By Maria Bryan
The When Bearing Witness podcast is an invitation to explore trauma-informed storytelling, a safe and healthy process of gathering and telling painful stories. Join my conversations with trauma-inf
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The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.
In this episode, I sit down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist," to address a critical issue in the nonprofit world: the mental health of storytellers who bear witness to challenging narratives.
In the nonprofit sector, many of us wear multiple hats - we're not just storytellers but also fundraisers, advocates, project managers, and more. This balancing act, coupled with the emotional weight of the stories we tell, can lead to a unique form of stress and burnout.
How do we continue to do impactful work without sacrificing our own well-being?
Shulamit brings us practical nervous system care techniques that can be implemented by anyone, regardless of their resources or position.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the stories you tell, struggled with the many roles you play in your organization, or simply want to proactively manage your mental well-being while continuing to make a difference, this conversation is for you.
Tune in for nervous system care insights that could transform how you approach your work and self-care in the world of nonprofit storytelling.
About Shulamit Ber Levtov
Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW, CCTP, CFSW is an award-winning business owner, speaker, and The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. Shulamit is working passionately to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem to include founder mental health as a business priority. She also works 1:1 with women business owners to prevent burnout and preserve their peace of mind as they ride the emotional rollercoaster of running a business.
As a masters-level, licensed somatic trauma therapist and a trauma survivor herself, with certifications in Nonviolent Communication, Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money and Financial Social Work, Shulamit brings a unique perspective and approach to supporting women in business.
Connect with Shulamit Ber Levtov
Website | Newsletter Signup | LinkedIn | Instagram
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Join us as we explore the complex world of human trafficking storytelling with Matthew Fairfax, co-founder of the Justice and Soul Foundation.
Content warning: This episode discusses sex trafficking and sexual violence. Please be mindful of your emotional capacity while listening.
Matthew's journey from salon owner to advocate is both surprising and inspiring. His organization is dedicated to empowering survivors and at-risk youth through professional cosmetology training, offering them a path to self-sufficiency and renewed confidence.
In this episode, we'll explore how Matthew's experiences in Cambodia transformed his mission and shaped his approach to advocacy. We'll examine the delicate balance between creating impactful stories and avoiding harmful sensationalism when advocating against human trafficking.
Listen to gain insights into how we can all contribute to a more responsible and compassionate dialogue around human trafficking.
About Matthew Fairfax
Matthew Fairfax is the President/CEO of James Alan Salon & Spa in Seattle and co-founder of the Justice and Soul Foundation. In 2012, he and his colleague, Lauren Ebright, co-founded the Justice and Soul Foundation, and in 2013, Matthew sold all his belongings and moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He now oversees both a salon and academy in Cambodia, along with the Justice and Soul Foundation in Seattle. Matthew recently returned to Seattle to implement a similar program for at-risk youth and survivors in the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with Matthew
Learn More About Justice & Soul | Facebook | Instagram
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
In this episode
Imagine if story gathering wasn't just about words on a page or voice-to-voice.
What if we could capture narratives through the stroke of a paintbrush, the sculpting of clay, or the graceful movements of dance?
In this fascinating episode, we dive into this very realm with Madeleine St. John, whose vocation spans from nonprofit communications, philanthropy, community engagement, and expressive arts therapy.
Madeleine introduces us to the forward-thinking concept of sensory story gathering, where all our senses come into play to share and understand human experiences. She shares practical insights on how organizations can incorporate art, movement, and other creative techniques to uncover richer, more nuanced narratives.
Multisensory storytelling is a powerful alternative way for nonprofits to connect with communities, especially those who've faced trauma or struggle with traditional forms of expression.
We explore how this multisensory approach allows story owners to share on their own terms.
About Madeleine St. John
Madeleine’s vocation spans nonprofit communications, philanthropy, community engagement, and expressive arts therapy. She’ll be guiding us through Integrating the Senses into your Storytelling Process—from collection to self-care to community care to the share.
