A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast

My Story: Suicide Awareness

September is Suicide Awareness Month and more times than I can remember, I've experienced suicidal ideations and five serious suicide attempts. The hard truth is that when depression hits, it's hard to even understand any other way out. In Episode 7, Chad Moses of TWLOHA defines suicide as "a fatal result of a restricted perspective." Therefore, in order to combat suicidal thoughts, we need to broaden our perspective, open our minds to the many possibilities for healing and talk to the survivors who have found their purpose. In my podcast series, I speak to so many people who have experienced suicidal ideations, attempted suicide and not only survived but thrived, including myself. Hear about my path to recovery with my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Dr. Dale DeNunzio (Episode 3). Hear Melissa Dobbs (Episode 6), and Matthew Bocchi's stories (Episode 8) and how they persevered after unthinkable trauma. Broaden your perspective and begin living your life openly and authentically, because it's never too late to thrive.

Sway: 9/11, Abuse & Addiction

After losing his father in 9/11 at the age of nine, Matthew Bocchi was on a mission to find out what happened in his father's final moments. In his search for answers, a family member took advantage of his vulnerability which inevitably sent him down a dangerous road to addiction. Through all of this adversity, he found hope and a purpose. On today's podcast, Matthew discusses his personal struggles which he details in his riveting forthcoming book, Sway, which will be released September 8, 2020.  

Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month. In this episode, I speak with Chad Moses at "To Write Love On Her Arms." Both Chad and I discuss our experiences with self-harm and suicidal ideation and how we were able to endure and find a life worth living. We also talk about ways we can help loved ones navigate thoughts of suicide. Chad also discusses TWLOHA's Suicide Prevention Campaign and how you can be a part of it.

*The content of this podcast may contain triggering information for some listeners. Discretion is advised.

Healing Through The Arts

In this episode, we speak with Trauma Survivor Thriver Melissa Dobbs. She describes her personal story and how healing through the arts helped her connect to her inner child, grow a wildly successful business and help other children heal their own trauma.

Winners for the #atstgiveaway are:

Anna in Florida!

Veronica in South Carolina!

Thanks for your participation.

Child Abuse During Quarantine

Today, we speak with ChildHelp Developmental Officer Michael Medoro about the shady statistics surrounding child abuse during this time of quarantine.

Disability & Abuse

Children with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses are about 5 times more likely to be sexually abused than children without disabilities. In this episode, I speak with Nellie Galindo, Mental Health and Disabilities Advocate and trauma survivor Anna Myers who also lives with a learning disability.

Somatic Experiencing

In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver's Podcast, I invite my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner from Sierra Tucson to discuss the many immediate and effective modalities I've used to heal my trauma. I discuss my own success stories with these holistic therapies and why they are so effective in healing trauma.

Destigmatize Mental Illness

In our push to destigmatize mental illness, I talk with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Suvrat Bhargave, author of A Moment of Insight. Dr. B opens up about his own trauma of childhood sexual abuse and how he reached his moment of insight. We talk about the stigma surrounding mental illness and tangible ways we can destigmatize it. I also talk with the CEO of Freely Health, Trevor Charlston about a new app to connect people in an easily accessible environment where safe, anonymous conversations are readily available.

 

Transgenerational/Racial Trauma

Dr. Crystal McLeod, LCSW, BCD and I discuss transgenerational/racial trauma and the idea of cancel culture, whether it's bullying or activism. It's a fascinating conversation that I hope will allow listeners to better understand how both historical and present-day traumas live on through black communities that have endured these unique and painful experiences.

Subscribe, Listen, Review and Win a ATSTP Show Tee or Tank. Winners will be announced in Episode 2 (July 22) show notes and across A_TST_Podcast's social media platforms. Be sure to hashtag #atstpgiveaway. Check out the tees and tanks at atstpodcast.com. Sizes are limited but can be ordered. 

 

 

Vulnerability Is My Super Power

This is my why. The reason for doing my podcast and leaving myself exposed. The more I talk about my trauma, the less it has control over me. When I talk about my truth, I see how it helps others face their own demons. Vulnerability allows a person to become their most authentic self and that is the most powerful way to live.