Welcome to "Stress Mess: Laughing through Trauma," a podcast that dives into the complexities of trauma and chronic stress with a blend of humor, empathy, and real-life stories. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of life's stress mess together, because sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
Each episode, we explore different facets of trauma and chronic stress, discussing how these experiences shape our minds, bodies, thinking patterns, behaviors, lives and relationships. From personal anecdotes to expert interviews, we uncover the learned survival patterns and growth that can emerge from adversity while squashing shame and isolation.
"Stress Mess" isn't just about the struggles; it's about finding moments of levity and connection amidst the chaos. We believe in the healing power of laughter and the importance of sharing our stories openly and honestly.
Whether you're seeking validation, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in your journey, "Stress Mess" is here to accompany you. Tune in to explore the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative aspects of living with trauma and chronic stress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to "Stress Mess: Laughing through Trauma," a podcast that dives into the complexities of trauma and chronic stress with a blend of humor, empathy, and real-life stories. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of life's stress mess together, because sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
Each episode, we explore different facets of trauma and chronic stress, discussing how these experiences shape our minds, bodies, thinking patterns, behaviors, lives and relationships. From personal anecdotes to expert interviews, we uncover the learned survival patterns and growth that can emerge from adversity while squashing shame and isolation.
"Stress Mess" isn't just about the struggles; it's about finding moments of levity and connection amidst the chaos. We believe in the healing power of laughter and the importance of sharing our stories openly and honestly.
Whether you're seeking validation, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in your journey, "Stress Mess" is here to accompany you. Tune in to explore the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative aspects of living with trauma and chronic stress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt and hilariously honest episode, Katie O’Leary sits down with Amber Grimmett, founder of Fierce, Not Fragile.
Together, they dive into the beauty and chaos of personal growth, the power of owning your story, and how laughter can transform even the toughest seasons. This is an episode full of warmth, truth, and the kind of friendship that reminds you healing doesn’t have to be quiet or perfect. 💛
Amber Grimmett is the founder of Fierce, Not Fragile, dedicated to helping women step into their confidence, own their stories, and live boldly. She is a head coach who is a passionate advocate for women embracing their strength.
You can connect with Amber on Instagram @fierce.not.fragile and Katie is on Instagram as @katieostresscoaching
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In this raw and deeply honest episode, Katie sits down with powerlifting coach & clinician, John Flagg. The very first person who helped her find and use her voice during one of the hardest seasons of her life. What follows is a conversation that pulls no punches. Touching on trauma, the power of presence, emotional regulation, and what it really means to hold space for someone without trying to fix them.
Together, they explore:
If you're someone trying to show up more fully for yourself and the people you love, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you listen, how you lead, and how you heal.
If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to share it with someone you love or leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever been told to “just be more confident” — but no matter how many affirmations you say in the mirror, it just doesn’t feel true? That’s because confidence, healing, and self-worth can’t live in the mind alone. In this episode, Katie dives deep into why the body is essential in trauma healing — and what happens when we focus only on talk therapy and cognitive awareness without including the body.
Katie breaks down the difference between narrative memory (what we know happened) and procedural memory (what the body remembers), showing how trauma responses like freezing, pleasing, or shutting down are rooted in the body’s learned survival mechanisms.
You’ll hear real client examples, learn what it means to “update” the body’s memory, and discover how integrating somatic (body-based) techniques — like pendulation and bilateral stimulation — can help you truly feel safety, confidence, and trust from the inside out.
Don't forget to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Katie sits down with Dr. Jocelyn Wallace—a pelvic health coach who helps women heal from hysterectomies, pelvic floor injuries, and chronic gynecological conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis.
Together, they explore the connection between childhood trauma, body image, and long-term health, and how survival responses from early life often shape our relationship with food, our bodies, and the healthcare system.
Jocelyn shares her personal story of growing up with severe fibroids, navigating bullying, emotional suppression, disordered eating, and the eventual turning point that led her to reclaim her body through strength training and health coaching.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s struggled with trusting their body, has a history of chronic stress or trauma, or wants to understand how deeper emotional wounds can manifest physically—and how healing is still possible.
If this episode resonated with you, don't forget to share it with someone you love or leave a review!
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This episode explores the complex tension between individual needs and relationship needs—the "I" and the "We." It's not always clear when to put yourself first or when to show up for the relationship, and for many, especially trauma survivors, this can feel overwhelming and confusing.
We unpack why this dynamic is so challenging, how past experiences shape our instincts to either self-abandon or self-protect, and what it looks like to navigate this gray space with more awareness and intention.
