A Trauma-Informed Future

Birth and death are the two most universal human experiences and somehow, two of the least trauma-informed spaces we've created.

In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Amy Chavez-Burkett about why that matters and what we can do about it. Amy digs into what it actually looks like to move trauma-informed care from principles into practice in the moments that count: when some...

Trauma survivors don't need one person to be everything; they need a web of support, each thread held by someone who knows their role and plays it well. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with certified coach Jaci Rogash, about what it actually means to be a trauma-informed coach: not a substitute for therapy, not a watered-down version of clinical care, but something disti...

What does business actually look like when it's built for your brain? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host Katie Kurtz sits down with neurodivergent business coach Pippa Parfait (she/they) of Disobedient Business Co. for an honest, validating conversation about why so many neurodivergent entrepreneurs feel like they're failing — when really, the systems were never designed for them in the first place. This is...

Content Warning: This episode is focused on discussing, educating and uplifting the voices of survivors of sexual violence. In this episode, we will be discussing sexual violence, the rape crisis movement and healing avenues for survivors. Please be mindful as you listen and share this episode. We encourage survivors to honor themselves and those who are not to be present with this reality and be open to ways we can together create...

How do you define resilience? In American culture, resilience is often equated with “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”. But in reality, it is all about. nervous system capacity.  In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is joined by Jen Schneeman for a rich, trauma-informed conversation that challenges the idea that people should simply “bounce back.” Together, they explore the difference between ...

In nearly every community, pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers: seeing patients up to 12 times a year or more. Yet burnout rates are staggering, and meaningful connection often gets lost in the grind. On this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz talks to Dr. Ashley Builta who reveals how trauma-informed care is changing everything in pharmacy delivery.  She shares how it's not anot...

Leadership isn’t about titles or productivity: it’s about how you show up in everyday moments, especially in uncertain and turbulent times. In this episode, host Katie Kurtz explores what it really means to lead right now, offering a grounded look at how our nervous systems are responding, both individually and collectively, and how we can move from reaction to intentional, responsive leadership. As stress, burnout, and disconnecti...

Content Warning (CW): This episode centers the discussion of gun violence and explicit mentions mass shootings. Please be mindful as you listen and provide this content warning when sharing. 

I didn’t want to record this episode. And that’s exactly why we did. So let's cut straight to the truth: we need to get real about gun violence.  This is an important and timely episode with Josh Novick (he/him) is about gun violence,...

Have you ever sat through a nonprofit fundraising gala and felt your stomach drop as the lights dimmed for yet another emotionally devastating video? 

You're not alone. And according to trauma-informed storyteller Maria Bryan, there's a better way.

In this powerful episode of A Trauma-Informed Feature, host Katie Kurtz sits down with Maria Bryan to unpack the often-overlooked harm happening in nonprofit storytelling. From t...

Welcome back to a new season of A Trauma-Informed Future! After a restorative pause, Katie is offering transparent updates about the behind-the-scenes shifts that have unfolded since the last episode. Acknowledging the deep distrust shaping our world-from politics to community safety to information itself-Katie reminds us that trust is built slowly, at the pace of the nervous system, through aligned intentions and actions. She refl...

When people feel truly seen, heard, and valued, their nervous systems shift from protection to connection. As humans, our deepest drive is to feel safe—and that sense of safety is shaped by our internal physiological state, governed by the autonomic nervous system. We’re navigating a world marked by uncertainty and disconnection—at work, at home, and in our communities. Trust is in short supply, yet it’s the very thing we need most...

Many people turn to their faith communities to seek safety, connection, and support.  Without a trauma-informed lens, well-intentioned practices can unintentionally cause harm or retraumatize. Host Katie Kurtz is joined by coach and consultant Candace Wallace as they explore the integration of trauma-informed practices within faith-based communities. With expertise drawn from her extensive background, Candace Wallace explores the d...

Still think trauma isn’t relevant to your work? Recent populations studies have shown that virtually all people have or will experience trauma in their lifetime. Whether it’s your employees, customers, or clients, individuals have experienced some form of trauma in their lives and it can impact how they interact with you and your business. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with career ...

What if the traditional way of doing business is no longer the way forward? What if people and profit could coexist without extraction or harm?  Today's guest, Angela Johnson had these questions and set out on a journey to research how this could be possible using trauma-informed care. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with business strategist Angela Johnson discus...

In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz invites Caroline Brunne, a distinguished trauma survivor coach and breath work facilitator to discuss the powerful role of peer support. Caroline shares her compelling journey, underlining the critical role of personal lived experiences in the realm of trauma-informed care. This episode highlights how those who have navigated similar challenges bring valu...

How do we meet the moment while also running a business? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz explores the intersection of trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and effective marketing and business practices with Tristan Katz. An LGBTQIA+ DEI facilitator and consultant, Tristan shares their profound insights on creating meaningful change and fostering supportive environments for entrepreneurs.  ...

Trauma-informed care holds profound importance but is currently facing significant challenges. At its core, trauma-informed care is meant to be inclusive, compassionate, and universally applicable, addressing the needs of all individuals without exclusion. However, recent shifts in federal policies, funding priorities, and organizational practices have raised concerns about the erosion of this approach. In today's episode of A...

In the face of overlapping social, economic, and cultural crises, many of us are carrying the weight of collective trauma, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But even amidst the chaos, we don’t have to be consumed by the flames. This micro-episode is validating for anyone feeling familiar 2020 pandemic feelings of hypervigilance, functional freeze, growing uncertainty and fear. Host Katie Kurtz shares some affirming mess...

That palpable feeling of exhaustion, looming uncertainties, mounting moral injury, fast pace demoralization unfolding on our screens and in our streets. It's not an overreaction, it's collective trauma. Let's name a thing a thing and begin to look at ways we can begin to navigate how to live and lead during these times. Denying, minimizing and bypassing the realities of what is happening right now in the U.S. is not ...