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Welcome to the PTSD and Beyond Podcast with Dr. Deb Lindh, where we give you insights into PTSD, trauma, healing, recovery, and beyond! In each episode, we have a conversation with an inspiring guest who will stimulate your mind, touch your heart, connect with your spirit, and give you a greater understanding of yourself and others on this healing and recovery journey. Hopefully, we’ll also provide insights into possibilities, meaning, purpose, and hope. Thanks for listening and enjoy the podcast!
Episodes
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7 days ago
Self-Love on the Trauma Healing Journey
7 days ago
7 days ago
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
Self-love isn’t just spa days or bubble baths. It’s a practice, a mindset, and sometimes, a radical act—especially when healing from trauma.
So, here’s my question for you today: How are you practicing self-love?
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we explore:
✨What is Self-Love (and Why Is It Hard?)
🧠 The three key parts of self-love
💡 What is love?
💖 What does ancient wisdom say about love
🌍 What does practice mean
💡Five Ways to Cultivate Self-Love Today
Love—whether for ourselves, others, or the world—isn’t just an emotion we wait for; it’s something we cultivate, practice, and embody. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
Listen, Subscribe, & Share:
✨ Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!
💬 Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
🌟 Leave a review—it helps us reach more people on their healing journey.
☕ Love the show? Buy us a cuppa on Ko-fi! ☕
Creating PTSD and Beyond takes time, heart, and a whole lot of coffee! If you love what we do and want to support the podcast, you can buy us a cuppa on Ko-fi. Every sip helps keep these conversations going and brings more healing content to the community.
💖 Click here to fuel the podcast: Cuppa for PTSD and Beyond @ Ko-Fi
💌 Connect with us:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
Insta - @DrDebraLindh
Insta - @PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Friday Feb 07, 2025
The Strength of Kindness
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
Kindness isn’t just a random act—it’s a radical act of strength, healing, and survival. But for many trauma survivors, being on the receiving end of kindness can feel uncomfortable, even triggering. Why? And how can we shift from discomfort to embracing kindness as part of a new, healthy normal?
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we explore:
✨ The history of kindness—from ancient philosophy to modern psychology
🧠 The science of kindness—how it rewires the brain and reduces trauma responses
💡 Why kindness can be challenging for trauma survivors (and how to navigate it)
💖 10 ways to practice self-kindness daily
🌍 How small, consistent acts of kindness help build trust and resilience
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
Listen, Subscribe, & Share:
✨ Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!
💬 Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
🌟 Leave a review—it helps us reach more people on their healing journey.
☕ Love the show? Buy us a cuppa on Ko-fi! ☕
Creating PTSD and Beyond takes time, heart, and a whole lot of coffee! If you love what we do and want to support the podcast, you can buy us a cuppa on Ko-fi. Every sip helps keep these conversations going and brings more healing content to the community.
💖 Click here to fuel the podcast: Cuppa for PTSD and Beyond @ Ko-Fi
💌 Connect with us:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
Insta - @DrDebraLindh
Insta - @PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Friday Jan 31, 2025
No One's Going to Save You? Think Again!
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
You may have heard the phrase, “No one is going to save you.” But let’s break that down—because here’s the truth: Someone is going to save you, and that someone is YOU. And guess what? You are not alone.
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of self-empowerment and the misleading message behind “tough love” narratives. While no one can do our healing for us, to say that no one is coming to help is simply false. We are capable, we are connected, and we are supported—by ourselves, by those who came before us, and by those who walk this journey with us.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:
✔️ The truth about empowerment and self-worth
✔️ How harmful messaging can reinforce helplessness
✔️ Remembering who you are and owning your strength
✔️ The fire inside you that no one can take away
✔️ A guided mindfulness exercise to ground you in your power
You are someone. You are your own hero. And together, we’re better, we’re stronger, and we rise. 💙
Listen, Subscribe, & Share:
✨ Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode!
💬 Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear this message today.
🌟 Leave a review—it helps us reach more people on their healing journey.
Support PTSD and Beyond:
🛜 Join our Patreon: Support PTSD and Beyond here!
📲 Follow us on social:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
💌 Connect with us:
Insta - @DrDebraLindh
Insta - @PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
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Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Navigating Reactors and Rumination with Mindfulness
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we dive into how rumination and reactors—those moments when we feel stuck or overwhelmed—impact our mental health and how mindfulness can help us move through them. We also explore the importance of grounding, self-compassion, and the post-care phase.
Key Topics:
- What is Rumination? Exploring the loop of repetitive thoughts, especially in relation to trauma, and how it activates the brain's default mode network (DMN).
