The Healing Side: Real Stories of Growth, Recovery, and Resilience

Donald Dunn
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The Healing Side is a storytelling podcast focused on the human side of healing — emotional, personal, and spiritual. Through honest conversations, the show explores how people navigate trauma, loss, change, and recovery in their own lives. Each episode centers on lived experience rather than advice, creating space for reflection, understanding, and connection. The show does not offer quick fixes or clinical solutions, but instead highlights resilience, perspective, and the many paths people take toward healing. The Healing Side is for listeners seeking thoughtful conversations, shared humanity, and reassurance that healing is not linear — and that they are not alone.

  1. What Does Healing From Sexual Assault Really Look Like? One Woman’s 10-Year Story - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books

    MAR 3 · BONUS

    What Does Healing From Sexual Assault Really Look Like? One Woman’s 10-Year Story - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books

    How do you truly heal after sexual assault? In this powerful episode of Authors After Action, Amy McKiernan shares her deeply personal journey of surviving sexual assault and the ten-year process it took to write her healing-centered book. This conversation explores trauma, PTSD, reclaiming your voice, and the courage it takes to share a vulnerable story publicly. Amy discusses what healing actually looks like, why recovery isn’t linear, the importance of support systems, and how writing became part of her transformation. The episode also dives into the realities of self-publishing, navigating difficult memories, and why telling your story can help others feel less alone. If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into the healing process. Links referenced in this episode: amymckiernan.com Companies mentioned in this episode: BookBabyDraft2Digital

    34 min

  2. MAR 3

    What is on the other side when we pass? Do we have evidance of what exists?

    Is there really a light people see after death? In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Spirits and Stories, we explore the mysteries surrounding the life and death journey with spiritual teacher Michael Waters. Drawing from extraordinary afterlife experiences, Michael shares his work in psychopomp work — the practice of crossing lost souls into the light — guided by Native American spirit guides. The conversation dives into landlocked spirits, reincarnation, spirit guides, and the life review many believe occurs after death. We also examine the relationship between consciousness and energy, shamanic journeying, emotional healing, and how unresolved trauma may influence spiritual lessons beyond this life. From mystical experiences and paranormal encounters to discussions about remote viewing and indigo children, this episode challenges conventional thinking while offering a compassionate perspective on death, healing past traumas, and the nature of the afterlife. If you’ve ever questioned what happens when we die, how spiritual guidance works, or whether consciousness survives the body, this episode will leave you reflecting long after it ends. Join us On Substack and stay up to date with everything happening with Spirits and Stories https://zlpceut.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

    55 min

  3. FEB 24

    How Do I Heal from Anxiety, Self-Doubt, and Trauma? Practical Life Hacks for Inner Peace and Harmony

    What does real healing actually look like — and why is it never linear? In this powerful episode of The Healing Side, Donald Dunn sits down with author, editor, and communications professional Tara May Temple to explore the messy, layered, and deeply personal journey of healing. With over fifteen years in advertising and healthcare fundraising, Tara walked away from corporate success to pursue her calling — helping others achieve inner peace through storytelling, evidence-based strategies, and radical self-acceptance. Her new book, Life Hacks for Healing and Harmony, blends research-backed techniques with personal experience to guide readers through anxiety, identity struggles, grief, perfectionism, and self-image challenges. In this conversation, you’ll discover: Why healing is not linear — and why that’s normalHow journaling and storytelling can be therapeutic toolsEvidence-based anxiety strategies like the 4-7-8 breathing methodThe science behind nature therapy and lowering cortisolHow suppressed trauma can manifest as physical symptomsWhy self-compassion is a critical part of emotional recoveryWomen’s self-image struggles, perfectionism, and people-pleasingHow to rebuild identity after trauma or major life change Tara shares openly about body shaming, cultural expectations, faith, and self-discovery — offering practical tools that anyone can apply, regardless of where they are in their healing journey. This episode is especially powerful for: Women navigating self-worth and identity challengesVeterans and trauma survivors seeking practical healing toolsAnyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelmReaders looking for realistic, actionable personal growth strategies If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing healing right,” this conversation reminds you that there are no shortcuts — only progress, compassion, and small daily steps forward. 📘 Featured Book:Life Hacks for Healing and Harmony by Tara May Temple Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major online retailers. For more conversations on mental health, storytelling, faith, and personal transformation, explore additional episodes of The Healing Side and the Barracks Media Network at: https://barracksmedia.com Links referenced in this episode: tarasweetawakening.comamazon.comindigo.cabarnesandnoble.combookshop.orgwaterstones.combooksamillion.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Barix MediaDonald Dunn TruckingAmazonIndigoBarnes and NobleBookshop.orgWaterstonesBooks a Million

    55 min

  4. FEB 19

    Can you leave religion but keep your faith?

