Podcasts on PTSD & Trauma
"Fear holds you back. Intuition, faith and love push you forward."
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can have long-lasting effects on individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Childhood abuse, in particular, can leave profound scars on a person's psyche and contribute to the development of PTSD. Children who endure abuse, whether it is physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect, often face an overwhelming sense of fear, helplessness, and betrayal that can persist into adulthood.
Avoidance behaviors, such as steering clear of reminders of the abuse or avoiding certain situations, can become ingrained coping mechanisms.
Fear Me Out Podcasts to Defeat PTSD & Trauma
Individuals with PTSD may struggle with regulating their emotions, often experiencing intense bouts of anxiety, depression, and irritability. Trust issues and difficulties in forming secure attachments may also arise, as the traumatic experiences may have shattered their sense of safety and trust in others.
EP1 Fear Me Out: How to Manage Fear & Live a More Fulfilling Life. Kim Fauskee & Dr. Dana Saperstein discuss why they wrote a book, who they are, how fear got a bad rap, and why managing your fear always beats trying to overcome it. "Fear holds you back. Intuition and faith push you forward." Kim Fauskee & Dr. Dana Saperstein are the co-authors of a book by the same name (Fear Me Out) that will be released in 2022. Their unique approach to managing fear will have you experiencing and feeling fear differently. Along with their studio guests, they engage in life conversations that most people are too uncomfortable to have and debunk certain myths regarding fear and everyday psychological issues that affect many of us.|LISTEN >
P2 Self-Examination & How It Benefits Your Life Dana and Kim discuss the ins & outs of living an examined life and how ultimately it could be one of the greatest personal benefits to your life. *Warning, this episode does contain graphic language and references of physical and sexual abuse. About the Fear Me Out Podcast: Kim & Dana are the co-authors of a book by the same name (Fear Me Out) that will be released in 2022. Their unique approach to managing fear will have you experiencing and feeling fear differently. Along with their studio guests, they engage in life conversations that most people are too uncomfortable to have and debunk certain myths regarding fear and everyday psychological issues that affect many of us.|LISTEN >
EP14 Fear of War. Dana and Kim discuss the recent invasion of Ukraine. We welcome guest Pausha Foley who grew up in Poland during the Cold War and how her perception of war is vastly different than what is portrayed via film and the media here in the West. Feelings and emotions that haven’t been felt in some thirty-two years are again in the forefront of her mind.|LISTEN >
EP19 Against All Odds A Father's Fight for his Daughter. "A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt, and fear, goes ahead and overcomes anyway”. Dana and Kim are joined in the studio by former professional athlete Derin Stockton who endured a 10-year legal battle to gain custody of his daughter through a court system that consistently fought him, experts that continually berated him, and a child’s mother whose own battle with mental illness caused their daughter immeasurable harm.|LISTEN >
EP21 Self-Care is How You Take your Power Back. In this episode, Dana & Kim are joined by native New Yorker and now Californian, Lauren Fisher. Her battle with weight issues while growing up eventually led her to a not-so-obvious career as an Associate Publisher and Fashion Director at multiple, well-known, high fashion publications. As a result of her experiences and her passion for human transformation and empowerment, Lauren now shares her expertise as a Health and Wellness Coach with those she left behind in the corporate world and others who desire to live a healthy and balanced life.|LISTEN >
EP27 What if it DID Work? "INSIDE EVERY SELF-MADE MAN IS A FEARFUL KID WHO FOLLOWED HIS DREAMS” In this episode, Dana & Kim are joined by Florida native, Omar Medrano who can be described as a modern-day Horatio Alger story. Omar grew up in Miami the only child of a single mother. He lacked self-confidence and allowed fear & anger to hold him back. It wasn’t until after college & through a series of jobs that Omar began the process of conscious introspection which eventually led him to become a successful entrepreneur, sought-after business coach, mentor, & author of the book; “What If It Did Work”.|LISTEN >
EP28 The Introspective Journey of a Life Well Lived. “THE ONLY JOURNEY IS THE ONE WITHIN” In this episode, Dana and Kim are joined by musician, Glen Phillips who is known to many as the front man for the band, Toad the Wet Sprocket and also through his own successful solo career. Fame found Glen early on and he's been trying to make sense of it ever since. This interview goes deep into the subjects of; fame, love, faith, spirituality, and the continuation of one man’s introspective journey of a life well-lived.|LISTEN >
