Resiliency Within: Recent Episodes
Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW
Elaine Miller-Karas will amplify the message of hope, healing and resiliency she has learned from our world community as she has traversed the globe after human made and natural disasters. Hope often springs forth in response to suffering and trauma. Our beliefs and our wellbeing are being challenged during these unprecedented times. The program Resiliency Within is about cultivating individual and community resiliency. Resiliency is the capacity to lean into our strengths with compassion during the most challenging of times and to remember what else is true? about our lived experience. Her guests are inspiring global leaders actively promoting healing and resiliency from a variety of backgrounds. The goal is to spread wellbeing and give individual and community examples to inspire how wellness skills, including ones based upon neuroscience and the biology of the human nervous system, can be integrated into one's life, family and community during challenging times.
Join an open-hearted conversation with Psychotherapist Elaine Miller-Karas, host of Resiliency Within with Kevin McLeod, Director of Community Development, and Psychologist Michael Sapp, CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. Together, they’ll explore practical ways to navigate the emotional landscape following the 2024 election results. As celebrations and grief arise within workplaces, homes, and communities, this dialogue offers tools to foster understanding and resilience across differing political perspectives. Elaine, Kevin and Michael will discuss how to initiate meaningful conversations with coworkers and loved ones who may hold different political views. Discover strategies to find common ground, which can create connection and serve as an antidote to distress. Whether you're wondering how to cope with four more years of President-elect Trump or how to connect with family members who supported Kamala Harris, this session will provide guidance on managing these complex dynamics with empathy and respect. In addition, they will share simple skills to help regulate your autonomic nervous system so that you can maintain inner balance, although the wake of world events is outside of our control.
Resiliency Within's host, Elaine Miller-Karas, and her guest, Martha Parra, share the beauty and values of their Latino culture. Martha's family came to California from Mexico, and Elaine's mother and grandmother came from El Salvador. They will share the values they learned from their families and how their rich heritage has inspired their personal and professional journeys as community leaders. They will also share their families' challenges as they immigrate to a new country. Martha will discuss traditional healing practices learned from her father and how he inspired her work as a social worker. They also share the challenges of racism and colonialism immigrants face. This is a time in US history when it is essential to embrace the richness and value of Latino culture to counter the disparaging comments being made. Martha will share two programs initiated by the Reagan administration that gave her and her family a pathway to legal residency. The Community Resiliency Model and the Trauma Resiliency Model and how they have been accessible to the Latino community. Martha pioneered the first Community Resiliency Model Teacher Training in Spanish in the pilot study through California's Mental Health Services Act and the County of San Bernardino's Department of Behavioral Health. Martha will share her work as an Immigration Evaluations Evaluator and her work with Asylum, Hardship, the Violence Against Women Act, and victims of human trafficking. The diverse Latino culture is rich with traditions. The identities of Latinas and Latinos are shaped by geography, heritage, race, and gender. Latinas and Latinos embrace their heritage and contribute to the culture of the United States. They will share how their families taught them compassion, courage, strength, service, and hard work.
Julia Loken and Hughie Stone Fish, both Los Angeles-based artists in the area of humor, comedy, and more, join Resiliency Within to talk about their work. They will reflect on humor and comedy in this present moment. Elaine Miller Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, states that “humor is one of the elixirs of life.” An elixir is described as a magical power to cure and improve something. Humor and comedy play a vital role in human life because they offer a way to relieve stress, build connections, and foster resilience. Laughter has been shown to release endorphins, elevate mood, and reduce tension, promoting physical and emotional well-being. Comedy helps people cope with difficult situations, offering a different perspective or a sense of relief, allowing individuals to process complex emotions more easily. It also strengthens social bonds by creating shared moments of joy and connection, making it an essential tool for communication and collective healing in challenging times. In today's climate of political divisiveness, humor and comedy are more important than ever because they offer a way to bridge divides, ease tensions, and encourage dialogue. Comedy can help people reflect on the absurdities of divisive rhetoric, making complex issues more approachable and less hostile. In times of heightened division, humor can create space for empathy and understanding, reminding us of our shared humanity. Join Resiliency Within as we hope to reflect on humor and comedy and have a few moments of levity during these difficult times. What else is true?
Jordan R. Murphy, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist who specializes in behavioral health and trauma-informed care. Dr. Murphy will share her work in Gun Violence Prevention, supporting professionals and survivors. Gun violence is a major public health and social justice issue, and yet it is preventable. For the last three years, gun violence was the #1 cause of death for children and adolescents 1-17 years of age, surpassing motor vehicle accidents and cancer. Where common sense laws are lacking to protect children, violence prevention professionals and credible messengers are working on the frontlines to mediate conflict, interrupt violence, and restore peace.
Mike Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, and our host, Elaine Miller-Karas, the Co-Founder of the Trauma Resource Institute, will discuss how to launch the Disaster Relief Mobilization: Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® Preparation Program (DRM:CRM) in your community post-disaster like Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. The program is a model that can create a trauma-informed, resiliency-focused prevention program in preparation for a community disaster. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (2022) describes disaster as “A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to one or more of the following: human, material, economic and environmental losses and impacts.”They will discuss how DRM:CRM grew out of the Trauma Resource Institute’s experiences around the globe after disasters to provide CRM workshops and Teacher Training Programs to community members. They will share how individuals around the world when have reached into the best part of their humanity to help themselves, their families, and the wider community during and after the most difficult life experiences with courage and strength.
Bo Dean and Jvanete Skiba of Wilmington, North Carolina, join Michael Sapp, CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, and Elaine Miller-Karas, host of Resiliency Within, to discuss valuable lessons learned to enhance the well-being of survivors from Hurricane Florence and other disasters. Their reflections and the interventions they have adopted offer crucial insights for the people of the Northeast United States, who are grappling with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.Hurricane Helene revealed that even inland, high-elevation areas are not immune to flooding and destruction, especially in a world where planetary warming fuels more intense rainfall. Preliminary analyses have linked climate change to Helene’s catastrophic rains. In particular, climate scientist Michael Wehner’s study at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that precipitation levels in Georgia and the Carolinas—exceeding 30 inches in some areas over just three days—were up to 20 times more likely due to human-induced warming.Extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene are closely tied to a range of adverse mental health outcomes. Common mental health conditions that arise in the wake of such disasters include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse disorders (Cianconi et al., 2020).The recovery journey for those affected by Hurricane Helene has just begun. While emergency mental health workers and first responders provide initial support, the lasting impacts on the mental health of a disaster-stricken community often persist for weeks, months, or even years. Mental health systems can face severe strain as the demand for services frequently exceeds local capacity, compounding the challenges survivors must overcome.
Resiliency Within will highlight the Poor People's Campaign to get out the vote during this pivotal time in American politics. Every vote matters. The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is organizing in more than 40 states to get out the vote of poor, low-propensity voters across the country. Studies show that small increases in the number of these voters casting ballots for an agenda that addresses their needs and concerns can change the outcomes of elections.You’ll hear how the California Poor People’s Campaign is reaching out to people experiencing homelessness, youth, young adults, and Spanish-speaking communities to emphasize our power. We are the swing vote.
Chia-Ti will share her years of experience teaching movement, mindfulness, somatics, and resiliency building in New York City. She will address how she uses movement practices, including yoga (hatha, vinyasa, restorative) and qigong, which she offers to a wide range of age groups, including elders, adults, and teens, through community-based programs. Chia-Ti will share her personal journey of resilience - — from factors of developmental safety to learning how to move from anxious attachment to secure attachment in relationships as an adult. In her teaching, Chia-Ti emphasizes that presence, groundedness, and play are just as essential, if not more so, than the content itself, as they help create a transformative experience for her students.Chia-Ti’s wisdom about the body will be expanded in her interview with Resiliency Within. Chia-TI states, “When we have experienced trauma or chronic stress, our bodies may learn the habit of constantly bracing, constricting, and tensing. Bracing is a natural protection against threats. For example, we may get startled by a loud noise, and the body may respond by tensing up. But when there isn't a threat, can we develop a sense of softening and letting go? In other words, can we learn how to attune to safety within ourselves and our environment?” She will help us understand the connections between mind and body and how to understand our nervous systems. Chia-Ti believes that when we can attune to and access safety and connection, we can begin to support ourselves and others. We can increase our embodiment of resilience. We can trust, hope, and feel — these beautiful markers of being human.
Contemplative practices have been shared across cultures and spiritual traditions for centuries. These practices encompass methods such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, which focus on deep reflection and awareness. Their purpose is to foster inner peace, self-awareness, and personal growth. Additionally, they help individuals cultivate resilience, manage stress, and develop emotional balance.Christa Tinari, Director of the Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) Project at the Garrison Institute, explains that these practices not only contribute to personal well-being but are also essential for professionals exposed to secondary or vicarious trauma, such as healthcare workers, educators, and humanitarian aid providers. Christa has been a Buddhist contemplative practitioner for nearly 30 years and has observed how contemplative and mindfulness teachers now integrate trauma awareness and resilience strategies into their teachings.This dialogue highlights the intersection between contemplative practices and the body-awareness skills taught through the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). In 2019, Christa encountered CRM while working with Emory University’s Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) program, where CRM techniques were integrated into the curriculum for both children and adults.One key realization she gained was the importance of trauma-informed approaches when introducing mindfulness practices, especially to those who have experienced trauma. CRM skills help create a safe and supportive environment, enabling individuals to benefit more fully from contemplative practices. These practices and skills work in tandem to foster not only personal but also social and systemic resilience by addressing the mental and emotional well-being of those who help others, making them more capable of sustaining their work in high-stress environments.
Resiliency Within is dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide. We want to bring to light those who work tirelessly to raise awareness and reach out to those suffering silently. My guests today are Dr. Jamie Gamboa and Social Worker Brian Stefan, who are returning to Resiliency Within to discuss their work with Spotlight on Suicide. They will also discuss the Suicidal Ideation Toolbox, a resource filled with accessible skills for helping professionals and individuals experiencing profound suffering. They will also share how people can receive help through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is a universal entry point throughout the United States and U.S. territories to reach a caring, trained counselor who can help people experiencing mental health, substance use, and suicidal distress. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, with National Suicide Prevention Week observed from the Monday to Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
This encore episode explores the double-bind dilemma faced by women leaders. With the emergence of Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for President, gender politics have emerged with ferocity. Elaine and Analiza will discuss the double-bind dilemma - damned if you do and doomed if you don't and how women and women of color can manage it. They also discuss how allies and organizations can support women of color. Because our culture has an unconscious bias of how each gender should be, women are caught in a double bind. When caught in a double bind, doing one thing we need to do will undercut another equally important thing. In this case, if we act in ways consistent with gender stereotypes and are modest, collaborative, service-oriented, empathetic, and caring, we will be liked but not seen as a leader and not seen as competent. If we display leadership qualities like being confident, tough, aggressive, ambitious, and decisive, we might be seen as a leader, but we will also be seen as cold, unlikeable, and unlikely to reach a top leadership role. It is unfair that women must navigate the double bind, which takes an enormous amount of emotional intelligence.
TV reporter David Tereshchuk will be our guest on Resiliency Within as he shares his personal journey chronicled in his memoir, A Question of Paternity: My Life as an Unaffiliated Reporter. He has traveled the world questioning perpetrators and victims of war and injustice. He spent decades honing his skills as a journalist, getting tyrants and the oppressed to divulge their secrets. But there was one secret that always eluded him—that of his own origins. His mother, Hilda—the one person who knew—refused to tell him who his father was. Then, in his fifties—after some tense exchanges—she sent him a fax stating a priest had raped her at the age of 15 in the small, Scottish Borderland town where he’d been raised. So began a quest to determine the priest’s identity—years of investigations and dead ends. Could his mother—long gone by now—have been lying about the priest? Could rumors of her “walking out” with a German POW housed at a nearby prison camp be the real story behind his birth?In his book, A Question of Paternity, David Tereshchuk brings us with him as he searches for answers—not only to the question of who fathered him but to the larger questions of who he is himself. We learn of his struggle to overcome the shame of his impoverished childhood and his illegitimacy, the almost thirty years he lost to alcoholism, and the insecurity he felt despite national success as a TV journalist.Does Tereshchuk discover the truth of his father’s identity, or must he settle for simply a journey of self-discovery? Is it possible to find peace even when the uncertainties of life are impenetrable?
Dr. Joy Erlichman Miller returns to Resiliency Within to share her international work on resiliency. This year, on September 12, 2024, Dr. Miller invites the world to join her for RESILIENCY 2024 in spreading the word about how to develop and nurture well-being. This year, RESILIENCY 2024 will focus on the POWER of connections and explore the influence and healing power of connections. Dr. Miller's Resiliency events have had more than 35,000 participants from 112 countries around the globe. Resiliency 2024 is offered free of charge. Her resiliency events have included 85 Celebrities, Influencers, Scientists, Researchers, Psychologists, Artists, and Leaders have included: Dr. Jill Biden, Alanis Morissette, Arianna Huffington, Dr. Edith Eger, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, India Arie, Kristin Neff, Erin Brockovich, Leigh Steinberg, Marta Kauffman, Glenn Close, Dr. Andrew Weil, Bobbi Brown, Jericho Brown, Pete Buttigieg, Ray LaHood, Dr. Ian, Jewel, Tito Jackson, Harville Hendrix & Helen Hunt, Pat Love, Jeh Johnson, Dick Durbin, JB Pritzker, MILCK, Naomi Baum & Michael Dickson, Rhonda Ross, Alisyn Camerota, David Kessler, Jurie Rossouw, Richard Schwartz, Amit Sood, Elaine Miller- Karas, Cynthia Tuohy, Julianne Hough, and 50 other remarkable change-makers. All speakers generously donate their time and talent to this unbelievable event. Joy leads with compassion, heart, and generosity. Join the host of Resiliency Within, Elaine Miller-Karas as she has the honor to interview Dr. Miller.
Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, will interview Aziza Hasan, Executive Director, and Andrea Hodos, Associate Director of New Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging divides and convening constructive conversations around challenging social issues. They will share their wisdom on how New Ground envisions an America where Muslims and Jews are empowered to create lasting partnerships and engage in authentic communication and mutual cooperation. This vibrant model of engagement – not bound by history, theology, or politics – affirms that conflict is inevitable and yet not intractable. NewGround empowers Muslims, Jews, and allies to bridge divisions and leverage shared values to strengthen our communities’ well-being and our fragile democracy. NewGround is a community-building organization that creates, connects, and empowers Jewish and Muslim Change-makers in America. Through a professional fellowship, high school leadership council, and public programming, NewGround transforms Muslim-Jewish relations and advances a shared agenda for change. They will share what we need to do differently to bring about lasting change.
This encore presentation is of particular importance as we, again in the United States, face those who denigrate powerful women whether it be a female journalist, the first BIPOC woman running for President of the United States, or every person who speaks truth to power. Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, is interviewed by her colleague and friend, Dr. Michael Sapp. She will discuss a concept that she calls the “Rebecca Effect” with Dr. Sapp. The “Rebecca Effect is the empowerment and transformation possible for all of us who have been oppressed, marginalized, or shamed. Her ideas were sparked by the fictional character Rebecca Welton, the owner of the fictional Richmond football team in the Ted Lasso television show. Initially, Rebecca is consumed by a desire for revenge against her ex-husband, Rupert, who betrayed their marriage. She aims to destroy his beloved football team, which she received in their divorce, by hiring the soccer-illiterate American football coach Ted Lasso. Her eventual journey is littered with reminders of her ex-husband's public attempts to marginalize and shame her. Through her self-reflections, the support of friends, and her relationships with Lasso and her best friend, Keeley, she reclaims herself.Like Rebecca, many women and non-binary persons endure betrayal, marginalization, and oppression. Despite possessing great strength, they may experience doubt and question their value. Many of us encounter individuals who espouse misogynistic views and attempt to diminish our worth. The Rebecca Effect describes the process through which women can embrace themselves in totality—their gifts and their imperfections. They gain the courage to confront injustice. This transformation includes embracing vulnerability, acknowledging their inner child, and realizing their inherent power and worth. Compassion, strength, and courage co-exist. Elaine Miller Karas has also written a blog for Psychology Today called The Rebecca Effect: Woman Empowerment.
Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward and host Elaine Miller-Karas will explore the meaning of friendships, the joys and sorrows that come from loving relationships, and reflect on their nearly two decades of friendship. Recent research indicates that friends can strengthen our immune system, help us recover from illness more quickly, sharpen our memory, and help us live longer. This knowledge reassures us of the healing and life-extending benefits of friendships, filling us with optimism and a sense of security. Dr. Rowe-Ward, Co-Founder of the Lotus Institute, will share the elements of an innovative offering - a soul mentoring program beginning in September 2024 called Anam Cara. Anam is Gaelic for soul, and Cara means friend, so Anam Cara signifies a soul friend. An Anam Cara was a person to whom you could reveal the hidden depths of your life. This friendship embodied recognition and belonging, transcending all conventions and categories.In Buddhist teachings, the Buddha was once asked about the importance of friends on our path. He responded that we benefit from friends who can support and celebrate with us. Ananda, a beloved senior student of the Buddha, knew that having good and encouraging friends was crucial for the path. He even wondered whether having good friends was half the path. “No, Ananda,” the Buddha told him, “Having good friends isn't half the Holy Life. Having good friends is the whole of the Holy Life.” This profound statement underscores the transformative power of good friends in our lives, inspiring us to seek and cherish such relationships.The Bible’s Proverbs also emphasize the value of friendship: A true friend shows love, no matter what; gives heartfelt advice, bringing joy to the heart; rebukes when necessary, but the correction is done with love; enlivens, influences, and sharpens; and forgives, not holding grudges. True friends are loyal and help in times of need.Join us for a lively, heartfelt dialogue as Elaine and Peggy share their friendship journeys.
Drs. Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward will address how we are all as a world community are impacted by Racism and how we can heal from the traumas that arise from Racism. Dr. Ward’s book, America’s Racial Karma published in September 2020 addresses how America can begin to heal. They have been teaching and practicing with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. They received the lamp (teacher transmission) from him at Plum Village in 2001. They co-authored Love’s Garden and this book was featured in The Best Buddhist Writing of 2009. Peggy and Larry work with CEOs of Fortune 500 programs to integrate cultural diversity, corporate change and transformation. They will also address the Wisdom School they have created to bring healing to our global community.
Join us for this encore show where Elaine dialogues with Reena Patel and Michael Sapp about the Trauma Resource Institute's international work. The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) has brought their ideas about healing in the wake of traumatic experiences to Asia, Europe, the Mid-East, the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, North America, and the United States. They have created projects to help underserved individuals to learn innovative biologically based interventions (The Community and Trauma Resiliency Models) that can heal individuals and communities during and after human-made and natural disasters. So far, their work has been translated into 17 languages and has been brought to more than 75 countries. In February of 2022, TRI launched the Ukrainian Humanitarian Resiliency Project in collaboration with EdCamp Ukraine and have had over 80,000 views on Facebook. They are currently working with a number of projects in the Mid-East as a result of the tragedies that began in October 2023.The CDC Foundation (2022) describes public health as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. The field of public health fundamentally tries to prevent people from becoming ill by promoting wellness and healthy behaviors. Identifying mental health as a public health issue is imperative to building healthier and more productive communities internationally.The Trauma Resource Institute’s Dr. Michael Sapp, CEO, and Reena Patel, the former Director of Education discuss with host, Elaine Miller-Karas, the Co-Founder of the Trauma Resource Institute their international work and the importance of biological based models that are a bridge to all nations because of our shared humanity.“I think this is what Nelson Mandela meant by the ‘rainbow nation’. Learning about how to stabilize the nervous system is equality and is beyond nations, culture, religion, and ethnicity.”Community Resiliency Model Teacher, South Africa
Elaine Miller-Karas and Michael Sapp will discuss Elaine's book, Building Resilience to Trauma, the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models, 2nd Edition, published by Routledge in 2023. Dr. Sapp will talk about the neuroscience of the Community and Trauma Resiliency Models. This is Part 2 of 2 Parts. Part 1re-aired on July 1, 2024.. Part 2 focuses on the neuroscience of the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models.Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing. CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.
Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing.CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used as tools to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.
