Episodes
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Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Irma openly shares her childhood experiences during the Bosnian war in the early 1990’s. She addresses how the conflict impacted her family, which does not distinguish between Bosniaks, Serbs and Croatians and includes many mixed marriages. Irma also describes the grief she felt over losing her friends, her family, her home, her roots… being a refugee, moving through different countries and not being welcome anywhere. Wherever she went, to be accepted required her to embody new cultural norms, to assimilate, which caused her to lose parts of herself.
Irma also explains:
- How her own complex trauma shaped her understanding of trauma and the importance of therapy
- The necessity of adapting therapeutic approaches to the diverse needs of clients with trauma histories, to ensure they feel safe and supported.
- The non-linear nature of healing, and why some individuals require more therapy than others
- How Compassionate Inquiry’s client-led approach fosters a sense of freedom and safety in which clients can explore their experiences without pressure, and set the pace for their own healing
- How Compassionate Inquiry® moves clients from surviving to thriving by reconnecting them with their true selves, so they can find joy in life againThis conversation, between two CI practitioners who grew up in different countries, during war and violent conflict, provides deep insight into the complexities of trauma, the healing process, and the transformative power of Compassionate Inquiry®.
About Irma Rubil-Jonatan
Psychotherapist, Traumatologist, Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner, Private Mentor & FacilitatorIrma is a psychotherapist, specialising in trauma therapy, with a background in forensic setting and extensive experience working with sex offenders, individuals with criminal histories and those exhibiting psychopathic traits.
Trained in various therapeutic modalities, including IFS, CPT, Schema Therapy, IRRT, PET, PICT, and NET, Irma is equipped with a diverse toolkit to address complex psychological issues. As a certified trauma specialist, she focuses on supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and rape, and individuals affected by personality disorders.
Her practice is centred on trauma-related conditions such as PTSD and CPTSD, along with common co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, and nightmares. Originally from war-torn Bosnia and later Croatia, she completed her psychology degree in the UK, before specialising in trauma therapy. Her diverse background and extensive training uniquely position her to provide holistic and effective client care.
Promotional Link:
If you're not a therapist or healer, but you've heard our guests describe the personal transformations they experienced during their Compassionate Inquiry® journeys, and wonder what that would be like for you... Circles is a 10-week small group experience offered to anyone who wants to experience the power of Gabor Maté’s approach to trauma healing. Use this link to find out if this program is for you.Resources:
Websites:
Irma’s Professional Website
Irma’s Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Blog Posts:
We Choose What We Think We Deserve
New Beginnings are Always Hard
Books:
The Myth of Normal: Trauma Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture
In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction
Poetry Unbound
Quote:
“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he's alive and not after he's dead.”
- F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great GatsbyPoem:
The Place Where We Are Right, by Yehuda Amichai
From the place where we are right
Flowers will never grow
In the spring.The place where we are right
Is hard and trampled
Like a yard.But doubts and loves
Dig up the world
Like a mole, like a plow.And a whisper will be heard in the place
Where the ruined
House once stood.Social Media:
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irma-rubil-jonatan-63a16b1ab/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heal.recover.and.rise/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/irma.sauerkraut
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Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
In this inspiring conversation, 1Dréa (formerly known as Dr Andrea Pennington) shares her journey to loving and accepting herself unconditionally. She also highlights the role of community support during transformation, and encourages us to connect with others and both offer and accept their support.
She suggests that the systemic failures we’re witnessing, as part of the prevalent societal turmoil, are precursors to a collective awakening to our interconnectedness and shared spiritual consciousness. In turn, this is initiating collective healing through our individual opening to our own authenticity.
1Dréa shares her Cornerstone ProcessTM for personal transformation, originally created to support outpatients in a binge eating disorder program, and subsequently used in psychedelic assisted therapy. Its five-steps include: 1. Awareness of your true self. 2. Accepting your past experiences without blame. 3.Taking responsibility for your own life and choices moving forward. 4. Creating your life based on inspiration rather than obligation. 5. Cultivating gratitude and awareness of the positive aspects of life.
The interview concludes with a quick overview of 1Dréa’s upcoming initiatives; her newly released book, From Dark Night to Dawn: A Guide for Transformation with The Cornerstone ProcessTM, a related program that supports participants in transitioning from their own dark night of the ego to the dawn of the soul, a music project that fosters hope and resilience, and Soul Sense Alchemy, which invites people to change their frequency through the power of scent and sound.
About Dr. DaeEss 1Dréa Pennington Wasio
Integrative Physician, Trauma Expert, Visionary Guide, Bestselling Author and TEDx Speaker.1Dréa is a master of reinvention, a conduit of healing and creativity, a transformational catalyst and the creator and host of the Conscious Evolution Podcast. Her work is a fusion of ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, creative storytelling, and spiritual depth.
She’s also a holistic health company founder and a business owner with a vast career in global conscious media and documentary filmmaking.
As an Integrative Physician, specialties in her two+ decade medical practice include; addiction medicine, trauma recovery, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and psychedelic assisted therapy.
1Dréa’s programs have helped thousands build resilience, reclaim their vitality after burnout, recover from adverse childhood experiences, nurture real self love and thrive in all areas of life.
Above all, 1Dréa is: A spiritual being, a droplet of God consciousness that incarnated on this planet at this time to play this game of being the divine incarnate, forgetting and then remembering. And her role in this grand game of life, as an oracle, a frequency holder, is to remind people of what she had to learn. We’re more than our body. We're not our past mistakes, we're more than our muddled mind. And there are things that we can do in this life to improve ourselves and this experience for other people.”
Whether she is accompanying someone through a psychedelic journey, mentoring a leader to align with their purpose, or crafting a product that inspires joy and connection, her work flows from a single mission: to empower others to reclaim their sovereignty and live their truth.
Promotional Link:
If you're not a therapist or healer, but you've heard our guests describe the personal transformations they experienced during their Compassionate Inquiry® journeys, and wonder what that would be like for you... Circles is a 10-week small group experience offered to anyone who wants to experience the power of Gabor Maté’s approach to trauma healing. Use this link to find out if this program is for you.Resources:
Websites:
Dr DaeEss 1Dréa
Related Links:
Retreats
Psychedelic Resources
Soul Sense Alchemy
Poem:
Seeds of Hope | A Poem of Sacred Defiance
Books:
From Dark Night to DawnSacred Medicine
The Top 10 Traits of Highly Resilient People
Psychedelic Preparation and Integration with Guided Meditations
The Real Self Love Handbook
Manifesting Love
Life After Trauma
How to Liberate and Love Your Authentic Self
Holistic Healing
Magic and Miracles
TIme to Rise
Daily Compassion Meditation
The Orgasm Prescription for Women
Videos:
Conscious Evolution YouTube Channel
Podcasts:
Conscious Evolution Podcast
Quotes:
“We’re going through a collective dark night, a reckoning and we need to come together to get
through it. Spiritual traditions predicted this period of darkness as we move into a golden age of
lightness.” - DaéEss 1Dréa Pennington Wasio“I made a decision to release my own music, and more meditations. I'm going live on social media to share my energy, my light, my love, my compassion. Because that's what I've got. That's what I can do.” - DaéEss 1Dréa Pennington Wasio
Social Media:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrAndreaPennington
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1dreapenningtonwasio/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr1dreapenningtonwasio
YT: https://youtube.com/@consciousevolutionalchemy
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Missing episodes?
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Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
In this inspiring, honest conversation, Andrea shares her personal story of healing the pain of addiction within her family. She shares the struggles her parents, step-parents, brother, son, and son’s father had with addiction, and explores the wide-ranging collateral damage addiction can cause in families. The long list of emotional burdens carried by family members can include feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress, loneliness, shame and fear. Childhood coping strategies, while initially helpful, can cause long term harm, such as Andrea’s hypervigilance, anorexia, disconnection, and physical burnout.
In addition, Andrea reflects on:
- How her multicultural background, growing up in, and living in different countries shaped her identity, and created a deep sense of not belonging anywhere
- Creatives’ ability to express their pain through art, and how that can be a therapeutic outlet when dealing with trauma and addiction
- The coaching program she developed for photographers and creatives, and the support program she is currently co-creating for families experiencing addiction
- How the healing that she and her loved ones experienced was facilitating by understanding and expressing long hidden and repressed feelings of sadness, loneliness and shameAndrea ends this interview by urging listeners, who are personally impacted by addiction, to seek out their own support communities and opportunities to speak up.
About Andrea Porcelli
Trauma-informed Therapist
& Coach for Photographers & Artists
Born in Barcelona to South American parents, Andrea grew up moving between Spain, Chile, Argentina, and the Netherlands, surrounded by refugees, musicians, philosophers and poets. She spent years searching for her place in the world. Addiction also shaped her upbringing. Many of her caretakers and community members struggled with substance use, so she inhabited an environment of disconnection, suppressed pain and inherited beliefs about her own survival, love, and worth.For 25 years, as a producer for international photographers and commercial advertising, Andrea supported creatives in bringing their visions to life. Realizing that her calling extended beyond artistic expression—she launched a coaching program for creatives & photographers that reconnected them to their artistic essence.
In 2011, after facing burnout and other issues, Andrea addressed her own disconnection by studying childhood trauma, stress patterns, and the bodily signals sent in response to unresolved experiences. Inspired by the work of Dr. Gabor Maté, she found profound wisdom through training in Compassionate Inquiry® (CI) and discovered that healing begins with curiosity, presence, and self-compassion. Certifications in Systemic Coaching and Family Constellations, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Yin Yoga, Stress Management Coaching, Psychosocial Counseling, and studies of approaches that integrate the mind, body, and emotional healing, including the Feldenkrais Method, deepened her expertise.
