Trauma Intersections

This podcast is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful healing. Together, we'll explore the ways trauma, loss, and life's hardest moments shape us—and how healing can happen in many different forms. Join Courtney Copeland, counselor, integrative healer, and your trauma bestie, as she talks with guests who have faced difficult intersections in life and found a path forward. Through vulnerability, connection, and hope, each episode offers a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Come laugh, learn, heal, and discover the power of sharing our stories.

Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously with Addie McDonald: A Deep Dive into Embodiment and Energy Work 07/17/2026

Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously with Addie McDonald: A Deep Dive into Embodiment and Energy Work In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Addie McDonald — Reiki master, embodiment coach, and poet — about her profound healing journey. Addie shares how her father's terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and living in a mold-infested home pushed her toward burnout. Discovering Reiki became a turning point, helping her reconnect with her body and process grief. She explains the distinction between somatic work and embodiment coaching, emphasizing the body as a source of wisdom. Addie and Courtney also explore how joy and grief can coexist, and the importance of holistic, authentic healing. Timestamps Introduction to Addie McDonald (00:00:32) Guest Addie McDonald introduces herself as a Reiki master, embodiment coach, poet, and mother currently traveling the world. What is an Embodiment Coach? (00:01:09) Addie explains embodiment coaching as exploring obstacles and goals by centering the body as a source of overlooked wisdom. Addie's Intersection with Trauma (00:02:40) Addie begins sharing her story, starting with her father's late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March 2020. Compounded Crises: Mold and Stress (00:05:32) While dealing with her father's illness, Addie's family discovered their rental home was severely infested with black mold. Discovering Reiki (00:06:42) Feeling disconnected despite traditional coping methods, Addie randomly Googled Reiki and booked a session that profoundly shifted her energy. The Journey After Reiki (00:12:31) Addie left her osteopathy program, recognizing she was hiding in her studies, and began her own energy work training. Learning to Hold Both Joy and Grief (00:15:35) Reiki and embodiment work helped Addie grow her capacity to experience deep grief and genuine joy simultaneously. Navigating a Parent's Final Days (00:19:39) Addie shares the experience of being with her father in his final days and his feeling of "permission" to let go. The Path to Embodiment Studies (00:23:20) Embodiment work helped Addie identify and enforce her personal boundaries, leading her to explore it more deeply. Finding the Right Coaching Program (00:26:08) Addie describes overcoming her initial aversion to coaching by understanding it as asking questions, not giving advice. Integrating Reiki into Her Business (00:30:14) Initially hesitant, Addie realized that incorporating Reiki into her coaching practice was essential for her to show up authentically. The Value of Mystery in Healing (00:34:11) Addie and Courtney discuss how it's okay to not scientifically understand everything, embracing the mystery in healing and life. The Importance of Proactive Joy (00:43:28) The conversation shifts to proactively seeking joy and silliness, like dance parties, as a form of preventative spiritual healthcare. How to Connect with Addie (00:45:55) Addie shares her Instagram handle, Substack, and booking information for listeners who want to connect or work with her. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Addie, "I was doing all the things I was supposed to do, and I wasn't feeling okay." Addie, "There was just a point where something lifted from my chest and I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I didn't know that was there.' I had no idea I was carrying that." Addie, "Living with somebody with a terminal illness is a very specific type of stress, because you're pre-grieving, too." Addie, "Being able to be in my body didn't only translate to maybe feeling lighter; it also changed the way I was able to be in relationships." Addie, "It's really too bad I can't bring the Reiki in, because that is what shifted everything. That's what allowed me to start listening to my body." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and. "Healing doesn't ask us to choose between grief and joy—it teaches us how to hold both." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/42030070

Why Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Can’t: The Science Behind Trauma and Memory 07/03/2026

