The Trauma Dump Podcast

#90 Inside the Mind: OCD + Autism

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1982230/open_sms] Living with both OCD and autism comes with unique challenges, strengths, and daily realities that are often misunderstood. In this episode, an anonymous guest shares their personal journey — opening up about routines, misconceptions, relationships, and the ways these two conditions overlap in their life. Through honesty and vulnerability, this conversation sheds light on the unseen struggles and untold resilience that come with navigating OCD and autism. OCD Resources * International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): https://iocdf.org [https://iocdf.org] * NOCD (therapy + community): https://www.treatmyocd.com [https://www.treatmyocd.com] Autism Resources * Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org [https://autisticadvocacy.org] * Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network: https://awnnetwork.org [https://awnnetwork.org] * National Autistic Society (UK-based but excellent guides): https://www.autism.org.uk [https://www.autism.org.uk] Combined Mental Health Support * NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://nami.org [https://nami.org] Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (for U.S. listeners; provide alternatives if you have global audience) Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1982230/support] New episodes every Sunday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! The Trauma Dump Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast] 🔥 Join the Trauma Dump discord 🔥https://discord.gg/rj6Vdn5NpK 🌚 Support the podcast 🌝 Gracelettes by Grace, handmade crystal jewelry [https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com/] Get 2 free weeks of therapy through BetterHelp if you sign up using this link: https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/efdbbaf77bf07b70-2-05?utm_term=ref_v1_dd Follow the Trauma Dump Podcast on social media for updates! 🔥TikTok - @thetraumadumppodcast 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thetraumadump 📸 Instagram - @traumadumppod @gracelaurentaylor & @gigitheservicedog For business inquiries: thetraumadump@gmail.com https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast [https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast]

Unseen Battles: Living with Autoimmune Disease and Chronic Illness

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1982230/open_sms] In this episode, I open up about my personal health journey — from being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease and alopecia areata, to navigating chronic migraines, seizures, and the struggle to be believed by doctors and peers. Living with autoimmune conditions means facing symptoms that others can’t always see: fatigue, brain fog, pain, hair loss, and fear of the unknown. I share my story of wearing a heart monitor, going through endless tests, and learning to live with conditions that change the way I see myself and the world. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or scared about your health, this episode is for you. You are not alone. 📌 Free Resources & Support: * American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)  – Information, education, and advocacy for autoimmune conditions * National Alopecia Areata Foundation  – Resources, support groups, and research updates * American Thyroid Association  – Education on Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism * Migraine Again  – Free migraine tips, tools, and patient stories * The Mighty  – Online community for people living with chronic illness and disability * Crisis Text Line  – Free 24/7 support if you’re struggling emotionally (Text HOME to 741741 in the U.S.) Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1982230/support] New episodes every Sunday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! The Trauma Dump Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast] 🔥 Join the Trauma Dump discord 🔥https://discord.gg/rj6Vdn5NpK 🌚 Support the podcast 🌝 Gracelettes by Grace, handmade crystal jewelry [https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com/] Get 2 free weeks of therapy through BetterHelp if you sign up using this link: https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/efdbbaf77bf07b70-2-05?utm_term=ref_v1_dd Follow the Trauma Dump Podcast on social media for updates! 🔥TikTok - @thetraumadumppodcast 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thetraumadump 📸 Instagram - @traumadumppod @gracelaurentaylor & @gigitheservicedog For business inquiries: thetraumadump@gmail.com https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast [https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast]

#88 The Mind’s Martial Art featuring Julio Rivera - Grace Lauren Wong

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1982230/open_sms] Today I’m joined by Julio Angel Rivera, a martial arts instructor, writer, and mental health advocate whose life story is as powerful as the lessons he teaches. When Julio was just eight years old, he witnessed a violent event that became the root of his struggles with complex trauma, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Despite those challenges, Julio has dedicated his life to turning pain into purpose. Through martial arts and writing, he empowers others to face resistance with resilience. He’s the author of Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder From the Outside In, and his new book, Internal Jiu Jitsu: How to Conquer Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way, was just released with White Deer Publishing in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. In this conversation, we’ll explore Julio’s journey of managing complex trauma, living with comorbidities, and how the principles of martial arts can be applied to mental health and healing. InternalJiuJitsu.com [http://internaljiujitsu.com] Go check out his new book! https://a.co/d/f3d7tiE [https://a.co/d/f3d7tiE] 📚 Mental Health & Crisis Resources * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 if you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. * SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) – A confidential, free, 24/7 resource for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders. * Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. * National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – nami.org [https://nami.org] | Education, advocacy, and local support groups for individuals and families navigating mental illness. * CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – chadd.org [https://chadd.org] | Evidence-based ADHD resources and community support. * International Bipolar Foundation – ibpf.org [https://ibpf.org] | Education, support, and resources for people living with bipolar disorder and their families. * Sidran Institute – sidran.org [https://www.sidran.org] | Specializes in resources for survivors of trauma and dissociation. 🥋 Martial Arts & Healing Resources * Internal Jiu Jitsu: How to Conquer Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way by Julio Angel Rivera (White Deer Publishing, 2024). * Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder From the Outside In by Julio Angel Rivera.  many communities are now offe Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1982230/support] New episodes every Sunday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! The Trauma Dump Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast] 🔥 Join the Trauma Dump discord 🔥https://discord.gg/rj6Vdn5NpK 🌚 Support the podcast 🌝 Gracelettes by Grace, handmade crystal jewelry [https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com/] Get 2 free weeks of therapy through BetterHelp if you sign up using this link: https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/efdbbaf77bf07b70-2-05?utm_term=ref_v1_dd Follow the Trauma Dump Podcast on social media for updates! 🔥TikTok - @thetraumadumppodcast 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thetraumadump 📸 Instagram - @traumadumppod @gracelaurentaylor & @gigitheservicedog For business inquiries: thetraumadump@gmail.com https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast [https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast]