Join Resiliency Within as Kate Sachs Leventhal, Chief Program Officer, and Steve Leventhal, CEO, share their experiences with WorldBeing and how WorldBeing's vision and inspired programs are changing the lives of youth -- and the systems that support them. WorldBeing (formerly CorStone) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that conducts innovative in-school wellbeing programs to empower vulnerable and marginalized youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These programs help youth to re-frame their identities, unleash their potential, and transform their life trajectories. WorldBeing helps us understand that mental health concerns among LMIC youth are fueled by systems of entrenched inequities, discrimination, and resource scarcity, exacerbated by a lack of access to services. WorldBeing's programming particularly focuses on gender equality and building the skills of marginalized youth, especially girls, to advocate for their rights, stay in school, and resist early marriage. To improve mental health, WorldBeing believes it is crucial to target improving these systemic injustices and social determinants of poor mental health. WorldBeing’s Youth First and Girls First programs represent one of the first human-centered approaches to youth mental health promotion and prevention, taking injustices and social determinants seriously. Working from ‘the inside out,’ WorldBeing’s evidence-based wellbeing programs support youth to access their inner wellbeing and resilience, and cultivate their power as change agents within their families, schools, and communities. Since 2009, WorldBeing has developed, researched, and conducted well-being programs for nearly 500,000 youth and 250,000 teachers in 3,500 schools across India, Kenya, and Rwanda. Effectiveness trials of WorldBeing’s programs have provided some of the first evidence demonstrating that fostering wellbeing and resilience amongst vulnerable and marginalized youth significantly improves adolescent mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing; gender equality; and education-related outcomes. Additional impacts include improved school engagement, classroom behaviors, relationships with teachers, and delayed marriage.
This is an encore presentation highlighting the work of Natalia Valevska in Ukraine. We must remember the brave and courageous Ukrainians like Natalia who are helping their country persons during this difficult time in their history. Natalia shares her insights from living within her beloved country, Ukraine, since the Russian invasion in February 2022. She will discuss her experiences and work with EdCamp Ukraine, an association of over 40,000 teachers, including her association with the Trauma Resource Institute. She will describe how, out of her despair over the war, she began helping with the resiliency support meetings co-sponsored by EdCamp Ukraine and the Trauma Resource Institute. She will express her passion for helping her country now and her vision of creating support for her people in the future when the war ends. She is dedicated to the children of Ukraine and how to support their teachers, parents, and community through SEE Learning. Since this was first broadcast, Natalia has been married and is now a Certified Community Resiliency Model Teacher. She has trained more than 1000 Ukrainians in the skills of the Community Resiliency Model.
This encore presentation features Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, discussing Patriarchy with her colleague and friend, Dr. Michael Sapp. She discusses with Dr. Sapp a concept that she calls the “Rebecca Effect.” The “Rebecca Effect is the empowerment and transformation possible for all who have been oppressed, marginalized, or shamed. Her ideas were sparked by the fictional character Rebecca Welton, the owner of the fictional Richmond football team in the Ted Lasso television show. Initially, Rebecca is consumed by a desire for revenge against her ex-husband, Rupert, who betrayed their marriage. She aims to destroy his beloved football team, which she received in their divorce, by hiring the soccer-illiterate American football coach Ted Lasso. Her eventual journey is littered with reminders of her ex-husband's public attempts to marginalize and shame her. We see the impact of Patriarchal Systems. Like Rebecca, many people endure betrayal, marginalization, and oppression. Despite possessing great strength, they may experience doubt and question their value. Many of us encounter individuals who espouse misogynistic views and attempt to diminish our worth. Elaine describes the Rebecca Effect as the process through which women can embrace themselves in totality—their gifts and their imperfections. They gain the courage to confront injustice and patriarchy. This transformation includes embracing vulnerability, acknowledging the impacts of misogynistic thinking, and stepping into embodied power and strength.
Elaine and Analiza will discuss the double-bind dilemma - damned if you do and doomed if you don't and how women and women of color can manage it. They also discuss how allies and organizations can support women of color.Because our culture has an unconscious bias of how each gender should be, women are caught in a double bind. When caught in a double bind, doing one thing we need to do will undercut another equally important thing. In this case, if we act in ways consistent with gender stereotypes and are modest, collaborative, service-oriented, empathetic, and caring, we will be liked but not seen as a leader and not seen as competent. If we display leadership qualities like being confident, tough, aggressive, ambitious, and decisive, we might be seen as a leader, but we will also be seen as cold, unlikeable, and unlikely to reach a top leadership role. It is unfair that women must navigate the double bind, which takes an enormous amount of emotional intelligence.
Shannon Biteng of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is the Trauma Informed Organization Manager. She will share the development and implementation of the ODHS Trauma Aware Program. The program supports over 12,000 human services professionals dedicated to assisting 1.5 million Oregonians in accessing essential resources and enhancing their overall well-being. She will share how the Trauma Aware initiatives foster resilience, promote well-being, and strive to empower individuals affected by trauma and toxic stress. The Trauma Aware Program actively contributes to ODHS's mission of becoming a Trauma-Informed Organization by fostering supportive interactions at both individual and systemic levels, focusing on equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Their approach integrates evidence-based practices with the insights gleaned from the experiences of their workforce and the communities they serve. She will discuss an array of programs, which includes Trauma-Informed Practice, Resilience, Healing and Empowerment, Trauma Response Services, Employee well-being, Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention, and the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) program.
Brendan Ozawa-de Silva will share the multifaceted concept of empathy, highlighting its various definitions in scientific literature. He expresses that most definitions of empathy overlook a crucial component: embodied joint action with others. From evolutionary and developmental perspectives, joint action emerges as pivotal to the function of empathy. Our nervous systems are inherently wired to resonate with one another, enabling us to synchronize our bodies by observing the intentions and movements of others. This synchronization encompasses both cognitive and affective dimensions. By exploring empathy through the lenses of shared intentionality, joint action, and movement, we broaden our comprehension beyond cognition and affect to encompass the embodied interaction of nervous systems. Such an understanding may illuminate pathways for cultivating compassion and bolstering mutual resilience.
Media Executive Michelle Hord was no stranger to trauma. Having started her professional career as an award-winning producer on America’s Most Wanted, she expertly guided families through every facet of unthinkable crises. Later, she covered heartbreaking stories while working at The Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America. She sat with survivors of the unimaginable. When the unimaginable struck at home, her world changed forever.In her memoir, The Other Side of Yet: Finding Light In The Midst Of Darkness, Hord is confronted with a mother’s worst nightmare. She melds heart-wrenching personal narrative with tangible advice and wisdom that will inspire comfort, grace, and growth in the face of adversity. Determined that grief and despair would not become the entirety of her story, Hord has culled lessons learned from mental health experts, therapists, spiritual leaders and survivors. In The Other Side of Yet, she chronicles her journey from darkness and devastation to what she found on the other side.The Other Side of Yet is not only a profoundly moving memoir of grief and resilience, it is also a guidebook for anyone facing emotional crossroads or unexpected crises. With compassion and clear strategies, Hord explores the power of faith, hope, and love in the process of healing from loss. Her book serves as an active road map through personal crisis, with chapters offering clear, actionable directions such as “Face the Dark,” “Find Your Army,” “Control What You Can,” and “Make Room for Love”. Hord will share her perspectives on recovering from burnout, daily rituals for mental health, working through trauma using gentle healing techniques, and rituals for strength and momentum.The Other Side of Yet is a beautiful and emotional story about how to keep moving with bravery and defiant faith through life’s most challenging moments.*The paperback reprint includes an exclusive Readers’ Guide.
Integrating the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) into the multifaceted landscape of higher education carries its own complexity. Under the guidance of Erica Coates, Virginia Tech’s CRM teachers are actively engaged in not only cultivating equilibrium within their own nervous systems but also disseminating Zone language and skills throughout their student body, faculty, and various departments.In our dialogue, we'll delve into the mental health needs of our transitioning young adults as they pursue higher education, examining Virginia Tech's comprehensive strategy for CRM integration. Their CRM team has delved into understanding the cultural nuances of the model with young individuals and identified the obstacles hindering its implementation within intricate systems.They are enthusiastic about the potential of fostering a common language across different initiatives, aiming to extend CRM into discussions surrounding team cohesion, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. Moreover, we are developing a research framework for future exploration into community resilience, conceptualizing innovative outreach tools such as a CRM Sensory Bike for campus engagement, and crafting a web-based quiz to enhance understanding of individual nervous system responses.Through these initiatives, they anticipate facilitating a more resilient and connected campus community while also contributing valuable insights to the broader field of mental health research and practice. We welcome this conversation with Erica Coates on Resiliency Within.
Across the globe, there exists a pressing demand for effective treatment of complex trauma. While a growing number of trauma-informed mental health professionals dedicate themselves to supporting individuals, relationships, communities, and systems, the daily confrontation with trauma can take a toll, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Who stands ready to provide support to these therapists and aiding professionals along their professional journey?Brad Kammer, a Somatic Psychotherapist, Educator, and NARM® Senior Trainer, serves as the director of the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC), a professional organization dedicated to offering therapist training, consultation, mentorship, and community for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Complex Trauma. Brad will discuss the crucial need mental health professionals have for both continuous professional development and personal support.CTTC is dedicated to empowering therapists and aiding professionals to enhance their effectiveness in working with complex trauma while safeguarding against burnout. The vision is to cultivate a professional community centered on supporting mental health professionals across three dimensions of human experience: personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal.CTTC will offer comprehensive, ongoing professional development and mentorship opportunities for clinicians, including NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist training programs. Grounded in a mentorship framework, CTTC is committed to guiding mental health professionals through their professional voyage of addressing complex trauma, ensuring their sustained growth and well-being.The spirit of CTTC is encapsulated by its three guiding principles: depth, connection and heart. Discover how Brad and the Complex Trauma Training Center team epitomize this spirit and foster a thriving professional community committed to delivering effective, transformative, trauma-informed care.
Dr. Luissa Kiprono will share the wisdom she gained from her remarkable journey. She had the desire to help people inspired from a young age. Becoming a women’s physician—first OBGYN, then maternal-fetal medicine—allowed her to fulfill this desire. When she cared for patients of all ages, from all walks of life through residency and fellowship in academia, as a military doctor, and in private practice, she discovered a privilege incomparable with anything she had ever experienced: the power of doing good, making a difference in people’s lives, helping them regain something that most of us mistakenly take as status quo, our health. She will share how she started to realize that people need emotional and spiritual healing as well as physical, organic healing. This meant coming full circle spiritually, making it her mission through her own vulnerability and personal trauma to help her fellow women and patients face their fears, overcome perceived shortcomings, and pursue their inner value. Three decades after she stepped foot on American soil, she decided to share her story with the world so others could see the light in the darkness if they only believed in themselves and the power they held within. She states, “We cannot ignore, avoid, or run away from it. We must go through it to come out to the other side. Otherwise, it takes over our lives and our future; it keeps us bound, feeling sorry for ourselves, guilty, ashamed. What we can do is realize that each one of us has an inner desire to succeed and to reach our own potential.
One of the most significant sources of suffering comes from our human tendency to avoid difficult emotions. We are not taught how to face these unpleasant, often daily inner experiences, so we tend to push them away, ignore them, or become unwittingly overwhelmed by them. Yet how we meet and greet these difficult emotions has everything to do with our well-being, resilience, and ability to connect with ourselves and others. Instinctually, we fight against our uncomfortable emotions. In doing so, we reinforce messages of “not good enough” or “something is wrong with me that I am feeling this way.”In You Don't Have to Change to Change Everything we learn that, instead of forcing ourselves to feel “happy” and pushing away what is unpleasant, or instead of getting hooked by intense emotions, we can change our perspective. Dr. Beth Kurland offers six vantage points to shift to when difficult emotions arise. They include:•The Anchor View: Finding Stable Ground •The Child View: Curiosity Is Your Superpower •The Audience View: Learn to Zoom Out•The Compassionate Parent View: How to Become Your Own Ally •The Mirror View: Your Strengths and Imperfections Are Welcome Here•The Ocean View: We’re All in This Together
Britt Frank, LSCSW, will share the key concepts and methods expressed in her book, The Science of Stuck, Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward. Ms. Frank states that we all experience stuckness in our lives—in our relationships, careers, our bodies, addiction issues, and more. We know we need to move forward but don’t know how creating a loop of self-doubt that goes nowhere. The problem has been exacerbated by the isolation and setbacks of the pandemic, resulting in burnout, dissatisfaction, and life questions. Based on clinical research, theory, and her experience as a therapist, Britt has developed an empowering and action-oriented guide to discovering why we can’t think our way forward—and how to break through what’s holding us back in life, in love, and in work. The Science of Stuck offers researched-backed solutions—ranging from shadow work to reparenting, embodied healing, and other clinical practices—along with empowering personal stories and tools. The Science of Stuck synthesizes and simplifies that stack of self-help books we all have on the nightstand collecting dust. The book argues that you don’t need to be a mechanic to drive your car. You don’t need to be a doctor to care for yourself when you have the flu. You don’t need advanced training in neuroscience to get unstuck. Ultimately, Britt provides us with a hands-on road map for moving forward with purpose, confidence, and the freedom to become who we are truly meant to be.
Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, will turn the table and be interviewed during Women’s History Month by her colleague and friend, Dr. Michael Sapp. She will discuss with Dr. Sapp a concept that she calls the “Rebecca Effect.” The “Rebecca Effect is the empowerment and transformation possible for all of us who have been oppressed, marginalized, or shamed. Her ideas were sparked by the fictional character Rebecca Welton, the owner of the fictional Richmond football team in the Ted Lasso television show. Initially, Rebecca is consumed by a desire for revenge against her ex-husband, Rupert, who betrayed their marriage. She aims to destroy his beloved football team, which she received in their divorce, by hiring the soccer-illiterate American football coach Ted Lasso. Her eventual journey is littered with reminders of her ex-husband's public attempts to marginalize and shame her. Through her self-reflections, the support of friends, and her relationships with Lasso and her best friend, Keeley, she reclaims herselfLike Rebecca, many people endure betrayal, marginalization, and oppression. Despite possessing great strength, they may experience doubt and question their value. Many of us encounter individuals who espouse misogynistic views and attempt to diminish our worth. The Rebecca Effect describes the process through which women can embrace themselves in totality—their gifts and their imperfections. They gain the courage to confront injustice. This transformation includes embracing vulnerability, acknowledging their inner child, and realizing their inherent power and worth.
We all have many beliefs about why we may act out sexually or with drugs and alcohol in ways of which we are not proud. For those of us within certain religious communities, some of those beliefs may include personal weakness or a disconnection from God. With this theology, the more we act out, the more we see proof that we are unworthy of connection, both human and divine.From a neurobiological perspective, we may act out because we are managing difficult emotions like anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression are very primal responses to our environments. If we experience abuse, neglect, or even environmental or human-made disasters, we may become uniquely sensitized to the stressors that cause negative emotions, and thus acting out behavior.While religious beliefs that promote certain standards may provide us with useful goalposts, especially with sex, those beliefs that do not also consider our deeply embodied emotional response to experience and the ways in which we all uniquely respond to life’s stressors set us up for failure and hopelessness.In his book Faith & Sex: Toward a Better Understanding of Recovery, Being, Relationship, and God, Steven Luff explores the neurobiological underpinnings of emotions and how our faith lives and faith communities, can be profound resources to us—instead of impediments—as we locate our emotions and gain skills in human and spiritual co-regulation.
The is Part 2. The nurse midwives, Molly Jobe and Hanna Walters, and childbirth education teacher Tracey Goddard Johnson return to Resiliency Within to continue the discussion on how they are improving the mind and body health and well-being of pregnant people, birth givers, and new parents through their innovative programs. They will share how they have implemented the Community Resiliency Model through their Wellness Within project, which is a community-based research project taking place at the Center. The project aims to equip birth givers with the wellness skills taught in the Community Resiliency Model and to understand better how these skills can mitigate the impact of chronic stress and trauma during the perinatal period. The Atlanta Birth Center has Certified Community Resiliency Model Teachers who are implementing the project.
On March 20th and May 22nd, 2023, Elaine Miller-Karas interviewed Dr. Brooke Ellison. Brooke died on February 4, 2024. We are rebroadcasting this episode in tribute to her life, her wisdom, and her brilliance. We are acknowledging her family and all the love and support they gave her during her short lifetime. After a nearly fatal run-in with a car at age 11 that left her paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on her own, Brooke Ellison went on to graduate from Harvard, write a memoir, earn master’s and doctoral degrees, and teach policy and ethics as a tenured professor—all the while navigating the world as a woman with ventilator-dependent quadriplegia. Christopher Reeve's last directorial work prior to his death was the Brooke Ellison Story, which chronicled a part of her life.Brooke shared her perspectives and her wisdom about disability and life. In her book, “Look Both Ways,” published before her death, Brooke refused to let us look away. She tears off the cloak of invisibility around disability not only to champion the rights of the blind or the mobility-impaired but to make a far more earth-shattering claim: what she’s experienced—having to relearn how to live—differs from what every human being endures only in a matter of degree. We are more alike than we are willing to see. Brooke’s transformation was “an amplified version of the kinds of adjustments we all need to make when we have undergone an unexpected and, often, undesired change in our lives.” She was only 44 and she lived an amazing life.
Resiliency is found at every stage of the recovery process; from the very beginning of wanting to continue living without a substance, a person’s brain may have convinced him/her it needs to survive. This is a remarkably courageous first step. Tolerating the withdrawals, shame, and existential crisis soon follow, and millions of people have been able to stop this cycle, while many others cannot break free. Why? Dr. Blair Steel will explore the correlates of successful recovery and the targeted interventions that Carrara Wellness Treatment and Spa has implemented in its treatment. For example she will describe ways in which people can calm their nervous systems and learn effective self-care and self-regulation techniques. She will share the concepts of the “5 C’s of Resilience” (community, compassion, confidence, commitment, and centering) and how they relate to the support they provide in helping people achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.
The Atlanta Birth Center’s Nurse-Midwives, Molly Jobe and Hannah Walters, and Childbirth Educator, Tracey Goddard-Johnson, will present its innovative Wellness Within Project. The Atlanta Birth Center is a Georgia-based non-profit organization that operates Atlanta’s only freestanding, nationally accredited birth center, providing an optimal birth experience as anticipated by a childbearing woman and her family. They offer a home-like environment with a program of family-centered care before, during, and after pregnancy, labor, and birth. They adhere to eligibility guidelines set forth nationally by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers and the rules and regulations of the state of Georgia. Our guests will describe the Atlanta Birth Center and the Wellness Within project, which is a community-based research project taking place at the Center. The project aims to equip birth givers with the wellness skills taught in the Community Resiliency Model and to understand better how these skills can mitigate the impact of chronic stress and trauma during the perinatal period. The Atlanta Birth Center has Certified Community Resiliency Model Teachers who are implementing the project.
Clarence Nero will share his wisdom from his lived experience and his contributions to youth with innovative writing projects. He is an Associate Professor at Baton Rouge Community College, author, and screenwriter whose accomplishments include his critically acclaimed novel, Cheekie: A Child Out of Desire, nominated for ’Best Books for Young Adults’ by the American Library Association and selected as ’One of the Best First Novels’ by Library Journal which he adapted into a screenplay and is currently in pre-production. He served as a literary consultant to help his students self-publish a book called “Voices from the Bayou” that he adapted to the stage with the LSU Theater Department, and he then wrote the screenplay that led to the making of the short film “Voices.” He is the writer, producer and director of the stage play, “Trauma on this Land.” In 2011, after his brother was murdered in New Orleans, he launched the Bayou Soul Youth Literary Conference to empower and inspire Louisiana high school students
Survivors of childhood family trauma typically go through many stages in their path to healing. Kaytee highlights 6 of them: pre-awareness, uncovering, digging in, healing, understanding, and nurturing. Using elements from her clinical work, as well as personal experience, she provides support and tips for survivors navigating the healing journey. Kaytee will discuss the stages and provide insights into healing childhood family trauma.Most of us are only starting to become aware of how our foundational years contribute to who we are today. Our childhood environment shapes the foundation for our sense of self, how we feel about the world, and how we relate to others. If we experienced trauma or dysfunction along the way, it likely disrupted the pathways to these fundamental structures. Understanding our trauma is not about blame but about understanding, learning, and growing. In most cases, our caregivers did the best they could with the tools they had, often while dealing with external or internal stressors as well. With the world’s increasing understanding of trauma, this paves the way for understanding and growth.
Resiliency Within celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King. This year, on Martin Luther King's Day, Dr. Brenda Ingram, who has made significant contributions to our collective understanding of Resilience, Recovery and Resistance will be my guest. She has co-authored a chapter in the book titled Black Women and Resilience: Power, Perseverance, and Public Health. The chapter she contributed Resilience, Recovery, and Resistance: Black Women Overcoming Intersectional Complex Trauma will be the focal point of discussion. When examining the pervasive issue of racism and its profound collective trauma experienced by people of color, it becomes evident that the concept of resilience may require a more nuanced definition and a broader perspective. Within communities of color, resilience can sometimes be perceived negatively when it exclusively emphasizes the psychological strength of individuals, inadvertently perpetuating the existing racism status quo. To truly address the healing process from racial trauma for communities of color, resilience must encompass an element of active resistance.