Today, Andrea’s practice is rooted in the understanding that our stories live in our bodies, and true transformation happens when we listen deeply. Through Compassionate Inquiry, Creative Systemic Coaching and Somatic-based techniques, she creates a safe space for individuals to reconnect with their inner truths, release their limiting beliefs, and embrace their full authenticity.
Promotional Link:
If you're not a therapist or healer, but you've heard our guests describe the personal transformations they experienced during their Compassionate Inquiry® journeys, and wonder what that would be like for you... Circles is a 10-week small group experience offered to anyone who wants to experience the power of Gabor Maté’s approach to trauma healing. Use this link to find out if this program is for you.Resources:
Website:
Andrea’s Professional Website
Videos:
Trauma and the Nervous System Stephen Porges & Gabor Maté
Finding Wholeness Through Our Broken Places Tara Branch, Jack Kornfield & Gabor Maté
What is Meant by Authenticity? Gabor Maté
We as Organism Alan Watts
Myth of Myself Alan Watts
Don’t Force Anything Alan Watts
Compassion Prison Project
Step Inside the Circle
The 7 Impacts of Trauma Gabor Maté
What is Trauma? Bessel van der Kolk
How the Body Keeps the Score on Trauma Bessel van der Kolk
Relational Mindfulness: From Trauma to Connection Terry Real
On Grandiosity and Shame Terry Real & Esther Perel
The Hidden Effects of Trauma in Relationships Tomas Hübl & Terry Real :
Developmental Trauma into Integration and Resiliency Dan Siegel
On Disorganized Attachment Dan Siegel
Books:
Buddha’s Brain Rick Hanson & Richard Mendius
Hold On to Your Kids Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté
Scattered Minds Gabor Maté
The Myth of Normal Gabor Maté
When the Body Says No Gabor Maté
The Body Keeps the Score Bessel van der Kolk
The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle
Brainstorm Dan Siegel
Mindsight Dan Siegel
Latin American authors’ books that helped Andrea understand her roots include: Isabel Allende,
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Eduardo Galeano, Borges, Cortazar, Mario Benedetti and Pablo NerudaMusic:
As her father was a musician, music was a big influence in Andrea’s life. It helped her be with her emotions without shame or fear, and understand her roots. The following artists all contributed to the soundtrack of Andrea’s life: Mercedes Sosa, Violeta Parra, Carlos Gardel, Liliana Herrero, Atahualpa Yupanqui, Pablo Milanes, Carlos Aguirre, Pablo Aznar, Nina Simone, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Soundgarden, Eddie Vedder, and her father, singing folklore and tangos.Quotes:
“Healing is a journey home—to ourselves, our roots, and our wholeness.” - Andrea PorcelliSocial Media:
Instagram: @andreaporcelli
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaporcelli/
Facebook Business https://www.facebook.com/andreaporcellicoaching/
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Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
This conversation explores the pain and trauma at the root of the pervasive modern addiction to hustle, speed and busyness. Our guest unpacks the psychological implications of our "hustle culture” and how adhering to a fast lane lifestyle invites a perception of inadequacy and self-abandoning behaviors.
Against the framework that any addiction always serves a need, Wendy and J’aime reflect on their individual struggles with social pressure to be constantly busy and productive.
They also discuss:
- The challenges of recognizing the addiction, breaking the pattern, and ultimately, slowing down
- Why many of us believe we must earn our place/define our worth through constant productivity
- How setting boundaries and practicing self-care can combat the pressures of busyness
- The role cultural norms play in perpetuating our perceptions of inadequacy, and the need to hustle to meet or exceed productivity expectations
- Why connections with ourselves and others, ideally in supportive communities, are key markers on this healing journey to self-acceptance and authenticity.Wendy concludes by candidly stating that ending this addiction is, “...not easy because it's a pattern, it's a habit, we're wired this way. It can be challenging to create new habits, to stop self-abandoning, to turn toward the pain and whatever is at the root of the speed and the busyness, the fear, all of it. We stop and we slow down. It's so worth it.”
About Dr Wendy Harris
Compassionate Inquiry® Facilitator, International Yoga Trainer, Addiction and Trauma SpecialistWendy is an innovative, cutting-edge Addiction and Trauma Specialist who specializes in relational trauma, and a Founding Facilitator for Compassionate Inquiry® who leads groups through the year-long on-line professional training created by Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur.
A Level II certified Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher, she’s an International Trainer for Beyond Addiction: The Yogic Path to Recovery. (9-day in-person immersions are offered in Canada: 5/25 and London: 9/25)
Wendy is also a Core Faculty member at Antioch University, Los Angeles, and the Director of the Addiction and Recovery Specialization which she created based on a biopsychosocial, trauma- informed, compassion- based approach to understanding and treating addictive behaviors.
Promotional Link: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté’s trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program. Registrations for the next Circles close on May 4, 2025.
Resources:
Wendy’s Professional Website
Wendy’s Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Wendy’s Antioch University Profile
Related Links:
Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training
Beyond Addiction
Articles:
Addicted to Speed? (Not the Drug)
How America's 'Culture of Hustling' Is Dark and Empty
How to be Addicted to Busyness
Books:
Speed: Facing Our Addiction to Faster and Faster - and Overcoming Our Fear of Slowing Down
On Time: Finding Your Pace in a World Addicted to Fast
The Myth Of Normal
Social Media Handles:
IG:https://www.instagram.com/doctordoubleu/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/yogiwendy
BlueSky: @doctordoubleu.bky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwendyharris/
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Hosted by Kevin Young, produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Join us to witness this rare conversation between Kevin Young and Fredrik Wretman, two men who emerged from very different traumatic backgrounds with inner strength and deep commitments to healing the world through compassion. Fredrik shares his personal trauma story, his perceptions of himself as worthless and isolated, and his driving mission, ‘...to be somebody.’ This raw and gentle conversation shines a light on issues rarely shared publicly with such candor, including the ‘tough guy’ image that Fredrik cultivated, for very good reasons, which nearly cost him his life.
Together, they explore the challenges faced by men who have experienced trauma, such as:
Holding space for compassion towards self and others
Acknowledging and embracing the deep-seated pain where darkness and harmful behaviors take root
Feelings of isolation, and the healing power of the message, "You are not alone”
Being open and vulnerable in a therapeutic setting
During the conversation, Kevin and Fredrik both agree that ‘traumatized masculinity,’ is a more fitting description than the commonly used ‘toxic masculinity,’ as labeling masculinity as toxic shuts down conversations, whereas recognizing its traumatic aspects opens space for understanding and healing. They also explain why it’s essential for therapists to create safe spaces where clients can express their emotions without fearing judgment, and takereplace their ‘protective masks’ before departing.
About Fredrik Wretman: Trauma Therapist & Supervisor
After 17 years spent working with addiction and trauma, today Fredrik combines Compassionate Inquiry® with Trauma-Informed Yoga. He also conducts Trauma-Informed Yoga sessions, through the Prison Yoga Project, Scandinavia, for men who have served a prison sentence or returned after treatment.
Fredrik holds degree in pedagogy, and has invested the equivalent of 10+ years of full-time studies in his training in psychology, psychiatry, law and multiple therapeutic modalities, including Transactional Analysis, Moral Reconation Therapy and Breaking the Chains of Trauma.
He has his own history of childhood trauma and abuse. As a young adult, Fredrik supported criminal motorcycle clubs. Upon leaving that world, he focused on study and work, spending 80 hours a week at work, ‘fixing’ and being the absolute best in his field.
When he first found Gabor Maté, The Wisdom of Trauma and Compassionate Inquiry®, his training served his goal of becoming the very best trauma-therapist. But as he progressed, he simultaneously received the unexpected gifts of deep insight into himself and his lived experiences.
At first glance you can still see it; the anger, the hurt and the pain. The muscles and the tattoos were all born in sorrows that have now been eased and comforted. Fredrik acknowledges and honors the wisdom of A.H. Almaas with his personalized variation of this quote: ”Only when compassion is present, can I allow myself to see the truth”.
Fredrik’s motto for his work is: ”If it appears far away, then it is far away and we have to go there.”
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.
Resources:
Websites:
Fredrik’s Professional Website (Swedish language)
Fredrik’s Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Related Links:
Prison Yoga Scandinavia (Swedish language)
Traumaanpassad Yoga (Swedish language)
SVT News Story on Prison Yoga (Swedish language)
Articles:
Trauma is Often Missed in People with Addiction (Swedish language)
Konciensia Finds Compassion for Real (Swedish language)
Video:
Men, Trauma and Toxic Masculinity with Fredrik Wretman (Swedish language)
Podcast:
Embodied Psychology Podcast: Men, Trauma and Toxic Masculinity with Fredrik Wretman (Swedish language)
Books:
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
No Bad Parts
Social Media:
@konciensia_sweden (Instagram)
@Konciensia Sweden (facebook)
@Konciensia AB (LinkedIn)
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Hosted and produced by J'aime Rothbard.
Join us on this path to 100% mind-body integrity and wholeness, not by adding more restrictions, ‘health-promoting’ foods or practices, but through the unusual but highly effective gateway of scars.
