Breaking Generational Trauma: Why You’ve Never Felt Peace | Dr. Mariel Buqué

Why do so many people feel anxious, reactive, or unsettled—even when life seems “fine”? Dr. Mariel Buqué joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast to break down intergenerational trauma, how it’s passed down, and what it really takes to heal it.

For many of us, trauma didn’t start with us—but it lives in us.

Dr. Mariel Buqué, licensed psychologist and author of Break the Cycle, joins Joseph “JoJo” Simmons and Vanessa Simmons on the For Good Podcast for a powerful conversation on intergenerational trauma, emotional inheritance, and what it truly means to heal.

Together, they unpack how trauma is passed down through families—not just through behavior, but biologically—and why so many people grow up feeling anxious, hyper-aware, or emotionally overwhelmed without understanding why. Dr. Buqué explains how what we often label as “rebellious,” “difficult,” or “too much” in childhood is often just unprocessed pain showing up the only way it knows how.

JoJo and Vanessa open up about their own upbringing, parenting choices, and the responsibility of breaking cycles in real time—choosing communication, awareness, and intention over repeating what was normalized.

In this episode, they explore:
• What intergenerational trauma actually is—and how it gets passed down
• Signs you’re carrying trauma that isn’t originally yours
• Why some people have “never known peace” and what that really means
• How cultural norms can hide or normalize harmful patterns
• The shift from punishment to intentional parenting and emotional awareness
• Why avoiding the past keeps you stuck—and how to start healing

This is a conversation about compassion—for where we come from—and accountability for where we’re going.

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