Transforming Trauma: Episode 150

Transforming Trauma Episode 150: Celebrating 5 Years and 150 Episodes of Transforming Trauma with Brad Kammer and Emily Ruth

A podcast brought to you by the Complex Trauma Training Center

As awareness of complex trauma has grown, so has the need for leaders in the field to share their wisdom and tips for helping individuals, families and communities resolve complex trauma. Over the past 5 years and 150 episodes, the Transforming Trauma podcast has been a platform for these voices of inspiration, hope, guidance and support.

To celebrate our 150th episode. CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer joins host Emily Ruth to reminisce about the inspiring guests who have graced the 2024 season and the many heartfelt conversations that have shaped the show since its inception in January 2020.

“We try to balance getting people that are really well known in the field, like Gabor Maté, Judith Herman, Stephen Porges and Dick Schwartz, as well as people that have trained with us, and are maybe less well known or not known at all,” says Brad, referring to the catalog of diverse guests that Transforming Trauma has assembled over the last four years. While every single guest has brought so much to our community, Brad and Emily highlight several that have inspired them along the way.

This year, for example, we had our second and most expansive conversation with Dr. Jonathan Shedler, a leader in the current field of psychodynamic psychology. We also had a compelling episode featuring Alison Rapping, discussing her impactful work providing wrap-around services to formerly incarcerated women. The common feature of all of our guests is that in some way they are working to support the transformation of trauma.

Brad shared that he felt so excited to have Dr. Judith Herman on in 2024, a legend in the field of trauma. “She’s someone that’s influenced all of us,” he says. “To have the opportunity to hear from her at this stage of her career was such a gift.” Likewise, the conversation with Dr. Nancy McWilliams, another giant in the field of psychology, demonstrated the lineage of a teacher passing on wisdom from her 50-year career to multiple generations of practitioners.

Some episodes feature a guest or topic that speaks to us in ways we might not have anticipated. Emily cites her conversation with Dr. Karen Maroda as particularly activating in this way. “There was some challenging material in there in a way that really landed for me that I know I needed.” Dr. Maroda’s focus on countertransference for psychotherapists becomes so important for anyone working with relational issues and trauma. Emily was also moved by her conversation with Dr. Daniel Morehead and his invitation to greet neurodivergence with curiosity and humility.

Brad recalls his episode with Jessica Britt as an especially enlightening conversation. He appreciated their shared interest in the interplay of psychology and spirituality, and the alignment between what Jessica teaches, Diamond Approach, and what Brad teaches, the NeuroAffective Relational Model.

Laura Sorte and Kami Black are therapists who have championed trauma-informed approaches at their respective residential facilities in New York and Utah. Their episodes highlight the potential of NARM to change systems of healing.

Dr. Nadine Macaluso is a trauma-bond expert with a rather famous backstory, being the ex-wife of the real-life “Wolf on Wall Street”. Nadine’s passion for supporting women through similar situations is what makes her a favorite repeat guest.

Chloé Valdary, a public educator and anti-racism activist, introduced to our community her groundbreaking approach to organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, called the Theory of Enchantment. Blending social justice with depth psychology and popular culture, we have since integrated Chloé’s framework into our organizational structure at the Complex Trauma Training Center.

If intentionality is the show’s guiding light, then courage is its path. We’re honored to have held space for deeply personal journeys of grief, pain, healing, and recovery, as evidenced by Brad’s conversation with human rights campaigner Yasmine Mohammed. Brad was impacted by her book Unveiled, and says, “she’s someone I’ve looked up to for quite a while now, and I was just so inspired.”

We also learn so much from those who find their courage in grief, like Heidi Winn and Adam Angel, who shared about their parenting journeys and losses. Brad was also deeply honored and moved to share a heartfelt conversation with Bill Loke as he was navigating his last few months of life. Bill passed shortly after their conversation and his wisdom, heart and soul lives on as part of Transforming Trauma.

Transforming Trauma has many people to thank for its success. We’d like to thank Dr. Laurence Heller, creator of NARM, who has been a frequent guest and also taught many people who have been featured on the podcast. A special thank you goes out to the behind-the-scenes folks, including the team at the Creative Imposter Studios, Executive Producer Brad Kammer, and our wonderful host Emily Ruth. We look forward to the next 150 episodes and thank all of you for joining us.

EPISODES MENTIONED

2023: The Podcast Year In Review with NARM Training Director Brad Kammer and Host Emily Ruth

A Pathway to Peace in the Fight Against Oppression and Religious Trauma with Yasmine Mohammed

What Good Psychotherapy Looks Like With Dr. Jonathan Shedler

Emotional Engagement in the Therapeutic Relationship With Dr. Karen Maroda

Addiction Recovery within a Trauma-Informed Community with Laura Sorte of Release Recovery

Empowering Adolescent Females in Residential Treatment With Kami Black of ROOTs Transition

Post-Traumatic Growth for Women Leaving Prison with Alison Rapping

Self-Acceptance in the Aftermath of Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso

An Adventure in Consciousness Through the Diamond Approach with Jessica Britt

From Pain to Purpose: Navigating the Pressures of Fatherhood, Isolation and Loss with Adam Angel

A Mother’s Journey into Finding Effulgence through the NARM Process of Resolving Grief with Heidi Winn