In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, our host Jon delves deep into the extraordinary life of Amanda, a brave survivor of abuse and trafficking and advocate against human trafficking. From confronting personal traumas to finding enduring love and friendship, Amanda’s compelling narrative embodies resilience, understanding, and the indomitable spirit of survival. Key Takeaways:Recognizing and Overcoming Trauma:<ul><li>Amanda revisits her harrowing experiences of “being trafficked via a dating site in Scotland” and the crucial steps she took toward self-healing and empowerment.</li></ul>Building Trust in Relationships:<ul><li>Amanda shares the touching story of “meeting her now-husband on the very platform that was once a source of torment, laying the foundation of trust by being open about her past from the get-go.”</li></ul>The Unwavering Bond of Friendship:<ul><li>The remarkable story of her friendship with Collette, who stands as a beacon of “unconditional support and understanding.”</li></ul>Combatting Ignorance on Human Trafficking:<ul><li>Amanda stresses the importance of “dispelling common myths surrounding human trafficking and advocating for accurate understanding to foster real change.”</li></ul>The Journey of Self-Restoration:<ul><li>Amanda articulates her ongoing journey of “rewiring and retraining” her brain to cope with complex PTSD, showcasing the continuous effort needed to heal from profound trauma.</li></ul>The Essential Fight Against Human Trafficking:<ul><li>Amanda’s passionate advocacy in “raising awareness and directly combating human trafficking” shines a light on the necessity for informed action and community involvement.</li></ul>Empowering Others Through Storytelling:<ul><li>Through her candidness, Amanda inspires others to “seek available resources and take hold of their future, emphasizing that strength is inherent and not derived from past adversities.”</li></ul>A Candid Discussion on Misunderstandings:<ul><li>Addressing the “galling ignorance” encountered when discussing human trafficking, Amanda opens up a crucial conversation on compassion versus ignorance.</li></ul>Resources Mentioned:<ul><li><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/">Department of Homeland Security</a> - For an accurate understanding of human trafficking.</li><li>Amanda’s autobiography - A deeper dive into her life’s journey.</li></ul>Connect with Amanda:<ul><li><a href="https://detailedpieces.com/" target="_blank">Amanda’s Advocacy Website</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/DetailedPieces" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li></ul>Episode Timestamps:<ul><li>[00:01] Introduction to Amanda’s Journey</li><li>[13:15] Discovering the Strength Within</li><li>[25:40] Unveiling the Realities of Human Trafficking</li><li>[38:25] The Power of Friendship and Love in Healing</li><li>[52:10] Addressing Common Misconceptions</li><li>[1:14:26] Amanda’s Love Story</li><li>[1:18:33] The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Raising Awareness</li><li>[1:23:55] Closing Thoughts: Taking Hold of Your Future</li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, our host Jon delves deep into the extraordinary life of Amanda, a brave survivor of abuse and trafficking and advocate against human trafficking. From confronting personal traumas to finding enduring love and friendship, Amanda’s compelling narrative embodies resilience, understanding, and the indomitable spirit of survival.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Takeaways:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Recognizing and Overcoming Trauma:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda revisits her harrowing experiences of &lt;i&gt;“being trafficked via a dating site in Scotland”&lt;/i&gt; and the crucial steps she took toward self-healing and empowerment.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Building Trust in Relationships:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda shares the touching story of &lt;i&gt;“meeting her now-husband on the very platform that was once a source of torment, laying the foundation of trust by being open about her past from the get-go.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Unwavering Bond of Friendship:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The remarkable story of her friendship with Collette, who stands as a beacon of &lt;i&gt;“unconditional support and understanding.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Combatting Ignorance on Human Trafficking:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda stresses the importance of &lt;i&gt;“dispelling common myths surrounding human trafficking and advocating for accurate understanding to foster real change.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Journey of Self-Restoration:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda articulates her ongoing journey of &lt;i&gt;“rewiring and retraining”&lt;/i&gt; her brain to cope with complex PTSD, showcasing the continuous effort needed to heal from profound trauma.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Essential Fight Against Human Trafficking:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda’s passionate advocacy in &lt;i&gt;“raising awareness and directly combating human trafficking”&lt;/i&gt; shines a light on the necessity for informed action and community involvement.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Empowering Others Through Storytelling:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Through her candidness, Amanda inspires others to &lt;i&gt;“seek available resources and take hold of their future, emphasizing that strength is inherent and not derived from past adversities.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Candid Discussion on Misunderstandings:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Addressing the &lt;i&gt;“galling ignorance”&lt;/i&gt; encountered when discussing human trafficking, Amanda opens up a crucial conversation on compassion versus ignorance.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Resources Mentioned:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.dhs.gov/"&gt;Department of Homeland Security&lt;/a&gt; - For an accurate understanding of human trafficking.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Amanda’s autobiography - A deeper dive into her life’s journey.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Connect with Amanda:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://detailedpieces.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Amanda’s Advocacy Website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/DetailedPieces" target="_blank"&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Timestamps:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;[00:01] Introduction to Amanda’s Journey&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[13:15] Discovering the Strength Within&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[25:40] Unveiling the Realities of Human Trafficking&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[38:25] The Power of Friendship and Love in Healing&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[52:10] Addressing Common Misconceptions&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[1:14:26] Amanda’s Love Story&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[1:18:33] The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Raising Awareness&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;[1:23:55] Closing Thoughts: Taking Hold of Your Future&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;
</description>

