In this episode, I welcome Robin Stokes, a social worker, U.S. Army veteran, author, and the visionary behind Mastering Experiences, for an honest conversation about surviving domestic violence, reclaiming her voice, and finding a path toward healing.
...Chris works with highly sensitive and empathic leaders who often carry a lot of responsibility. From the outside, they may seem like they have everything together, while on the inside they may feel stretched thin, unsupported, or unsure of what comes next.
...In this powerful episode, I welcome Andi Buerger, JD, international best-selling author, survivor, founder of Voices Against Trafficking, Inc., and global advocate, for an honest conversation about surviving trafficking, reclaiming courage, and using her voice to create change.
...Adrienne shares how traumatic experiences shaped her sense of safety and affected different areas of her life. She also discusses the practices that have supported her healing, including prioritizing self-care, connecting with supportive people, listening to her intuition, and practicing gratitude.
...During our conversation, Lizbeth shares more about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the idea of the “multiple mind.” We talk about how the different parts of us can carry pain, fear, and old experiences, and how getting to know those parts can help us better understand ourselves and our healing.
...Letam “Ley” Duson, Esq. is a sought-after speaker, practicing attorney, personal stylist, and the founder of Ley All Day, LLC, a premier personal styling and image consulting firm serving professionals throughout the DMV and virtually across the United States. With more than a decade of legal experience—including her current role as a full-time attorney handling police misconduct matters—Ley brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of executive presence, professional identity, and personal brand.
...Karly Stein is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, international speaker, advocate, and trauma survivor who has transformed adversity into purpose. Through creativity, authentic storytelling, and community advocacy, she inspires others to embrace resilience, self-acceptance, and the belief that even life’s greatest challenges can become sources of strength.
...Maurine Xavier is a Speaker and Guide for Trust, Clarity, and Peaceful Living. She supports successful women who feel overwhelmed, stuck in their thoughts, or caught in patterns of self-doubt, overthinking, and second-guessing.
...John P. Boyle is an engineer, entrepreneur, executive advisor, and author whose life and work reflect a blend of Appalachian grit, business leadership, and principled purpose. Born into a multi-generational family of coal miners and raised in Kingwood, West Virginia, John’s story is rooted in hard work, resilience, and deep respect for the people and places that shaped him.
...Cyndee has worn many hats throughout her life, teacher, counselor, wife, mother, widow, patient, and writer. After spending more than 25 years in education, she now shares her own journey of grief, chronic illness, resilience, and hope to encourage others who may be walking through difficult seasons.
...JULIE BARTH is a writer, mother of six, trauma survivor, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women-led households in times of crisis. Julie’s memoir, NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY, is a deeply moving account of love, loss, and resilience, chronicling her journey as a special needs parent while navigating the heartbreaking realities of her first husband’s battle with cancer.
...Betsy Holmberg, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist and author specializing in overthinking and negative self-talk. She writes for Psychology Today, and has been featured in radio, television, and podcasts. Her first book, Unkind Mind, comes out June 1 by New Harbinger Publications. Before settling into writing and therapy, Betsy ran the global behavioral health service line at McKinsey & Company, a premier consulting firm. She also worked at Harvard and co-authored several peer-reviewed academic journal articles on non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies and has treated clients of various ages and presentations. Betsy received her doctorate, master’s and B.A. in Psychology from Duke University.
...Sophora Acheson serves as the Executive Director and Co-President of Ruby’s Place, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy, and connection.
...Christina Braver writes steamy, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are character driven and feature strong heroes with softer sides, heroines who make it happen, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need.
...Kendra is an eclectic therapist who is passionate about her clients becoming healthier versions of themselves and believes that anyone who is willing to put forth the genuine effort to achieve personal growth could transform the narrative of their healing journey. Kendra balances accountability and support while helping her clients navigate their daily struggles but also encourages them to take back their power to be autonomous. Kendra advocates for the improved quality of therapeutic services from the person-centered approach and feels that her determination to be a change agent on the local/state government level will have a positive impact on legislation in the near future.
...Beth Wilson is an intuitive guide, energy healer, international best-selling author and Biomagnetism practitioner. Her work is Spirit-driven and deeply personal. She offers support, guidance, and healing for those navigating transformational shifts, emotional blocks, or a desire to be more fully aligned with soul expression and integrated wellness. She began her career in the U.S. Congress, eventually moving into publishing and media. Her first book, Meditations for New Mothers was a run-away bestseller, selling over 1 million copies. Beth published five additional parenting books to great success. During media tours—radio, TV and speaking—she profoundly connected with others while voicing the joys, anxieties and challenges of parenthood.