You’ll hear real-life examples (like saying no to social events or supporting a partner through a tough time) and be guided through two core reflection questions that help clarify what should be prioritized in a given moment. We also discuss how honest communication can prevent resentment and strengthen connection over time.
Ultimately, this conversation is about building flexibility, self-trust, and curiosity—so we can better honor both ourselves and the relationships we care about.
Reflection prompts from this episode:
This episode invites you to notice where you lean—toward the “I” or the “We”—and how to find more balance in the in-between. Don't forget to follow on Instagram @katieostresscoaching
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Welcome back to Part 2 of our powerful and heartfelt conversation on resilience with the incredible Jared Maynard. Jared is a physiotherapist, coach, and founder of Unbreakable Strength. If you listened to Part 1, you know Jared’s story is one of deep personal and physical transformation. In this follow-up, we go even deeper.
Together, we unpack what resilience really means. Not just grit or toughness, but the ability to break, bend, rebuild, and receive help. Jared opens up about the moment he realized the version of himself he once knew was gone, and what it took to begin again.
We talk about:
This is more than a conversation about physical recovery, it’s about emotional survival, personal transformation, and the kind of strength that’s built when everything else falls away.
Guest Info:
Jared Maynard
Founder of Unbreakable Strength
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakable/
Book A Call With Jared HERE
Connect with Katie:
Katie O'Leary Trauma & Chronic Stress Coaching
IG: https://www.instagram.com/katieostresscoaching/
Book A Call With Katie HERE
Missed Part 1 of Jared’s story? Go back and listen to how this journey began — from life-threatening illness to inner awakening.
🔗 Listen to Part 1 here
If this episode moved you, made you pause, or made you feel seen, please share it. Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway. And don’t forget to subscribe for more honest, heart-led conversations on healing, strength, and what it means to be human.
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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress Mess, Laughing Through Trauma, Katie sits down with Jared Maynard — a physio, strength coach, dad, and all-around inspiring human — to dive into the nuanced and sometimes messy world of resilience.
Jared shares his deeply personal journey from being the “fat kid” hiding during recess to becoming a confident, grounded leader in the strength and coaching space. He opens up about his experiences with Kung Fu, football, bodybuilding, and eventually powerlifting — and how the barbell became a catalyst for self-trust, discipline, and transformation.
Together, Katie and Jared explore:
This episode is equal parts real talk, personal storytelling, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating adversity — whether you're lifting heavy in the gym, raising little humans, or just trying to get through a tough week.
Notable Quotes:
🗣️ “Resilience is how you keep going with and for the things and people that matter to you.”
🗣️ “The barbell doesn't care what kind of day you’ve had. It teaches you how to fail — and how to come back stronger.”
🗣️ “You don’t have to act on every emotion. But you do need to listen to them.”
Guest Info:
🎧 Jared Maynard
Founder of Unbreakable Strength
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakable/
Book A Call With Jared HERE
Connect with Katie:
Katie O'Leary Trauma & Chronic Stress Coaching
IG: https://www.instagram.com/katieostresscoaching/
Book A Call With Katie HERE
Rate & Review:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! It helps more people find the pod and join the conversation around stress, strength, and showing up as your full self.
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“If one more person tells me, ‘Just try again—they didn’t mean it,’ I don’t know what I’ll do…”
In this deeply personal and raw episode, we dive into the complicated emotions around reconnection, estrangement, and healing—especially when the harm is minimized, dismissed, or repeated.
Through an honest reflection on childhood wounds, family estrangement, and the long road of unlearning harmful dynamics, we explore critical questions:
Part storytelling, part therapeutic unpacking, this episode invites you into an intimate session that blends vulnerability, insight, and somatic wisdom. If you've ever felt guilted into repairing a relationship that still hurts, or questioned whether you’re the “problem” for walking away, this one’s for you.
Topics Include:
This episode isn’t just about letting go, it’s about reclaiming your right to choose who gets to stay in your life.
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! You can catch me on instagram @katieostresscoaching
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In this episode we continue an important conversation with Laura, a Certified Somatic Relationship Coach and Board-Certified Sexologist. We'll dive into the complex topics of low desire, erotic aliveness, and communication within relationships. The episode covers everything from the personal beliefs shaping our sexuality to the importance of embodiment and how couples can reconnect with their desires in a safe and open way. Topics covered include:
Highlights:
This episode is a powerful reminder that sexual desire is complex and multifaceted. By exploring our beliefs, reconnecting with our bodies, and openly communicating with our partners, we can reignite erotic aliveness and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Resources:
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In this episode, we sits down with somatic relationship and intimacy coach, and board-certified sexologist, Lara Lark. Together, they explore the messy intersection of stress, intimacy, and connection — from navigating emotional challenges to embracing physical closeness with more presence and ease.