- Understanding Reactors: Shifting from "triggers" to "reactors" to help create more space between us and our emotional responses.
- The Role of Self-Compassion: Practical ways to validate yourself when a reactor is activated, and how to use grounding exercises to regulate emotions.
- The Science Behind Grounding: Walking barefoot activates over 200,000 nerve endings in your feet, which helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Post-Care Phase: After a reactive experience, nurturing yourself is crucial for restoring balance and promoting long-term resilience.
Mindfulness Exercise: We close with a guided mindfulness exercise designed to help us anchor in the present moment, validate ourselves, and practice self-compassion, especially when feeling overwhelmed by rumination or reactors.
Through self-awareness and preparation, we can recognize that we’re not only there for ourselves but also there for one another. By staying connected and mindful, we strengthen our ability to navigate challenges together.
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Rising from the Ashes with Kegan Gill: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of traumatic events, severe physical injury, and recovery from PTSD. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we’re joined by Kegan Gill, retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot, motivational speaker, and author of the memoir Phoenix Revival. Kegan shares his extraordinary journey of survival and recovery following a catastrophic jet ejection accident that left him with life-altering injuries. Through resilience, determination, and the fighter pilot mindset, Kegan transformed his trauma into a story of hope and growth.
We explore the challenges he faced during his physical and emotional recovery, the tools and strategies he used to overcome PTSD, and the profound lessons he’s learned about embracing life after trauma. Kegan’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit to rise from the ashes, offering inspiration to anyone navigating their own path to healing.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The events surrounding Kegan’s accident and its immediate aftermath.
- The role of resilience, discipline, and mindset in overcoming trauma.
- How Kegan approached the mental health challenges of his recovery, including PTSD.
- Practical tools for navigating adversity and embracing growth.
- Insights from Phoenix Revival and its message of hope and transformation.
If Kegan’s story resonated with you, don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could benefit from it. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and actionable insights to help you on your journey to healing.
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Kegan Gill:
Website - KeganGill
Book - Phoenix Revival
Instagram - @KeganSmurfGill
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond

Friday Jan 10, 2025
From Trauma to Strength: Navigating the Phases of Disaster Recovery
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
🌟 New Podcast Episode: From Trauma to Strength: Navigating the Phases of Disaster Recovery 🌟
Disasters may alter the course of our lives, but they don’t define our future. Recovery is about coming together, healing, and building a stronger life moving forward.
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we explore Diane Myers’ six psychological phases of disaster recovery:
- Impact: Shock and disbelief.
- Heroic: Collective action and immediate help.
- Honeymoon: Optimism and hope.
- Disillusionment: Realizing recovery will take longer.
- Reconstruction: Rebuilding and emotional challenges.
- A New Beginning: Adjusting to a new reality.
We dive into practical strategies for healing, managing setbacks, and preparing for moments like anniversary dates.
Healing isn't about going back to what was. It's about moving forward, supporting one another, and building a stronger future.
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
Support PTSD and Beyond on Ko-Fi and Patreon!
#TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #DisasterRecovery #CommunityHealing #PTSD #Resilience #Hope #StrongerTogether
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Friday Jan 03, 2025
From Pressure to Respite: Redefining Self-Care and Resolutions
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
In this episode of PTSD and Beyond, we’re rethinking the way we approach resolutions and self-care. Instead of seeing them as tasks or pressures, what if we reframed them as opportunities for respite—a chance to pause, renew, and reconnect with ourselves? Inspired by a recent personal mindshift, we’ll explore how this subtle change can transform not only how we think about self-care but also how it supports trauma recovery, mental health, and overall well-being.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why traditional resolutions often fail and leave us feeling defeated.
- The psychology behind shifting from pressure to respite and how it supports healing and emotional regulation.
- How viewing self-care as respite can reduce stress, foster self-compassion, and rewire the brain for positive habits.
- Practical steps to redefine activities like going to the gym, journaling, or cooking as opportunities for renewal and joy.
- Reflective questions to help you invite more ease and joy into your resolutions and daily life.
Key Takeaways:
- Respite is a mindset that takes the pressure off self-care, making it sustainable and nurturing.
- This mindshift is rooted in evidence-based psychology, including stress reduction, neuroplasticity, and self-compassion.
- By choosing respite over pressure, you can create resolutions that feel more like invitations than obligations.
Reflective Questions:
- What’s one area of your life where you feel pressure? How can you reframe it as an opportunity for respite?
- What would your self-care look like if it wasn’t about achieving but simply about being?
