The Resilience Project

Julie Brumley
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Illuminating the unseen impacts of adoption — for all who’ve been touched by it. The Resilience Project Podcast brings voice, visibility, and validation to the parts of adoption society rarely names - but all of us feel. Through a trauma-informed somatic lens, host Julie Brumley explores the lived experiences of the entire adoption constellation, with a tender emphasis on the adoptee experience.This podcast goes beyond storytelling into soul-telling. It offers embodied insight, compassionate education, and a path toward awareness, strength, and hope. Each episode invites listeners to understand adoption more deeply - not just with the mind, but with the nervous system - and to reconnect with the truth, identity, and belonging that were always yours to come home to.

  1. 5D AGO

    Uncovering Roots: A Bulgarian Adoptee's Search for Community

    Summary In this heartfelt interview, Nicole Quirino shares her complex journey as an international adoptee from Bulgaria, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the search for her biological family. This conversation sheds light on the nuanced experiences of adoptees navigating systemic barriers, cultural identity, and emotional resilience. Keywords adoption, international adoptee, Bulgaria, identity, belonging, DNA testing, search for family, systemic barriers, mental health, community Key Topics The impact of maternal separation at a young age Challenges in adoptee community spaces The role of DNA testing in identity discovery Systemic barriers in international adoption Emotional resilience and self-care in search journeys Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Complexities of Adoption 04:18 Nicole's Journey as an International Adoptee 06:47 Navigating Identity and Belonging 09:05 The Impact of Maternal Separation 11:19 Struggles in Adoptee Spaces 13:43 Exploring White Passing Identity 16:05 Desire for Deeper Connections 17:55 Challenges in International Adoption 20:13 The Search for Biological Family 22:35 Understanding International Adoption Dynamics 24:43 The Reality of Search Processes 26:52 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 31:11 Searching for Biological Family 32:44 Navigating Legal and Bureaucratic Challenges 37:05 The Emotional Toll of the Search 38:07 Understanding Cultural and Linguistic Barriers 42:00 Personal Growth Through the Search 43:24 Connecting with Potential Family 47:03 The Complexity of New Relationships 48:39 Finding Confidence and Self-Care 50:17 Advice for Fellow Adoptees 52:34 Reflections on the Journey Resources Un-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing Retreat Bulgarian Family Code Amendment 2023 Facebook Bulgaria Adoption Group Nicole's Links Instagram Facebook Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    56 min

  2. APR 2

    Understanding Your Nervous System: A Guide for Adoptees and Those Who Love Them

    Summary This episode explores the polyvagal theory, trauma responses, and how understanding our nervous system can aid in healing from primal trauma, especially for adoptees. It offers practical grounding tools and insights into self-regulation. Keywords Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Responses, Adoptee Healing, Nervous System, Self-Regulation, Primal Trauma, Somatic Therapy, Self-Compassion, Grounding Techniques Chapters 00:00 - Understanding the Severance Cycle and Trauma 04:26 - Exploring Polyvagal Theory and Nervous System Responses 07:14 - Defining Primal Trauma and Its Impact 09:58 - The Polyvagal Ladder: Navigating Autonomic States 12:33 - Understanding Trauma Responses and Self-Regulation 15:03 - Practical Tools for Managing Trauma Responses 18:01 - The Importance of Self-Compassion and Community 20:45 - Building Awareness and Connection with the Body 21:28 - Grounding Tools for Different States 24:21 - Consistency in Self-Regulation Practices 25:21 - Changing Your Relationship with Yourself 26:18 - Restoration and Reconnection for Adoptees 27:20 - Final Thoughts and Community Resources Resources Grounding Resources My Clients Use Slides I Used Today Stephen Porges - Polyvagal Theory Peter Levine - Somatic Experiencing Kristin Neff - Self-Compassion Research Un-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing retreat info Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    28 min