Lara opens up about her own journey of overcoming relationship struggles, what drew her into intimacy coaching, and why stress integration is so critical for healthy relationships. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and a deeper sense of compassion for yourself and others.
Lara Lark is a somatic relationship and intimacy coach and a board-certified sexologist. She helps people reconnect with themselves and their partners by blending science, somatic practices, and compassionate coaching. Her work focuses on helping others navigate intimacy, stress, and connection with more ease.
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Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m too much... I’m being dramatic... I should tone it down”? You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not too much.
In this episode, we dive deep into the origins of the “I’m too much” narrative — how many of us were conditioned to believe that big feelings meant we were wrong, dramatic, or overwhelming. From childhood messages that minimized or shamed our emotions, to the subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways we’ve learned to silence ourselves, this episode unpacks the emotional imprints we carry and why they show up today.
We’ll explore:
This isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about reclaiming your right to feel. Tune in to begin untangling the shame loop and learn how to be with your emotions in a more grounded, compassionate way.
Don't forget to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching
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In this raw and honest episode, we dive deep into the beautiful chaos of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and friendship with our incredible guest, Dr. Liana Sved (@the_jawpaindoc).
Together, we pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to show up every day as moms, business owners, and women trying to do it all. From chaotic mornings filled with cereal spills and toddler meltdowns to late-night emails and moments of quiet doubt, we talk about the unfiltered truth behind the highlight reels.
We explore the emotional rollercoaster that so often comes with building a business while raising a family—the pressure to be everything to everyone, the guilt, the breakthroughs, and the small wins that keep us going. Dr. Liana opens up about her journey as a mom and doctor, how she’s learned to find support in unexpected places, and the powerful role that female friendship and vulnerability have played in her growth.
This conversation is a love letter to every woman who’s ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or questioned whether she’s doing enough. If you've ever cried on the bathroom floor, doubted your purpose, or simply needed someone to say "me too," this episode is for you.
Because the truth is: you don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going. You just have to keep showing up.
✨ Follow Dr. Liana on Instagram @the_jawpaindoc
✨ Follow me @katieostresscoaching
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In this episode, we're unpacking what safety really means—beyond just physical security. Emotional, cognitive, and relational safety are often overlooked, yet they deeply shape how we move through life, especially as trauma survivors.
We cover:
“Safety isn’t the absence of triggers. It’s the presence of support, choice, and tools to navigate whatever arises.”
This episode is for anyone who’s been told they're “too much,” or who’s learning how to feel at home in their own body and mind.
Let me know what you thought of this episode by sending a DM to @katieostresscoaching on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today’s episode, Katie is joined once again by the insightful and ever-curious Taylor Goldberg. A chiropractor turned virtual hypermobility coach to unpack a buzzword we hear everywhere in the chronic illness world: “root cause.”
Is there really one root cause for chronic symptoms? What does that term even mean and is it helping or hurting the healing journey?
Together, Katie and Taylor explore:
Whether you’re a practitioner, a patient, or someone navigating long-term symptoms, this episode will challenge how you think about healing—and offer a more compassionate, realistic path forward.
Let’s stop chasing the perfect answer and start listening to the full story.
🔗 Connect with Taylor:
@thehypermobilechiro
thehypermobilechiro.com
🔗 Connect with Katie:
@katieostresscoaching
oakmountainmh.com
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When we think about trauma healing, it’s easy to imagine we need to dive headfirst into the hardest parts like reliving stories, unpacking everything at once, and somehow healing fast. But what if real healing starts with something much simpler?
In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode, I talk about the quiet power of small habits. The daily actions that rebuild self-trust, confidence, and connection. From taking a walk even when it feels hard, to drinking water, going to the doctor without shame, or opening up to a friend, these small promises to ourselves can create massive change.
I also open up about my own current season being three months postpartum, navigating a new family dynamic, and processing difficult news about my daughter’s upcoming heart surgery. Through it all, it was the tiny acts of care that got me through.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “doing enough” to heal, this episode is for you. Let’s shift the lens from dramatic transformation to gentle, daily rituals of self-love. At the end, I’ll leave you with one question to carry forward:
✨ What is one small habit you can start today to show up for yourself? Let me know by sending me a DM on Instagram @katieostresscoaching
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In this episode, Katie sits down with Dr. McKinsey Cummings (@dr.mckinseycummings), a chiropractor who specializes in chronic pain and illness management for women. Blending personal experience with professional expertise, Dr. McKinsey shares powerful insights into the healing journey and what it truly means to support the body—and mind—through chronic health challenges.