    In this powerful episode of The Healing Side, a leading healing podcast, host Donald Dunn sits down with Toni LaMotta to explore what it truly means to reclaim your inner authority and live with bold self-trust. After spending sixteen years under a vow of obedience as a Catholic nun, Toni shares her journey of faith after the convent, spiritual awakening, and the deep path of self-discovery that reshaped her life and work. Together, they dive into spiritual growth, personal development, and the hidden ways we take on invisible vows—through religion, family expectations, or overcoming perfectionism. Toni explains how Enneagram coaching uncovers unconscious motivations and builds greater emotional intelligence, helping listeners understand why they think, react, and behave the way they do. Through tools like journaling for healing, practical mindfulness practices, and intentional meditation techniques, she shows how awareness becomes the foundation for lasting trauma healing and real transformation. Toni also introduces her powerful presence practice, a simple daily method for reconnecting the body, heart, and mind. Rooted in integral theory, compassion, and radical honesty, this conversation encourages deeper compassion for self, the discipline of truly listening to your voice, and embracing life lessons as opportunities for growth. If you’re navigating spiritual transition, searching for clarity, or ready to strengthen your inner guidance, this episode offers grounded wisdom and actionable tools for healing and renewal. Links referenced in this episode: tonilamotta.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Warrior's Way

    39 min

  5. FEB 17

    Is PTSD a Soul Wound? What Veterans Need to Know About Moral Injury

    Is PTSD a Soul Wound? What Veterans Need to Know About Moral Injury? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Edward Tick joins The Healing Side to explore whether PTSD is more than a diagnosis — and whether it may actually be a soul wound. Drawing on over forty years of experience in holistic psychotherapy and veteran therapy, Dr. Edward Tick breaks down moral injury, the invisible wounds of war, and what true PTSD healing looks like beyond medication and symptom management. This episode dives deep into trauma recovery for veterans, exploring how moral injury differs from traditional PTSD, why some wars leave deeper spiritual scars, and how transgenerational trauma can pass through families. Dr. Tick shares insights on the warrior archetype, soul wounds, and why veterans mental health must include spiritual healing and community-based healing — not just clinical treatment. You’ll hear powerful Vietnam veteran stories and learn about Dr. Tick’s reconciliation journeys back to Vietnam, where healing journeys have helped veterans confront guilt, release shame, and experience emotional healing through storytelling and sacred ceremony. These trauma-informed care approaches offer a radically different path for veterans support — one rooted in connection, meaning, and restoration of the human soul. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD healing, moral injury, or the lingering emotional weight of combat, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and a deeper understanding of holistic psychotherapy and healing through storytelling. This episode is for anyone seeking emotional healing for veterans, greater understanding of the invisible wounds of war, and a new framework for trauma recovery grounded in spiritual healing and reconciliation. Takeaways: Dr. Edward Tick emphasizes that PTSD is a universal human issue, not limited to veterans.The concept of moral injury is discussed as a profound wound affecting the soul of warriors.Dr. Tick's work is dedicated to healing the wounds of war through spiritual and community practices.The importance of understanding and addressing the psychological impacts of conflict on both individuals and families is highlighted.The podcast explores the significance of rites of passage for young men in contemporary society.Healing journeys to Vietnam are described as pivotal for veterans seeking reconciliation and closure. Links referenced in this episode: edwardtick.comdredtick@gmail.com

    1h 3m

  6. FEB 10

    Rediscovering Well-Being: The Role of Tapping in Emotional Health

    The discourse herein centers on the transformative journey of healing, with a particular emphasis on the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly referred to as tapping. Our esteemed guest, Amy Vince, a certified tapping coach and the founder of the Soar with Tapping app, elucidates her profound experiences with cancer and subsequent emotional turmoil, which catalyzed her pursuit of healing at a foundational level rather than merely addressing surface symptoms. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the multifaceted nature of trauma, the importance of confronting uncomfortable emotions, and the empowering realization that healing is an ongoing process rather than a finite destination. Amy's insights illuminate the critical role that determination and self-awareness play in navigating one’s healing journey, encouraging us to embrace both strengths and vulnerabilities as integral components of our human experience. Join us as we explore these themes and uncover the profound potential for transformation inherent in tapping and emotional healing. Takeaways: The journey of healing often begins with the courageous act of confronting uncomfortable emotions.Engaging with one's emotions, particularly the uncomfortable ones, is essential for profound healing.Tapping, as a therapeutic tool, combines energy therapy, cognitive therapy, and somatic therapy for effective healing.Healing is a gradual process that should not be rushed, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace.Trauma is not solely defined by major events; even minor incidents can have significant impacts on one's emotional well-being.Finding the right healing modality is crucial, as not every method works for every individual. Links referenced in this episode: soarwithtapping.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Soar with TappingTony Robbins

    39 min

  7. JAN 27

    Where Science Meets Spirit: Dreams, Trauma, and the Hidden Power of the Mind with Lincoln Stoller