...Lauren Kappel is a sales leader and the founder of Your Boss Vibe, a coaching platform focused on helping women own and articulate their value so they can create better opportunities, increase their income, and show up more confidently in the rooms that matter.
...At the heart of her work, Dr. Gertrude Lyons has a deep commitment to helping every individual understand, realize, and own their inherent value, guiding them toward living the life they’ve always dreamed of. Whether it is through her writing, on her retreats, in her corporate workshops (Google, Junto, Accuity Group…), and in her one-on-one coaching, she works directly with people, coaching them with a nurturing, mothering energy that helps them find balance between creating the life they choose to embody and releasing what no longer serves them.
...Amy Vincze has been a dedicated professional in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years. As a certified Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist, Colon Hydrotherapist, Reiki Master, and Tapping Coach, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Since earning her certification as a Tapping Coach 16 years ago, Amy has witnessed profound transformations—both in her own life and in the lives of her clients. She has even used tapping to heal herself from painful, chronic medical conditions. As the founder of the Soar with Tapping App, Amy is on a mission to make the life-changing benefits of tapping accessible to people everywhere. She firmly believes that tapping is one of the most powerful and transformative healing tools available today.
...Aly Angel is a Nurse Practitioner and U.S. Army Veteran. She began her career caring for the underserved, uninsured and underinsured community. She believes in the importance of giving back and paying it forward. She has lived in different states and countries and has a wealth of knowledge of cultural awareness and cultural competence. She has served on various committees in a variety of organizations. She is alumni of the AANP Executive Leadership Program. Aly l has served as an item writer, item reviewer and now serves on CMSRN Test Development Committee for the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). She currently serves on the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) Awards Committee and Program Committee. She is the Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health (NPWH) Regional Community Chair for the Great Lakes Region.
...Steve Nagib is a board-certified athletic trainer, holistic wellness guide, and community builder on a mission to help modern professionals heal, perform, and live without leaving themselves behind.
...Neena Perez is a Transformational Life and Business Coach, Chef, Speaker, and host of the podcast Straight Talk No Sugar Added. With over 20 years of experience leading women—whether in high-pressure kitchens or life-changing coaching programs—Neena has a gift for turning purpose into power.
...Linda Feig Knipe is a retired Medina High School counselor. Knipe is a Rotarian, sits on the board of Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council, and is an active church member. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and a Master’s Degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Counselor Education from SUNY University at Buffalo.
...Lisa Happ is a Certified Trauma and Divorce Coach, Grief Specialist, Certified Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach, and Breakup Recovery Mentor. She supports women navigating heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and the aftermath of toxic or abusive relationships—guiding them toward healing, clarity, and empowerment.
...Therapist confronts childhood abuse, sharing a powerful story of survival, resilience and empowerment in new memoir
SEATTLE – Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell’s memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unflinching exploration of her journey to confront and heal from the complex trauma of childhood sexual abuse within the world of Virginia’s equestrian show-jumping circuit.
Lisa Tickel is a resilient survivor of childhood abuse, dedicated to an inspiring journey of healing and transformation. After spending many years in survival mode, simply trying to get by, Lisa worked diligently to heal and reach a new chapter in her life. Her personal experiences have empowered her to help others embark on their own healing journeys. Her goal here is to help others shorten their suffering and she offers two ways to help others.
...Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek-loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12-year convent journey after her mother’s passing. Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through tragedy and faith inspires others to face life’s challenges.
...Melissa Saleh is a force of nature—former lawyer and journalist turned serial entrepreneur, masterful storyteller, and advocate for survivors of trauma. With a career spanning technology, media, and brand strategy, she has shaped the narratives of Fortune 500 giants and startups alike, helping them carve out their place in a fast-moving world.
...Melissa Crook is a woman in her 50’s who currently lives in Fresno, CA with the great love of her life, best friend, spouse, and father of their children, Brady Crook. Melissa loves her husband, her daughters, her son-in-law, the beach, the lake, sunsets, mountains (you can take a woman out of the
...PATRICIA BONIS is a renowned interior designer who has spent more than three decades designing the homes, offices, and embassies of some of the world’s most influential leaders, including top CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers.
