In this heartfelt episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with life coach and author Stephanie Hutchins (See Through: The Art and Cost of Radical Transparency) to explore what it truly means to live honestly after trauma. Together, they dive into radical transparency, authenticity, and the ongoing nature of post-traumatic growth — discussing how survivors can set healthy boundaries, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their voices in a world that often rewards pretending. Lorilee also opens up about her own healing journey and the importance of slowing down, listening to the body, and embracing the messy middle of recovery. This conversation is an empowering reminder that healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, honesty, and self-compassion.

From Survivor to Advocate: Patrice Griffin’s Fight for Justice and Healing After Years of Abuse In this powerful and deeply moving episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with writer, activist, and survivor Patrice Griffin to share her courageous journey from enduring years of childhood sexual abuse to becoming a fierce advocate for survivors’ rights. As a teenager, Patrice suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of members of the Black Watch Movement and the rap group X Clan. Decades later, she found the strength to seek justice — filing three civil cases under New York’s Child Victims Act, and winning them all. Patrice opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of reliving her trauma through the legal system, the years of perseverance it took to find the right attorney, and the bittersweet truth that justice does not erase pain. She also shares the healing tools that helped her rebuild her life — from therapy and movement to founding her nonprofit, Patrice’s Kids, which educates and empowers children in underserved communities. Together, Lorilee and Patrice explore what it means to survive, to speak out, and to thrive. This episode is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of turning pain into purpose. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses child sexual abuse and trauma. Please listen with care and prioritize your well-being.

In this emotional and deeply human episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with Amber Sweet Davis, author of Please Don’t Die, to share a story of motherhood, trauma, and unimaginable resilience. When Amber’s four-year-old son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, her family’s world was turned upside down. What began as a small limp quickly unfolded into a life-altering journey through hospitals, treatments, and the raw realities of childhood cancer. Through tears, truth, and unflinching honesty, Amber opens up about grief, parenting through crisis, and the strength it takes to keep showing up when everything feels impossible. She discusses how writing became a tool for healing, advocacy, and connection — and how her story is not just about loss, but about the power of love, authenticity, and community in surviving life’s hardest moments. Together, Lorilee and Amber explore what it means to live transparently, to find light in darkness, and to redefine survival not as endurance, but as courage, vulnerability, and hope.

Humanitarian Jane Chen helped save over a million premature babies—but healing her own childhood trauma became her greatest achievement. In this episode, host Lorilee Binstock talks with Jane about burnout, overachievement as a trauma response, and rediscovering self-worth through compassion and healing.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with Brooke Deanne — trauma healing mentor, author, and survivor of a doomsday religious cult — to discuss her incredible journey from control and fear to freedom and faith. Growing up in a strict, fear-based religion, Brooke faced manipulation, psychological abuse, and spiritual control from an early age. After escaping the cult through marriage, she found herself trapped again in a narcissistic and abusive relationship. It was only after reaching rock bottom that Brooke began her true path toward healing — confronting her PTSD, anxiety, and depression with therapy, medication, and deep inner work. Now, eight years into her recovery, Brooke shares how she rebuilt her life, reclaimed her spirituality, and wrote her transformative book, “Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful: Losing My Religion and Finding Faith.” She opens up about the courage it takes to break free from religious conditioning, heal from narcissistic abuse, and rediscover authentic faith beyond organized religion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone healing from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, or toxic relationships, offering hope, empowerment, and a reminder that healing is not only possible — it’s beautiful. 🎙️ Listen now on Mental Health News Radio Network or wherever you get your podcasts. 💫 Learn more at TraumaSurvivorThriver.com

In this deeply personal episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock steps away from her usual interviews to share what healing looks like in real time. Joined by Cali Binstock—Art Director of Authentic Insider Magazine—Lorilee opens up about navigating grief, stress, and emotional fatigue while rediscovering what it means to be spiritual, present, and kind to yourself. Together, they explore questions many trauma survivors and parents face: What does spirituality mean outside of organized religion? How do we forgive ourselves when we fall short? Why is guilt—especially “toxic guilt”—so common for survivors and caregivers? How can we nurture our children’s dreams without passing down our limiting beliefs? From finding lessons in Jane Goodall’s legacy to learning the power of “just being,” this conversation is raw, relatable, and refreshingly real. Lorilee and Cali remind us that healing isn’t linear—it’s a lifelong practice of self-compassion, growth, and connection. Tune in on Mental Health News Radio Network or wherever you get your podcasts. Read more at TraumaSurvivorThriver.com and explore the latest issue of Authentic Insider Magazine.

