.png)
The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chains and Redesigning Me
The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chains and Redesigning Me
Hosted by Paula Walters
The Courageous Survivor isn’t just a podcast—it’s a raw, unfiltered journey through the lifelong impacts of trauma, the messy process of healing, and the power of rewriting your own story.
I’m Paula Walters—a paramedic with over 20 years of experience, a survivor of child abuse, domestic violence, and near-fatal strangulation, and someone who has spent decades battling addiction, chronic illness, and the aftershocks of trauma. After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and failed by the systems that were supposed to help, I began to ask hard questions—and I started the work of healing from the inside out.
This podcast is where I unpack it all. From the ways childhood dysfunction shaped my identity and relationships, to my struggles with brain injury, fight-or-flight autopilot, and hidden addictions to work, validation, and avoidance—I’m pulling back the curtain on what recovery really looks like when trauma rewires your brain and body.
But The Courageous Survivor isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us who have survived things we don’t talk about enough. And it’s about the urgent need to change how we respond to survivors—not just individually, but as a society.
This podcast is a call to action.
I challenge healthcare professionals, mental health providers, first responders, law enforcement, judicial systems, advocacy groups, and victim services to break out of their silos and come together. Survivors need trauma-informed, collaborative care that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and soul. We need systems that see us, hear us, and believe us.
Through honest storytelling, hard truths, and deep personal reflection, I’m here to spark hope, foster connection, and inspire both personal and systemic transformation. You’ll also hear from other survivors, professionals, and thought leaders who are doing the work of bridging trauma and wellness in real life.
Whether you're in the thick of your own healing journey, working in a role that supports survivors, or just beginning to understand how trauma impacts our world—this podcast will challenge you to go deeper, reflect harder, and take brave steps toward change.
Together, we are breaking the chains—and redesigning who we were always meant to be.
Subscribe and join me on this journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation.
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.
The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chains and Redesigning Me
A Fresh Start: Shifting my Mindset
Episode 1: Breaking the Chains and Redesigning Me
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chains and Redesigning Me." Join Paula Walters as she shares her transformative journey of resilience, overcoming child abuse, domestic violence, near-fatal strangulation, addiction, and mental health struggles. Discover how a shift in mindset and the help of a functional medicine clinic paved the way for her healing.
In this episode, Paula reflects on the dangerous cycles of abuse she once thought were normal and the inner work required to break free from those chains. She emphasizes the importance of individualized healing journeys for survivors and the profound realization that hurt people often hurt others. By taking accountability for her past actions and connecting with another brain injury survivor, Paula found a new path to wellness.
Paula also delves into the significance of addressing wellness in all areas of life—spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, social, and professional. Her 20-year career as a paramedic provided insights into her own unresolved traumas and the need for a supportive environment.
Tune in to hear Paula's raw and honest story, offering hope and inspiration to fellow survivors and supporters. Learn how breaking the chains of past traumas and redesigning oneself is possible through courage, connection, and unwavering belief.
Show Notes:
- Introduction to Paula Walters and her journey
- The role of functional medicine in her healing
- Breaking dangerous cycles of abuse and shifting mindset
- Importance of individualized healing journeys
- Taking accountability and the impact of unresolved trauma
- Wellness in all areas of life
- Insights from a 20-year paramedic career
- Finding hope and inspiration through connection
Thank you for joining us on this courageous journey. Visit our website for more about Paula's story and her speaking engagements.
https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/
https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.