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. 7H AGO

    Intimacy and Adoption: Why Love Feels Complicated

    Slides that I shared - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QWm6K6AIEwWYVNtO-ZNHTwB7WPscNlT/view?usp=sharing Summary In this episode of the Resilience Project Podcast, Julie explores the complexities of love, intimacy, and interdependence, particularly in the context of adoption. She discusses how early experiences shape our ability to connect with others and emphasizes the importance of self-love and understanding our internal family systems. Through practical insights and personal anecdotes, Julie encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and take actionable steps towards healthier connections. Takeaways We don't have to do anything to be loved.Intimacy becomes complicated due to early experiences.Adoption can be viewed as adapt-tion.Interdependence is essential for healthy relationships.Co-dependence involves regulating our nervous systems through others.Self-trust is crucial for personal growth.Small shifts can lead to significant changes in relationships.Understanding our inner critics helps in healing.Self-love is foundational for intimacy.Your personal story is valuable and deserves to be shared.Sound bites "Intimacy becomes complicated." "Adoption should be called adapt-tion." "Your story and your truth matter." Chapters 00:00 The Foundation of Love and Fear 04:11 Understanding Intimacy and Adoption 06:48 The Journey to Interdependence 09:26 Navigating Co-dependence and Independence 12:12 Exploring Internal Family Systems 15:00 Developing Self-Love and Connection Keywords love, intimacy, interdependence, self-trust, adoption, healing, emotional health, relationships, personal growth, internal family systems Saboteur Assessment  https://assessment.positiveintelligence.com/saboteur/instructions Self-Trust episode link  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2549404/episodes/18294247  Register for May Retreat!!!  https://www.lizdebetta.com/un-m-othered-adoptee-healing-retreat Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    18 min

  2. JAN 29

    Un-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing

    Summary  In this episode of the Resilience Project podcast, host Julie Brumley welcomes Dr. Liz DeBetta, an adoptee and creator of the award-winning performance 'Un-M-Othered.' The conversation centers around the upcoming retreat, 'Un-M-Othered: A Revolution in Adoptee Healing,' designed specifically for adoptees. Julie and Liz discuss the importance of community in healing, emphasizing that true healing goes beyond traditional talk therapy and requires a deeper, embodied approach. They highlight how the retreat will provide a safe space for adoptees to explore their stories, reclaim their voices, and connect with others who share similar experiences of adoption trauma.  Dr. Liz shares her personal journey of using writing and performance as tools for healing, explaining how 'Un-M-Othered' emerged from her own experiences and research into adoption trauma. The retreat aims to create a transformative experience that integrates somatic practices with narrative healing, allowing participants to feel seen, heard, and understood. Both Julie and Liz express their excitement about the retreat and the potential for profound healing and connection among adoptees, encouraging listeners to join them in this unique opportunity.  Keywords  adoptee healing, Unmothered, Dr. Liz DeBetta, narrative therapy, somatic healing, community support, adoption trauma, resilience project, embodied healing, retreat  Takeaways  Healing doesn't just live in the places that didn't have language yet. Adoptee healing requires community and immersive experiences. The retreat is about returning to what's already within you. Sound bites  "This isn't just surface level healing."  "It's the first time that I feel seen, heard and understood."  "Feel the fear and do it anyway."  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to the Resilience Project Podcast  03:13 Meet Dr. Liz DeBetta: The Creator of Unmothered  05:01 Introducing Unmothered: A Revolution in Adoptive Healing  06:36 The Importance of Community in Healing  07:29 The Birth of Unmothered: A Personal Journey  10:36 The Power of Shared Experiences  14:33 The Need for Embodied Healing  18:27 Listening to Our Bodies: A Path to Healing  22:22 Creating a Healing Arc for Adoptees  26:22 Integrating Story and Body for Wholeness  29:45 Why This Healing Approach is Needed Now  33:18 Purpose and Timing in Healing  34:22 Collaboration and Community  36:09 The Social Change Ecosystem  37:59 Navigating Personal Trauma  39:52 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing  43:47 The Importance of Community in Healing  45:52 Who the Retreat is For  49:16 Addressing Fears and Resistance  53:32 Final Thoughts on Healing and Community Learn more and register for the retreat here -  https://www.lizdebetta.com/un-m-othered-adoptee-healing-retreat Connect with Dr. Liz here - https://www.lizdebetta.com Purchase Dr. Liz's book here - https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Liz-DeBetta/dp/9004681698 Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    57 min