Why Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Can’t: The Science Behind Trauma and Memory In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney explores why trauma memories are often fragmented or absent. She explains how extreme stress disrupts normal brain function, causing sensory details to be stored separately and resurface as triggers. Using real examples, including police officers experiencing sensory flashbacks, she illustrates how trauma lives in the body. Courtney outlines survival responses like fight, flight, and freeze, and emphasizes that healing is possible through various approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems therapy, and somatic practices. She encourages listeners to seek professional support and reminds them they don't have to face trauma alone. Timestamps Why Trauma is Hard to Remember (00:00:38) The brain doesn't work properly under extreme stress, leading to fragmented or sensory-based memories instead of clear recollections. Sensory Triggers and Trauma (00:01:14) An officer is triggered by the smell of a fast-food restaurant, linking it to a traumatic on-duty incident. The Body's Survival Responses (00:03:53) Discussion of fight, flight, fawn, freeze, and "fane" responses, and how modern stressors differ from ancestral ones. Not Everything is Trauma (00:04:47) A distinction is made between disliking something and a genuine traumatic event, using a mass shooting as an example. How Traumatic Memories are Stored (00:06:21) Traumatic memories are encoded in the body and feelings, often without clear visuals, as a protective mechanism. Coping with Intrusive Memories (00:08:06) An officer associated a deceased child with his own, illustrating how the brain links unrelated events during traumatic experiences. The Aftermath of Trauma (00:09:25) The emotional aftermath, including fear, shame, and anger, can feel worse than the event itself, trapping individuals. Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Trauma (00:10:51) Common physical reactions include GI distress, shaking, and tunnel vision. Rape victims often dissociate to survive the experience. The Brain's Protective Mechanism (00:13:18) The brain and body are self-protective, which is why people may not remember details of a traumatic event. Anhedonia and Sexual Trauma (00:15:38) Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, can result from trauma, particularly sexual assault, as a protective shutdown mechanism. Therapeutic Modalities for Healing (00:17:41) Various healing methods are discussed, including talk therapy, EMDR, somatic practices, and tapping, to process trauma. Conclusion and Resources (00:19:52) A summary of how the body reacts to trauma and an offer of resources, including referrals and helpful books. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "One of the questions I get asked a lot is, 'Why don't I remember anything about my trauma?'" "You cannot fucking describe it. All you know is you existed and it's over." "There is so much pain and shame in both female and male victims of sexual assault whose bodies respond in ways that they scream in their head, 'No, no, no.'" "Why is my body betraying me, where the sensation of pleasure may be coming through during this horrendous thing that is happening to me?" "EMDR, I personally found very beneficial when I was going through my healing journey." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and. "Your brain isn't failing you—it's protecting you the only way it knows how." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41929260

[Minisode] From Chaos to Calm: Unlocking the Power of the 54321 Grounding Technique 07/03/2026

[Minisode] From Chaos to Calm: Unlocking the Power of the 54321 Grounding Technique In this episode of the Trauma Intersections podcast, host Courtney walks listeners through the 54321 grounding technique, a practical tool for managing feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. The exercise involves identifying five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel, two you can smell, and one you can taste, helping bring you back to the present moment. Courtney guides listeners step-by-step, encouraging deep breathing and repetition as needed. The episode closes with a reminder that healing happens through connection, inviting listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast. Timestamps Introduction to the 54321 Grounding Technique (00:00:35) The host introduces the 54321 grounding exercise as a tool to help regulate emotions and stay in the moment. Guided Breathing and Step 1: Sight (00:01:13) The host guides a breathing exercise and then instructs the listener to identify and describe five things they can see. Step 2: Hearing (00:01:54) The listener is prompted to identify and say out loud four different things they can hear in their current environment. Step 3: Touch (00:02:11) The host asks the listener to identify and describe three things they can physically feel or touch around them. Step 4: Smell (00:02:29) The listener is guided to identify two things they can smell, continuing the sensory grounding process of the exercise. Step 5: Taste (00:02:38) The final sensory step involves identifying one thing the listener can taste, completing the core part of the technique. Concluding the Exercise and Recap (00:02:52) The host leads a final breathing exercise, explains the purpose of the technique, and quickly recaps the five steps. Podcast Outro (00:03:56) The host thanks the listener and encourages them to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with others. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "You hear trauma and probably think, 'Oh shit, here we go.'" "I'm Courtney, your new trauma bestie." "We will laugh, we'll cry, we'll cuss, and we'll get through some big, heavy things." "One of the reasons we do this exercise is to bring you back here to where you are now." "Remember, your experiences matter, your voice matters, and your healing journey is uniquely yours." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and. "Healing begins by returning to the present, one breath and one sense at a time." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41739070