EP30 "Q&A" “YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE PAST TO UNDERSTAND THE PRESENT” On this special 30th episode, guest host & friend of the podcast, Justine Hamilton sits down with both Dana & Kim to find out more about their lives, how they’ve overcome obstacles along the way, what holds them back now, & their mission of helping others understand how to manage fear & the ability to achieve emotional neutrality.|LISTEN >
EP36 Surviving Objectification and Sexual Abuse. “TRAUMA MAY HAPPEN TO YOU, BUT IT CAN NEVER DEFINE YOU” Dana and Kim are joined in-studio by Olympic Medalist, Entrepreneur, Artist / Designer; Caroline Burckle whose trip to athletic glory came with a huge price through no fault of her own. Caroline shares with us her very personal story of being objectified and abused by those she admired and looked up to and how these actions took a toll on her mental and physical well-being as well as, the loss of friendships and intimate relationships. This is a story of a survivor who has now fully embraced her journey forward toward; health, happiness, and healing.|LISTEN >
EP40 True Love Knows No Bounds. “THERE’S A REASON WHY TWO PEOPLE STAY TOGETHER. THEY GIVE EACH OTHER SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE CAN”.Dana and Kim are joined by Roger and Marrie Reaves who’s love story began some 60 years ago. There are some stories you just can’t make up. This is one of them. Roger was business partner’s with Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Drug Cartel transporting by air tons of Marijuana and Cocaine over a handful of years. Their marriage not only produced three children, but survived Roger being shot down, shot at, multiple prison escapes, being on the run through countless countries, and ultimately, thirty two years of incarceration. This is a love story for the ages that shouldn’t be missed.|LISTEN >
EP45 Surviving Sexual Abuse. “THE SCARS YOU CAN’T SEE ARE THE HARDEST TO HEAL”. In this episode, Dana and Kim discuss the long-term psychological effects of sexual abuse and how it defines you as a person going forward. If left untreated, many will develop unhealthy habits and patterns that will not only affect their health and mental well-being but will also block them from having robust intimate relationships with the opposite sex and may also lead to further abuse. Like many traumas in life, this one can also be overcome with the right understanding, counsel, compassion, and acceptance.|LISTEN >
EP46 The Lasting Trauma of Sexual Abuse. “THERE IS NO GREATER AGONY THAN BEARING AN UNTOLD STORY INSIDE OF YOU” In this episode, Dana and Kim are joined by Sexual Abuse Survivor, Ann Burridge who suffered years of sexual abuse from her step-father beginning as a young child. Like many victims where abuse began early in life, Ann was not only confused by her step-father’s actions, but also found a level of pleasure in performing them along with the attention she received. It wasn’t until she began marriage counseling did the memories of abuse re-surface. This began Ann’s decades-long journey toward confronting her past and healing the scars that remained. Ann’s healing journey continues today and has included a few speed bumps and hurdles along the way but she has now found a life where she is content and looking at life through a different lens.|LISTEN >
EP47 Surviving Parental Alienation. “NARCISSISTS DON’T CO-PARENT. THEY COUNTER-PARENT”. Dana & Kim are joined in-studio by a friend of the podcast, Patrick Woods who experienced firsthand the effects of parental alienation at the hands of a narcissistic father. This had a profound effect on Patrick, especially through adolescence which included bouts of significant depression and suicidal thoughts. Patrick is unique in the fact that he was able to get professional help through the encouragement of his mother and step-father which provided him with a perspective that most teenagers don’t have and the tools necessary not only to heal but to thrive in life in just a few short years. Patrick is wise beyond his age and details his story in an eloquent, vulnerable, and passionate way.|LISTEN >
EP49 PTSD to CEO. “SURVIVAL IS ABOUT THE FIRE INSIDE OF YOU BURNING BRIGHTER THAN THE FIRE AROUND YOU” Dana and Kim are joined by, Synthesis CEO, Rachel Aidan. Rachel’s story is unique. Her meteoric rise to success started with shocking beginnings. She was raised by religious extremist parents, was exposed to group ritual sexual abuse, had two siblings pass, raped, had an abortion, two suicide attempts, and became a mother all before the age of 20. Many people do not survive this kind of abuse let alone become a successful serial entrepreneur and now CEO of a global company that is in the forefront of legalizing and legitimizing the use of Psychedelics with an emphasis on Psilocybin for the treatment of multiple psychological maladies including depression and PTSD.|LISTEN >
EP55 How Near Tragedy Redefines You. “ONE DAY, ONE MOMENT, ONE EVENT, CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE COMPLETELY” Dana and Kim are joined in the conversation by Justine Hamilton and special guest, Mary Firestone who is the author of, “Trusting The Dawn”. Through a series of life events and the near death of herself and her family, Mary embraced the opportunity to look deep within herself and evaluate whether she was destined to live the life she was leading or if there was a deeper passion and desire to be truer to herself and those around her. Mary eloquently describes her journey through life’s trials and tribulations and describes the modalities she utilized to find her true self from within.|LISTEN >