  3. JAN 22

    Adoption From Both Sides: A Conversation With My Adoptive Mom (Love, identity, and the lifelong impact of adoption)

    Summary In this heartfelt episode of The Resilience Project, host Julie Brumley engages in a candid conversation with her mother, Karen, about their experiences with adoption. Julie expresses her gratitude for her mother's unwavering support and love throughout her life, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of adoption from both the adoptee's and adoptive parent's perspectives. Karen shares her journey of becoming a mother through adoption, her initial feelings, and the evolution of her understanding of what it means to raise an adopted child. The discussion delves into the emotional nuances of adoption, including the fears and joys that come with it, and the significance of open communication in their relationship. As they reflect on their shared experiences, Karen reveals her initial apprehensions about Julie's work with adoptees, but ultimately expresses pride in her daughter's commitment to advocating for the adoption community. The episode highlights the importance of love, acceptance, and the ongoing journey of understanding the impact of adoption on both sides of the equation. Through their dialogue, Julie and Karen demonstrate the power of vulnerability and connection in navigating the complexities of family dynamics and identity. Keywords adoption, mother-daughter relationship, resilience, adoptee experience, family dynamics, emotional journey, open communication, understanding adoption, love and acceptance Takeaways "I feel like we've stolen something precious because we weren't planning on taking you home." "You were the one that I know in my heart 100% was from day one." "You have to work through it, learn, in sessions like you provide." Sound bites "You were the one that I know in my heart 100% was from day one." "They would be led by love and follow with action." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A Special Guest 01:45 Karen's Perspective on Motherhood 05:42 The Decision to Adopt 08:39 First Impressions: Meeting Julie 15:37 Understanding Adoption: Theories and Realities 18:33 Navigating Emotions: Protecting and Supporting Julie 22:31 The Importance of Feeling Adored 26:24 Connecting with Birth Family: A Journey of Discovery 27:50 Meeting the Birth Family 29:56 Evolving Perspectives on Adoption 34:24 Misunderstandings About Adoption 35:50 The Unspoken Fears of Adoptive Parents 39:03 Watching the Work with Adoptees 42:30 The Importance of Dialogue in Relationships 44:31 Raising an Adopted Child: Key Insights 47:39 Loving Beyond Biology Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    52 min

  4. JAN 15

    When Rejection Becomes a Story We Live By (And How We Heal It)

    Summary In this conversation, Julie Brumley explores the core issues faced by adoptees, particularly focusing on rejection and its profound impact on identity and emotional health. She discusses the emotional imprints of rejection, the concept of rejection sensitivity, and provides practical exercises for processing and reframing limiting beliefs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and emotional regulation in overcoming the challenges associated with adoption. Takeaways Adoptees wrestle with core issues like identity, loss, rejection, shame, guilt, and grief.Rejection is a powerful experience that occurs pre-verbally for adoptees.Emotional imprints of rejection shape how adoptees anticipate and guard against it.Fear of rejection can lead to self-sabotage and misreading situations.Identifying and reframing limiting beliefs is crucial for healing.Sensitivity in adoptees may be linked to rejection sensitivity dysphoria and ADHD.Emotional regulation is essential for dealing with rejection.Practical exercises can help process negative messages from childhood.Transforming limiting beliefs into positive affirmations is a key step in healing.Support and resources are available for those navigating these challenges.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Core Issues in Adoption 02:43 Understanding Rejection in Adoption 06:02 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Dysregulation 09:55 Identifying and Reframing Limiting Beliefs 15:15 Practical Exercise for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 22:17 Conclusion and Resources for Support Keywords adoption, rejection, emotional health, limiting beliefs, identity, adoptees, self-acceptance, emotional regulation, trauma, personal growth Shame and Guilt episode link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2549404/episodes/18222388 Processing Emotions Exercise -https://www.cominghometoself.co/offers/btaYBmJo/checkout PDF of Slides from Video -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/15eR4Pv-pElupM9chwgU8ezSrNXH-G1SS/view?usp=sharing Perspective Shift Exercise -https://www.cominghometoself.co/offers/DA8Me58N/checkout Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    24 min

