Trauma Meets Recovery Podcast

Trauma Expert Dr. Peter Levine | Why Trauma Gets STUCK in the Body

In this exciting episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with world-renowned trauma pioneer Dr. Peter Levine — creator of Somatic Experiencing® and a leading voice in nervous system healing and trauma recovery. Dr. Levine explains how trauma becomes trapped in the body, why so many people stay stuck in survival mode, and how healing begins through reconnecting with the nervous system — not just the mind. He provides hope for those whose lives had been impacted by trauma. We explore: • Why trauma is stored in the body • Fight, flight, freeze & shutdown responses • The nervous system’s role in healing • Somatic Experiencing® explained • How unresolved trauma affects daily life • Why traditional talk therapy can miss the body • Practical insights for regulation and recovery Whether you’re healing from trauma, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how the body and mind work together, this conversation offers profound insight and hope. 🎧 Subscribe to Trauma Meets Recovery for conversations on healing, trauma, mental health, nervous system regulation, addiction recovery, and personal growth. Follow  @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCiMiklWUPQCtDqAZG5z4SGQ] Facebook & Instagram:  @TraumaMeetsRecoveryPodcast [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCiMiklWUPQCtDqAZG5z4SGQ]  Find Dr. Peter A. Levine:  Instagram: @drpeteralevine   #PeterLevine #SomaticExperiencing #TraumaHealing #NervousSystem #PolyvagalTheory #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingTrauma #TraumaRecovery #PsychologyPodcast #TraumaMeetsRecovery

Mike Cuevas | D.I.D Isn’t What You Think… Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder & Trauma

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) really like? In this episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with Mike Cuevas—author, advocate, and survivor—to break down the truth about DID, trauma, and the mind’s incredible ability to adapt. 🧠 DID isn’t chaos. It’s not weakness. It’s a powerful survival response developed when safety wasn’t available. In this conversation, we explore:  • What Dissociative Identity Disorder actually is  • The truth behind the “multiple personalities” misunderstanding  • Why DID is a response to trauma—not a disorder to fear • How the nervous system creates “parts” to survive • The shift from “What’s wrong with me?” → “What happened to me?” • Tools for healing, self-compassion, and integration Mike shares his personal journey of discovering DID, navigating memory gaps, and learning to work with—not against—the parts of himself that helped him survive. 💬 “DID isn’t broken… it’s how the mind survives.” If you’ve ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or like different parts of you are pulling in different directions—this episode will change how you understand yourself and others. 🎧 Listen / Watch Now: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on trauma, healing, and mental health

Deb Dana, LCSW | How to Shift From Survival to Thriving: Polyvagal Theory & Your Nervous System

What if the key to healing trauma isn’t just in your thoughts—but in your nervous system? In this powerful episode of the Trauma Meets Recovery podcast, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with renowned clinician and author Deb Dana to break down Polyvagal Theory into simple, practical tools you can use in everyday life. Together, they explore how your nervous system constantly scans for safety and danger through a process called neuroception—and how bringing these patterns into awareness can give you something many trauma survivors struggle to access: choice. Deb Dana walks listeners through the three core states of the nervous system—regulation, fight-or-flight, and shutdown—and explains why healing isn’t about staying calm all the time, but learning how to move out of survival states with awareness and support. You’ll learn: * How to recognize your body’s cues of safety vs. danger * Why trauma keeps us stuck in survival responses—and how to shift out * The difference between implicit (automatic) and explicit (aware) experience * How to build a personalized “regulation plan” for moments of overwhelm * The power of co-regulation and safe connection in healing * What “glimmers” are—and how tiny moments of safety can rewire your nervous system This conversation is both deeply insightful and immediately actionable—offering a roadmap to move from reactivity to resilience, from survival to thriving. If you’ve ever felt stuck in anxiety, shutdown, or emotional overwhelm, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, what to do about it.

The Hidden Side of Healing After Loss | Episode 4 with Deborah Antinori, LPC

Grief healing and trauma healing are possible—and Brainspotting may be the missing piece... In this powerful episode, we sit down with Deborah Antinori, Licensed Professional Counselor with 35+ years of experience, Brainspotting US Trainer, and grief specialist, to explore what healing really looks like after loss and trauma. Deborah shares insights from decades of clinical work, her experience training under Brainspotting founder Dr. David Grand, and her deep expertise in grief therapy—including her award-winning audiobook Journey Through Pet Loss. 🔗 Learn more about Deborah’s work: www.petlossaudio.com We dive into: -Why grief isn’t something you “get over” -How trauma lives in the body -What Brainspotting is—and why it’s so effective -Real ways to begin healing after loss 🎧 Whether you’re navigating loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a new perspective on healing and coping with loss. @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

Trauma and Mindfulness with Dr. Christopher Willard

In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark sits down with Dr. Christopher Willard—author, Harvard Medical School professor, and global leader in mindfulness and trauma-informed care. Dr. Christopher Willard discusses addiction, early sobriety and a life-changing experience with Thich Nhat Hanh to becoming a global leader in mental health, sharing his powerful journey—and what actually helps people heal. We dive into: • Why mindfulness can feel hard after trauma • How trauma impacts the nervous system • The role of self-compassion in recovery • Simple, practical tools you can use daily Recovery is possible. A grounded, honest conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself—and why that changes everything.  Listen now @traumameetsrecoverypodcast