Connect with Madeleine St. John
Website | LinkedIn
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
In this episode
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Janelle Suzanne, the managing partner and chief marketing officer at Louder Agency. Janelle and I take on the complex topic of youth-centered storytelling, offering valuable insights into the delicate balance between sharing impactful narratives and protecting vulnerable children.
Our discussion begins by exploring the nuances of storytelling for young people in challenging circumstances, with a particular focus on children in foster care. Janelle advocates for a paradigm shift in traditional storytelling approaches, encouraging a move away from sensationalism towards more empowering methods that preserve dignity. She provides practical strategies for protecting children's identities while still conveying powerful stories that resonate with audiences.
Throughout our conversation, Janelle's passion for ethical storytelling shines through. She's on a mission to change how we talk about young people, focusing on their strengths and potential rather than just their struggles. Whether you're in youth advocacy and services, this episode is for you.
About Janelle Suzanne
With nearly two decades of experience in messaging, marketing, and philanthropy, Janelle Suzanne is dedicated to amplifying the impact of organizations. As the Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of Louder Agency, she specializes in crafting digital strategies and messaging that elevate nonprofits and purposeful brands.
Connect with Janelle Suzanne
Louder Agency | Nonprofit Amplifier | LinkedIn | Braid Mission Case Story
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
In this powerful episode, former public defender Sy Hoekstra shares his experiences working in family court, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges within the child welfare system.
A system where both families and public defenders have no choice but to tell incredibly traumatic stories.
Content Warning: Sy describes the traumatic impact of investigations on families, particularly on families of color. So, we'll be talking about systematic racism at play. Be mindful of your emotional capacity as you listen in.
Expect to gain eye-opening insights into the complexities of family court, the power dynamics at play, and the lasting impact on all involved. This episode covers the intersection of law, social services, and systemic inequalities, challenging listeners to reconsider their assumptions about family welfare and public defense.
It also sheds light on the beautiful power of storytelling and advocacy during the most traumatic seasons of people’s lives.
Hoekstra's personal journey from public defense to burnout, as well as his current work, demonstrates how these experiences continue to shape his advocacy for marginalized voices and social justice.
About Sy Hoekstra
Sy is a founding partner of the faith-based media and publishing company, KTF Press. He is also an attorney who has worked in the federal court system and as a public defender in New York City's child welfare system. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and daughter.
Connect Sy Hoekstra
KTF Press | KTF Press IG
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Are you ready for a masterclass in trauma-informed space holding?
In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we are joined by Frank Velásquez Jr., founder of 4 the Hood and creator of the Ascending Leaders in Color Fellowship program.
Frank pulls back the curtain on how he creates protected spaces for leaders of color to connect, grow, and authentically express themselves without filters. We also discussed the crucial need for these spaces, given the historical lack of representation in leadership roles and the challenges people of color face in predominantly white workplaces.
About Frank Velásquez Jr.
Meet Frank Velásquez Jr.: Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Community Trailblazer. With a heart as big as his vision, Frank dances on the frontlines of change, armed with an unshakeable belief in racial and gender equity. As the founder of 4 Da Hood and the mastermind behind the Ascending Leaders in Color Fellowship program, Frank is forging paths for people of color to lead with authenticity, courage, and joy! For Frank, advancing equity isn't just a job—it's a movement toward building generational wealth for communities of color!
Connect with Frank Velásquez Jr.
4 Da Hood | Ascending Leaders in Color Fellowship program| LinkedIn | Instagram
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Cliff Mayotte, a seasoned oral historian and co-author of the book Say It Forward: A Guide to Social Justice Storytelling shares invaluable insights from his experiences as a social justice-centered storyteller. Cliff's journey began with a deep love for theater and a transformative encounter with Studs Terkel's oral histories, which ignited his passion for storytelling rooted in social justice.
He challenges rigid assumptions about trauma-informed practices, advocating for creating "brave spaces" that embrace nuance, ambiguity, and the full humanity of storytellers. His wisdom extends to navigating power dynamics, historical trauma, and the physical manifestations of intergenerational suffering.