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, our host Jon delves deep into the extraordinary life of Amanda, a brave survivor of abuse and trafficking and advocate against human trafficking. From confronting personal traumas to finding enduring love and friendship, Amanda’s compelling narrative embodies resilience, understanding, and the indomitable spirit of survival.

A victim of CSA, trafficked 3 times and now a powerful survivor: Amanda Blackwood

Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Schizophrenia and Parenting ChallengesIn this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Christopher Slaton, a seasoned educator and mental health advocate, delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly when faced with the challenges of raising a child with schizophrenia. He shares invaluable insights and personal experiences that shed light on the intricacies of mental health support within families.Key Themes:Parenting Challenges: Dr. Slaton discusses the difficulties of being a parent, especially when one's own childhood experiences were far from ideal. He emphasizes the responsibility of nurturing and guiding young minds.Schizophrenia: The episode delves into the world of schizophrenia, a condition that profoundly affected Dr. Slaton's son. He shares how he learned to communicate effectively with his son's brain rather than focusing solely on behavior.Mental Health Support: Dr. Slaton provides crucial insights into the necessity of early recognition of warning signs in children experiencing mental illness. He stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for self-experience.Communication and Contracts in Relationships: The discussion touches on the significance of open communication and agreements within relationships. Dr. Slaton highlights how he and his wife formed an unspoken contract to ensure a harmonious family life.Loss and Grief: The episode explores the painful topic of losing a loved one to schizophrenia and its related complications. Dr. Slaton reflects on the challenges his family faced and the support they provided to his son.Notable Quotes and Insights:<ul><li>"You know, we're talking about, how do you be a parent? You know? Yeah. How do you be a parent when you didn't have that type of childhood?"</li><li>"That's schizophrenia, that's brain talk. He talks all the time. And inside the context is meat on the bone because he's talking to you."</li><li>"Because see, you have a lot of people that are really ill that do things that everybody's in awe about. And some people say, well, you know, he is really, really different. He is really, really on the other side. But no, you don't lose that."</li><li>"I'm the most difficult person to deal with because I'm constantly requiring that you do more because I do more. If you interact with me, it's not gonna stop. We gotta work. We gotta get this done."</li><li>"So you look at the brain, not the body. You look at the brain, you look at the responses. Because you can realize the communication coming back at you."</li><li>"A family is a business. It has to be developed as one."</li><li>"Because I kept notes. For example, he drew, he did all the things that gave us a ton of stuff to look at to know that we were safe."</li><li>"You have to be on 24-7. Because a break can happen, or a psychological event can happen while he's sleeping, and he's gone."</li></ul>Resources and Where to Find Dr. Slaton:<ul><li>Dr. Slaton's books can be found on Amazon, offering valuable insights into his work and experiences.</li><li>Visit his website at <a href="https://www.drchristopherkslaton.com/">drchristopherkslaton.com</a> for more information and resources.</li><li>Explore <a href="https://www.brainsbody.net/">brainsbody.net</a> for additional content and insights.</li><li>Tune in to the Brains Body Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iTunes to delve deeper into mental health and family dynamics.</li></ul>Dr. Christopher Slaton's engaging and enlightening conversation provides a unique perspective on parenting, mental health, and the power of understanding the brain's inner workings. Don't miss this impactful episode filled with valuable insights and heartfelt experiences.

