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.
...Sinta’s professional training includes work as a First Responder, Resilience Practitioner, Strategic Life Coach, Complementary Therapist, Trauma Debriefing Specialist, Holistic Counsellor, Parenting Coach, Separation and Divorce Mentor, and Training Provider.
...Tina Andrews is an educator, lawyer, and entrepreneur, and the Founder and Director of Adore Family Services, Inc., a therapeutic foster care agency serving children and families across Northern Virginia and promoting adoption through foster care.
...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.
...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.
...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.
...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.
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
...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.
...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.
...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.
...Stephanie McAuliffe speaks, writes and teaches on our human condition. She brings awareness to the impact of our internalized trauma, our patterns, and how we heal. She’s found incredible transformation in her own journey through healing sexual abuse, and more recently healed her relationship with God via healing breast cancer.
...Jennifer Westcott is a therapist, artist, mother, wife, and passionate advocate for the well-being of mental health professionals. Her mission is to help therapists feel supported, human, and compassionate toward themselves—because she knows firsthand how vital this is.
...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.
...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.
...At the core of Carolyn’s mission lies a profound commitment to our planet. As a dedicated Earthling, she harnesses the power of her real estate license as a catalyst for environmental stewardship. Leading by example, Carolyn serves as the President and Managing Director at Clear Blue Commercial, a trailblazing entity in the realm of commercial real estate.
...Rebecca Hogg is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Canvas Counseling & Wellness. As a holistic trauma therapist and therapeutic coach, Rebecca helps clients stabilize and heal from traumatic experiences. Her goal is to provide intuitive, creative, and personalized care, helping clients get out of overwhelm, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion so they can thrive in all areas of their life.
...Laura Lorenz is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a background in Residential Architecture, holding a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago and over 17 years of industry experience. In addition to her architectural work, Laura has spent more than a decade tutoring students of all ages and abilities, where she discovered a deeper calling: helping those who struggle not just academically, but emotionally.
...For decades, Lisa has cultivated her leadership and inclination to help others succeed by partnering with individuals and businesses for strategic solutions and inspirational development. Lisa is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner, and PMP. As well, she is an international best-selling author and award winning business strategist. Lisa uses a combination of theory and practices from the Project Management Institute, Six Sigma, Scrum, EQi, Strength Finders, and Disc to guide Business Owners and Executives on building out a sustainable strategic plan aligned with their Values.
...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.
...Laughter has long been hailed as the best medicine, a universal language that can bridge divides and heal wounds. But what lies behind the cheerful facade of those who make us laugh? In this poignant and enlightening podcast episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Elaine, a comedian whose infectious laughter belies the deep scars of trauma she carries within. Join us as we uncover the raw truth behind her jokes, exploring how humor has been both a shield and a weapon in her battle against adversity.
...Trauma is a silent force that can shape and shadow our lives in ways we may not even realize. It lingers in the deepest recesses of our minds, affecting our behaviors, beliefs, and interactions with the world around us. But what if there was a way to lift the veil on trauma, to understand its effects, and ultimately reclaim control over its influence? Enter Sarah, an expert in trauma responsive care who has dedicated her life to unraveling the intricacies of trauma’s impact. Through her unique approach and deep understanding of the human psyche, Sarah offers a path towards healing and empowerment for those grappling with the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
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