Laura Richards: From Trauma Bonding to Triumph—Reclaiming Your Life After Narcissistic Abuse 06/19/2026

Laura Richards: From Trauma Bonding to Triumph—Reclaiming Your Life After Narcissistic Abuse In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Laura Richards, a podcaster, speaker, author, and coach dedicated to empowering women in midlife as they heal from relationships with the "nice" guy. Through her global podcast, That's Where I'm At, and her bestselling book, Married to a "Nice" Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse, Laura shares her personal journey of recovery after surviving 32 years of narcissistic abuse in her marriage. Together, they discuss how childhood trauma can leave people without healthy boundaries, making them vulnerable to abusive relationships. Laura explains the challenges of recognizing covert narcissism, breaking trauma bonds, and overcoming people-pleasing behaviors. She emphasizes that healing requires self-love, boundary-setting, and doing the inner work rather than focusing on the abuser. The conversation also explores how toxic religious environments can perpetuate abuse cycles, while offering hope that healing is always possible and no one has to walk the journey alone. Timestamps Introduction to Laura Richards (00:00:39) Laura introduces herself, her podcast "That's Where I'm At," and her focus on narcissistic abuse after a 33-year marriage. Living with a Covert Narcissist (00:01:44) Laura describes her experience with a covert narcissist, walking on eggshells, and the erosion of her self-esteem over the years. The Cycle of Seeking External Validation (00:03:04) Laura discusses how societal expectations and a lack of self-worth led her to seek validation through marriage and relationships. Growing Up Without Boundaries (00:04:48) Laura explains how she was raised without boundaries, making her trusting and gullible, which others took advantage of. The Power of Boundaries and Self-Love (00:06:52) Laura emphasizes that setting boundaries is impossible without self-love and describes how learning to love herself was life-changing. Losing People After Setting Boundaries (00:09:42) The speakers discuss how setting boundaries reveals people's true colors and can lead to losing friends and family who benefited. Ending a Toxic Friendship (00:11:46) Laura shares a personal story of setting a firm boundary with a toxic best friend, which ultimately ended their friendship. The Hyper-Awareness of Abuse (00:14:43) Laura describes the constant state of high alert and hyper-awareness she lived in, leading to exhaustion after her divorce. The Reverse Discard (00:17:47) Laura explains how her ex-husband manipulated her into asking for the divorce so he could play the victim. The Role of Faith in Staying (00:24:53) Laura discusses how her church community and the "stay and pray" mentality kept her in the abusive marriage longer. Being the Common Denominator (00:26:52) The speakers explore why victims of abuse often attract multiple abusers and how it's a pattern learned from childhood. Healing Modalities and Self-Care (00:31:06) Laura shares the various methods she used for healing, including journaling, exercise, meditation, and stopping drinking to avoid numbing. The Power of Sharing Your Story (00:37:37) Laura and Courtney discuss how sharing personal stories of abuse breaks shame and gives others hope and courage to leave. Grief Beyond Death (00:41:42) The conversation covers the grief of what could have been, grieving a person who is still alive, and unmet dreams. Understanding Trauma Bonding (00:44:18) Laura explains the chemical attachment of a trauma bond, comparing it to the intermittent reinforcement of a slot machine. Finding Joy After Trauma (00:47:04) Laura shares how she finds joy in making her own choices and embracing whimsy in her life after the abuse. How to Connect with Laura (00:48:43) Laura provides her social media handles and website for listeners who want to connect or seek coaching and resources. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Laura, "You only think I'm a bitch because you're benefiting from me not having boundaries." Laura, "You can't have boundaries without loving yourself." Laura, "I didn't know I was in abuse until after I started healing and unraveling my life." Laura, "If you are living off of hope and breadcrumbs, you'll starve to death." Laura, "After not having choices for so much of my life, that brings me so much joy." RESOURCES: Connect with Laura: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and. "Healing begins the moment you stop abandoning yourself." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41690860

Breathe, Feel, Release: A Compassionate Path to Trauma Healing Through Body Awareness 06/05/2026

