Welcome to the very first episode of The Trauma Safe Lab, where hosts Vivek and Jennifer Nanda set out to demystify trauma recovery through science, data, and real-world stories. In this inaugural conversation, Jennifer - a trauma-informed registered nurse living with an ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score of 10 out of 10 - opens up about her lived experiences, the lifelong impact of childhood trauma, and her journey of healing. She's joined by her sister Kim, a licensed clinical counselor, who not only adds clinical insights but also helps Jennifer articulate her emotions and experiences in a supportive, safe environment.
Together, they explore essential topics like what ACE scores mean, how trauma can show up in daily life, and the critical role that safety, both emotional and physical, plays in healing. The conversation gets personal as Jennifer highlights the power of self-advocacy in the healthcare system, the importance of technological tools in managing her well-being, and the challenges, and breakthroughs - along her journey toward self-awareness and regulation.
Tune in as The Trauma Safe Lab aims to create a compassionate, evidence-based space where listeners can feel understood and empowered, and where both thought leaders and those living with trauma can find community and hope. Whether you’re new to understanding trauma or looking for solidarity on your own path, this episode promises candid insights and actionable takeaways for anyone interested in trauma recovery.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Kim’s Key Role in Conversation"
05:35 Trauma Scorecard Overview
09:35 Anxiety in Everyday Situations
12:55 Tech's Role in Healing Journeys
16:35 AI and Advocacy in Health
17:12 AI Aided Conflict Resolution
22:50 Navigating Mental Health Care Questions
26:23 Disputed Medical Diagnosis Impact
29:16 Importance of School Meals
32:00 Petty Theft and Survival
36:04 "Walking on Eggshells with Jen"
37:09 Self-Awareness and Management Strategies
41:28 Redefining Personal Trauma
42:55 Hierarchy of Traumas Observed
46:25 "Essential Needs for Wellbeing"
1. Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
Overview of The Trauma Safe Lab’s mission and approach
Introducing the episode hosts: Vivek (host), Jennifer Nanda (host), Kim (guest and Jennifer’s sister)
Explanation of Kim’s supportive role in the episode (translator/safe space)
2. Personal Backgrounds and Motivation
Jennifer’s lived experience with trauma (ACE score of 10/10)
Kim’s background as a licensed clinical counselor and sister
Motivation for creating the platform: destigmatizing trauma and amplifying voices
3. Understanding ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Scores
Origin of the ACE study (Kaiser Permanente study, Dr. Felitti and Dr. Allman)
Explanation of the ACE questionnaire and its components
How to score and interpret ACEs
Relationship between high ACE scores and health comorbidities/reduced life expectancy
The role of resiliency (resiliency as a buffer)
Introduction of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
4. Personal Indicators and Manifestations of Trauma
Jennifer’s personal realizations: awareness through medical experiences and relationships
Everyday manifestations: hypervigilance, safety behaviors, and responses to triggers
Contrast between trauma-informed responses and "normal" reactions (Vivek’s perspective)
Examples from Jennifer’s nursing career and personal life
5. Role of Science, Data, and Technology in Healing
How technology and communication tools (text, email, telehealth) aided Jennifer’s journey
Use of health apps and wearables for tracking sleep, stress, and heart rate variability (HRV)
Role of diagnostics (e.g., MRI discovery of brain lesion linked to trauma)
Integration of therapy modalities (neurofeedback, craniosacral, Safe and Sound Protocol)
Using AI for emotional support and conflict resolution
6. Navigating Healthcare and Advocacy
Advantages and challenges of being a nurse and healthcare insider
Strategies for self-advocacy and record-keeping in healthcare
Overcoming barriers: most people aren’t aware of their rights or how to advocate
Kim’s advice for patients: viewing doctors as service providers and questioning care
Real-world examples of diagnostic errors and impacts on patients’ lives
7. Safety as a Prerequisite for Healing
Importance of safety (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) in trauma recovery
How unmet basic needs (food, shelter) hinder emotional healing, especially in children
Illustrative stories of food insecurity and survival strategies
Safe spaces, safe people, and their pivotal roles
8. The Impact and Burden of Shame
Talking openly about shameful or stigmatized aspects of trauma (e.g., stealing food)
Recognizing needs and unmet needs without self-blame or betraying caregivers
9. Recognizing Trauma Responses in High-Functioning Individuals
The disconnect between external high functioning and internal dysregulation
Jennifer’s experiences with masking symptoms and the difficulties of sharing
Family perspectives on misunderstood behaviors (anger vs. dysregulation)
10. Self-Awareness and Communication in Managing Trauma
Importance of self-awareness in identifying triggers and dysregulation
Communication strategies with loved ones and support networks
The evolution from suffering in silence to asking for help or breaks
11. Common Misunderstandings about Trauma
The myth of a hierarchy of traumas (big-T vs. little-t trauma)
Minimization and invalidation of certain trauma experiences
The role of gender in self-minimization (especially in men)
12. Goals and Hopes for the Podcast
Creating a community and safe space for sharing and learning
Empowering listeners with evidence-based knowledge and connections
Fostering feelings of hope, freedom, and validation
Encouraging people to find translators/support networks for their trauma journey
Show Website - https://traumasafelab.com/
Jennifer Nanda - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansjen/
Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/