Dr. Ravii Chandra will share his wisdom and personal reflections about how we can amplify compassion to contain cruelty and abuse. Dr. Chandra's inspired words reflect what is important for all of us to remember at this time in our history. He said, The voices of all marginalized individuals and communities are profoundly important for the future because our survival and growth as a nation and world depend on empathy and compassion for vulnerability. When we see each other, when we see our own vulnerability and create connections out of the disconnections of our past, we can transform our predicament into possibility. Within this discussion, he will also share his views on models of power, from social psychology and cultural observation, and highlight what Dacher Keltner calls “enduring power,” which he has modified with the need for accountability and reparation.
This is an encore episode. As we start 2024, it is a time of reflection. It is important to remember, what else is true? This lively discussion explores Dr. Church's work and how we are all designed for creativity, resilience, and joy. Award-winning author and thought leader Dawson Church, Ph.D., blends cutting-edge neuroscience with intense firsthand experience to show you how to rewire your brain for happiness. Dr. Dawson will talk about his book, Bliss Brain: The Neuroscience of Remodeling Your Brain for Resilience, Creativity, and JoyIn Bliss Brain, famed researcher Dawson Church digs deep into leading-edge science and finds stunning evidence of rapid and radical brain change. When we cultivate these pleasurable states over time, they become traits. We don't just feel more blissful as a temporary state; the changes are literally hard-wired into our brains, becoming stable and enduring personality traits.The conclusions of Church's research show that neural remodeling goes much farther than scientists have previously understood, with stress circuits shriveling over time. Simultaneously, The Enlightenment Circuit—associated with happiness, compassion, productivity, creativity, and resilience—expands.During deep meditation, Church shows how the 7 neurochemicals of ecstasy are released in our brains. These include anandamide, a neurotransmitter that's been named the bliss molecule because it mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. It boosts serotonin and dopamine; the first is an analog of psilocybin, the second of cocaine. He shows how cultivating these elevated emotional states literally produces a self-induced high.
This is an encore episode of Resiliency Within. The great spiritual leaders, Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote about their commitment to compassion and joy and expressed their ideas in their book, The Book of Joy. Desmond Tutu called himself the “prisoner of hope” and his message of hope and joy will live on. Many people in our world have expressed being tired and feeling a sense of hopelessness about the world condition. Desmond Tutu faced great hardship in his life, yet he was hopeful about the world condition, and he would say, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Reena Patel, LCSW discusses with Elaine Miller-Karas, the meaning of joy and how we can be lifted from suffering and hopelessness to embrace the spring of joy within each one of us. They discuss the eight pillars of joy: perspective, acceptance, humor, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and generosity. Listeners will be asked to explore how they can nurture their joy to live life with greater meaning and restore hope.
What causes schizophrenia? Is it a genetic glitch or are environmental factors at play? A combination of the two? Whatever the reason, what medication and course of action will give the patient the best chance at a normal life? Of all the mental illnesses, schizophrenia eludes us the most. Despite the strides scientists have made in neurological research and doctors have made in psychiatric treatment, schizophrenia remains misunderstood, almost complacently mythologized. Without a reason for the illness, patients feel even more alienated than they already do, families are left hopeless, and doctors struggle to provide effective care. After an almost forty-year medical career dedicated to caring for those affected by schizophrenia, Dr. Steven Lesk became determined to find the answer to its existence. In Footprints of Schizophrenia, he presents a groundbreaking theory that weaves evolutionary evidence with neurological findings. His conclusions promise to forever change the lives of the mentally ill by generating much-needed cultural dialogue about this stigmatized illness, and ultimately by provoking new psychiatric and pharmacological research. Dr. Lesk’s “primitive organization theory” has its basis in human evolution—from Neanderthals to Homo sapiens—and the specific changes to our brains after the emergence of language. We’ve existed in human-like form for six million years, but we’ve only had language for 50,000; as Dr. Lesk explains, within the vast span of evolutionary time that’s hardly any time at all. He posits that the twenty million people in the world who have schizophrenia don’t suppress the hormone dopamine, which is affected by language, in the way evolution has trained us, so their brains don’t process language well, leaving them to function as if they’re in a hallucinatory, delusional dream state. In addition to focusing treatment efforts for schizophrenia, Dr. Lesk’s theory could affect what we can do to help people with other dopamine-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s chorea, Tourette’s, ADD, and more. Calling on such diverse fields as anthropology, language theory, neurochemistry, evolution, and even the second law of thermodynamics, Footprints of Schizophrenia offers hope to those with schizophrenia whose dopamine doesn’t flow in our new, adaptive way. It will usher in a new era of psychiatric understanding—one that the field and the public desperately need.
This show is a story of hope, resilience, and love. Resilience is sometimes the outcome of some of the darkest moments in one’s life. My guests, a mother, Sue Borrego and her daughter, Kelsey Bunker Robertson, had very different experiences following Sue’s coming out when Kelsey was 9. Sue was occupied by the fear of losing her children and job and moving through the generational shame of her sexuality. Kelsey became a fierce advocate, proud of her parents and much less touched by the shame her mom felt.Sue gave birth to her children, Kelsey and Bryce in the 1980s. When they were toddlers, it became clear to Sue that she was a Lesbian. Nothing about her life and work had space for her truth. She was married to a man and working successfully at a Christian University. She chose to live closeted until she could no longer live so incongruously. Sue needed to find a different job and initiate divorce proceedings. Initially, Sue was not public about her sexual orientation. Ironically, Kelsey’s dad came out several months later. Together they lived as a “non-traditional” family in a very traditional town. Sue, consumed by the worldview of sexual orientation she grew up with, was terrified of costing her kids a “normal” life and losing the world she had carefully built.As an “emancipated minor” she had carefully constructed a world that she thought would protect her future. Kelsey continued to develop her sense of justice and love. She was a guest on panels, an advocate at school and an educator in her life. Today Kelsey is a mom of 6 and Bryce a father of three. Both of their parents are married to their partners and have lives filled with joy and love. There are many LGBTQ+ parents who wonder about the impact of their lives on their families and LGBTQ+ young adults who wonder about their futures. The culture wars, with vitriolic rhetoric and attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, are taking their toll. They will share their journey of love, hope and resilience.
In Crusade to Heal America, Judy Pearson shares the never-before-told story of Mary Lasker, a woman who was savvy, steely, and deliberate, with the goal of eliminating human suffering. While scientists looked at disease as a problem to be solved, Lasker saw it as a beast to be slain. Her first step was creating, with her husband Albert, the Lasker Foundation, which bestows annual awards for medical research. Next, they reimagined—and renamed—the American Cancer Society, greatly increasing the donations. But when Lasker learned that 40% of WWII volunteers had been rejected for health reasons, she asked the question no one else had: Why wasn’t the federal government funding medical research? Proclaiming herself a “catalytic agent,” she led a ceaseless, behind-the-scenes crusade to improve the health of Americans.Lasker’s crusade transformed the National Institute of Health from a single, poorly funded entity to the greatest medical research facility on the planet. And while she counted legislators, medical experts, celebrities, and presidents as allies, she was not without naysayers and enemies who wanted to see her fail. When her beloved Albert died of cancer, Lasker doubled down on her crusade, insisting that a cure for the disease was within reach with more research money. Her crusade ultimately resulted in an extraordinary $1.3 billion for cancer research ($9.6 billion today), turning the nearly always fatal disease into one that was survivable.
As individuals committed to humanitarian work, DisasterReady is dedicated to upholding the core values of compassion for humanity. Their mission revolves around the vital aspects of preserving lives, alleviating suffering, and safeguarding the inherent dignity of all individuals affected by crises without any form of discrimination. This commitment extends not only to those we aid but also to ensuring the safety and well-being of our own dedicated workforce and volunteers. However, witnessing these principles being consistently violated in the current climate is disheartening.In these tumultuous times, marked by profound upheavals, intricate crises, and substantial transformations in both our personal and professional lives, the daily breach of these principles is a matter of grave concern. It underscores the absolute necessity of prioritizing our mental well-being and extending support to our teams and colleagues in the same regard – an unequivocal imperative.In light of these challenges, we have at our disposal a multitude of tools, models, experts, and methodologies. In the upcoming discussion, Elaine will engage with Em to explore how at DisasterReady.org, they harness the power of educational technology and collaborate with seasoned experts to offer complimentary training resources. These resources are designed to equip aid workers worldwide with essential coping mechanisms and skills to fortify their resilience. By doing so, these workers can better prepare themselves to function effectively in highly demanding and stressful environments, allowing them to maintain their well-being and continue their mission of service.
Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing.CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used as tools to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.
Allan Sussman, M.D. will share his new book, Saving the Art of Medicine (2023) on Resiliency Within. Many doctors have become despondent, working within a commodified system that pushes for speed and efficiency and profit over patient care. Early in his endocrinology career, Allen Sussman, MD, clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington counted himself among them. When an injury kept him from playing piano, he explored new outlets and was drawn to study meditation and the principles of Buddhism. He will share how these practices boosted his resilience and helped him to overcome the hurdles of a broken healthcare system.Saving the Art of Medicine chronicles Dr. Sussman’s journey from “bookish to mindful to heartfelt.” At the beginning of his meditation practice, his intention was to teach his patients to meditate. He soon realized that meditation benefited his patients through his inner transformation. He became more present, listened more deeply, and collaborated with his patients in their care. As a result, their health outcomes improved—and so did his satisfaction as a clinician. Hoping his peers would find similar salvation and provide more meaningful medical care, Dr. Sussman led a healthcare meditation sangha for 15 years, comprising diverse members of the medical community.
Empatico’s mission is to empower school-aged students all around the globe to form meaningful connections that foster a more empathetic world. Empathy is a critical skill that allows us to feel what others feel (emotional empathy), understand what others think and feel (cognitive empathy), and take action on those feelings and understandings (behavioral empathy).In our interconnected world, empathy is a key personal and professional skill, and its development has the following benefits for individuals and society: A more empathetic society, including more tolerance, more acts of kindness, and an expanded sense of community and connectionPositive impact on mental, physical, and emotional healthImproved personal relationships or friendships (especially across differences)Conflict resolution or reduction and positive intergroup relationsDecreased prejudice, bias, and violenceImproved workplace environments and professional relationshipsBetter leaders and problem solversEmpatico’s product is centered around an Empathy Framework containing nine skills that promote students’ healthy growth and development across three empathy domains (emotional, cognitive, and behavioral) and levels of interaction (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup). This Framework is rooted in research from the fields of education, psychology, sociology, conflict resolution, and communication. Empatico’s research-based activities and programs create opportunities for students to learn about and practice these nine empathy-related skills individually, with in-class peers, and with partner classrooms around the globe. These skills are: mindfulness, self-awareness, self-care, emotion recognition, perspective taking, kindness, diplomacy, inclusivity, and collaboration.1 in 5 children under age 17 in the U.S. have had a diagnosed mental or developmental health disorder, and anxiety and depression among youth have increased by nearly 50% in recent years. Empatico’s Daily Practices, such as mindful breathing exercises, can lower students’ anxiety and improve their emotion regulation, building their confidence and capacity for interaction with others.A large and increasing percentage of students feel persistently sad or hopeless, and a 2021 study showed that more than half of U.S. high school students do not feel connected to their peers. Empatico’s Classroom Activities build empathetic norms, nurture a sense of purpose, and encourage open dialogue to empower students to feel heard and be seen differently by their peers.Global conflict and violence are on the rise, and 1 in 5 U.S. students report being bullied. Empatico’s Virtual Exchanges and similar experiences that connect groups of youth across differences have been shown to reduce stereotyping and conflict and increase cooperation.To bring its mission to life, Empatico works closely with educators around the world who are committed to building a more empathetic world together.
Rev. Lesley Carroll serves as the Prison Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (NI), dedicating her life to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation. To her, this mission is a lifelong calling. Her efforts extend beyond the borders of Northern Ireland, as she has been instrumental in fostering dialogues for peace and reconciliation in regions such as Rwanda, Nigeria, Kosovo, and Croatia.In these challenging times for our global community, Rev. Carroll will generously share her insights and the valuable lessons she has acquired on her remarkable journey, which can offer guidance and inspiration for us all about how to bring peace and reconciliation to our communities worldwide.Inspired by her experiences, Rev. Carroll introduced the Community Resiliency Model to Northern Ireland. This initiative has led to the establishment of a group of Community Resiliency Model Teachers who are actively disseminating the healing skills of CRM throughout the NI community.
Bo Dean, an engaged member of the New Hanover County community in North Carolina, has actively pioneered the integration of biological models such as the Community Resiliency Model. As a certified Community Resiliency Model Teacher, he has played a pivotal role in introducing these models to his community.Bo Dean will candidly recount his deeply personal journey with cancer and how he effectively harnessed his diverse skillset throughout his diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing recovery, including the use of the Community Resiliency Model. His experience has fostered a profound sense of self-compassion, which has proven invaluable in his daily work within New Hanover County. Here, he routinely confronts various crises and encounters individuals during their most vulnerable moments, allowing him to connect and support them through these challenging circumstances. This represents a remarkable level of commitment to charting a positive path forward.In the midst of Bo Dean's personal journey, our world has grappled with the COVID pandemic, political turbulence, and now faces multiple global disruptions, including war and other crises that impact not only individuals within our own communities but also challenge our ability to remain present and responsive. Bo Dean will share how he has maintained awareness of these truths and how he contributes positively to these complex situations. Bo Dean believes our compassion can extend to our capacity to generate opportunities for positive outcomes, even in the face of such adversity.
Karen LeSage empowers children and families. Her work was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions with the ChildCareBC Awards of Excellence Childcare Leadership Award in May 2023. In this episode, we will delve into Karen LeSage's early life, marked by significant adversity that ultimately led to a diagnosis of PTSD. We'll explore how she discovered inner strength and resilience through her mission of empowering others. Karen's journey will shed light on her experiences supporting families and children as a Supported Child Development Consultant in Vancouver's downtown east side. These experiences revealed to her that despite societal marginalization, individuals possess a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and unique perspectives from which we can all benefit. Since 2020, Karen has been a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher and has trained numerous Early Childhood Educators in British Columbia. She will share how she applies this model not only for self-healing during moments of PTSD symptoms but also in her roles as a children's yoga teacher and behavior interventionist. She aims to ensure that children and youth understand they are not alone in their struggles. Through her story, she aims to provide hope and support to those facing similar challenges.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, social workers Martha Parra and Elaine Miller-Karas will discuss how their heritage infused their work with advocacy and service. Martha's family came to California from Mexico, and Elaine's mother and grandmother came to California from El Salvador. They will share the values they learned from their families and how their rich heritage has inspired their personal and professional journeys as social workers. They will also share their families' challenges as they immigrate to a new country. They will discuss the Community Resiliency Model and the Trauma Resiliency Model and how both models have been accessible to the LatinX community. Martha pioneered the first Community Resiliency Model Teacher Training in Spanish in the pilot study through California's Mental Health Services Act and the County of San Bernardino's Department of Behavioral Health. Martha will share her work as an Immigration Evaluations Evaluator and her work with Asylum, Hardship, the Violence Against Women Act, and victims of human trafficking.
WorldBeing (formerly CorStone) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that conducts innovative in-school wellbeing programs to empower vulnerable and marginalized youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These programs help youth to re-frame their identities, unleash their potential, and transform their life trajectories. Their programming particularly focuses on gender equality and building the skills of marginalized youth, especially girls, to advocate for their rights, stay in school, and resist early marriage. Kate Sachs Leventhal and Steve Leventhal will share their experiences with WorldBeing and how WorldBeing's vision and inspired programs are changing the lives of youth.WorldBeing helps us understand that mental health concerns among LMIC youth are fueled by systems of entrenched inequities, discrimination, and resource scarcity, exacerbated by a lack of access to services. To improve mental health, WorldBeing believes it is crucial to target improving these systemic injustices and social determinants of poor mental health. WorldBeing’s Youth First and Girls First programs represent one of the first human-centered approaches to youth mental health promotion and prevention, taking injustices and social determinants seriously. The program takes a gender equity lens towards improving mental health and promoting wellbeing. Working from ‘the inside out,’ WorldBeing’s evidence-based wellbeing programs support youth to access their inner wellbeing and resilience, know their rights, and cultivate their power as change agents within their families, schools, and communities. Since 2009, WorldBeing has developed, researched, and conducted wellbeing programs for over 350,000 youth across India, Kenya, and Rwanda. Effectiveness trials of WorldBeing’s programs have provided some of the first evidence demonstrating that fostering wellbeing and resilience amongst vulnerable and marginalized youth significantly improves adolescent mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing; gender equality; and education-related outcomes. Additional impacts include improved school engagement, classroom behaviors, and relationships with teachers, and delayed marriage.
The age-old debate on whether entrepreneurs are born or made has ignited discussions and research across academic, entrepreneurial, and parenting spheres. Rajesh Nair's extensive work in underserved communities offers illuminating insights into this question. It suggests that the fundamental traits of innovators and entrepreneurs are cultivable in children and youth nationwide, a discussion of profound importance to educators, administrators, and parents.Innovators and entrepreneurs, catalysts of problem-solving and wealth creation, are pivotal in transforming communities and nations. However, the current education system, focused on producing uniform graduates, is ill-equipped to nurture future change-makers.Educators wield immense influence in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. They possess the power to craft environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The integration of entrepreneurial education into the curriculum holds transformative potential. Concurrently, school and district administrators can bolster entrepreneurial endeavors by allocating resources, fostering local business partnerships, and endorsing extracurricular programs championing innovation.Parents, too, play a pivotal role in instilling entrepreneurial qualities in their children. By nurturing their interests, offering opportunities for exploration, and providing emotional support, parents can set their children on a path toward careers in innovation and entrepreneurship.In summary, Rajesh Nair's research and outreach underscore that while some may naturally exhibit entrepreneurial traits, these qualities can be developed and nurtured in children and youth. Recognizing and implementing strategies to cultivate these essential traits empowers the next generation of creative and innovative thinkers and doers. Educators, administrators, and parents all have crucial roles to play in this transformative journey.
Rev. Chrissy Ruehl and Rev. John Ruehl are dedicated ministers in Savannah, Georgia, They have a passionate commitment to serve their community. They will share their perspectives as a married couple from different faith traditions who share common goals about the possibilities of community change. They will share how they use and integrate the Community Resiliency Model and Asset-Based Community Development. Join us as we discover how you can change your community using what’s already there. Listen in and learn how one community used what they had to change the landscape for children, families, and school systems during and after the pandemic and how you can do it too!
What do resilience and leadership look like for women of color? Women of color comprise about 18 percent of the U.S. population, yet only 4 percent of C-Level positions in 2018, falling far below white men (68 percent) and white women (19 percent).
Why? Rising to power is a gendered and racist journey. Women of color don’t face a glass ceiling. They face a concrete ceiling. Unlike a glass ceiling, it’s impossible to see through a concrete ceiling or envision how to get past it.
Elaine and Analiza discuss what women of color face, how to bust through myths, and how to rise so we can get a seat at the table and help create a more just world.
New Hanover County faces many natural crises due to their location on the coast of North Carolina and the numerous hurricanes that have occurred over the last few years. New Hanover County adopted biologically-based resilience practices from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) with the goal to create a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice toward each person in public service, sharing a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system. The implementation is integrated as core measures for professional development and as a means to permeate the county’s culture. This is not only imperative in the aftermath of community disasters but also for prevention. Bo Dean and Mebane Boyd will discuss how resiliency strategies were implemented through community partnerships and in conjunction with the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force. They will discuss how their resiliency programs emerged throughout the county and discuss their challenges and successes.
Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a recognized authority in the realm of climate change's physiological and psychological impacts, will enlighten us about her advocacy efforts. She aims to provide insight into these incidents' cumulative effects on children and adults. Dr. Van Susteren will delve into the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the context of climate change, elucidating pathways for the recovery and healing of individuals. Moreover, she will share her perspectives on how we can all contribute to preventive solutions, fostering the betterment of our communities.
Climate events are happening with more frequency throughout the globe. In August of 2023, children and adults witnessed a series of climate-related occurrences. These include the heatwaves along the Midwest and East Coast, a hurricane impacting the Southwest of North America, and devastating firestorms in Lahaina, Hawai'i, and Washington State. The aftermath of these events has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of children and adults. Dr. Susteren's wisdom and experience will help us all learn how to become more involved in advocacy and healing.
