PTSD and Beyond

Episode 73: Share My Story with Elena Breese

“I’ve learned to listen to myself,” says Elena Breese. To many in the United States, April 15^th is known as “Tax Day.” However, on April 15, 2013 that day will be forever known as the terrorist bombing of the Boston Marathon. Meet Elena Breese, Boston Marathon Terror Attack survivor. Elena was at the finish line waiting for her husband when both bombs exploded. Elena shares her story of life with PTSD, how that moment changed her life as a person, wife, and mother forever, and how she became the CEO of her own healing.  Listen to her and learn to listen to yourself!

To learn more about Elena, connect:

Web: StillBloomingMe.com

Twitter: @StillBloomingMe 

Instagram: @StillBloomingMe

Episode 72: Share My Story with Girish Dutt Shukla

“Once medical science says, ‘no,’ you start relying on other sources,”                Girish Dutt Shukla

Girish Dutt Shukla is a computer engineer by education, freelance digital marketer by profession, and author by lived-experience. Girish joins the PTSD and Beyond Podcast from Delhi, India and shares his story of medical trauma; one of his as a liver transplant patient and another of his sister (may her memory be eternal). His book, Maroon in a Sky of Blue, has readers opening up to the possibility that reality is an illusion and the illusion is real. Come walk with Girish as he brings light to his creative side that “needed to come out,” his wisdom that miracles are all around, and through moments of despair we learn to find opportunities that love will always be there.

To learn more about Girish, connect:

Web: Girishduttshulka.com

Twitter: @Girishdttshulka

Instagram: @GirishDuttShukla

Book: Maroon in a Sky of Blue

Episode 71: Share My Story with Jayson Miller

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a soldier in the U.S. Army who’s done 4 combat deployments and spent 12 months in Egypt? Meet retired Master Sergeant and podcaster, Jayson Miller! Jayson reveals his story of how for years he suppressed anxiety, depression, and trauma until one day he recognized the signs and accepted they are there. “You are the strongest person you probably know,” Jayson shares with PTSD and Beyond. “The willingness to be open to overcoming PTSD…it may have an negative connotation but let’s not be scared of it.”  Jayson brings insights of resilience, bravery, and recovery as he shares his story. Give a listen and hear the compassion and empathy of Jayson’s story!

For more about Jayson, connect:

Twitter: @Miller_ThatsMe

Podcast: Miller’s Military Moments

Website: MillersMilitaryMoments.com

Instagram: @MillersMilitaryMoments

Episode 70: Share My Story with Payton Lynch

“Grief is not a straight line,” says spouse to a 9/11 surviving child and author Payton Lynch. Payton found herself drawn to understanding how her husband, a 9/11 surviving child and other 9/11 surviving children seemed better equipped to handle life events and were more resilient to challenges. Payton decided to write a book, Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience, and Growth From the Children of 9/11 about how 9/11 surviving children found triumph from tragedy. A project manager for The Walt Disney Company, sharing stories is a part of Payton’s life stating, “The benefit of sharing outweighs the risk..and if you’re in hell, then keep going…why would you want to stay?”

During the time spent with Payton, she embodies the magical spirit of Walt Disney. Her bubbly personality and warmth emulate “I am here and we are here together.” She also shared a personal trauma and how exploring trauma and healing brought her and her husband closer. Grab some tissues for this episode and give a listen!

More about Payton, connect:

Book: Rise from the Ashes

Instagram: @paytonmeetsworld

Episode 69: Share My Story with G

Long-time PTSD and Beyond Community member, author, blogger, Red Sox Fan, and trans male….G….shares their story of their “survival career,” living a life of trauma and chronic pain, and healing journey. G brings raw and authentic emotions with keys to unlocking suicide behavior, long-term relationships with psychiatrists and therapists as well as the importance of belonging to a community. G inspires listeners with their wisdom, “If I can do it, you can do it too!”

In this episode, it was a true pleasure to finally meet G. We had been followers for quite some time and they’re part of the PTSD and Beyond Community. Their determination, wisdom, and kindness come through with what they say and how it is said. This session was deep and even philosophical. Give a listen and share in their strength.

