TraumaTies

Hosted by Volare

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Aug 2026

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About the show

It may be invisible to some or ever present to others. But trauma entangles us all. Welcome to TraumaTies. Brought to you by Volare, TraumaTies is a podcast that creates space and conversations to untangle the societal knots that keep us from addressing trauma after crime. For you, we want this podcast to be an experience--one where you leave understanding how you can be a crossing point to minimize the deeply painful and costly consequences of trauma, no matter who you are. This podcast is just one of our many resources. Volare welcomes all survivors of crime and their supporters, so please visit us at https://www.volare-empowers.org/ to learn more about how to access our trauma education and how to partner with us to create empowering experiences for survivors

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August 11, 202622 min

When Systems Fail with Paula Yost

Paula Yost joins TraumaTies to discuss her journey as an attorney and court advocate for children. She speaks about her speciality in intersectional legal and social work and how, without effective systems, it takes a community to support children. Paula intertwines her personal experience and the many challenges children face under our current systems with her trauma-informed practices.Key TakeawaysPersonal experiences influence how we see the world; for Paula, her family history led to her wanting to support children and future generations.Learning about trauma and mental health is critical for attorneys to understand their clients’ needs.System failures mean becoming fiercer advocates for children, even if others don’t share the same belief in the child as their communities.Legal and social workers have the power to re-align meetings and processes to better support children; disruption can be a powerful tool for creating successful foundations.Changing outcomes for a child to heal from trauma should always be the goal in legal and social work.Resources MentionedMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklTumbleweeds: How to be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System by Paula YostConnect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

August 4, 202621 min

What Coping Teaches Us About Survival

When do our coping behaviors go from necessary survival needs to reliance on avoidant behavior? In this week’s episode, Bridgette and Lindsey dive into how coping mechanisms of any kind can turn into negative feedback loops or quick-relief systems. While coping mechanisms allow us to process trauma over time, understanding the boundaries between healthy versus reliant makes the healing journey an ever-changing process.Key TakeawaysCoping is necessary for survival and processing trauma over time, but our behaviors can lead to overreliance on immediate satisfaction.Behaviors can include what many people see as “healthy” or “productive”, but could still be a way to avoid processing our emotions.Research shows that we seek relief when undergoing stress; this need can lead us to build quick-acting behaviors over sitting with and acknowledging our discomfort.Avoidant coping behavior may lead to a disconnect from our bodies, communities, and long-term healing journey.Finding professional support to understand the difference between coping and processing trauma provides benefits throughout our lives.Resources MentionedGabor Maté’s research on coping skills, trauma, and stress.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

July 28, 202633 min

Investing in Healing and Resilience with Denise Huskins Quinn

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette and Lindsey are delighted to be joined by Denise Huskins Quinn, whose journey as a survivor has led her to become a leading advocate for crime victims’ rights. She speaks with us about how traditional training for law enforcement fails survivors, how she and her husband found hope in healing, and why she continues to advocate for policy change to further support survivors.Key TakeawaysHealing starts with investment: it requires time, dedication, and acknowledgement that it ebbs and flows.How systems respond greatly influence the healing journey: skepticism deepens trauma, while belief and trust allow a survivor to share their story openly.Traditional law enforcement training often fails to recognize that all survivors react differently to trauma; there is no standard response.Resilience does not mean “moving on”, rather understanding that people always have the capacity to hope through their trauma.Our ability to love and create community is key to overcoming hate when surrounded by negativity, disbelief, and hurtful actions.Resources MentionedMona Mittal, forthcoming research on how trauma-informed practices influence outcomes through pro bono attorney work.Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) methodThe Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation TechniquesConnect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

July 21, 202620 min

Why We Give Our Pets Voices

Do you give your pets their own voice and personality? Announce their thoughts like they could talk? Or maybe you use the signature baby voice for them? We don’t judge! Bridgette and Lindsey discuss how our pets can act as conduits for our own subconscious thoughts and feelings. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and as we discuss, it can be an emotional outlet.Key TakeawaysWe see pets as part of our internal family structures, making us more likely to want to create personalities for them by anthropomorphizing them.This externalization can help us with our own indirect emotional expression.Animal anthropomorphization can be linked to similar outlets as play, which are proven to aid in expressing vulnerability, comfort, silliness, and more.Pets can also allow people to feel a sense of belonging and understanding when they may feel isolated or unable to express themselves directly.Our pets can become extensions of ourselves, and their “voices” allow us to feel bonded to our nonhuman counterparts.Resources MentionedNicholas Epley, “On seeing human: a three-factor theory of anthropomorphism”, Psychological Review, October 2007, 864-868.Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, New York: Gotham Books, 2017.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

July 14, 202623 min

Why Trauma Survivors Aren't Believed

This week, Bridgette and Lindsey ask: why does our society find it hard to trust and believe survivors? What do we misunderstand about “credibility?” Finally, how can we show survivors that we do support them? We’re breaking down popular media, legal history, and more all contribute to our society’s aversion to believing survivors.Key TakeawaysMemory recall after trauma is often tangled and difficult to remember chronologically.Differences in recall and reactions to remembering trauma widely vary.In the United States, our legal history surrounding crime, especially sexual assault, has conditioned us to be skeptical of survivors’ stories.Education on trauma recall and memory are essential to debunk common beliefs on credibility.Believing survivors critically impacts every aspect of their healing journey.Resources MentionedThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MDDr. Rebecca Campbell’s research on the neurobiology of traumaSaleem Reshamwala, “Peanut Butter, Jelly and Racism”, New York Times, 16 December 2016.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify Brought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