As a nation, we are heartbroken about the destruction of Lahaina and all the lives lost. The community of Butte County, California, experienced similar destruction and loss in 2018 as a result of the Campfire. The community mobilized and is recovering. Members of their community wanted to share what they learned and the wisdom that was gained. They hope that their discussion on Resiliency Within can help the Lahaina community's recovery process.
Erin Kennedy and Scott Dinits, who were deeply embedded in the communities affected by the Camp and other fires, will share what they learned personally and professionally. They were direct responders after the 2018 Campfire that devastated Butte County Communities and the town of Paradise, California. As Boys and Girls Club employees, they will share what is important to help children and adults heal. Both Erin and Scott are trained in the Community Resiliency Model and will share how this model and other interventions helped their community. They will also address what was not helpful even though it was extended with good intentions. They will discuss the challenges, hope, and healing as they journey through the aftermath of this tragedy and destruction. Resiliency Within’s intention is to highlight their insights and lessons learned that could help the community in Lahaina, Hawai’i.
Resiliency Within celebrates in this episode the bonds of sisterhood during this National Sister Month. Today's show is dedicated to the concept of sister-friends—those special individuals who support us through life's ups and downs. Whether they share our DNA or are sisters of our choosing, these connections are invaluable. Sister-friends love us unconditionally, standing by us even when we're not at our best, and offer judgment-free support whenever we need to confide in them. These foundational relationships have the power to illuminate our lives, providing light in times of darkness. Many adults reflect on their past and may recall negative childhood experiences, often referred to as adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Such experiences encompass physical and emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and exposure to substance abuse or violence in the home. Research conducted by Dr. Christina Bethell from John Hopkins reveals that individuals who report more ACEs are more likely to face various physical, mental, and social challenges. However, there is hope, as positive childhood experiences can act as buffers against the impact of adverse events. Dr. Bethell's research identifies seven positive childhood experiences that can make a difference: 1. The ability to openly communicate feelings with their family. 2. The feeling of unwavering support from their families during difficult times. 3. Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely care about them. 4. Feeling safe and protected by an adult at home. 5. Being supported by friends. 6. A sense of belonging in high school. 7. Active participation in their community. Positive reports of any of these experiences correlate with lower rates of mental health problems and higher rates of having supportive adult relationships. In this episode of Resiliency Within, we delve into a personal story shared by our host, Elaine Miller-Karas. Despite growing up in a family with high ACEs, she was fortunate to have several positive childhood experiences. Among the key factors that buffered the impact of her ACES were her sister-friends. On this journey, she will be joined by her childhood friends, Mary Ann Tummillo Koue and Katie O'Neill Arken, who have been friends for over 50 years. Together, they explore the profound and caring relationships that helped mitigate the adverse childhood experiences, remaining steadfast through life's joys and challenges. The friendships forged during difficult times are examples of our adversities not defining our destiny.
Dr. Joy Miller will join Resiliency Within to talk about her remarkable work with global resilience. Miller created a new forum for training in the area of resiliency. Resiliency Productions became a gift of love to the global world, offering free access to mental health techniques for those struggling with the pandemic, loss, grief, anxiety & depression. Dedicated to offering personal empowerment & resiliency strategies to global participants, Miller created the remarkable event, Resilience 2023, bringing together global leaders to speak about resiliency. This amazing free event will take place on September 8, 2023. Her vision is joined by like-minded celebrities, global influencers, musicians, noted clinicians, and professionals who donate their time and talent, sharing their voices and messages to help our global community grow, heal and thrive.
She has appeared on Oprah Winfrey, Sally Jessie Raphael, Montel Williams, Geraldo, and many radio and podcast presentations throughout the years. She hosted a mental health segment on ABC and NBC affiliates for 25 years and hosted her own radio show for four years.
She will again share her wisdom about Resilience. She will share her definitions of resilience. In addition, she will share her vista about the upcoming September event and why it is essential for all of us to attend.
Vanessa Kettering and Rhonda Rodgers, co-founders of Way of Well-Being, will share their experiences with the life-changing work from the early days of the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) to translating the skills for others in their community to find peace and resilience in a world full of heteronormative ideas and sometimes hostile or misinformed views. Their connection with TRI, tools of contemplative practice, and positive psychology have not only transformed their work in higher education and the private sector but also continued to inspire them on their personal journeys toward healing and self-acceptance. The two have been in a committed relationship for over a decade and have navigated romance, business, travel, pet parenthood, and more.
This show is a story of hope, resilience, and love. Resilience is sometimes the outcome of some of the darkest moments in one’s life. My guests, a mother, Sue Borrego and her daughter, Kelsey Bunker Robertson, had very different experiences following Sue’s coming out when Kelsey was 9. Sue was occupied by the fear of losing her children and job and moving through the generational shame of her sexuality. Kelsey became a fierce advocate, proud of her parents and much less touched by the shame her mom felt.
Sue gave birth to her children, Kelsey and Bryce in the 1980s. When they were toddlers, it became clear to Sue that she was a Lesbian. Nothing about her life and work had space for her truth. She was married to a man and working successfully at a Christian University. She chose to live closeted until she could no longer live so incongruously.
Sue needed to find a different job and initiate divorce proceedings. Initially, Sue was not public about her sexual orientation. Ironically, Kelsey’s dad came out several months later. Together they lived as a “non-traditional” family in a very traditional town. Sue, consumed by the worldview of sexual orientation she grew up with, was terrified of costing her kids a “normal” life and losing the world she had carefully built.As an “emancipated minor” she had carefully constructed a world that she thought would protect her future. Kelsey continued to develop her sense of justice and love. She was a guest on panels, an advocate at school and an educator in her life.
Today Kelsey is a mom of 6 and Bryce a father of three. Both of their parents are married to their partners and have lives filled with joy and love. There are many LGBTQ+ parents who wonder about the impact of their lives on their families and LGBTQ+ young adults who wonder about their futures. The culture wars, with vitriolic rhetoric and attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, are taking their toll. They will share their journey of love, hope and resilience.
Welcome to Resiliency Within and part 2 of my discussion with the Rev. Dr. Keith Menhinick of Emory Univesity's Candler School of Theology. Part 1 aired on July 3, 2023.
Today's show will explore Queer Theology. Rev. Dr. Keith Menhinick will discuss his views about Queer theology, and the course he teaches at Emory University. Sexuality and spirituality are often pitted against each other in religious community and doctrine. In sociological and psychological research on LGBTQ+ folks, religion is often cited in terms of stigma and risk factor for a variety of poor health outcomes. How might we understand LGBTQ+ spirituality beyond an association with stigma, trauma, and exclusion? Can we imagine a world in which sexuality and spirituality are not opposed, but rather intimately interrelated? It would be a world in which we are not asked to diminish parts of ourselves, but rather bring the fullness of our lives (our bodies, dreams, longings, and loves) to explore questions of gender, sexuality, and faith formation together in community.
Queer theology is about questioning what is considered “normal” for humans and “orthodox” for religion. By historicizing and politicizing the labels we use to understand ourselves and the divine, queer theology exposes the power relations at the heart of the ways that we claim identities, organize society, and do theology. We learn from both queer theology and resilience studies that there is more freedom, justice, and compassion than we have yet to live into.
K Thomas will discuss the current state of Queer and trans rights across the US and the deep history of resiliency within the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. K will address how racism, reproductive justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights are intertwined within recent SCOTUS decisions. We will also explore how embracing the strengths of the Queer and trans communities enables us to choose compassion over comprehension towards marginalized identities. Lastly, K will provide a few tangible ways to be an active ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Resiliency Within will highlight the strength, resiliency, and positive contributions of the queer community during several episodes. The Rev. Dr. Keith A. Menhinick joins us in this episode, Chasing Resilience in Queer Communities. Dr. M, as his Theology students call him at Emory University, states, Many people in helping and caregiving professions see LGBTQ+ people in terms of their trauma--the ways they’ve been hurt, excluded, rejected, harmed--without a focus on resiliency. Queer folks and communities have immense gifts, blessings, resources, and wisdom to offer us all about how to build resilient lives and communities. We will have a dialogue about the gifts, blessings, and wisdom of the queer community. Dr. M will share his experiences integrating the Community Resiliency Model into his teachings and work. The Rev. Dr. Keith A. Menhinick will join me later in another episode to describe his course at Emory University on Queer Theology.
Drs. Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward will address how we are all as a world community are impacted by Racism and how we can heal from the traumas that arise from Racism. Dr. Ward’s book, America’s Racial Karma published in September 2020 addresses how America can begin to heal. They have been teaching and practicing with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. They received the lamp (teacher transmission) from him at Plum Village in 2001. They co-authored Love’s Garden and this book was featured in The Best Buddhist Writing of 2009. Peggy and Larry work with CEOs of Fortune 500 programs to integrate cultural diversity, corporate change and transformation. They will also address the Wisdom School they have created to bring healing to our global community.
A team of multi-generational civil rights leaders, historians, educators, community leaders and clinicians gathered together to participate in a landmark initiative, the Kellogg Foundation’s Racial Equity 2030 grant opportunity. Reena Evers-Everette assembled a team of progressive thinkers dedicated to empowering future generations with historic civil rights truth through a trauma-informed lens. In the process, new partnerships were formed and new meanings about race, equity, and healing were articulated. Kenneth Mason, Kevin McCleod, and Jordan Murphy will share their thoughts and insight into what it means to take steps in courage and confront the truth about race and trauma through a lens of healing and resilience.
Guy MacPherson, Ph.D., will share his journey as the founder of the Trauma Therapist Project, which has grown to include the Trauma Therapist Podcast and Newsletter. He has interviewed over 700 therapists who have dedicated their lives to helping those people who have been impacted by trauma. He will share what he has learned that is important for all of us who are healing from the traumas experienced from our lived experience. Guy focuses on honoring and cultivating trauma therapists' authenticity, vulnerability, and courage. Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, had the honor of being interviewed by Dr. MacPherson.
Veterans Dr. William Cross and Dr. Mark Dust, represent different generations and different wars. They will share their sacred journey from their service in Vietnam and Iraq to their return and what they learned about life and healing along the way.
Dr. Brooke Ellison was on Resiliency Within on March 20th. Her interview was so inspiring to so many we wanted her back. She agreed to continue to share perspectives about disability and advocacy that she eloquently describes in her latest book, Look Both Ways. After a nearly fatal run-in with a car at age 11 that left her paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on her own, Brooke Ellison went on to graduate from Harvard, write a memoir, earn master’s and doctoral degrees, and teach policy and ethics as a tenured professor—all the while navigating the world as a woman with ventilator-dependent quadriplegia. Brooke tears off the cloak of invisibility around disability not only to champion the rights of the blind or the mobility-impaired but to make a far more earth-shattering claim: what she’s experienced—having to relearn how to live—differs from what every human being endures only in a matter of degree. We are more alike than we are willing to see. Brooke’s transformation is “an amplified version of the kinds of adjustments we all need to make when we have undergone an unexpected and, often, undesired change in our lives.”
Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk has a trauma-informed science-based approach to brain health and optimal longevity. She’s developed a user-friendly way of using a functional medicine approach to help prevent Alzheimer’s and improve cognitive health. Dr. Rusk focuses mainly on helping her patients build stress resilience, and she focuses on numerous lifestyle pillars of brain health. These lifestyle pillars, like sleep, diet, and movement, and how we engage with them, can directly affect how we think and feel. Learning to tend to our nervous system, healing traumas, and building emotional and behavioral regulation can help expand our capacity to deal with the challenges and hardships we inevitably face. She combines many trauma healing modalities, such as ancestral archaeology, brainspotting, and somatic techniques, into her biological and spiritual model. Feeling greater emotional resilience can help us connect with experiences of greater freedom and joy and improve the health of our relationships regardless of our circumstances. Being a mother has greatly informed her service work as an international humanitarian worker and community health educator.
Ask a youth involved in Juvenile Justice how they feel and the response you will most likely hear is “I feel disrespected.” The default response from the system is often along the lines of “You don’t know what respect is.” And thus sets off an often vicious downward spiral. It doesn’t have to be this way. Ask a youth how you might show respect, and the entire conversation shifts: respect and trust have room to grow. Together trust and respect become an anchor creating a bridge between youth and staff. A bridge between the anger/despair of their present and the resilience to construct a different future.While working for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, I taught youth meditation, introduced them to their own nervous systems, and helped youth discover the dignity and resilience that is their birthright. The Office of Behavioral Health has introduced empirically validated treatments for emotional regulation and aggression replacement. Dr. Jackson introduced the Community Resiliency Model to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Other systems provide milieu-based treatments that integrate treatment and staff support. Juvenile Justice does not have to be a continuing source for retraumatizing the youth we are paid to serve. Why is it so difficult to change an organizational culture that is expensive and doesn’t work?
Cammie Wolf Rice, the Founder & CEO of the Christopher Wolf Crusade, recently released her book, The Flight, on September 18, 2022, Christopher's birthday. Cammie will share her journey after her son's death and the innovative initiative she created in response to her son’s lost 14-year battle with opioids. She will share the mission of the Christopher Wolf Crusade (CWC) and how it is dedicated to ending the opioid epidemic by focusing on prevention. CWC has a new in-hospital position called the Life Care Specialist, and she will update us on the progress that has been made since her first appearance on Resiliency Within. She will share details of CWC’s strategies to help end the opioid epidemic.Cammie has called Atlanta home for over two decades and serves on several local committees focusing on substance misuse and prevention. Cammie is also the Board Chair for Usher’s New Look Foundation and Board Member for the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the Hope Movement Coalition.
Award-winning author and thought leader Dawson Church, Ph.D., blends cutting-edge neuroscience with intense firsthand experience to show you how to rewire your brain for happiness. Dr. Dawson will talk about his book, Bliss Brain: The Neuroscience of Remodeling Your Brain for Resilience, Creativity, and JoyIn Bliss Brain, famed researcher Dawson Church digs deep into leading-edge science and finds stunning evidence of rapid and radical brain change. When we cultivate these pleasurable states over time, they become traits. We don't just feel more blissful as a temporary state; the changes are literally hard-wired into our brains, becoming stable and enduring personality traits.The conclusions of Church's research show that neural remodeling goes much farther than scientists have previously understood, with stress circuits shriveling over time. Simultaneously, The Enlightenment Circuit—associated with happiness, compassion, productivity, creativity, and resilience—expands.During deep meditation, Church shows how the 7 neurochemicals of ecstasy are released in our brains. These include anandamide, a neurotransmitter that's been named the bliss molecule because it mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. It boosts serotonin and dopamine; the first is an analog of psilocybin, the second of cocaine. He shows how cultivating these elevated emotional states literally produces a self-induced high.
Dr. Jamie Gamboa and Brian Stefan, MSW, of Spotlight on Suicide (SOS) return to discuss the Suicidal Ideation Toolbox (SIT), which contains accessible skills for helping professionals and everyone who experiences deep suffering and suicidal thoughts. Everyone experiences thoughts of suicide (whether they be passing and/or passive thoughts or more active thoughts) at some point in our lives, but many of us are not equipped with the tools to handle it. That's not your fault! People have been afraid to even say the word suicide for a long time. But times are changing!SIT skills are intended to increase resilience by fostering connection— with ourselves, our bodies, our communities, and our values— at times when we feel most disconnected. Just like the toolbox you may have in your homes, the SIT toolbox contains tools for a variety of needs. Sometimes you need a skill for an immediate crisis, while other times, you might have a more persistent relationship with suicidal thoughts and need support in coexisting with them. Sometimes you might need to tell the story of why you want to die by suicide with a caring, nonjudgemental person. Other times you may need support in reconnecting with your resilience so you can stay warm and dry, even when wandering in the wilderness.
Ned Bachus’s novel is about Sarah Goins, a college professor with a thriving career and close-knit academic community who is eager to draw her boyfriend, Mike Flannagan, deeper into her world. But Mike, a groundskeeper at a local seminary, resists, instead keeping her at arm’s length as he struggles to come to terms with a past haunted by loss. Late one night, Mike crosses paths with Domenic Gallo, a neighborhood barber who has been injured in a mugging. As Mike helps the elderly man, Domenic tends to his own painful history, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship built around mutual understanding of each other’s grief. When outside forces drive Sarah and Mike further apart, Sarah seeks out Domenic in an attempt to salvage her floundering relationship. A series of crises and secrets threatens the fragile balance Sarah, Mike, and Domenic have created, and soon the trio find themselves grappling with the meaning of family and class, loyalty and faith. Mortal Things is a powerful reflection on the ties that can bind or break us.
Implementing trauma- and resilience-informed systems in rural communities offers its own set of challenges and awards. Many rural communities lack the resources of their urban cousins, yet connection to available resources can be more easily obtained. This is what makes the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) such a good fit for rural areas. It provides a resource that costs very little and can be obtained by a next door neighbor, a church clergyperson, or a coach’s assistant. First 5 Mendocino introduced the model to the county in 2016 and was fortunate to have practitioners availabe to serve victims of the Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018. First 5 Mendocino continues to be the lead agency presenting the model to partner agencies serving homeless and foster youth, educators, and health practitioners throughout the county.
My guests, Audrey Stillerman, MD, and Bridget Gavaghan will discuss the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative (the Collaborative) and the Center for Collaborative Study of Trauma, Health Equity, and Neurobiology (THEN). The organizations have been working for over a decade to transform organizations and systems through trauma-informed, resilience-building, and healing-centered policies and practices.A cross-sector movement to prevent trauma and promote thriving across the lifespan, the Collaborative places the impact of childhood experience on wellbeing at the forefront of the equity agenda in Illinois. It leads trainings, advocates for policy change, and translates research for the public, policymakers, and partner organizations. The Collaborative convenes a working group of Chicago hospital representatives championing trauma-informed transformation within their systems. In 2021, the Collaborative released an Action Plan to Address Childhood Adversity in Illinois (“Action Plan”) developed through a multi-sector strategic planning process with leaders and community members across the state. The Collaborative is now leading efforts to implement the Action Plan. THEN is a virtual non-profit of clinicians, educators, researchers, and activists pursuing Health, Equity, and Justice for all. THEN works to transform health care and health professional training. THEN designs and delivers curricula that translate the science connecting life experiences and health into prevention and healing theory and practice, with a particular focus on individual patient care.
After a nearly fatal run-in with a car at age 11 that left her paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on her own, Brooke Ellison went on to graduate from Harvard, write a memoir, earn master’s and doctoral degrees, and teach policy and ethics as a tenured professor—all the while navigating the world as a woman with ventilator-dependent quadriplegia. It would be easy to admire Brooke from afar—and keep our distance. Many of us are uncomfortable around people we consider “unfortunate.” We tend to simultaneously avoid and heroize the disabled, thankful that we don’t have to deal with the day-to-day “mechanics.” Like breathing. Or using the bathroom, or going on a date. Brooke will share her perspectives about disability. In her newest book, “Look Both Ways,” Brooke refuses to let us look away. She tears off the cloak of invisibility around disability not only to champion the rights of the blind or the mobility-impaired but to make a far more earth-shattering claim: what she’s experienced—having to relearn how to live—differs from what every human being endures only in a matter of degree. We are more alike than we are willing to see. Brooke’s transformation is “an amplified version of the kinds of adjustments we all need to make when we have undergone an unexpected and, often, undesired change in our lives.”
Elaine Miller-Karas and Michael Sapp will discuss Elaine's new book, Building Resilience to Trauma, the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models, 2nd Edition, published by Routledge on March 13, 2023. Dr. Sapp will talk about the neuroscience of the Community and Trauma Resiliency Models. This is Part 2 of 2 Parts. Part 1 aired on March 6, 2023. Part 2 will focus on the neuroscience of the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models.Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing. CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used as tools to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.
Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing.CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used as tools to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.
The Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma (CCWT) is a partnership between Massachusetts’ Office of the Child Advocate and ForHealth Consulting™ at UMass Chan Medical School. CCWT supports child-serving organizations and systems in becoming trauma-informed and responsive through trainings, technical assistance, communities of practice, and coaching. Audrey Smolkin, MPP, Executive Director, and Alison Cebulla, MPH, Associate Director of Curriculum Development and Training, will describe their innovative organization and services that were launched in 2021.
