United States of PTSD
Season One: Mental health concerns are on the rise in the United States. This podcast will look at the influencing factors contributing to the decline of our culture. With the rise of school shootings, political divisiveness, increasing levels of hate, and a chronic war of peoples' rights, we have entered a domestic war that never ends. Our podcast will look at whether this is done by design or is it an abject failure. We will discuss it from a clinical and common-sense perspective. Secondarily we will discuss ways to protect yourself from being further traumatized. Hosted by Matthew Boucher LICSW LCDP (licensed in RI) who has over 20 years of experience working with people who have addictions and trauma with a specialty of pregnant/postpartum women. Co-host Wendy Picard is a Learning and Development consultant with 15 years of experience, lifelong observer of the human condition, and diagnosed with PTSD in 1994. Season Two: Is joined by Donna Gaudette and Julia Kirkpatrick BSW. Julia is currently working on obtaining her MSW and her LCSW. She is a welcome addition to the podcast. Season Three: Cora Lee Kennedy provided research and worked as a temporary co-host. Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel joins as a co-host for season 3.
Episodes
Dog training experts Zac George and Bree join us to explore the dark side of animal training and how the weaponization of the human-animal bond perpetuates systems of oppression. We examine how our treatment of animals reflects deeper societal values about power, control, and our approach to both animal and human behavior.
• Traditional dog training methods often rely on pain and fear, including shock collars...
John Demarjain shares his emotional journey of coming out as a gay Palestinian American, revealing the complex intersection of cultural identity, family values, and personal authenticity in Western and Middle Eastern contexts.
• Western culture emphasizes (by design) individualism and independence, at the cost of community while Middle Eastern culture prioritizes family and religion
• The concept of ...
A foreshadowing of the national impending healthcare collapse as we see the beginnings of it in Rhode Island. As mental health workers face increasing dangers from understaffing, violence, and corporate retaliation against unionization efforts. Matt shares his terrifying classroom experience with possible gunfire, highlighting educators' vulnerability in America's gun violence epidemic, while Erika exposes ...
In this raw, unedited conversation, we process our emotional responses to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran while exploring how intergenerational trauma shapes our understanding of war.
• Processing our emotional reactions to Israel's "preemptive strike" otherwise know as a declaration of war against Iran
• Examining how media messaging manipulates public perception of conflict t...
Matt and Erika explore how people in compassion-based professions navigate feelings of helplessness when confronted with systemic barriers and limitations beyond their control.
• The challenges of working in compassion-based professions (healthcare, teaching, social work, veterinary medicine) within systems that often prioritize profit over people
• America's dysfunctional relationship with grief and...
Immigration rights are under severe threat as communities across America face increasing persecution and detention without due process, with Kim DeLeon sharing her family's journey through the US immigration system and the fears they still face despite her husband's citizenship. We discuss how the immigration process is far more complex, expensive, and uncertain than most people realize, with many families s...
PS: Congress is trying to pass a bill that would prohibit the boycott of the genocidal state of Israel's products. Please contact your rep to tell them to vote against the bill and stop the madness.
H.R.867 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): IGO Anti-Boycott Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Field veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Cehrs shares her experience responding to avian influenza outbreaks and the devastat...
Kate, a Ukrainian immigrant living in the US for 25 years, shares her journey navigating American systems while maintaining deep connections to her homeland during Russia's ongoing invasion.
• Describes how Russian cultural dominance and systematic erasure of Ukrainian identity extends back centuries, not just since 2014
• Explains coming to America as a young widow seeking opportunities for her chil...
Pet grief cuts deeper than many realize. When my beloved cat Hermes passed away recently after 16 incredible years together, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss that inspired this raw, emotional episode.
The story of Hermes begins in 2009, during a period of personal turmoil when this playful kitten literally ran into my life. Named after the fleet-footed Greek messenger god, Hermes was qui...
Matt and Mike explore cognitive dissonance in political values, examining how party loyalty often overrides moral consistency, particularly regarding responses to global genocides versus performative corporate boycotts.
• Discussion of selective outrage: boycotting companies for one day while ignoring ongoing genocides
• Examination of how political tribalism leads to moral inconsistencies
• Analysis ...
The episode delves into the concepts of cognitive dissonance and selective outrage, exploring how they shape our political identities and conversations. The hosts discuss the implications of a polarized political landscape and emphasize the importance of understanding differing perspectives as a path to unity and constructive change.
• Examining the impact of selective outrage
• Understanding cognitive d...
Chad Kennedy's journey from trauma to transformation sheds light on mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Through his Sea to Sea for PTSD initiative, he shares insights into finding the right therapy, the importance of connection, and the power of community in navigating mental health struggles.
• Chad shares his background and battle with PTSD
• The necessity of trauma-in...
The episode dives into the intersection of veterinary medicine, social justice, and global crises, focusing on the personal experiences of veterinary students facing harassment at the hands of faculty. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of One Health, the varied cultural perspectives on the human-animal bond, and the vital role of community and allyship in combating systemic injustice.
• Personal experie...
Please welcome back Dr. Ericka Hendel as their input is incredibly valuable and profound.
This episode reveals the intersection of veterinary medicine and human rights, highlighting the struggles of students advocating for marginalized voices, particularly concerning Palestine. Panelists discuss issues of tokenization, selective empathy, and the moral responsibilities of veterinarians in confronting social ...
How does a seasoned police officer navigate the mental health challenges that come with the job? Captain Adam Myers, an officer with over two decades of experience, opens up about his journey through trauma and recovery in the latest episode of United States of PTSD. He takes us on a gripping ride through the aftermath of a critical incident where he was forced to use deadly force, sharing the emotional turmoil and co...
What if the oppressive systems you navigate daily are pushing you to the brink? Join us as we welcome back Donna from "Healing Our Kindred Spirits" to confront the chaotic intersection of the U.S. healthcare system and societal tensions. We tackle the controversial shooting involving Luigi Mangione and the United CEO, diving deep into the emotions and frustrations that underpin such events. Through personal ...
What happens when unexpected acts of kindness force you to confront your deepest fears? Dave Murphy shares his riveting story of surviving a brutal attack in 1994 that left him with PTSD, reshaping his life in unforeseen ways. As he navigates the thorny landscape of trauma, mental health, and recovery, Dave unveils how a moment of compassion from those who resembled his assailants became a turning point. Listen as he ...
Is the American Dream a myth we've all bought into, or is there a glimmer of truth hidden beneath its layers? Join us as we dissect the illusion of success and equality tied to this dream, especially relevant after Thanksgiving. Together, we challenge the narrative of individual achievement and underscore the often-overlooked impact of generational wealth and systemic barriers like racism and sexism on one's...
Facing the harsh reality of feeling invisible in the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when battling chronic conditions. Donna returns to share her courageous journey through the maze of medical gaslighting, where her invisible illnesses were often dismissed. We unravel the staggering fact that obtaining a proper diagnosis for issues like autoimmune diseases can take nearly a decade. Learn how to empow...
Political fear and cognitive dissonance take center stage as we examine the unsettling political climate most likely resulting from a national/cumulative PTSD. Discover how fear tactics shape voter behavior and the troubling disconnects between domestic and international issues. We challenge each challenge each person to confront the cognitive dissonance in supporting policies that may contradict personal va...
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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