Trauma Candy Salad

Trauma Candy Salad
  • 5.0 (13)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Trauma Candy Salad is a show where host Sammi, and her siblings Ashley and Kyle, dive into real stories of trauma, healing, and resilience—then sweeten the journey with candy. 🍬 Each episode features anonymous listener submissions or personal stories, paired with favorite treats to build a “candy salad.” It’s raw, it’s messy, sometimes hilarious, and always human. No therapy licenses here—just big feelings, sibling chaos, and a little sugar to help the hard stuff go down.

  1. APR 27

    EPISODE 50! Religious Trauma, Deconstruction & Escaping Evangelical Extremism (with Guest “E”)

    In this milestone 50th episode of Trauma Candy Salad, Sammi and Ashley sit down with guest “E” to unpack her deeply personal journey through religious trauma and deconstructing from the evangelical faith. E shares what it was like growing up immersed in a belief system rooted in fear, control, and rigid expectations—and the complex, often painful process of questioning everything she was taught. Together, they explore how religious extremism can shape identity, relationships, and mental health long after someone leaves it behind. The conversation also expands into how these belief systems intersect with current political climates, and the real-world impact of extremism on personal freedoms and societal norms. This is one of our longest and most in-depth episodes yet, filled with raw honesty, thoughtful reflection, and moments that will challenge, validate, and resonate—whether you’ve experienced religious trauma yourself or are trying to better understand it. Content Warning: Religious trauma, spiritual abuse, extremism, discussion of political systems and beliefs. If you have a story you’d like us to read on the podcast, submit it here: https://www.traumacandysalad.com/submit-a-story

    2h 20m

  2. APR 20

    Workplace Stalker, Road Rage Assault & Toxic Co-Parenting

    In this episode of Trauma Candy Salad, we’re diving into stories that explore how quickly “normal” situations can turn unsafe—and what it looks like to survive them. Amber shares what started as a typical teenage job at the mall… until a much older coworker crossed every boundary. What began as “just being friendly” escalated into stalking behavior that left her feeling unsafe at work—until her dad stepped in. Susie Q recounts a terrifying moment of domestic violence that happened while she was behind the wheel—an argument that turned physical in seconds and ended in a crash, injury, and criminal consequences. Wren opens up about life after leaving an abusive marriage, including ongoing co-parenting struggles, court battles, and the emotional toll of protecting her children while navigating manipulation, religious control, and a child caught between two conflicting realities. These stories highlight how abuse can show up in different forms—workplace harassment, intimate partner violence, and post-separation control—and how survival often looks like making impossible decisions in real time. As always, we hold space for the heavy… and still leave room for a little sweetness. 🍬 Today’s candy picks: Swedish Fish, Hershey’s with Almonds, Nerd Clusters ⸻ ⚠️ Trigger Warnings: This episode contains discussions of: * Workplace harassment & stalking * Domestic violence * Physical assault * Child abuse * Emotional & psychological abuse * Religious manipulation * Co-parenting conflict Listener discretion is advised. ⸻ 📌 Resources & Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you’re not alone. Support is available: * National Domestic Violence Hotline     Call: 1-800-799-7233     Text: START to 88788     Chat: thehotline.org * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)     Call: 800-656-HOPE     Online chat available at rainn.org * Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline     Call/Text: 1-800-4-A-CHILD     Chat: childhelphotline.org * If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. ⸻ 💌 Want to share your story or be featured on the show? Submit here: https://www.traumacandysalad.com/submit-a-story 📱 Follow us: @TraumaCandySaladPod on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook

    1h 1m

  3. APR 13

    When Family Falls Apart in Real Time

    In this episode, Sammi is joined by Shauna (and returning guest Jess) for a raw and emotional conversation about what happens when the person you trusted most becomes someone you don’t recognize. Shauna shares how her relationship with her brother—once one of the closest bonds in her life—slowly unraveled, ultimately contributing to the breakdown of her entire family. What started as a shift during after a divorce turned into something much deeper: masks falling, personality changes, and the painful realization that the person she thought she knew wasn’t who they really were. Together, they talk about the grief of losing someone who’s still alive, how family dynamics can completely change after loss, and what it takes to set boundaries—even when it means walking away from family. This episode is about acceptance, self-protection, and the strength it takes to choose peace over proximity.

    1h 25m

  4. APR 6

    Bad Dads: Love, Fear, and Mixed Signals

    Jess is back in the co-host chair today while Ashley is busy with mom life and Kyle is down bad with a torn bicep (send thoughts and prayers 😅). What starts as a casual catch-up quickly turns into an episode centered around one common thread: the unpredictability of a father’s love. Ana shares the story of a dad who was mostly absent—but when he did show up, it left a mark that never faded. Jackie grew up trying to navigate “two versions” of her dad—one warm and loving, the other manipulative and emotionally exhausting—never knowing which one she’d get. And Gabbi takes us inside a home where her father’s presence meant fear, control, and violence, and the complicated feelings that came after his sudden death. These stories explore what it’s like to grow up walking on eggshells, trying to make sense of love that feels inconsistent, and the quiet relief (and grief) that can come with distance. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. As always, if you’re looking for support or resources, check the show notes or head to our website. And if you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you.