Together, they explore the deep interconnection between physical and emotional well-being, the role of self-awareness in healing, and why individualized approaches matter. From breaking negative thought patterns to embracing coaching and self-exploration, this conversation is full of thoughtful takeaways to help you feel more empowered and in tune with your own health.
Whether you're managing chronic pain or simply seeking a more holistic understanding of wellness, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for your personal journey.
Tune in to learn:
Don't forget to follow us on instagram @katieostresscoaching and @dr.mckinseycummings and send us a DM to let us know what you thought of this episode!
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In this heartfelt solo episode, we kick things off with a real-life mom moment — potty training, body check-ins, and a little one reminding us what it truly means to listen to our bodies. From that sweet story, we dive into a deep reflection on a word that's everywhere these days: Regulation.
Katie unpacks the pressures we often attach to regulating “perfectly,” and how the concept has become more of a performance than a practice. But what if we reframed it entirely? What if regulation was less about "fixing" and more about tuning in, offering compassion, and meeting ourselves with TLC?
Whether it’s throwing plastic bottles in frustration, going for a walk with anxiety, or simply checking in with “what do I need right now?”, this episode is a gentle but powerful reminder that regulation isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s a messy, ongoing relationship with ourselves.
✨ Topics Covered:
Stick around for a sneak peek at the next episode featuring a very special where we explore chronic illness, pain, stress, and how to reclaim safety in our bodies.
💬 We'd love to hear your thoughts — what does regulation mean to you now? DM me on Instagram at @katieostresscoaching
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Welcome to Season 3 of Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma!
This season we're diving back in with heart, humor, and honesty, while naming the stressors that have been creeping in under the radar.
In this premiere episode, we explore the invisible pressures that fuel chronic stress and trauma but are often overlooked because they’ve become normalized. From the mental load of daily life (think planning meals, scheduling appointments, remembering everything) to social masking, caregiving burnout, and health anxiety, we uncover how these subtle, everyday experiences keep our minds and bodies stuck in survival mode.
Host, Katie O'Leary, breaks it all down with compassion and real talk; plus some surprise office visits from a sweet little voice in the background!
If you've ever felt like you're "on" all the time, carrying a weight no one sees, or wondering why you're so tired despite “nothing major” happening... this one’s for you.
Let us know what resonates, and get ready for a season filled with validating conversations, expert guests, and a whole lot of stress-busting insight. Send a DM to @katieostresscoaching
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After a short hiatus, Katie back with a deeply personal and raw solo episode to close out Season 2 of Stress Mess.
In this episode, we unpack what happened when life took an unexpected—and very real—turn: an unplanned early induction, a whirlwind of medical decisions, and ultimately, the birth of baby Eleanor via C-section.
From navigating the stress of medical uncertainty to confronting internal narratives around perfectionism, natural birth, and societal expectations, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on what it means to stay grounded in your values when everything is in flux.
You'll hear how past podcast conversations with guests like Kelsey, Lisa, and Clinician Kate echoed in real-time during this transformative experience, and how connection, informed choice, and being truly seen made all the difference.
Topics covered:
Season 3 launches Monday, July 7th with even more expert voices, stories, and tools on stress, trauma, and healing. Until then, take care, and remember: you're doing f***ing amazing. 💛 Follow along on IG @katieostresscoaching for more!
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In this raw and candid episode, we dive into the often overlooked reality of healing and mental health. Society, social media, and even popular culture often portray mental health as something neat and tidy—like flipping to Chapter 15 of your self-help book and following a clear set of steps to fix everything. But the truth is, healing is messy. It's emotional flare-ups, triggered states, and moments where things just aren't pretty.
We talk about the importance of embracing our messiness and the power of accepting ourselves—imperfections, emotions, and all. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we explore how shaming ourselves for feeling "messy" can be a major roadblock in our healing journey. The reality is, being able to sit with discomfort, pain, and difficult emotions without judgment is one of the strongest things we can do.
If you've ever felt pressured to have it all together, this episode is a reminder that messiness is not only normal, it’s a part of the work. We discuss how healing isn’t about being perfect or always having a polished, curated exterior—it’s about being real, sitting with the difficult moments, and accepting every part of ourselves as we navigate our emotional journey.
Key takeaways:
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @kaiteostresscoaching and let us know what you thought of this episode!
If you're tired of trying to fit into a perfect narrative of healing and want to learn how to love your messy, real self—this episode is for you.
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