In this heartfelt and enlightening episode, our host Jon delves deep into the extraordinary life of Amanda, a brave survivor of abuse and trafficking and advocate against human trafficking. From confronting personal traumas to finding enduring love and friendship, Amanda’s compelling narrative embodies resilience, understanding, and the indomitable spirit of survival.

Key Takeaways:

Recognizing and Overcoming Trauma:

• Amanda revisits her harrowing experiences of “being trafficked via a dating site in Scotland” and the crucial steps she took toward self-healing and empowerment.

Building Trust in Relationships:

• Amanda shares the touching story of “meeting her now-husband on the very platform that was once a source of torment, laying the foundation of trust by being open about her past from the get-go.”

The Unwavering Bond of Friendship:

• The remarkable story of her friendship with Collette, who stands as a beacon of “unconditional support and understanding.”

Combatting Ignorance on Human Trafficking:

• Amanda stresses the importance of “dispelling common myths surrounding human trafficking and advocating for accurate understanding to foster real change.”

The Journey of Self-Restoration:

• Amanda articulates her ongoing journey of “rewiring and retraining” her brain to cope with complex PTSD, showcasing the continuous effort needed to heal from profound trauma.

The Essential Fight Against Human Trafficking:

• Amanda’s passionate advocacy in “raising awareness and directly combating human trafficking” shines a light on the necessity for informed action and community involvement.

Empowering Others Through Storytelling:

• Through her candidness, Amanda inspires others to “seek available resources and take hold of their future, emphasizing that strength is inherent and not derived from past adversities.”

A Candid Discussion on Misunderstandings:

• Addressing the “galling ignorance” encountered when discussing human trafficking, Amanda opens up a crucial conversation on compassion versus ignorance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Department of Homeland Security - For an accurate understanding of human trafficking.
• Amanda’s autobiography - A deeper dive into her life’s journey.

Connect with Amanda:

• Amanda’s Advocacy Website
• Twitter

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:01] Introduction to Amanda’s Journey
• [13:15] Discovering the Strength Within
• [25:40] Unveiling the Realities of Human Trafficking
• [38:25] The Power of Friendship and Love in Healing
• [52:10] Addressing Common Misconceptions
• [1:14:26] Amanda’s Love Story
• [1:18:33] The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Raising Awareness
• [1:23:55] Closing Thoughts: Taking Hold of Your Future

Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Schizophrenia and Parenting Challenges

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Christopher Slaton, a seasoned educator and mental health advocate, delves into the complexities of parenting, particularly when faced with the challenges of raising a child with schizophrenia. He shares invaluable insights and personal experiences that shed light on the intricacies of mental health support within families.

Key Themes:

Parenting Challenges: Dr. Slaton discusses the difficulties of being a parent, especially when one's own childhood experiences were far from ideal. He emphasizes the responsibility of nurturing and guiding young minds.

Schizophrenia: The episode delves into the world of schizophrenia, a condition that profoundly affected Dr. Slaton's son. He shares how he learned to communicate effectively with his son's brain rather than focusing solely on behavior.

Mental Health Support: Dr. Slaton provides crucial insights into the necessity of early recognition of warning signs in children experiencing mental illness. He stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for self-experience.

Communication and Contracts in Relationships: The discussion touches on the significance of open communication and agreements within relationships. Dr. Slaton highlights how he and his wife formed an unspoken contract to ensure a harmonious family life.

Loss and Grief: The episode explores the painful topic of losing a loved one to schizophrenia and its related complications. Dr. Slaton reflects on the challenges his family faced and the support they provided to his son.

Notable Quotes and Insights:

• "You know, we're talking about, how do you be a parent? You know? Yeah. How do you be a parent when you didn't have that type of childhood?"
• "That's schizophrenia, that's brain talk. He talks all the time. And inside the context is meat on the bone because he's talking to you."
• "Because see, you have a lot of people that are really ill that do things that everybody's in awe about. And some people say, well, you know, he is really, really different. He is really, really on the other side. But no, you don't lose that."
• "I'm the most difficult person to deal with because I'm constantly requiring that you do more because I do more. If you interact with me, it's not gonna stop. We gotta work. We gotta get this done."
• "So you look at the brain, not the body. You look at the brain, you look at the responses. Because you can realize the communication coming back at you."
• "A family is a business. It has to be developed as one."
• "Because I kept notes. For example, he drew, he did all the things that gave us a ton of stuff to look at to know that we were safe."
• "You have to be on 24-7. Because a break can happen, or a psychological event can happen while he's sleeping, and he's gone."

Resources and Where to Find Dr. Slaton:

• Dr. Slaton's books can be found on Amazon, offering valuable insights into his work and experiences.
• Visit his website at drchristopherkslaton.com for more information and resources.
• Explore brainsbody.net for additional content and insights.
• Tune in to the Brains Body Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iTunes to delve deeper into mental health and family dynamics.