Our guest, scar expert Kendra Toothill, assures us that we all have answers within ourselves. The challenge is that we often lack the skill to ask the questions that unlock those answers. Her stories illustrate how clarity and insight emerge when we listen to our bodies, nervous systems and scars
Kendra also explains how:
- Touch can offer bidirectional healing. When we touch our scars, both our scar and hand receive healing benefits, which can help rebuild neural connections and release trauma
- Sharing our experiences in community can lighten the burden of our individual struggles, and foster a more accessible and joyful healing process
- Natural environments can facilitate down-regulation of the nervous system and enhance our healing
Thanks to successful pioneering during the Covid lockdown, Kendra walks us through simple self- dialogue, hands-on practices that promote healing and enable us to build deeper self-relationships.
Overall, this conversation promotes a holistic approach to healing that integrates physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of well-being and encourages us to explore our inner landscapes as well as the wisdom contained within our scars.
About Kendra Toothill, Scar Expert
For over 12 years, Kendra has been exploring scars' profound influence on our nervous systems and their connections to common ailments such as digestive distress, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, and nervous system dysregulation.After graduating from Montreal’s Concordia University in 2013, with a degree in Exercise Science and a passion for holistic healing, Kendra quickly became disillusioned with mainstream health practices. Instead, she chose to forge her own unique path, placing scars at the forefront.
Her innovative Neuro-Scar Method integrates lymphatics, somatics, biomechanics, nervous system rewiring, and hands-on fascia therapies. Kendra’s approach celebrates scars and has empowered thousands to reclaim their bodies through healing long-standing chronic conditions. Her mission is to guide others through transformative healing processes, illuminating the truth that scars are goldmines which offer deep access points to profound healing and self-discovery.
Outside her practice, Kendra is continually inspired by nature, believing that a deeper relationship with the natural world deepens our relationship with ourselves. Whether adventure hiking, exploring rivers, or soaking up the sun, she embraces the wisdom of Mother Nature as a vital part of her life philosophy.
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.
Resources:
Website:Kendra’s Professional Website
Social Media:
Instagram
Classes & Retreats:
Circul8 Classes
Podcasts:
Your Scars are Goldmines
Uncovering the Emotional Stories Behind Our Scars
I Choose My Life Now
Scars: How They Affect Us
Videos:
Your Beautiful Scars
Healing from our Scars
Article:
Your C-Section Scar Is The Missing Link In Your Digestive Health JourneyWebinar:
Explant & Caesarean Section Post Surgery and Scar Healing
Quotes:
“The way home to ourselves is to stop externalizing the process. Stop trying to tack more
complexity into our “healing journey.” To notice that the scar is actually the road map back into
yourself, into your body, to reclaiming neglected parts of ourselves that have been damaged,
that have been shamed, that have been forgotten. This is the goldmine, the road map to getting
the integrity back in your system: Feeling true function, support and stability when your body is
working as a unit.” - Kendra Toothill -
Interview by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.
This lively information- and insight-packed conversation explores our mind-body-spirit connection from a holistic health perspective, and delves into the science of psychoneuroimmunology.
Dr Chris shares her personal journey, from the top of the corporate ladder to the rock bottom of severe mental health challenges and attempted suicide, to her extensive explorations of both Western medical and holistic approaches to mental and physical wholeness. This led her to decide, at the age of 33, to become a naturopathic doctor, able to heal herself and others.
Our guest also shares many practical resources, approaches and exercises we can use to help us reduce our stress levels, improve our nervous system regulation, digestion and overall health.
Dr Chris explains biological and emotional complexities in easy-to-understand ways, such as:
- How what we think releases neuropeptide cascades that (positively or negatively) influence our hormone production and overall well-being
- Why the state of our nervous system is crucial to our body's ability to digest food
- Her approach to healing that integrates mind, body, and spirit
- Why we need to shift from pure thinking to noticing how our thoughts impact our bodyOverall, this conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and physical health, and advocates for a compassionate and holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
About Dr Christina Bjorndal, ND
Having overcome many mental health challenges, herself, when striving to address patients’ mental health concerns, Dr. Chris draws on her lived experience with anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1, (6x psychosis survivor) cancer, depression (3x suicide survivor), and her clinical training in naturopathic and mind-body medicine.A gifted in-demand inspirational speaker, teacher and podcast guest, Dr Chris is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book, Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive guide to mental health. She also offers courses for individuals and clinicians.
Her books, courses and Mind, Body, Soul Retreat guide people to wholeness through a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual approach to health.
Dr Chris lives in Edmonton, Alberta and enjoys exploring nature with her husband, son and dog. A former athlete & Ironman competitor, she loves hiking, biking, skiing, walking, running and swimming. When she isn’t outside, you’ll find her reading —she typically has three books on the go!
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.
Resources:
Website:Dr Chris’ Professional Website
Related Links:
Dr Chris’ Tool For Managing The Mind
Psychoneuroimmunology
Homeopathy
Ortho Molecular Medicine
Dr Abram Hoffer
Linus Pauling
Humphrey Osmond
Louise Hay
Gratitude Practices
Books:
Beyond The Label
The Essential Diet: Eating for Mental Health
From Shadows to Light: A Whole Human Approach to Mental Health
Moving Beyond – A Journal into Self-Discovery Molecules of EmotionReturn to Love
The Myth of Normal
When the Body Says No
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
My Stroke of Insight
Courses:
Individual Integrative Mental Health Program
Clinician Integrative Mental Health
The Healthy Breast Program
Compassionate Inquiry Training
Retreat:
Mind, Body, Soul Retreat
Quotes:
“Compassionate Inquiry® taught me to pay attention to what was going on with my patient and
also what was going on within me while I was with my patient. That attention shift was pivotal to
my internal spiritual growth and healing. - Dr Christina Bjorndal, NDAs we heal ourselves, the opportunity to expand our empathic presence is available to us. It is
in this expansion, the capacity to hold the space between two hearts, that healing happens. It
has been a gift to me to learn this process and to deepen and extend my ability to be loving in
the moment with others. Fundamentally, I believe love is medicine. - Dr Christina Bjorndal, ND“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. The world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world. Surrender means the decision to stop fighting the world, and to start loving it instead. It is a gentle liberation from pain. But liberation isn’t about breaking out of anything; ‘it’s a gentle melting into who we really are.’ We let down our armour…” - Marianne Williamson
“Stop trying to heal yourself, fix yourself, even awaken yourself. Let go of letting go. Stop trying to fast-forward the movie of your life, chasing futures that never seem to arrive. Instead, bow deeply to yourself as you actually are. Your pain, your sorrow, your doubts, your deepest longing, your fearful thoughts...are not mistakes, and they aren't asking to be healed. They are asking to be held. Here, now, lightly, in the loving arms of present awareness.” - Jeff Foster
Social Media:
Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal
YouTube: Christina Bjorndal
Instagram: drchrisbjorndal
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Interview by Kevin Young. Produced by J'aime Rothbard.
In this deep dive into Compassion Training and Mindfulness, Rhoda openly shares how these approaches illuminated her own journey with depression. She highlights their transformative potential when applied to personal suffering in depression, and advises that they are not a cure-all. It's possible for people who take one or both forms of training to still experience depressive episodes afterwards. However, their newly developed tolerance for negative experiences often enables them to manage their episodes more effectively.
Throughout this conversation, Rhoda gently and thoughtfully explains how:
- Mindfulness practices can help individuals identify and understand their emotions
- True compassion arises from recognizing and experiencing our own and/or others’ suffering
- Tonality and word choice affects peoples’ perceptions of their experiences and emotions
- Group inquiries in Compassion Training enable people to learn from each other's experiences
- Compassion training teaches people to accept all of their emotions, including anger and sadness
Rhoda concludes this conversation by inviting us to look within ourselves and ask, “For whom do I reserve my best self?” Imagine what life would be like if we could reserve at least a portion of our best selves, for ourselves.
About Rhoda Schuling
Mindfulness & Compassion Teacher (MBCL)In her first Mindfulness training, Rhoda was immediately taken by the simplicity of being aware in the present moment, but struggled immensely with non-judgment. Despite this, she realized there was much to gain though delving into the truth of her heart and mind, and finding an authentic way to live. Most of all, she loved discussing what it is to be human.
She began attending Buddhist retreats regularly, totaling over 150 silent days. Most were Vipassana-oriented, but some were Insight Dialogue retreats. At this time, she also started training as a teacher for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Rhoda began working as a PhD researcher under the supervision of professor Anne Speckens (Radboudumc) and professor Willem Kuyken (Oxford University), studying the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL) as a follow-up to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in adults suffering from recurrent depression. Having experienced depression herself, and finding recurrently depressed adults one of the most inspiring target populations for compassion, she remained captivated by this research for a decade.
As a researcher, she presented at conferences on mindfulness, compassion, meditation and healthy lifestyle, including the Mind, Body Unity Conference, the International Conference on Mindfulness, the Omega Institute and Mind and Life Europe, all the while deepening her understanding of mindfulness, compassion and psychotherapy.
Rhoda teaches full MBCL courses and the MBCL Teacher-Training Program. Very occasionally, she coaches individual clients. Her passions are yoga and running, and she is currently co-authoring a book on the courage of forgiveness.
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.
Resources:
Website:Rhoda’s LinkedIn Profile
Related Links:
Body Mindy Unity Conference
MBCL - International
Note: In 2026, Rhoda will be leading an English MBCL teacher-trainer programme. If you would like to be updated on that, please message her through LinkedIn. Regular MBCL courses in English are also hosted through the MBCL-international website.
