Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast

Dr Mark McNear
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement

Dr. McNear, Licensed Psychotherapist, sits down with best-selling authors, courageous survivors, and leading global experts to dismantle the stigma of trauma and offer actionable insights for healing. Whether you are a survivor finding your words, a clinician seeking deeper perspectives, or a supporter of someone in pain, join us for honest conversations that prove beauty can be found in the broken places.

  1. 3h ago

    Connect Instead of Correct: Healing Shame and Finding Joy | Andy Carlson

    What if healing is not another demand to correct yourself - but an invitation to connect with yourself differently? In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with Andy Carlson, a trauma-informed coach, group facilitator, LIFT Online Learning Facilitator + Coach, and co-host of the Time with Tim Fletcher podcast. Andy shares a candid perspective on growing up with constant correction, the nervous-system responses that can remain long after the original experiences, and the shift he describes as “connect instead of correct.” The conversation also explores humiliation trauma, shame, discomfort, self-compassion, internal safety, and why joy can begin to appear more often when we stop forcing ourselves to chase it. In this conversation: - how chronic correction can shape self-perception and nervous-system responses - the difference Andy sees between shame and humiliation trauma - learning to notice pain without immediately shutting down or running away - replacing self-rejection with curiosity and connection - rebuilding agency, boundaries, compassion, and room for joy Healing is not about denying what happened. It is about discovering that what happened does not have to determine every next step. If this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who may need this reminder: Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system. 🌐 Learn more about Andy Carlson: Andy Carlson is a trauma-informed coach, group facilitator, and co-host of the Time with Tim Fletcher podcast. His work focuses on helping people understand trauma, rebuild internal safety, and grow skills in boundaries, agency, and self-compassion. Andy's team profile: https://www.timfletcher.ca/our-team Time with Tim Fletcher Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TimeWithTimPodcast Tim Fletcher Co.: https://www.timfletcher.ca 🌐 Learn more about The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear https://drmarkmcnear.com/ Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast for real stories of trauma, healing, and hope.

  2. Aug 6

    Finding Joy: Learning to Play After Trauma | Sam Jolman, LPC

    Can learning to play again become part of healing? Many people think of trauma recovery as processing painful memories—but what if healing also includes rediscovering joy, trust, connection, and the freedom to simply be alive? In this episode of The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with Sam Jolman, LPC, therapist, author, and speaker, for a thoughtful conversation about the surprising role that play can have in trauma recovery. Together they explore how betrayal and trauma can change the way we experience relationships, healthy risk, and joy, why shame often keeps us from trying new things, and how healing can gently expand our ability to trust ourselves and others again. Rather than pushing through fear, Sam encourages listeners to honor their own nervous system, take meaningful but manageable risks, and discover that recovery is not just about surviving—it is also about learning to live fully. In this episode: Why trauma often makes play feel difficultThe connection between betrayal, shame, and trustHow healthy risk expands our "window of tolerance"Why healing happens through safe relationshipsReclaiming joy after traumaPractical ways to begin practicing play againEncouragement for anyone who feels stuck in survival modeIf this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who may need this reminder: Healing isn't only about recovering from what happened. It's also about rediscovering the parts of yourself that trauma tried to steal. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.  🌐 Learn more about Sam Jolman, LPC:   Author of The Sex Talk You Never Got  https://samjolman.com  🌐 Learn more about The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear https://drmarkmcnear.com/ Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast for real stories of trauma, healing, and hope.

