to highlight how straightforward conversations can mend and fortify our connections. So, pull up a chair and let's explore how these threads weave together to strengthen the resilience of our human spirit.

#LifeOddities #UnexpectedAdventures #PersonalExpression #LGBTQ+ #EmpathyOverScrutiny #RealConversations #FamilyTies #SingleParenting #ChildhoodExperiences #CommunicationMatters #ClearBoundaries #HomeLife #Resilience #HumanSpirit #TheseFukkenFeelingsPodcast #TraumaIsExpensive 

The crackle of judgment and misunderstanding can be as confining as prison walls, something I was starkly reminded of during an unexpected encounter with a young man fresh from incarceration. As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, we find ourselves weaving through narratives of trauma, stigma, and the silent pleas for empathy that often go unheard. Christina Carlson joined us on These Fukken Feelings Podcast© and unraveled the threads of compassion and the strength found in reaching out for support, casting light on the interplay between personal resilience and the lifelines thrown by caring communities.

{check out this episode for more on Christina Carlson:  https://thesefukkenfeelingspodcast.buzzsprout.com/2146150/13457985-emotional-cartography-charting-the-inner-landscape-with-christina-carlson-season-2-5-ep-120}

With each story shared, the echoes of unresolved pain are undeniable, resounding in the chambers of our relationships and well-being. Our conversation traverses the terrain of victim mentality, the shades of healing that are as individual as fingerprints, and the monumental impact that kindness can have. Join us for a journey that not only honors the struggles we each may carry but also celebrates the profound growth that can sprout from adversity, as we underscore the importance of granting ourselves the grace to heal on our own terms, surrounded by a community that cares.

#TraumaIsExpensivePodcast
#MentalHealthAwareness
#IncarcerationAndTrauma
#HealingJourneys
#PersonalResilience
#MentalHealthStigma
#VictimMentality
#CommunitySupport
#ChristinaCarlson
#TraumaRecovery