    In this episode of The Healing Side, we deliver a powerful storytelling podcast experience rooted in real life stories, deep conversations, and the evolving human experience of healing. We sit down with Lincoln Stoller—physicist turned psychotherapist—whose personal journey bridges science, spirit, and psychology into a unified approach to understanding the mind. Lincoln shares how quantum mechanics, mountaineering, cultural immersion, and therapy converge in his work. Through deep conversations, we explore the hidden language of dreams, the nature of trauma, and why altered states of awareness reveal truths ordinary thinking cannot reach. We talk about PTSD and anger, symbolism and self-actualization, and why “empty space”—not constant productivity—is where true growth begins. This episode is about overcoming adversity at the inner level. Lincoln explains the difference between chosen risk and imposed trauma, why anger works in war but fails in civilian life, and how fear and projection become tools for healing. These resilience stories reveal that dreams are not random—they are symbolic maps guiding us back to wholeness. You’ll walk away with meaningful life lessons about awareness, creativity, and the courage to listen to what the mind is already saying. If you’ve ever wondered how science and spirituality truly meet—or how healing actually begins—this conversation invites you to expand how you understand yourself. 🌐 Learn more about Lincoln: mindstrengthbalance.com Show Notes Highlights: Lincoln’s path from physicist to psychotherapistShared roots of trauma in academia, business, and combatChosen risk versus imposed traumaDreams as symbolic language (and why dictionaries mislead)The role of “empty space” in healing and creativityPTSD, flashbacks, and altered states of awarenessWhy anger works in war but fails in civilian lifeUsing fear and projection as therapeutic toolsScience, spirit, and symbolism as one model of the mindSelf-actualization as modern enlightenment

    44 min
  8. Behind the Veil: A Serious Discourse on the Supernatural - Radio Paranormal

    JAN 23 · BONUS

    Behind the Veil: A Serious Discourse on the Supernatural - Radio Paranormal

    The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of paranormal phenomena, interwoven with an engaging dialogue that balances serious insights with light-hearted banter. As we delve into the realms of cryptids and spiritual experiences, we are joined by Mr. Bobby Resnet Calkins, a distinguished figure in the field of paranormal investigation, who offers a unique perspective shaped by his Native American heritage. Our discussion traverses various topics, including the significance of cultural beliefs in the understanding of supernatural occurrences and the importance of respectful interaction with the spiritual realm. The episode is characterized by a blend of informative content and playful exchanges, underscoring the multifaceted nature of our exploration into the unknown. We invite listeners to engage with us as we navigate the intriguing intersections of the paranormal and the personal in this riveting conversation. Join your hosts Jennifer Tally or New Orleans Paranormal Society and Brandon Cooper of Supernatural Ink and PTFX as we bring you our new s how Radio Paranormal. Bringing the spirit of New Orleans with the Spirits of the Appalachian Mountains.. We explore all things strange and paranormal.. The discourse unfolds amidst the flickering shadows of the unknown, where the speakers engage in a profound exploration of the paranormal realm, interspersed with moments of light-hearted banter. The episode features a unique interplay between the serious examination of ghostly phenomena and the inherent humor that arises from their candid interactions. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, drawing listeners into their world where the eerie and the amusing coexist. This dynamic not only captivates the audience but also offers a refreshing perspective on the subject matter, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries of the afterlife while enjoying the levity of the conversation. Takeaways: The podcast episode delves into the intricacies of paranormal investigations, highlighting personal experiences and insights from the hosts.Listeners are introduced to the concept of spiritualism, particularly its significance within Native American culture, fostering a deeper understanding of its practices.The discussion of cryptids, including skinwalkers and wendigos, provides a fascinating exploration of folklore and its implications on modern paranormal beliefs.Humorous anecdotes interspersed throughout the serious conversations serve to lighten the mood while maintaining a focus on the paranormal themes.The episode also emphasizes the importance of respectful engagement with the spiritual realm, advocating for proper protocols and offerings when conducting investigations.Listeners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming New Orleans Paracon, where they can engage with various experts and learn more about paranormal phenomena. Mentioned in this episode: Looking For a Website or a place to grow your Podcast If you are looking to have a website that completely shares your character or wanting to build a podcast that allows your creativety run wild, Than let us take your ideas to reality.

    1h 6m
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The Healing Side is a storytelling podcast focused on the human side of healing — emotional, personal, and spiritual. Through honest conversations, the show explores how people navigate trauma, loss, change, and recovery in their own lives. Each episode centers on lived experience rather than advice, creating space for reflection, understanding, and connection. The show does not offer quick fixes or clinical solutions, but instead highlights resilience, perspective, and the many paths people take toward healing. The Healing Side is for listeners seeking thoughtful conversations, shared humanity, and reassurance that healing is not linear — and that they are not alone.

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