  3. Jul 23

    Your Body Is Not Broken: How Healing Begins After Trauma | Dr. Aimie Apigian

    Why can the body continue to feel unsafe—even after the danger has passed? In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear speaks with Dr. Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician, trauma expert, and bestselling author of The Biology of Trauma, about the connection between unresolved trauma, the nervous system, and physical health. Dr. Aimie Apigian explains that trauma is not only about what happened. It is also about whether an experience overwhelmed the body’s ability to respond, recover, and return to safety. This conversation explores how stored trauma may affect: -The nervous system and emotional regulation -Energy, metabolism, and chronic fatigue -Digestion, inflammation, and immune function -Disconnection, shutdown, and feeling stuck -The body’s ability to experience safety and repair Dr. Aimie Apigian also explains five common patterns of stored trauma: disconnection, disruption, depletion, dysregulation, and disease. You’ll hear why insight and talk therapy may not always be enough on their own—and why healing may involve working with the mind, the body’s somatic responses, and the underlying biology. The episode also includes simple practices that may help the nervous system experience greater safety, including gentle movement, creating physical space, humming, and vibration. Your body is not broken. It may be responding in ways it once learned were necessary for survival. #TraumaHealing #DrAimieApigian #BiologyOfTrauma #NervousSystemHealing #SomaticHealing #TraumaRecovery Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast for real stories of trauma, healing, and hope. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system. 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Aimie Apigian: BiologyofTrauma.com: Instagram :@draimie Facebook: @aimie.apigian YouTube:  @DrAimieApigian   🌐 Learn more about The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear https://drmarkmcnear.com/

  4. Jul 9

    Reclaiming Life After Childhood Abduction | Tim Smith’s Story

    In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Tim Smith shares his story of surviving childhood abduction and reclaiming his life after trauma. Tim’s story is not only about what happened to him, but about what it took to reclaim his life afterward. From fragmented memories and early trauma to the long road of healing, identity, and recovery, this conversation offers a meaningful look at how trauma can shape a life — and how hope can still be found on the other side. Joining the conversation for this episode is guest host Joe Schweighardt, bringing thoughtful presence and support to this important discussion. This episode is a reminder that recovery is not about pretending the past did not happen. It is about finding the courage to face what was lost, rebuild what was broken, and step into life with renewed strength. In this episode, we discuss: Childhood abduction and its lasting impact Fragmented memories and trauma survival The process of reclaiming identity Family wounds, resilience, and recovery Finding hope after painful early experiences Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast for real stories of trauma, healing, and hope. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.   Learn more about Tim Smith: Instagram: @tim.smith.writes www.faultlinememoir.com Learn more about The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear https://drmarkmcnear.com/

  5. Jun 25

    Radical Healing & Returning to Your True Self | Scott Moore

    Trauma doesn't just affect what happens around us—it can separate us from who we truly are. In this episode, Scott Moore shares how trauma creates internal fragmentation and why healing is ultimately a journey back to ourselves. We explore practical recovery tools including breathwork, cold exposure, sauna, and jiu-jitsu, and discuss how these experiences can help regulate the nervous system, build resilience, and restore a sense of agency. Scott also shares the vision behind Numa Wellness Collective and explains why healing often requires stepping into discomfort rather than avoiding it. In This Episode: • Trauma and internal fragmentation • Reconnecting with your truest self • Breathwork and nervous system regulation • Cold plunges, sauna, and resilience • Jiu-jitsu and reclaiming agency • Healing through presence and embodiment • The mission of Numa Wellness Collective Whether you're on your own healing journey or supporting someone else's, this conversation offers practical insights into recovery, resilience, and personal transformation. Learn more about  Scott Moore & The Numa Wellness Collective: https://www.numawellness.org  Learn more about The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear https://drmarkmcnear.com/

