Send us a textWhen your world crumbles, how do you find the strength to rebuild? In this new episode in our series, Advocating for Resilience, Reggie Reed shares a narrative of personal loss and the effort to transform grief into advocacy. He tells us about how he confronted the murder of his mother and the indictment of his father to become a beacon for others wrestling with feeling voiceless. We discuss the insights into the resilience and leadership that can be born from the depths of despair, the power of sharing one's story, charting a path forward when the script is unwritten, and the catharsis of seeing your deepest struggles resonate with others. Reggie pays homage to Nelson Mandela's ideals, and his own journey mirrors such perseverance. Reggie Reed is an author and an accomplished professional in the pharmaceutical industry. He holds a Master’s Degree in business and global marketing. In his first book, The Day My Mother Never Came Home, Reed recalls the events surrounding the unsolved murder of his mother and the subsequent indictment and trial of his father 32 years later.Learn more about Reggie on his website or Facebook, or email him rlreedbooks@gmail.comGo to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textWhat is the role of community and advocacy in the journey toward healing?In the fourth episode of the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Sarri Singer, a terrorism survivor and founder of Strength to Strength. Her own experience—feeling isolated upon returning from her attack while abroad—was the catalyst for her commitment to change, and her story shines a light for those looking for hope in dark times.We talked about the unique psychological landscape of terrorism-induced trauma and how organizations like Strength to Strength provide critical peer support, offering a sanctuary for those grappling with the aftermath of such unspeakable events. We also discussed the disparities in victim support among different nations and the uphill battle for policy reform. The heart of our conversation: the power of shared stories and a common narrative of survival and strength.Sarri Singer is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, focusing on bringing together victims of terrorism together from around the world and assisting with long term psychological needs. Sarri has addressed audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and Israel and continues to share her unique insight into the ongoing struggle for victims of terror in Israel and around the world.On June 11, 2003, Sarri was on Bus 14 in Jerusalem when an 18-year-old Palestinian terrorist dressed as a religious Jew boarded and blew himself up. 17 people were killed, including all those seated and standing around her, and over 100 people were injured. Sarri was hospitalized for two weeks and then returned to New Jersey to be with family. Her story became high profile. She appeared on television stations such as CBS, FoxNews, CNN and radio interviews and has spoken before members of Congress in Washington, D.C. and politicians in New York and New Jersey. You can learn more about Strength to Strength and contact Sarri on the website, Facebook, and Instagram.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textHave you ever considered the true essence of being an advocate or the resilience required to champion change?In the third episode in the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with social worker and advocate Whitney Marris about the vital role of advocacy in fostering mental wellness and community strength. Together, we take a close look at the challenges advocates face and the triumphs that come with amplifying voices for societal betterment. Whitney shares insights about the power of advocacy beyond policy and the importance of self-care to sustain our commitment to meaningful change.We also examine the concept of trauma-informed change, the roles various individuals play in advocacy, from storytellers to strategists, and the collective effort it takes to heal and build resilience. We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and creating support systems among fellow advocates, acknowledging that the full impact of our efforts may not be immediately visible but trusting in the long-term change our work contributes to. Tune in for a profound exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the communal journey towards healing.Whitney Marris, LCSW is committed to fostering resiliency and holistic well-being for individuals, organizations, communities, and systems to various roles. They are the Director of Trauma-Informed Practice and System Transformation with the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) and a trauma therapist in private practice in the DC Metro Area. They are also an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, and a consultant trainer and coach guiding organizations and systems of care seeking to implement trauma-informed, healing-centered change. When not engaged in change work, you will find Whitney throwing pottery, getting lost in a book, or spending time in nature with partner, Alex, and Schnoodle, Jennifer.You can learn more about CTIPP at their website, on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and you can email Whitney at whitney@ctipp.org.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textSometimes, a single voice can ignite a movement. In the second in the series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Bobby Temps, whose petition for mental health education changed the landscape for England and Wales. Join us as we discuss the intersection of personal passion and advocacy, revealing how individual experiences can lead to transformative policies and a society more in tune with mental well-being. Bobby and I unpack the emotional cost of advocacy and the critical nature of self-care and community support to sustain our efforts. If you've ever felt the burnout of fighting for a cause close to your heart, this episode will resonate deeply, offering insights on balancing drive with rest and realism. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of the tenacity required to push for systemic change and the intricate dance of resilience, compassion, and trauma-sensitive leadership.Bobby Temps is a mental health advocate, podcaster, model, and producer. Learn more about Bobby on his website, and by listening to one of his two podcasts:Mental  In which Bobby and guests break down mental health stigma and discrimination. Dating Games  The place to hear comedians and other funny people discuss the realities of modern datingGo to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textIn the first of our new series, Advocating for Resilience: Empowering Mental Wellness, we talk with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to explore the transformative power of advocacy and uncover the roots of resilience that have shaped her remarkable journey. Ayanna's narrative is a testament to the strength that emerges when one feels truly seen. Our conversation explores the joy that can be found in policy-making and life itself, as we dissect the critical role of mental wellness advocacy and Ayanna's dedication to amplifying the voices of those closest to the pain.Navigating the intricate landscape of trauma and mental health is no simple task, yet it's one that requires our immediate attention and action. We discuss the importance of trauma-informed environments, the unwavering support children need, and the responsibilities of public service.There is immense potential for our communities to thrive through compassion and active engagement. This episode is an invitation and inspiration for those ready to contribute to this essential mission and make a meaningful difference.Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) is an activist, a legislator, a survivor, and the first woman of color to be elected to Congress from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Pressley has fought to ensure that those closest to the pain are closest to the power - driving and informing policymaking. As Congresswoman for Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, she has been a champion for justice and healing: reproductive justice, justice for immigrants, consumer justice, justice for seniors, justice for workers, justice for survivors of sexual violence, justice for formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, and healing for those who have experienced trauma. She has also turned her experience living with alopecia into action, becoming a leading voice fighting to raise awareness and support for the alopecia community across the nation. Congresswoman Pressley currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Prior to being elected to Congress, she served on the Boston City Council for eight years and was the first woman of color elected to the council in its 100-year history. Learn more about the Congresswoman on her website or follow her on X (Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textDiscover the transformative power of resilience as we take you into the depths of personal growth and unearth the tools and strategies essential for navigating life's hurdles with grace and tenacity. Shalini Bahl, researcher, mindfulness-based stress reduction coach, and speaker, shares insights on the significance of rest and reflection in building a resilient spirit. Mindfulness is a beacon in this conversation, guiding us through the murky waters of our own biases and judgments. With the help of specific skills, we can interrupt our automatic responses to stimuli and foster a new way of engaging with the world that's infused with awareness and empathy. From the simple yet profound mantra of "return, listen, begin," Shalini lays out a blueprint for maintaining mindfulness amid chaos, a challening and rewarding practice. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone eager to bolster their resilience and mindfulness skills—in life and within their organizations.Shalini Bahl, Ph.D., is an award-winning researcher, a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Search Inside Yourself consultant and teacher, and Town Councilor. Based on 15 years of research and professional training in mindfulness, Dr. Bahl offers evidence-based solutions to business, education, and political clients to disrupt unproductive habits, become more resilient to life’s obstacles, and live with empowered choice for personal and collective fulfillment that contributes to a better, brighter world for all. You can learn more about Shalini on her website Know Your Mind, on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. And buy her book Return to Mindfulness: Disrupting Default Habits for Personal Fulfillment, Effective Leadership, and Global ImpactGo to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textHow do the ripple effects of historical trauma reverberate through time and impact communities today with the same intensity as they did generations ago? We sit down with Ingrid Cockhren to discuss how the pain of the past shapes our present and impedes our collective future, including policy making and scientific racism, and we highlight the importance of equity-focused solutions to drive systemic change.Welcome to episode six in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of historical trauma. This isn't a history lesson; it's a look at the enduring societal wounds, the financial toll, and the barriers to healing that communities of color face every day.We discuss the layers of systemic discrimination, particularly on indigenous and African-American populations, and the challenges these communities withstand--including economic, mental, and physical health disparities--and how these have been mistaken for cultural issues. Join us for this critical exploration into our past and the actions needed to write a better chapter for our future.Also, listen to episode 62, where we talked with Ingrid about the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the education system.Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed is a child sexual abuse survivor and knows first-hand how impactful trauma and toxic stress can be for children and families.  She has dedicated her professional life to investigating and educating the public about the link between early trauma, early adversity, Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs) and possible negative outcomes across the lifespan.  Her experience ranges from juvenile justice, family counseling, early childhood education, professional development, consulting, and community education.  She is currently an adjunct professor specializing in Black psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology & personality theory at Tennessee State University and the CEO of PACEs Connection, a social network dedicated to rising awareness of adverse childhood experiences.  You can learn more about Ingrid and her work at PACEs Connection or on LinkedIn or email her at ingrid@cockhrenconsulting.com.