MBCL - Netherlands
Compassion Training - Netherlands
Books:
Aware
Awareness
When Things Fall Apart
Wherever You Go, There You Are
Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living
A Practical Guide to Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living
Poets: Rachel Holstead | John O'Donoghue | Dana FauldsQuotes:
"All addiction stems from this moment, when we meet our edge and we just can't stand it."
- Pema Chödrön“It's a fragile thing
This life we lead
If I think it too
I can get over-
whelmed by the grace
by which we live
our lives
with death over our shoulders
- from Sirens (Pearl Jam)
Social Media: LinkedIn -
Hosted and Produced by J'aime Rothbard.
The rich, warm conversation demonstrates once again that love, presence, and understanding have the power to transform both individual and collective experiences. Our guest delves deep into human interconnectedness and the role intimate relationships play in personal healing and resilience. Identifying as a “lightworker” (in addition to being a couples and family therapist) Josiane ventures into her clients’ darkness and brings them into the light. She also asks her clients to create clear vision and mission statements to help them succeed in, “the business of love.”
Listen to hear Josiane illuminate:
- Compassionate Love as a powerful force that emphasizes the importance of being true to ourselves (without self-compromise) while engaging with others
- How interconnectedness helps us navigate challenges and foster a sense of unity
- Intimate relationships’ role in collective healing, the reclamation of our essence and our divine nature
- Appreciative Inquiry as a curiosity- and positivity-oriented approach to discerning what works well in relationships and communities
- How Healing Through Presence can nourish our soul and spirit
- The impact of inherited trauma and cultural narratives in the context of couples of color.
Overall, Josiane emphasizes the need to understand and address multigenerational trauma, cultural integration, and intimate relationships’ sacred links , so individuals can contribute to collective healing.
About Dr. Josiane BontéFamily Therapist / Lightworker
A Family Systems researcher-practitioner, published academic author, international speaker, MFP Fellow of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, Josiane was formally trained in family therapy. She holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, a PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy, certifications in Imago Therapy, EFT Couples therapy, clinical hypnosis, play therapy, EMDR therapy, and Strategic Interventions Coaching.Dr. Bonté’s family therapy practice acknowledges the multigenerational impact of both trauma and resilience, helping high conflict individuals and families reconnect with their ancestral bonds in meaningful ways. Her therapeutic philosophy centers on interconnectedness and wholeness principles from the family systemic and strategic approaches, addressing the needs of individuals, couples, and families while considering their connections with self and others. Josiane’s recent research explores relational resilience in Black couples, adaptation strategies for overcoming multigenerational sexual trauma and systemic racism.
With over 22 years of professional experience, Dr. Bonté has extended her multidimensional healing role as a lightworker, helping vulnerable populations and mental health professionals around the world balance and harmonize their mind, body, and spirit with the art and science of Compassionate Love. Josiane believes Compassionate Love changes everything, and is highly relevant In our extraordinary times when humans are asked to remember and activate our extraordinary gift of Compassionate Love and become a force of good for the wellbeing of us all.
Promotional Link: The PortalIf you’ve been listening to our podcast, you may have heard guests connect their birth experiences with enduring subconscious behavioural and emotional patterns. To help break this cycle, Compassionate Inquiry® offers The Portal, a 28-week trauma-informed training for perinatal health professionals; such as midwives, obstetricians, nurses and doulas, who want to empower their patients to trust their innate ability to birth, bond & nurture their child. Use this link to learn more and register by March 3.
Resources:
Website: Josiane’s Professional Website
Related Links:
The 5 Compassionate Love Strategies
1: Breaking the Chains Om Mani Padme Hum2: Loving Yourself First "Innana Rakma" (Compassionate Love in Araimic)
Hoponopono
3: Being Equally Yoked Taoist Qi Gong Healing Sounds
4: Finding Common Ground Gazing Exercise:
5: Loving Beyond
Videos:
Compassionate Love in Intimate Relationships
2022 IEC Conference intro by Dr. Josiane Apollon
Dr. Josiane's Human SystemsBook: Compassionate Love in Intimate Relationships
Social Media:
Instagram: #JosianebonteFB: Josiane Bonte Apollon
Tiktok: Josiane Bonte
LinkedIn
Quotes:
“Without cultural integration and the understanding of the multigenerational transmission processes, sexual mass violence and mass trauma effects from the slavery system and current institutionalized racism hold American couples as hostages of the dark times in American. History. Couple research can end the culture wars and the excess of humiliation, shame and guilt that couples of colour in this population carry, consciously or not, for the fragility of the perpetrators' descendants disseminated through literature and media.” - Dr Josiane Bonté
“Without context, there is no culture. Without culture, there are no people or connections.”
- Dr Josiane Bonté -
Interview by Rosemary Davies-Janes. Produced by J'aime Rothbard
Join us for a gentle exploration of emotional connection, intimate relationship dynamics, divorce and uncoupling. Our guest, Dr Desirée van den Broek, advocates for creating new narratives in relationships that focus on understanding and compassion, rather than blame. Her words reflect her deep understanding of the emotional intricacies involved in relationships and the importance of communication, empathy, and external support during emotional transitions, like uncoupling.
Desirée also highlights:
- The importance of being emotionally available (accessible, responsive, and engaged) in relationships, especially when emotions run high- What’s required to end negative interaction cycles in relationships, when one partner's behavior triggers the other's which triggers the other’s… causing ongoing conflict
- How trauma can affect communication and emotional responses in relationships
- The complexities of co-parenting after a break-up, and the difficulties of integrating new relationships into family dynamics
- The importance of seeking out a supportive therapist or coach who can soften the sense of isolation and help you understand the interpersonal dynamics of a relationship breakdown
While the conversation explores the emotional turmoil and necessity of prioritizing personal health and well-being during such transitions, our guest also explains why not all uncoupling is problematic.
About Dr Desirée van den Broek
Trained as a medical doctor, Desirée’s passion for the development of healthy cooperation in people- centered organizations inspired her to transition from medicine to medical communication teaching, individual and relationship coaching, and mediation. She also serves as an independent (team) coach for the Academy for Medical Specialists and TalentCare.
Her multidimensional perspective on healthcare is viewed through the lens of a doctor, healthcare manager and teacher/trainer.
In addition to directing the EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Netherlands foundation, she developed several EFT courses, including Emotionally Focused Mediation and Relationship Coaching.
The EFT perspective on conflict management and cooperation is vital to Desirée’s approach. Her dream is for the EFT attachment and emotion-oriented approach to be embraced by healthcare institutions and organizations alike, to benefit their patients, care providers, the professionals they employ, and the people that they serve.
Promotional Link: The Portal
If you’ve been listening to our podcast, you may have heard guests connect their birth experiences with enduring subconscious behavioural and emotional patterns. To help break this cycle, Compassionate Inquiry® offers The Portal, a 28-week trauma-informed training for perinatal health professionals; such as midwives, obstetricians, nurses and doulas, who want to empower their patients to trust their innate ability to birth, bond & nurture their child. Please use this link to learn more and register by February 23.
Resources:
Websites:
Desirée’s Professional Website (Dutch Language)
Desirée’s TalentCare Profile (Dutch Language)
Related Links:
Dr Sue Johnson
What is EFT?
EFT Mediation & Couples Counselling (Dutch Language)
The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
This image depicts the interaction cycle in which reactive defensive behaviour results
In withdrawal, which results in more pursuit, which results in more withdrawal…Articles:
When to End a Relationship
The 19 Most Common Reasons for Divorce
The Kübler-Ross 5 Stages of Grief (DABDA)
Videos:
Terry Real’s Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Terry Real’s YouTube Channel
Esther Perel’s Should I Stay or Should I Go Workshop
Esther Perel’s Transformational Approach to Couples’ Therapy - video
Esther Perel's YouTube Channel
Books:
The Myth of Normal
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy for Dummies
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
with Individuals, Couples, and FamiliesLove Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships
Us: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship
Quotes:
“Really seeing someone' as a human being and being able to understand 'difficult behaviour' as
fighting for connection with others or yourself because social isolation causes 'primal panic', offers
so much space for our (fellow) humanity and (self) compassion.”
- Desirée van den Broek, TalentCareCommunication is not only about communication with yourself and others, but also about yourself
as an instrument in communication. Insight into the functioning of your own neurology and its
impact on your own (automatic) behavior and the emergence of common patterns is essential.
- Desirée van den Broek, TalentCare“Most often, both partners don’t pull the plug at the same time: one partner wants out, while the
other, to whatever degree, is devastated.” - Terry Real When to End a Relationship“Am I getting enough in this relationship to make grieving (the pain of) what I’m not getting
worth my while?” - Terry Real When to End a Relationship -
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-JanesProduced by J’aime Rothbard
Join us for this rich, frank conversation that roves from Gordon’s own boundless curiosity and shame -free upbringing, to the eternal wisdom of his bestselling book, Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers. In addition to speaking about parenting, grandparenting, and the source of emotional well-being, he touches on his initial encounter with fellow UBC student, Gabor Maté, who, after being one of Gordon’s, “best students, ever,” collaborated with him on his book.
Dr Neufeld’s approach to parenting prioritizes emotional connection, understanding, and the therapeutic power of play. He also highlights the:
- Importance of love and togetherness, both of which are essential for human development, ongoing relationships and emotional health.
- Two critical keys to parenting, right relationships and soft hearts, which flourish in caring environments in which children are naturally dependent on their caregivers.
- Concept of cascading care, where we can depend on one another in a network of support, is contrasted with the current emphasis on independence, which often undermines relational needs.