More about G, connect:

Twitter: @MidnightDemon_

Blog: Midnight Demon

Book: Midnight Demon: My Suicidal Career with Mental Illness and Cauda Equina Syndrome

 

Episode 68: Share My Story with Dr. Ashley Perkins

“When you look different, you get bullied and if it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone,” Dr. Ashley Perkins

Ashley Perkins is a force in the mental health advocacy sphere. Founder of the non-profit, We Matter Too, she shares her story to inspire as well as to let people know that doing the work is hard in the moment and that difficulty is temporary.

What I learned from talking with Dr. Ashley is that people who share their stories have an enormous amount of empathy, grace, and give people hope. Her passion and conviction come through in the energy when she speaks as well as actions from Ted Talks to her presence on social media. Give a listen and be ready to be inspired!

More about Dr. Ashley Perkins, connect:

Web: WeMatterToo.org

Twitter: @BecauseIMatter

Instagram: @WeMatterTooInc

Episode 67: Share My Story with Miss Coco Peru

"Drag was key to recovery….it gave back my voice,” Miss Coco Peru

Actor, entertainer, comedian, and LGBTQ+ Activist, Miss Coco Peru shares their story of past bullying as early as childhood, trauma from surviving an accident at 16, and how creating shows unite and connect parents, kids, and community; “my story is their story.”  Coco shares, “what once was a weed is someone’s food…look at dandelions…once a weed and now a gem.” That is how they see their story; they’re a shining gem!

The energy of each of their shows is healing and the goal of healing is bigger than fear. Give a listen to Miss Coco Peru and share with someone who this will touch.

Reflecting on this time together, Coco is everything you’d think; gracious, kind, witty, and delight to be around. Their contagious laughter and Bronxite dialect brought an energy to the moment that illuminated their gifts of putting people at ease to talk about the difficulties in life and how to find the gem in each one of us.

I hope you enjoy this episode and share it with someone who needs to laugh and be inspired to find their voice and inner gem. 

More about Miss Coco Peru, connect:

Web: MissCocoPeru.com

Twitter: @TheMissCocoPeru 

Instagram: @MissCocoPeru

Facebook: Miss Coco Peru Fans

YouTube: Miss Coco Peru

Episode 66: PTSD and Beyond Presents -30 Stories in 30 Days

At PTSD and Beyond, we've been working on something extra special to honor PTSD Awareness Month in June.

We're proud to present the segment: 30 Stories in 30 Days!

Each day in the month of June at 12 noon EST, we will be sharing the unique story of someone with lived-experience with trauma, PTSD, learn about their journey, their healing, and their superpower!

Our Brothers and Sisters from around the world...Canada, England, Malaysia, New Zealand, India, Australia, USA, and beyond show tremendous courage to share their story. They are the champions who keep striving, growing, healing, and living.

Subscribe, listen, download, and share with someone who will find these stories captivating and inspiring!

 

Episode 65: Anxiety - What TO Say To Someone

What do we say to someone experiencing anxiety? Have you ever been taught?

Nope! What we find is most information out there says what NOT to say..things like "get over it."

Okay...so what can be said instead? (crickets chirping)

No worries...let's take care of that! In Episode 65, Dr. Deb Lindh shares examples of what to say and how what we say can make a difference in de-escalating anxiety, increasing feelings of safety, and building healthier relationships.

Give a listen...AND if you like this episode...remember to give a "like," subscribe, and share with someone who can find this info helpful!

xoxo!

Episode 64: Dr. Harry Stark on Soul Fillers

"We have so many opportunities if we just give ourselves a chance,"

Dr. Harry Stark

 

In Episode 64 of PTSD and Beyond, we sit down with clinical psychologist, professor, and researcher, Dr. Harry Stark and talk about life is unfulfilling when spending time that's not meaningful AND how life can be meaningful when we replace space fillers with soul fillers.

 

Dr. Stark shares that while people are frighted by space and the thought of space, it's space that creates an opportunity to connect with courageous movements of going through discomforts to reach the other side of deeper meaning.

 

Give a listen and remember to like, comment, download, and share this episode with someone who would find it helpful.

To learn more about Dr. Stark, check him out at:

Web: DrHarryStark.com

Twitter: @DrStarkPhD