Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1 of Understanding Trauma and the Brain! Facing Trauma (Runtime: 45-60 minutes)

In this episode, we explore the widespread impact of trauma, its hidden legacy, and how it affects us all.

Key Segments:

Opening Hook:

"One does not have to be a combat soldier... to encounter trauma."
Personal stories, like the author’s childhood observations of his father/uncle’s wartime trauma.

Statistics & Scope:

Trauma’s Hidden Legacy:

The Science of Survival:

Three branches of science reshaping our understanding of trauma:
- Neuroscience (brain changes).
- Developmental psychopathology (impact of early adversity).
- Interpersonal neurobiology (role of relationships).
Brain changes like hyperactivation, stress hormones, fragmented memory.

Three Avenues for Healing:

The Book’s Mission:

Combining science with compassion to confront trauma.
Systemic prevention and trauma-informed policies.
Quote: "I wrote this book to serve as both a guide and an invitation... to using every means we have to prevent it."

Narrative Devices:

Why This Episode Works:

Next Episode:

Lessons from Vietnam Veterans (Ch. 1) to explore PTSD origins and the emotional cost of survival.

For more content and to support the podcast, visit us at https://themessypodcast.com

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk | Audiobook