Breathe, Feel, Release: A Compassionate Path to Trauma Healing Through Body Awareness In this episode, Courtney, host of Trauma Intersections, leads listeners through a gentle body scan meditation designed to help them connect with physical sensations linked to trauma. She creates a warm, judgment-free space where all emotions are welcomed. Guiding listeners from head to toe, Courtney encourages mindful awareness of tension or discomfort, followed by a soothing healing wave visualization to release stored emotions. She normalizes varied responses and emphasizes that healing unfolds naturally. The episode closes with reminders that recovery is a communal journey, inviting listeners to subscribe, share, and return to the meditation whenever needed. Timestamps Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) Host Courtney introduces herself and the podcast's tone, promising a candid and supportive space for discussing trauma. Guided Body Scan (00:00:46) Listeners are guided through a body scan meditation, from head to toe, to notice any discomfort or physical sensations. Breathing and Reflection (00:01:38) The host leads a breathing exercise and prompts listeners to reflect on the memories or feelings associated with their sensations. Healing Visualization (00:02:38) A visualization exercise begins, focusing on imagining a gentle wave of healing to release tension from a specific body area. Acknowledging Physical Reactions (00:03:41) The host describes potential physical reactions like tingling, shaking, or tears, encouraging listeners to allow these sensations to surface. Concluding the Meditation (00:05:10) The meditation concludes with deep, releasing breaths and an invitation to notice any changes in physical or emotional state. Support and Resources (00:05:46) Courtney offers further support, provides contact information, and suggests saving the episode for future use, mentioning the Cast Keeper app. Closing and Call to Action (00:06:46) The episode outro encourages listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast, reinforcing the message of healing through connection. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I'm Courtney, your new trauma bestie." "I won't bore you with a list of credentials that make me very good at what I do, but we will laugh, we'll cry, we'll cuss, and we'll get through some big, heavy things." "I invite you to sit at the intersection of trauma and whatever's going on in your life." "If today's conversation resonated with you, challenged you, or helped you feel a little less alone in your journey, we invite you to subscribe." "At Trauma Intersections, we believe healing doesn't happen in isolation." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and . "Sometimes healing begins by simply listening to what your body has been trying to tell you." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41532925

From Childhood Trauma to Shamanic Mastery with Holly Million: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Emergence 06/05/2026

From Childhood Trauma to Shamanic Mastery with Holly Million: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Emergence In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Holly Million, a professional shaman, artist, herbal medicine maker, founder of Soul Arts Workshop, and micro-homesteader. With more than 11 years of experience providing shamanic healing support to clients across the United States and Canada, Holly has dedicated her life to helping others transform trauma and reconnect with their inner wisdom. She shares her journey from severe childhood trauma to becoming a healer, discussing how shamanic practices such as soul retrieval and energy healing address trauma on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. Holly also explores the power of creativity in healing, explains her self-protection techniques, shares transformative client stories, and encourages listeners to trust their inner guidance. Through her work, Holly reminds us that healing is possible, transformation is available to everyone, and ultimately, "you are the medicine." Timestamps Introduction to Holly Million (00:01:04) Holly introduces herself as a professional shaman who uses her personal story of severe trauma to guide and heal others. What is Shamanic Work? (00:02:54) Holly explains that shamanism is an ancient healing modality where the shaman acts as a bridge between spiritual and material worlds. Holly's Healing Journey Begins (00:06:42) Holly shares her story of childhood trauma, including neglect and emotional abuse, which led her to seek psychotherapy at age 30. Becoming a Shaman (00:11:32) Holly describes her second spiritual emergence, accepting her psychic abilities, and finding teachers who helped her develop her shamanic skills. Energetic Protection (00:14:41) Holly explains how she protects herself energetically, emphasizing taking up her own space and practicing "shamanic spiritual hygiene." Journeying for Clients (00:17:05) Holly shares examples of taking clients on guided journeys into past lives to heal old wounds and retrieve lost power. Healing Her Own Trauma (00:21:07) Holly describes a personal shamanic journey where she went back in time to comfort and heal her infant self. The Power of Soul Retrieval (00:23:53) Holly explains soul retrieval, the process of bringing back parts of oneself that split off during trauma, with a client example. The Importance of Client Trust (00:26:18) Holly and Courtney discuss the honor of a client's trust and the profound connection required for deep healing work. Working with Severe Trauma (00:28:19) Holly shares her experience working with a new client with profound trauma, highlighting the need for skill, care, and high ethics. Emotional Origins of Illness (00:30:37) Holly discusses her belief that most physical ailments have an emotional origin, exacerbated by modern society's toxicity and constant input. Natural Intelligence and Embodiment (00:32:15) Holly advocates for "Natural Intelligence," emphasizing that sanity and healing are found through embodiment, inner guidance, and living an alternate life. Creativity as a Healing Tool (00:35:45) Holly shares how her own creativity, particularly writing poetry during a "shamanic death experience," has been essential to her healing process. How to Connect with Holly (00:37:39) Holly provides her website details for listeners who want to learn more or book a discovery call for a session. Final Words of Encouragement (00:39:28) Holly offers a final message of hope, stating that trauma can be healed and encourages listeners to begin their own journey. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Holly, "You can actually emerge out of it, have a beautiful life, and fundamentally be free of the trauma." Holly, "One of my therapists actually said that to me along the way: 'Your job is to take up all the space that is yours.'" Holly, "My message to people is that you are the medicine and that your inner guidance is what you need to follow." Holly, "I had to overcome a really dark beginning. I'm living the life of my dreams now, and it is possible for you to heal, too." Holly, "My soul knows when it's time to shed the old version and prepare for the new one, so I just embrace it now." RESOURCES: Connect with Holly: Website: Instagram: Youtube: Facebook: LinkedIn: Substack: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and . "Healing begins when we reclaim the parts of ourselves that trauma convinced us were lost." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41532860

