Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast

Dr Mark McNear
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    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.

    36 min

  2. 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

    34 min

  3. May 5

    Mike Cuevas | D.I.D Isn’t What You Think… Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder & Trauma

    What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) really like? In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with Mike Cuevas—author, advocate, and survivor—to break down the truth about DID, trauma, and the mind’s incredible ability to adapt. 🧠 DID isn’t chaos. It’s not weakness. It’s a powerful survival response developed when safety wasn’t available. In this conversation, we explore:  • What Dissociative Identity Disorder actually is  • The truth behind the “multiple personalities” misunderstanding  • Why DID is a response to trauma—not a disorder to fear • How the nervous system creates “parts” to survive • The shift from “What’s wrong with me?” → “What happened to me?” • Tools for healing, self-compassion, and integration Mike shares his personal journey of discovering DID, navigating memory gaps, and learning to work with—not against—the parts of himself that helped him survive. 💬 “DID isn’t broken… it’s how the mind survives.” If you’ve ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like different parts of you are pulling in different directions—this episode will change how you understand yourself and others. 🎧 Listen / Watch Now: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on trauma, healing, and mental health

    29 min

  4. Apr 21

    Deb Dana, LCSW | How to Shift From Survival to Thriving: Polyvagal Theory & Your Nervous System

    What if the key to healing trauma isn’t just in your thoughts—but in your nervous system? In this powerful episode of the Trauma Meets Recovery podcast, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with renowned clinician and author Deb Dana to break down Polyvagal Theory into simple, practical tools you can use in everyday life. Together, they explore how your nervous system constantly scans for safety and danger through a process called neuroception—and how bringing these patterns into awareness can give you something many trauma survivors struggle to access: choice. Deb Dana walks listeners through the three core states of the nervous system—regulation, fight-or-flight, and shutdown—and explains why healing isn’t about staying calm all the time, but learning how to move out of survival states with awareness and support. You’ll learn: How to recognize your body’s cues of safety vs. dangerWhy trauma keeps us stuck in survival responses—and how to shift outThe difference between implicit (automatic) and explicit (aware) experienceHow to build a personalized “regulation plan” for moments of overwhelmThe power of co-regulation and safe connection in healingWhat “glimmers” are—and how tiny moments of safety can rewire your nervous systemThis conversation is both deeply insightful and immediately actionable—offering a roadmap to move from reactivity to resilience, from survival to thriving. If you’ve ever felt stuck in anxiety, shutdown, or emotional overwhelm, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, what to do about it.

    52 min

  5. Apr 7

    The Hidden Side of Healing After Loss | Episode 4 with Deborah Antinori, LPC

    Grief healing and trauma healing are possible—and Brainspotting may be the missing piece... In this powerful episode, we sit down with Deborah Antinori, Licensed Professional Counselor with 35+ years of experience, Brainspotting US Trainer, and grief specialist, to explore what healing really looks like after loss and trauma. Deborah shares insights from decades of clinical work, her experience training under Brainspotting founder Dr. David Grand, and her deep expertise in grief therapy—including her award-winning audiobook Journey Through Pet Loss. 🔗 Learn more about Deborah’s work: www.petlossaudio.com We dive into: -Why grief isn’t something you “get over” -How trauma lives in the body -What Brainspotting is—and why it’s so effective -Real ways to begin healing after loss 🎧 Whether you’re navigating loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a new perspective on healing and coping with loss. @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

    27 min

  6. Mar 24

    Trauma and Mindfulness with Dr. Christopher Willard

    In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark sits down with Dr. Christopher Willard—author, Harvard Medical School professor, and global leader in mindfulness and trauma-informed care. Dr. Christopher Willard discusses addiction, early sobriety and a life-changing experience with Thich Nhat Hanh to becoming a global leader in mental health, sharing his powerful journey—and what actually helps people heal. We dive into: • Why mindfulness can feel hard after trauma • How trauma impacts the nervous system • The role of self-compassion in recovery • Simple, practical tools you can use daily Recovery is possible. A grounded, honest conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself—and why that changes everything.  Listen now @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

    41 min

  7. Mar 10

    CPTSD, Codependency & Shame | Trauma Meets Recovery Ep. 2 with @TimFletcher ​

    If you constantly feel responsible for others, struggle to set boundaries, or carry deep shame you can’t explain — complex trauma may be at the root. In Episode 2 of Trauma Meets Recovery, we explore the connection between CPTSD (Complex PTSD), codependency, boundaries, and toxic shame, drawing from the teachings of Tim Fletcher, a leading voice in complex trauma recovery. Complex trauma often creates patterns of people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, and feeling responsible for other people’s emotions. These patterns are deeply tied to shame and survival strategies developed in childhood. In this episode we discuss: • How CPTSD shapes codependent patterns • Why shame becomes a core wound in complex trauma • The connection between trauma and people-pleasing • Why boundaries can feel so difficult for trauma survivors • What recovery and healing can actually look like If you’ve ever felt like you lose yourself in relationships, struggle to say no, or carry a sense of shame you can’t explain, this conversation may help you better understand the impact of complex trauma — and the hope that recovery brings. Healing is possible. 🎙  @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast ​

    52 min

  8. Feb 25

    When Trauma Meets Recovery ~ Healing Begins

    Trauma is inevitable — but healing is possible. In this premiere episode of The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast, Dr. Mark McNear and Joe Schweighardt, LPC, discuss trauma recovery, nervous system dysregulation, Brainspotting EMDR, somatic therapy, and the power of story work in healing trauma. If you’re struggling with emotional wounds, past trauma, or feeling overwhelmed in your nervous system, this mental health podcast offers practical tools, clinical insight, and hope. When trauma meets recovery, healing begins. Learn more & explore resources: traumameetsrecovery.com

    22 min

  9. Trailer

    Every recovery story begins somewhere ~ Full Episode launches February 24th!

    Every recovery story begins somewhere. This is where ours begins. In the very first episode of The Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast, Dr. Mark McNear shares the heart, vision, and clinical foundation behind this new space for honest conversations about trauma and lasting recovery — joined by guest host, Joe Schweighardt, who helps unpack the “why” behind the work.  Episode 1 launches Tuesday, February 24th. Follow now so you don’t miss the beginning.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast
  • Show Website
    Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast

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