EP59 An Addicts Life. "Bob". “RECOVERY IS ABOUT PROGRESSION, NOT PERFECTION” Dana and Kim continue their conversation about addiction and welcome into the studio special guest, “Bob”. Bob has struggled with addiction from an early age. Beginning with food, then alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and hoarding. Bob has spent most of his adult life breaking the chains of addiction and working on himself from the inside out. His story is inspiring and eloquently told. As Bob continues to pave the path of his own recovery journey, he also helps those that struggle with addiction as a mental health professional and also provides essential mental health services and counseling to First Responders.|LISTEN >
EP63 Breaking the Cycle. "FREE YOURSELF FROM THE STORY THAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK" Dana, Kim & Justine are joined in their Santa Barbara studio by Jenny Schatzle: imperfect motivational speaker, author, mother and conversation changer. She discusses her intense journey toward healing by changing the conversation on body image, becoming sober and breaking the cycle of insecurity & negative self worth. In 2020 she published her first book titled: Breaking the Cycle. The premise of her book is to help women stop giving up their lives to look a certain way and step into their personal power and confidence.|LISTEN >
EP70 Shame.- Self Loathing and Low Self Worth."SHAME IS THE UNCOMFORTABLE SENSATION WE FEEL IN THE PIT OF OUR STOMACH WHEN WE HAVE NO SAFE HAVEN FROM THE JUDGING GAZE OF OTHERS" In this episode, Justine Hamilton interviews Dr. Dana regarding the concept of Shame. Shame differs from guilt in that guilt is about behavior where as shame is about our value. Shame is one of the main sources of self loathing & low self worth. We discuss the origins of shame & how to overcome its negative impact in our lives.|LISTEN >
EP71 Pixie Saavedra Episode #1. Addicted to Drugs and Alcohol. Don't let your past define you, let it drive you. Be honest, and be consistent. Find ways to improve yourself and your communication with others daily. This is where I've found my personal peace, and my joy. Dr. Dan & Justine Hamilton are joined in studio by Pixie Saavedra for a two part episode. In the first half of this interview, Pixie describes a very dramatic, chaotic childhood and adolescence that led her to become addicted to drugs and alcohol. She spent time in prison and struggled to survive. Her story is riveting but has a positive outcome. Please join us! |LISTEN >
EP72 Pixie Saavedra Episode #2. Recovery and Redemption. Dana & Justine Hamilton conclude their interview with Pixie. The second half of the interview continues her compelling story of recovery & redemption..|LISTEN >
EP86 Dr. Dana, Justine Hamilton & Special Guest: Belle Hahn | A Beautiful Awakening, Part 2. Dr. Dana & Justine Hamilton complete part 2 of Belle Hahn's journey to healing her trauma.Listen to EP 85 first.|LISTEN >
EP89 Dana w/Special Guest Susan Sheehan | Motivational Speaker & Trauma Survivor. "MY FAITH SURLY HELPED ME SURVIVE THE LOSS OF MY FIRST CHILD" Susan is an International Speaker, Wellness and Executive Coach. Susan's story is a testament to her courage and commitment to be the best. She says that the one message she wants to share is, success is the process of continually growing and improving oneself and it starts with overcoming doubts, fears, anxiety, procrastination, and as a result of quality thinking and intended action and, it can all be learned.Visit her website: https://www.meetsusansheehan.com/|LISTEN >
EP104 Dr. Dana & Special Guest, Seth Showalter | Religious Trauma & Sexuality "I WAS CONSTANTLY SHAMED AND HUMILIATED DURING THE PROCESS OF RELIGIOUS CONVERSION THERAPY."
Seth Showalter is a licensed clinical social worker, esteemed clinical supervisor, and talented therapist who has dedicated his career to providing compassionate care to individuals facing mental health challenges. He and Dr. Dana discuss his journey to sexual self acceptance.|LISTEN >
EP133 Dr. Dana & Gemma Serenity | Abuse Survivor "I believe that I deserved to be physically and emotionally abused because I was a bad person."
Gemma Serenity and Dr. Dana discuss in detail Gemma's experiences of physical and emotional abuse during her childhood and young adulthood. She attributes her courage to leave her first and second abusive marriages to her faith in God. Now, Gemma is in a healthy relationship and dedicates her time to helping other abuse survivors find the strength to heal.|LISTEN >
EP135 Dr. Dana & Claudia Chotzen | The Dark Room "I HAVE A VOICE THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME AS A CHILD"
Claudia Chotzen and Dr. Dana discuss Claudia's heroic journey overcoming severe childhood abuse. Caludia published a book "The Dark Room" which is a detailed account of severe emotional and sexuak abuse that she suffered at the hands of her mother.|LISTEN >