Beyond the Stages: Real Talk on Grief’s Nonlinear Path and Emotional Complexity 06/05/2026

Beyond the Stages: Real Talk on Grief’s Nonlinear Path and Emotional Complexity In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney Copeland opens up about grief, sharing her personal losses between 2020 and 2024, including her mother, father, and two beloved dogs. She explores the non-linear stages of grief, the complexity of mourning difficult relationships, and the challenge of grieving while managing daily responsibilities. Courtney emphasizes the importance of having a will to ease family burdens and offers coping strategies such as journaling, physical activity, and seeking connection. She reminds listeners that grief is deeply personal, has no set timeline, and that healing comes through expression and support. Timestamps Introduction to Grief (00:00:00) The host introduces the topic of grief, prompted by listener requests, and prepares the audience for an emotional episode. The Clinical Stages of Grief (00:01:05) A breakdown of the seven clinical stages of grief, such as shock, denial, and anger, emphasizing they are not linear. Personal Losses Between 2020-2024 (00:03:48) The host shares her personal story of losing her mother, two dogs (Oliver and Vivian), and her father in four years. Grieving a Slow Decline vs. Sudden Loss (00:05:07) Contrasting the anticipatory grief for her mother's slow death with the sudden, unexpected death of her father after an accident. The Trauma of a Father's Unexpected Death (00:07:37) A detailed, traumatic account of learning about her father's accident, the hospital experience, and the decision to remove life support. The Indescribable Grief of Sudden Loss (00:10:56) Discussing the unique, life-changing pain of sudden loss and the challenge of managing work and teaching responsibilities immediately after. The Importance of Having a Will (00:12:13) Highlighting the added burden of sorting her father's estate and businesses, advising listeners to get their affairs in order. The Reality of Bereavement Leave (00:14:50) Criticizing the inadequacy of standard three-day bereavement leave and sharing her need to take two years off to heal. Grief is Not a Magic Pill (00:15:56) Explaining that grief has no quick fix and that processing it takes time, even for a trained counselor. Grief from Witnessing Trauma (00:17:10) Discussing secondary grief experienced by first responders or witnesses of tragic events, especially those involving children. Turning Pain into Purpose (00:18:36) Sharing how grief can be transformed into something positive, like becoming a death doula to help others pre-grieve. Grieving Complicated Relationships (00:20:15) The host discusses grieving the parents she needed but never had, acknowledging their flaws and the unresolved issues. Feeling Your Feelings After a Loss (00:22:20) Validating feelings of anger or disappointment toward the deceased, stating it's human and doesn't diminish the grief. Triggers and Lingering Sadness (00:23:26) Describing how songs or memories can trigger waves of grief and the pain of no longer being able to call them. Coping Mechanisms for Grief (00:25:42) Suggesting healthy coping strategies like journaling, reflecting on memories, and understanding the "why" behind past behaviors. Physical and Active Coping Strategies (00:28:10) Recommending physical activities like working out, walking, or gardening as ways to process emotions and things left unsaid. Unhealthy Numbing Behaviors (00:29:21) Warning against numbing behaviors like excessive drinking, drugs, or overworking, as they only prolong the grieving process. Finding Support Systems (00:30:26) Encouraging listeners to find support through therapy, friends, clergy, or groups, and to find personal rituals for remembrance. A Moment of Reflection (00:32:46) The host invites listeners to pause and reflect on what the episode brought up for them and to seek support. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Between 2020 and 2024, I lost the four most important people in my life." "The grief of that completely unexpected loss is indescribable." "The wail that came out of me when I saw her was guttural; it was something I did not know I could produce." "I had to grieve the father that he wasn't, that I needed, and that he would never be able to be that dad because he's passed away." "You have to go through it at your own pace and at your own ability." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and . "Grief isn't something you get over—it's something you learn to carry as you continue living." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41532735