  6. Jun 11

    Why Childhood Trauma Keeps Showing Up in Your Relationships | Dr. Tian Dayton

    Why do the same relationship patterns keep showing up in our lives? Why do we struggle with people-pleasing, over-functioning, emotional reactivity, difficulty trusting others, or constantly managing everyone else's emotions? In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with renowned psychologist, author, and trauma expert Dr. Tian Dayton to explore how childhood trauma, addiction in the family system, and early survival strategies continue to shape our adult lives and relationships. Dr. Dayton shares insights from her newest book, Growing Up With Addiction, and explains how many of the behaviors that helped us survive difficult childhood environments can become obstacles to healing later in life. Topics discussed include: • Childhood trauma and relational trauma • Adult Children of Addiction (ACA/ACOA) • Why the same relationship patterns keep repeating • Codependency and hypervigilance • Emotional sobriety and nervous system regulation • Process addictions and self-medicating pain • Triggers as teachers • Psychodrama and trauma recovery • Healing through connection and self-awareness One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation: "You can't think yourself better." Trauma is carried not only in the mind, but also in the body, nervous system, and relationships. True healing requires more than understanding—it requires connection, experience, and recovery. Whether you're navigating childhood wounds, addiction in your family history, relationship struggles, or your own recovery journey, this episode offers hope, insight, and practical wisdom for healing. Subscribe for more conversations on trauma, recovery, mental health, resilience, and healing. Follow ‪@TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast‬ Facebook & Instagram: ‪@TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast‬ Learn more about Dr. Tian Dayton: Instagram: @tiandaytonphd YouTube: @tiandayton6150 Website:  https://relationaltraumarepair.com #TraumaMeetsRecovery #TianDayton #ChildhoodTrauma #TraumaHealing #RecoveryJourney

  7. Jun 2

    Trauma Tried to Steal My Life | Hal Hughes

    After multiple traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts, Hal Hughes wasn't sure he would survive. In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with psychotherapist, former police officer, and TBI survivor Hal Hughes to discuss trauma, resilience, recovery, and the journey from suffering to purpose. Hal shares his deeply personal story of how severe head injuries during his policing career changed the course of his life—leading to PTSD, emotional dysregulation, addiction, and a battle to reclaim his identity. He also reveals the moment his young son's words became the catalyst for his recovery: "I want my real daddy to come home." Together, they explore how trauma impacts the brain and body, why healing requires more than medication alone, and the daily practices that helped Hal rebuild his life. Topics covered in this episode include: • PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) • Addiction recovery and the Rat Park experiment • Trauma and the nervous system • Neuroplasticity and brain healing • Somatic healing and body-based recovery • The dangers of overmedication • Exercise, fasting, cold exposure, and resilience • Viktor Frankl and finding meaning in suffering • Victimhood vs. personal responsibility • Purpose, service, and post-traumatic growth Hal's story is a powerful reminder that trauma does not have to define your future. Recovery is possible, even after profound suffering.  About Hal Hughes Hal Hughes is a psychotherapist, former police officer, traumatic brain injury survivor, and addiction recovery advocate. Through his clinical work and personal experience, he helps others navigate trauma, resilience, and meaningful recovery. Learn more about Hal Hughes: www.halhughes.com Learn more about Trauma Meets Recovery: www.traumameetsrecovery.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing this message.

  8. May 19

    Trauma Expert Dr. Peter Levine | Why Trauma Gets STUCK in the Body

    In this exciting episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with world-renowned trauma pioneer Dr. Peter Levine — creator of Somatic Experiencing® and a leading voice in nervous system healing and trauma recovery. Dr. Levine explains how trauma becomes trapped in the body, why so many people stay stuck in survival mode, and how healing begins through reconnecting with the nervous system — not just the mind. He provides hope for those whose lives had been impacted by trauma. We explore: • Why trauma is stored in the body • Fight, flight, freeze & shutdown responses • The nervous system’s role in healing • Somatic Experiencing® explained • How unresolved trauma affects daily life • Why traditional talk therapy can miss the body • Practical insights for regulation and recovery Whether you’re healing from trauma, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how the body and mind work together, this conversation offers profound insight and hope. 🎧 Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery for conversations on healing, trauma, mental health, nervous system regulation, addiction recovery, and personal growth. Follow  @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast Facebook & Instagram:  @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast   Find Dr. Peter A. Levine:  Instagram: @drpeteralevine   #PeterLevine #SomaticExperiencing #TraumaHealing #NervousSystem #PolyvagalTheory #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingTrauma #TraumaRecovery #PsychologyPodcast #TraumaMeetsRecovery

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Dr. McNear, Licensed Psychotherapist, sits down with best-selling authors, courageous survivors, and leading global experts to dismantle the stigma of trauma and offer actionable insights for healing. Whether you are a survivor finding your words, a clinician seeking deeper perspectives, or a supporter of someone in pain, join us for honest conversations that prove beauty can be found in the broken places.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Mark McNear
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast
  • Show Website
    Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast

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