
Advertise on podcast: Trauma Bonded
Rating
3.7from
This podcast has
112 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Ellen WestbergExplicit
Yes
Date created
2023/07/23
Latest episode
2025/08/06
Average duration
47 min.
Release period
8 days
Description
A companion podcast to This Is Actually Happening (TIAH) in which two lifelong friends (and superfans) dissect each episode with empathy and levity – finding humanity between the layers of trauma, healing and darkness. Trauma/Bonded is hosted by Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia. It’s the podcast behind the podcast where we analyze the episode, the story, audience reactions and relate it to our own lives. We are Trauma/Bonded, To the story, To the storyteller, To the listeners, To each other. New episodes come out every Tuesday.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Trauma Bonded podcast
The Monster Within (TIAH #374)
2025/08/06
Elly & T discuss Episode 374, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if a brutal assault saved your life?” in which we cover the power of being heard, gatekeeping Atheism, & the oneness of everything, like with breakfast wine.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, gang activity, criminal activity including drugs and violence with weapons, racism, brutal assault including kicking & stomping, severe facial injuries in the mouth, punctured organ injury, heavy alcohol use, explicit language
THIS IS OUR LAST EPISODE OF TRAUMA/BONDED - THANK YOU ALL! Hear about our next venture here: shedatespodcast.com
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Storyteller Update from TIAH347
2025/07/30
Elly has a conversation with Naazh from the episode, “What if you were held captive in plain sight?”
You can reach Naazh on Instagram @Naazh1974. Her blog is at Naazh.org.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg (T is there in spirit!)
Edited by: Forrest Chiras
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, animal death/injury, suicide, sexual assault/”roofies” reference, addiction (alcohol & sex), divorce, explicit language
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You Make Slow & I Make Quick (TIAH#372)
2025/07/23
Elly & T discuss Episode 372, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you were lost on the Pacific Crest Trail?” in which we cover friendship as water, the illustrious poem “Footprints In the Sand” & a very tear-jerky Amy Grant song.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, suicide by gun, teen pregnancy, unhoused/rough living, poverty, being lost in the wilderness, extreme cold while lost outside, smoking, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
CAN YOU IMAGINE? (TIAH#317)
2025/07/16
Elly & T discuss Episode 371, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you survived a catastrophic hurricane?” in which we cover the pressure of saving yourself and your family in a high pressure situation, trusting your instincts when you have no obvious way through and… you wanna be home DURING the hurricane uhhhhhh?
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: homophobia, hurricane, storm, near drowning, drowning deaths, PTSD from near death, flood, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Like A Diamond (TIAH#370)
2025/07/09
Elly & T discuss Episode 370, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if a bullet took your sight but not your vision?” in which we cover the deep goodness of friendship, the harsh cruelty of the world toward the differently abled & Trauma/Bonded’s loose association with Public Enemy.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: absentee father, violence, gun violence, stranger crime, hospital, blindness, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple for 2 years unpaid service!! Now Elly has to make them and she’s not happy about it.
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Way Where There Was No Way (TIAH#369)
2025/07/02
Elly & T discuss Episode 369, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you lit yourself on fire?” in which we cover Let's stop protecting our abusers, showing up for yourself is a practice and we are grateful to be able to come home.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood sexual abuse, drug use and addiction, self-immolation, severe burn injury, attempted suicide, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple for 2 years unpaid service!! Now Elly has to make them and she’s not happy about it.
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Kitchen Table (TIAH#368)
2025/06/25
Elly & T discuss Episode 368, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you were the only one left to grieve?” in which we cover the pain of being left and leaving, survivor’s guilt and the sleeping constable.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: stalking, home invasion, death by gun, suicide by gun, suicide, racism, colonization, genocide, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple for 2 years unpaid service!! Now Elly has to make them and she’s not happy about it.
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Supermax WTF (TIAH#367)
2025/06/18
Elly & T discuss Episode 367, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you were imprisoned in the Federal Supermax?” in which we cover our ignorance around law, our WTFness around these intolerable prison conditions and it’s unnatural to want to hurt another human being.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Forrest Chiras
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: childhood abuse/neglect, vandalism, breaking and entering, property damage as a political tool, molotov cocktails/explosion/fire near/at a Federal building, violence/brutality in prison, sexual assault, racism, homophobia, transphobia,, explicit language
Check out docuseries, The Class: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-class/. It’s got some love from The New York Times, and Indiewire listed the series as an Emmy Contender! Follow on socials @theclassdoc @threeframemedia
The filmmakers also developed a Covid lesson plan and Professional Development Guide which are available for free on www.theclassdocumentary.com, so if you have any educators in your life please share these resources with them!
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple for 2 years unpaid service!!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Build & Betray (TIAH#366)
2025/06/11
Elly & T discuss Episode 366, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you infiltrated a doomsday hate militia?” in which we cover the power of verbal judo, crack(s) & other potential strip club names.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, animal death/sacrifice/ritual, murder, talk of domestic terrorism/neo-nazi/white supremacy, drug buy use, undercover sting operations, gruesome cartel murders,, explicit language
Check out docuseries, The Class: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-class/. It’s got some love from The New York Times, and Indiewire listed the series as an Emmy Contender! Follow on socials @theclassdoc @threeframemedia
The filmmakers also developed a Covid lesson plan and Professional Development Guide which are available for free on www.theclassdocumentary.com, so if you have any educators in your life please share these resources with them!