As a Deafblind woman with partial vision in one eye and bilateral hearing aids, Elsa Sjunneson lives at the crossroads of blindness and sight, hearing and deafness—much to the confusion of the world around her. While she cannot see well enough to operate without a guide dog or cane, she can see enough to know when someone is reacting to the visible signs of her blindness and can hear when they’re whispering behind her back. And she certainly knows how wrong our one-size-fits-all definitions of disability can be. As a media studies professor, she’s also seen the full range of blind and deaf portrayals on film and she deconstructs their impact, following common tropes through horror, romance, and everything in between. Her new book, Being Seen, is part memoir, part cultural criticism, part history of the Deafblind experience. It explores how our cultural concept of disability is more myth than fact, and the damage it does to us all.
Brooke Conway is a mental health and wellness counselor at Kapi‘olani Community College in Honolulu, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. In this episode we will discuss Brooke’s experiences implementing the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) on her campus as a strategy to support student mental health & wellbeing, particularly while navigating through COVID-19 pandemic and students returning to campus. Hawai‘i’s unique culture, history and place provide a rich landscape to reflect upon the value of accessible wellness skills like CRM for college students of all ages and backgrounds. Brooke also shares her experiences with the model’s connection to diverse ways of knowing and being in the world and supporting resilience from where you are.
Nearly everyone will experience thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives. The problem isn’t that we sometimes feel this way. The problem is that we suffer in silence when what we need most is to connect with non-judgmental and caring others.Neuroscientific findings suggest that humans are hard-wired to connect and that healing takes place in the context of human relationships. What this means is that supportive bonds can help us cultivate resiliency during difficult times.Stigma about suicide and mental health can get in the way of our natural ability to heal through connection. That is why we at Spotlight on Suicide (SOS) have made it our mission to shine a light on suicide by providing education about how to coexist with suffering. Stigma, like shame, can’t live in the light.Our Suicidal Ideation Toolbox (SIT) contains accessible skills for helping professionals and all people who experience deep suffering (which is everyone!). These skills are intended to increase resilience by fostering connection— with ourselves, our bodies, our communities, and our values— at times when we feel most disconnected.
J’vanete (Jay-vuh-nay) Skiba will share her perspectives from her role as the Assistant Director for Equity, Education, and Engagement for the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force in Wilmington, North Carolina. The vision of the task force is a more resilient and compassionate New Hanover County. J’vanete serves the community through the idea of “functional compassion.” “Functional compassion” is the act of engaging in public and personal practices that spur change on a systemic level out of direct concern for the suffering of others. This kind of compassion grows and learns and changes and has the potential to be powerful and impactful. It requires hope for healing and invites us to build our own personal resilience while identifying and addressing the need to change systems that can cause suffering. In her work, J’vanete strives to help her community make meaningful connections to realize the task force vision.
Sami Aaron, the founder of the nonprofit, The Resilient Activist, will discuss how people everywhere are experiencing severe emotional distress caused by climate change and environmental devastation. And what makes it even more unbearable for some is when family, friends, employers, and governments don’t understand and often don’t care. She will share how the vision of The Resilient Activist was first ignited in 2003 as Sami struggled to find some meaning from the suicide of her older son, Kevin. He had degrees in environmental studies and sociology. He was working on a graduate program in urban and regional planning with a joint law degree when eco-anxiety (fear about the planet's ecology) and solastalgia (grief over the loss of beloved places in nature) combined with his own inner demons and he took his own life. For many people, the more they learn about the state of ecological devastation, the deeper their grief. Sami will share how the programs of The Resilient Activist are creating a community that nurtures, uplifts, and supports those who strive to live in conscious harmony with Earth. Her vision is that the programs of The Resilient Activist will help those sensitive souls - activists - find meaning, purpose, and support even in their darkest hours.
Todd Wilcher, MA, CTRS, will share his work with Covenant House, Georgia. Covenant House provides services to unhoused youth. Their Crisis Shelter, the P.J. Garcia Youth Shelter, serves as a home for up to 60 youths ages 18-24. Youth can find a safe place to stay and wraparound support for 30-90 days. Youth who stay in the shelter work with a case manager to create a plan for their future. At Covenant House Georgia, youth have access to hot meals and showers, medical and mental health care, job readiness programs, GED and college admissions support, life skills classes, and a community of people who show them absolute respect and unconditional love. Covenant House provides a haven and more.Unhoused youth face an array of challenges. Their lives have not been easy, as statistics demonstrate that:•49% of youth experiencing homelessness have been sexually exploited.•40% of youth experiencing homelessness are LGBT.•42% of youth experiencing homelessness have experienced abuse as a child.•A 19% unemployment rate for 16-19-year-olds is higher for at-risk youth, increasing their risk of being unhoused.
Carmen Turner-Schott will share her book, Sun Signs, Houses & Healing: Build Resilience & Transform Your Life Through Astrology. Carmen will share the themes in her book that can help you transform your life in 2023 through transformation, healing, and resiliency. This beginner-friendly book provides insights on all twelve signs and reveals how your birth chart can help you overcome challenges and improve your well-being. Once you have your chart—which you can easily acquire online using your time and place of birth—Carmen Turner-Schott helps you fully understand it, providing everything from self-care affirmations to strategies for healing and transformation. This book also lets you quickly jump between signs and houses, making it easy to look up information for yourself and your loved ones.
The great spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu died last week, and Resiliency Within was already planning to enter the new year with his message of joy. We will celebrate his life in this episode highlighting his dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s about joy as expressed in their book, The Book of Joy. Desmond Tutu called himself the “prisoner of hope” and his message of hope and joy will live on. Many people in our world have expressed being tired and feeling a sense of hopelessness about the world condition. Desmond Tutu faced great hardship in his life, yet he was hopeful about the world condition, and he would say, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Reena Patel, LCSW, and the Director of Education and Training, of the Trauma Resource Institute will discuss with Elaine Miller-Karas, the meaning of joy and how we can be lifted from suffering and hopelessness to embrace the spring of joy within each one of us. They will discuss the eight pillars of joy: perspective, acceptance, humor, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and generosity. Listeners will be asked to explore how they can nurture their joy to live life with greater meaning and restore hope.
“I think this is what Nelson Mandela meant by the ‘rainbow nation’. Learning about how to stabilize the nervous system is equality and is beyond nations, culture, religion, and ethnicity.”Community Resiliency Model Teacher, South AfricaThe Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) has brought their ideas about healing the wake of traumatic experiences to Asia, Europe, the Mid-East, the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, North America, and the United States. They have created projects to help underserved individuals to learn innovative biologically based interventions (The Community and Trauma Resiliency Models) that can heal individuals and communities during and after human-made and natural disasters. So far, their work has been translated into 17 languages and has been brought to more than 75 countries. In February of 2022, TRI launched the Ukrainian Humanitarian Resiliency Project in collaboration with EdCamp Ukraine and have had over 80,000 views on Facebook. The CDC Foundation (2022) describes public health as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. The field of public health fundamentally tries to prevent people from becoming ill by promoting wellness and healthy behaviors. Identifying mental health as a public health issue is imperative to building healthier and more productive communities internationally.The Trauma Resource Institute’s Dr. Michael Sapp, CEO, and Reena Patel, Director of Education will discuss with host, Elaine Miller-Karas, the Co-Founder of the Trauma Resource Institute their international work and the importance of biological based models that are a bridge to all nations because of our shared humanity.
Natalia Valevska will share her insights from living within their beloved country, Ukraine, during the Russian invasion of February 2022. She will discuss her experiences and work with EdCamp Ukraine, an association of over 40,000 teachers, including her association with the Trauma Resource Institute. She will describe how, out of her despair over the war; she began helping with the resiliency support meetings co-sponsored by EdCamp Ukraine and the Trauma Resource Institute. She will express her passion for helping her country now and her vision of creating support for her people in the future when the war ends. She is dedicated to the children of Ukraine and how to support their teachers, parents, and community through SEE Learning.
Curious about something? Google it. But is curiosity simply information seeking? According to Perry Zurn and Dani S. Bassett, what gets left out in the conventional understanding of curiosity are the relations between ideas and between people. Curiosity, say Zurn and Bassett, is a practice of connection. It connects ideas into networks of knowledge and it connects the knowers themselves, both to the knowledge they seek and to each other.
Zurn and Bassett—identical twins who write that their book “represents the thought of one mind and two bodies”—harness their respective expertise in the humanities and the sciences (specifically, philosophy and neuroscience) to identify three distinct styles of curiosity:
· The butterfly, who collects stories, creating loose knowledge networks · The hunter, who hunts down secrets or discoveries, creating tight networks · The dancer, who takes leaps of creative imagination, creating loopy networks
They go on to explain that many of us are all three types but to differing degrees, and that those degrees can change over the course of our lives and even daily, depending on the task at hand. What’s more, they suggest that a true understanding of what happens in the curious brain can pave the way for a curiosity-centric education—an inclusive one that embraces everyone’s innate style of learning. Just think of the possibilities such a paradigm shift would engender.
What do you say to the parents of a recent high school graduate who was just killed when the car she was riding in collided with a truck? Or to a son who asks you to do everything possible to save his cancer-ridden mother even though she has opted for hospice? Or to a patient when she informs you, with complete sincerity, that she can’t change into a hospital gown…because she’s a zebra? While finding the right words is a crucial part of every doctor’s job, according to Dr. Jay Baruch it’s often less about what you say and more about what you hear. As he explains, “To be an emergency physician, any clinician really, is to be a professional listener of stories.” Each patient presents a story; finding the heart of that story is the doctor’s most critical task. More technology, more tests, and more data won’t work if the doctor gets the story wrong.
Dr. Baruch tells of patients who sometimes come to the hospital with lives troubled by scales of misfortune that have little to do with disease or injury. When a patient comes into the hospital with cardiac arrest or a compound fracture, doctors know what to do. The problem is evident, and the solution is practically algorithmic. Dr. Baruch contends that the biggest challenge and the biggest part of an ER doctor’s work is often caring for people who come in with not just problems with their body, but also social issues, emotional issues, and substance use issues—and oftentimes all of them at once. He explains that that the toughest part of an emergency physician’s work isn’t the high-wattage drama, the mayhem and the blood, that is portrayed on television, but rather the actual getting to the heart of the patient’s story—and figuring out how to address it.
Even before Covid, parenting was hard. According to physician, writer, and father of three young children, Andrew Bomback, “From day one, parenting can feel like a version of ‘we are flying the plane as we build it.’” Bomback investigates the emergence of an immersive, all-in approach to raising children that has made parenting a competitive (and often not very enjoyable) sport. He considers the high costs of commercialized parenting (from the babymoon on), the pressure on mothers to have it all (and do it all), the perils of parenting during a pandemic, and much more. A nephrologist by profession, Bomback shows how being a parent, like being a doctor, has migrated away from a “calling” and toward a “job.” We hear what he learned from interviews with other parents as well as stories of his own experiences as a father—the good, the bad, and the two-hour bedtime ritual that ended with his oldest son throwing a Chapstick at his head. As he explores the anxiety that plagues modern parents, he offers both a window and a mirror into how 21st century mothers and fathers are trying to enjoy their time with their children, because “The days are long, but the years are short.”
With a practical approach that weaves together Eastern medicine, western psychology, and African ancestral principles of spirituality, author Lindsay Fauntleroy teaches you how to use the elements to improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Experiences such as heartache, anxiety, and procrastination are signs that one of the elements is out of balance within you. Discover how to regain your footing, tap into your latent potential, and find your flow with journal prompts, flower essences, yoga poses, and music. By realigning with the elements, you can become the confident, energized, and fulfilled person you were always meant to be. Lindsay Fauntleroy will share her philosophy expressed in her book: .In our Element: Using the Five Elements as Soul Medicine to Unleash your Personal Power.
Many of us suffer from nightmares, and those generated by trauma are among the most insidious and frightening. Whether it is Big T trauma such as abuse, violence, or oppression, or a small trauma such as microaggression, a fender-bender, or minor surgery, these events can stretch their sticky fingers into our night dreams and haunt our daylight hours. Some Traumas are acute, and others are chronic, some we have experienced personally, and other traumatic legacies reverberate down through the generations: all can affect our sleep and dreams. Linda Yael Shiller will share her book, PTSDreams, which is an innovative, compassionate, and comprehensive guide to healing traumatic nightmares through active dreamwork. This book examines the relationship between nightmares and traumatic life events and provides a clear systematic path to healing both the nightmares and their root cause. The guiding principle is that we are all wired for health and healing and that with care and attention we can become, “strong in the broken places It offers hope and healing to nightmare sufferers, as well as to healers in the field of health, psychotherapy, counseling, bodywork, griefwork, and spiritual leaders who work with them. It incorporates many stories, case studies, examples, and exercises that bring dreamwork and trauma treatments to life while being well-grounded in theory and science.
Bob Doppelt, the coordinator of the International Transformational Resilience Coalition (ITRC) will discuss why community-based initiatives that use a public health approach to build population-level mental wellness and transformational resilience are important approaches to combat widespread harmful mental health and psychosocial problems generated by the climate emergency. In September 2023 alone, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida experienced devastation to their communities from hurricanes. Extreme weather events - floods, hurricanes, and disasters like wildfires are linked to a broad range of adverse mental health outcomes. Many types of persistent severe stresses are also rising due to the climate emergency. Bob Doppelt will highlight the work of the ITRC educating and training community members and working legislatively to create U.S. system-wide responses to promote community wide mental health and transformational resilience. The ITRC supports the Community Mental Wellness and Resiliency Act that will be introduced to Congress by Rep. Paul Tonko and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Tuesday October 18. He will discuss the important elements of the Act.
A $702 billion global diet/nutrition and weight loss industry shows that people worldwide are devoted to achieving maximum health and their desired bodies. Yet mainstream approaches are failing these individuals, and sadly, science supports this. Intent on gaining the “health,” “confidence,” and “happiness” that diets promise, consumers keep trying. Along the way, they often become sad and frustrated, believing they’re failing when they’re not. They need a legitimate, alternative path. In this episode of Resiliency Within, Alli Spotts-De Lazzer—Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, “CEDS” Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, CEDS Supervisor, and eating/body image expert—shares parts of her path to overcome more than two decades of fighting with food and body image; she reveals less-discussed truths and risks of pursuing maximal health and weight control; she introduces her unconventional, hope-filled self-help book, MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, & Body Image Issues; and she offers at least three tips to guide listeners to more (and steadier) self-appreciation, wellness, and fulfillment.
We are more similar than we are different! There is more beyond our own beliefs, we all have blind spots. Presenting a groundbreaking new paradigm for understanding a variety of perspectives, Granddaughter Crow will share with listeners her ideas outside the dogma you may have previously been taught. By exploring your own pre-existing beliefs and the themes various spiritual and cultural traditions all share, you can heal thoughts that may be hurting you and others.
She will share her ideas in her latest book, Belief, Being, and Beyond, which uses a variety of spiritual concepts and scientific findings to engage you in deep self-reflection and growth. In addition to sharing inspiring anecdotes from her own life, Granddaughter Crow explores a larger pattern of the human psyche. Reflecting through the longing for a creation, a flood, a hero, an end-of-times, and afterlife within many belief systems reveals a pattern of who and what we are as the human race. These stories, along with journal prompts, tarot insights, and wisdom from the cycles of nature, help you to truly know yourself and empower you to live with an open mind.
At this point in history, the human race is faced with all types of challenges. The social climate has been agitated and the unspoken differences are now coming to the forefront. As we all stand within our own beliefs, we need to expand our consciousness and recognize where we are, where we would like to go, and what we will become together. Building a community on the ideology that we are more similar than we are different is a conscious movement forward.
The events this past month in Florida and Puerto Rico and in Mayfield, Kentucky in December, have shown us the tragedy of climate events and how every person in the community is affected. We must not forget the mental health challenges resulting from this experience. Elaine Miller-Karas, the key developer of the Community Resiliency Model and Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute will help our listeners understand how the wellness skills of the Community Resiliency Model can help community members restore well-being during these difficult times. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)®, a set of six wellness skills based upon the premise that there is a biological response to stressful and traumatic events common to all of humanity. The CRM understands that individuals experience common reactions physically, spiritually, cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, and in relationships with loved ones. Using a mind-body approach, CRM introduces a paradigm shift in that reactions to stress are viewed as common biological responses rather than human weaknesses. The CRM skills can be a stand-alone set of wellness skills and they can also be integrated into other wellness practices. Elaine Miller-Karas and Michael Sapp have responded to typhoons, earthquakes and other events of mass destruction. They will share how the CRM helps individuals learn to track their nervous systems and bring awareness to sensations connected to well-being. As a person begins to pay attention to sensations of well-being, the nervous system can return to a state of balance. Learning about the neurobiology of stressful and traumatic human reactions helps people to understand the design of the nervous system. This knowledge can help people make sense of reactions they have experienced during and after traumatic and stressful experiences. The Community Resiliency Model is an evidence-informed intervention. The CRM skills can be used across the lifespan, across cultures and literacy levels.
“I think this is what Nelson Mandela meant by the ‘rainbow nation’. Learning about how to stabilize the nervous system is equality and is beyond nations, culture, religion, and ethnicity.” Community Resiliency Model Teacher, South Africa
The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) has brought their ideas about healing the wake of traumatic experiences to Asia, Europe, the Mid-East, the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, North America, and the United States. They have created projects to help underserved individuals to learn innovative biologically based interventions (The Community and Trauma Resiliency Models) that can heal individuals and communities during and after human-made and natural disasters. So far, their work has been translated into 17 languages and has been brought to more than 75 countries. In February of 2022, TRI launched the Ukrainian Humanitarian Resiliency Project in collaboration with EdCamp Ukraine and have had over 80,000 views on Facebook.
The CDC Foundation (2022) describes public health as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. The field of public health fundamentally tries to prevent people from becoming ill by promoting wellness and healthy behaviors. Identifying mental health as a public health issue is imperative to building healthier and more productive communities internationally.
The Trauma Resource Institute’s Dr. Michael Sapp, CEO, and Reena Patel, Director of Education will discuss with host, Elaine Miller-Karas, the Co-Founder of the Trauma Resource Institute their international work and the importance of biological based models that are a bridge to all nations because of our shared humanity.
Carey Sipp, leader of strategic partnerships with PACEs Connection and Kelly Purcell, Well-Being Consultant and CRM teacher with Ground. Connect. Empower. LLC will share how strategic partnerships and involvement with local resiliency initiatives alongside CRM can work to create lasting systematic change. Carey and Kelly will highlight how counties in North Carolina are using both the PACEs Connection Cooperative of Communities and CRM to impact multiple sectors within a community and how that continues to grow and expand. They will share about a replicable six county initiative in North Carolina working to improve the health and well-being of children/youth in the foster care system and how CRM is reaching this community and how the model is being used to create a greater impact for healthier and more compassionate communities. They will explain how to get connected to and leverage the ever growing social network platform of PACEs Connection and how it can support the work of CRM teachers around the world and community members working to create trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities.
Dr. Tara Well will share the elements of Mirror Meditation which she describes as an in-depth exploration into the power of reflections. She will share the benefits of Mirror Meditation reported by practitioners and students, including: • Illuminating their ability to solve problems • Providing perspective on their experiences • Validating hunches and intuition • Building a vault of creative ideas • Fostering gratitude
Based on research from neuroscience and psychology, Dr. Well will discuss: • why face to face contact is so important • how to shift states of self-awareness to manage anxiety • the effects of self-objectification on our well-being • how to deal with the inner critic in the mirror • the link between mirrors and narcissism • the usefulness of video journals • using self-reflection to lessen social media addiction • how to see yourself and others more compassionately
Many of us needed a break from the pandemic and the usual windstorms of life. We needed a respite: a journey reminding us of decency, kindness, compassion and folksy wisdom. Over the last two seasons of Ted Lasso, an AppleTV+ original, we have laughed, cried and been deeply touched by the lived experiences of Ted Lasso and his crew. Ted Lasso is about “an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, determination...and biscuits.” Ted is described as winning others over with his “decency” and “relentless optimism.” But his decency and relentless optimism” is anchored in the characters own painful struggles and is displayed within the context of other characters' struggles with pain that often play out in revenge, greed, selfishness, and a general lack of care for others. Ted Lasso offers an example of what else could also be true in how we treat others with value and respect amidst our own pain and challenge. It also demonstrates that a compassionate and kindly stance can transform people and systems. Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of “Resiliency Within,” will explore with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, the themes of Ted Lasso and how relevant the character’s journey is to many of us who have been betrayed, deceived, belittled, abused, traumatized, and ultimately transformed.