...Experiencing childhood trauma often means you have a hard time dealing with your emotions in a healthy way. Have you noticed this? This can lead to what’s called complicated grief when you experiences losses as an adult. Complicated grief is like being stuck in a deep sadness that doesn’t get better with time. This happens because the old hurts that were never sorted out come back up when you are mourning, making it hard for you to find peace and closure.
...R. Scott Holmes is a quantum healing practitioner, transformational coach, and Amazon bestselling author whose work bridges science, spirit, and the human heart.
...Emily Taylor Van De Ven is the founder of Taylor Made Triumph. In January 2022, her husband, Ben, was tragically attacked while volunteering in Peru, leaving him in a vegetative state for nearly three years before his passing. This season of deep grief and profound loss reshaped everything Emily thought she knew about life, faith, and purpose.
...Tracie Root is a dynamic speaker, transformational retreat leader, podcast host, and founder of *The Gather Community*—a vibrant nationwide network where women entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and rise together. With over a decade of experience coaching women leaders to take bold, decisive action in life and business, Tracie brings unmatched energy and heart to every stage, microphone, and mastermind she leads.
...Tami DeMello grew up in an environment marked by deprivation and trauma, and she discovered that writing became a powerful path toward healing. Through consistent journaling, she experienced profound personal benefits and now shares that practice with others.
...Laura K. Connell is a trauma-informed author and coach who helps people heal from the devastating impact of family scapegoating and narcissistic abuse. She writes about these and other dysfunctional family dynamics at her website, laurakconnell.com.
...Jen Rigley is an author, motivational speaker and personal transformation expert focused on women’s empowerment and living your best life after 50. Her mission is to inspire and empower women in midlife to create a new story for their life, especially after facing significant challenges and trauma.
...Coach Jen Bee is a highly engaging life and business coach and speaker, on a mission to empower every woman to get unstuck and live their best life. With 14 years in Human Resources, she’s known for creating safe spaces where people feel seen and supported. After fully stepping into coaching for the past 2.5 years, she founded GROW (Get Ready To Own Your Worth), bringing both depth and practicality. Overcoming bullying, loss, and limiting beliefs, she transformed her own life through mindset shifts and habit formation. Now, she empowers women to break free from what’s holding them back, own their worth, and thrive with unstoppable confidence.
...Many trauma survivors spend years trying to heal through traditional therapy, only to find themselves stuck (physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, mentally, and energetically.). That’s where CoreTalk™ energy healing offers something different. This revolutionary method, developed by the Self Health Institute, gives clients the opportunity to communicate directly with their body’s core intelligence, the super subconscious, that part of one’s being that knows exactly what needs to heal and how.
...Jocelyn Pepe is a mental health researcher, coach, and fractional head of organizational wellbeing, known for bridging science and soul to create lasting, meaningful change in individuals and workplaces. She is the founder of TrU, an organization dedicated to supporting executive and team wellbeing by integrating neuroscience, behavioral coaching, and intuitive practices that help people thrive from the inside out.
...Complex trauma—trauma that happens over time, often in childhood—can affect every part of your being. As a result of this trauma, you may struggle with anxiety, chronic pain, emotional numbness, and a deep sense of disconnection. Traditional talk therapy is helpful, but healing trauma also requires approaches that reach beyond your mind. That’s where energy healing comes in.
...Annie Emprima is a doctor of metaphysics. She researches the impact of emotions and traumas on mind, body, and life. In 2016, she experienced a grand spiritual awakening during a difficult military deployment to the Middle East. Since then, she has used her personal experiences to help others heal trauma and expand their spiritual gifts.
...Erika Gimbel offers wholistic psychotherapy & coaching that connects mind, body and spirit. Erika’s a Somatic Therapist with private practice in Oakland CA. Erika has been a New York State licensed massage therapist for over 25 years working with people with chronic pain and medical conditions. Erika runs groups and workshops on Mind Body & Soul, Wholistic Approaches to Wellness, Creativity and a healing movement class called Intrinsic Movement for Bliss & Creativity.
...Coco Madari (they/them) is a queer, neurospicy, multi-talented artist, producer, DJ, speaker, and performer who helps other multi-potentialite entrepreneurs create a business on their terms. They have helped over 100 creative entrepreneurs see their many talents as complementary rather than a hindrance, creating more self-acceptance while generating more revenue for their businesses. Within their programs, Coco teaches you the bullshit-free version of the sales, marketing, messaging, and mindset skills you need be successful, while leaving tons of room for your magical neurodivergent self to blaze your own path and create a business that works for YOU.