Breaking the Ranks with April Childers: A Female Navy Chief’s Fight Against Military Misconduct and Male-Dominated Culture 06/05/2026

Breaking the Ranks with April Childers: A Female Navy Chief’s Fight Against Military Misconduct and Male-Dominated Culture In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with April Childers, a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and founder of HER Bougie Travel and the Middle Tennessee Veterans Coalition. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician, April carried the lessons of resilience, leadership, and perseverance into a mission of helping others create meaningful lives beyond their challenges. April shares her experiences as a woman in the military, including the constant pressure to prove herself, gender discrimination, and witnessing sexual misconduct aboard Navy ships. She recounts a particularly troubling deployment where leadership failures enabled inappropriate behavior, ultimately leading to the removal of multiple officers. Drawing from her service as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) representative, April also discusses the importance of advocacy, accountability, and supporting survivors. Today, April is passionate about helping people rediscover possibility and connection. Through HER Bougie Travel, she encourages women to prioritize themselves and embrace new experiences, while her work with the Middle Tennessee Veterans Coalition provides resources, education, and community support for veterans and their families. She also shares details about the coalition's upcoming Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall exhibition in Tennessee. Throughout the conversation, April highlights the importance of resilience, community, and creating moments that matter long after military service ends. Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:29) Host Courtney introduces the Trauma Intersections podcast and welcomes her guest and friend, April, a US Navy veteran. April's Military Background (00:01:41) April shares her role as an electronics technician in the US Navy, serving from 1994 to 2014. Being a Woman in the Military in the 90s (00:02:19) April discusses the challenges of being one of the first women on her ship and constantly having to prove herself. Gender Bias and Proving Credibility (00:05:15) April describes how women were often placed in admin roles and the importance of working alongside men to earn respect. Life on a Military Ship (00:10:05) April explains the tight quarters on ships and how male sailors were initially trained to avoid interacting with female shipmates. Female Camaraderie and Challenges (00:12:57) April discusses taking on a motherly role for younger female sailors and warning them about the new attention from men. Handling Sexual Misconduct (00:14:08) April shares a story of confronting a male colleague for making inappropriate comments to female sailors on her ship in Guam. Systemic Failures and Leadership Issues (00:17:10) April recounts a difficult experience on her last ship, where a lack of female leadership led to widespread misconduct. The Aftermath of Misconduct (00:19:03) April describes the emotional toll and feeling of failure after the ship's leadership was removed for inappropriate behavior. Becoming a Sexual Assault Prevention Representative (SAPR) (00:23:30) April talks about reluctantly taking on the SAPR role and the upsetting trend of supervisors preying on younger sailors. Coping Mechanisms for Trauma (00:27:55) April shares how she used running to cope and discusses changes in military policy to better support victims of assault. The Stigma of Mental Health for Veterans (00:33:54) April discusses how veterans often self-medicate and avoid asking for help until they are in a crisis due to stigma. Alternative Therapies for Veterans (00:37:03) The conversation covers non-traditional resources like equine therapy and "Guitars for Vets" that help veterans heal outside of therapy. Middle Tennessee Veterans Coalition (00:39:02) April introduces her nonprofit, which focuses on education, collaboration, and providing veterans with direct access to resources. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Event (00:41:20) April details an upcoming event her nonprofit is hosting, bringing the memorial wall to Dixon County, Tennessee. How to Get Involved (00:43:55) April provides contact information for her nonprofit, including its Facebook page and email, for those who want to help. Powerful Quotes from the Episode April, "I felt like I was always having to reprove myself. Every time you transfer, you had to go through that and started over with your credibility, where a lot of the men walked in with it because they were a man." April, "That's how you earn respect from the men. You get out there and work beside them." April, "I'm biting my lip to keep from crying because I'm so angry." April, "I felt like I should have done more. I should have known. I felt like I let them down, and it broke my heart." April, "I love the military, but I also saw the dark side of it." RESOURCES: Connect with April: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and . "True leadership isn't about rank—it's about having the courage to speak up when others stay silent." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41532695

