Welcome to "Stress Mess: Laughing through Trauma," a podcast that dives into the complexities of trauma and chronic stress with a blend of humor, empathy, and real-life stories. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of life's stress mess together, because sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
Each episode, we explore different facets of trauma and chronic stress, discussing how these experiences shape our minds, bodies, thinking patterns, behaviors, lives and relationships. From personal anecdotes to expert interviews, we uncover the learned survival patterns and growth that can emerge from adversity while squashing shame and isolation.
"Stress Mess" isn't just about the struggles; it's about finding moments of levity and connection amidst the chaos. We believe in the healing power of laughter and the importance of sharing our stories openly and honestly.
Whether you're seeking validation, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in your journey, "Stress Mess" is here to accompany you. Tune in to explore the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative aspects of living with trauma and chronic stress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to "Stress Mess: Laughing through Trauma," a podcast that dives into the complexities of trauma and chronic stress with a blend of humor, empathy, and real-life stories. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of life's stress mess together, because sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
Each episode, we explore different facets of trauma and chronic stress, discussing how these experiences shape our minds, bodies, thinking patterns, behaviors, lives and relationships. From personal anecdotes to expert interviews, we uncover the learned survival patterns and growth that can emerge from adversity while squashing shame and isolation.
"Stress Mess" isn't just about the struggles; it's about finding moments of levity and connection amidst the chaos. We believe in the healing power of laughter and the importance of sharing our stories openly and honestly.
Whether you're seeking validation, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in your journey, "Stress Mess" is here to accompany you. Tune in to explore the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative aspects of living with trauma and chronic stress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this final episode of Season 3, Katie talks with Amber about her experience with coaching at Oak Mountain Coaching. They discuss navigating birth trauma, motherhood, and mental health, and how coaching offers tools and support beyond traditional therapy.
What You’ll Learn:
Connect with Amber:
If you’ve been considering coaching, lean into that nudge...investing in yourself is worth it!
Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for Season 4 dropping in early 2026!
Thanks for being here!
-Katie O @katieostresscoaching
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of childhood trauma—what it is, how it manifests in adulthood, and the ways it can shape our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Katie shares personal experiences and professional insights, exploring the spectrum of trauma, from overt events to the absence of emotional safety and connection. The episode also covers common adult adaptations, the importance of self-compassion, and how coaching can support healing and growth.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes:
Resources & Contact:
If you resonated with this episode or have questions, connect with Katie for a chat about support or coaching. Stay tuned for more episodes diving deeper into specific patterns and healing strategies.
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In this episode, Katie sits down with physical therapist Lisa Becker-Schmall, whose work centers on women’s health, pelvic floor conditions, and chronic illness. Together, they unpack the mind-body connection, how physical and emotional pain overlap, and how providers can recognize when it’s time to collaborate or refer clients for additional support.
Physical pain is often influenced by emotional and psychological layers—and healing is most effective when providers work collaboratively, stay in their lane, and refer when needed. If something feels “missing” in your care, it’s okay to seek someone who sees the whole picture.
Instagram: @lisa.b.schmall — DMs welcome for connection or inquiries.
Instagram: @katieostresscoaching — and don't forge to subscribe and follow for future episodes!
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In this guided practice, we explore the “emotional flare-up hangover”—the shame, guilt, and looping thoughts that often follow a reactive moment. Instead of beating yourself up, this episode walks you through moving from shame → understanding → repair with compassion.
You’re not striving for perfection—you’re learning to show up with awareness. Your reactions aren’t your identity, and giving your protective parts compassion is a powerful step toward repair.
Don't forget to subscribe and follow on Instagram for more: @katieostresscoaching
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In this heart-centered and thought-provoking conversation, Katie sits down with mind-body physical therapist and breathwork facilitator Kento Kamiyama to explore the essence of spirituality—beyond religion, dogma, or labels. Together, they dive into what it truly means to feel connected, whole, and real.
Kento shares his own journey of learning to pause, release perfectionism, and find meaning through connection—rather than constant self-improvement or “fixing.” Katherine and Kento unpack the ways spirituality, vulnerability, and playfulness intersect with emotional and physical healing, and how pain can often be an invitation to reconnect with ourselves and others.
