We Were a Nice Normal Family with Patricia A. Grenelle, PsyD

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Thank you Megan Youngmee [https://substack.com/profile/24738153-megan-youngmee], Deanne Ames [https://substack.com/profile/324302904-deanne-ames], and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. In this deeply personal and emotionally layered episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, John Rinaldo sits down with psychologist, author, and trauma survivor Patricia A. Grenell to discuss her memoir We Were a Nice Normal Family — a story that moves beyond appearances and into the hidden realities of childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, survival, and recovery. What begins as a conversation about writing and Substack slowly unfolds into something much deeper: an honest examination of how trauma shapes identity, relationships, and the lifelong process of understanding ourselves. Patricia shares the painful truth that for many survivors, abuse does not always look obvious from the outside. Families can appear functional, respectable, and “normal,” while carrying generations of silence and hidden suffering underneath. Her memoir explores the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse, emotional neglect, misogyny, and the psychological weight of living in environments where harmful behavior was ignored, minimized, or normalized. Throughout the discussion, Patricia explains the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), describing how prolonged trauma over time—especially during childhood—creates deep emotional patterns that often follow people into adulthood. She speaks candidly about discovering, through therapy later in life, that many of the struggles she carried were connected to unresolved trauma she had never fully understood. John and Patricia also explore the cultural realities women faced in earlier generations. Patricia reflects on surviving abusive marriages during a time when divorce carried tremendous shame and women were often expected to stay silent, endure suffering, and remain dependent on men. Her story becomes not only one of trauma recovery, but also one of breaking generational and societal expectations. The conversation moves through many chapters of Patricia’s life: her military service, her pursuit of higher education despite resistance from others, her work as a forensic psychologist, and her experiences helping people whose own trauma had led them into devastating situations. Rather than offering simplistic answers, Patricia speaks openly about how understanding trauma helped her make sense of patterns in both herself and others. We Were a Nice Normal Family: A Memoir of Recovery from C-PTSD and the Trauma of Narcissistic Abuse by Patricia Grenelle One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Patricia explains why she finally chose to write her memoir. After years of processing her experiences privately, she realized that many others carried similar pain in silence. Writing became both an act of healing and an act of service. She wanted survivors to understand one important truth: They are not alone. John brings empathy and reflection throughout the conversation, connecting Patricia’s story to broader themes of self-awareness, emotional triggers, relationships, and the quiet courage required to confront the past honestly. The episode becomes less about diagnosis and more about humanity—the complicated ways people survive, adapt, and eventually learn how to return to themselves. This is not an easy conversation, but it is an important one. It is about survival.About voice.About truth.And about the long, quiet work of healing after a lifetime of carrying things no child should ever have to carry. Patricia also encourages people to support organizations that help survivors of trauma, abuse, and childhood neglect, including; * RAINN [https://rainn.org] * CPTSD Foundation [https://cptsdfoundation.org] * American Society for the Positive Care of Children [https://americanspcc.org] * Take Back the Night [https://takebackthenight.org] Groups dedicated to healing, advocacy, education, and support for those navigating trauma and recovery. Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. 🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack? About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/podcast], where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. John is currently working on Ciao Bella: Forgotten in the Shadows [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/s/the-hole], a documentary project telling the story of Italian families who, during World War II, risked everything to help Jewish families escape to safety across the Alps. © 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved. This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Keep Breathing — A Conversation with Megan Youngmee

Thank you Florence Acosta [https://substack.com/profile/31310064-florence-acosta], The Warden’s Archive [https://substack.com/profile/24112749-the-wardens-archive], Lynn J. Broderick [https://substack.com/profile/116644987-lynn-j-broderick], Hundred Tomatoes [https://substack.com/profile/28512702-hundred-tomatoes], Danni Levy [https://substack.com/profile/208450192-danni-levy], and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. From Amish Country to Peru: A Journey of Healing, Self-Discovery, and Hope On this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I had the privilege of sitting down with writer, healer, and creator Megan Youngmee, whose life story reads like a novel filled with unexpected turns, deep reflection, and profound personal growth. Megan’s journey began as a Korean adoptee raised in rural Pennsylvania, surrounded by the simplicity of Amish and Mennonite culture. Through the encouragement of a teacher who believed in her potential, she earned a scholarship to attend college in Los Angeles, launching her into a world far removed from the one she had known. What followed was a successful corporate career working with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and high-profile clients. From the outside, it looked like she had achieved everything society tells us to pursue. Yet internally, something felt missing. Rather than ignore that feeling, Megan made a courageous choice. She stepped away from the corporate world and embarked on a journey of exploration that eventually led her through Asia, South America, monasteries, and ultimately to Peru. Along the way, she discovered something many people spend their entire lives searching for: a deeper connection to herself. What made this conversation so powerful was not the places Megan traveled, but the soul work she did along the way. She openly discussed the fears, insecurities, trauma, and uncertainty that shaped many of her decisions. Contrary to what many people assume, Megan explained that she wasn’t fearless. She was often terrified. The difference was that she chose to take the next step anyway. Throughout our discussion, she emphasized that transformation rarely happens overnight. Real growth comes through small decisions repeated over time. Whether moving across the country, starting over in a new country, writing a book, or healing emotional wounds, lasting change is built one step at a time. The conversation also explored the role writing plays in healing. Megan shared how writing allows us to reflect on our experiences, identify patterns, and better understand ourselves. She spoke honestly about the challenges of writing about painful experiences and the importance of giving ourselves the time and space necessary to process difficult emotions. One of the most inspiring themes of the episode was Megan’s belief in community and reciprocity. She challenged the modern mindset of constantly asking, “What can I get?” and encouraged listeners to ask, “What can I contribute?” Whether through writing, relationships, or creative communities like Substack, she believes meaningful growth happens when people support one another rather than compete against each other. Above all, Megan’s story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling stuck between who they are and who they want to become. Her life demonstrates that you don’t need to have all the answers before taking the next step. You simply need the courage to begin. Her message is clear: healing is possible, growth is possible, and your story matters. 5 Key Takeaways from This Podcast * You don’t have to have the entire plan figured out.Focus on the next step, not the entire journey. * Fear doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.Many of life’s biggest opportunities arrive alongside uncertainty. * Writing can be a powerful healing tool.Reflection helps reveal patterns, process pain, and create clarity. * Authenticity creates deeper connections than popularity.Build relationships based on honesty, not numbers. * Growth happens through small, consistent actions.The life you want is often built one decision at a time. Why This Episode Matters If you’ve ever felt trapped between the life you’re living and the life you’re meant to live, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight. Megan Youngmee’s story reminds us that healing is not about becoming someone new—it’s about rediscovering who we truly are beneath the noise, fear, and expectations of the world. Listen to this episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack and discover how courage, curiosity, and self-reflection can transform even the most unexpected journey into a life of meaning and purpose. — John RinaldoThe Positive PenStories. Soul Work. Creative Life. ✍️ Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters. 🟧Missed the Last Episode of Stories, Soul Work & Substack? About the Author The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice. He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/podcast], where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST. John is currently working on Ciao Bella: Forgotten in the Shadows [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/s/the-hole], a documentary project telling the story of Italian families who, during World War II, risked everything to help Jewish families escape to safety across the Alps. © 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved. This work is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Official publications are released only through verified accounts directly controlled by John V. Rinaldo. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. THE POSITIVE PEN is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe [https://rinaldoj.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

23 jun 20261 h 42 min

We Were a Nice Normal Family with Patricia A. Grenelle, PsyD

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