Welcome back to The Trauma Safe Lab, where we explore how trauma shapes our bodies, minds, and everyday connections. In this episode, host Jennifer Nanda welcomes emergency physician and restorative justice advocate Dr. Ruby J. Long for a deep dive into the emotional responses that reveal hidden trauma.

Together, they unravel why trauma doesn't always look like classic flashbacks or anxiety; instead, it can show up as irritability, shutdown, anger, or even people-pleasing. Dr. Ruby Long shares her frontline experiences from the ER, illuminating how trauma is stored in the body, why emotional and physical symptoms often overlap, and how survival mechanisms like fawning, fighting, and emotional dissociation take root, especially for those in marginalized communities or high-stress workplaces.

Throughout this insightful conversation, the episode offers practical grounding techniques and discusses the vital role of emotional safety in healing for both patients and providers. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a trauma survivor, or simply curious about how emotional reactions are clues to deeper wounds, this episode will get you thinking about the invisible armor we all carry and how we might begin to lay it down.

Timestamps:

00:00 Listening to the body's signals
03:57 Emotional health and medical response
09:32 Understanding children's fear responses
12:51 Understanding Fawning as a Defense Mechanism
16:48 Managing Difficult Patient Interactions
18:02 Using restorative justice principles
21:56 Understanding emotional self-protection
27:34 Personal relaxation techniques
29:42 Potential as a children's book author
32:20 The power and impact of shame
35:48 Shame and cultural misunderstandings
38:42 Cultural shame and patient trust
43:15 Reconciling dual personalities
45:06 Privilege and personal defenses discussion
48:18 Living with PTSD and autism
53:21 Stress relief techniques in tough situations
57:37 Discovering Restorative Justice in Healthcare
58:51 Finding Dr. Ruby online

Show Website - https://traumasafelab.com/

Jennifer Nanda - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansjen/

Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to The Trauma Safe Lab! In this episode, host Jennifer Nanda sits down with physical therapist Dr. Neeraja Suryawanshi for a powerful conversation about breaking the silence around pelvic floor health. Together, they explore the essentials of trauma-informed pelvic floor therapy, a holistic approach that addresses not only physical pain, but also the emotional and psychological aspects intertwined with chronic issues like incontinence, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and post-surgical complications. Dr. Neeraja Suryawanshi shares her journey from orthopedic physical therapy to establishing her own practice focused on pelvic and chronic pain, as well as her passion for making this type of care accessible and empowering for all people, regardless of gender, age, or trauma history.

Listen in as they discuss the interconnectedness of mind and body, the importance of patient-centered care, the misconceptions around pelvic floor therapy, and how anyone with a pelvis can benefit. Whether you or a loved one struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction, or you’re curious about how trauma and the body are related, this episode will offer validation, practical information, and inspiration for healing.

Timestamps:

00:00 Pelvic floor health discussion

05:38 Discovering pelvic floor therapy

07:17 Pelvic floor therapy discussion

12:27 Discovering pelvic floor therapy benefits

16:32 Discussing patient assessment process

18:50 Discussing pelvic health appointments

22:46 Personal and clinical trauma experience

24:41 Supporting patients' emotional well-being

29:21 Telehealth in pelvic physical therapy

30:14 Supporting early postpartum moms

33:54 Educating patients on recovery

38:08 Pelvic pain management strategies

40:25 Discussing personal comfort with language

44:25 Kegel exercise techniques and tips

47:38 Reassuring words about pelvic therapy

50:08 Contact info and consultation options

Show Website - https://traumasafelab.com/

Jennifer Nanda - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansjen/

Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to The Trauma Safe Lab. In today's episode, we sit down with Seantae Jackson, executive director and co-founder of the Sandal Blue Foundation. After surviving a devastating car accident with her husband, children, and close friend, Seantae’s life was instantly transformed, and so was her understanding of trauma. In this heartfelt conversation, she shares the details of her family's journey, from the chaotic moments of survival and fragmented memory to the long path of physical and emotional recovery.

We explore how trauma can be both isolating and invisible, the critical role of community and support networks during crisis, and the lasting impact on relationships and identity. Through her story, Seantae highlights the importance of recognizing all forms of trauma, allowing space for vulnerability and healing, and learning to hold gratitude alongside suffering. Whether you’ve experienced trauma firsthand or support someone who has, this episode offers powerful insights on resilience, hope, and the ways we grow through what we never would have chosen.

Timestamps:

00:00 Discussing the nature of trauma

04:25 Backpacking as a family tradition

06:57 Driving through rural Wyoming

11:29 Talking about difficult experiences

15:17 Car accident aftermath and confusion

18:39 Rescuing Owen from car fire

21:03 Emergency response challenges

25:21 Coming to terms with crisis

27:19 Recovering from a major accident

31:14 The impact of family presence

32:39 Coordinating Care with Family Members

37:59 Living with Chronic Pain and Gratitude

39:37 Surviving brain swelling and ICU care

44:44 Visiting hospital and sharing stories

47:52 Contact for speaking and workshops

49:10 Encouraging listener connection and hope

Show Website - https://traumasafelab.com/

Jennifer Nanda - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansjen/

Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”