Cliff's approach reminds us that trauma-informed storytelling is ultimately about building authentic relationships based on mutual choice and collaboration. By sharing powerful questioning techniques and a deep reverence for storytellers' autonomy, he offers listeners a refreshing perspective on amplifying voices with care, nuance, and a commitment to resisting harm while promoting safety.
About Cliff Mayotte
Cliff is an interdisciplinary storyteller and educator who uses oral history, theatre, and journalism in his work. He is the co-author and editor of Say it Forward: A Social Justice Guide to Storytelling. He is a recipient of the Beverly Kees Educator Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. For over 12 years, Cliff served as the Education Program Director for Voice of Witness, a nonprofit that amplifies the voices of people impacted by and fighting against injustice. Cliff is also a former education director for the Tony award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
He is currently the lead teacher for The Nation Fund's Fellowship for the Future of Journalism, working to nurture diverse voices and support the next generation of independent journalists.
Connect with Cliff
Website | LinkedIn | Say It Forward Book
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
In this episode, Crystal Whitaker, an inclusive branding and leadership development consultant, shares her insights on creating authentic, values-driven brands that foster a sense of belonging.
Crystal delves into the fine line between intentional inclusion and performative actions, stressing the need for consistent, year-round efforts that go beyond tokenism. She provides practical strategies for brave leadership, such as disrupting the status quo, practicing attunement, and incorporating trauma-informed principles into business operations.
Weaving insights from her book Brave Leadership is a Choice, Crystal invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-reflection, aligning their values with their brand messaging and leadership approach.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to create an inclusive, human-focused, and values-aligned brand that celebrates diversity and fosters a true sense of belonging.
About Chrystal Whiteaker
Crystal Whiteaker is an Inclusive Branding and Leadership Development Consultant, and author of Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging. Crystal helps mission-driven brands and leaders create inclusive, human-focused, values-aligned environments. Crystal brings 20 years of practical, creative, relational, process-driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described "corporate-trained, creative hippie” and has been honored as the 2024 Empowerment Leader of the Year by BRA Network.
Connect with Chrystal Whiteaker
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Celebrate Consciously Days of Recognition
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Fundraising is a calling fueled by a passion for important causes. However, the weight of connecting resources to meet overwhelming needs can lead to burnout for even the most dedicated fundraisers. In this candid discussion, veteran fundraiser Micah James opens up about the unique stresses faced by those tasked with championing non-profit missions through securing donations.
From carrying the burden of potential impact on lives to navigating intense seasonal workloads, Micah provides insights into the drivers behind fundraiser fatigue. She shares hard-won wisdom on maintaining balance, setting boundaries, finding rejuvenating hobbies, and leveraging accountability partners. Her advice is grounded in personal experiences of pushing too hard, and the wake-up calls her body issued.
About Micah James
Micah is the Manager of the Professional Services Team at Bloomerang. She’s experienced as a church administrator and in non-profit fundraising. Micah has earned credentials as a Certified Church Administrator and a Certified Fund Raising Executive. She serves in her community supporting causes she’s passionate about, such as efforts to grow sustainable housing, support families experiencing homelessness, and education.
Connect with Micah James
Website | LinkedIn
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
As a development director at NAMI, Liz Jackson is immersed in the powerful and often painful stories of those impacted by mental illness. In this episode, she shares her journey of learning the critical importance of self-care for storytellers bearing witness to trauma.
Liz openly discusses the warning signs that she was approaching burnout early in her role and how she became more deliberate about caring for herself. Liz's wisdom on nurturing resilience as a storyteller is a must-listen for any nonprofit professional navigating this emotional terrain.
About Liz Jackson
Liz Jackson is the Director of Development at NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, the leading countywide organization composed of grassroots-based chapters that promote wellness, recovery, equality, and dignity for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Liz is a bridge-building fundraiser, goal-crusher, and fierce advocate for racial and social justice.
Connect with Liz Jackson
Website | LinkedIn
About Host Maria Bryan
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.
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