
Attachment Theory in Action
If you work with kids, families, or clients impacted by trauma, you’re in the right place.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is your go-to podcast for real conversations about trauma, attachment, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
Every other week, host Kirsty Nolan sits down with experts in attachment, trauma, and child development to talk about the stuff that really matters—how trauma shapes behavior and development, how to build stronger relationships, and how to bring these insights into your daily work.
Looking for practical tips you can actually use? Wondering how to better support your clients? Curious about the latest research in attachment and trauma? We’ve got you covered.
With nearly 2 million downloads, over 300 episodes, and a loyal community of listeners, the Attachment Theory in Action Podcast helps professionals like you grow and learn—all in under an hour, every other week.
Whether you’re a therapist, counselor, social worker, parent, or simply someone who cares deeply about helping others, this is a space for learning, growth, and inspiration. Hit follow, and let’s dive into the work that changes lives.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is brought to you by The Knowledge Center at Chaddock. The Knowledge Center has equipped thousands of educators, clinicians, and helping professionals on the latest trauma-informed, attachment based strategies. Visit TKCChaddock.org to learn more.
Want to jump behind the mic and share your expertise? Visit AttachmentTheoryInAction.com to fill out our form to be a guest.
Latest episodes

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 19min
Early Childhood Expulsion & Attachment: Dr. Kate Zinsser
Today, Jenna sits down with Dr. Kate Zinsser, Associate Professor at UIC, co-founder of the EMOTERS tool, and author of "No Longer Welcome: The Epidemic of Early Childhood Expulsion". Join us for a very insightful conversation about early childhood expulsion and the effects it has on both development, and attachment.
Show Notes:
www.emoters.org
www.setlab.com
Get the Book
Use code ASPROMP8 for 30% off!

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 13min
Adoption Unfiltered: Lori Holden, Sara Easterly, and Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard
This week, Jenna sits down with Lori, Sara, and Kelsey, authors of 'Adoption Unfiltered,' as they share their diverse adoption experiences. From adoptee to adoptive parent to birth parent, they offer candid insights into the challenges and healing journey, exploring the power of attachment. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on love, loss, and resilience in adoption.
Show Notes:
Check out the Book!
Lori's Website
Sara's Website
Kelsey's Website

Mar 5, 2024 • 59min
From Foster to Family: DJ Johnson
This week, Jenna sits down with DJ Johnson, who shares his life story about his time before, during, and after living in the Indiana foster care system. Despite the physical and emotional trauma he's suffered, he now leads a successful and fulfilling life as a husband, father, author, mentor and specialist in helping parents ensure that their children have room to grow into the best version of themselves.
Show Notes:
DJ's Website
DJ's Instagram
DJ's Book

Feb 20, 2024 • 51min
Attachment Styles in the Workplace: Josh Carlson
This week, Jenna joins Josh Carlson, the Executive Director of the Knowledge Center here at Chaddock, for an insightful conversation about the different styles of attachment in the workplace, and how you can support your employees, co-workers and everyone in between to bring out the best in your team.
Show Notes:
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/
https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/tirf-schools-conference/
https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-1/
https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-2/
https://adultattachmentlab.human.cornell.edu/HazanShaver1990.pdf
https://thecircleworks.com/

Feb 6, 2024 • 54min
Are You Addicted to Drama? Dr. Scott Lyons
Today, Jenna sits down with Dr. Scott Lyons, author of "Addicted to Drama", creator of The Embody Lab and holistic psychologist. Together, they explore the intricacies of stress, drama, and attachment wounds, delving into their lasting and impactful effects on both our relationships and daily existence.
Show Notes:
Dr. Scott Lyon's Website
The Embody Lab
The Gently Used Human Podcast
Addicted to Drama Book

Jan 23, 2024 • 46min
The Realities of Parenthood: Dr. Rana Pishva
Psychologist Dr. Rana Pishva discusses parenthood challenges, debunking myths, parenting identity, and the emotional journey of becoming a parent. The podcast highlights the impact of societal pressures, the importance of support systems, and strategies for managing parenting complexities.

Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Lasting Impact of Parental Incarceration: Dr. Katelen Fortunati
This week, Jenna sits down with professor and children's book author, Dr. Katelen Fortunati, who brings her insider knowledge, strategies and experiences to a conversation about the lives of children and families who have been impacted by parental incarceration.
Get your tickets below for a FREE Webinar with Jenna and Karen Andor on February 8th, 2024!
dissociation-in-children-tickets-791604790237?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Show Notes:
University of Saint Mary: Online MSW Program - Forensics Concentration
We Got Us Now Podcast
We Got Us Now Website
Sesame Street's Little Children Big Challenges: Incarceration
Angel Tree
Rutgers National Resource Center Lists
Youth.gov's 'Children with Incarcerated Parents' Website
Michael Trout's Book: They Took My Parents Away
Children's Books:
Dr. Fourtunati's Free PDF Books
Kofi's Mom by Richard Dyches
Dougies Dad by Richard Dyches
But Why is Daddy in Prison? by Erika Ruiz
Anna's Test by Whitney Quinn Hollins
Missing Daddy by Mariame Kaba
The Night Dad Went to Jail by Melissa Higgins
Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson
What is Jail, Mommy? by Jackie Stanglin
My Daddy is in Jail by Janet Bender
Youth Books:
Slugg: A Boy's Life in the Age of Mass Incarceration by Tony Lewis Jr.
Teen Guide to Living with Incarcerated Parents by Anye Young
Everyone Makes Mistakes by Madison Strempek
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh
Where's Dad? by Richard Dyches
Two of Every 100 by Richard Dyches

Dec 26, 2023 • 24min
Reflecting on 2023: Jenna Kelly
Today, Jenna takes a moment to reflect on her year. She talks about some of the incredible conversations she's had since becoming the new host of ATIA, the lessons she's learned, and what she'll take into the new year. We thank you so much for listening to the show, it wouldn't be possible without your continued support! Thank you again, and we wish you a beautiful and attachment-filled 2024!
Show Notes:
- Watch the Previous Episodes!
Save the Date: Free Webinar with Karen Andor!
- Thursday February 8th, 2024
- Get your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-dissociation-in-children-tickets-791604790237?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 1min
Nerd-ing Out on Secure Attachments: Eli Harwood
Today, Jenna talks with "Attachment Nerd" and author of "Securely Attached", Eli Harwood, about her journey, the different styles of attachment, and she also shares insightful and practical advice to help develop secure, meaningful attachments.
Show Notes:
attachmentnerd.com
attachmentlabs.com
Purchase "Securely Attached"
Check out the Attachment Nerd on Instagram

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
Attachment & LGBTQIA+ Youth: Dr. Katie Heiden-Rootes
In this week’s episode, Jenna welcomes Dr. Katie Heiden-Rootes for a conversation about how attachment can support LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Heiden-Rootes also provides perspectives, insights, resources and tips for supporting the attachment needs of the queer community.
Show Notes:
katieheidenrootes.com
Blog (katieheidenrootes.com)
The Queer and Trans Wellness Clinic at SLU
Medical Family Therapy Program at SLU
Queering Your Therapy Practice by Dr. Julie Tilsen
The Trevor Project
SQSH
Campaign for Southern Equality