Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
🎙️ Choose You First: Michelle Bishop on Shedding the Masks and Reclaiming Your Authentic Self
In this empowering episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with Michelle Bishop, Master Life Coach and author of Choose You First, to explore the life-changing power of putting yourself first—without guilt, shame, or apology.
Michelle shares how so many of us live behind masks, shaped by stories we’ve been told and narratives we’ve told ourselves. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, she guides listeners on how to break free from people-pleasing, let go of limiting beliefs, and reconnect with their most authentic, empowered self.
💥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Why choosing yourself is essential for healing and growth
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How to identify and release the masks you've worn to survive
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Tools for rewriting internal narratives rooted in trauma
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How authenticity leads to emotional freedom and personal power
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The connection between self-worth, boundaries, and transformation
Whether you're on a healing journey, navigating trauma recovery, or ready to stop playing small, this episode offers the insight and encouragement you need to finally choose you.
📘 Learn more about Michelle’s work and her book Choose You First
🎧 Subscribe to A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast for more expert interviews on healing, self-discovery, and mental wellness.

Thursday Apr 17, 2025
How Trauma Transforms Learning: Karen Gross on Healing Education After Crisis
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
🎙️ Healing Education Through Trauma: Karen Gross on Mending Education and Supporting Students Post-Pandemic
In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Karen Gross, a trauma-informed education expert, former college president, and author of Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma.
Karen shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the education system—and why now is the time to rethink how we support students affected by trauma, anxiety, and mental health challenges. From social-emotional learning (SEL) to creative and connected classrooms, Karen offers real strategies for helping children thrive in a post-trauma world.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn about:
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The long-term impact of trauma on student behavior and learning
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How to integrate emotional wellness into academic instruction
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The concept of breakaway learners and how to reach them
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Karen’s global perspective from working in Kenya and the United Kingdom
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How creativity, community, and compassion build better schools
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Practical tips for educators, parents, and policymakers alike
If you're interested in trauma-informed education, mental health in schools, and building resilient learning environments, this conversation is filled with inspiration and actionable insights.
📘 Learn more about Karen’s work at https://karengrosseducation.com/
🎙️ Subscribe to A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast for more expert conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience.

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
From Silence to Strength: My 70-Year Journey to Healing
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Babs Walters, survivor and author of Facing the Jaguar: A Memoir of Courage and Confrontation. Babs shares her courageous journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse by her father—a trauma she kept secret for over 70 years.
Raised by teenage parents who met in reform school, Babs faced a childhood filled with violence, betrayal, and emotional neglect. After being sexually abused at age 11 and threatened into silence, she bravely attempted to speak out at 14 and 16—only to be dismissed and disbelieved by trusted adults. Decades of shame and guilt followed, until she began her path to healing later in life.
🎧 In this episode, Babs and Lorilee explore:
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The long-term effects of childhood trauma
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The silence and stigma surrounding sexual abuse
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What happens when survivors are not believed
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The impact of family secrets and generational trauma
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How Babs found healing through writing, self-reflection, and confronting the past
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The importance of sharing survivor stories to reduce shame and inspire others
You can also share your story through https://bravevoices.org/speak/
This conversation is a raw and inspiring reminder that healing is always possible—no matter how much time has passed. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or someone looking to better understand the lasting effects of childhood trauma, this episode offers deep insight, compassion, and hope.
🔗 Connect with us:
Website: www.traumasurvivorthriver.com
Guest: by Babs Walters, Author of Facing the Jaguar
Host: Lorilee Binstock | A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast
#ChildhoodSexualAbuse #SurvivorStory #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #BabsWalters #LorileeBinstock #FamilyTrauma #CSARecovery #SurvivorSupport #FacingTheJaguar #HealingFromAbuse #TraumaSurvivorPodcast #ItGetsBetter #EndTheSilence

Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Healing Hearts: Helping Kids Navigate Grief
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
How do we help children navigate grief in a way that feels safe and healing? In this episode, Dr. Haley Arias, chiropractor and author of When I Can't See You, shares her deeply personal story of loss, the challenges of infertility, and the healing journey that led her to write a book for grieving children. She discusses the power of EMDR therapy, the importance of destigmatizing grief, and how stargazing became a bridge between her and her late brother and father.
Join us for an emotional and insightful conversation on how storytelling can help both children and parents process loss together.
🎧 Listen now! #GriefHealing #ChildrensBooks #MentalHealthMatters

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Unfiltered: My Healing Journey, Psychedelics, and Personal Evolution
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
New to the podcast or just want a deeper look into my journey? In this solo episode, I share an honest, unfiltered reflection on my story—where I started, how it’s going, what I’m currently working on, and insights from my latest 5-MeO-DMT experience. This stream-of-consciousness session is a deep dive into my personal evolution, challenges, and breakthroughs. If you're interested in personal growth, transformation, and psychedelic experiences, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content!