You’ll hear candid stories, reflections on the link between fear and pain, and reminders that healing isn’t about becoming pain-free—it’s about realizing you’re never truly alone in the process.
Whether you’re a healer, a client, or simply someone curious about the intersection of body, mind, and spirit, this episode offers grounded insights and inspiration for living and healing with more presence and compassion.
Connect with Kento:
Find Kento on Instagram at @kento.bodymind.coaching to learn more about his holistic approach to physical therapy and mind-body connection. He also hosts monthly breathwork sessions that help you deepen your relationship with yourself and release stored emotional energy.
✨ Special Offer:
If you’ve listened all the way through this episode, DM Kento the code “stressmess20” on Instagram for 20% off your first breathwork session!
🌿 Connect with Katie:
Continue the conversation and explore mind-body-spirit wellness with host Katie O’Leary on Instagram at @katieostresscoaching. Don't forget to like & subscribe for more!
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In this solo episode, Katie reflects on a quote by London-based psychotherapist Sirit Chawla:
“I’m not the monk on the mountain. I’m in the trenches with you.”
Katie shares how this perspective shapes her work as a trauma and chronic stress coach. She explores why true healing isn’t about being “fixed” by an expert but about building connection, safety, and understanding.
She also discusses the pressure providers feel to have all the answers, how shame keeps people stuck, and why authenticity and compassion are essential in any healing relationship.
Follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching and online at www.oakmountainmh.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt and hilariously honest episode, Katie O’Leary sits down with Amber Grimmett, founder of Fierce, Not Fragile.
Together, they dive into the beauty and chaos of personal growth, the power of owning your story, and how laughter can transform even the toughest seasons. This is an episode full of warmth, truth, and the kind of friendship that reminds you healing doesn’t have to be quiet or perfect. 💛
Amber Grimmett is the founder of Fierce, Not Fragile, dedicated to helping women step into their confidence, own their stories, and live boldly. She is a head coach who is a passionate advocate for women embracing their strength.
You can connect with Amber on Instagram @fierce.not.fragile and Katie is on Instagram as @katieostresscoaching
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In this raw and deeply honest episode, Katie sits down with powerlifting coach & clinician, John Flagg. The very first person who helped her find and use her voice during one of the hardest seasons of her life. What follows is a conversation that pulls no punches. Touching on trauma, the power of presence, emotional regulation, and what it really means to hold space for someone without trying to fix them.
Together, they explore:
If you're someone trying to show up more fully for yourself and the people you love, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you listen, how you lead, and how you heal.
If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to share it with someone you love or leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever been told to “just be more confident” — but no matter how many affirmations you say in the mirror, it just doesn’t feel true? That’s because confidence, healing, and self-worth can’t live in the mind alone. In this episode, Katie dives deep into why the body is essential in trauma healing — and what happens when we focus only on talk therapy and cognitive awareness without including the body.
Katie breaks down the difference between narrative memory (what we know happened) and procedural memory (what the body remembers), showing how trauma responses like freezing, pleasing, or shutting down are rooted in the body’s learned survival mechanisms.
You’ll hear real client examples, learn what it means to “update” the body’s memory, and discover how integrating somatic (body-based) techniques — like pendulation and bilateral stimulation — can help you truly feel safety, confidence, and trust from the inside out.
Don't forget to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching.
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In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Katie sits down with Dr. Jocelyn Wallace—a pelvic health coach who helps women heal from hysterectomies, pelvic floor injuries, and chronic gynecological conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis.
Together, they explore the connection between childhood trauma, body image, and long-term health, and how survival responses from early life often shape our relationship with food, our bodies, and the healthcare system.
Jocelyn shares her personal story of growing up with severe fibroids, navigating bullying, emotional suppression, disordered eating, and the eventual turning point that led her to reclaim her body through strength training and health coaching.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s struggled with trusting their body, has a history of chronic stress or trauma, or wants to understand how deeper emotional wounds can manifest physically—and how healing is still possible.
If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to share it with someone you love or leave a review!