#87 C-PTSD, Emotional Regulation, & Reclaiming Power featuring Lawrence Harris - Grace Lauren Wong

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1982230/open_sms] Today’s guest is someone who embodies resilience, courage, and compassion. Lawrence is a 19-year-old Youth Empowerment speaker who helps teens and young adults build self-love, resilience, and a positive outlook on life. Drawing from personal experiences with childhood abuse, Autism, and C-PTSD, Lawrence has spent the past four years not only healing, but also helping others do the same. In this episode, we talk about emotional regulation, healing from trauma, and what it really takes to reclaim your life at a young age. https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers [https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers] https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers [https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers] https://www.amazon.com/Power-people-control-management-physical-ebook/dp/B0CY95X1MJ [https://www.amazon.com/Power-people-control-management-physical-ebook/dp/B0CY95X1MJ] C-PTSD Education & Support Books * “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk  A foundational book on how trauma lives in the body and how healing is possible through body-based practices. * “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” by Pete Walker  Especially helpful for those who experienced ongoing childhood trauma. Very accessible language. * “What Happened to You?” by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey  A gentle and hopeful book that explores how childhood trauma affects the brain and how connection and compassion heal it. 🌐 Websites & Online Resources * The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM)  → nicabm.com [https://www.nicabm.com] Offers free videos and articles on trauma, emotional regulation, and nervous system healing. * CPTSD Foundation  → cptsdfoundation.org [https://cptsdfoundation.org] A non-profit offering daily trauma-informed support, virtual groups, and education. * The Mighty – Trauma & Mental Health Section  → themighty.com [https://themighty.com/topic/trauma/] A peer-based platform with personal stories, tools, and lived experiences from young people with C-PTSD. 🛠️  Tools for Emotional Regulation * Insight Timer – Free meditation & breathwork app (teens can filter for trauma-sensitive content) * Moodnotes – Helps track mood and identify emotional thought patterns * Clear Fear – Specifically made for teens managing Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1982230/support] New episodes every Sunday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! The Trauma Dump Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast] 🔥 Join the Trauma Dump discord 🔥https://discord.gg/rj6Vdn5NpK 🌚 Support the podcast 🌝 Gracelettes by Grace, handmade crystal jewelry [https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com/] Get 2 free weeks of therapy through BetterHelp if you sign up using this link: https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/efdbbaf77bf07b70-2-05?utm_term=ref_v1_dd Follow the Trauma Dump Podcast on social media for updates! 🔥TikTok - @thetraumadumppodcast 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thetraumadump 📸 Instagram - @traumadumppod @gracelaurentaylor & @gigitheservicedog For business inquiries: thetraumadump@gmail.com https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast [https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast]

#86 Movies that make an Impact featuring Director Kelsey Taylor - Grace Lauren Wong

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1982230/open_sms] Today, I’m joined by filmmaker Kelsey Taylor — a powerful voice in modern storytelling whose work explores the emotional terrain where pain meets resilience. Kelsey is the writer and director of the upcoming feature film To Kill a Wolf, a haunting and heart-wrenching reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, set against the backdrop of the Oregon wilderness. Through raw performances and deeply human characters, Kelsey dives into the complex themes of trauma, survival, and the long road to healing. With a background in both narrative and genre filmmaking, she brings an empathetic yet unflinching lens to the screen — and her work refuses to shy away from the darkness in order to find the light. I’m honored to welcome Kelsey to the podcast. *  www.tokillawolf.com Resources:  * National Domestic Violence Hotline (US):  thehotline.org [https://www.thehotline.org] | 1-800-799-SAFE Text “START” to 88788 * RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):  rainn.org [https://www.rainn.org] | 1-800-656-HOPE * Therapy Resources:  PsychologyToday.com [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists] – Find a trauma-informed therapist near you * Survivor-Led Communities:  domesticShelters.org [https://www.domesticshelters.org/] – Find safe shelter, advocacy, and support  TheMendProject.com [https://themendproject.com/] – Focused on covert emotional abuse education and healing Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1982230/support] New episodes every Sunday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! The Trauma Dump Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetraumadumppodcast] 🔥 Join the Trauma Dump discord 🔥https://discord.gg/rj6Vdn5NpK 🌚 Support the podcast 🌝 Gracelettes by Grace, handmade crystal jewelry [https://gracelettesbygrace.myshopify.com/] Get 2 free weeks of therapy through BetterHelp if you sign up using this link: https://www.betterhelp.com/rpc/efdbbaf77bf07b70-2-05?utm_term=ref_v1_dd Follow the Trauma Dump Podcast on social media for updates! 🔥TikTok - @thetraumadumppodcast 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/thetraumadump 📸 Instagram - @traumadumppod @gracelaurentaylor & @gigitheservicedog For business inquiries: thetraumadump@gmail.com https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast [https://thetraumadump.wixsite.com/traumadumppodcast]