Relational Time, Complex Trauma, and the Fear of What Comes Next

Leadership, Wellbeing & Self-Awareness: Dr. Audrey Tang on Confidence, Burnout Prevention, and Building Psychologically Safe Workplaces

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with renowned psychologist, leadership consultant, author, TEDx speaker, and wellbeing expert Dr. Audrey Tang for an insightful conversation about leadership, confidence, resilience, workplace wellbeing, and the power of self-awareness. Drawing from her work in organizational psychology, coaching, public speaking, and community wellbeing initiatives, Dr. Tang explains why many workplace wellbeing programs fail, how leaders can create psychologically safe environments, and why sustainable performance begins with confidence and agency—not perfection. Together, they explore burnout, resilience, trauma-informed leadership, workplace culture, the dangers of over-identifying with diagnoses, social media's impact on mental health, and why self-awareness may be the single most important skill for personal and professional growth. If you're a leader, therapist, coach, entrepreneur, HR professional, or someone seeking greater wellbeing and purpose, this conversation offers practical insights for creating healthier organizations and more meaningful lives. ______________________________________ About Dr. Audrey Tang Dr. Audrey Tang is a psychologist, leadership consultant, wellbeing trainer, TEDx speaker, author, coach, media contributor, and host of the Mental Health Matters Podcast. Her work focuses on confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing, leadership development, and helping individuals and organizations thrive. TEDx Talk: Appreciating Our Bodies Through Dance https://youtu.be/ziykVr_AxDg?si=-cxIuU-2giGV2Z3a Mental Health Matters Podcast & Media Channels: https://mentalhealthmatters.buzzsprout.com https://www.youtube.com/@WellbeingMediaStudio Books by Dr. Audrey Tang The Leader's Guide to Wellbeing (2023) The Leader's Guide to Resilience (2020) The Leader's Guide to Mindfulness (2018) Be A Great Manager Now (2016) *AVAILABLE ON AMAZON ______________________________________________ Connect with Holding Space Website: www.drchristopherbarker.com Interested in being a guest on the podcast or having Dr. Barker appear on your show? Email: info@drchristopherbarker.com

Leadership Impact: How Great Leaders Create Culture, Build Trust, and Resolve Conflict with Dr. Stephanie Duguid

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker sits down with leadership culture strategist, educator, and author Dr. Stephanie Duguid to explore the powerful connection between leadership, communication, workplace culture, and human well-being. Drawing from decades of experience in education, organizational leadership, and workplace culture development, Dr. Duguid shares why effective leadership is not about titles, authority, or rigid policies—it is about communication, authenticity, and the ability to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, they discuss how communication shapes culture, why workplace stress and burnout often show up through behavior, and how leaders can strengthen trust through emotional intelligence, active listening, and authentic connection. Dr. Duguid explains why great leaders must learn to "wear their own shoes" rather than imitate others, how organizations can intentionally create healthy cultures, and why conflict should be approached with curiosity, grace, and respect rather than avoidance. The conversation also explores trauma-informed communication, the hidden impact of workplace dynamics, the importance of psychological safety, and how small changes in language, body language, and environment can dramatically improve difficult conversations. Whether you're a business leader, educator, entrepreneur, therapist, manager, or someone interested in creating healthier relationships and stronger teams, this episode offers practical insights for leading with purpose, compassion, and authenticity. Topics Covered: • Leadership communication • Workplace culture and organizational health • Psychological safety • Authentic leadership • Conflict resolution with grace • Trauma-informed communication • Burnout and workplace wellness • Emotional intelligence • Team dynamics and trust • Creating culture on purpose Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Duguid: www.drstephanieduguid.com [http://www.drstephanieduguid.com] Connect with Dr. Stephanie Duguid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephanieduguid/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephanieduguid/] Check out her flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17HEqfv6D0EFTK8b_aEfH4XkMvU-i1sAa59w9l1gfDT0/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/17HEqfv6D0EFTK8b_aEfH4XkMvU-i1sAa59w9l1gfDT0/edit?usp=sharing] Interested in being a guest on Holding Space or inviting Dr. Christopher Barker to speak or appear on your podcast? Contact: info@drchristopherbarker.com [info@drchristopherbarker.com] Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker: www.drchristopherbarker.com [http://www.drchristopherbarker.com]

