Best Fawn Trauma Response Podcasts (2025)

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When Grief Finds You - Grief Part III | #109 56:49

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3d ago56:49

56:49

Louie shares a dream about his late partner that cracks open a huge conversation about grief, avoidance, triggers, and what it means to actually move forward. Michael challenges him, things get tense, and it turns into one of our most honest episodes yet. ______ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://bet…

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158. How to be Emotionally Healthy with Dr. Karthik Ramanan 51:04

4h ago51:04

51:04

Join Dr. Nicole and Hadlee as we sit down with Dr. K to explore what emotional health *really* means. He breaks down his simple yet powerful Five Pillars of Emotional Health-- and get ready-- these are going to be your next favorite tool for feeling calm, strong, happy and resilient! Today, ALL VIBES ARE WELCOME. Forget the pressure to "be happy" a…

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57. The 3 Foundations Every High Performer Forgets 19:18

11h ago19:18

19:18

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams, Hannah Kissel discusses the foundational elements of well-being, emphasizing the importance of sleep, exercise, and community. She highlights how neglecting these basics can lead to burnout and health issues, especially for high performers. The conversation encourages listeners to simplify their routines a…

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[E225] Kids Should Be Grateful! (And What If They're Not?) 55:48

8d ago55:48

55:48

In this episode, Becca, Jesse, and Tona dive into a timely topic: gratitude. With the holiday season in full swing, we can’t help but ask, should children be grateful? If not, how do we scaffold gratitude for our kiddos? Tune in for an honest conversation about expectations, empathy, and what gratitude really means. We share personal stories, a few…

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Porn Addiction & Monastic Wisdom with Jeremy Lipkowitz | #108 1:02:59

2h ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Jeremy Lipkowitz breaks down porn addiction, how it affects your relationships, and why it’s more common than people think. He also talks about his time as a Buddhist monk and what that life taught him about discipline, desire, and mindfulness. _____ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/…

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Why We Struggle With Compliments, FOMO, and Accountability | #107 1:09:25

7d ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Louie gets a wild text from his dad and things spiral into talk about cynicism, giving (and taking) compliments, and why we chase what we’re “missing out on.” _____ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions…

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[E224] Replay From Trauma and Loss to Healing and Empowerment with Cam Lee Small 39:35

26d ago39:35

39:35

Enjoy this replay of From Trauma and Loss to Healing and Empowerment with Cam Lee Small. One of our favorite Therapists/Adoptee Voices joins us on the pod to talk about lots of things including his book The Adoptees Journey: From Trauma and Loss to Healing and Empowerment. We talk with Cam about everything from how identities are formed in adoptees…

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56. Kiss and Tell: My Wedding Recap 55:50

18d ago55:50

55:50

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Hannah Kissel and Cory Welsh dive into the intricacies of wedding planning, the pressures surrounding body image, and the meaning of marriage. They share personal anecdotes about their wedding experiences, discuss the societal expectations placed on brides, and reflect on the importance of self-acc…

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157. Is Your Airway Making You Anxious? Insights from Dr. Ingo Mahn 49:12

25d ago49:12

49:12

Dr. Ingo Mahn is a leading expert in biological dentistry and a passionate advocate for integrative health. With over 30 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve optimal wellness by addressing the critical connection between oral health and overall health. As the founder of Natural Dental Partners in Arizona, Dr.…

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Why Men Struggle With Vulnerability | #106 57:32

22d ago57:32

57:32

Louie and Michael answer a listener email about why men struggle with vulnerability—diving into shame, repression, and the fear of emotional connection. _____ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about…

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Fawning: The Hidden Trauma Response Behind People-Pleasing | #105 54:33

20d ago54:33

54:33

Louie and Michael unpack fawning—the hidden trauma response behind people-pleasing, codependency, and emotional safety—in their most vulnerable talk yet. _____ -BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions abou…

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55. The 3 Characteristics of Burnout - Do You Have Them? 21:19