Sara Cook will share her extensive experience working with people affected by conflict internationally and in Northern Ireland. She is the United Kingdom representative to Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth. Those working in the fields of peacebuilding and humanitarian aid are known for providing desperately needed support to people affected by conflict, war, natural disaster and inequality all over the world. However, there are few structures and services in place to support the psychosocial needs of peacebuilding and humanitarian practitioners. This conversation will explore how the Community Resiliency Model is being used to support peacebuilding and humanitarian practitioners, as well as conflict-affected populations internationally.
Dr. Glenn Schiraldi will share his latest book: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook: Heal the Hidden Wounds from Childhood Affecting Your Adult Mental and Physical Health. He will explore the links between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which occur in the first eighteen years of life, and health outcomes in adulthood. We will discuss the overview of the ACEs research and the principles, self-managed skills, and professional treatments that effectively restore inner wholeness and increase well-being and happiness.
These are the facts: 1 in 4 women globally experience domestic violence. On average, it takes 7 times for most survivors to successfully leave an abusive relationship. But behind the statistics are human beings.
One Saturday morning, Beverly Gooden was woken up by her husband shoving her off their bed for no discernible reason. Despite her quick thinking and even quicker footsteps, he caught her, his sudden anger inexplicable. No words were exchanged. He began to strangle her as he had done many times before.
With unflinching vulnerability, Gooden details what she had to do to walk away and how others can use her experiences to escape their own abuse. She provides practical advice on things like finances, possessions, and housing—from skimming the grocery money to squirreling away personal belongings, to navigating a domestic violence shelter. As importantly, she offers strategies for overcoming the social and emotional barriers survivors often face, such as overcritical social circles and, most powerfully, love.
Uniquely compassionate when it comes to the heartbreak of still loving one’s abuser, Gooden shares how she transformed and extended this love outward, using her story to encourage others to choose themselves. The voice and fire behind #WhyIStayed, she’s exceptionally positioned to explore the many reasons victims stay in abusive relationships, and how they can muster the resources and motivation to leave.
Reena Patel believes in the words of Resmaa Menakem when he stated, “Resilience is built into the cells of our bodies. Like trauma, resilience can ripple outward, changing the lives of people, families, neighborhoods, and communities in positive ways. Also, like trauma, resilience can be passed down from generation to generation.”—Resmaa Menakem (2017). Reena Patel and Elaine Miller-Karas will discuss how adversity is not destiny, and even when faced with suffering and trauma, human beings can heal and even thrive. Ms. Patel has worked internationally and will share her perspectives about the importance of biological models like the Trauma Resiliency Model and the Community Resiliency Model when working across cultures.
Today’s show will focus on the topic of courage, connectedness, and resiliency. The question of courage has been in the public debate sparked by Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony in front of the January 6th Committee. Many have spoken about the bravery of women over the ages to speak out about moral principles being breached when others have kept silent. Ms. Hutchinson’s bravery and that of other women like civil rights leader Rosa Parks are examples of women who had the courage to speak up. The question for many of us is, “could I be as courageous as these to women have been to speak my truth to power? Many of us can be driven by fear and keep silent. What is it about some who can, despite a great threat to their lives, summon their courage? Today’s show will address the issue of courage. Dr. Joy Miller has worked with the courageous women interned at Auschwitz. She will share the wisdom she learned about their courage as well as her reflections of being a courageous pioneering woman in the field of Mental Health and Resiliency. She will also give us a peek preview of the conference Resiliency 2022.
COVID-19 exacerbated stress and trauma universally, creating a secondary pandemic that increased demand for mental health care in a system on the verge of crisis. An intense and immediate need for population well-being support resulted, and subsequent requests for resiliency training quickly followed. In response, Dr. Ingrid Duva and nurses in Georgia certified to teach the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) fast tracked efforts to share this mental wellness training program across their state. This successful nurse-led response to the crisis capitalized on statewide organizations’ existing efforts to bolster well-being and reduce trauma. Partnerships were formed and joint aims identified to disseminate the Community Resiliency Model, as a self-care modality to individuals in organizations and communities throughout the state. An evaluation of this program was recently published in the American Journal of Public Health. Dr. Duva will discuss the results of their efforts and the implications to the well-being of front-line workers nationwide.
Shelly Sood and Nikhil Torsekar, husband and wife, will share that with an understanding of mental health conditions and receiving support and guidance, and accepting help, health, and life can be transformed. They navigated a harrowing, but ultimately redemptive journey with the growing understanding of Nikhil’s Bipolar condition. Shelly went through a challenging ordeal to get Nikhil to accept what was hiding in plain sight: and that he suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder. It nearly destroyed their marriage - and their lives - until he agreed to get a proper diagnosis and seek treatment in 2016. This also inspired the launch of GIOSTAR Chicago - a leading regenerative medicine center. Six years later, they run a successful business, and have developed a robust content platform called The Shelly Story. This encompasses a book, a forthcoming movie, a blog, and a podcast where they speak with guests on a broad array of topics including mental health in the South Asian diaspora, technologies that can assist with managing bipolar disorder, advocacy efforts, and alternative treatment modalities such as Ayurveda and meditation
We live in a world of violence and sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and helpless. From the streets of our town and cities like Chicago to the Genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia what lessons can we learn from peacemaking in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Lesley Carroll has been involved in peacemaking and healing the historical traumas of the past, she will share her wisdom of what she has experienced to bring solutions to respond to the violence in our world today.
November is National Native American Heritage Month, which pays tribute to the rich history and culture of the indigenous people of the Americas. In 2009, during President Barack H. Obama’s first term in office, November became National Native American Heritage Month. Magdalena Sunshine Serrano is an Indigenous woman of Serrano, Apache, and Tarahumara descent and Julene A. Jose, is an Indigenous woman of the Tohono O’odham Nation who also serves on the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe. Magdalena and Julene will share their perspectives and their wisdom about healing, hope and empowerment in their communities. We can all learn from their collective wisdom. They both will also address how the Community Resiliency Model is congruent to their organic views of healing. Over the last decade the Trauma Resource Institute, our sponsor, has had the honor to learn about the true history of the Indigenous people who lived in these lands prior to the Europeans who settled in the Americas. The suffering has been great, and the maltreatment of Indigenous people has been a holocaust often not acknowledged. The strength and beauty of the diverse cultures and traditions of Indigenous people will be discussed as well as the strength that springs forth from their cultural traditions.
After over two years of disconnection, frequent trauma, and grief, so many children are longing for connection, belonging, and the opportunity to process experiences. Meaningful conversations offer them all these gifts and more. They also reduce stress, burnout, and anxiety for adults. This session will introduce listeners to the power of back-and-forth-conversations with children, as a way of promoting resilience and healing for both children and adults. Delivered by a speech-pathologist, lecturer, and mother of two, this session will offer listeners a toolbox of fun, playful, and actionable strategies and ideas to enhance their relationships with children. Also, through discussing the neuroscience behind these strategies, this session will support listeners in understanding just how powerful and urgent it now is to have meaningful conversations with kids.
Drs. Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward will address how we are all as a world community are impacted by Racism and how we can heal from the traumas that arise from Racism. Dr. Ward’s book, America’s Racial Karma published in September 2020 addresses how America can begin to heal. They have been teaching and practicing with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. They received the lamp (teacher transmission) from him at Plum Village in 2001. They co-authored Love’s Garden and this book was featured in The Best Buddhist Writing of 2009. Peggy and Larry work with CEOs of Fortune 500 programs to integrate cultural diversity, corporate change and transformation. They will also address the Wisdom School they have created to bring healing to our global community.
In the United States, the nineteen children murdered in Uvalde now are tragically added to the 4,357 American children from the ages of one to nineteen who died from gun violence in 2020. After every mass shooting, the dialogue is the same, and the themes run fast and furious – gun control, the internet, and mental illness. How did this happen? Why did he do it? What can we do to stop the subterranean secret life of the web that spews hate adding fuel to disturbed and distorted thinking? While mass shootings grab our attention momentarily, gunfire takes the lives of more children and teens every year than the Parkland, Sandy Hook, Uvalde, and Columbine massacres combined. Jenee Littrell, the Deputy Superintendent, of Educational Services at San Mateo County Office of Education, will bring forth her ideas and that of her school district to create safety and support within school districts. She will discuss how to support children, parents, and teachers. Dr. Michael Sapp, CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, will also join to add perspective as trauma therapist and father of two teen-age boys.
Shannah Kennedy is one of Australia’s foremost strategic executive life and health coaches, working with clients to help them transform their careers, well-being, and lives. She is a bestselling author, well-being specialist, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, media contributor, and a wife and mother of two. Her most recent publication The Life Plan: Simple Strategies for Building Confidence in a Changing World released in May 2022 from Beyond Words Publishing. The Life Plan is an invaluable guide and workbook offering the tools you need for success, fulfillment, and happiness in every aspect of your life.
Brain diseases are now the world’s leading source of disability. One of the most debilitating, Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. By 2040, it will likely double again.
In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train.
As we confront this coming wave of Parkinson’s disease—one of the great health challenges of our time—we must turn to recent public health crises such as polio and AIDS, and what we can learn from them. In that same vein, we must look at what the global effort to address COVID-19 has taught us about how to martial scientific and financial resources to halt the insidious spread of a pandemic, because Parkinson’s disease is fast on its way to becoming a pandemic—one that, if left unaddressed, will persist long after COVID-19 disappears.
In 2021, Georgia ranked 49th in access to behavioral health services. Children and youth have been particularly affected by the shortage of providers; longer wait lists to receive mental health services are contributing to increases in crisis-level care and visits to the emergency department. The Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Resilient Georgia is engaged in statewide efforts to train and support Georgia’s behavioral health workforce with trauma and resiliency-informed wellness interventions.
These days, it feels like we can’t look at the front page of a national newspaper or watch five minutes of cable news without hearing of a school shooting or a person in a position of power who abused a child or teenager. These incidents remind us that every young person needs a trusted adult who they can turn to at home and at school—someone who they can confide in and from whom they can receive guidance. According to author and educator Brooklyn Raney, having connections to trusted adults is the best way for young people to stay safe. She explains that parents are usually the first, and closest, trusted adult, but as young people grow they often look toward others. It may be a teacher, a guidance counselor, a coach, a friend’s parent, an aunt or an uncle, or a neighbor. For this reason, all adults in contact with young people should know the ABCs of being a trusted adult: Accessible, Boundaried, and Caring. As Raney shows, being a trusted adult need not be onerous. It doesn’t mean working 24/7, or acting as a mental health counselor, or sharing details of your personal life. At once a call to action for every school to put in place a program to assess whether each student has a trusted adult, a blueprint for how to make her paradigm a reality, and a guide for those interested in helping the next generation, One Trusted Adult stands to revolutionize the way we support the young people in our life.
Lauren Roselle and Joelle Casteix from SpotTheLine are here to talk about a brand-new, free app that can identify, prevent, and de-escalate sexual harassment.
A sexual harassment issue can be intimidating to address, jarring to report, and confusing to identify whether it’s illegal or just creepy. With custom action steps and empowerment tools to help the user move forward with confidence, SpotTheLine’s Sexual Harassment Meter is a groundbreaking tool to help victims proceed beyond uncomfortable, confusing, and sometimes illegal situations with courage and support. It’s “power in your pocket.”
Clive Corry of Action Trauma Limited, will tell us what trauma is and why it affects so many people in the world in so many different ways; often causing them to hurt themselves and others. Clive says that trauma is a disturbing, subconscious memory or series of memories which can deeply affect our mood, behaviour, health and life. It often has a ‘ripple effect’ within families and can be passed down the generations. He is very clear that trauma is not an illness, but an injury which can be healed. So, what is the nature of this injury and what methods are available for healing? Traditionally in medicine, a ‘trauma’ was a physical injury. Today, the dictionary also describes it as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience and omits the descriptive prefix of ‘psychological’. Clive says that the most important points to note in all of this, are that trauma is held in the subconscious and by both the mind and the body. He will give some amazing descriptions of how trauma manifests itself, taking charge of our thinking brain and preparing our entire body and mind for instant action, based upon our ancient survival instincts. He will detail the different types, causes and variations of trauma and its effects, which include anger, addictions, obesity, anxiety and depression. He avoids the use of complicated medical terms and, indeed, notes that the medical profession generally have not caught up with the new evidence and new thinking about trauma in the world today. Clive then goes on to describe how trauma may be healed and how difficult it can be to do so because trauma does not want to be revealed, in case it opens a Pandora's box of frightening memories and experiences. Resilience is an important factor but varies hugely between people depending upon their experiences and ‘nature versus nurture’. Collective trauma is a major problem in healing experiences from ‘the troubles’ in Northern Ireland. Excitingly, after two years of Covid restrictions, The Trauma Summit (www.traumasummit.com) will be hosted live in ICC Belfast on June 13 & 14. Almost 2000 delegates are expected, along with up to 1000 virtual visitors. All will be able to view the talks and presentations for up to six months afterwards. Clive says that this will be the biggest conference since the very first one in 2018. 40 Speakers will be discussing the latest research findings, approaches and developments in trauma diagnosis and healing. He has a talented team, led by fellow director Karen Hamilton, who work with him to bring his vision forward.
Resilient Retreat was formed in 2018 and has been providing interdisciplinary workshops and training to victims of trauma since 2019. Over four hundred and fifty trauma victims, including survivors of abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence, first responders, and helping professionals such as teachers and nurses, have been treated free to date to heal their minds, bodies, and spirit. In October, 2020 Resilient Retreat began construction on a new 84-acre retreat center at 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34240. Upon completion in 2022 Resilient Retreat will be able to further expand its capabilities and capacity to offer healing services to the community, including modalities like neurofeedback, yoga, meditation, massage, time in nature, gardening and support groups as well as enhancing self- care skills through workshops on healthy cooking, journaling, and other beneficial activities. In addition to their day programs, once retreat construction is complete, peaceful multi-day retreats focused on healing the entire person will be added to provide participants with the necessary tools to not only survive after trauma, but to thrive.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused a shock wave throughout our world. As the images of destruction besieged our social media, many of us wondered how we could help. The Trauma Resource Institute was called into action by our Ukrainian colleagues at EdCamp Ukraine on February 24, 2022, when they asked us to provide support for their national network of educators, children, and wider community. They shared their thoughts about the support that was needed. They requested a Community Resiliency Model workshop to be offered in a series of four webinars, meeting through Zoom and to stream on EdCamp Ukraine’s Facebook Live for accessibility to their wider community. They then requested daily support meetings where we could address questions with regard to the stress and trauma of war. Thus, TRI’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Resiliency Project (UHRP) was created. Wendy Flick is the International Coordinator for the Trauma Resource Institute and coordinating the logistics for UHRP. She will dialogue with Elaine Miller-Karas, TRI’s co-founder of their experience in supporting Ukrainian from afar. They will share poignant questions posed by Ukrainian parents and teachers and how the Trauma Resource Institute is responding with trauma therapists and Community Resiliency Model Teachers.
What do we learn when we integrate the perspectives of trauma and systems change? Why is a trauma-informed lens absent from the mainstream discourse about social and environmental problem solving and what changes when we bring that lens from the periphery to the mainstream? This episode of Resiliency Within dives into an exploration of how trauma shows up as a force to be reckoned with in systems that touch our lives - our education systems, healthcare systems, housing systems, etc. - drawing on insights gathered by the Collective Change Lab in conversation with dozens of social change leaders in Sri Lanka, Romania, Australia, Tasmania, Canada, Colombia, India, the US, and elsewhere. In this episode, guest speakers Laura Calderon de la Barca, John Kania, and Katherine Milligan also offer collective healing practices adopted by social change leaders in pursuit of systems change.
In Correctional, Shankar frames his unexpected encounters with the law and the unraveling of his life through the lenses of race, class, privilege, and his bicultural upbringing as the first and only son of South Indian immigrants. Vignettes from his life, as a child in colorful Chennai; an angsty adolescent fighting against the model minority myth in Washington, DC; an emerging writer in Brooklyn; and, later, an accomplished poet and academic, set the scene for his spectacular fall and subsequent struggle to come to terms with his own demons. Many of them, it turns out, are also our own. At once the story of what led to Shankar’s incarceration and the revelations—both personal and societal—that came out of it, Correctional challenges us to rethink the way we view and treat the previously incarcerated, and to reexamine the justness of our criminal justice system.
The Loma Linda University (LLU) International Behavior Health Trauma Team (IBHTT) operated by the LLU School of Behavioral Health (SBH) has been providing international trauma preparatory training and psychological first aid disaster response since 1995. Dr. Bev Buckles and Dr. Kimberly Freeman will share their international work as members of the IBHTT. Dr. Buckles is the founder and lead for the IBHTT and first required the team supporting services in Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, to complete initial training in the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). Dr. Freeman, a member of the team and a specialist in child development has been one of the key members of the IBHTT. Dr. Buckles and Dr. Freeman, both social workers, will discuss the impact social workers can make in response to human made and natural disasters globally. Since 2010 the IBHTT has used CRM in over 90 international services and trainings around the world, which have included serving as members of TRI’s global response as needed. Beginning in 2012 the IBHTT began collaborative research with TRI to continue to evaluate the effectiveness of CRM. Under the leadership of Dr. Susanne Montgomery, Associate Dean for Research a robust CRM research agenda continues to expand to support global outreach and healthcare applications.
Pediatrician Mark Vonnegut has spent forty years treating children for coughs, fevers, ear infections, and sometimes more serious complaints. In that time, he has seen the American medical system change in ways he couldn’t have imagined as a medical student—some of them good, others not so good. But what hasn’t changed is his commitment to his young patients.
There’s Anna Maria, a little girl with an incurable case of bone cancer; Adeline, who has a syndrome so rare none of Dr. Vonnegut’s colleagues have seen it before; Marlowe, whose life-threatening anemia is cured by his just-born baby brother; Jamal, who is autistic but has so much empathy that he donates his hair to a company that makes wigs for chemotherapy patients; and Malcolm, who is permanently paralyzed from the waist down and whose regular care includes treatment for bedsores, medication for urinary tract infections, and mountains of paperwork attesting that his wheelchair is still “medically necessary.”
Whether recounting the cases that have stuck with him or detailing the changes in medicine that he has seen over the past four decades—the privatization of healthcare, the barriers to mental health services, the skyrocketing costs of insurance and pharmaceutical drugs, and the decreasing quality of care—Dr. Vonnegut is a personable guide through what is often seen as an impersonal system. He doesn’t pull any punches in his criticisms of the medical-industrial complex. His is the story of a life lived in medicine, with all the hope and heartbreak that entails.
Many in the global community want to help Ukrainians and may not know how. Vira Salzburn will discuss with host Elaine Miller-Karas how a group of international Community Resiliency Model teachers gathered with their Ukrainian colleagues at EdCamp to create webinars to support the wellbeing of Ukrainian children and adults. They will emphasize the importance of promoting peace and healing as a global community. They will share how over the last few days, they have witnessed the resilience and strength of Ukrainians. Vira believes “in the power of touching hearts and changing minds through shared stories of our human experience.
We are inundated with information about all that is wrong in the world. Sometimes it feels so overwhelming we throw our hands up, believing we can’t possibly make a difference. But we can. There is a quote that goes, “everyone wants to save the world, but nobody wants to help mom with the dishes.” There is something every single one of us can do, right now, right where we are to ease suffering. We can start by recognizing where we have power and choosing to use it honorably. And where we don’t have power…we still have a choice to practice compassion and loving-kindness in response to our genuine and warranted despair. Barbara Gibson, Housing Programs Director with the Women’s Resource Center in Decatur, GA, talks about the work of ending domestic violence, choosing to help however we can, rather than give in to hopelessness, and connecting with our innate resilience as one path to safer homes and communities.
Bernita R. Walker, the CEO and Co-Founder of Project Peacemakers, Inc. will share the wealth and wisdom of her experience as a Violence Prevention Practitioner, an Intimate Partner Violence Survivor, and a retired Deputy Sheriff for the County of Los Angeles. She will share what she has learned on what she calls “the truth on how to not become a victim of intimate partner violence. She will share the way to become a survivor and the reality of being what she calls a THRIVER of domestic violence/intimate partner violence. She was recently selected for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s African American Advisory Board and the District Attorney’s inaugural Governance Board for south Los Angeles.
A team of multi-generational civil rights leaders, historians, educators, community leaders and clinicians gathered together to participate in a landmark initiative, the Kellogg Foundation’s Racial Equity 2030 grant opportunity. Reena Evers-Everette assembled a team of progressive thinkers dedicated to empowering future generations with historic civil rights truth through a trauma-informed lens. In the process, new partnerships were formed and new meanings about race, equity, and healing were articulated. Kenneth Mason, Kevin McCleod, and Jordan Murphy will share their thoughts and insight into what it means to take steps in courage and confront the truth about race and trauma through a lens of healing and resilience.