What happens when the life you thought was forever suddenly crumbles? This week on A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock sits down with Sarah Maye, author of the memoir She Journeys. Sarah opens up about the devastation of her marriage ending in betrayal, the depths of despair that followed, and the rock-bottom moment that nearly ended her life. Through honesty, courage, and resilience, Sarah found her way back—drawing strength from her community, rediscovering her independence through solo travel, and embracing healing practices like yoga, breathwork, and writing. Her journey across the country and through the pages of her book became a homecoming to herself. In this inspiring conversation, Sarah reminds us that even the darkest chapters can lead to new beginnings—and that thriving after trauma is not only possible, but life can become more beautiful than we ever imagined. 🎧 Tune in on Mental Health News Radio Network or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Amanda Carrasco’s story is one of unimaginable pain, profound loss, and courageous healing. In conversation with host Lorilee Binstock, Amanda reflects on her traumatic childhood marked by violence, sexual abuse, and the devastating murder of her sister and twin sons. She recalls how the woman who became her caregiver and who she considered her sister provided safety and love in the midst of chaos, and how that loss pushed her into years of numbness and survival. Through years of hard work, therapy, and an unrelenting will to heal, Amanda realized she was not truly surviving or thriving until she faced her trauma head-on. She opens up about her experiences with restorative justice—a process that brings victims back into the center of the justice system, gives them a voice, and encourages offenders to take accountability and develop empathy. Amanda courageously shares what it was like to sit face-to-face with the man who murdered her sister, and how that experience ultimately gave her peace and freedom. Her memoir, Becoming the Brave One, is more than a story of survival; it is a call to bravery, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome, and an invitation for others not to give up on their healing. Amanda’s honesty and vulnerability will leave listeners with hope, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible—even after the darkest of tragedies.

In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock and Authentic Insider’s Art Director Cali share their personal healing journeys. Cali opens up about weaning off Zoloft, microdosing with psilocybin, and using EMDR therapy to release painful teenage memories. Together, Lorilee and Cali discuss how alternative therapies like EMDR, microdosing, and Internal Family Systems Therapy can quiet the inner critic, improve well-being, and empower trauma survivors on their path to healing.

In the heartfelt season 6 finale of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock is joined by her cousin and Authentic Insider Magazine Creative Director,  Cali Binstock for an unscripted and emotional conversation about the realities of recovery, setbacks, and healing. The two dive deep into the messy middle of mental health—those moments when progress feels like it’s slipping away, and the tools we’ve learned feel just out of reach. Lorilee vulnerably shares her recent struggles with feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to ask for help, while Cali offers insight, validation, and the kind of support that only a soul-connected family member can give. Together, they reflect on the importance of safe relationships, self-compassion, the power of naming what you need, and how healing is not linear—but more like blooming in cycles. They also discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma behaviors, and the emotional labor it takes to communicate your needs in relationships. Raw, real, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a moving reminder that thriving doesn’t mean perfection—it means staying in the work, even when it’s hard.

In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Master Life Coach and author Michelle Bishop about the transformative power of choosing yourself first. Drawing from her book Choose You First, Michelle shares how healing begins when we shed the masks we’ve worn to survive and let go of the stories we’ve been told—and the ones we tell ourselves. Together, they explore what it means to live authentically, prioritize your own needs without guilt, and rewrite your internal narrative to reclaim your worth. This empowering conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop people-pleasing, embrace self-trust, and step fully into their truth.

