Episodes

Helping Survivors of Natural Disasters: Lessons From Hurricane Florence In the wake of the recent flood in Texas, our hearts are heavy with sorrow for all who have suffered unimaginable losses. To those grieving the death of children, family members, friends, and neighbors, we extend our deepest condolences. As the full magnitude of this tragedy continues to unfold, we are reminded of the profound challenges ahead. Extreme weather events are closely tied to a range of adverse mental health ou...

As the current administration takes away funding for school-based mental health interventions, now is the time to amplify the good works done by school districts around the country, including Cleveland County Schools in North Carolina. In this encore episode, Ryan Etheridge will describe how his school district prepared the staff and teachers for helping children during the transition from home to school after COVID-19 school closures.

In a time of deep division, uncertainty, and crisis, Finding Light in the Darkness will explore how we can maintain our well-being, integrity, and hope. Hosted by Elaine Miller-Karas, an internationally recognized trauma expert and resiliency advocate, she will illuminate practical strategies for navigating today’s complex social and political landscape. Elaine hopes this episode will provide a beacon of light—insights on staying grounded, fostering compassion, and building resilience in the f...

Resiliency Within’s host, Elaine Miller-Karas, co-founded the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI). She resigned as Executive Director in 2020 when she welcomed Dr. Michael Sapp as the CEO of TRI. They will discuss the international organization's past, present, and future. The Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that cultivates trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities worldwide. TRI is known internationally for its innovative perspectives ...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month because it was first established in 1949 by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health and well-being. The month aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, promote open conversations, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. At a time when major cutbacks are being made by the current administration, it is essential that we focus on providing mental healthcare for our citizens and continue to support programs providing care to the most v...

Essential funds are being cut for important programs helping youth. Where common sense laws are lacking to protect children, violence prevention professionals and credible messengers are working on the frontlines to mediate conflict, interrupt violence, and restore peace. Jordan R. Murphy, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist who specializes in behavioral health and trauma and resiliency-informed care. In this encore episode, Dr. Murphy will share her work in Gun Violence Prevention, supporting prof...

During these challenging times as mental health funding is being cut in many parts of the world, hearing again from Chris Underhill in this encore show. Chris has been a champion for mental health globally. Chris Underhill MBE works as a mentor and is a social entrepreneur in the field of quality of life, and mental health in the community. Elaine Miller-Karas first met Chris in Oxford, England at the Skoll World Forum where she was struck by his depth of understanding of the suffering of indi...

During these challenging times, it is imperative to raise up the true history of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In this encore show, Reena Evers-Everette, their committed and passionate daughter, shares how the vision of her father and mother continues through the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute in Jackson, Mississippi. She shares her personal experience of suffering and resiliency. She details living the institute's mission: cultivating positive social change and intergenerational...

We must not forget that the greatness of America has been shaped by the immigrants who have come for that hopeful opportunity of a better future. People have immigrated to the United States from many places around the globe. They have often escaped the horrors of war and oppression to come to a country hoping for a future where their families could thrive in a Democratic Republic. The host of Resiliency Within will share aspects of her first-generation view with her colleague, Martha Parra, LC...

This week on Resiliency Within, host Elaine Miller-Karas welcomes Jesse Kohler for a timely conversation on the evolving landscape of trauma-informed care. Drawing from his policy experience in Washington, D.C., Jesse offers insights into the evolving political climate and its impact on trauma-informed practices. Together, they will discuss how community mental health leaders can thoughtfully respond to stakeholders who express concerns or objections to trauma-informed approaches. The convers...

This show is being rebroadcast because of the importance of recognizing and respecting the LGBTQ+ community during these unprecedented times. The culture wars, with vitriolic rhetoric and attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals and families, are taking their toll. Sue Borrego and Kelsey Bunker Roberston are mother and daughter. They share their journey of love, hope, and resilience. This show first aired in 2023, and its message of love and hope is timeless and much needed in today’s world. Resilience is...

Resiliency Within is dedicated to remembering those affected by suicide. At a time in our country, where the mental health systems are being dismantled, it is imperative to remember those who are suffering. We want to bring to light those who work tirelessly to raise awareness and reach out to those suffering silently. My guests, Dr. Jamie Gamboa and Social Worker Brian Stefan, discuss their work with Spotlight on Suicide. They discuss the Suicidal Ideation Toolbox, a resource filled with ac...