- Impact of technology on parenting and children's emotional health is noted, and parents are urged to engage with their children meaningfully amidst the distractions of screens and digital media.
Throughout this conversation, Gordon stresses the need for parental emotional awareness to help our children navigate their feelings, particularly in today’s plugged in culture which is rife with emotionally challenging media and convincingly presented misinformation.
About Dr Gordon Neufeld
Dr. Neufeld’s life’s work has been to help adults provide the conditions for children to flourish. He has worked as a clinical psychologist with youth, children, and those responsible for them, for over five decades. A foremost authority on child development, stress, trauma and resilience, Gordon is also the best-selling author of the timeless book, Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than PeersHaving stepped back from his University teaching and clinical practice, Dr. Neufeld not only enjoys being an involved father of five and grandfather of seven, but continues to lead the interpretation of the developmental paradigm.
His widespread reputation for making sense of complex problems, opening doors for change, and his obvious passion for his work, keep him very active on the international speaking stage.
Gordon also directs the Neufeld Institute, the global virtual educational organization and charitable foundation he established in 2006
to support parents, educators and helpingprofessionals in applying developmental science to the task of raising children. Over the past two decades, he has devoted much of his time to creating over 40 courses for educators, parents and professionals, which are now offered in 10 languages, primarily through the Neufeld Institute.
Promotional Link: The CI Experience Event
If you've been listening to our podcast and are curious about the transformative power of Compassionate Inquiry®, on Feb 22, join us for a 6-hour online experiential introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry® approach and community. Use this link takes you to access a web page
Resources: Websites: Neufeld Institute
where you can get more information and register for the CI Experience event.Neufeld Institute Courses
Neufeld Institute Free Resources
Relevant Links:
Podcasts: The Hidden Dangers of Peer Influence, What Fresh Hell Podcast, 2024 Rennet Wong Gates Episode, The Gifts of Trauma Podcast, 2024, Videos: Relationships Matter Presentation
Adding the Wisdom of Play to the Wisdom of Trauma (Article)The Wisdom of Dependence Presentation
Books: Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive,
and Shut Down Than Ever – And What We Can Do About ItRest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One)
Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love)
The Heart's Code: Tapping the Wisdom and Power of Our Heart Energy
The Last Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need: Repress Your Anger, Think Negatively,
Be a Good Blamer, and Throttle Your Inner ChildQuotes: "I move in a psychological and therapeutic world and I can tell you without bias, that
Gordon‘s understanding of child development is just deeper than anybody else’s on the
planet and I highly recommend his work. I’ll just finish by saying that my own work has been
so deeply informed by Gordon’s that I can’t even imagine it without it so this has been, at
least for me, an essential partnership." - Dr. Gabor Maté“Our body’s wisdom can take care of us by disconnecting from that which is too painful to
bear. However, we are not meant to stay in this disconnected state. Gabor says, “We have
to work our way back to feeling, when we are ready.” I’m going to suggest we can play our
way back to full feeling as well.” - Dr Gordon Neufeld“Our mission is to use developmental science to make sense of children to the adults
responsible for them. Our instrument is the attachment-based developmental approach as
synthesized and articulated by Dr. Gordon Neufeld. Our hope is that the insights provided by
this evidence-based theory will rejoin parents, teachers and helping professionals to their
natural intuition. Our evidence-based belief is that children are meant to be raised in the
context of relationship to those who are responsible for them. - Neufeld InstituteSocial Media Handles:
Facebook: @neufeldinstitute
Instagram: @neufeldinstitute
YouTube: @neufeldmedia
-
Hosted by Kevin Young & Rosemary Davies-Janes, Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
This lively conversation explores many facets of neurodiversity and how individuals with different neurological wiring engage with the world. Our guest shares her personal (neurodivergent) challenges and triumphs navigating relationships, motherhood, academia, employment, misogynistic and patriarchal cultures, bullying, systemic violence and ecological activism.
Listen in as our hosts and guest discuss:
- How trauma, and the traumatic life experiences generated by societal and systemic issues, can affect neurodivergent individuals, and may, in fact, contribute to neurodivergence
- The pros and cons of formal versus self-diagnosis. Dr Taylor cautions that a formal diagnosis can lead to societal stigma and distancing, rather than the expected social support and understanding
- The different meanings of the terms: Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
- How connecting with one’s authenticity and embracing creativity as a form of self-expression has the potential to lead neurodivergent people to greater fulfillment in life
- The importance of finding supportive communities and individuals who understand neurodiversity
- The need for more compassionate and trauma-informed approaches in services and institutions supporting neurodivergent peopleOverall, our guest advocates for greater awareness, acceptance, empathy, support and understanding of neurodivergence, while also recognizing its social and economic complexities and challenges.
About Dr Louise Taylor
A Neurodivergent Therapist and Researcher, Louise believes we must embody our work and live in such a way that we make our lives art.She received an ASD diagnosis in 2020, and a Dyslexia diagnosis in the final months of her PhD. Passionate about connecting people with the natural world for health and wellbeing purposes, her doctorate, from Queen's University Belfast, is in Nature and Mental Health.
Louise combines her research work with her therapy practice, which blends counselling, consulting and coaching and serves mainly neurodivergent clients. She also works with academics to highlight the importance of mental health, wellness, and equity, and is committed to supporting activists on the frontlines of climate justice and environmental struggles, whether in the Sperrin Mountains, or Uganda.
Louise lives in rural Tyrone in the North of Ireland with her children, dogs and ever-increasing plant collection. Happiest when eating good food, dancing to wonderful music, writing, lounging and laughing with loved ones, she also enjoys slow days spent wandering on beaches and in forests.
Promotional Link: The Portal
To minimize the trauma experiences of infants entering this world, Compassionate Inquiry® offers The Portal, a 28-week trauma-informed online training for perinatal health professionals such as; midwives, obstetricians, nurses and doulas, who want to empower those they serve to trust their innate ability to birth, bond with and nurture their child. Access course details here. Registration closes on February 23.
Resources: Websites: Louise’s Professional Website
Louise’s Psychology Today Profile Relevant Links:
Psychology Today Articles
Reflecting on the Traumas of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, with Stephen Brown
The Cleveland Clinic: Neurodiversity Overview
Neurodivergent Climate Activist Article
Roger Hallam
Autism & Friendships Article
Assessments Article
Meltdowns & Shutdowns Article
Masking & ASD Article
Louise Hay Affirmations
The Make-up of Neuro-DiversityVideos: Empathy & Autism
What is Neurodiversity?Books: The Myth of Normal
Education: PhD from Queen's University Belfast in Nature and Mental Health
Foundation Degree in Counselling from the University of Ulster in C.B.T.,
Psychoanalysis, and Person Centred Therapy
Certificate in Life Coaching
City and Guilds 7407 Teacher Training Qualification
MA in Women's Studies and Feminist Research
BA in Sociology, 2i Honours
Training: Reclaiming Pleasure: Embodied Joy in Trauma Recovery and Social Change.
Creative Expression/Emancipatory Thinking/Artist's Way Facilitator
Cruse Bereavement Training
Spirituality in Counselling Training
Extensive Domestic Abuse Training
Extensive Youth Work training
Mental Health First Aid trainingQuotes: 2010 interview Quotes: Dr. Gabor Maté on the Stress-Disease Connection, Addiction,
Attention Deficit Disorder and the Destruction of American Childhood
“The child’s brain development depends on the presence of non-stressed, emotionally
available parents. In this country, that’s less and less available. Hence, you’ve got
burgeoning rates of autism. It’s gone up 20- or 30-fold in the last 30 or 40 years.”“…autism is a whole spectrum of disorders, but the essential quality of it is an emotional
disconnect. These children are living in a mind of their own. They don’t respond
appropriately to emotional cues. They withdraw. They act out in an aggressive and
sometimes just unpredictable fashion. They don’t know how to — there’s no sense —
there’s no clear sense of an emotional connection and peace inside them.”Social Media Handles:
Facebook
LinkedIn -
Hosted by Rosemary Davie-Janes. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
This informative and deeply personal conversation offers a nuanced understanding of ADHD(1). By integrating personal narratives with broader societal observations, the multifaceted nature of ADHD is demonstrated. Its complexities are also explored, from the disputes around its origins and treatment, to its tendency to overlap with other conditions, such as high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and more. Common misconceptions about ADHD are challenged, and Gabor Maté's view of ADHD as a developmental issue, influenced by childhood stress and trauma, is contrasted with other theories.
Nancy reflects on her parenting journey, acknowledging the challenges she faced in being present for her children due to her own ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance in fostering healthy relationships with children.
Nancy also highlights the:
- Role that social media platforms, like TikTok, play in increasing public awareness
- Reasons for the rapid growth of ADHD diagnosis rates, particularly among adults
- Importance of attunement in early emotional development
- Impact of early childhood experiences on emotional regulation
- Value of support communities, where individuals can freely share, without being judged or shamed
- Need for a compassionate approach to those experiencing neurodiversity.
- Societal pressures that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, particularly in modern parenting contexts
- Coping mechanisms, or ‘hacks’ that are developed to ‘work around’ ADHD symptomsThe conversation ends on an inspiring note that shows how understanding ADHD as a developmental issue opens pathways for healing and growth, both for individuals with ADHD and their families.
(1)ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is part of the neurodiversity spectrum.