- How can you invite more joy and ease into your resolutions this year?
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Best of 2024
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Episode 500: Burnout and Mindfulness with Ted Meissner
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
PTSD and Beyond Podcast Episode 500: Mindfulness and Burnout with Ted Meissner
In today’s special 500th episode of the PTSD and Beyond Podcast, we celebrate this incredible milestone with a heartfelt conversation about a topic impacting so many: mindfulness and burnout. Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s about disconnection, imbalance, and the longing to reclaim our lives.
Join Dr. Deb and Ted Meissner, mindfulness practitioner and educator, as they dive deep into the intersection of mindfulness and burnout recovery. Together, they explore how mindfulness can transform stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience in our fast-paced, high-demand world.
With over two decades of experience, Ted brings evidence-based practices, practical tools, and a compassionate perspective to this conversation. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin, seeking balance, or simply curious about mindfulness, this episode is for you.
Key Topics:
- Understanding burnout: What it is, why it happens, and how mindfulness can help.
- The science of mindfulness: How mindfulness rewires the nervous system and promotes resilience.
- Practical mindfulness practices: Techniques to create balance, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.
- Integrating mindfulness into daily life: Simple ways to build a sustainable, mindful practice.
- The journey of healing: Why self-compassion is key in recovery from burnout.
Key Takeaways:
- Burnout stems from prolonged stress and disconnection. Mindfulness helps restore balance and presence.
- Practical tools like breath awareness and body scans are powerful for managing stress and preventing burnout.
- Mindfulness isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating small, consistent practices that fit your life.
- Self-compassion is essential for healing. Be kind to yourself as you navigate burnout recovery.
- Building resilience takes time, but with mindfulness, it’s a journey worth taking.
Affirmations for Your Journey:
- “I honor my well-being and prioritize my needs with compassion.”
- “I release the pressure to be perfect and embrace the power of presence.”
- “I take small, mindful steps toward balance and resilience each day.”
If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe, like, and leave a review. Thank you for being part of our journey—500 episodes and counting!
And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Ted Meissner:
Website - Mindfulness.voyage
Website - The Mindfulness Network
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond
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Thursday Dec 12, 2024
From Hurt to Healing: How to Rebuild Trust
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank
Today's episode of PTSD and Beyond is proudly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank, dedicated to advancing research on brain disorders that impact Veterans. The VABBB is seeking participants both with and without neurological conditions. Your involvement can lead to important breakthroughs and support life-changing research. Visit www.research.va.gov/programs and click on VA Biorepository Brain Bank
In today’s PTSD and Beyond Podcast episode, we explore one of the most profound challenges many face after trauma: rebuilding trust. Trust is foundational to our relationships, our sense of safety, and even our self-worth. Yet, when it’s broken, the path to healing can feel overwhelming.
Join Dr. Deb as she guides us through the process of understanding trust, navigating its complexities, and learning to rebuild it with intention. From validating your past experiences to reclaiming self-trust, this episode provides actionable insights and compassionate guidance to help you move forward.
We’ll also draw from research by Dr. Brené Brown, Dr. John Gottman, and Dr. Kristin Neff to explore the science of trust, relationships, and self-compassion.
Key Topics:
- Understanding trust: What it means, why it matters, and how it’s impacted by betrayal.
- The impact of past violations: How broken trust shapes our ability to connect.
- Practical steps to rebuild: Validating your pain, separating past hurt from present circumstances, and taking small steps forward.
- Releasing what isn’t yours to carry: Letting go of misplaced guilt and expectations.
- Self-trust: Why it’s essential and how to rebuild it one step at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust begins with validation. Acknowledge what happened and honor your experiences.
- Past betrayals can overshadow present relationships. Recognizing this is crucial for breaking free.
- Rebuilding trust takes time. Small, consistent steps build a foundation for healing.
- Letting go of what isn’t yours to carry is an act of self-compassion and freedom.
- Self-trust is the cornerstone of rebuilding trust with others.
Affirmations for Your Journey:
- “I honor my experiences and the strength it takes to heal.”
- “I choose to release what isn’t mine to carry, making space for peace and connection.”
- “I trust myself to take small steps toward healing and growth.”
If today’s episode resonated with you, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe, like, and leave a review. And remember, we’re better together, we’re stronger together, and take what resonates and GO BEYOND!
In Love and Healing,
Dr. Deb
To connect with Dr. Deb Lindh:
Website - Dr. Deb Lindh
Website - PTSDandBeyond
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @DebraLindh
X (formerly known as Twitter) - @PTSDandBeyond