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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
Embracing 51: A New Chapter of Goals, Growth, and Gratitude
In this powerful and introspective episode of The Courageous Survivor, host Paula Walters celebrates her 51st birthday by reflecting on the incredible journey of overcoming childhood trauma, healing, and defying medical predictions. With a deep sense of gratitude and renewed purpose, Paula shares her goals for the next phase of her life, which include continuing her spiritual awakening, prioritizing total body wellness, and fostering a supportive community for trauma survivors. This episode is a testament to resilience, goal-setting, and the pursuit of living authentically while rooted in faith.
Paula’s honest and inspiring account of setting long-term goals—from deepening her relationship with God to focusing on health, financial wellness, and writing her book—serves as a guide for anyone looking to create lasting change in their life. She also touches on the importance of accountability, staying grounded in truth, and the joy found in life’s simplest moments.
Podcast Highlights:
- Celebrating 51: Paula reflects on her feelings of freedom after defying medical expectations and reaching her 51st birthday.
- Goal-Setting for Personal Growth: Paula shares how writing down goals and setting daily, weekly, and long-term milestones boosts dopamine and serotonin, helping her heal and stay focused on her wellness journey.
- Deepening Spiritual Awakening: A key goal for Paula is to deepen her connection with God and live a life focused on her divine purpose.
- Prioritizing Total Body Wellness: Paula discusses her commitment to improving her strength, flexibility, and brain health, aiming to live a vibrant life as she ages.
- Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle: With a focus on gardening, canning, and homemade foods, Paula embraces self-sustainability and the joy of nurturing a natural, holistic lifestyle.
- Living Authentically and Embracing Simplicity: Paula emphasizes the importance of being present, traveling, and enjoying the simple things in life, like time with family and nature.
- Writing Her Book: Paula plans to rewrite her book from a place of healing and rationality, reflecting on her journey with a more objective and compassionate lens.
- Building a Supportive Community: Paula aims to foster a supportive environment for survivors of trauma, providing a space for healing and wellness.
- Financial Wellness and New Income Streams: With a desire to transition from full-time paramedic work, Paula plans to focus on her speaking engagements, writing, and life coaching to create financial stability.
- Being a Truth-Seeker: Paula remains committed to living authentically, seeking truth, and staying grounded in her faith as she navigates a world she sees as filled with both good and evil.
Join Paula as she shares her next steps and invites listeners to set their own goals, offering support, accountability, and inspiration along the way.
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.