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This episode explores the complex tension between individual needs and relationship needs—the "I" and the "We." It's not always clear when to put yourself first or when to show up for the relationship, and for many, especially trauma survivors, this can feel overwhelming and confusing.
We unpack why this dynamic is so challenging, how past experiences shape our instincts to either self-abandon or self-protect, and what it looks like to navigate this gray space with more awareness and intention.
You’ll hear real-life examples (like saying no to social events or supporting a partner through a tough time) and be guided through two core reflection questions that help clarify what should be prioritized in a given moment. We also discuss how honest communication can prevent resentment and strengthen connection over time.
Ultimately, this conversation is about building flexibility, self-trust, and curiosity—so we can better honor both ourselves and the relationships we care about.
Reflection prompts from this episode:
This episode invites you to notice where you lean—toward the “I” or the “We”—and how to find more balance in the in-between. Don't forget to follow on Instagram @katieostresscoaching
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Welcome back to Part 2 of our powerful and heartfelt conversation on resilience with the incredible Jared Maynard. Jared is a physiotherapist, coach, and founder of Unbreakable Strength. If you listened to Part 1, you know Jared’s story is one of deep personal and physical transformation. In this follow-up, we go even deeper.
Together, we unpack what resilience really means. Not just grit or toughness, but the ability to break, bend, rebuild, and receive help. Jared opens up about the moment he realized the version of himself he once knew was gone, and what it took to begin again.
We talk about:
This is more than a conversation about physical recovery, it’s about emotional survival, personal transformation, and the kind of strength that’s built when everything else falls away.
Guest Info:
Jared Maynard
Founder of Unbreakable Strength
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakable/
Book A Call With Jared HERE
Connect with Katie:
Katie O'Leary Trauma & Chronic Stress Coaching
IG: https://www.instagram.com/katieostresscoaching/
Book A Call With Katie HERE
Missed Part 1 of Jared’s story? Go back and listen to how this journey began — from life-threatening illness to inner awakening.
🔗 Listen to Part 1 here
If this episode moved you, made you pause, or made you feel seen, please share it. Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway. And don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, heart-led conversations on healing, strength, and what it means to be human.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma, Katie sits down with Jared Maynard — a physio, strength coach, dad, and all-around inspiring human — to dive into the nuanced and sometimes messy world of resilience.
Jared shares his deeply personal journey from being the “fat kid” hiding during recess to becoming a confident, grounded leader in the strength and coaching space. He opens up about his experiences with Kung Fu, football, bodybuilding, and eventually powerlifting — and how the barbell became a catalyst for self-trust, discipline, and transformation.
Together, Katie and Jared explore:
This episode is equal parts real talk, personal storytelling, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating adversity — whether you're lifting heavy in the gym, raising little humans, or just trying to get through a tough week.
Notable Quotes:
🗣️ “Resilience is how you keep going with and for the things and people that matter to you.”
🗣️ “The barbell doesn't care what kind of day you’ve had. It teaches you how to fail — and how to come back stronger.”
🗣️ “You don’t have to act on every emotion. But you do need to listen to them.”
Guest Info:
🎧 Jared Maynard
Founder of Unbreakable Strength
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakable/
Book A Call With Jared HERE
Connect with Katie:
Katie O'Leary Trauma & Chronic Stress Coaching
IG: https://www.instagram.com/katieostresscoaching/
Book A Call With Katie HERE
Rate & Review:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! It helps more people find the pod and join the conversation around stress, strength, and showing up as your full self.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“If one more person tells me, ‘Just try again—they didn’t mean it,’ I don’t know what I’ll do…”
In this deeply personal and raw episode, we dive into the complicated emotions around reconnection, estrangement, and healing—especially when the harm is minimized, dismissed, or repeated.
Through an honest reflection on childhood wounds, family estrangement, and the long road of unlearning harmful dynamics, we explore critical questions:
Part storytelling, part therapeutic unpacking, this episode invites you into an intimate session that blends vulnerability, insight, and somatic wisdom. If you've ever felt guilted into repairing a relationship that still hurts, or questioned whether you’re the “problem” for walking away, this one’s for you.
