"As a child of nine, I endured severe beatings from my stepfather. Once my mother discovered the abuse, she took swift action: we moved out, and she filed for divorce. However, our escape was cut short by a tragic event that altered my life forever. While my sister and I waited at school for our mother to pick us up, my stepfather intercepted her a mile from the school. In the middle of an intersection, he blocked her car with his, approached her, and in a horrific act of violence, shot and killed her on the spot.

This traumatic event unleashed a series of challenges I was ill-prepared to handle. Despite my maternal grandparents' repeated efforts to help me, I struggled profoundly. By November 2000, at the age of 30, my life had spiraled into severe drug addiction. In a state of despair, I left my hometown, family, daughter, and friends, vanishing into homelessness for a decade without contact. The experiences I endured during this period added layers of trauma, exposing me to sights and actions no one should witness or commit."

Welcome to Unspoken, a podcast dedicated to exploring the often-uncharted territory of trauma and recovery. Join us as we delve into heartfelt conversations with therapists, survivors, and professionals in healing professions. Together, we aim to illuminate the consequences of trauma that are often obscured by silence, stigma, and shame.

What does "Unspoken" mean to us?

Often, the quiet that occurs in the context of trauma can be as painful as the event(s) itself. The things that others do not do to protect us or do not say to to comfort us are the aspects of memory that stick with us. Social silence breeds complacency. When others fail to speak up in defense, protection, and acknowledgment of the struggles faced by marginalized groups, it leaves individuals feeling isolated and unsupported, living parallel lives devoid of equal opportunities and protections afforded to the majority.

In each episode, we bring you stories of resilience, vulnerability, and courage. Our guests share their personal journeys and professional insights, offering valuable perspectives on navigating trauma, finding healing, and reclaiming one's life. Join us as we uncover the unspoken truths of trauma, recovery, and the transformative power of storytelling. Together, we can find strength in vulnerability and create pathways to healing that honor the complexity of our human experiences.