Marionette Doll's

Marionette Dolls

The Marionette Doll represents the delicate balance between control and surrender. This symbol mirrors the experience of those shaped by trauma and the process of reclaiming agency over one’s life. In childhood, the marionette can embody the feeling of being pulled by invisible strings of emotions, expectations, or circumstances beyond our control. Each string reflects an external influence: family, society, fear, or survival instincts that guided us before we could guide ourselves. The wooden frame, fragile yet enduring, symbolizes the resilience we carry even when we feel manipulated or voiceless. Yet, there is a beauty within the marionette, too. When the strings move in harmony, the doll dances; it becomes expressive, graceful, and alive. In this light, the marionette also represents the healing potential: the process of learning which strings to cut, which to keep, and how to move with intention rather than compulsion. It is the story of regaining authorship of transforming from being controlled to becoming the choreographer of one’s own movements. Marionette Dolls explores these themes through honest conversations about mental health, trauma, and recovery. It’s about acknowledging the strings that once controlled us and, together, learning how to move freely again.

  1. Apr 15

    Accidentally Successful

    Send us Fan Mail What if the voice in your head telling you “you don’t belong here”… isn’t telling you the truth? In this episode of The Marionette Dolls Podcast, we unpack imposter syndrome—what it actually feels like, where it comes from, and why it tends to show up the most in people who are capable but don’t feel like they are. We talk about the internal narrative of “they’re going to find me out,” how background and lived experience shape self-perception, and why success can feel uncomfortable or even undeserved—especially when you’re stepping into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Sarah shares her personal journey from foster care to military life to pursuing psychology, and how breaking out of expected paths can feel less like achievement… and more like you’re doing something you’re not supposed to be doing. This episode isn’t about “fixing” imposter syndrome overnight—it’s about understanding the cycle, recognizing the patterns, and learning how to move forward even when that voice is still there. Because you’re not accidentally successful. 🔗 RESOURCES & FURTHER INFORMATIONIf you want to explore this topic further or need support, here are some helpful resources: American Psychological Association  https://www.apa.org (Research-based articles on self-doubt, cognitive patterns, and mental health)National Institute of Mental Health  https://www.nimh.nih.gov (General mental health education and research-backed information)Anxiety Canada  https://www.anxietycanada.com (Helpful tools for managing anxious thoughts and self-doubt patterns)The Impostor Phenomenon  (Foundational work on imposter syndrome and how it develops)Support the show

    40 min
  2. Mar 12

    Well That Hit Different

    Send us Fan Mail One moment, you’re driving to work like any other morning. The next moment, your car is rolling down the highway, and everything changes. In this episode, Sarah shares the story of the accident that caused her traumatic brain injury and the long recovery that followed. From the immediate aftermath of the crash to months of rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neurofeedback, vision therapy, and more, this episode explores what traumatic brain injury really looks like beyond the moment of impact. Sarah and Crystal also break down the science behind TBIs, common misconceptions about concussions, why symptoms are often invisible, and why recovery is rarely a straight line. They discuss how brain injuries affect cognition, emotions, identity, and daily life, and how family members and friends can better support someone during recovery. This episode was created in recognition of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and aims to increase understanding of injuries that often go unseen but deeply affect the people living with them. Helpful Resources: - Brain Injury Association of America – https://biausa.org - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TBI resources – https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury - American Academy of Neurology – https://www.aan.com Disclaimer This episode discusses personal experiences and psychological research related to traumatic brain injury. The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. If you believe you may have experienced a traumatic brain injury, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Support the show

    59 min
  3. Mar 5

    Spring Forward... Fall Apart

    Send us Fan Mail We lose an hour every spring and gain one in the fall, but our biology doesn’t change as quickly as the clock. In this episode, Sarah and Crystal explore how daylight saving time affects circadian rhythms, hormonal timing, mood regulation, and cognitive performance. They discuss why even a one-hour shift can disrupt sleep architecture, increase irritability and fatigue, and temporarily affect decision-making and emotional regulation. The conversation also touches on sleep disorders discussed in the DSM-5-TR, including insomnia, sleep apnea, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, hypersomnolence, and narcolepsy, while clarifying how these conditions actually present compared to common media portrayals. The episode closes with practical, research-based strategies that may help the body adjust more smoothly to time changes, including light exposure timing, consistent sleep routines, and behavioral strategies that support circadian stability. Helpful Sleep Resources Sleep Foundation – https://www.sleepfoundation.org National Sleep Foundation – https://www.thensf.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/sleep American Academy of Sleep Medicine – https://sleepeducation.org Disclaimer This episode discusses psychological and sleep research for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. If you have ongoing sleep concerns, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare provider or sleep specialist. Support the show

    38 min

About

The Marionette Doll represents the delicate balance between control and surrender. This symbol mirrors the experience of those shaped by trauma and the process of reclaiming agency over one’s life. In childhood, the marionette can embody the feeling of being pulled by invisible strings of emotions, expectations, or circumstances beyond our control. Each string reflects an external influence: family, society, fear, or survival instincts that guided us before we could guide ourselves. The wooden frame, fragile yet enduring, symbolizes the resilience we carry even when we feel manipulated or voiceless. Yet, there is a beauty within the marionette, too. When the strings move in harmony, the doll dances; it becomes expressive, graceful, and alive. In this light, the marionette also represents the healing potential: the process of learning which strings to cut, which to keep, and how to move with intention rather than compulsion. It is the story of regaining authorship of transforming from being controlled to becoming the choreographer of one’s own movements. Marionette Dolls explores these themes through honest conversations about mental health, trauma, and recovery. It’s about acknowledging the strings that once controlled us and, together, learning how to move freely again.