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

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: 1. amymckiernan.com [https://amymckiernan.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. BookBaby 2. Draft2Digital

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

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: 1. Why healing is not linear — and why that’s normal 2. How journaling and storytelling can be therapeutic tools 3. Evidence-based anxiety strategies like the 4-7-8 breathing method 4. The science behind nature therapy and lowering cortisol 5. How suppressed trauma can manifest as physical symptoms 6. Why self-compassion is a critical part of emotional recovery 7. Women’s self-image struggles, perfectionism, and people-pleasing 8. How 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: 1. Women navigating self-worth and identity challenges 2. Veterans and trauma survivors seeking practical healing tools 3. Anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm 4. Readers 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 [https://barracksmedia.com] Links referenced in this episode: 1. tarasweetawakening.com [https://tarasweetawakening.com] 2. amazon.com [https://amazon.com] 3. indigo.ca [https://indigo.ca] 4. barnesandnoble.com [https://barnesandnoble.com] 5. bookshop.org [https://bookshop.org] 6. waterstones.com [https://waterstones.com] 7. booksamillion.com [https://booksamillion.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Barix Media 2. Donald Dunn Trucking 3. Amazon 4. Indigo 5. Barnes and Noble 6. Bookshop.org 7. Waterstones 8. Books a Million

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: 1. tonilamotta.com [https://tonylamotta.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Warrior's Way

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: 1. Dr. Edward Tick emphasizes that PTSD is a universal human issue, not limited to veterans. 2. The concept of moral injury is discussed as a profound wound affecting the soul of warriors. 3. Dr. Tick's work is dedicated to healing the wounds of war through spiritual and community practices. 4. The importance of understanding and addressing the psychological impacts of conflict on both individuals and families is highlighted. 5. The podcast explores the significance of rites of passage for young men in contemporary society. 6. Healing journeys to Vietnam are described as pivotal for veterans seeking reconciliation and closure. Links referenced in this episode: 1. edwardtick.com [https://edwardtick.com] 2. dredtick@gmail.com [https://dreadtick@gmail.com]