1M ago21:19

21:19

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel delves into the topic of burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights. She discusses the three dimensions of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and inefficacy—drawing from research by Susan Jackson and Christina Maslach. Hannah also identifies six mi…

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156. Fueling the Future: ESS60, Mitochondria & Mission Longevity with Chris Burres 1:01:03

1M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Chris Burres is a published author of Live Longer and Better, Host of the Live Beyond the Norms, Podcast and patent holder with a surprising twist – he’s not just a visionary scientist but also a master of comedy improv. Chris Burres is the founder and chief scientist at MyVitalC, where he manufactures a Nobel Prize winning molecule responsible for…

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[E223] Sensory Processing 101 54:06

1M ago54:06

54:06

Ever wonder why certain behaviors leave us scratching our heads? On today’s Empowered to Connect Podcast, we’re diving into sensory processing. What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts our ability (and our kids’ ability) to regulate and move through the day. We all know the basic 5 senses, right? But did you know there are actually EIGHT sens…

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Understanding Misogyny: Gina Martin on Compassion, Gender, and Healing | #104 1:09:37

25d ago1:09:37

1:09:37

Gina Martin joins to talk misogyny, feminism, and emotional healing—how patriarchy, trauma, and compassion shape identity, relationships, and recovery. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the bra…

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Perfection is the Problem | #103 1:10:45

1M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Lou and Michael unpack wabi sabi, the beauty of imperfection—talking therapy, accountability, control, and what it means to be seen before you’re “fixed.” BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the …

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54. How Do You Live and Lead by Your Values in a non-BS Way? 31:15

2M ago31:15

31:15

By Hannah Kissel

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155. Dancing Through Life: The Healing Power of Showtunes with Danella Mercati 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

By Dr. Nicole Cain, ND MA

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[E222] Introduction to Cultivate Connection 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

By Empowered to Connect

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When Childhood Fear Becomes Adult Anxiety | #102 1:01:03

1M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Michael and Lou unpack how childhood trauma fuels anxiety, codependency, and fear of abandonment. A raw mix of therapy insights, humor, and hard truths on boundaries, recovery, and self-worth. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of the…

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Do Not Have Needs. Ever. | #101 56:10

2M ago56:10

56:10

Codependency, boundaries, consent, and low self-esteem. Louie and Michael explore addiction, abandonment, and what it means to feel worthy of repair in relationships. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have question…

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53. From Complex Trauma to Corporate Burnout: The Fawn Trauma Response 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel explores the Fawn Trauma Response, a lesser-known reaction to trauma characterized by people-pleasing and appeasement behaviors. She discusses its roots in complex trauma, particularly in corporate environments, where individuals often struggle to advocate for themselves. T…

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154. From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Reinventing Life at Midlife with Wendy Valentine 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

Wendy Valentine is a reinvention expert, empowerment coach, and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. She’s also the host of The Midlife Makeover Show, the #1 podcast helping women embrace midlife as a powerful new beginning. After turning her own breakdowns into breakthroughs, Wendy now helps women design…

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[E221] Parenting as a Second Language 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

In this episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, Jesse, Tona and Becca unpack a powerful analogy from Dr. Becky (@drbeckyatgoodinside), the idea that parenting differently than how we were parented isn’t instinctual, it’s intentional.⁣ We explore what it means to rewire our responses, embrace connection when it feels unnatural, and do the deep,…

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Brad Garrett Tells His Story | #100 1:02:41

2M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators…

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153. Your Soul Wants To Be Surprised: The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

Michele Lamoureux is an author, speaker, certified life and holistic health coach, and host of the popular global podcast, The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux. Michele interviews best-selling authors and experts – and offers solocasts to inspire women to live happier, healthier, and more meaningful lives. As the author of Design a Life You Love, M…

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Relational vs. Non-Relational Thinking | #099 1:05:51

3M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Michael faces breakup blues while Louie shares dating advice from therapy. They dive into grief, guilt, family dynamics, and how relational thinking shapes love and connection. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you hav…