Healing Education Through Trauma-Informed Teaching | Karen Gross on Mending Education In this inspiring episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock interviews Karen Gross, trauma expert, former college president, and author of Mending Education: Finding Hope, Creativity, and Mental Wellness in Times of Trauma. Karen shares how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep flaws in our education system—and also created opportunities to rebuild with trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creativity at the core. 🎓 In this episode, we explore: How trauma affects student learning and development The importance of integrating SEL into academic content The concept of “breakaway learners” and how to support them Lessons from Karen’s global educational work in Kenya and the UK Strategies for creating connected, creative, and compassionate classrooms Why community and collaboration are essential for long-term educational success Whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or someone passionate about the future of learning, this episode offers practical insights and hope for transforming education after trauma. 📚 Learn how we can mend education, empower students, and create resilient learning environments—one conversation at a time.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, host Lorilee Binstock speaks with Babs Walters, author of Facing the Jaguar: A Memoir of Courage and Confrontation. Babs opens up about the long road to healing after surviving childhood sexual abuse by her father—a secret she carried for over 70 years. Born to teenage parents who met in reform school, Babs grew up in a home marked by violence, infidelity, and emotional neglect. At age 11, she was sexually abused by her father and threatened into silence. When she attempted to speak out at 14 and again at 16, she was dismissed and not believed by trusted adults—including a rabbi and a counselor.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Haley Arias, author of the children’s book ”When I Can’t See You,” to discuss the profound impact of grief on children and families. Dr. Arias shares her personal journey of loss—losing her brother and then later losing her father to suicide in her twenties and navigating failed IVF attempts during COVID. She opens up about how EMDR therapy and stargazing helped her heal and inspired her to write a children’s book that helps kids process grief in a safe and meaningful way. Through her book, she offers a comforting perspective on loss—teaching children that they have the ability to use their imagination to navigate grief. She also highlights how open conversations about grief and mental health can help both children and parents find healing together.

New to the podcast or just want a deeper look into my journey? In this solo episode, I share an honest, unfiltered reflection on my story—where I started, how it’s going, what I’m currently working on, and insights from my latest 5-MeO-DMT experience. This stream-of-consciousness session is a deep dive into my personal evolution, challenges, and breakthroughs. If you’re interested in personal growth, transformation, and psychedelic experiences, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content!

Growing Up in the Shadow of a Special Needs Sibling with Kathryn Selvidge In this episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Selvidge, author of Khloe’s New Start, a heartfelt children’s book inspired by her experience growing up as the sibling of a mentally ill older brother. When a child has special needs, parents naturally devote much of their time and energy to their care. But what about the siblings? Often, they are left to navigate their emotions alone, leading to feelings of neglect, isolation, and even unspoken resentment. Kathryn shares her personal journey, the struggles she faced as a child, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to parents raising both special needs and neurotypical children. This is an essential conversation for families, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand the unique challenges of siblings in special needs households. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! #TraumaSurvivorThriver #Podcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #MentalHealthAwareness #SiblingSupport #ChildrensBooks #HealingThroughStories

Join Lorilee Binstock as she sits down with Dr. David Stevens, clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, to explore how understanding the brain’s glucose system can transform mental health. In this episode, Dr. Stevens breaks down how glucose levels directly impact anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and emotional regulation — and how replenishing the brain’s fuel can help restore self-love and improve overall functioning. Discover how trauma, brain chemistry, and personalized healing programs can unlock new levels of self-understanding and restoration — even for those who feel lost in their healing journey.

In this episode, Katie Beecher, a licensed professional counselor, renowned medical and spiritual intuitive and Author of Heal from Within: A Guidebook to Intuitive Wellness, shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. Growing up with an alcoholic father and abusive mother, Katie developed an eating disorder as a way to cope with feelings of shame and inadequacy. She opens up about overcoming depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma by learning to trust her intuition and embrace self-love. Through therapy and deep inner work, Katie learned to set boundaries, break free from dysfunction, and guide others on their own healing paths. Tune in as she discusses the power of intuition, the importance of self-acceptance, and how these tools can transform your life.

In this episode with Dr. Jamie Huysman, Co-Founder of the STAR Network, we explore Neuro Parenting, an approach that acknowledges how complex trauma impacts a child’s developing brain and why traditional parenting methods may fall short. By re-parenting ourselves, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Dr. Jamie Huysman shares his insights on self-love, awareness, and therapy as key elements in healing from childhood trauma. Dr. Jamie discusses DBT, IFS, and neuroplasticity as tools for breaking cycles of trauma. We also highlight the STAR Network, and their weekly support groups, TARANON, which supports parents and children healing from toxic relationships and trauma through community programs and trauma-informed approaches. Tune in for expert advice on fostering resilience, self-regulation, and emotional safety in both parents and children.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma Survivor Thriver’s Podcast, I sit down with Nia Renee, Narcissistic Abuse Coach and Founder of How to Love a Battered Woman LLC. 💜 Nia shares her harrowing journey of childhood abuse at the hands of her mother and siblings, how that trauma shaped her relationships, and the deep healing that led her to reclaim her personal power. We dive into: ✨ The lasting impact of childhood abuse on adult relationships ✨ Breaking free from toxic cycles ✨ The importance of a partner who gives you space to heal ✨ How love—real, safe, and supportive love—can be a part of the healing journey