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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September 8, 202624 min

Rewriting Your Story After Trauma with Scott Stolarick

From beginning his career working with court-mandated patients to opening his own practice, Scott Stolarick has learned that trauma exists everywhere. However, what matters most is how we define our lives with trauma, instead of it defining us. Scott’s expertise in EMDR therapy, his belief in creating quality access to care for all, and his journey as a licensed clinical professional counselor all contribute to how he acknowledges the courage it takes to seek support. Key Takeaways Access to care includes care for those who caused harm, as their own trauma and experiences can inform why they engage in dangerous patterns of behavior. Scott’s expertise in court-mandated care allowed him to see the change in how people see themselves and their lives in line with trauma instead of being defined by it. Later in his career, Scott turned toward EMDR therapy as a way to utilize neural pathway training as another form of redefining trauma. People are composed of many smaller pieces, like mosaics, and supporting them through therapy means assessing and learning from them. Trauma exists in small to large pieces; all of them contribute to the larger picture that makes up our life stories. Resources Mentioned Francine Shapiro and the foundations of EMDR therapy methods. Connect and Learn More ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn ☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook ☑️ Subscribe to the TraumaTies newsletter ☑️ 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.

September 1, 202625 min

The Story You Carry Isn't the Whole Truth

Shame. The feeling of “I’m not enough,” or “I don’t deserve good things.” How does this pattern of thought shape our lives? And how do we intervene in this cycle of behavior? This week, Bridgette and Lindsey share how they’re reshaping harmful words and ideas into moments of significance. Hiding from shame doesn’t change us feeling it, but addressing it and knowing what to do next can greatly impact how we move forward. Key Takeaways Shame differs from other emotions because it carries a continual weight rather than passing by. Continual feelings of shame can make us believe that we as people are failures rather than a single event or experience being unsuccessful. Understanding significance and its importance to categorizing experiences allows us to see a difficult situation as something needed despite the pain or as embarrassing. Narrative therapy and other therapeutic techniques can provide a means to separate painful experiences from our sense of self. As adults, understanding how to navigate confrontation, embarrassment, and challenging situations can aid in how we experience shame. Resources Mentioned Dr. Brené Brown, “ TED Talk: Listening to Shame ” Volare’s Trauma-Informed Training Sessions Connect and Learn More ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn ☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook ☑️ Subscribe to the TraumaTies newsletter ☑️ 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.

August 25, 202626 min

When "Strong" Becomes Too Expensive

Dependable. Reliable. Accommodating. Do these words describe you? Often seen as positive attributes, our need to embody these traits can sometimes lead to overcommitment and burnout. Bridgette and Lindsey talk through how constant overexertion for others can leave us with nothing for ourselves at the end of the day; how resentment can appear in our lives; and how boundaries can allow relationships to thrive. Key Takeaways Survival mode looks different for everybody and includes being overproductive or constantly flexible for others’ needs over our own. Generational, cultural, and learned behavior contributes to our belief that productivity and dependability overshadow a person’s need for relaxation. In professional settings, burnout can feel like a personal failure or shameful, making workplace culture on mental health integral to organizational wellbeing. Resentment due to stress looks different for everyone, including annoyance, flattened emotional response, and simply saying “yes” instead of assessing capacity. Boundary-setting does not limit a relationship or someone’s commitment; it allows breathing room for everyone to communicate transparently about needs and space. Resources Mentioned “ Employers need to focus on workplace burnout: Here's why ” by American Psychological Association , 12 May 2023. Denise Albieri Jodas Salvagioni et al. “Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies”, PloS One vol. 12(10), 4 Oct. 2017. Connect and Learn More ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn ☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook ☑️ Subscribe to the TraumaTies newsletter ☑️ 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.

August 18, 202625 min

Who Are You Without Survival Mode?

Could behaviors we see as personality traits actually be rooted in trauma response? What happens when we become accustomed to staying in survival mode? Bridgette and Lindsey explore how our strongest traits can also be longstanding indicators of stress, leading to adaptations in our lives as a result. Most importantly, our response to our behavior can greatly affect our future healing. Key Takeaways Survival mode is not always short-term; over time, our “safety” behaviors can transform into prolonged adaptations to our personalities. For many people, this includes hyperindependence, vigilance, and overproductivity; these behaviors are not inherently harmful, but can indicate continued stress. When we see these traits as integral to our lives, pausing or ending the pattern can feel like we lose a part of our identity. While the initial trauma may have created the adaptation, it also indicates a measure of resilience in how we integrate healing into our everyday lives. Growth, trauma, and resilience coexist together, not in spite of one another. Resources Mentioned No mentions this week! Connect and Learn More ☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn ☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn ☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook ☑️ Subscribe to the TraumaTies newsletter ☑️ 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.

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 Takeaways Personal 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 Mentioned Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Tumbleweeds: How to be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System by Paula Yost 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.

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 Takeaways Coping 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 Mentioned Gabor 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 | 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 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 Takeaways Healing 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 Mentioned Mona Mittal, forthcoming research on how trauma-informed practices influence outcomes through pro bono attorney work. Science-Based Interviewing (SBI) method The Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation Techniques 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 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 Takeaways We 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 Mentioned Nicholas 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 | 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 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 Takeaways Memory 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 Mentioned The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD Dr. Rebecca Campbell’s research on the neurobiology of trauma Saleem 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 Takeaways Naturopathic medicine works to address the root causes of illness or infection Many diagnoses are interconnected and can therefore be treated in conjunction It is important for medical providers to educate patients and work with them in their care Environmental, mental, and behavioral factors can also contribute to healing Finding joy and hope in the healing journey provides a grounding force in care spaces Resources Mentioned No 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 | 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.