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Captivity Part II (TIAH#365)
2025/06/04
Elly & T discuss Episode 365, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if they believed you staged your own kidnapping? Part 2: Denise?” in which we cover how messy relationships can be, the sheer badassery of Denise facing down global hate & “immunity from WAT??”
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Forrest Chiras
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, sexual assault to a child/minor by a family friend, sexual trauma, home invasion, kidnapping, threat of violence, partner in distress, defamation of character by trust institution and media, civil lawsuit, criminal trial, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
911’s A Joke (TIAH#364)
2025/05/28
Elly & T discuss Episode 364, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if they believed you staged your own kidnapping? Part 1: Aaron?” in which we cover the abundant failings of the investigation of this case by law enforcement, the non-resolution of The Andrea of it all, and always, ALWAYS call a lawyer.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: home invasion, kidnapping, police interrogation, assault, partner in distress, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It’s Much Easier to Ruin A Life (TIAH#363)
2025/05/21
[[Sorry we were absent last week; please forgive us. It was a combination of outside workload and burn out. Thank you for your grace & understanding!]]
Elly & T discuss Episode 363, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you dedicated your life to ending human trafficking?” in which we cover what it means to have purpose (and what is T’s!?!?), the impact of losing your father to a new family & the messiness of saving a life.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, depression, suicide, human trafficking, sex trafficking, sex work, poverty, disease/childhood death, lawsuit, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Be Accurate; Do Not Lie (TIAH#361)
2025/05/07
IT’S OUR 100TH EPISODE!!!!!!!!!!
Elly & T discuss Episode 361, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if your sister’s death was an unsolved mystery?” in which we cover the expected reverence, inherent, in investigating death, why no note? & continuing to give Crystal a voice.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Cathy Sitzes
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, suicide, homicide, guns, death by gun, violence, blood, death, cremation, mental illness, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Save A Life; Eat A Sandwich (TIAH#360)
2025/04/30
Elly & T discuss Episode 360, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you were lost in an Arctic blizzard?” in which we cover the relief of cutting off chronic pain, deep and everlasting friendship, & woodpecker lips.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Forrest Chiras
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, bodily injury, amputation, elective amputation, chronic pain, descriptions of pain, extreme weather, hypothermia, suffering, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Below Knee (TIAH#359)
2025/04/23
Elly & T discuss Episode 359, of the Podcast This Is Actually Happening, “What if you nearly froze to death?” in which we cover the pitfalls of parenting amidst divorce, seeing one’s own black hoof foot post-surgery, and stop panicking… swallow the snow.
Hosted by: Elly Westberg & Therese Garcia
Edited by: Forrest Chiras
Special thanks to: Whit Missildine & Andrew Waits of This Is Actually Happening
Content/Trigger Warnings: divorce, parental abandonment and estrangement, death of a pet, alcohol intoxication, accidental death of a young person, accident or mishap outside in freezing temps, serious bodily injury from the elements, frost bite, amputation, hospital surgery/stay/recovery, explicit language
Check out 5calls.org. Call your representatives and speak truth to power!
Instagram: @traumabondedpodofficial
Thank you, Katy Caple!
YouTube: youtube.com/@traumabondedpodofficial
Website: traumabondedpod.com
Website by & Original Music by: Nathanael Trimboli
Email: [email protected]
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Podcast reviews
Read Trauma Bonded podcast reviews
vicgibbs93 2024/06/08
It’s a yes from me dawg
Mademoiselles, it has been nothing less than a delight to listen to your show and observe how you have grown as podcasters as well as the development ...
PNWPodcastJunkie 2024/11/28
Wasted potential
I was SO excited when I heard about this podcast’s concept but it’s plagued by crosstalk, poor production, shallow insights, is rambling and often off...
Star41632 2024/02/27
Love having Ellen and T in my ear!!
Great discussions that bring laughter, joy, introspection and deep emotion. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to revisit episodes, learn more, ...
Crystall s 2024/05/21
Offensively bad
This podcast is actually offensive. The hosts are so sheltered and uneducated it’s actually stressful to listen to.
ski77 2024/02/10
:-)
I like it, I love it, I want some more of it!
hauswyf 2024/02/07
Hate the commercials but love the podcast
Love this podcast
DeadBunny44 2023/12/21
Very cool
I am excited to wake up on Wednesday mornings to hear what Elly and T have to say about TIAH. They always have interesting convos that make help me to...
Tbj100 2023/12/10
Lol
Makin me laugh every week, Theresa and Ellie! Keep em comin!
Roshers1115 2023/12/10
Love Trauma Bonded!
Elly and T are THE BEST! After I listen to a This is Actually Happening episode, I always want to talk with someone about it, and Trauma Bonded feels ...
hettlers 2023/12/04
Love ALL of this
It’s nice to listen to you both recap on on the traumatic experiences that are told each week for a couple reasons.
1. Sometimes I’m like woah, pleas...
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