
The Crappy Childhood Fairy Podcast with Anna Runkle
I’m Anna Runkle, also known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, and I teach people to recognize and heal the symptoms of Childhood PTSD. Welcome to my podcast!I’m not a doctor or therapist; I know about childhood trauma because I lived it, and I discovered a radical approach to healing that focuses first on calming neurological dysregulation, which is common in people who grew up with abuse and neglect. In my podcasts, I teach about dysregulation – how to know if you have it, what it can do to your body, your thinking and your relationships, and what to do to master re-regulation. When I learned this, everything in my life got suddenly easier. I’ll also be teaching you to heal the life problems that so often develop after years of living dysregulated – feeling tired, isolated and unfocused, finding yourself always drawn to unavailable and inappropriate partners, and falling WAY short of your professional potential, for example. The thing about me is, traditional therapies never seemed to help me. When I found techniques that did work, my whole life changed. Only in the past few years has the trauma research caught up to explain why – why the techniques I use worked, why therapy didn’t, and why my healing journey was so unnecessarily long. I’ve been teaching what I learned for more than 20 years now. It started with friends who had noticed the quick and dramatic change in me, and gradually grew by word of mouth. In 2016, I had so many people seeking instruction that I made my first online video, and then an online course, and this is how Crappy Childhood Fairy was born. My techniques and principles are practical yet powerful – an approach anyone can use, whether or not you have access to professional help. In this podcast, I’ll be talking about the master of self-regulation, and teach the tough-love life-lessons that you may not have learned at home – like how to date so that stable love finds you, how to get ahead at work, and how to calm the negative hamster-wheel thoughts that block your ability to connect with other people. Today, almost half a million people follow my work and participate in my training and coaching programs. My mission is to change the paradigm of what’s possible for people like us, and to help you free yourself from the oppression of trauma wounds, and to become your full, happy and real self. I’m glad you’re here! Watch new videos on my YouTube channel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and access my videos, courses and free tools at crappychildhoodfairy.com.
Latest episodes

Sep 13, 2024 • 18min
There's Something Appealing About Partners Who Disappoint
The discussion dives into how childhood trauma can lead to relationships with avoidant partners, highlighting the early allure of their indifference. As the conversation unfolds, feelings of neglect and loneliness emerge, revealing the emotional toll on those seeking deeper connections. Personal stories illustrate the turbulent dynamics in marriages marked by disconnection, despite partners’ positive traits. The importance of communication and empathy is emphasized as key to navigating these complex emotional landscapes.

Sep 11, 2024 • 26min
How to End Limerence Before You Destroy Everything Good
Discover the urgent need to confront the intense feelings of limerence before they wreak havoc on relationships. Explore the struggle between the desire to rescue and the dangers of obsession, especially when family responsibilities are at stake. Learn about the impact of emotional dependency and the importance of seeking professional help. Gain insights into building supportive communities and fostering resilience, particularly for families with unique challenges. Self-reflection and personal boundaries are vital for healing and maintaining healthy connections.

Sep 9, 2024 • 14min
What to Tell MDs Who Just Don’t Get It About CPTSD
Navigating medical care can be daunting for survivors of childhood trauma. Many doctors lack awareness of how childhood abuse impacts adult health, leaving patients feeling invalidated. The podcast emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care, highlighting the physical effects of PTSD and the importance of empathetic communication. Listeners receive actionable tips to help inform their healthcare providers about their unique needs and experiences, fostering a more supportive environment for healing.

Sep 8, 2024 • 1h 45min
Childhood Trauma and Damaged Perception (4-Video Compilation)
Discover how childhood trauma can distort your perception and make trusting your intuition a challenge. Learn practical steps to regain clarity and heal from dysfunctional relationships. The podcast dives into the impact of emotional abuse and how to navigate the lasting effects it has on intimacy and self-esteem. It also highlights the unique struggles faced by parents of special needs children, emphasizing the need for boundaries and self-awareness to foster healthier connections. Empowering insights await!

Sep 6, 2024 • 17min
Here’s How You Know It’s Time to Tell Him You’re Into Him
Explore the complexities of unrequited love and the fears that accompany confessing feelings to a close friend. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-reflection and understanding potential mutual attraction. Listeners hear real-life dilemmas about navigating the tricky transition from friendship to romance, complete with mixed signals and emotional stakes. Honest communication is presented as vital, creating a roadmap for approaching heartfelt conversations while weighing the risks of vulnerability.

Sep 4, 2024 • 19min
How Trauma Makes It Hard to Recognize What’s Really Happening
When traumatized people date, it’s easy to detach from reality, and create elaborate constructs that explain why other people do what they do, and why we feel hurt by it – without having to actually admit what's really happening. In this video I respond to a letter from a woman who is feeling confused (a tell-tale sign you've been "soft-ghosted" when the person she's dating is treating her badly.
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Send your questions & comments to: hello@crappychildhoodfairy.com
NEED ONLINE THERAPY? *BetterHelp* can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/CCF

Sep 2, 2024 • 15min
You May Be Signalling to Others That You Feel “Less-Than”
Explore the intriguing concept of the 'underdog effect' and its subtle impact on your self-esteem. Discover how low self-worth can distance you from positive connections and stunt your confidence. Uncover strategies to break free from trauma energy and embrace authentic relationships. Delve into the importance of balancing emotions with rational thought in the healing process, emphasizing that professional help and self-growth can pave the way to a more fulfilling life.

Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
They're Not Into You, So You Love Them MORE (4-Video Compilation)
The discussion dives into how childhood neglect shapes a person's attraction to emotionally unavailable partners. It emphasizes the emotional damage of seeking love from those who can't commit and the importance of healing from past trauma. The speaker highlights the necessity of building healthy connections and breaking toxic patterns in relationships. Encouragement is given for self-awareness and utilizing resources like online therapy to foster emotional resilience. Personal stories illustrate the complexities of unreciprocated love, guiding listeners toward healthier relationship practices.

Aug 30, 2024 • 14min
Family Emotional Abuse and The Lifelong Sense of Disconnection
Emotional abuse in families can leave deep scars, often manifesting as scapegoating and bullying. A poignant letter from a listener reveals the struggle with disconnection stemming from childhood trauma. This discussion emphasizes that such abuse doesn't define one's worth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace self-expression through vibrant clothing to boost confidence. Finally, the importance of community support and vulnerability is highlighted as vital for healing, underscoring the transformative power of shared experiences.

Aug 28, 2024 • 20min
How to Keep Narcissistic Parents From Controlling Your Life
In this insightful discussion, the emotional toll of navigating relationships with narcissistic loved ones is explored. Strategies for setting boundaries emerge as vital tools for self-protection. Personal stories highlight the struggle between wanting to help and feeling drained by endless demands. The podcast also addresses coping with grief after loss while managing complex familial dynamics. Listeners gain valuable advice on maintaining relationships without sacrificing their well-being, making it a must-listen for those affected by narcissistic behavior.