Reggie will discuss how Black youth in America are confronted by trauma disproportionately affecting their communities. As we remember the past, engage the present and envision the future, the protective factors within youth, their families and communities can be strengthened through wellness skills. Despite inadequate access to mental health resources, black youth can draw on a rich legacy of faith-based cultural resiliency to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Chris Underhill MBE works as a mentor and is a social entrepreneur in the field of quality of life, and mental health in the community. The host of Resiliency Within first met Chris in Oxford, England at the Skoll World Forum where she was struck by his depth of understanding of the suffering of individuals with mental health challenges. He also shared an abundance of hope of how to bring innovations to meet the challenges of those who suffer in developing countries. Chris Underhill draws on his lived experience as a child and his many years hands-on in the field to discuss resiliency and trauma in very poor communities in developing countries and at home. During his career, Chris has created several organizations in mental health, wellbeing and resilience, bringing hope to thousands. This has included Thrive, Action on Disability and Development, Basic Needs, Cities Rise and the Elders Council of Social Entrepreneurs. “Hope” is the title of his topic on Resiliency Within. There is an important inspiring parallel between Chris’ early struggles as a child, his own growth, and the growth of his mission in the support of many traumatized people around the world. Chris Underhill will share his humble journey and his wisdom with our listeners.
The pandemic has highlighted many issues with our current education system. These last years have brought many challenges for students, teachers and parents/guardians. In a future filled with uncertainty, how can we best prepare our children? From the lens of education and community, Adrian will share what he has learned through the pandemic and how he feels we can best prepare our children for their future. We will discuss how children's needs have shifted in an era where they have access to all the information in the world, but many lack the tools to know how to use it. He will also share how he uses the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) to help students manage new challenges and an uncertain future.
Dr. Bryan Robinson returns a year after helping to launch Resiliency Within. Dr. Robinson and host, Elaine Miller-Karas, will reflect upon 2021 and continue to discuss how to cultivate well-being during the challenges of the present and future as we enter the new year. Dr. Robinson will also share exciting news about his novel, Limestone Gumption, A Brad Pope and Sister friends Mystery and the plans to adopt the novel into a television series.
What if, halfway through life, you found out that your father wasn’t your biological father? It happened to Peter J. Boni at the age of forty-nine, when his mother suffered a stroke that led her to divulge a family secret: Like an estimated one million people worldwide, Boni was donor-conceived. And, like so many of them, he was also “misattributed”—a phrase that means one or both of the parents on your birth certificate are not your flesh and blood.
What followed were more than two decades of searching for the identity of his biological father. A combination of research via Ancestry.com and 23andMe led him not only to the name of the anonymous donor whose sperm had been used to create him, but to two half-siblings whom he has since been able to meet. He is aware of five other potential siblings, and lives with the knowledge that he may have many more.
Boni uses his acquired expertise to shed light on, and advocate for the regulation of, a multibillion-dollar assisted reproductive technology industry in which hundreds of children are routinely conceived from a single donor (if retail theory is applied, at most sperm banks 20% of the inventory is purchased by 80% of the people). These children grow into adults who are unaware of the existence of their half-siblings. Boni explains the potential consequences, offers suggestions for how to improve oversight.
The great spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu died last week, and Resiliency Within was already planning to enter the new year with his message of joy. We will celebrate his life in this episode highlighting his dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s about joy as expressed in their book, The Book of Joy. Desmond Tutu called himself the “prisoner of hope” and his message of hope and joy will live on. Many people in our world have expressed being tired and feeling a sense of hopelessness about the world condition. Desmond Tutu faced great hardship in his life, yet he was hopeful about the world condition, and he would say, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Reena Patel, LCSW, and the Director of Education and Training, of the Trauma Resource Institute will discuss with Elaine Miller-Karas, the meaning of joy and how we can be lifted from suffering and hopelessness to embrace the spring of joy within each one of us. They will discuss the eight pillars of joy: perspective, acceptance, humor, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, and generosity. Listeners will be asked to explore how they can nurture their joy to live life with greater meaning and restore hope.
The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) sponsors Resiliency Within on VoiceAmerica. Elaine Miller-Karas, the co-founder and Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute will discuss their innovative ideas of how to heal trauma and cultivate well-being, leading to compassionate and empathic perspectives in children as well as adults. Dr. Sapp and Elaine Miller-Karas will discuss the global reach of the Trauma Resource Institute and how their workshops have been delivered to diverse groups including the Navajo Nation, the University of Calgary, Harvard University, Wake County Schools, the Centers for Disease Control, Covenant House to mention just a few. They will also share their reflections from 2021 and their hopes for the future of dealing with the mental health challenges facing our planet. TRI is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which cultivates trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities worldwide. Two types of trainings are offered, the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)® and the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)®, which have been developed to educate individuals about their nervous system and to teach easy-to-learn wellness skills to be used for self-care as well as care for others. While TRM is oriented toward mental health professionals, CRM takes on a public health focus and has been taught to professionals and natural leaders globally.
Jennifer Burton, LMFT, a leading psychotherapist in Los Angeles and San Francisco, shares her wisdom about how we can cultivate our grace and compassion during challenges we all are facing during unprecedented times. Grace is defined as an attitude of friendliness, helpfulness and cooperation. In today’s times, it has been hard to discover Grace at times when many of us have faced uncertainty, polarization and grief from losing loved ones. She will share how she has integrated a variety of treatment modalities into helping people including the Trauma Resiliency Model and the Community Resiliency Model.
The events this past week in Mayfield, Kentucky and the surrounding areas have shown us the tragedy of climate events and how every person in the community is affected. We must not forget the mental health challenges resulting from this experience. Elaine Miller-Karas, the key developer of the Community Resiliency Model and Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute will help our listeners understand how the wellness skills of the Community Resiliency Model can help community members restore well-being during these difficult times. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)®, a set of six wellness skills based upon the premise that there is a biological response to stressful and traumatic events common to all of humanity. The CRM understands that individuals experience common reactions physically, spiritually, cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, and in relationship with loved ones. Using a mind-body approach, CRM introduces a paradigm shift in that reactions to stress are viewed as common biological responses rather than human weaknesses. The CRM skills can be a stand-alone set of wellness skills and they can also be integrated into other wellness practices. Elaine Miller-Karas and Michael Sapp have responded to typhoons, earthquakes and other events of mass destruction. They will share how he CRM helps individuals learn to track their nervous systems and bring awareness to sensations connected to well-being. As a person begins to pay attention to sensations of well-being, the nervous system can return to a state of balance. Learning about the neurobiology of stressful and traumatic human reactions helps people to understand the design of the nervous system. This knowledge can help people make sense of reactions they have experienced during and after traumatic and stressful experiences. The Community Resiliency Model is an evidence-informed intervention. The CRM skills can be used across the lifespan, across cultures and literacy levels.
Michael Tobin will share the journey of his book, Riding the Edge, a Love Song for Deborah.The book chronicles the around the world journey of two soulmates, who the security of their well-ordered lives in search of larger truths. Forty-seven years ago, Michael discovered his soulmate Deborah on a dance floor in Keene, New Hampshire. It took her soul a few years and an around-the-world bike trek to fully reciprocate. Riding the Edge is the astonishing tale of the six-month odyssey that profoundly shaped the next 564 months of their lives together. Taking place in 1980, Michael and Deborah explore and take risks in search of life’s larger truths. What they find is a story of magnificent vistas and memorable moments that enliven their senses to the beauty of the world even as it also reveals the vilest of human cruelty. It’s a journey that has a mind and heart of its own. In the end, each story, kindness, and cruelty uncover the humanness that connects all living things and shows that love is a powerful, healing life force.
Veterans Dr. William Cross and Dr. Mark Dust, represent different generations and different wars. They will share their sacred journey from their service in Vietnam and Iraq to their return and what they learned about life and healing along the way.
Marc Straus will discuss his newly published memoir, One-Legged Mongoose, Secrets, Legacies and Coming of Age in 1950’s New York The book documents two pivotal years of his childhood on Long Island, beginning with him being forced by his parents to leave public school and commute four hours a day to a Yeshiva in Queens. Marc Straus will share his unflinching look at child abuse in the home and his ability to rise above it, One-Legged Mongoose reminds us of the bonds between siblings, the power of family secrets, and the way we learn to protect ourselves by protecting each other.
He chronicles the physical abuse at the hands of his mother and the eventful start of his adolescence—which included a battle with polio, a surgery-requiring eye-injury, and an almost-fatal hit-and-run—Straus explores the Anti-Semitism he encountered in public school, in the community at large, and even in the Boy Scouts. And it’s the Scouts that lend the book its title—a nod to a campfire story about a half-man, half-mongoose that’s almost the height of a full-grown man, and that Straus and the other boys of Troop 300 are tasked with locating. As Straus explains, “I was willing to face it. I know all about monsters.”
MERIEL SCHINDLER will share her journey in writing The Lost Café Schindler as she recounts the history of an extraordinary family. The Lost Café Schindler is a story of tragic loss—several of Meriel’s relatives disappeared in Terezín and Auschwitz—but also one of reclamation and reconciliation. Beautifully written, it is an unforgettable portrait of an era and a testament to the pull that family history has on future generations. She will share the narrative centering around the Café Schindler, the social hub of Innsbruck. Famous for its pastries, home-distilled liquors, live entertainment, and hospitality, the Café became an eyewitness to history. As conditions became untenable for Jews in Austria during the Nazi era, the Schindlers were forced to leave, and their café was expropriated. What had once been home to jazz and apple strudel was now a Nazi officers’ drinking club. As she unravels her family history, including the truth behind what happened on Kristallnacht when the Nazis beat her grandfather and left him for dead, Meriel Schindler also tells the untold story of the fate of the Jews of western Austria. She reconstructs the color and vibrancy of life in pre-war Innsbruck against the majestic backdrop of the Austrian Alps, as well as the rise of antisemitism and the Nazi occupation.
November is National Native American Heritage Month, which pays tribute to the rich history and culture of the indigenous people of the Americas. In 2009, during President Barack H. Obama’s first term in office, November became National Native American Heritage Month. Magdalena Sunshine Serrano is an Indigenous woman of Serrano, Apache, and Tarahumara descent and Julene A. Jose, is an Indigenous woman of the Tohono O’odham Nation who also serves on the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe. Magdalena and Julene will share their perspectives and their wisdom about healing, hope and empowerment in their communities. We can all learn from their collective wisdom. They both will also address how the Community Resiliency Model is congruent to their organic views of healing. Over the last decade the Trauma Resource Institute, our sponsor, has had the honor to learn about the true history of the Indigenous people who lived in these lands prior to the Europeans who settled in the Americas. The suffering has been great, and the maltreatment of Indigenous people has been a holocaust often not acknowledged. The strength and beauty of the diverse cultures and traditions of Indigenous people will be discussed as well as the strength that springs forth from their cultural traditions.
Building accessible interventions promoting mind and body health in rural America is possible. Research suggests that individuals living in rural areas are less likely than residents of urban areas to seek professional help for psychological distress for several reasons including stigma (both public and self-directed) and limited mental health literacy. Laurie Strand and Melissa Boley, both psychotherapists working in rural Idaho will share their insights and how they have managed through community coalitions to create accessible and affordable programs promoting wellbeing that can lead to greater mental health. They will talk about the strengths of their community and how they have integrated the Community Resiliency Model into the school system and other community organizations.
Karin Weiri will discuss her new book, Achieving Peace, Purpose and Prosperity. As a society we have built a myopic view of mental health blaming the majority on genetics and leaving out environmental, societal trauma and influence. She will discuss how powerful the mind is and how to access our full potential when we learn how to use simple, yet powerful tools. The role of stress is huge as is the way we are over fed and under nourished. Karin will share how we can balance the body again, including using nutritional supplements, to reset the nervous system. She has learned that you can now oversee your environment and how you want to respond instead of acting with a kneejerk reaction. With these skills, you can begin to create the reality you want to live in.
We are stuck in a pattern. Urgent headlines such as George Floyd’s murder or the chaos of the Afghanistan withdrawal pulls our attention, demand our support but we consistently fail to achieve meaningful systematic change. All too often once the limelight fades on the “en vogue” issues of the moment, the issue is relegated to the special interest groups whose purpose was set up to keep on fighting for justice and reform. In the storytelling, those who are in-need is always positioned as the “other,” the listener, the supporters are outsiders, the “fairy godmothers” who has the power to change the outcome. What if we told a different story? A story that showed us how we are all connected as outsiders, as the other, that alienations are actually our shared bond and our belonging? In another word, despite of our race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, we all have felt that sense of aloneness once upon a time. How would that affect the systems we design, the policies we write, and who is advocating for whom and for how long?
Many of us needed a break from the pandemic and the usual windstorms of life. We needed a respite: a journey reminding us of decency, kindness, compassion and folksy wisdom. Over the last two seasons of Ted Lasso, an AppleTV+ original, we have laughed, cried and been deeply touched by the lived experiences of Ted Lasso and his crew. Ted Lasso is about “an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, determination...and biscuits.” Ted is described as winning others over with his “decency” and “relentless optimism.” But his decency and relentless optimism” is anchored in the characters own painful struggles and is displayed within the context of other characters' struggles with pain that often play out in revenge, greed, selfishness, and a general lack of care for others. Ted Lasso offers an example of what else could also be true in how we treat others with value and respect amidst our own pain and challenge. It also demonstrates that a compassionate and kindly stance can transform people and systems. Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of “Resiliency Within,” will explore with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, the themes of Ted Lasso and how relevant the character’s journey is to many of us who have been betrayed, deceived, belittled, abused, traumatized, and ultimately transformed.
Drs. Grabbe and Duva will discuss how healthcare workers can care for themselves during the pandemic and through the experience of moral injury. Dr. Wendy Dean stated that “Moral injury occurs when health care providers are “repeatedly expected, in the course of providing care, to make choices that transgress their long-standing, deeply held commitment to healing.” From June to September, Mental Health America polled more than 1,100 health care workers about COVID-19, finding that 93% reported stress, 86% anxiety, 77% frustration, 76% exhaustion and burnout, and 75% said they were overwhelmed. Healthcare workers have been asked to work in unimagined conditions, taking extra shifts, caring for more patients in intensive care units and asked to make ethical conditions about who is next in line for the next bed. They also often receive questions from individuals dying from COVID-19 who do not believe in the diagnosis and challenging their efforts to care for them. Many healthcare workers including nurses, respiratory therapists and more are leaving the profession they have loved and cherished because the toll has been too great on them personally and professionally and there is no end in sight.
Every Memory Deserves Respect is a book written with warmth and heart. It’s about trauma, recovery, and a remarkable therapy called EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The authors, Michael Baldwin, a client who experienced transformative relief from trauma through EMDR therapy, and Dr. Deborah Korn, a leading expert on EMDR therapy, will discuss the circumstances that brought them together to write this book and the nature of their unique collaboration. Dr. Korn will provide an overview of how and why EMDR works and will share her thoughts on its strengths and range of applicability. Michael will talk about his therapeutic journey and about the many ways that EMDR therapy enabled him to heal and ultimately re-engage with life with renewed hope and clarity and a firm commitment to self-care.
After Michelle was diagnosed with cancer a second time and endured a challenging treatment year, she was lost - emotionally and physically. She took a job at her son’s school and had to quit after 3 days due to the pain in her body. Cue major soul searching; she needed to do SOMETHING. Thankfully, Breast Friends of Oregon was literally one mile from her house and she went in to volunteer. At this support organization, she found a strong desire to give back and help other women, taking cancer and finding the silver linings out of it. Personally, she found that writing out her experiences brought her joy and now terms herself an “over-sharer.” Nothing about her cancer journey is off limits if it will help others. Her goals are to finish a book about what she has learned from cancer and to shout it from the rooftops via written words, on any stage that will have her and also as the host of the Breast Friends Cancer Support Network podcast.
Gloria Simoneaux is the founder of Harambee Arts and two time Fulbright Scholar. She will share the work she has done with children all over the world to promote their wellbeing through the expressive arts and through community building. Harambee Arts promotes the well-being of children living in poverty who are often homeless, orphaned, abused and neglected. The show will discuss how her programs enhance the stability of the children’s families and support systems. She will share how children can develop their sense of self-worth and positive personal ethics by creating opportunities for children to reach out to other children. Her current work in Dominica, Nairobi, and Nepal will be highlighted and she will share the wisdom of how she cultivates hope even in the aftermath of the most unspeakable traumas. Gloria will elaborate upon the philosophy of Harambee Arts methodology and how all children of all abilities and accomplishments are valued. She believes in joining with the child in their world, rather than following rigid agendas sometimes created by adults. She will help us understand how her current project evolved into a series of coloring books, You are the Star of this Story and I Can’t Forget. Both books are designed by and for children that addresses using expressive arts as an avenue for growth and self-regulation in the wake of trauma and natural disaster.
Drs. Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward will address how we are all as a world community are impacted by Racism and how we can heal from the traumas that arise from Racism. Dr. Ward’s book, America’s Racial Karma published in September 2020 addresses how America can begin to heal. They have been teaching and practicing with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. They received the lamp (teacher transmission) from him at Plum Village in 2001. They co-authored Love’s Garden and this book was featured in The Best Buddhist Writing of 2009. Peggy and Larry work with CEOs of Fortune 500 programs to integrate cultural diversity, corporate change and transformation. They will also address the Wisdom School they have created to bring healing to our global community.
Children can be caught in the crossfire of parental disagreements with school’s deciding to mask or not to require masks. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress, fear, and anxiety for many children. Many family members have reported increased challenges with their children’s’ behavior, including anxiety and acting out2. Making the transition from home to school will be harder for children with developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. Ryan Etheridge will describe how his school district has prepared the staff and teachers for helping children transition from home to school.
Gratitude, Happiness, Empathy, Kindness and Courage can be cultivated when faced when the unspeakable heartache and tragedy of the human experience. These themes are the essence of Joy Miller’s gifts. She has asked world leaders from a bouquet of backgrounds to bring forth their wisdom on how to get through our current tumultuous times by asking them to reach into their hearts and share how they have built wellbeing and resiliency during their worst of times. She will focus on personal empowerment and strategies to enhance resiliency as she elaborates upon her Resiliency Forum. “Resiliency 2021” brings together participants from 94 countries around the globe: celebrities, global influencers, as well as over 5000 participants. Join us and join her on our unified global journey.
As children are returning to school, many parents and children are experiencing anxiety. The anxiety may be sparked as parents leave their children in the care of others with a nagging worry about Covid-19 and whether it can spread throughout a school. Parents who believe in vaccinating may be worried about children who live with non-vaccinated parents and how that could impact their children’s health. Some parents may experience panic attacks and increased irritability. With the recent spread of the Delta variant, parents may feel more uncertain of whether to send their children back to school or not. In addition, parents want to know about school protocols for safety and connection. Some parents who don’t believe in masks or vaccines may wonder how their views will be accepted by the school and other parents. Parents are also concerned about how schools are going to be addressing the loss of learning that may have happened during school closures. Therapists Susan Reedy and Inez Tiger will discuss how parents can cultivate their well-being and reduce their anxiety and help their children as they return to school. They bring rich experiences of being school counselors. They will share their knowledge about how to help parents navigate this journey along with their children.
Dr. Randall Bell will discuss his book, Post-Traumatic Thriving, the Art, Science and Stories of Resilience. Today we see crime, abuse, alcoholism, drugs, anger, and anxiety everywhere. Jails and prisons are crammed on an industrial scale. Recovery centers are packed with patients. Extreme political and religious groups regularly trap more members. Too many schools are simply factories for dropouts. All of this is the result of unresolved trauma. Ultimately, the quality of our lives depends on our ability to successfully process our heartbreaks and catastrophes. By college age, 66% to 85% of all people have been impacted by at least one traumatic experience. COVID has arguably traumatized everyone. In Post-Traumatic Thriving, Dr. Bell follows the journey from the depths of the initial shock to the pinnacle of ultimate healing and growth. Dr. Bell will discuss his new book. He will share some of the poignant stories of people he has met on his journey and interweave advanced science with the stories of people who have not just survived but used their trauma as the fuel to thrive.