Exploring Trauma Intersections with Courtney Copeland: From Personal Crisis to Holistic Healing and Beyond 06/05/2026

Exploring Trauma Intersections with Courtney Copeland: From Personal Crisis to Holistic Healing and Beyond In the debut episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney introduces herself as a trauma counselor and shares her personal healing journey, including a painful breakup, job loss, and a mental health crisis that led to inpatient care. Frustrated by a broken mental health system, she pursued a Master's in Human Services Counseling and multiple certifications. Courtney emphasizes that trauma intersects with every aspect of life and advocates for holistic, authentic healing beyond traditional talk therapy. The podcast aims to provide tools, perspectives, and real stories to support listeners on their unique healing journeys. Timestamps Introduction to Trauma Intersections (00:00:00) The host introduces the podcast's concept: trauma intersects with every aspect of life, and authentic, unfiltered healing is key. The Goal of the Podcast (00:01:13) To offer different ways to think about healing and processing trauma, and to share stories from diverse experiences. Personal Story: A Difficult Decade (00:02:36) The host begins sharing her personal trauma story, starting with a difficult breakup and losing a house and money. Job Loss and Hitting Rock Bottom (00:05:53) After unexpectedly losing her job, she faced constant rejection, leading to a mental health crisis and suicidal ideation. Inpatient Care and a Broken System (00:07:44) Her experience in a mental health facility revealed a broken system, inspiring her to become the counselor she needed. The Importance of Qualified Counselors (00:09:53) Effective therapy requires qualified, experienced counselors with lived experience, not just book smarts, who continue their training. Host's Qualifications and Holistic Approach (00:10:46) Courtney lists her certifications (EMDR, Somatic, Reiki) and explains her holistic approach to healing, unlike specialized modern medicine. The Stigma of Mental Health Treatment (00:11:48) The host discusses the stigma around therapy and the importance of finding the right fit, even firing a bad therapist. Unconventional Counseling Methods (00:13:01) She shares her out-of-the-box counseling methods, like meeting clients at bars or gyms to make them more comfortable. Recognizing Trauma in the Body (00:15:40) Trauma manifests physically, often before it can be verbalized. Bodily signs like digestive issues are important indicators. The Connection Between Nutrition and Healing (00:18:58) Physical health is foundational to emotional healing. The host emphasizes getting blood work and supporting the body with proper nutrition. Upcoming Podcast Topics and Guests (00:21:28) Future episodes will feature guests like military personnel, police officers, and acupuncturists, and explore topics like neurodivergence. Podcast Wrap-Up and Call to Action (00:22:43) The host thanks listeners, gives a final explicit language warning, and encourages authenticity as the path to healing. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "We can only heal when we're authentic." "I didn't want to die, but I didn't want to live the way I was living." "I need to get out of here and go become the counselor that I needed." "We have to confront it, sit through it, and process it to let it go." "If we sugarcoat stuff, it doesn't get fixed." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: Instagram: Resources and offerings: FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on and . "We can only heal when we're authentic." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at Contact us for expert podcast production and support. /episode/index/show/bef4a787-c03c-4737-8024-9ee78e4dedca/id/41532625

Welcome to Trauma Intersections: Stories of Healing, Hope, and Resilience 06/04/2026

Trauma Intersections

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