Toxic Perseverance: How Unhealed Trauma Drives Our Lives | Michael Scarano

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker talks with Dr. Michael Scarano—former physical therapy assistant, chiropractor, and medical doctor—about his powerful concept of “toxic perseverance.” Drawing on decades in healthcare, his own trauma history, and the loss of a close friend to suicide, Dr. Scarano explains how unprocessed trauma and the subconscious mind can quietly drive perfectionism, overworking, imposter syndrome, shame, and chronic emotional pain. Together, they explore why so many “high-functioning” people are suffering underneath their success, how complex trauma, ADHD, and lifelong self-criticism can shape identity, and why men in particular struggle to face vulnerability. Dr. Scarano shares how his own breaking point led to a deep self-audit, new language for understanding his patterns, and his upcoming book and TEDx talk on toxic perseverance. Dr. Barker adds a psychodynamic and attachment-informed lens, highlighting the role of the subconscious, the mind–body connection, and what therapists can do to humanize the therapy room and build safer, more authentic relationships with clients. This conversation is for anyone wondering why they “push through” at all costs, feel stuck in shame and overdrive, or sense that old trauma is still running the show. It’s especially relevant for clinicians, coaches, and helpers who want a more nuanced, human-centered way of thinking about trauma, mental health, and resilience. Learn more about Dr. Michael Scarano: TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/m_OO6sJ7-UM [https://youtu.be/m_OO6sJ7-UM] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-scarano-m-d-087b19139/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-scarano-m-d-087b19139/] Website: https://www.michaelscaranollc.com/ [https://www.michaelscaranollc.com/] Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker and Holding Space: Website: https://www.drchristopherbarker.com [https://www.drchristopherbarker.com] Interested in being a guest? Email: info@drchristopherbarker.com [info@drchristopherbarker.com]

Relational Time, Complex Trauma, and the Fear of What Comes Next

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores how complex trauma shapes the way we experience uncertainty in relationships. Introducing the concept of “relational time,” he explains why small moments—like a delayed text or a shift in tone—can quickly feel like rejection, loss, or danger. Through a guided exercise, listeners learn how the nervous system predicts outcomes based on past experiences and how healing begins by staying present in moments that feel uncertain instead of rushing to conclusions. This episode is a powerful resource for anyone interested in mental health, mental health awareness, trauma healing, attachment theory, anxiety, overthinking, emotional regulation, and relationship patterns. If you’ve ever felt your mind jump to the worst-case scenario, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to begin changing that pattern. Learn more about Dr. Christopher Barker: https://www.drchristopherbarker.com [https://www.drchristopherbarker.com] Interested in being a guest? Email: info@drchristopherbarker.com [info@drchristopherbarker.com]

Systems Thinking in Therapy: A Graduate Student's Journey with Joanna Martin | Holding Space Podcast

Join Dr. Christopher Barker in conversation with Joanna Martin, MFT graduate student, executive functioning coach, and mental health content creator from Southern California. Joanna shares her transformative experience volunteering at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference, where she connected with industry leaders like Lynn Lyons, Terry Real, and Elliott Connie. Discover how systems thinking revolutionizes therapy practice, the reality of being a master's-level clinician, and practical insights on building an online community of therapists and students. Perfect for aspiring therapists, current grad students, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in relational work and family systems therapy. Learn about navigating clinical training, the power of affirmations in therapy, and how thinking systemically changes everything from client work to watching TV shows. 🎯 WANT DR. BARKER AS A GUEST SPEAKER OR INTERESTED IN BEING A GUEST? Visit: drchristopherbarker.com [http://drchristopherbarker.com] Email: info@drchristopherbarker.com [info@drchristopherbarker.com] Follow Our Guest Joanne Martin on TIK & Insta: @lovingherbecoming