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Living in the Shadow of a Disabled Brother
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Growing Up in the Shadow of a Special Needs Sibling with Kathryn Selvidge
In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Selvidge, author of Khloe’s New Start, a heartfelt children’s book inspired by her experience growing up as the sibling of a mentally ill older brother.
When a child has special needs, parents naturally devote much of their time and energy to their care. But what about the siblings? Often, they are left to navigate their emotions alone, leading to feelings of neglect, isolation, and even unspoken resentment. Kathryn shares her personal journey, the struggles she faced as a child, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to parents raising both special needs and neurotypical children.
This is an essential conversation for families, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand the unique challenges of siblings in special needs households.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
#TraumaSurvivorThriver #Podcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #MentalHealthAwareness #SiblingSupport #ChildrensBooks #HealingThroughStories

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Unlocking Brain Restoration with Dr. David Stevens | A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast 🎙️🧠
Join Lorilee Binstock as she sits down with Dr. David Stevens, clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, to explore how understanding the brain's glucose system can transform mental health.
In this episode, Dr. Stevens breaks down how glucose levels directly impact anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and emotional regulation — and how replenishing the brain’s fuel can help restore self-love and improve overall functioning.
Discover how trauma, brain chemistry, and personalized healing programs can unlock new levels of self-understanding and restoration — even for those who feel lost in their healing journey.
🔑 Key Topics:
- The brain's three primary functions
- How glucose affects mental health
- Brain restoration methods
- Addressing trauma in incarcerated individuals
- Reclaiming inherent self-worth
Listen now and learn how to fuel your brain and restore your authentic self.
#BrainRestoration #MentalHealthHealing #TraumaRecovery #Neuropsychology #AuthenticHealing
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform!

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Trusting Your Inner Wisdom: From Eating Disorder to Intuitive Healer
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
"Healing Through Intuition & Self-Love | Katie Beecher’s Journey"
In this episode, Katie Beecher, a licensed professional counselor, renowned medical and spiritual intuitive and Author of Heal from Within: A Guidebook to Intuitive Wellness, shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. Growing up with an alcoholic father and abusive mother, Katie developed an eating disorder as a way to cope with feelings of shame and inadequacy. She opens up about overcoming depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma by learning to trust her intuition and embrace self-love. Through therapy and deep inner work, Katie learned to set boundaries, break free from dysfunction, and guide others on their own healing paths. Tune in as she discusses the power of intuition, the importance of self-acceptance, and how these tools can transform your life.
🔔 Subscribe for more insights on healing, spirituality, and personal growth!
#KatieBeecher #Intuition #SelfLove #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #Spirituality #TraumaRecovery #Podcast

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Authentic Parenting: Reparenting Yourself, Raising Healthy Children
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In this episode with Dr. Jamie Huysman, Founder and Executive Director of the STAR Network, we explore Neuro Parenting, an approach that acknowledges how complex trauma impacts a child’s developing brain and why traditional parenting methods may fall short. By re-parenting ourselves, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our children.
Dr. Jamie Huysman shares his insights on self-love, awareness, and therapy as key elements in healing from childhood trauma. Dr. Jamie discusses DBT, IFS, and neuroplasticity as tools for breaking cycles of trauma. We also highlight the STAR Network, and their weekly support groups, TARANON, which supports parents and children healing from toxic relationships and trauma through community programs and trauma-informed approaches.
Tune in for expert advice on fostering resilience, self-regulation, and emotional safety in both parents and children
A Trauma Survivor Thriver's Podcast Youtube https://youtu.be/5M6vuH0ObEE
STAR Network YouTube channel @starnetworkfoundation

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
How to Love a Battered Woman: Love, Trust & Healing
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, I sit down with Nia Renee, Narcissistic Abuse Coach and Founder of How to Love a Battered Woman LLC. 💜
Nia shares her harrowing journey of childhood abuse at the hands of her mother and siblings, how that trauma shaped her relationships, and the deep healing that led her to reclaim her personal power. We dive into:
✨ The lasting impact of childhood abuse on adult relationships
✨ Breaking free from toxic cycles
✨ The importance of a partner who gives you space to heal
✨ How love—real, safe, and supportive love—can be a part of the healing journey