  3. MAR 26

    Breaking Cycles: A Deep Dive into Adoption and Identity with Sydney Curtin

    Join Julie Brumley in an in-depth conversation with Sydney Curtin about her complex adoption journey, healing from past wounds, and breaking intergenerational cycles. This episode offers profound insights into identity, forgiveness, and the power of owning your story. keywords adoption, healing, identity, forgiveness, intergenerational trauma, mental health, personal growth, adoption journey, mental health awareness, mental health advocacy key topics Adoption from multiple perspectives including birth and adoptive experiences Healing from trauma and loss, including suicide and abuse Breaking intergenerational cycles and personal growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Complex Adoption Experiences 03:28 Sydney's Journey Through Adoption 07:32 Healing from Unacknowledged Loss 10:20 The Weight of Unforgiven Relationships 13:10 Understanding Identity Through Adoption 14:59 The Impact of Loss on Identity 18:33 Misconceptions About Adoption 22:16 Breaking Cycles of Trauma 29:15 Navigating Grief and Identity in Adoption 32:29 The Power of Coaching vs. Traditional Therapy 35:27 Finding Hope Amidst Grief 38:43 Confronting the Darkness of Mental Health 41:47 Reclaiming Your Voice and Identity 45:58 Writing for Healing: Courageous Considerations 48:58 Understanding Adoption: A Moral Perspective 51:06 Healing Without Labels 53:31 Words of Encouragement for the Journey Links Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink Sydney Curtin's Website Courageous Considerations Book Sydney's Instagram Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    57 min

  4. MAR 19

    Nothing Is Wrong With You: The Severance Cycle in Adoptee Healing

    In this episode, Julie Brumley shares a framework foundational to her work with adoptees: Not because something is wrong with you… but because your body learned a different cycle. Drawing from the Satisfaction Cycle (Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen), she explains how attachment unfolds through attunement and safety. But for adoptees, that cycle is often interrupted. From that disruption, Julie introduces the Severance Cycle, a pattern she developed to describe what happens when connection is broken before we have words. This isn’t just theory. It’s the lived experience of so many adoptees. And when you understand it… everything starts to make sense. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: How early body memories affect trauma and healing 00:27 - Adoptees’ patterns of receiving and adaptation 00:53 - The body's response from conception: body memory starts in the womb 01:51 - How trauma affects brain and body development in utero 02:46 - Development of the heart and brain during early pregnancy 03:16 - Sensations versus stories: What early body imprints mean for adoptees 04:01 - The significance of the early attachment and stress responses 06:06 - The satisfaction cycle: how healthy attachment is supposed to work 07:02 - The baby's natural rhythm: push, reach, take, and settle 08:30 - The importance of attunement for the satisfaction cycle to succeed 09:27 - Recognizing whether this cycle was experienced in your own body 10:48 - The severance cycle: rupture, recoil, reluctance, rejection, resistance 11:09 - Description of each phase and its emotional impact 12:28 - How the severance cycle disrupts choice, connection, and context 14:16 - What is lost in severance: early choice and connection, and understanding of the world 15:38 - The impact of rupture on the primal wound and lifelong grief 17:34 - The polyvagal theory and its relation to survival responses 18:42 - The body’s tendency to choose familiar danger over safety 19:13 - How healing begins: creating safety and relearning trust with the body 20:34 - Rebuilding connection through self-regulation and safe relationships 21:34 - The power of context: reinterpreting past pain in the present 22:42 - Recognizing patterned behaviors: nothing is wrong with you, your body learned a cycle 23:12 - The work of restoring the original rhythm: safety, reach, receive, rest 24:02 - Invitation to upcoming retreat for experiential healing 25:25 - Encouragement to notice bodily responses and cultivate curiosity over fixing 26:21 - Resources, community, and hope for adoptees on the healing journey 🌿 Resources & Links: SlidesUnmothered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing Retreat (May)Polyvagal TheorySchedule a call with JulieWebsite Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    27 min

  5. MAR 12

    Behind the Curtain of the “I Am a Burden” Belief: What We Explored in the Gathering

    Summary Julie Brumley shares her personal journey of healing from adoption-related trauma, emphasizing the importance of body-based work and inner belonging. This episode explores limiting beliefs, the role of somatic therapy, and practical steps for adoptees to reconnect with their true selves. Keywords adoption trauma, healing, somatic therapy, belonging, limiting beliefs, inner work, resilience, identity, trauma-informed care Key  Topics Trauma and adoption Body-based healing and somatic work Limiting beliefs and inner narratives Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Context 02:39 Common Experiences of Adoption-Related Abandonment 03:29 The Impact of Early Rejection and Developmental Trauma 04:43 Realizing the Need for a Relationship with Self 05:47 The Moment of Confronting Adoption Skeletons 08:01 Reading the Adoption Records and Fragmentation 09:40 The Art of Kintsugi: Rebuilding with Gold 10:13 The Importance of Working with the Body 10:49 Challenges with Traditional Somatic Therapy 12:07 The Power of Humility and Self-Discovery 13:01 Learning to Live from a Place of Belonging 14:25 Limiting Beliefs That Keep Us Stuck 15:45 Addressing Adoption in Therapy and Spirituality 17:04 Identity Lives in the Body, Not Just the Mind 18:52 Overcoming the Belief of Being Too Much or Not Enough 20:28 Belonging as a Survival Strategy 21:51 Imagining a Safe and Loved Self 23:40 Uncovering Inner Strength and Capacity 26:36 The Belonging Blueprint: A Healing Framework 28:06 The Journey from Survival to Authentic Living 29:23 Invitation to Deeper Healing and Support Links Unmothered Retreat May 23-24th, 2026 Schedule a call to connect with Julie Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    30 min