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Schizophrenia and Parenting Challenges&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Christopher Slaton, a seasoned educator and mental health advocate, delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly when faced with the challenges of raising a child with schizophrenia. He shares invaluable insights and personal experiences that shed light on the intricacies of mental health support within families.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Themes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Parenting Challenges&lt;/strong&gt;: Dr. Slaton discusses the difficulties of being a parent, especially when one's own childhood experiences were far from ideal. He emphasizes the responsibility of nurturing and guiding young minds.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Schizophrenia&lt;/strong&gt;: The episode delves into the world of schizophrenia, a condition that profoundly affected Dr. Slaton's son. He shares how he learned to communicate effectively with his son's brain rather than focusing solely on behavior.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mental Health Support&lt;/strong&gt;: Dr. Slaton provides crucial insights into the necessity of early recognition of warning signs in children experiencing mental illness. He stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for self-experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Communication and Contracts in Relationships&lt;/strong&gt;: The discussion touches on the significance of open communication and agreements within relationships. Dr. Slaton highlights how he and his wife formed an unspoken contract to ensure a harmonious family life.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Loss and Grief&lt;/strong&gt;: The episode explores the painful topic of losing a loved one to schizophrenia and its related complications. Dr. Slaton reflects on the challenges his family faced and the support they provided to his son.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Notable Quotes and Insights:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;"You know, we're talking about, how do you be a parent? You know? Yeah. How do you be a parent when you didn't have that type of childhood?"&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"That's schizophrenia, that's brain talk. He talks all the time. And inside the context is meat on the bone because he's talking to you."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"Because see, you have a lot of people that are really ill that do things that everybody's in awe about. And some people say, well, you know, he is really, really different. He is really, really on the other side. But no, you don't lose that."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"I'm the most difficult person to deal with because I'm constantly requiring that you do more because I do more. If you interact with me, it's not gonna stop. We gotta work. We gotta get this done."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"So you look at the brain, not the body. You look at the brain, you look at the responses. Because you can realize the communication coming back at you."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"A family is a business. It has to be developed as one."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"Because I kept notes. For example, he drew, he did all the things that gave us a ton of stuff to look at to know that we were safe."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;"You have to be on 24-7. Because a break can happen, or a psychological event can happen while he's sleeping, and he's gone."&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Resources and Where to Find Dr. Slaton:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dr. Slaton's books can be found on Amazon, offering valuable insights into his work and experiences.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Visit his website at &lt;a href="https://www.drchristopherkslaton.com/"&gt;drchristopherkslaton.com&lt;/a&gt; for more information and resources.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Explore &lt;a href="https://www.brainsbody.net/"&gt;brainsbody.net&lt;/a&gt; for additional content and insights.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Tune in to the Brains Body Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iTunes to delve deeper into mental health and family dynamics.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr. Christopher Slaton's engaging and enlightening conversation provides a unique perspective on parenting, mental health, and the power of understanding the brain's inner workings. Don't miss this impactful episode filled with valuable insights and heartfelt experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Christopher Slaton, a seasoned educator and mental health advocate, delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly when faced with the challenges of raising a child with schizophrenia. He shares invaluable insights and personal experiences that shed light on the intricacies of mental health support within families.