...Dr. Kelly unveils the dormant power and sacred nature within every traumatized family, waiting to be rediscovered. Through her profound insights and practical tools, she offers a transformative roadmap based on Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey to help families heal trauma forever.
...Timothy, The Magical & Mystical Fairy Tale Wizard: Educating, Enchanting, Empowering Everyone, has authored more fairy tales than the legendary Hans Christian Andersen, 181 so far.
...Pam Hamilton is a Mindset & Visibility Coach who helps women over 50 find the courage to be seen—especially after trauma has disrupted their confidence, clarity, or connection to self. Drawing from her own journey and years of coaching experience, Pam empowers businesswomen to gently rebuild from the inside out, so they can stop being the best-kept secret in their industry and grow a business they love.
...Jennisue Jessen is a distinguished expert with over 25 years of experience in the field of human trafficking. Her remarkable journey, from being sold into the sex trade at age 4 to becoming a beacon of hope and change, is nothing short of inspiring. As the Founder & CEO of Compass 31, an international counter-trafficking organization, she has dedicated her life to fighting the darkness of human trafficking.
...Kathryn Z. Berg, is the owner of Lotus Homeopathy, Inc. and she is a Certified Classical Homeopath. The thing that really drives Kathryn is solving problems and being an advocate for those who need help getting their problems solved. She has been working as a homeopath since 2001. Kathryn also worked as a volunteer lobbyist at the Minnesota State Legislature for 10 years to help protect our health freedom laws which enables her to practice and for you to use the services of all sorts of natural health practitioners.
...Dee Davidson – As a mother of two boys and an entrepreneur in the wellness industry for over two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to empowering women to reclaim their health. Through the Inspiring Women’s Network and as chapter leader of the Boston Business Women’s Network, I foster supportive communities for women to connect and thrive.
...Jennifer is a single mom and entrepreneur who lives with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder from childhood trauma. Throughout her life, Jen has learned valuable coping skills and has made it her mission to help others to better understand their own emotions.
...Self-sabotage can be a form of self-protection. You may have a fear of failure, fear of success, or worry about vulnerability which then could lead to you unconsciously undermining your own efforts to avoid these perceived threats. Can you think of a time that this happened to you?
...The first step is to become aware of your self-sabotaging behaviors. Notice when you’re avoiding tasks, procrastinating, or engaging in negative self-talk. Awareness is the foundation of any change. The easiest way to track your patterns is by keeping a journal. Each day, track events that bothered or triggered you, your thoughts/beliefs, your emotions/feelings, and of course, your behaviors or actions. It is much easier to work on change once you see your patterns.
...Can abuse jeopardize your physical health? The emotional toll abuse takes on a person is common knowledge, but can abuse harm the victim’s physical health? I have heard that the answer to this question is an absolute “Yes!” But how do we know that statement to be true? How can we know if a person would have developed a particular physical ailment if they had never been a victim of abuse?
...For many trauma survivors, healing and recovery is not just about overcoming the past; it’s also about battling maladaptive behaviors like addiction that often follow. Addiction, whether to substances like alcohol and drugs (including prescribed medications) or behaviors like overspending, pornography, food binging, or gambling – often emerge as coping mechanisms for those of us who have experienced and survived abuse or trauma. Here’s a closer look at why trauma survivors struggle with addictions and the importance of addressing both issues together.
...Your journey to healing after relationship trauma begins with self-compassion. Refuse to carry feelings of guilt or shame (don’t claim the shame for behaviors you didn’t do or were forced to do, or manipulated in doing). You may not have done something differently to prevented the abuse or betrayal. Recognize your feelings are normal but unhelpful is important for your healing.
...From altering brain chemistry to reshaping how we perceive our own past, Dr. Dunn’s story is a testament to the power of understanding genetic variants in shaping individual responses to nutritional interventions. His journey not only challenges traditional notions of healing but also sheds light on a new frontier in personalized medicine—one that holds promise for revolutionizing how we approach wellness at a fundamental level. Join me as we delve into this captivating narrative and explore how genetic variants can profoundly transform our bodies, minds, and ultimately, our lives.
...As we navigate through the depths of Nancy’s personal experiences, we unearth the transformative power of confronting our shadow beliefs – those elusive, often subconscious convictions that hold us back from living authentically and embracing true inner peace. Join us as we explore how Nancy’s courageous quest to confront her shadow beliefs became a catalyst for authentic healing and empowerment, offering invaluable insights for anyone seeking to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and growth.
...