About Nancy Evans
A certified Compassionate Inquiry® (CI) practitioner, life coach and meditation teacher, Nancy is also a seasoned intern for the CI Professional Training and co-facilitates two CI focus groups, one for ADHD and another for Peer Supervision.Nancy is passionate about the Compassionate Inquiry® approach which she uses alongside her coaching and meditation skills, holding people with a calm gentleness. She often works with ‘people pleasers’, ADHD’ers, mid-lifers and sober folk who are ready to heal their core wounds.
Nancy balances her work with raising a family of three joyful neurodiverse sons, alongside her husband of 23 years. They live in West Sussex, with two scruffy rescue dogs, and enjoy nature, music and travelling together.
Through her recovery and deep personal healing with Compassionate Inquiry®, Nancy has become the mother to herself that she always needed in order to thrive.
Promotional Link: If you've been listening to our podcast and are curious about the transformative power of Compassionate Inquiry®, join us on Feb 22 for a 6-hour online experiential introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry approach and community . This link takes you to a web page where you can get information and, if you choose, register for the CI Experience event.
Resources: Websites: Nancy’s Professional Website
Nancy’s Compassionate Inquiry Profile Relevant Links:
Compassionate Inquiry
Are You Highly Sensitive?
ADD / ADHD Focus GroupVideos:
Dr Gabor Maté: IS ADHD a Disease?
The Surprising Causes of ADD & ADHD, Explained by DR Gabor MatéBooks:
Scattered Minds
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
When the Body Says No
The Myth of Normal
Hold On to Your KidsStatistics:
Adult ADHD ranks in the top 10 mental health searches
7-Fold Increase in Adult ADHD Prescriptions Over 10 Years
ADHD US Diagnostic TrendsQuotes: “If we recognize that most of the problems that people are troubled with are actually problems of development, and it’s those developmental conditions that we need to look at… we’ll be asking ourselves. What are the conditions in this society that lead so many people to have a failure or or slowing down of the impulse regulation circuitry, and capacity? That's the first point. So it’s a developmental problem rather than a medical problem per se. Number two, if you look at the tuning out of ADHD, why do we have this capacity to tune out? Protection from overwhelming stress. If I were to stress you right now by becoming abusive or threatening what options would you have?
The options are standing up and telling me to shut up. You also have the option of leaving. So you have the options of fight or flight. And if you couldn’t do either, you would also have the option, given that there’s many dozens of people here in the room with you, you have the option of asking for help. But what if I were to stress one of you and you didn’t have the option to ask for help or escape or to fight back - then what would you do? You wouldn’t do anything and so freezing is one option. Tuning out is another, just going absent minded, dissociating so you wouldn’t have to feel the pain of the stress. Can you see I might have lots of reasons to tune out as a one-year-old, as a two month old, as a three month old? So maybe ADHD begins as a coping mechanism.”
- Gabor Maté“If your plants are not developing the way you expect them to, the first thing you would look at are the conditions. Too much or too little sunlight. Too much or not enough irrigation. How about the quality of the soil? You look at the conditions of development and if you want those plants to develop properly, you would fix those conditions. You wouldn’t try to treat the plants for some kind of disease. Most of the time you’d be looking at the conditions for development.”
- Gabor MatéSocial Media Handles:
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok -
Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Join us for this deep dive into the maze of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault and the often futile search for vital support services. Liz unravels this complex weave by sharing her personal trauma and healing experiences, as well as the need for systemic change and collaboration that invokes the proven healing powers of community.
Former colleagues and co facilitators in the domestic violence and collective trauma arenas, Liz and J’aime explore various forms of abuse, including emotional and psychological manipulation, not just physical violence. They also highlight the role of "compounding trauma," where individuals experience multiple subsequent traumatic events, without adequate time to heal.
Liz shares her personal journey, and how being a trauma survivor empowers her to create, advocate for and train others in sensitive, trauma-informed support services.
She highlights the need to break down silos between agencies and services and improve the overall response to domestic violence. Liz also advocates for:
- Cross-disciplinary professional collaboration (academics, attorneys, domestic violence advocates, housing experts…) in order to create more useful support systems for trauma / abuse survivors.
- The development of trauma-informed practices that prioritize the well-being of survivors.
- Reducing the risk of overwhelming or re-traumatizing survivors by raising support service providers awareness
- Collective processes that welcome communities pivotal roles in supporting, healing and recovery, ensuring individuals are not alone in their experiences.
The interview also touches on how societal language and cultural norms can normalize violence and contribute to the perpetuation of abuse, and ongoing efforts to reframe domestic violence to promote awareness and positive change.
About Liz Odongo
Director of Grants and Programs, DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV)
A registered descendant of Koniag, Inc. and the Native Village of Afognak (a recognized Alutiiq Alaska Native tribal entity) Liz obtained her MA in International Training & Education from American University, her BA in Global Studies from the University of Washington, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guyana, and a high school exchange student in Venezuela.
During 2+ decades spent working to end gender-based violence, Liz serves as the Director of Grants and Programs for the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was a Domestic Violence Systems Advocate, an Educator at The Women’s Center, and a Program Officer in the Global Health, Population and Nutrition Department at the Academy for Educational Development. She also testified for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sexual Assault in the Peace Corps.
Liz developed and facilitated national and international training to address violence against women, which was delivered to many agencies, including the U.S. Military, State Department, Government agencies, law enforcement and local community-based organizations. Today she provides technical assistance, training, and support around compliance, budgeting, reporting, and program development to grantees implementing health contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Raised in Seattle, WA, Liz is the mother of two children and wife of an African Immigrant. While she enjoys coaching her kids’ basketball teams, playing guitar, and keeping her ASL and Spanish fluency strong, she never fails to stop and smell the flowers.
Promotional Link: If you’ve been listening to our podcast, you may have heard guests share stories of suicidal distress. If you're a therapist, education, medical or personal development professional seeking tools to support people on this path, the Compassionate Inquiry® 25-hour, trauma-informed, live online professional Suicide Attention Training is designed to increase both your skills and confidence. Please use this link to learn more. Registration closes on Feb 16.
Resources Websites: Professional Relevant Links:
99 Ways to Please a Man by Public Spectacle
Shehugger
Sugpiat People from the Native Village of Afognak, members of Koniag, Inc,
Dr Nkiru Nnawulezi of The Domestic Violence Action Research Collective
Violence Interrupters of Peace DC
Karma Cottman of Ujima
Koniag Government Services Academy for Educational Development Books: Theater of the Oppressed
Films: The Wisdom of Trauma Statistics: WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women
Social Media Handles:
Liz Odongo LinkedIn | Facebook
DCCADV LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
-
Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
In this gentle conversation, Sat Dharam Kaur shares her own personal experiences with addiction and codependency with humility and grace. She also answers questions about how early trauma, coping strategies and core beliefs can lead us into addiction. After broadly defining addiction as encompassing various substances and behaviors, Sat Dharam moves on to highlight the importance of recognizing the underlying emotional needs that addictions attempt to fulfill.
During this in-depth interview, she also illuminates:
- How early childhood attachment can increase or reduce the likelihood of addictive behaviors
- How unmet needs in childhood may predispose us to addictions, later in life
- The roles safe spaces and community play in healing addictions
- Why individuals struggling with addiction need to feel accepted, without judgment.
- The importance of compassionately shifting from blame and shame to understanding the trauma and experiences that contribute to an individual's situation.
- The ways in which ancestral trauma can influence addictive behaviors.
- How self-care can prevent codependency and burnout in those caring for people with addictions..Join us for this loving, warm and informative interview that shines the light of compassionate understanding on behaviours that initially seem helpful, but ultimately become harmful, for those in the thrall of the addiction(s), their families and communities.
About Sat Dharam Kaur, ND
Compassionate Inquiry® Co-Director, Training Facilitator, Circle Leader, Certified PractitionerSat Dharam is a practicing naturopathic doctor (since 1989) with a focus on women’s health, cancer and mind-body approaches to healing.
Since 2012, she has been studying, hosting, working and teaching with Dr. Gabor Maté. She structured his work in a teachable format; the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Online Training. Since 2019, much of her naturopathic practice has included Compassionate Inquiry®.
Sat Dharam’s educational background includes a BA majoring in Psychology & English Literature, and a BSc in Biology from the University of Guelph. She completed her postgraduate studies in naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, where she also taught stress management and women’s health for 10 years. The author of three *books on women’s health, Sat Dharam has also presented at numerous conferences.
An expert instructor in Kundalini Yoga, which she has practiced and taught for over 45 years, Sat Dharam has developed yoga-based curricula in addiction recovery, trauma, and breast health; specialties in which she offers training to teachers around the world..
Sat Dharam and her husband live in an off-grid home on 105 acres of beautiful land where she nurtures fruit trees and a large garden. She enjoys hiking, cycling, and communing with plants. She has three adult children and two grandchildren.
Promotional Link: If you've been listening to our podcast and are curious about the transformative power of Compassionate Inquiry®, on Feb 22, join us for a 6-hour online experiential introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry approach and community . This link takes you to a web page where you can get information and register for the CI Experience event. Resources Websites: Professional Site
Compassionate Inquiry Profile Relevant Links:
Beyond Addiction
Compassionate Inquiry
A H Almaas
Polyvagal Theory Books: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health A Call to Women: The Healthy Breast Program & Workbook:
A Naturopathic Guide to Preventing Breast Cancer The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Breast Cancer In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts When the Body Says No -
Hosted and produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Featured Music: Spotify: Lonely Demon Album
Join us for a deep, nuanced conversation that roams from Vipassana Meditation, to mindfulness to sensitivity and shame, to embodying spirituality in very personal ways.