Dr. Christopher Slaton's engaging and enlightening conversation provides a unique perspective on parenting, mental health, and the power of understanding the brain's inner workings. Don't miss this impactful episode filled with valuable insights and heartfelt experiences.

In this episode of "Between the Before and After," I have a conversation with Megan Conner, an advocate for abuse victims and survivors. Megan shares her personal story of being abused as a child. 

Megan also dives into her upbringing in the Mormon church and the pressures placed on its members. Eventually leaving the church, she now focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle after surviving trauma. During our discussion, we explore the concept of grooming and how victims often don't realize they are being manipulated until it's too late. 

She also shares the challenges she faced in forming relationships and dealing with the lingering trauma throughout her life. We touch upon the harmful teachings and victim-blaming prevalent in the Mormon church, shedding light on the damaging effects they have on survivors. 

Megan reveals her journey towards healing and the therapy she sought to address her trauma. She emphasizes the importance of support systems and self-care routines during therapy, as well as navigating the side effects that can arise. Megan also discusses disclosing her experiences to her parents and siblings, and her beautiful relationship with her children. 

Through writing her book, she aims to inspire and provide hope for other survivors of abuse. In our conversation, we emphasize the need to shift society's beliefs towards victims and prioritize empathy. While maintaining the principle of innocent until proven guilty, we discuss how starting with a belief in victims can lead to a more compassionate response. Understanding the reasons behind false allegations can also help us develop empathy for survivors. 

Child grooming becomes another focal point as we discuss the fears associated with it. We stress the importance of education and actively being present in our children's lives to prevent such incidents. Megan emphasizes her dedication to providing emotional stability and love to her own children, ensuring their safety and well-being. 

We also highlight the low percentage of false accusations and the importance of addressing the underlying reasons behind such behavior, all while believing victims and relying on skilled investigators to uncover the truth. 

CONNECT WITH MEGAN: https://third-verse.com/

Welcome to Between the Before & After, where we delve deep into the stories and insights of remarkable individuals who've faced adversity and emerged stronger than ever. In today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Mary Giuliani, an author, and a passionate advocate for healing from addiction and trauma. She takes us on a profound journey of personal transformation, shedding light on the hidden connections between trauma and addiction, and how finding compassion within ourselves can pave the way to recovery.

Episode Highlights:

The Hidden Roots of Addiction:

• Mary Giuliani shares her own journey of addiction, emphasizing how she struggled for years without realizing the underlying trauma behind her addictive behaviors.

Reframing Addiction:

• "My addiction history has been an attempt to solve a problem. It hasn't been like I'm a hedonist or I just want to be a party animal." Discover how understanding addiction as a trauma response can shift the narrative from blame to understanding.

Healing in Safe Relationships:

• Our guest highlights the importance of relational trauma being healed within safe relationships, whether it's with a therapist, coach, or supportive friend.

Beyond Talk Therapy:

• Delve into the limitations of talk therapy in healing trauma and the need for body and brain-based interventions to truly address the impact of trauma.

The Power of Compassion:

• Mary Giuliani emphasizes that healing begins with self-compassion. "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." Discover how embracing self-compassion can be transformative.

Understanding Childhood Adversity:

• Explore the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and how it reveals the deep-rooted connection between childhood trauma and adult struggles like addiction, mental illness, and obesity.

Taking the First Step:

• Our guest offers a message of hope to anyone listening: "You're not bad or broken, and you can heal with the right support." It all starts with taking that first step towards understanding your own journey.

Conclusion: Today, Mary Giuliani has shared a compelling narrative of her own journey, transforming her perspective on addiction and trauma. Her insights shed light on the hidden struggles that many individuals face and remind us that healing is not only possible but essential. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma or struggles with addiction, this episode of Between the Before & After is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards understanding and recovery.

Remember, healing begins with self-compassion and the right support. Thank you for joining us on Between the Before & After. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and empowering insights in the episodes to come.

Keywords: Addiction, Trauma, Healing, Self-Compassion, Relational Trauma, Talk Therapy, Childhood Adversity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mary Giuliani

In this episode, we delve deep into the raw and emotional journey of Aaron Machbitz, a former professional wrestler turned mental health advocate. Join us as we explore the profound themes of mental health, suicide, coping, and the power of support and understanding. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that reminds us all that we are deeply loved and valued.

Show Notes:

Exploring Darkness: Aaron reflects on his wrestling career and the moment that sparked a transformation. He describes the internal struggle of performing as a character that contradicted his beliefs in love, empathy, and support.

The Suicide Stigma: Aaron sheds light on the misconception surrounding suicide being perceived as selfish. He highlights the importance of understanding the depths of despair and the pain that drives individuals to such extremes.