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52. The Method that Changed My Life: Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) 29:45

3M ago29:45

29:45

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a transformative therapeutic method that has significantly impacted her life and work with clients. She explains the fundamentals of IFS, including the concept of parts, manager and firefighter roles, and the importance of s…

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152. BONUS EPISODE: Fawning: The Trauma Response Hiding in Plain Sight With Dr. Ingrid Clayton 45:29

2M ago45:29

45:29

Ingrid Clayton is a licensed clinical psychologist with a master's in transpersonal psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She’s had a thriving private practice for over fifteen years and is a regular contributor to Psychology Today where her blog, “Emotional Sobriety,” has received more than 1 million views. She is the author of FAWNING: W…

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[E220]Welcome Home: Support For A New Placement 51:44

3M ago51:44

51:44

Welcoming a child through adoption, foster care, or kinship is beautiful AND complex. Tona, Jesse, and Becca share candid stories from NICU stays to international travel, name the emotional “roller coaster” of early days, unpack “cocooning,” and offer concrete ways families and their people can prepare, communicate, and support attachment. If you’r…

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Fighting Stigma & Misinformation with Sophie Nir | #098 1:07:41

3M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Abortion advocate Sophie Nir joins us to unpack stigma, misinformation, and advocacy — from “abortion positivity” to global rights, men’s roles, and why abortion must be seen as a social good. Take Our Survey --> http://bit.ly/secondhandtherapy-survey BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/…

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Why Love Feels So Hard with CPTSD (And How to Change That) 12:12

3M ago12:12

12:12

Does love feel overwhelming, triggering, or just plain scary? If you have Complex PTSD, your nervous system might be treating intimacy like a threat, even when you desperately want connection. In this episode, I break down why CPTSD makes love feel so complicated, what's actually happening in your nervous system when someone gets close, and the rea…

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151. Fall Asleep Faster, Rest Deeper & Wake Up Refreshed Using Sleep Science with Devin Burke 1:01:37

2M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Devin Burke helps exhausted insomniacs get and stay asleep so they can wake up with more peace, power and presence. He is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, renowned sleep coach and founder of Sleep Science Academy, which helps people stop suffering and start sleeping using a unique holistic approach based in science. Devin was named “One of the T…

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Failing Is Not Okay | #097 1:02:35

3M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Michael admits failure embarrasses him. Louie confesses to a codependent moment. Together they explore imperfection, relationships, and what growth really looks like. BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have question…

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51. Why Career Change Feels So Scary (and the 4 Steps to Move Through It) 21:28

3M ago21:28

21:28

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel discusses the emotional complexities of career transitions, drawing on her personal experiences and the framework of Martha Beck's change cycle. She outlines the four phases of this cycle—death and rebirth, dreaming and scheming, the hero's journey, and mastery—emphasizing …

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[E219] Replay What School Psychologists Want You to Know 37:42

3M ago37:42

37:42

In today's episode, we are joined by school psychologists Rachel Peterman, PhD and Teressa Davis, PhD with special guest host (and former Dean of Students and School Social Worker) Becca McKay who unveil insights for parents, especially as it pertains to getting to know the special education system. Hear these experts as they share what they wish e…

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Codependence, Avoidance & Heartbreak | #096 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

Louie reflects on radical acceptance, family wounds, and whether he truly desires a connection with his father. This week, Louie and Michael unpack the idea of fatherhood — from the hypothetical qualities they wish they’d had in a dad, to what it means to grow up without a father figure. Louie challenges Michael’s story of not having one, and share…

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150. Your Oral Microbiome & Mental Health: The Overlooked Link with Dr. Namrata Patel 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

Have you ever wondered how your mouth might impact your mental health? In today's episode we dive deep into the oral microbiome, root canals, mouth breathing, and we even dig into the ever controversial topic of fluoride. Friend or foe? You decide. Dr. Nammy Patel, a graduate of the University of California's School of Dentistry, is a leading figur…

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When Being Right Costs You | #095 1:01:16