Mike Sapp, CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, joins host Elaine Miller-Karas to continue their conversation about the challenges—and the remarkable acts of generosity—that have emerged within their global community over recent months. Together, they will reflect on TRI’s international work and conversations they have had with global humanitarian leaders as they respond to the United States’ recent actions in dismantling USAID. Their conversation will continue to highlight the deeply human s...

Mike Sapp, CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute, joins host Elaine Miller-Karas for a compelling conversation about the challenges—and the remarkable acts of generosity—that have emerged within their global community over recent months. Together, they will reflect on TRI’s work in response to the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires and the organization’s ongoing support of individuals and communities navigating the impact of shifting U.S. governmental funding for humanitarian initiatives. Th...

March is Social Work Month. This encore episode highlights Drs. Beverly Buckles and Kimberly Freeman. They are leaders in social work internationally. They will share their international work, demonstrating the impact that social works make worldwide. The Loma Linda University (LLU) International Behavior Health Trauma Team (IBHTT) operated by the LLU School of Behavioral Health (SBH) has been providing international trauma preparatory training and psychological first aid disaster response sin...

Dr. Ravi Chandra returns to Resiliency Within to share his reflections and wisdom about amplifying compassion during the current sociopolitical climate. He will share his thoughts about the importance of compassion. Dr. Chandra's inspired words reflect what is essential for all of us to remember at this time in our history. "The voices of all individuals and communities are profoundly important for the future because our survival and growth as a nation and world depend on empathy and compassi...

Natalia Rudsynska, formerly Natalia Valevska, is the International Partnership Director of EdCamp Ukraine. Natalia was married in 2024. Our host, Elaine Miller-Karas, has been providing support to Ukrainian teachers, children and community members since before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. This is a time to honor our Ukrainian friends and colleagues and stand with them. During this encore show, Natalia shares her insights from living in her beloved country, Ukraine, during the Russian invas...

In a time of deep division, uncertainty, and crisis, Finding Light in the Darkness will explore how we can maintain our well-being, integrity, and hope. Hosted by Elaine Miller-Karas, an internationally recognized trauma expert and resiliency advocate, she will illuminate practical strategies for navigating today’s complex social and political landscape. Elaine hopes this episode will provide a beacon of light—insights on staying grounded, fostering compassion, and building resilience in the f...

Dr. Ilene Naomi Rusk has a trauma-informed science-based approach to brain health and optimal longevity. She’s developed a user-friendly way of using a functional medicine approach to help prevent Alzheimer’s and improve cognitive health. Dr. Rusk focuses mainly on helping her patients build stress resilience, and she focuses on numerous lifestyle pillars of brain health. These lifestyle pillars, like sleep, diet, and movement, and how we engage with them, can directly affect how we think and f...

Erin Kennedy and Scott Dinits are deeply embedded in the communities affected by the wildfires in Northern California. With the recent firestorms on Maui and Southern California, learning how to support children and adults is essential. They were direct responders after the 2018 Campfire that devastated Butte County Communities and the town of Paradise, California. As Boys and Girls Club employees, they share what is essential to help children and adults heal. Both Erin and Scott are trained in...

Since this show was first aired, climate events have become more frequent. Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a recognized authority in climate change's physiological and psychological impacts, enlightens us about her advocacy efforts. She helps us understand these incidents' cumulative effects on children and adults. Dr. Van Susteren delves into the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the context of climate change, elucidating pathways for the recovery and healing of individuals. Moreover, she ...

Shannon Biteng of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is the Trauma Informed Organization Manager. She will share the development and implementation of the ODHS Trauma Aware Program. The program supports over 12,000 human services professionals dedicated to assisting 1.5 million Oregonians in accessing essential resources and enhancing their overall well-being. She will share how the Trauma Aware initiatives foster resilience, promote well-being, and strive to empower individuals aff...

Resiliency Within welcomes back John Kania and Laura Calderon de la Barca. Join this conversation with the Collective Change Lab team who are at the leading edge of shifting how organizations, movements, and collective system change efforts are evolving towards more healing-centered ways of working. John Kania is the Founder and Executive Director of Collective Change Lab. Laura Calderon de la Barca is a psychotherapist specializing in individual, intergenerational, and collective trauma, as w...

Dr. Phil Allen, Jr. returns to Resiliency Within to discuss his journey since the release of his documentary and his first book, Open Wounds: A Story of Racial Tragedy, Trauma and Redemption. In this encore episode, he will explore the themes of his second book, The Prophetic Lens: The Camera and Black Moral Agency, from Martin Luther King to Darnella Frazier, which examines the role of the camera in the fight for racial justice. Allen highlights both the prophetic potential of the camera and ...