From Vietnam Vet to Father of a child with Schizophrenia: talking to your brain

In this episode of "Between the Before and After," I have a conversation with Megan Conner, an advocate for abuse victims and survivors. Megan shares her personal story of being abused as a child. Megan also dives into her upbringing in the Mormon church and the pressures placed on its members. Eventually leaving the church, she now focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle after surviving trauma. During our discussion, we explore the concept of grooming and how victims often don't realize they are being manipulated until it's too late. She also shares the challenges she faced in forming relationships and dealing with the lingering trauma throughout her life. We touch upon the harmful teachings and victim-blaming prevalent in the Mormon church, shedding light on the damaging effects they have on survivors. Megan reveals her journey towards healing and the therapy she sought to address her trauma. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care routines during therapy, as well as navigating the side effects that can arise. Megan also discusses disclosing her experiences to her parents and siblings, and her beautiful relationship with her children. Through writing her book, she aims to inspire and provide hope for other survivors of abuse. In our conversation, we emphasize the need to shift society's beliefs towards victims and prioritize empathy. While maintaining the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we discuss how starting with a belief in victims can lead to a more compassionate response. Understanding the reasons behind false allegations can also help us develop empathy for survivors. Child grooming becomes another focal point as we discuss the fears associated with it. We stress the importance of education and actively being present in our children's lives to prevent such incidents. Megan emphasizes her dedication to providing emotional stability and love to her own children, ensuring their safety and well-being. We also highlight the low percentage of false accusations and the importance of addressing the underlying reasons behind such behavior, all while believing victims and relying on skilled investigators to uncover the truth. CONNECT WITH MEGAN: https://third-verse.com/

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of "Between the Before and After," I have a conversation with Megan Conner, an advocate for abuse victims and survivors. Megan shares her personal story of being abused as a child. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Megan also dives into her upbringing in the Mormon church and the pressures placed on its members. Eventually leaving the church, she now focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle after surviving trauma. During our discussion, we explore the concept of grooming and how victims often don't realize they are being manipulated until it's too late. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She also shares the challenges she faced in forming relationships and dealing with the lingering trauma throughout her life. We touch upon the harmful teachings and victim-blaming prevalent in the Mormon church, shedding light on the damaging effects they have on survivors. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Megan reveals her journey towards healing and the therapy she sought to address her trauma. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care routines during therapy, as well as navigating the side effects that can arise. Megan also discusses disclosing her experiences to her parents and siblings, and her beautiful relationship with her children. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Through writing her book, she aims to inspire and provide hope for other survivors of abuse. In our conversation, we emphasize the need to shift society's beliefs towards victims and prioritize empathy. While maintaining the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we discuss how starting with a belief in victims can lead to a more compassionate response. Understanding the reasons behind false allegations can also help us develop empathy for survivors. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Child grooming becomes another focal point as we discuss the fears associated with it. We stress the importance of education and actively being present in our children's lives to prevent such incidents. Megan emphasizes her dedication to providing emotional stability and love to her own children, ensuring their safety and well-being. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We also highlight the low percentage of false accusations and the importance of addressing the underlying reasons behind such behavior, all while believing victims and relying on skilled investigators to uncover the truth. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;CONNECT WITH MEGAN: https://third-verse.com/&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

Survivor of terrifying child sex abuse, Megan Conner is brave, resilient and an inspiration, showing what is possible through her healing journey.

Grooming, Sex Trafficking and Abuse  A healing Journey for Megan

Welcome to Between the Before & After, where we delve deep into the stories and insights of remarkable individuals who've faced adversity and emerged stronger than ever. In today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Mary Giuliani, an author, and a passionate advocate for healing from addiction and trauma. She takes us on a profound journey of personal transformation, shedding light on the hidden connections between trauma and addiction, and how finding compassion within ourselves can pave the way to recovery.Episode Highlights:The Hidden Roots of Addiction:<ul><li>Mary Giuliani shares her own journey of addiction, emphasizing how she struggled for years without realizing the underlying trauma behind her addictive behaviors.</li></ul>Reframing Addiction:<ul><li>"My addiction history has been an attempt to solve a problem. It hasn't been like I'm a hedonist or I just want to be a party animal." Discover how understanding addiction as a trauma response can shift the narrative from blame to understanding.</li></ul>Healing in Safe Relationships:<ul><li>Our guest highlights the importance of relational trauma being healed within safe relationships, whether it's with a therapist, coach, or supportive friend.</li></ul>Beyond Talk Therapy:<ul><li>Delve into the limitations of talk therapy in healing trauma and the need for body and brain-based interventions to truly address the impact of trauma.</li></ul>The Power of Compassion:<ul><li>Mary Giuliani emphasizes that healing begins with self-compassion. "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." Discover how embracing self-compassion can be transformative.</li></ul>Understanding Childhood Adversity:<ul><li>Explore the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and how it reveals the deep-rooted connection between childhood trauma and adult struggles like addiction, mental illness, and obesity.</li></ul>Taking the First Step:<ul><li>Our guest offers a message of hope to anyone listening: "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." It all starts with taking that first step towards understanding your own journey.</li></ul>Conclusion: Today, Mary Giuliani has shared a compelling narrative of her own journey, transforming her perspective on addiction and trauma. Her insights shed light on the hidden struggles that many individuals face and remind us that healing is not only possible but essential. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma or struggles with addiction, this episode of Between the Before & After is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards understanding and recovery.Remember, healing begins with self-compassion and the right support. Thank you for joining us on Between the Before & After. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and empowering insights in the episodes to come.Keywords: Addiction, Trauma, Healing, Self-Compassion, Relational Trauma, Talk Therapy, Childhood Adversity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mary Giuliani