  6. MAR 5

    Adoptee Healing Beyond Talk Therapy: Plant Medicine, Identity, and Integration

    Discover how adoptees can navigate trauma, identities, and healing through embodied practices, plant medicines, and community connection. Join Julie Brumley and Joni Kim as they explore innovative paths beyond traditional therapy for profound transformation. In this episode: The limitations of talk therapy for deep, pre-verbal traumaHow plant medicine uncovers the origins of identity and healing gapsThe concept of identity alchemy and transforming survival mechanisms into conscious leadershipThe significance of preparation and integration in psychedelic journeysThe unique physiological and energetic impacts of adoption traumaThe role of community, spirituality, and curiosity in healingPractical steps for discernment and choosing aligned healing modalitiesChapters:  00:00 - Introduction: Moving Beyond Words in Adoption Healing 02:45 - Understanding the Origin Story and Its Role in Identity 04:30 - The Gap in Traditional Therapy and the Power of Plant Medicine 06:17 - The Concept of the Life Gap and Energetic Hollowness 08:11 - The Shortcomings of Talk Therapy for Pre-verbal Trauma 09:21 - Recognizing the Need for Embodied Healing Approaches 11:10 - The Impact of Societal and Cultural Conditioning on Adoption Trauma 13:00 - Understanding Complex PTSD, Loss, and the Body’s Embodiment 14:36 - Patterns of Repetition: Relationships, Rejection, and Re-traumatization 17:17 - When Conventional Paths Fail: The Turning Point for Change 20:32 - The Influence of Wounds in Relationships and Healing in Context 23:03 - Adoption Trauma’s Unique Pre-verbal Expression 27:31 - How Plant Medicine Finds You: A Personal Journey 29:27 - Using Psychedelics for Emotional Access and Reframing 31:33 - Safe and Aligned: Navigating Psychedelic and Plant Medicine Use 33:58 - The Importance of Preparation, Intent, and Integration 42:54 - The Transformation of Identity: From Reaction to Responsiveness 44:27 - The Identity Alchemy Framework: Loving, Remembering, and Releasing 45:43 - Supporting Adoption Identity Shifts and Overcoming Resistance 48:37 - Spirituality’s Role in Connecting and Grounding 50:04 - Curiosity as the Key to Open Unconventional Healing Paths 52:42 - The Power of Community and Group Healing Retreats 55:29 - Building Confidence in Your Healing Journey and Discernment 57:14 - Connecting with Joni Kim Resources & Links: Joni Kim - WebsiteJoni Kim - InstagramBook: Nancy Verrier - The Primal WoundUn-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing RetreatAdditional Notes: Consider the importance of community in healing journeys.Explore embodied and somatic practices alongside plant medicines.Prioritize preparation and integration for long-term change.Remember: healing is a lifelong, layered process requiring curiosity, patience, and self-compassion.Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    54 min