Fires are devastating to communities and to the children, teens and adults grappling to survive and to recover. During the last week in Western United States, over 22,000 firefighters were combating wildfires, homes burned, and thousands of residents fled from the fast-moving flames. The Dixie Fire in Northern California and the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon are being further sparked by very dry conditions and what climate change scientists say from climate change. The stark reality is we cannot expect the wildfire threat to ease any time soon. The harsh reality is the nation will continue to see more intense wildfires stated Oregon Gov. Kate Brown last week. We can learn from communities like Butte County’s Paradise, California destroyed by the Camp Fire in 2018. Many people lost their lives. The community of Butte County gathered during and after this tragedy to rebuild. Scott Dinits, my guest works as the Human Resources Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley and is also a Co-Director of the Ability First Sports Camp in Butte County. He is a Steering Committee member of Thrive. Thrive exists to support and expand community wide policies and practices that promote resiliency and address the impact of childhood trauma across all generations. Scott will address the impact on children and families caused by the fires and how through working with programs promoting wellness, healing can occur. He is certified in the Community Resiliency Model and as an ACE Interface Master Trainer.
Meet Me At the Shore: Tracking the Tide of Posttraumatic Growth After Human Trafficking and Trauma
K Thomas, a trained trauma therapist and a survivor of sexual and relationship violence. K will weave their personal and professional journey through the challenges of healing, finding appropriate care, and the constant ebb and flow of posttraumatic growth. Working with North County Lifeline’s Project LIFE, K has provided trauma therapy, reprocessing, case management, and emergency response to survivors of sex and labor trafficking and exploitation. K will share personal and professional experiences of posttraumatic growth and experiences of their work with survivors of human trafficking and exploitation and practical tips of how to meet clients at the shore of resiliency.
Survivors of human trafficking and exploitation are no stranger to the reality that healing from trauma is a lifelong process. Many survivors of human trafficking have experienced severe psychology, financial, physical, and sexual violence with long lasting mental, physical, legal, and financial impacts. Some folks might even ask if it’s possible to heal from so much trauma. If you are working to overcome your own traumas or working in the mental health field, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Healing isn’t linear.” Just like nature itself, we move through seasons of growth, death, expansion, and contraction in our healing journeys. We often become discouraged by setbacks, triggers, and obstacles to obtain care. We become overwhelmed by the dance floor of trauma, caught up in the constant movement, high energy, and lack of center. But what if stepped off the dance floor and onto the balcony? What if we viewed our journey as constant exploration of self instead of a task to complete?
How do we fund innovative reforms to make mental health services that are trauma-informed and resiliency-focused more accessible? Two leaders in the field, Carey Smith Sipp and Jesse Kohler, advocates for reform in communities and in our legislature, will share their views and the importance of community members working together and using their voice to create change. They will help us understand the American Rescue Plan Act, three new pieces of legislation that can help our communities organize and fund mental health practices fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will discuss how accessing the funds of the American Rescue Act Plan can help in protecting our most precious resources, our children, the children to come, and our earth. Carey and Jesse will also share about themselves and what inspired them to be invested in this work. Carey Smith Sipp is a community facilitator for PACEs Connection from PACEs, a social network that supports communities to accelerate the global positive & adverse childhood experiences (PACEs) movement in shaping adult behavior and health. Jesse Kohler is the Executive Director from the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP), an organization committed to inform and advocate for public policies and programs at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels that incorporate scientific findings regarding the relationship between trauma and related social and health challenges across the lifespan
Drs. Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward will address how we are all as a world community are impacted by Racism and how we can heal from the traumas that arise from Racism. Dr. Ward’s book, America’s Racial Karma published in September 2020 addresses how America can begin to heal. They have been teaching and practicing with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. They received the lamp (teacher transmission) from him at Plum Village in 2001. They co-authored Love’s Garden and this book was featured in The Best Buddhist Writing of 2009. Peggy and Larry work with CEOs of Fortune 500 programs to integrate cultural diversity, corporate change and transformation. They will also address the Wisdom School they have created to bring healing to our global community.
New Hanover County faces many natural crises due to their location on the coast of North Carolina and the numerous hurricanes that have occurred over the last few years. New Hanover County adopted biologically-based resilience practices from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) with the goal to create a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice toward each person in public service, sharing a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system. The implementation is integrated as core measures for professional development and as a means to permeate the county’s culture. This is not only imperative in the aftermath of community disasters but also for prevention. Bo Dean and Mebane Boyd will discuss how resiliency strategies were implemented through community partnerships and in conjunction with the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force. They will discuss how their resiliency programs emerged throughout the county and discuss their challenges and successes.
Heidi Williams-Cooper and Lindy Settevendemie began working together just prior to the pandemic with Emory University’s Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning program. SEE Learning is an innovative K-12 education program, providing educators with the tools they need to foster the development of emotional, social, and ethical intelligence for students and themselves. Ms. Williams-Cooper and Ms. Settevendemie's work started as a collaboration to create a culturally responsive adaptation of the SEE Learning curriculum to meet the needs of the the Kindezi Schools’ community, students and teachers alike. They have rich teaching backgrounds and a shared wisdom in ideas to guide us during this post-pandemic era from a vista of looking forward as they look back. They will explore how to use SEE Learning to cultivate well-being, promote healing, and support liberation.
This month is PTSD Awareness Month. Kate Wheeler and Elaine Miller-Karas will dialogue about the treatment of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and how through two treatment methods, EMDR and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), healing is possible. EMDR treatment was recently highlighted by Oprah and Prince Harry as a treatment for trauma. PTSD is a mental health condition. It can occur in children, teens and adults who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The experience could be direct or indirect like hearing about the death of a loved one. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age. PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. PTSD affects a person’s mind and body. People can be reminded of the traumatic event by multi-sensory triggers of the event, like a sound, a smell or a visual image. It can feel like the event is happening in the present moment even if it happened years ago. Sometimes people don’t remember the details of the event, but the body remembers by sounding an alarm when reminded. A person can be left with a powerful physical experience with no memory associated with it. There is hope of healing with EMDR and TRM.
The internet and social media are often perceived as the bad guys as they have unfortunately been abused by perpetrators to target children, teens, and adults for bullying, sexual harassment, predatory grooming and sex-trafficking. But what if this same technologies could be used in a positive way to provide individuals, organizations, and communities with the knowledge and tools they need to address and prevent sexual violence?
Today’s guests bring a combined 50 years of experience in the field of sexual violence prevention and will share why they are convinced that technology is a major key toward eradicating all forms of sexual misconduct.
During a two-year period in Santa Maria, California -a city of 103,000- there were 23 murders within 17 months. This epidemic had many contributing factors, including gun violence. As the community reeled and came together, one factor that arose was the need for accessible mental health services. Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley (FBSMV) was asked during this time to develop a violence reduction program in the schools. The mission created by FBSMV was to partner with all members of the community to achieve resilience against substance use, reductions in violence, and promote a healthy and safe environment for youth and families. They were tasked with conducting conflict resolution using a restorative approach. Edwin Weaver, the Executive Director of FBSMV, will discuss how students who have conflict go through the restorative mediation with a Fighting Back Program Specialist. This approach has reduced school suspension and reduced recidivism to zero. The students who go through this process do not get into fights with each other and can instead focus on learning. But what the staff realized quickly is that you cannot participate in the restorative process if you have not felt a sense of safety. Edwin Weaver trained as a Community Resiliency Model Teacher and began workshops throughout Santa Barbara County. Edwin will further elaborate upon how community wellness can be expanded by integrating programs like the Community Resiliency Model.
In light of the recent shootings in Georgia, this show will look at hate crimes in the Asian-American community and honoring the diversity of lived experiences within the vast group labeled as “Asian-American”. Reena Patel and Kimberly Wong will be speaking from their respective lens as Indian-American and Chinese-American individuals whose experiences both overlap and greatly differ in response to events in the last several years, and most recently with the uprise in violent crimes for Asian-Americans. They will explore how the concept of ‘othering’ creates fear and ultimately endangers individuals and communities who are not considered to be a part of the widely accepted American narrative. In addition, they will explore ways to move from “othering” to “us” as we look to ways to bring healing to our communities.
Preventing Child Abuse in Residential Facilities is the passionate commitment of our guests who are two of the founders of Breaking Code Silence, a newly formed nonprofit. Vanessa Hughes and Kathryn McNamara, both survivors of residential facilities, will share their lived experiences and discuss the Troubled Teen Industry, a multi-billion-dollar industry profiting off vulnerable children. They will discuss the abuse that happens, how prevalent these facilities are today, and how you can get involved for support if you are a survivor or would like to become an advocate. Through trauma-informed community projects and empowerment, survivors are breaking the code of silence previously placed on them and raising awareness to prevent future children from enduring the same harmful experiences.
Clive Corry will discuss the mission and purpose of Action Trauma, the nonprofit he started in 2016 in the memory of his wife, after discovering that trauma, anxiety and stress may have contributed to her death from cancer. He will share the wisdom of his journey beautifully expressed, when he states, “my greatest personal achievements have been to discover, nurture, and practice, love, kindness, understanding, and compassion. Firstly, in myself and then to encourage and share them with others. These emotions, thoughts, and attitudes are badly needed if we are to heal the world of trauma.” Action Trauma’s mission is to change people’s lives for the better by promoting awareness of trauma, its causes, effects, and recovery throughout the world. He will discuss his vision of a world where people stop hurting themselves and others because of trauma and other adverse experiences. The message to that world is that trauma is not an illness; it is an injury which can be healed. He will share the next major world event Action Network has created, the virtual Trauma Recovery Summit (www.traumasummit.com) on 21st to 23rd June this year. It will be hosted from the iconic Belfast Titanic Centre and brings together world leading experts in the field of trauma and trauma recovery with a full schedule of keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions and networking.
In honor of Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, the mother-daughter team of Jesssica Karas Waterson, LMFT and Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW will share how their shared interests led them to work together as trauma therapists with the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), a biological approach representing a paradigm shift in the treatment of trauma. Symptoms are treated as common biological responses rather than pathological or mental weaknesses. TRM helps those who suffer an opportunity to reprocess their traumatic experiences and teaches them wellness skills for self-care. TRM emphasizes that learning to read sensations of well-being is transformational not only for survivors of natural and human made disasters, but for those who suffer the consequences of developmental and cumulative trauma. Traditional talk therapies can help a person gain insight into what happened, but the multisensory body experience of traumatic events so deeply embedded in the nervous system may still plague trauma survivors. TRM suggests that physical sensations underlie emotions and its accompanying unpleasant physical sensations. TRM helps clients learn techniques to intentionally shift to pleasant or neutral sensations which lead to transforming emotional states and cognitive meanings about their lived experiences. Both therapists will address the challenges faced by parents, grandparents, and children during the pandemic and how body-based skills can help families during these challenging times.
From civil rights, to violence against women, to disability and LGBTQ rights, to the current Black Lives Matter & MeToo, movements shape what is important and impact policy and culture. Patti Giggans is the Executive Director/CEO at Peace over Violence(POV) and has been an advocate, author and movement leader. Peace Over Violence came into existence out of the feminist violence against women movement in the late sixties/early seventies. This year POV celebrates its 50th year. POV operates the longest running sexual & domestic violence hotline in the country and are the originators of the Denim Day movement -the longest running sexual violence prevention campaign now in its 22nd year. Movements Matter. Patti Giggans will share her insights about POV and why movements matter.
Bob Doppelt has organized and currently coordinates the Transformational Resiliency Coalition (ITRC). Bob’s work has helped organizations develop externally-focused climate adaptation plans. The ITRC is now led by a national steering committee composed of 20-plus leaders representing major resiliency, health, faith, and other organizations, as well as local steering committees in different parts of the U.S. The ITRC now has partners in the mental health, resilience, climate, disaster response, faith, and other professionals working to build psychological and psychosocial resilience for the traumas and toxic stresses generated by climate change in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other nations worldwide. Bob will discuss the urgency of creating innovative responses to meet the climate emergency now facing the world. He will illuminate his thoughts on how to mobilize communities to meet this international emergency.
Michael Karlin, one of the creators of Compassionate Integrity Training(CIT), will illuminate our listeners about this innovative program that has been adopted by UNESCO MGIEP. The UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO's category 1 Research Institute that focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) towards education for building peaceful and sustainable societies across the world.
New Hanover County faces many natural crises due to their location on the coast of North Carolina and the numerous hurricanes that have occurred over the last few years. New Hanover County adopted biologically-based resilience practices from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) with the goal to create a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice toward each person in public service, sharing a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system. The implementation is integrated as core measures for professional development and as a means to permeate the county’s culture. This is not only imperative in the aftermath of community disasters but also for prevention. Bo Dean and Mebane Boyd will discuss how resiliency strategies were implemented through community partnerships and in conjunction with the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force. They will discuss how their resiliency programs emerged throughout the county and discuss their challenges and successes.
In light of the recent shootings in Georgia, this show will look at hate crimes in the Asian-American community and honoring the diversity of lived experiences within the vast group labeled as “Asian-American”. Reena Patel and Kimberly Wong will be speaking from their respective lens as Indian-American and Chinese-American individuals whose experiences both overlap and greatly differ in response to events in the last several years, and most recently with the uprise in violent crimes for Asian-Americans. They will explore how the concept of ‘othering’ creates fear and ultimately endangers individuals and communities who are not considered to be a part of the widely accepted American narrative. In addition, they will explore ways to move from “othering” to “us” as we look to ways to bring healing to our communities.
Focused on personal empowerment and promoting strategies to enhance resiliency, Joy Erlichman Miller will share her ideas and wisdom regarding the forum she has helped create: Resiliency 2021. She will share how the forum brings together inspirational speakers, empowering clinicians, talented artists, life-changing authors, and noted professionals, all dedicated to enhancing our ability to thrive. Her goal is to share creative and innovative strategies for dealing with the unexpected earth-shattering event that has changed every American’s life, COVID-19. She will discuss why offering new methods can reframe the Resiliency 2021 forum’s participant experiences and support each one toward discovering a “new normal” is so important. She will discuss the mission of Resiliency 2021: to assist participants to discover strategies for being grateful, finding purpose, examining personal meaning, and building resiliency. She will share how anyone can participate in this international program and it is free for everyone.
Cammie Wolf Rice, the founder of the Christopher Wolf Crusade, will share her journey as a mother who lost her beloved son, Christopher, to the Opioid Epidemic. She brings to light the lost promise of her kind, empathic son and how he tragically became addicted to opioids in the aftermath of countless surgical procedures and resulting prescriptions. She will share her passionate call to action to face this epidemic with the innovation of creating the Life Care Specialist Program, implementing a new layer of post-surgical prevention within hospitals. Out of a mother’s love and in Christopher’s memory, she will illuminate how her grief sparked her to create solutions to this epidemic threatening the fabric of our society. She will discuss how wellness strategies work to prevent self-medicating and the critical importance of innovative prevention she is bringing forth within hospitals via Life Care Specialists.
This episode will highlight the relationships that Lesley Carroll has been cultivating for a lifetime in Northern Ireland and how as a natural leader, she has cultivated bringing resiliency practices to her beloved country. After learning about the Community Resiliency Model(CRM)®, she saw a way forward from the entanglement of past experiences, not just for herself but for the community of Northern Ireland. She believes passionately that the wellness skills of the Community Resiliency Model could help those caught in the cycle of traumatic responses continually triggered by unsettled politics and public debate. She had been privileged to visit other conflicted communities across the world and her vision includes a vision for sharing the CRM skills in other places by training up people from Northern Ireland who can testify to the effectiveness of the skills and share them from their own experience with those living in similar situations. Since then, Lesley has facilitated the Trauma Resource Institute to train trainers to deliver the Community Resiliency Model and has put steps in motion to form the Community Resiliency Network Ireland. Victim Support NI is one of the organizations influenced by the Community Resiliency Model. Jolena Flett is currently Head of Services for Victim Support NI, the leading charity supporting all victims of crime in Northern Ireland. Jolena is responsible for the integration of CRM into the organization at all levels for staff and volunteers. Current work is now expanding on the CRM work through the development of a modified module that can be used by other victim support organizations across Europe.
Jen Wallace is a leader bringing innovative trauma and resiliency informed ideas into law enforcement. She will discuss why resiliency matters to police and how resiliency wellness skills can be organically integrated into police trainings. She is a strong advocate for community policing. She will share the innovative work she is doing with a talented team at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
The Dalai Lama and Emory University established the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics. The center has a vision of a compassionate and ethical world for all, and its mission is to promote human flourishing by developing educational programs, facilitating dialogue, and engaging in research. Brendan Ozawa-de Silva and Timothy Harrison will speak on two programs developed at Emory to promote resilience and compassion: Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for adults, and SEE Learning for students in k-12 and higher education. Both of these programs are the subject of scientific research and aim to be at the cutting edge of trauma and resilience-informed contemplative practice. Tim and Brendan will outline the programs, which have incorporated resilience skills from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), and will discuss how contemplative practice and resilience skills can be integrated for the promotion of physical, mental, and social well-being.
No person or organization is left untouched by the trauma of institutional racism, transgenerational trauma, historical trauma, discrimination and patriarchal power structures. We are all impacted by the inequities and injustices of our collective histories. Kevin McLeod and Michael Sapp will discuss how the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) is committed to creating a world where people of all religions, races, ages, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identification are equally respected and welcomed. Since 2018, a committee of volunteers and staff was created, called the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, to have ongoing leadership to create intentional dialogue regarding equity and diversity inclusion. They will discuss how inclusion strategies can inform and direct other leaders to discussions of diversity and equity in healthy ways within their respective organizations.
Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers, was assassinated in Jackson, Mississippi on June 12, 1963. His dynamic, committed and compassionate daughter, Reena Evers-Everette, will share how the vision of her father and mother continues through the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute in Jackson, Mississippi. She will share her personal experience of suffering and resiliency. She will detail living the mission of the institute: cultivating positive social change, intergenerational civic engagement, through research on social equity and justice worldwide.
Phil Allen discusses the enduring impact of racial tragedy through the lens of the extreme injustice his family experienced in 1953 when his grandfather, Nathanial Allen, was murdered. He will discuss the themes in his documentary and book, entitled Open Wounds. His works illuminate a transformative experience of listening and learning as he looks, laments, and ultimately leads his family and society forward toward a just and reconciled future. It is an essential part of our national reckoning with racism and injustice. The racial tragedy of the murder of his grandfather is not just something an individual, family, or community gets over and forgets. He states, “The tragic racial injustice that my family experienced in 1953 will forever be etched in our collective hearts and minds.” Phil Allen will discuss the hope and the resiliency also passed on from generation to generation. He believes healing and redemption is only available through truth.
How can we support and help our cherished healthcare workers battling the pandemic on the frontlines of their communities? In this episode, two distinguished healthcare leaders will share the anguish COVID has confronted to their professions. More importantly, they will share the resiliency practices that are helping their colleagues and themselves. Dr. Deborah Small, a board-certified Family Medicine Physician, is a founding member of the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing resiliency practices to our world community. Dr. Lindy Grabbe, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, is a leader of bringing the Community Resiliency Model (the modality created by the Trauma Resource Institute) to nurses nationwide and to the state of Georgia. Both guests will share their stories and immense wisdom.
Jane Ellen Stevens, founder and publisher of ACES Connection will discuss Positive and Adverse Experiences of Childhood (PACES) and how these experiences have not only shaped our thinking but our biology. She states, “The path our lives take depends mostly on the positive and adverse childhood experiences we have between conception and about age 18.” She will help us understand how PACES are crucial to humans, because they are at the root of disease, violence, being a victim of violence, mental illness, substance abuse, cruelty, anger, depression, anxiety, a belief in a dangerous world, mob violence and rage. The good news is people can heal and do remarkable things: Schools that integrate practices based on ACEs science are able to eliminate suspensions and expulsions. Suicide attempts by youth drop 98%. Recidivism rates by graduates of batterer intervention courses drop from 60% to 1%. A year after families participate in Safe Babies Courts, 99% of children suffer no further abuse.
Our guest, Jen Housholder, a veteran of the Iraq War and Army Reserve Pilot, suffered depression and suicidal ideation after her deployments. Listen to her compelling journey from despair to hope. She will introduce her new program the Science of Active Resilience (SOAR), a physiological based holistic resilience model. The National Institute of Mental Health states that suicide is a major public health concern. Suicide is often preventable. And although the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on suicide rates is still unknown, it is concerning that there are increased rates of symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is help available through the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
Elaine Miller-Karas, the host of Resiliency Within, launches her new show with Dr. Bryan Robinson. Dr. Robinson, a well-known author and psychotherapist, will be her first guest. He recently co-hosted an international conference, Resilience 2020, where thousands of individuals participated from a worldwide audience. Ms. Miller-Karas will explore with Dr. Robinson how cultivating individual and community resiliency is essential and possible during these unprecedented times. Ms. Miller-Karas will also share with the audience how her International work after human made and natural disasters inspired her work about resiliency, hope and healing.