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to &lt;strong&gt;Between the Before &amp; After&lt;/strong&gt;, where we delve deep into the stories and insights of remarkable individuals who've faced adversity and emerged stronger than ever. In today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Mary Giuliani, an author, and a passionate advocate for healing from addiction and trauma. She takes us on a profound journey of personal transformation, shedding light on the hidden connections between trauma and addiction, and how finding compassion within ourselves can pave the way to recovery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Episode Highlights:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Hidden Roots of Addiction:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mary Giuliani shares her own journey of addiction, emphasizing how she struggled for years without realizing the underlying trauma behind her addictive behaviors.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reframing Addiction:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;"My addiction history has been an attempt to solve a problem. It hasn't been like I'm a hedonist or I just want to be a party animal." Discover how understanding addiction as a trauma response can shift the narrative from blame to understanding.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Healing in Safe Relationships:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Our guest highlights the importance of relational trauma being healed within safe relationships, whether it's with a therapist, coach, or supportive friend.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Beyond Talk Therapy:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Delve into the limitations of talk therapy in healing trauma and the need for body and brain-based interventions to truly address the impact of trauma.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Power of Compassion:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mary Giuliani emphasizes that healing begins with self-compassion. "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." Discover how embracing self-compassion can be transformative.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understanding Childhood Adversity:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Explore the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and how it reveals the deep-rooted connection between childhood trauma and adult struggles like addiction, mental illness, and obesity.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Taking the First Step:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Our guest offers a message of hope to anyone listening: "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." It all starts with taking that first step towards understanding your own journey.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Today, Mary Giuliani has shared a compelling narrative of her own journey, transforming her perspective on addiction and trauma. Her insights shed light on the hidden struggles that many individuals face and remind us that healing is not only possible but essential. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma or struggles with addiction, this episode of &lt;strong&gt;Between the Before &amp; After&lt;/strong&gt; is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards understanding and recovery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remember, healing begins with self-compassion and the right support. Thank you for joining us on &lt;strong&gt;Between the Before &amp; After&lt;/strong&gt;. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and empowering insights in the episodes to come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords:&lt;/strong&gt; Addiction, Trauma, Healing, Self-Compassion, Relational Trauma, Talk Therapy, Childhood Adversity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mary Giuliani&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

In today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Mary Giuliani, an author, and a passionate advocate for healing from addiction and trauma. She takes us on a profound journey of personal transformation, shedding light on the hidden connections between trauma and addiction, and how finding compassion within ourselves can pave the way to recovery.