    45 min

  5. MAR 30

    But Wait, There's More (Erin’s Endometriosis Story, Part 2)

    In Part 2 of Erin’s story, we continue the conversation with a 30-year-old woman living with stage IV endometriosis and adenomyosis as she faces what happens when the pain comes back… even after major surgery. Erin shares what it was like to return to the operating room after her symptoms resurfaced, including the physical and emotional toll of repeat surgeries and the uncertainty of never knowing if the relief will last. We talk about the reality of chronic illness, when your body doesn’t respond the way doctors expect, and how exhausting it is to keep starting over. We also dive into Erin’s faith and how it has shaped the way she processes pain, grief, and purpose. From navigating a life that looks “normal” on the outside to redefining what quality of life actually means, Erin opens up about where she is now and what she’s still fighting for. This episode is about resilience, identity, and learning how to keep going when there are no easy answers. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of chronic pain, medical trauma, surgical procedures, and emotional distress related to ongoing illness.

    1h 6m

  6. MAR 23

    Relax, It’s ‘Normal’ (Erin’s Endometriosis Story, Part 1)

    In Part 1 of Erin’s story, we sit down with a 30-year-old woman living with stage IV endometriosis and adenomyosis to talk about what happens when severe, chronic pain is repeatedly dismissed as “normal.” Erin shares how her symptoms began as a teenager with extreme period pain and quickly escalated into daily, debilitating pain that doctors struggled, and often failed, to take seriously. After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told her experience was just part of being a woman, she was finally diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis, one of the most severe cases her specialist had seen for someone her age. We walk through the emotional and physical toll of navigating the healthcare system, the reality of advocating for yourself when no one is listening, and what it was like undergoing her first major surgeries, including a multi-hour excision procedure. This episode sheds light on the reality of living with endometriosis, the dangers of medical gaslighting, and why early diagnosis and advocacy matter. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of chronic pain, medical trauma, surgical procedures, and experiences of being dismissed within the healthcare system.

    51 min

  7. MAR 16

    One Pen Against the Taliban

    Trigger Warning: gun violence, attempted murder This week we’re taking a short break from our usual listener stories for spring break (and to celebrate Kyle’s upcoming baby 👶), but we didn’t want to leave you without an episode. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing the powerful story of Malala Yousafzai, the girl who spoke out for girls’ education under Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan rule in Pakistan. At just 15 years old, a gunman boarded her school bus, asked “Who is Malala?” and shot her in the head. This is the story of the girl they tried to silence… and how she changed the world.      Information for this episode was compiled from the following sources: • National Women’s History Museum – “Malala Yousafzai” biography • Encyclopaedia Britannica – Biography of Malala Yousafzai • Nobel Prize Foundation – Nobel Prize facts about Malala Yousafzai • United Nations – Malala Yousafzai Messenger of Peace profile • Malala Fund – Malala’s Story

    9 min

  8. MAR 9

    The Things He Stole From Her

    Some people don’t break things with one big moment — they take pieces slowly. In this week’s episode, “The Things He Stole From Her,” we share three stories about the ways harm shows up in relationships, in public spaces, and even inside the homes that are supposed to be safest. Ashley reads a story from a woman whose husband slowly turned the parts of her personality he once loved into reasons she was “in trouble,” until she realized the only way to keep her shine was to leave. Kyle shares a terrifying moment from a listener whose routine neighborhood run turned into a sprint for safety when a man emerged from the bushes watching her. And Sammi reads a heartbreaking story from a mother whose four-year-old daughter bravely disclosed abuse by her own father — and the long road that followed to protect her child. As always, we hold space for these stories with honesty, compassion, and a little dark humor along the way. Candy in the bowl this week: Malt Balls, Candy Hearts, and Pop Rocks. ⸻ Trigger Warnings: Domestic emotional abuse, coercive/controlling relationships, stalking/threatening behavior, child sexual abuse, discussion of sexual assault exams, incarceration.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Trauma Candy Salad is a show where host Sammi, and her siblings Ashley and Kyle, dive into real stories of trauma, healing, and resilience—then sweeten the journey with candy. 🍬 Each episode features anonymous listener submissions or personal stories, paired with favorite treats to build a “candy salad.” It’s raw, it’s messy, sometimes hilarious, and always human. No therapy licenses here—just big feelings, sibling chaos, and a little sugar to help the hard stuff go down.

Information

  • Creator
    Trauma Candy Salad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Trauma Candy Salad
  • Show Website
    Trauma Candy Salad