July 7, 202635 min

Root Causes and Real Healing: Chronic Illness with Dr. Jaquel Patterson

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette and Lindsey are joined by Dr. Jaquel Patterson, a nationally recognized doctor of naturopathic medicine who has taught thousands of doctors in integrative medicine. They discuss the connection between trauma and physical health, why treating symptoms alone often isn't enough, how Dr. Patterson helps patients uncover the root causes of illness, and why she believes physicians should serve as educators and partners in the healing process.Key TakeawaysNaturopathic medicine works to address the root causes of illness or infectionMany diagnoses are interconnected and can therefore be treated in conjunctionIt is important for medical providers to educate patients and work with them in their careEnvironmental, mental, and behavioral factors can also contribute to healingFinding joy and hope in the healing journey provides a grounding force in care spacesResources MentionedNo mentions this week, but consider reading one of Dr. Patterson’s books!Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

June 30, 202623 min

What Zootopia Gets Right About Trauma

This week on TraumaTies, Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg discuss categorization, bias, and how we respond to people and conversations that challenge our perspective. How do our implicit biases shape our relationships? Where does implicit bias or categorization influence government, policy, and history? And how does this all tie back to Zootopia? Bridgette and Lindsey explore these questions and more.Key TakeawaysWe can feel deep discomfort in sharing our perspective if the environment feels hostile.Bias and categorization can create an “us versus them” mentality.These biases ripple from the interpersonal level to system-wide policies and laws.It is important to commit to learning and unlearning from others despite discomfort.Movies like Zootopia provide audiences with poignant lessons on consent, unlearning bias, and creating healthy relationships.Resources MentionedAnthony Greenwald and Mahzarin Banaji, “Implicit social cognition: attitudes, self-esteem, and stereotypes”, Psychological Review 1995 Jan;102(1):4-27.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

June 23, 202624 min

If you were a lab rat, you’d do the same thing

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg explore how behavior is shaped by environment, experience, and survival. Through famous studies on addiction, learned helplessness, and hope, they challenge the idea that behaviors like avoidance, substance use, or shutting down are signs of weakness. Instead, they ask a different question: What purpose did this behavior once serve?Key TakeawaysMany behaviors make sense when viewed through the lens of survival.Addiction is often connected to isolation, suffering, and unmet needs.Change happens when people experience safety, connection, and agency.Hope is more than a feeling—it can be cultivated through relationships and action.Sometimes the most powerful form of support is simply showing up.Resources MentionedDr. Gabor Maté and The Myth of NormalBruce Alexander’s Rat Park researchResearch on learned helplessness and agencyHope science and hope mappingConnect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify Brought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

June 16, 202627 min

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Healing with Dr. Stacy Phillips

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette, Lindsey, and Dr. Stacy Phillips discuss childhood trauma, polyvictimization, how we can shift the conversation from blame to understanding and invite us all to go beyond being trauma-informed to trauma-sensitive. Dr. Phillips is the founder and CEO of IMPACT (Intervening Mitigating Preventing Adolescent and Childhood Trauma), an organization working within schools to understand and implement trauma-informed, hope centered practices. She has also worked on national initiatives to expand support and resources for survivors.Key TakeawaysTrauma is often cumulative, not isolated.Understanding brain science helps us respond with empathy instead of judgment.Trauma-responsive systems go beyond awareness to actively support healing.Hope is not a feeling—it is a skill that can be taught and strengthened.Creating pathways to hope may be one of the most effective ways to promote well-being and recovery.Resources MentionedDr. Bruce Perry and The Boy Who Was Raised as a DogDr. Chan Hellman and the Hope Research CenterHope Science (Goals, Pathways, and Agency)Research on polyvictimization and trauma-responsive systemsConnect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

June 9, 202624 min

What Trees and Nature Teach Us About Healing

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg explore how healing is shaped not only by what happens inside of us, but also by the environments around us. From neuroscience and trauma research to forest bathing and the hidden communication systems of trees, they unpack how nature, community, and physical spaces impact nervous system regulation and recovery.In This Episode🌿 Healing Is Environmental, TooThe hosts discuss how healing is often framed as an individual responsibility, while research shows our surroundings play a major role in stress, regulation, and recovery.🌳 Nature and Nervous System RegulationBridgette and Lindsey explore studies showing that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve recovery, and help regulate the nervous system—including research on forest bathing, birdsong, and green spaces.🧠 Trauma, Attention, and RecoveryThe conversation connects trauma and hypervigilance to environments that constantly demand attention, while nature allows the brain and body to recover more effectively.🌲 What Trees Teach Us About CommunityInspired by The Hidden Life of Trees, Bridgette shares how trees support one another through underground root systems—offering a powerful metaphor for collective care, connection, and healing.Key TakeawaysHealing is influenced by both internal and external conditions.Nature can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.Trauma recovery is supported through safety, connection, and restorative environments.Community care exists throughout nature—and humans need it too.Resources MentionedThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenAttention Restoration TheoryResearch on green space, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulationConnect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify Brought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.