Relief Amidst Grief: Aaron bravely shares his own experience of feeling relief after his sister's suicide, a sentiment that initially seemed impossible to admit. He discusses the complexity of emotions surrounding loss and coping.

The Right to Choose: The podcast delves into the controversial question of whether individuals have the right to choose to end their own lives. Aaron and his guest engage in a thoughtful conversation about compassion and the desire to end suffering.

No Need to Save the World: Aaron emphasizes that going through a tragic event doesn't mean you have to turn it into your life's mission. He encourages listeners to focus on finding peace, managing their emotions, and moving forward.

A Message of Love: The podcast emphasizes a powerful message: You are deeply loved and cared for. Aaron urges everyone to recognize their intrinsic worth and encourages them to embrace their unique selves.

A Journey to Self-Love: Aaron inspires us to take small steps towards self-acceptance, even when self-loathing seems overwhelming. He shares his personal journey from self-doubt to self-love, emphasizing the importance of patience.

Embracing the Divine Spark: The conversation concludes with a reminder that each individual possesses a divine spark that should be shared with the world. Aaron's story encourages us to find that spark within ourselves and take steps toward personal healing and growth.

Conclusion: This podcast episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, and that we are never truly alone. Aaron Mashvitz's journey from wrestling to mental health advocacy is a powerful example of transformation, self-discovery, and the profound impact of compassion.

Keywords: Mental Health, Suicide, Coping, Self-Love, Compassion, Healing, Support, Understanding, Wrestling

In this captivating podcast episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of transformation and resilience as we explore the themes of education, trauma, and the power of embracing individual learning styles. Join us as we follow the inspiring story of Nicholas, who defied all odds to achieve a PhD in Applied Mathematics at one of the world's most prestigious institutions, Oxford University.

**Episode Highlights:**

1. **Trauma and Learning:** The episode opens with a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by a young child struggling with learning difficulties. The trauma of childhood education is explored, where an IQ test labeling a child as "dumb" can have lasting effects on their self-esteem and learning journey.

2. **Understanding Childhood Trauma:** Delving deeper into the psychological impact, we explore how childhood trauma gets imprinted in the brain and can persist into adulthood. The discussion sheds light on the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional scars left behind by early educational experiences.

3. **Children's Behavior as Communication:** The hosts discuss the notion that so-called "troublesome" behavior in children might actually be a cry for help, signaling that something is amiss in their learning environment. The conventional education system's focus on conformity is challenged, highlighting the need to adapt teaching methods to cater to individual strengths and learning styles.

4. **Education Evolution and Innovation:** A shift in the education paradigm is explored, where the traditional factory model of education is being replaced with a more holistic understanding of learning. The episode uncovers how innovative thinkers who didn't fit the mold of conventional education found success by embracing their unique perspectives.

5. **From Struggle to Success:** The podcast follows the inspiring trajectory of Nicholas, who transitioned from being labeled as "the worst child" to achieving top ranks in his high school class. The discussion uncovers the transformative factors that helped him excel in academics and the growth mindset that fueled his success.

6. **Unlocking Passion in Education:** The narrative highlights the crucial role of emotional engagement in learning. The power of nurturing a child's curiosity and excitement for learning is emphasized, along with the impact of creating positive emotional associations with education.

7. **Mother's Role in Transformation:** The story of Nicholas' mother, Lois, is interwoven throughout the episode. Lois' dedication, persistence, and creative teaching methods played a pivotal role in her son's educational journey. Her journey from frustration to becoming a reading specialist is a testament to the transformative power of a parent's belief and dedication.

8. **Overcoming Dyslexia and Writing a Book:** Lois' own struggle with dyslexia adds a layer of personal depth to the episode. Her journey to writing a book and becoming a reading specialist showcases her determination and resilience in the face of challenges.

**Notable Quotes:**

- "Believe in your child. Believe they are capable of being future rocket scientists."

- "Troublemaker behavior is actually a cry for help. I don't get it. Something doesn't work, something bad has happened to me in some way, I need help."

- "Children's Behavior as a Cry for Help."

- "Transforming Teaching Methods and Advocating for Nicholas' Needs."

- "Unlocking the Power of Learning and Overcoming Childhood Trauma."

- "Understanding Nicholas' Learning Challenges and Strengths."

- "The Journey of Acceptance and Moving Forward."

- "Education Evolution and Innovation."

Tune in to this enlightening podcast episode to discover how a journey fraught with challenges can lead to incredible growth, transformation, and the power to reshape education paradigms. Explore the remarkable story of Nicholas, his mother Lois, and their shared quest to unlock the true potential within every learner.

Welcome to another episode of *Between the Before and After*. I'm your host, Coach John, and today's episode takes us on a remarkable journey of resilience, recovery, and the power of human spirit. We have the privilege of sitting down with Kristen, who shares her incredible story of overcoming a traumatic brain injury and finding hope amidst adversity. This episode is filled with insights, anecdotes, and lessons that offer a glimpse into the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved in the wake of a life-altering event.

