Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

In this episode, Katie sits down with Joanne Fearns (ishnutrition.com) a Trauma and Nutrition Health Coach that we like to call "your friendly neighborhood Trauma & Nutrition Health Coach," to discuss the powerful connection between trauma, the mind, body, and nutrition. Joanne shares her personal journey, from surviving childhood abuse and a challenging foster care experience to the pivotal m...

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of psychosocial development and childhood trauma. The conversation starts by exploring Erik Erikson's stages of development, from infancy to adulthood, and how each stage builds on emotional, cognitive, and social milestones. We then examine how trauma—whether from neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving—can disrupt these stages, o...

On this episode, Katie sits down with Dr. Josh Glasmann, a chiropractor, strength coach, and wellness expert, to discuss the power of consistency in health and fitness. As a father of five, Dr. Josh shares how he balances his career and family life while staying committed to his own wellness journey. From quick, effective workouts to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the conversation covers how to...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of toxic positivity, exploring how it often conflicts with our natural emotional responses, especially when dealing with trauma. Host Katie opens up about her own experiences with toxic positivity and the challenges of being told to “just focus on the positive” when dealing with deep emotional pain. Is it possible to acknowledge the hard stuff—l...

In this powerful episode, I'll sit down with two trailblazers in the chronic illness and holistic health space—Taylor Goldberg and Naomi Bauer. Together, they explore the multifaceted world of chronic illness, shedding light on the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooks the complexity of these conditions. Taylor, a hypermobility coach specializing in hypermobile Ehlers-D...

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the often avoided topic of emotions, especially the difficult and intense ones that society tends to bypass or dismiss. This episode delves into the importance of allowing all emotions, even the “harder” ones, to be felt and processed. We dive into the pervasive culture of toxic positivity and “good vibes only,” advocating instead for the transformative...

Welcome to Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma – Season 2 ! In this season, we’re diving deep into the integration of mind-body health with more guest experts, exploring the holistic and medical models of care, and the space where they intersect. We'll take you through fascinating topics that challenge the traditional "either/or" mindset when it comes to health – breaking down stigma, offering hu...

In this season finale of Season 1 , we'll take a moment to reflect on the journey so far—how this podcast has evolved, the importance of reducing shame around trauma, and the power of open conversations. As we head into the holiday season, today's episode explores the pressures and expectations that come with the holidays, both external and internal. Whether it's the dynamics within family units,...

On this deeply reflective episode, we explore the complex relationship between health, self-worth, and perfectionism, particularly in the context of chronic illness, trauma, and recovery. Many of us have internalized the belief that if we aren't perfectly healthy, productive, or "well," then we are somehow less worthy or have failed in our healing journey. We dive into the common narrative that li...

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-acceptance and healing by acknowledging how our past survival mechanisms shaped us. We all learn how to survive challenging environments—whether that’s a toxic family dynamic, a difficult upbringing, or a system that made us adapt in ways we didn’t even realize. But what happens when those survival patterns no longer serve us, and we want to c...

In this episode, we're diving into the often elusive, sometimes overwhelming concept of "feeling the feels." Have you ever been told to just feel your emotions , but weren’t sure how to do it or how long to sit with them? You’re not alone. Today, we’re going to walk through a simple, powerful practice to help you tune into your emotions, sit with them without judgment, and really feel them in your...

In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional impact of vulnerability—especially when we were taught early in life that expressing our true feelings and needs could lead to shame, danger, or rejection. We explore how this early conditioning can create an emotional scar, pushing us to suppress our vulnerability and abandon our own needs in order to gain approval or avoid conflict. Over time, thi...

In today's episode, we dive into the powerful concepts of resistance and radical acceptance—two psychological responses that can either keep you stuck or help you move forward when faced with difficult realities. If you've ever found yourself saying, "This isn't fair" or "I can't believe this is happening to me," you're not alone. These thoughts reflect resistance, a defense mechanism that keeps u...

Welcome back to another episode of Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma. Now, this episode is brief but intentional. I'm going to ask two questions for listeners to reflect on. One, how has your mind, body, and spirit changed innately learned to survive in your systems? And two, how is that working for you right now? Take some time to reflect on those questions and then DM me your answers. I can b...

In this episode, I dive deep into the complexities of self-soothing behaviors that can sometimes lead us down unhealthy paths. Join me as I unpack the struggle between seeking comfort and the realization that certain habits—like overeating, substance use, or extreme dieting—may no longer serve us. I’ll explore the psychological roots of these behaviors, especially in the context of trauma and chro...

Welcome to another episode of Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma! In today's episode, host Katie O'Leary engages in a heartfelt conversation with two inspiring guests, Brian Beutel and Kento Kamiyama. Together, they explore the intricate connections between emotional and physical pain, diving deep into how our experiences shape our understanding of healing. Brian, a doctor of physical therapy an...

On this episode, we'll cover the art of self-soothing! Katie explores the essential skills needed to cultivate inner peace and comfort. We'll delve into the journey of learning to self-soothe—a skill often overlooked in environments that fail to model emotional care. Join us as we unpack the nuances of co-regulation, the impact of trauma, and the quest for healthier coping mechanisms. We’ll share...

On this episode, Katie O'Leary LPC, takes us on dive deep into the transformative journey of change and healing, focusing on the concepts of neuroplasticity, awareness, action, and integration. Katie also shares personal stories and expert insights on overcoming trauma and chronic stress. We'll explore the misconception that change is impossible, especially for those who have lived with trauma for...

In this episode, host Katie O'Leary welcomes licensed clinical social worker Jenn Gil to the podcast. Listen as they delve into the profound connection between mind and body, emphasizing the importance of somatic work in healing. Both therapists, having crossed paths at a community health center and now thriving in private practice, share their experiences and insights into trauma and self-trust....

On today's episode of Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma, we dive deep into the concept of  self-abandonment —a behavior many have learned to adopt as a means of survival in the face of trauma, societal expectations, and family dynamics. Discover how messages from childhood and societal pressures can lead us to prioritize others' needs over our own, resulting in  people-pleasing  ...

In this episode, we'll dive deep into the essence of interpersonal connection and community with our wonderful guest, Erin Snelling! Erin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience in the school systems. Erin brings a wealth of knowledge on anxiety, trauma, and holistic health, and she's here to shed light on how these elements intertwine with our sense of belonging. Joi...

In today's episode, we'll dive deep into the heart of what makes therapeutic relationships truly transformative. Join us as we explore the impact of humanity and genuine connection in therapy, inspired by characters from  Good Will Hunting  and  Patch Adams . We dissect the contrast between the sterile, clinical approach of some therapists and the deeply human, empathetic connection...

In today's episode of Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma, we dive into the intricate and often challenging world of human connection, especially in the context of trauma and chronic stress. Here’s what you can expect from this insightful discussion: We'll dive into the Importance of Connection: Understand why connection is essential for our well-being, how it supports us during tough times, and...

Welcome to this week's episode of Stress Messing: Laughing Through Trauma. Today, we’re thrilled to have size inclusive fitness and mindset coach Abigail Brankin, as our guest.  Abigail, who specializes in supporting individuals in larger bodies, joins us for a deep dive into the complex notions of worthiness and self-acceptance. In this episode, Abigail and I sit down to explore the powerful...

Welcome to episode four of Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma! In today's episode we're going to do deep dive into the profound effects of trauma and chronic stress on both mental and physical health. We’ll explore the signs and symptoms of these experiences and discuss practical ways to manage them. We will also explore the emotional extremes, relationship difficulties, and physical health chal...