A STEM Scientist’s Journey Through Trauma, IBS, & Healing with Anna Hodshire PhD

Can unresolved trauma contribute to chronic illness? In this episode, Paula sits down with Dr. Anna Hodshire — atmospheric chemist, STEM mentor, professor, and host of the STEMdentity podcast — to discuss the powerful connection between IBS, stress, trauma, perfectionism, burnout, and nervous system healing.  After the traumatic loss of her father as a teenager, Anna began developing chronic digestive issues, anxiety, and symptoms later labeled as IBS. Like many people struggling with chronic illness, she found herself frustrated with the medical system and searching for deeper answers beyond medications and temporary fixes. Together, Paula and Anna explore: IBS and the mind-body connection Trauma stored in the body Nervous system dysregulation EMDR therapy and parts work Hypnotherapy for IBS Burnout and perfectionism in STEM careers Chronic stress and inflammation Somatic healing and emotional regulation Self-worth, overachievement, and identity Learning to trust yourself and your body again Anna also shares how healing her relationship with herself transformed not only her physical health, but also her career path and sense of purpose. Through therapy, nervous system work, mindset shifts, and self-awareness, she learned how to stop living in survival mode and begin creating a life that actually felt aligned. If you struggle with IBS, chronic illness, anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this episode offers a compassionate and empowering perspective on healing from the inside out. Topics Discussed: IBS symptoms and chronic digestive issues Trauma and chronic illness Stress-related illness Healing the nervous system EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) High-achiever burnout Women in STEM Emotional healing and self-compassion Mindset shifts for healing Personal growth and self-discovery Connect with Dr. Anna Hodshire  https://calendly.com/annahodshire/intro-work-audit-call Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stemdentity?igsh=dzRsbTNwd2Nsejk1 Podcast: STEMdentity https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stemdentity/id1856075481 If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this conversation today. You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/rewritingtheillnessstory?igsh=MWEzZDc2bWFyaXpyZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr OR  [email protected] Music: Island Glow by Dirk Dealer Book with Meditation: You Are Not your Pain Book by Danny Penman and Vidyamala Burch (on Amazon).   https://amzn.to/3PIT118 Disclaimer The conversations shared on Rewriting the Illness Story are intended to inspire curiosity, self-advocacy, and personal exploration. They are based on the lived experiences, perspectives, and opinions of the host and guests and are provided for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing shared on this podcast should be interpreted as medical, psychological, or professional healthcare advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment. Every healing journey is unique, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another. We encourage you to listen with an open mind, use your own discernment, and make the choices that feel right for you in partnership with your healthc...