3M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Louie has a bone to pick with the audience over last week’s episode — and his therapist has thoughts. This week, Louie unpacks why being “hard to argue with” might be hurting his relationships, and what it really means to meet people where they are without losing yourself. Michael shares a fresh example of Louie’s dismissive side and opens up about…

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50. Can You Be Both Powerful and Likeable as a High-Performing Woman? 45:24

4M ago45:24

45:24

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel interviews Kate Mason, who holds a PhD, a communications expert, and coach known for her work with executives and founders, particularly in the tech industry. They both explore the intricate relationship between likability and power, drawing from personal experiences and cu…

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[E218] Replay Back to School w Mona Delahooke 46:18

4M ago46:18

46:18

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into e…

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Control, Boundaries, and My Mom | #094 1:01:04

4M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Michael and Louie get real about boundaries, control, and what it takes to accept people — especially family — as they are. This week, Louie opens up about deciding to accept his mom for who she is, letting go of the hope for a deeper emotional connection, and navigating the grief that comes with a more shallow relationship. Michael shares how chil…

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49. What to Do When Things Feel Out of Control 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Cory Welsh shares her transformative journey through the Life and Work Transformation program, detailing her experiences from level one to level two. She discusses the importance of community, emotional regulation, and effective communication frameworks, particularly nonviolent communication. Cory …

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149. Acupuncture & Energy Flow: Unlocking the Body’s Healing Potential with Dr. Felice Chan 51:26

4M ago51:26

51:26

Dr. Felice Chan holds a doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She is the founder of Felice Acupuncture and co-founder of Moonbow, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) skincare line. Blending Western neuroscience with TCM, Dr. Chan is committed to holistic, patient-centered care. She emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and …

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Vulnerability Not Allowed | #093 59:34

4M ago59:34

59:34

Louie’s new therapist introduced him to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — and it’s already getting personal. In what early listeners have called our "most beautiful episode yet"... Louie brings EFT-style attachment questions to the pod, exploring what he and Michael learned from their families about vulnerability, emotional safety, and connection…

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48. Dear Diary: Letting Go of the Ambition to be Extraordinary 16:29

4M ago16:29

16:29

In this episode of the Big F*cking Dreams podcast, Life Coach Hannah Kissel explores the tension between the desire for perfection and the acceptance of imperfection. She reflects on her personal journey of wanting to be extraordinary while grappling with the fear of being ordinary. Through her experiences and insights, she discusses the impact of …

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[E217] Fawn: Stress Responses 101 36:40

4M ago36:40

36:40

The Fawn Response! The least known of all the stress responses! We relied on the work of Pete Walker from his incredible book: PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving as we crafted this episode. Stela Sinanaj, Clinical Therapist, and Becca McKay, Program Manager of the ETC Institute join us to explain the ins and outs of the fawn response as well as how t…

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Inner Critic Sounds Like... Mom | #092 58:19

4M ago58:19

58:19

Michael has a new therapist — again — and session one gets heavy fast. In this episode, Michael opens up about his childhood introduction to pornography, the grief of losing his mom, and how he's been (literally) conjuring her in his mind. He shares his fears around trying new things, the weight of codependency, and the haunting voice of his inner …

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148. How to Become Your Own Herbalist with Rachelle Robinett 49:02

4M ago49:02

49:02

Rachelle Robinett, RH (AHG), is a writer, herbalist, educator, and life-long naturalist. She’s the founder of multidisciplinary companies dedicated to the art and science of natural wellness. Combining traditional medicine and current health insights with an understanding of individual behavior modification, Rachelle has provided accessible plant-b…

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Hobby Hunting and Identity Crises | #091 1:02:16

4M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Louie can’t stop wondering if his therapist is a Trump supporter. Louie talks about the early sessions of starting therapy, including opening up about his depression, anxiety, and trauma through intake surveys. He also shares why he’s on a mission to find a hobby — and how it could transform every relationship in his life. Michael has a theory abou…