Advertise on podcast: Trauma Informed Podcast

In this episode of the Trauma Informed Podcast Jeff Friedman Ph.D. LCSW interviews breathwork coach Martin O'Toole about this recovery journey. Born in Yorkshire, England, Martin O'Toole spent 25 years as an adman and high-functioning alcoholic before an almost-suicide in 2015; later, a transformative experience with Ayahuasca led him to leave London for a mindful life abroad. Through plant medicines and ancient Eastern practices, he overcame addiction and depression, retraining as an integrative psychology coach and developing a body of work that blends breathwork, Internal Family Systems, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed psychedelic integration. In 2023, he published How To Die Happy: Curated Wisdom, Stories & Utilities For The Art of Living. An outspoken ambassador for suicide awareness and mental health, his work helps people get out of their minds, breaking free from the patterns and conditioning that keep them stuck. More recently, he released his second book, How Not To Suffer: A Practical Guide to Losing Your Mind, a field manual for anyone ready to stop running from themselves. Through one-to-one coaching, breathwork, therapeutic psychedelic work, and retreats run alongside his partner, Jules, Martin guides clients worldwide into non-ordinary states where lasting transformation becomes possible. The pair has just founded Worker Be, a corporate wellness brand tackling workplace burnout from the roots up.

This was an interview for the Trauma Informed Podcast where Jeffrey spoke with Mercedes about her CounterPunch program, a structured approach using boxing and sports to work with adolescents. Mercedes explained how she developed the program over 15 years, starting as a combat sports coach with 43 years of experience before transitioning to psychology and creating a curriculum that combines reality therapy with physical movement to help teens deal with life's challenges during adolescence. The program operates in three phases, beginning with skill development and movement patterns, then progressing to teaching tools around value goal setting and internal control, all while using boxing as a medium without any contact between participants. Mercedes discussed how the program addresses common adolescent issues including suicide prevention, social development, and behavioral challenges, with particular success in helping high-functioning teens who might otherwise go undiagnosed. She described the physical exercises, including boxing fundamentals, footwork, and skipping, while emphasizing that the program is gender-specific and focuses on prevention rather than treating high-end trauma or mental health issues. Mercedes shared her personal background in combat sports, including representing Australia in Masters Boxing, and discussed plans to expand the program both within Australia and internationally, including presentations in Ireland and potential expansion to America.

Jeff Friedman Ph.D. LCSW interviews Dr. Hector, an integrative psychiatrist based in Miami, shared his holistic approach to medicine that considers the brain's connection to various body systems and focuses on treating trauma and stress-related issues through resilience building and unconventional methods. His career journey from fashion photography to psychiatry was driven by his interest in building trust and understanding people's backgrounds, leading him to pursue medical training in the Caribbean and residency in Miami. Dr. Hector discussed his work with Amen Clinics and his experience with advanced imaging techniques, while also exploring the impact of immigrant trauma in Miami and his approach to treating perseverating rumination through brain function analysis and community bonding.

Jeffrey interviewed Mary, a therapist from Ashland, Oregon who developed a therapeutic approach called "Not Good Enough Stuff" to help clients address internalized feelings of inadequacy. Mary explained how these feelings often originate from childhood messages received from family, society, and culture, and can manifest as self-blame and negative self-talk. She described her personal journey that led to becoming a therapist, including a car accident at age 28 that left her temporarily paralyzed and revealed underlying childhood trauma. Mary discussed her current work running a group practice in South Haven, Mississippi, and her efforts to publish a book titled "Not Good Enough Stuff" that outlines her therapeutic approach and includes research supporting the concept.

This podcast featured discussions about trauma-informed care in healthcare settings, with multiple speakers sharing their experiences as nurses and healthcare professionals. Speakers explored how past traumas affect both patients and healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of compassionate communication, self-care, and building trust with patients from diverse backgrounds. The conversation concluded with personal stories and insights about overcoming trauma through empathy, confidence building, and the importance of maintaining human connection in healthcare. Melanie shared her background as a nurse with over 25 years of experience, highlighting her work in higher education and acute care. She observed how patients and healthcare workers alike were affected by trauma, particularly exacerbated by COVID-19. Melanie's goal is to help healthcare organizations improve patient engagement and staff retention by fostering a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and the need for sensitivity in communications.

Eddie shared his personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and abuse, including his experiences in foster care and his work in special education, while highlighting the role of therapy and personal healing in his recovery. He discussed his experiences with various foster families and placements, including challenging situations and positive relationships, while also touching on his Cuban heritage and identity. Eddie's career path evolved from working with emotionally disturbed students to becoming a special education teacher, where he used his personal experiences to connect with and help his students navigate their own challenges.

John shared his personal journey of developing an AI tool to help people cope with grief by communicating with deceased loved ones through digital personas. He discussed the technical aspects of the "Guardian Angels" system and its therapeutic benefits, while also touching on his own experiences using the tool to process his grief. John also shared his recovery journey from substance use and discussed the growing trend of non-alcoholic drinks, emphasizing the importance of accountability and emotional expression in healing.

Ken shared his life story, from growing up in foster care and being adopted to his educational achievements and eventual entrepreneurial success despite facing challenges with alcohol addiction and incarceration. He discussed his experiences with his biological and adoptive families, including his journey of discovering his biological mother and maintaining relationships with both families. Ken emphasized themes of resilience, integrity, and trust throughout his life, while also sharing his insights on cultural dynamics, social pressures, and the importance of relationships and spiritual beliefs in overcoming addiction and achieving personal growth.

Dr. Agnieszka Piotrowska: Psychoanalysis and Trauma by Jeff Friedman

In this episode Jeff Friedman interviews Aaron Gilbert LCSW the founder of Boston Evening Therapy associates about his clinical work. Aaron speak of his new single session format in working with clients.

In this podcast Jeff Friedman Ph.D LCSW interviews Estefana Johnson LCSW a key leader in developing Critical Memory Integration a unique methodology for working with trauma survivors.

In this podcast, Jeff Friedman, Ph.D. LCSW interviews AJ Coleman about his book entitled Keep Those Feet Moving. AJ shared insights from coping with the loss of his wife Cory to brain cancer and being a single dad. You can learn more about AJ's book here https://keepthosefeetmoving.com/.

In this podcast, Jeff Friedman interviews Susan Shapiro Barash about her new book, Estranged, and which explores how female friendships are mended or ended.

Jeff Friedman Ph.D. LCSW interviews Alex Abraham about his new book Trauma and Ecstasy. This book tells the story of Alex's healing journey from childhood sexual abuse through the use of psychedelics.

In this episode Jeff Friedman Ph.D. LCSW interviews Pepper Joy. Pepper Joy is a certified Trauma Recovery Coach supervisor. She facilitates coaching for individuals, couples, in tandem with Coach PJ and in groups. Pepper Joy also helps other coaches in their practice to hone their skills and enhance their own healing experiences. Pepper Joy is a survivor of childhood trauma and human trafficking. She is no stranger to the complexities and intersectional pieces of the scope of trauma and its effects on the human brain, body and soul. She is the expert and creator of RReST, the Restorative Response Systems theory that is taking the world of psychology and trauma recovery by storm.