  7. FEB 26

    Overcoming the Burden: An Adoptee's Journey to Self-Love and Community

    In this heartfelt episode of the Resilience Project podcast, Julie Brumley sits down with Jennifer Skiles - an adoptee and author - to explore the deep roots of the "I am a burden" belief and how it shapes the lives of adoptees. They discuss becoming aware of this inner narrative, healing through community, faith, and self-compassion, and the transformative power of sharing stories. Key topics: The impact of early abandonment and societal messaging on adoptee self-perceptionHow writing a story and embracing vulnerability facilitated healingThe role of faith and spirituality in recovering identity and hopeRecognizing harmful patterns like people-pleasing and shrinking to avoid being a burdenThe importance of community, shared pain, and belonging in healingPractical steps: trying new approaches, setting boundaries, visiting inner children, and practicing self-compassionThe significance of safe spaces for adoptees to process their experiencesThe upcoming "You Are Not a Burden" online gatheringChapters:   02:01 - The deeply rooted belief "I am a burden" among adoptees  03:41 - Jennifer shares her story of reuniting with her biological father  05:57 - How writing her book helped Jennifer own her story and heal  07:27 - The emotional process of feeling heard for the first time  10:23 - How the burden belief influenced relationships and behaviors  12:18 - Experiences of abandonment and not feeling accepted  14:16 - Societal pressure and feeling lucky versus feeling loved  15:28 - The "life gap" and missing early childhood memories  17:39 - Adoption statistics and societal misconceptions  19:40 - The importance of community for adoptees’ healing  22:21 - The power of shared stories and recognition  23:50 - Supporting each other through vulnerability and connection  24:44 - The impact of the burden belief on relationships and fears of rejection  26:02 - Faith and spirituality as sources of stability and healing  29:14 - Visiting inner children to foster self-love  30:07 - The body’s role in processing trauma  32:46 - Dispel misconceptions and set healthy boundaries  34:18 - How trying something different can shift perspectives  36:54 - The necessity of self-compassion in healing journeys  38:24 - Recognizing what is meant to be left behind  41:19 - Celebrating loved ones and releasing grief creatively  43:47 - The upcoming online gathering "You Are Not a Burden"  44:30 - What to do if you feel hesitant about engaging  46:33 - The role of community versus doing it alone  47:58 - Building safe spaces for raw, authentic conversations  50:27 - The relief of being understood without explanation  52:02 - Encouragement to take the first step even with resistance  54:03 - Reshaping beliefs through new actions and perspectives  57:24 - The importance of belonging over independence  58:24 - Details on the free online event and ongoing connection opportunities Links - Jennifer Skiles' Book "Vault of Treasures" You Are Not a Burden - Online Gathering The Adoption Roadmap Podcast Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    53 min

  8. FEB 19

    You Are Not a Burden: The Hidden Identity Belief Many Adoptees Carry

    In this heartfelt episode, Julie Brumley shares her personal journey from feeling like a burden to embracing her healing. She discusses the transformative power of community, understanding body sensations, and shifting perspectives to foster belonging and self-compassion. Key Topics: The origin of the phrase "I am a burden" and its emotional impactHow sensations in the body reveal subconscious beliefsAnnouncing a free online event for adoptees exploring identity on March 3rdThe difference between knowing concepts and integrating them into healingThe importance of community in the healing processChallenging the victim mindset and reframing trauma as happening for usThe role of shame, attachment, nervous system work, and spiritual practices in healingBelonging versus independence as the opposite of burdenInvitation to join a live event in Moscow, Idaho, in May with Dr. Liz DeBettaEncouragement for adoptees to find hope, healing, and communityTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The journey from feeling like a burden to healing  00:30 - The moment of vulnerability sharing the phrase "I am a burden"  01:08 - How bodily sensations like stomach tightening and shoulder dropping signify shame  02:12 - Announcing a free online gathering for adoptees on March 3rd  03:00 - The value of community in healing and shared experience  03:46 - Misconceptions about needing to be fixed and dismantling the burden belief  04:21 - The emotional impact of systemic wounds and self-worth issues  05:03 - Reframing trauma as happening for us rather than against us  06:01 - The costs of staying stuck in the burden belief within relationships and self-investment  07:04 - Personal story of investing in somatic coaching and overcoming fear  08:04 - The importance of body language and somatic awareness over solely intellectual understanding  09:12 - Differentiating knowledge from integration in healing processes  10:02 - The comprehensive blueprint of healing including mindset, emotion, attachment, and spiritual work  11:00 - The role of community in dismantling limiting beliefs and fostering belonging  11:39 - Opposite of burden is belonging, not independence  12:18 - Recognizing the edge of expansion when resistance arises  12:42 - Invitation details for the March 3rd event and encouragement to reach out  13:14 - Announcing the in-person event in Moscow, Idaho, in May  14:18 - Closing thoughts on hope, healing, and community support Resources & Links: You Are Not a Burden - Live Online EventDr. Liz DiBetta EpisodeMoscow, Idaho Retreat - Event DetailsFeel free to DM Julie with questions or feedback. Remember, healing is a journey, and community makes all the difference. Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Illuminating the unseen impacts of adoption — for all who’ve been touched by it. The Resilience Project Podcast brings voice, visibility, and validation to the parts of adoption society rarely names - but all of us feel. Through a trauma-informed somatic lens, host Julie Brumley explores the lived experiences of the entire adoption constellation, with a tender emphasis on the adoptee experience.This podcast goes beyond storytelling into soul-telling. It offers embodied insight, compassionate education, and a path toward awareness, strength, and hope. Each episode invites listeners to understand adoption more deeply - not just with the mind, but with the nervous system - and to reconnect with the truth, identity, and belonging that were always yours to come home to.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Brumley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Resilience Project
  • Show Website
    The Resilience Project

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