**Episode Highlights:**

1. **A Sunrise Changed Forever:**

At the young age of 23, Kristen's life took an unexpected turn. A routine run with her husband turned into a life-changing accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. The accident happened at sunrise, a moment that would forever alter the course of her life.

2. **The Path to Recovery:**

Kristen's journey to recovery was nothing short of inspiring. She vividly recalls the challenges she faced, from relearning basic skills like walking and talking, to dealing with the aftermath of broken bones and neurological issues. Her positive mindset and determination drove her to push forward, one step at a time.

3. **The Unbreakable Bond:**

Throughout her recovery, Kristen's husband, Raul, emerged as an unwavering pillar of support. Their bond deepened as they faced adversity together, showcasing the incredible strength that can come from such experiences. Kristen emphasizes how such challenges can strengthen relationships and create unspoken bonds.

4. **Lessons in Resilience:**

Kristen's story is a testament to the power of resilience. She shares how she approached her recovery with a forward-looking attitude, refusing to let adversity define her. Her story reminds us that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and learning.

5. **Seeking Support and Expertise:**

Navigating the complexities of recovery requires a supportive team. Kristen emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated neurologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. Her experience underscores the significance of seeking expert guidance to address the intricate challenges of recovery.

6. **Overcoming Adversity:**

Kristen's story isn't just about physical recovery; it's also about emotional and mental healing. She reflects on the emotional toll the accident took on her and her loved ones. Kristen's ability to find positivity amid adversity is a lesson for all of us facing challenges in our own lives.

7. **A Miracle of Love and Healing:**

Four years after the accident, Kristen welcomed her second child into the world. Her journey from despair to motherhood serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and renewal. Kristen's story reminds us that life's miracles can emerge from the most unexpected places.

8. **Looking Forward:**

As we conclude this insightful conversation, Kristen's words resonate: "Live life, don't let life live you." Her story serves as an inspiration to embrace life's challenges with a courageous heart, to seek support, and to find strength in the face of adversity.

**Conclusion:**

Thank you for joining us on this emotional and uplifting episode of *Between the Before and After*. Kristen's journey from the darkest days of a traumatic brain injury to the triumph of recovery is a reminder that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, the human spirit can shine brightly. If you or someone you know is navigating a similar journey, Kristen's story offers hope, resilience, and the reminder that the impossible can become possible. Stay tuned for more stories of overcoming adversity and discovering the strength within us all.

Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into the remarkable life of Jason Pike, a man who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges but emerged as a distinguished military officer and author. In this candid conversation, Jason shares his journey of triumph over adversity, battling a learning disability, enduring military training, and navigating the complex world of espionage accusations. Brace yourself for an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.

Key Themes:

1. Learning Disability: Jason's early life was marked by a learning disability called dysgraphia, making academic pursuits and self-expression a daunting task. Discover how he overcame these hurdles and found strength within himself.

2. Ambition and Dreams: Despite the odds stacked against him, Jason was fueled by a dream to join the military. Follow his journey as he pursued his aspiration with unwavering determination.

3. Military Training: Jason takes us through the rigors of basic training, where relentless hazing and challenges awaited him. Uncover the trials he faced and the valuable lessons he learned.

4. Resilience in Combat: Join us as Jason shares firsthand accounts of the reality of combat and the unwavering mental toughness required when facing life-threatening situations.

5. Writing "A Soldier Against All Odds": Dive into the emotional journey Jason undertook while penning his book, baring his vulnerabilities and experiences. Learn about the motivation behind his powerful narrative.

Notable Quotes and Anecdotes:

- "My parents were both brilliant people, but they did not have college degrees. It was just more of a genetic thing for me."

- "You don't have any self-worth. You're absolutely just worthless because you can't do what everybody else can do."

- "I had a dream... I was going to go for it."

- "I found out later that I had a learning disability called dysgraphia, which means I can't put thoughts on paper."

- "If you had a strange last name, they would abuse that name over and over... that was just part of what they did at that time."

- "The reality is when the bullets are flying in your direction and they're real, you can't break down."

- "This book was probably the hardest thing I've ever done... the vulnerability that I had to spill out and the things I couldn't talk about for years."

- "My little nugget for you guys is just show up at the right place, right time, right attitude. You'll be doing better than most."

Conclusion:

In this gripping episode, Jason Pike's journey unfolds before us, reflecting the tenacity of the human spirit. From battling a learning disability to surviving military training and facing false accusations, Jason's life story captivates with its raw honesty and resilience. His book, "A Soldier Against All Odds," is a testament to his courage and determination. Tune in to be inspired by his unwavering spirit, teaching us that no matter the odds, one can rise above and conquer all challenges.