Topics Include:
This episode isn’t just about letting go, it’s about reclaiming your right to choose who gets to stay in your life.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! You can catch me on instagram @katieostresscoaching
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we continue an important conversation with Laura, a Certified Somatic Relationship Coach and Board-Certified Sexologist. We'll dive into the complex topics of low desire, erotic aliveness, and communication within relationships. The episode covers everything from the personal beliefs shaping our sexuality to the importance of embodiment and how couples can reconnect with their desires in a safe and open way. Topics covered include:
Highlights:
This episode is a powerful reminder that sexual desire is complex and multifaceted. By exploring our beliefs, reconnecting with our bodies, and openly communicating with our partners, we can reignite erotic aliveness and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Resources:
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In this episode, we sits down with somatic relationship and intimacy coach, and board-certified sexologist, Lara Lark. Together, they explore the messy intersection of stress, intimacy, and connection — from navigating emotional challenges to embracing physical closeness with more presence and ease.
Lara opens up about her own journey of overcoming relationship struggles, what drew her into intimacy coaching, and why stress integration is so critical for healthy relationships. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and a deeper sense of compassion for yourself and others.
Lara Lark is a somatic relationship and intimacy coach and a board-certified sexologist. She helps people reconnect with themselves and their partners by blending science, somatic practices, and compassionate coaching. Her work focuses on helping others navigate intimacy, stress, and connection with more ease.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m too much... I’m being dramatic... I should tone it down”? You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not too much.
In this episode, we dive deep into the origins of the “I’m too much” narrative — how many of us were conditioned to believe that big feelings meant we were wrong, dramatic, or overwhelming. From childhood messages that minimized or shamed our emotions, to the subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways we’ve learned to silence ourselves, this episode unpacks the emotional imprints we carry and why they show up today.
We’ll explore:
This isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about reclaiming your right to feel. Tune in to begin untangling the shame loop and learn how to be with your emotions in a more grounded, compassionate way.
Don't forget to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the beautiful chaos of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and friendship with our incredible guest, Dr. Liana Sved (@the_jawpaindoc).
Together, we pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to show up every day as moms, business owners, and women trying to do it all. From chaotic mornings filled with cereal spills and toddler meltdowns to late-night emails and moments of quiet doubt, we talk about the unfiltered truth behind the highlight reels.
We explore the emotional rollercoaster that so often comes with building a business while raising a family—the pressure to be everything to everyone, the guilt, the breakthroughs, and the small wins that keep us going. Dr. Liana opens up about her journey as a mom and doctor, how she’s learned to find support in unexpected places, and the powerful role that female friendship and vulnerability have played in her growth.
This conversation is a love letter to every woman who’s ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or questioned whether she’s doing enough. If you've ever cried on the bathroom floor, doubted your purpose, or simply needed someone to say "me too," this episode is for you.
Because the truth is: you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going. You just have to keep showing up.
✨ Follow Dr. Liana on Instagram @the_jawpaindoc
✨ Follow me @katieostresscoaching
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In this episode, we're unpacking what safety really means—beyond just physical security. Emotional, cognitive, and relational safety are often overlooked, yet they deeply shape how we move through life, especially as trauma survivors.
We cover:
“Safety isn’t the absence of triggers. It’s the presence of support, choice, and tools to navigate whatever arises.”
This episode is for anyone who’s been told they're “too much,” or who’s learning how to feel at home in their own body and mind.
Let me know what you thought of this episode by sending a DM to @katieostresscoaching on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today’s episode, Katie is joined once again by the insightful and ever-curious Taylor Goldberg. A chiropractor turned virtual hypermobility coach to unpack a buzzword we hear everywhere in the chronic illness world: “root cause.”
Is there really one root cause for chronic symptoms? What does that term even mean and is it helping or hurting the healing journey?
Together, Katie and Taylor explore:
Whether you’re a practitioner, a patient, or someone navigating long-term symptoms, this episode will challenge how you think about healing—and offer a more compassionate, realistic path forward.
Let’s stop chasing the perfect answer and start listening to the full story.
🔗 Connect with Taylor:
@thehypermobilechiro
thehypermobilechiro.com
🔗 Connect with Katie:
@katieostresscoaching
oakmountainmh.com
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