[Content Warning]: Child sexual abuse, mild language

Today, Jan is joined by Alex Abraham, author of ‘Trauma and Ecstasy: How Psychedelics Made My Life Worth Living’, who shares their deeply personal journey of overcoming trauma through unconventional means. The conversation explores how repressed experiences can surface unexpectedly, shaping both mental and physical health in profound ways. They discuss alternative approaches to healing, the challenges of navigating systems that often overlook root causes, and the complexities of seeking accountability. The dialogue touches on broader themes of resilience, the power of storytelling, and the societal shifts needed to better address trauma. With reflections on forgiveness, self-discovery, and hope, this episode offers a raw look at one individual’s path to reclaiming their life, and why such stories matter for collective healing.

Where To Find Alex:
TraumaAndEcstasy.com
Trauma and Ecstasy: How Psychedelics Made My Life Worth Living by Alex Abraham
Insta: @alex.l.abraham

Mentioned Resources:
Trust Surrender Receive by Anne Other
A Dose of Hope by Dr. Dan Engle
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

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🌐 Podcast Website
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Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
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💞 Thrivivors

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

[Content Warning]: Self-harm

In this series, Jan selects a word to focus on for each month, encouraging growth in a specific area, challenging herself and her audience. This year Jan will be focusing on the difficult words we tend to tie to ourselves, offering insight and tools to manage or overcome these obstacles. This month, the focus is on denial. In today’s episode Jan reflects on the month of May, highlighting various celebrations, then focusing on the theme of denial, particularly in the context of motherhood and family dynamics. She shares personal stories and insights about how denial can manifest in relationships, especially regarding abuse and trauma. Jan closes by emphasizing the importance of acknowledging painful truths and seeking support to navigate through denial, ultimately fostering healing and understanding.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors

Today Jan is joined by David Polidi, a dedicated trauma therapist and social worker who blends compassion with clinical expertise. Through his practice Empowered Through Compassion, David guides adults and couples using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy—two powerful approaches for trauma recovery. A passionate advocate for self-healing, he’s also co-authoring *IFS-Informed EMDR* (2025/26), a collaborative book featuring insights from 20+ therapy experts.

Jan and Dave's conversation explores how trauma reshapes identity, beginning with David’s own family story about names and generational legacy. They discuss his transition from school counseling (where systemic barriers limited trauma work) to private practice, where he now helps clients reprocess pain through EMDR and IFS. David breaks down these modalities: how EMDR rewires traumatic memories, and how IFS teaches us to listen to our inner ‘parts’ without judgment.

They also tackle harder truths—how schools fail traumatized kids, why the justice system retraumatizes survivors, and how healing requires both individual work and community support. Throughout, David emphasizes hope: that self-energy (marked by qualities like courage and compassion) can help survivors reclaim wholeness.

Where To Find David:
EmpoweredThroughCompassion.com
Empowered Through Compassion Podcast
Insta: @Empowered.through.compassion

Mentioned Resources:
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

Subscribe / Support / Contact:
🍎 Review on Apple
🎶 Review on Spotify
✍ Share Your Story
🌐 Podcast Website
🔴 YouTube
📷 Instagram

Jan Broberg Foundation:
💝 Foundation Website
📒 The Jan Broberg Story
🗞 Sign Up For Our Newsletter
💞 Thrivivors