Kevin describes how his mindfulness practice enables him to observe his ‘monkey mind’ without judgment, while recognizing its chaotic (and rather hilarious) nature. He also explains what happens when we accept the wholeness of who we are, perceived flaws, messiness and all, rather than attempting to fix or change ourselves. He credits these practices for his ability to create safe healing environments for himself and others.
The relationship between shame and sensitivity is explored, and Kevin reflects on his own unacknowledged sensitivity, as a middle child, and the only boy, growing up in a dangerous part of Belfast, during dangerous times. [He expands on this experience in his 2024 interview with fellow North of Ireland colleague, Stephen Brown.]
He also shares his journey, from hiding himself and disconnecting from his own needs, deep compassion and inborn connection with Source. He also describes how, after 30 years spent numbing his pain, he was able to remove the shame, fear, addiction, and grief which were blocking his innate connection to Source and his higher self, his authenticity.
This interview also delves into:
- The importance of being present for others' struggles, and affirming that it's okay for them to feel whatever they are feeling
- The ‘gifts’ of trauma; the many ways that trauma can lead to transformation and growth
- How being highly sensitivity enables us to connect with others in ways they respond to somaticallyThe conversation concludes with a playful acknowledgment of the often serious nature of spiritual discussions and the blessings of humour and lightness in both public and personal spiritual practices.
About Kevin Young
Life Coach, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Circles Facilitator, Podcast HostKevin is a truth seeker from Co. Down in Ireland. He is passionate about people, healing, happiness and encouraging compassionate connection.
Fascinated by the human condition; what are we, who are we, and where are we, he is navigating a path back to wholeness and believes the best way to do this is to “Know thyself”. Currently, he is working towards his Bodhisattva vows with his local Buddhist center in Belfast.
A Compassionate inquiry® facilitator, educator, and steward, Kevin works privately with individuals and organizations located all over the world. He also teaches meditation and delivers immersive sound bathing experiences.
A lover of music, poetry, conscious conversation and spiritual growth, Kevin’s favorite word is ‘awe’.
Promotional Link: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté’s trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program.
Episode Related Resources:
Websites: Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Professional SiteRelevant Links: Shift Control Podcast Interviews Kevin Young
Reflecting on the Traumas of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, with Stephen Brown
Lonely Demon Debut Album
Revealed?
Authenticity?Featured Music: Spotify: Lonely Demon Album
Books: The Myth of Normal
Social Media: Facebook
Instagram -
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes.
Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Featured Music: Ko'ona (Fluffy Snow) Saber
Aabita Benesikaa-Kwe
Half Thunderbird Women
Lynx Clan, Treaty 1 Territory
Red Shadow Singers of Turtle Lodge Treaty 2 Territory
Join us for an inspiring and informative interview with Allen Sutherland, an esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Healer, Speaker, Teacher and Historian whose work has already made a generational difference in Canada.
For 25+ years, Allen focused on raising awareness of the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world, from the European crusades of the 13th century, to the golden age of the fur trade in Canada. This was a 250 year period during which the generosity of the Anishinaabe—people of the kind heart—helped new colonists learn to survive in their new homeland. He speaks of the original agreements to live and trade together, and how implementing the Indian Act in 1876 (currently the only racial legislation enforced by any county in the world) replaced the golden age, and agreed upon treaties, with an age of deception, oppression and heartbreak.
With deep compassion, Allen illuminates the traumatic history of Canada’s indigenous populations, and the intergenerational trauma adaptations that have resulted from these wounding experiences.
He also shares:- Why the Compassionate Inquiry® approach is particularly helpful in Indigenous healing circles
- What it takes to heal trauma rooted in colonial oppression, the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the need for ongoing healing efforts
- The process of reclaiming identity lost through colonial laws and the importance of reflecting on this journey, ancestral knowledge and community involvement, in intergenerational healing
- Links between alarming health statistics among Indigenous populations today and the historical somatic legacy of colonization trauma
- How lateral kindness can counteract lateral violence within communities
Allen also speaks about his current work as a healer, and how traditional healing is often a last resort for indigenous people overwhelmed by allopathic medical diagnoses and prognoses. He describes how he determines the healing approach required for each individual by integrating wisdom from his heart, his essence and intuition, with that of his own and his clients’ spirit guides.
The interview concludes with a demonstration of Anishinaabe generosity. Allen invites non indigenous people seeking answers and healing to attend traditional indigenous ceremonies, for as he says, the common denominator in all Anishinaabe teachings is spirit, love and wanting a better place for all.
About Allen Sutherland
Allen, also known by his spirit name Waabshkii Masinazoot Michtaatim (White Spotted Horse), is of the Anishinaabe Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), and a member of Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. An esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Healer, and Historian, his work in the public has made a generational difference in Canada.
Allen’s deep Anishinaabek roots enable him to be a conduit between Traditional and Contem- porary Worlds. For 30+ years, he has worked in First Nations, Federal/Provincial Governments, and is involved in grassroots community work.
A sought-after facilitator, trainer and resource on the history and culture of the Anishinaabe of Turtle Island, he is well known for his creation of Canadian Indigenous Timeline Posters and Red River de Metis posters.
Today Allen lives his life purpose as an Anishinaabek Historian, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Healer with ever expanding healing bundles. He is the Knowledge Keeper East of 2 Child & Family Service Agencies with Treaty 2 Territory, the Lodge Keeper of Ginew Healing Lodge, and lives in Treaty 1 Territory, Cooks Creek, Manitoba.
Promotional Link: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté’s trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program.
Episode Related Resources:
Websites: Allen’s professional site
Speaking & Interviews
Healing
Timeline PostersRelevant Links: Intergenerational Trauma: Residential Schools
Canada’s Indian Act
What We Carry for Our Ancestors: Intergenerational Healing
To Heal the Nation We Need Understanding
Treaties in Canada
Intergenerational trauma and resiliency on health and wellness of First Nations
peoples in Canada
Compassionate Inquiry®Featured Music: Ko'ona (Fluffy Snow) Saber
Aabita Benesikaa-Kwe
Half Thunderbird Women
Lynx Clan, Treaty 1 Territory
Red Shadow Singers of Turtle Lodge Treaty 2 Territory
The Red Shadow Singers ask that their songs, received through ceremony,
be used in spiritual ways for healing or prayer.Books: I Am My Culture
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
For Indigenous Minds Only: A Decolonization Handbook
Indigenous Children’s Survivance in Public SchoolsStatistic Source: Indigenous Trauma and Reconciliation
Allen’s Social Media: Facebook
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Hosted by Kevin Young. Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Join us for a fast-paced, and deeply moving interview with Matthew Green, a journalist seeking to illuminate the role of individual, ancestral and collective trauma in driving global crises. Drawing on his experiences covering wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for Reuters and the Financial Times, Green discusses the responsibilities media outlets carry to care for the primary and secondary trauma wounds affecting journalists and editors. Kevin and Matthew also discuss how new trauma-informed journalistic approaches could transform the media into an agent for ethical restoration and societal healing.
In this insight-rich conversation, Matthew shares his perspectives on:
- Individual pain versus collective trauma, and how when we realize we’re not alone in our suffering, our experience of interconnectedness facilitates healing.
- Transformation through suffering, and the healing process as a death-rebirth journey that leads to the emergence of our true self.
- Men's groups’ unique role in fostering healing and connection among men, and how participating can improve men’s lives and relationships.
- How cultivating a spiritual connection can support and guide the healing process.
- Ancestral trauma imprints, such as the multi-generational military service in his own male lineage, and how these collective experiences will continue to shape individual worldviews and choices until they are recognized and resolved.
Matthew also speaks about his latest ventures: the Resonant World newsletter and the Resonant Man Initiative. He launched Resonant World to serve the growing global community of people working to heal individual, inter-generational and collective trauma. Through interviews with practitioners, accounts of his own experiences of trauma work, and insights from his training as a collective trauma integration facilitator, Matthew sees Resonant World as a catalyst for transforming the media into a trauma-restoring force. The Resonant Man Initiative is the men's group he co-facilitates that supports men to explore creativity, vision, relationship and brotherhood, with a view to equipping participants to respond more effectively to personal and collective challenges.
About Matthew Green
Matthew is a journalist, author and the creator of Resonant World.
As a journalist covering conflicts across Africa, in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan for Reuters and the Financial Times, bouts of depression led him to explore a wide range of healing practices, culminating in his 2015 book, Aftershock (stories of British military veterans and their families confronting the psychological scars of war.)
In April, 2022, Matthew’s frustration over Reuters’ response to the climate crisis led him to quit and join DeSmog, which exposes corporations blocking climate action.
After studying the psychological and mystical principles of healing individual, ancestral and collective trauma via Thomas Hübl’s Timeless Wisdom Training, Matthew is currently training as a collective trauma integration facilitator.
Alongside regular panel appearances on the BBC, Matthew has co-hosted the Collective Trauma Summit and the Climate Consciousness Summit,
Matthew is also co-founder of the Resonant Man, an initiative to support men to explore vision, creativity, relationship and brotherhood, with Jacob Kishere.
Matthew lives in London with his wife Genevieve, a clinical psychologist, and their seven-year-old daughter. When he’s not reading, writing or discussing trauma healing, he loves helping people resolve their dilemmas via the Tarot.
Invitation to join Compassionate Inquiry Circles: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté’s trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program.