  5. JAN 8

    From Survival to Self: The Work That Keeps Working

    As we move into a new year, this episode feels especially meaningful. In today’s conversation, I’m sharing a powerful episode recorded with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Becky, from about a year ago - during a season when both of us were deeply immersed in our own journeys of identity, healing, and self-discovery. At the time, neither of us could have fully known how much would continue to unfold in the months ahead. And yet, listening back now, I’m struck by how relevant and grounding this conversation still is - especially as we reflect on what it means to truly come home to ourselves. Together, we explore: what identity really means beyond labels and roleshow trauma responses can quietly shape who we believe we arethe difference between ego, intuition, and survival energywhy somatic work is essential for creating safety in the bodyhow shame loses its power through compassion and connectionand what it looks like to reclaim belonging from withinWe also talk openly about the early stages of my own healing journey—when I couldn’t answer the question “Who am I?” without collapsing into shame—and the gradual, gentle process of learning to trust my body, my intuition, and myself again. This episode isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about honoring the small, consistent shifts that create lasting transformation over time. If you’re entering this new year feeling uncertain, tender, or quietly hopeful… If you’re learning to listen to yourself instead of pushing through… If you’re beginning—or continuing—the journey of coming home to who you really are… this conversation is for you. ✨ Key Themes Identity as an evolving, embodied experienceThe role of somatic healing in self-discoveryShame, self-compassion, and parts workEgo vs. intuition and learning to trust inner wisdomHealing as a process of integration, not perfectionChapters 00:00 Introduction to Breakthroughs 02:40 The Power of Connection and Friendship 05:25 Understanding Identity 10:51 The Journey of Self-Discovery 16:28 Practical Steps to Embrace Intuition 22:07 Transforming Triggers into Triumphs 27:37 The Role of Somatic Work in Healing 33:24 Creating a Community for Adoptees 38:53 Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords breakthrough, identity, self-discovery, somatic work, intuition, trauma, healing, friendship, community, empowerment Get the Ego vs Intuition Slide Deck here -https://www.cominghometoself.co/offers/oLhNBhLZ/checkout Connect with Becky here - https://www.instagram.com/becky_aste/ Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    40 min

  6. JAN 1

    We’re Half Adopted: Conversations About Identity, Family, and Belonging

    Keywords adoption, identity, family, heritage, emotions, personal growth, belonging, reunion, cultural connections, resilience Takeaways The importance of understanding one's identity and heritage. Experiencing a sense of home can be transformative. Cultural connections can deepen one's understanding of self. Reunion with biological family can evoke strong emotions. Navigating relationships requires understanding and effort. Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal growth. Adoption experiences shape family dynamics and communication. Self-awareness is key to emotional well-being. Creating traditions can foster a sense of belonging. Seeking understanding is essential for personal and relational growth. Summary In this episode of the Resilience Project, Julie and her sons, Cole and Sutton, explore their experiences with adoption, identity, and family dynamics. They discuss the significance of cultural heritage, the emotional impact of reunions with biological family, and the journey of self-discovery. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's roots, navigating relationships, and the role of emotional intelligence in personal growth. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, they share insights on how their unique experiences shape their perspectives on family and belonging. Sound bites "We start the podcast laughing." "We're half adopted." "Seek understanding about it." "Self-Awareness is key" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Resilience Project 04:15 Exploring Identity and Home 07:55 Cultural Connections and Heritage 12:29 The Impact of Reunion and Family 17:03 Navigating New Relationships and Traditions 27:17 Embracing Uncomfortable Growth 32:09 Understanding Through Life Experiences 39:53 Navigating Emotional Connections 46:09 The Importance of Self-Discovery 50:41 Seeking Wisdom and Understanding Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    51 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    Belonging Didn’t Come From Fitting In