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textWhen was the last time you considered the true cost of unresolved trauma in your workplace? Welcome to episode five in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the workplace.With Allessandria Polizzi, we peel back the layers on the toll that trauma inflicts on businesses and employees alike. From the stealthy financial drain to the lost potential of every team member, this episode is an eye-opening discussion on the imperative, yet often neglected, aspect of mental wellness in our professional lives.Allessandria sheds light on how a work environment that's tuned into the needs of trauma-impacted individuals isn't just compassionate—it's a strategic edge in today's market. We share stories and strategies that highlight the transformative power of trauma-informed leadership and the collective benefits of a workforce that feels seen, heard, and supported. It's a conversation that champions the psychological safety of employees as the cornerstone for a thriving, resilient organization.Dr. Allessandria Polizzi is an award-winning and globally recognized thought leader and top-rated speaker on workplace mental health, psychological health and safety, and building resilient organizations. She is the CEO of Verdant Consulting and the ISO global liaison for occupational health and safety. She also serves as an expert on psychological health and safety for professional associations, media, and the National Safety Council and recently published the Workplace Mental Health Strategy Workbook for companies to proactively address this issue. You can learn more about Allessandria on her website Verdant Consulting, on LinkedIn and TikTok. You can find her book on Amazon: Workplace Mental Health Strategy Workbook.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textWelcome to episode four in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the education system.With Ingrid Cockhren, the visionary CEO of PACEs Connection, we discuss the hidden costs that reach far beyond financial burdens, shedding light on the loss of human potential and the consequent threat to our global educational standing. This conversation traverses the complex landscape of trauma, from the overt disruptions of aggression and ADHD-like symptoms to the silent battles with depression and anxiety that too many of our "good students" endure.  We discuss how these struggles extend far into adulthood, detracting from both personal well-being and workforce integration, and stress the crucial role schools play in fostering secure, growth-oriented environments. The episode is a tribute to the educators who are the frontline warriors, equipped with more than textbooks, tasked with the mission to heal hearts and mold minds.We also discuss the pressing need for a systemic overhaul, urging a shift toward early intervention to nurture our youth, the cornerstone of our future society.Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed is a child sexual abuse survivor and knows first-hand how impactful trauma and toxic stress can be for children and families.  She has dedicated her professional life to investigating and educating the public about the link between early trauma, early adversity, Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs) and possible negative outcomes across the lifespan.  Her experience ranges from juvenile justice, family counseling, early childhood education, professional development, consulting, and community education.  She is currently an adjunct professor specializing in Black psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology & personality theory at Tennessee State University and the CEO of PACEs Connection, a social network dedicated to rising awareness of adverse childhood experiences.  You can learn more about Ingrid and her work at PACEs Connection or on LinkedIn or email her at ingrid@cockhrenconsulting.com.Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor

Send us a textWelcome to episode three in our series Unveiling Trauma's Impact: Navigating the Hidden Costs. In this episode, we uncover the hidden costs of unaddressed trauma in the justice system.Have you ever stopped to consider the remarkable potential hidden within individuals entangled in the justice system? Today, with the guidance of David Dawdy and Travis Atkinson from TBD Solutions, we venture into the profound connections between trauma and criminal justice. We challenge the status quo, shifting the conversation from the deficits to the strengths of those who have faced trauma. We talk about the hidden costs that trauma inflicts on quality of life and societal structures, and unravel the narratives of justice-involved individuals. We also discuss the role of trauma-informed practices, strategies that prevent adverse childhood experiences, and emphasize the ethical necessity of integrating diverse voices in decision-making processes. This conversation is an invitation to embrace an abundance mindset that offers support and inclusion, rather than exclusion—sowing the seeds for a justice system that truly heals and restores. Join us to discover how leadership, informed by compassion and resilience, can transform environments and foster triumph over adversity.David Dawdy is a speaker and trainer, and he held the distinguished role of Mental Health Director for the Michigan Department of Corrections for a decade.  His leadership in managing mental health, substance use disorder, and sexual offense treatment services for justice-involved individuals exemplifies his unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and effective care. You can learn more about David on his website: JDavidDawdy.com or email him at davidd@tbdsolutions.com.Travis Atkinson is a training instructor, coach, meeting facilitator, and conference presenter. He has worked for the past ten years in both clinical and managerial roles in behavioral health. Through these experiences, he espouses the value of a healthy and functioning behavioral healthcare system, the power of data to drive decision‐making, and the importance of asking the right questions. Travis is also the host of The Crisis Podcast and you can email him at travisa@tbdsolutions.com.Learn more about TBD Solutions, where David and Travis both work,Go to https://betterhelp.com/resilience or click Notes on Resilience during sign up for 10% off your first month of therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp.Support the showProducer / Editor: Neel PanjiInvite Manya to inspire and empower your teams + position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in fostering resilience and trauma sensitivity.#trauma #resilience #MentalHealth #leadership #survivor