Mary Giuliani: It's not about the drugs, alcohol and food

In this episode, we delve deep into the raw and emotional journey of Aaron Machbitz, a former professional wrestler turned mental health advocate. Join us as we explore the profound themes of mental health, suicide, coping, and the power of support and understanding. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all that we are deeply loved and valued.Show Notes:Exploring Darkness: Aaron reflects on his wrestling career and the moment that sparked a transformation. He describes the internal struggle of performing as a character that contradicted his beliefs in love, empathy, and support.The Suicide Stigma: Aaron sheds light on the misconception surrounding suicide being perceived as selfish. He highlights the importance of understanding the depths of despair and the pain that drives individuals to such extremes.Relief Amidst Grief: Aaron bravely shares his own experience of feeling relief after his sister's suicide, a sentiment that initially seemed impossible to admit. He discusses the complexity of emotions surrounding loss and coping.The Right to Choose: The podcast delves into the controversial question of whether individuals have the right to choose to end their own lives. Aaron and his guest engage in a thoughtful conversation about compassion and the desire to end suffering.No Need to Save the World: Aaron emphasizes that going through a tragic event doesn't mean you have to turn it into your life's mission. He encourages listeners to focus on finding peace, managing their emotions, and moving forward.A Message of Love: The podcast emphasizes a powerful message: You are deeply loved and cared for. Aaron urges everyone to recognize their intrinsic worth and encourages them to embrace their unique selves.A Journey to Self-Love: Aaron inspires us to take small steps towards self-acceptance, even when self-loathing seems overwhelming. He shares his personal journey from self-doubt to self-love, emphasizing the importance of patience.Embracing the Divine Spark: The conversation concludes with a reminder that each individual possesses a divine spark that should be shared with the world. Aaron's story encourages us to find that spark within ourselves and take steps toward personal healing and growth.Conclusion: This podcast episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, and that we are never truly alone. Aaron Mashvitz's journey from wrestling to mental health advocacy is a powerful example of transformation, self-discovery, and the profound impact of compassion.Keywords: Mental Health, Suicide, Coping, Self-Love, Compassion, Healing, Support, Understanding, Wrestling

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we delve deep into the raw and emotional journey of Aaron Machbitz, a former professional wrestler turned mental health advocate. Join us as we explore the profound themes of mental health, suicide, coping, and the power of support and understanding. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all that we are deeply loved and valued.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Exploring Darkness:&lt;/strong&gt; Aaron reflects on his wrestling career and the moment that sparked a transformation. He describes the internal struggle of performing as a character that contradicted his beliefs in love, empathy, and support.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Suicide Stigma:&lt;/strong&gt; Aaron sheds light on the misconception surrounding suicide being perceived as selfish. He highlights the importance of understanding the depths of despair and the pain that drives individuals to such extremes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Relief Amidst Grief:&lt;/strong&gt; Aaron bravely shares his own experience of feeling relief after his sister's suicide, a sentiment that initially seemed impossible to admit. He discusses the complexity of emotions surrounding loss and coping.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Right to Choose:&lt;/strong&gt; The podcast delves into the controversial question of whether individuals have the right to choose to end their own lives. Aaron and his guest engage in a thoughtful conversation about compassion and the desire to end suffering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;No Need to Save the World:&lt;/strong&gt; Aaron emphasizes that going through a tragic event doesn't mean you have to turn it into your life's mission. He encourages listeners to focus on finding peace, managing their emotions, and moving forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Message of Love:&lt;/strong&gt; The podcast emphasizes a powerful message: You are deeply loved and cared for. Aaron urges everyone to recognize their intrinsic worth and encourages them to embrace their unique selves.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A Journey to Self-Love:&lt;/strong&gt; Aaron inspires us to take small steps towards self-acceptance, even when self-loathing seems overwhelming. He shares his personal journey from self-doubt to self-love, emphasizing the importance of patience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Embracing the Divine Spark:&lt;/strong&gt; The conversation concludes with a reminder that each individual possesses a divine spark that should be shared with the world. Aaron's story encourages us to find that spark within ourselves and take steps toward personal healing and growth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; This podcast episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, and that we are never truly alone. Aaron Mashvitz's journey from wrestling to mental health advocacy is a powerful example of transformation, self-discovery, and the profound impact of compassion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords:&lt;/strong&gt; Mental Health, Suicide, Coping, Self-Love, Compassion, Healing, Support, Understanding, Wrestling&lt;/p&gt;
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In this episode, we delve deep into the raw and emotional journey of Aaron Mashvitz, a former professional wrestler turned mental health advocate. Join us as we explore the profound themes of mental health, suicide, coping, and the power of support and understanding. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all that we are deeply loved and valued.

A devastating loss rocked Aaron's world... Pro Wrestling saved his life

Each episode we share an inspiring guest with a moving story that shines a light on the power of the human spirit. You'll be inspired as we dive deep into their experiences and uncover the gritty and vulnerable details that make us messy and human.

This show is about sharing peoples’ stories of overcoming significant adversity in their life.  If you've been through, or are going through adversity or transformation in your own life, you'll be moved as you realize that same potential lies within you as well.

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Between The Before & After (The Stories that Shape Us)

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