    Connect with Mike here - https://www.facebook.com/mike.potratz.2025 Keywords adoptee, resilience, somatic healing, trauma-informed coaching, mental health, self-discovery, emotional healing, personal growth, community support, empathy Summary In this episode of the Resilience Project Podcast, host Julie Brumley interviews Mike, a client who shares his journey as an adoptee navigating trauma and healing. They discuss the challenges of feeling like a misfit, the turning points that led Mike to seek help, and the transformative power of somatic work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and self-discovery in the healing process, as well as the unique experiences of adoptees. Mike's insights provide encouragement for others facing similar struggles, highlighting that change is possible and worth pursuing. Takeaways Mike describes feeling like a misfit in his own skin. The turning point for Mike was discovering the book 'Primal Wound'. Adoptees often adapt to fit in, leading to a chameleon effect. Isolation can be exacerbated by past relationships and societal perceptions. Building trust in a coaching relationship is crucial for healing. Somatic work has provided Mike with tools to connect with his emotions. Writing has become a powerful tool for self-reflection for Mike. Mike emphasizes the importance of empathy in relationships. The journey of healing is not easy but is worth it. Mike encourages others to seek help and not to fear the process. Sound bites "I belong everywhere and nowhere." "You don't have to live like this." "Empathy was locked away inside me." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike's Journey 03:48 Exploring Identity and Adoption 05:42 The Impact of Divorce and Loneliness 07:42 Understanding the Need for Change 09:05 Navigating Relationships and Acceptance 10:53 The Role of Coaching and Support 12:39 The Power of Somatic Work 15:12 Experiencing Empathy and Healing 20:45 Exploring Emotional Awareness 22:24 Uncovering Life Patterns 24:12 Accessing Inner Worlds 25:02 Empathy and Relational Changes 26:42 Pride in Personal Growth 27:55 Navigating Difficult Emotions 29:39 Encouragement for the Stuck 29:59 Facing Fears in Healing 30:27 The Value of Shared Experience 31:40 The Coaching Experience 33:14 Hope for the Future 34:27 NEWCHAPTER Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    35 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    When Joy and Grief Share the Same Room

    In this week’s episode of The Resilience Project, I’m joined by two of my closest friends — Becky and Erin — for a raw and tender conversation about grief. Not the polished kind, not the kind we talk about in theory… but the grief that lives in real life, real bodies, and real friendships. We recorded this together in La Quinta, sitting in the same condo with mountains behind us and a whole lot of emotion between us. Each of us showed up carrying something different - Becky in the fresh ache of losing her mom, Erin reactivated by memories of the loss of her own parents, and me navigating the layers of grief tied to the two year anniversary of my divorce. This conversation was three women showing up honestly with what was real - and realizing there was something here worth sharing. Together, we talk about: how grief moves differently for each of uswhat it looks like to hold space for friends you lovethe waves of sorrow and joy that often coexisthow grief shows up in the body and what somatic awareness can revealthe simple, practical ways we can care for each other through lossand how love - even in grief - continues to change form without disappearingIf you’ve ever found yourself grieving while trying to stay present for the people you love…  If you’ve ever felt the duality of laughing through tears…  If you’re longing for friendship that feels like a safe place to land… this conversation will feel like you’re sitting right beside us. Grief is a shared human experience.  It transforms, it teaches, and it brings us back to what matters most - connection, compassion, and the courage to sit with one another in the hard things. Connect with Becky here - https://www.instagram.com/becky_aste/ Connect with Erin here - https://www.instagram.com/erinantroinen/ Website Instagram: @juliebrumley_ Facebook: julierasbrum TikTok: @juliebrumley_ Click to Join My Free Adoptee Facebook Group You Tube: @julie_brumley

    38 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
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Resilience Project
  • Show Website
    The Resilience Project

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