Episode Related Resources:Websites: Professional site (Resonant World)
Relevant Links: Resonant World
Resonant Man
Aftershock
DeSmog
Climate Consciousness Summit 2024MediaStrong
The Pocket Project - Global Social Witnessing
Courses: Timeless Wisdom Training
Social Media: LinkedIn
Books: Aftershock: The Untold Story Of Surviving Peace
The Wizard Of The Nile:The Hunt For Joseph Kony
The Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human BehaviorPodcasts: Resonant World Podcast
The Matthew Green Podcast -
Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Join us for a passionate and enlightening conversation that explores trauma and systemic issues within the complex of incarceration. Our guest, Brooke Harper works with individuals in the juvenile-legal and -carceral systems, as well as the formerly incarcerated. She advocates for a more compassionate and trauma-informed approach, as those who commit crimes are often victims of their own circumstances. In fact, the real issue is the criminalization of trauma and poverty, as the legal and carceral systems rarely recognize that, to meet their basic human needs, many perpetrators' only option is to turn to crime.
In this thoughtful interview, Brooke outlines the:
- Impact of Systemic Racism on children in the juvenile carceral system, particularly those who disproportionately represent marginalized communities
- Importance of Compassionate inquiry®, a transformative approach that can help individuals understand their trauma and the underlying reasons for their behaviors.
- Need for Systemic Change, advocating for a shift from punitive measures to more compassionate and rehabilitative approaches that address the root causes of criminal behavior.
- Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among incarcerated individuals, which underscores the link between childhood trauma and criminal behavior.
The poignant stories and experiences Brooke shares illustrate the profound impact of trauma on young people and the challenges they face in navigating their environments. Rather than simply labeling individuals based on their actions, this conversation encourages a deeper exploration of perpetrators’ situations and personal experiences.
Listen to gain insight into the need for public education and awareness on the complexities of trauma. And when the conversation concludes, be inspired by the possibilities compassionate understanding offers to children and youth enmeshed within the juvenile-legal and -carceral systems.
About Brooke Harper:
A certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner and mental health clinician, she completed her Advanced Clinical Practice graduate training at Columbia University, specialising in Health, Mental Health and Disabilities. Brooke has experience in both direct clinical practice and programming. She works with those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, as well as individuals within the juvenile-legal system, carceral system, and formerly incarcerated. Passionate about advocacy and diminishing stigma, Brooke seeks to bridge gaps in health care service delivery. She is a certified teacher of trauma-informed yoga, and yoga for substance abuse recovery. Also involved in advocacy for addiction treatment and relapse prevention, Brooke is a mentor at Father’s Uplift
Promotional Link: You can experience the power of Gabor Maté’s trauma healing approach, whether you are or are not a therapist or healer. This link takes you to a web page that offers information about Compassionate Inquiry's Circles Program.
Episode Related Resources:Websites: Brooke's Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner Profile
Relevant Links: Equal Justice Initiative
The Bail Project
Anti-Recidivism Coalition
Dr. Resmaa Menakem
The Legacy SitesBooks: Are Prisons Obsolete?
In The Realm Of Hungry GhostsHold On To Your Kids
The Fire Next Time
The New Jim Crow
Between the World and Me
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Charged: The New Movement to Transform American
Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration
Until We Reckon
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionVideos & Movies: Step Inside the Circle
The Art of Incarceration Movie Website
The Art of Incarceration Trailer
13th: Full Movie
The Charnel GroundPodcast:
Compassion in Medicine with Dr Aisling Quiery
Journals: The Thread of Trauma: A Critical Analysis of the Criminal Legal System
Statistic Sources: Adverse Childhood Experiences Pie Charts
How Many Youth Are Locked Up in the US
Health Care Behind Bars
Differences in Prison Spending Vary Widely Across States -
Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes.
Produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Click Here if you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with coaching or therapy clients. To learn about the application process, please check out the Professional Training Program.
Join us for this candid episode that illuminates little known aspects of the human procreation experience, from conception through birth and postpartum. Our guests, seasoned midwives Laura Latina and Hannah Betty Idarius, explore divergent perspectives of the perinatal journey. Rather than merely a medical event, their approach celebrates each birth as sacred—every moment is honored as a profound rite of passage for babies, parents and families alike.
Today, increasing rates of obstetric trauma engender fear and trepidation in new mothers approaching birth. Many moms also experience the pain of isolation during the crucial postpartum period—a sharp contrast to birthing in traditional ‘village’ communities where extended family members share parenting responsibilities, creating support systems that enrich child development and parental well being.
In this interview, Laura and Hannah explain how:
- Implicit (not consciously recalled) memories from birth and early experiences can affect individuals throughout their lives, manifesting in physical and emotional patterns- Compassionate Inquiry® supports birth professionals, therapists and parents alike by unlocking perinatal trauma (includes in utero, birth and postnatal traumas) and providing paths to healing for individuals and families.
- Trauma from perinatal experiences can impact parents, children and families and increase a mother’s risk of postpartum depression.
- Rebirthing can offer deeply transformative pathways to healing.
- Parents can foster a deep sense of security and connection with their unborn children.
This conversation will deepen your emotional and psychological understanding of the human birthing experience, from conception to birth and beyond.
About Laura Latina:
A Certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner and international speaker, Laura is also an independent midwife, a community midwife, and a midwifery team leader who consulted for the NHS in the UK.
She has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as Women’s Health Advisor for its Medical Unit, managing maternity hospitals in Malawi, South Sudan, Kenya, Afghanistan and many other countries, supporting over 2,000 women across four continents.
In addition to leading international projects that promote cultures of gentle, respectful births and parenting, Laura invites women to recognize and trust their innate ability to be loving, attuned mothers.
She is also passionate about the role of home births' in creating supportive family environments.
About Hannah Betty Idarius:
A Somatic Coach and Certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner, Hannah works with individuals and couples wanting to embody optimal emotional, physical and mental health and wholeness.
A homebirth midwife for 30 years in British Columbia, Arizona and California, Hannah empowered women to trust in their innate ability to birth and parent wisely, Her specializations in classical homeopathy, rebirthing breathwork, pre- and perinatal trauma healing, and somatic coaching fostered birth experiences that were gentle, supportive, and sacred.
One of the pioneers of waterbirth in the US, she was featured in the documentary, Water Babies, and is the author of, The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual: A Practical Guide for Labor, Birth, and
the Immediate Postpartum Period.Laura Latina & Hannah Betty Idarius’ Show Summary - Release Date December 5
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with coaching or therapy clients, please check out the Professional Training Program.
Episode Related Resources:Websites:
Laura's Professional Website
Laura's CI Practitioner ProfileHannah's Professional Website
Hannah's CI Practitioner ProfileStudy:
Adverse Baby Experiences (ABEs) and Chronic Illness
Relevant Links:WombEcology
Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health
Prevention & Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth
Dr Sarah Buckley: Gentle Birth & Oxytocin Research
Annie Brook
Karlton Terry Baby Therapy
Postpartum Experience Quote Sources:
Alanis Morissette, the Daily Mail, August 2012
Marie Osmond, The Dr. Oz Show, April 2016Training: The Portal: Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and the Postpartum Period;
a Compassionate Inquiry TrainingRay Castellino Learning Centre
Posts: Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova, The limbic Imprint
Rachel Reed Midwifery Academic Blog
Books:
The Homeopathic Childbirth Manual
The Mind of Your Newborn Baby
The Secret Life of the Unborn Child The Nurture RevolutionQuotes: “You talk to people about their childhood and they say I don’t remember, I don’t remember, I don’t remember. Well the fact is that everybody remembers, they just don’t recall. It’s usually because nothing happened or too much happened. Usually too much happened. One way they dealt with it was to split their attention from what's going on so they're not going to recall. We have the distinction of two important kinds of memories and so often our lives show up as those imprinted memories and that imprint starts in utero. What we are actually looking at is the impact of the multi-generational family history. Stress that affected one generation will be played out very exactly in the next generation to the degree that that next generation has understood or not understood it, has dealt with it or not dealt with it so fundamentally so long as we're not conscious we're gonna pass on our stress and our drama to our kids.” - Gabor Maté
“The effects of emotional trauma during pregnancy, often referred to as prenatal toxic stress, [which] have profound implications for both the mother and the developing fetus.“
- Palo Alto Edu“Trauma programs the nervous system, so that it's constantly in defensive mode, even when there's no danger, we react as if there was, or we don't recognize danger when it's really there. And the problem with being in a defensive mode is that you can survive, but you can't grow and thrive emotionally.”
- Gabor Maté”During pregnancy, stress can increase the chances of having a baby who is preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or a low-birthweight baby (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). Babies born too soon or too small are at increased risk for health problems.” - Source
“What is usually not understood or even talked about very much [at all] is that the impacts of trauma are not only psychological but physiological. The kind of experiences you have shape the very circuitry of your brain” - Gabort Maté
“Unconditional parental love is the indispensable nutrient for the child's healthy emotional growth. The first task is to create space in the child's heart for the certainty that she is precisely the person the parents want and love. She does not have to do anything or be any different to earn that love - in fact, she cannot do anything, since that love cannot be won or lost...The child can be ornery, unpleasant, whiny, uncooperative, and plain rude, and the parent still lets her feel loved. Ways have to be found to convey the unacceptability of certain behaviors without making the child herself feel unaccepted. She has to be able to bring her unrest, her least likable characteristics to the parent and still receive the parent's absolutely satisfying, security-inducing unconditional love.” - Gordon Neufeld
Instagram:@lauralatinamidwife
https://www.instagram.com/lauralatinamidwife/?hl=enFacebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lauritaostetrica
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