Trauma Episodes

Ash Perrow shares how the stillbirth of his daughter and a later near-death experience shattered his identity and led him to rebuild a life rooted in healing, intention, and love.

Michael Allison’s life has been anything but easy. From childhood abuse to combat in Iraq, the grief of loss to the silence of survival, Michael carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes before reaching a breaking point. Standing on a Florida bridge, he made a decision that would change everything.

When Lisa Sugarman was ten, she was told her father died of a heart attack. But decades later, one unexpected question revealed a long-held secret that shifted everything. In this open and emotionally honest conversation, Lisa and I explore what it means to grieve someone twice, how silence can shape our stories, and the power of finally speaking the truth out loud.

What happens when your body tells you the truth before your mind is ready to hear it? Andrew Lang had built a life around doing the most. He was a teacher, a union rep, and a quiet emotional anchor for everyone around him. But underneath it all, exhaustion was building until one night, his body gave out, and that unexpected breaking point became the beginning of something new.

Vanessa Abraham, a thriving speech pathologist and mother, was plunged into a life-threatening health crisis that left her trapped in her own body. With no clear diagnosis and a long road ahead, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, experiencing everything she once treated.

Carol Look takes us through her early years, where she excelled academically and athletically while constantly living on edge, waiting for the next relapse of her parents' addiction. She recounts the pivotal moment during a family rehab visit when a recovering addict's words shattered her perception of what was possible.

Have you ever wondered how someone can overcome addiction and time in prison and still find fulfillment in life? In this episode of the Life Shift podcast, I sit down with Sean Martin, a once-incarcerated individual turned successful entrepreneur and mentor who shares his remarkable journey of transformation and self-discovery.

On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Stephen Wilson shares his powerful journey of overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent battles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression. He reflects on how the shame of his experience led him to keep his story hidden for over 30 years, affecting his life in profound ways.

On Day 19, I share the importance of acknowledging and sharing our feelings, especially during difficult times. I open up about my struggles with sleep and the emotional burden of recent grief, illustrating how these feelings can affect daily life. I highlight that it's okay to not feel great all the time and share the value of having a support system to share these feelings with. I believe verbalizing our struggles can help normalize them, making them feel more manageable. By being honest ab...

Taylor Coffman's experience of giving birth was marred by a sudden medical emergency that thrust her into a fight for survival. After a seemingly normal pregnancy, the birth of her daughter resulted in an unforeseen diagnosis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare condition led to a rapid decline in her health, including kidney failure and the need for dialysis. The episode captures the raw emotions associated with motherhood, the fear of the unknown, and the profound impact of medical crises on family dynamics. Taylor's narrative is not just about survival but the transformative journey that emerges from such a crisis.

Matt Gilhooly shares key lessons from his career journey, emphasizing the importance of making decisions for oneself rather than conforming to societal expectations. He reflects on how, for much of his life, he followed a traditional path—getting good grades, pursuing higher education, and climbing the corporate ladder—without considering what truly interested him. After facing challenges in his work environment, particularly with a problematic colleague he refers to as a "bulldozer," Matt reali...

Michelle Hord's story is one of unimaginable grief but also one of resilience and hope. In this episode of The Life Shift, Michelle shares her journey of overcoming tragedy and finding a new purpose in life. "I remember driving up on the scene, and I just knew that it was my child. There was no doubt in my mind. And I remember getting out of the car and running towards them, and they wouldn't let me get close. And I just remember hearing somebody say, 'Ma'am, you don't want to see this. Turn around and walk back to your car.' And I just remember thinking, 'I want to see my child. I want to see my child.'" - Michelle Hord

Lewis Crompton explores his transformative journey from a strict religious upbringing to discovering personal freedom and identity. The discussion dives deep into the psychological impacts of childhood trauma, the allure of religious certainty, and the empowering role of supportive communities. Lewis candidly shares his struggles and triumphs, offering invaluable lessons on resilience, self-discovery, and the creation of inclusive environments.

In this episode of The Life Shift, Jenn Drummond, a mother of seven, mountaineer, and author of the book "BreakProof," shares her incredible journey of personal transformation that began with a life-threatening car accident in 2018. This near-fatal experience ignited a profound shift in her perspective, leading her to pursue a life of adventure and significance. J

In this episode, Bryant Salcedo shares how he transformed personal trauma into resilience and the power of faith. Bryant's life-altering experiences of becoming a single father and losing his mother within a year have not just reshaped his outlook on life but also inspired others with his strength.

Struggling with physical issues that doctors couldn't explain, Alex turned to psychedelic-assisted therapy. This unconventional path led him to uncover and confront repressed memories of childhood abuse. His story illuminates the healing power of psychedelics, the importance of a strong support system, and the intricate connections between physical symptoms and emotional trauma.

Paris Scobie shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey from the aftermath of a sexual assault at 15, through her diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 19, to her passionate advocacy work.

Christina Oyola shares her journey through tragedies, heartbreak, and healing. This episode offers a raw glimpse into the depths of human resilience, the healing power of storytelling, and the ongoing dance between trauma and triumph.

Jennifer Peterkin's life story unfolds from a fairy-tale romance to enduring and surviving domestic violence.

Mindy Corporon transformed a heartbreaking tragic loss into a mission of healing and overcoming hate. Mindy shares her deeply moving journey from a thriving life to the day that took her father and son from her, a shift that would inspire her work

On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Jackie Ferguson shares a life-altering journey through personal turmoil, grief, and a pivotal shift that redefined her existence. Amidst personal turmoil, grief, and a crumbling marriage, Jackie found herself standing alone at the precipice of a drastic life shift. Her story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's incredible ability to persevere, even in the face of life's most challenging times. S2E99: Jackie Ferguson - Embracing Change: Resilience and Transformation After Personal Turmoil

On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Sean Wilson shares how he transformed a daunting 50-year prison sentence at 17 into a life mission for societal change. His journey from incarceration to advocacy is a powerful narrative of resilience, growth, and empathy. S2E98: Sean Wilson: Transforming Struggle into Change: Resilience, Empathy, and Justice Reform

Tanmeet Sethi shares her story of authenticity, vulnerability, and the art of reclaiming joy amidst life's overwhelming challenges. Guest Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, a beacon of inspiration in both integrative and psychedelic medicine, shares insights from her personal journey, shedding light on moments of adversity, societal conditioning, and finding justice amidst suffering. S2E95: Tanmeet Sethi: Reclaiming Joy and Finding Justice: A Healing Journey

In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Nicole Middendorf shares her experience with domestic violence and her remarkable journey to break free from a suffocating relationship. S2E94: Nicole Middendorf - From Controlled to Empowered: Breaking Free from Domestic Violence