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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
Life Updates, Trauma, and Moving Forward
In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, Paula Walters returns after a long hiatus, joined by Kerri, to share life updates and discuss the challenges they've faced. Paula candidly opens up about how the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 have not gone as planned, leading her to reassess her path forward.
She shares two major realizations:
- You don’t have to engage with toxic people – Paula reflects on dealing with narcissistic and sociopathic individuals, emphasizing that trying to reason with them is futile. She has set firm boundaries, choosing to disengage and prioritize her well-being.
- Recognizing systemic privilege and biases – A recent emotional moment helped her realize how difficult it can be to recognize privilege when deeply embedded in it. She acknowledges her ongoing journey of self-awareness and personal growth.
Paula also discusses her upcoming three-day neuro boot camp in Minnesota to address the lingering effects of a work-related concussion. She shares how the combination of stress, trauma, and neurological challenges has left her feeling overstimulated and emotionally drained. Her top priority is healing her brain so she can regain balance and clarity.
Kerri provides an update on her own struggles, including her husband’s serious health issues, financial stress, and uncertainty in her work related to intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury research due to funding cuts. She opens up about the emotional toll of these challenges and the need for flexibility and resilience.
Moving forward, Paula and Kerri agree that they will be “winging it” for the rest of 2025—embracing the unpredictable nature of life, discussing real experiences, and sharing their healing journeys openly. Paula acknowledges that it’s okay to not have all the answers and to take things one step at a time.
Listeners can expect updates on Paula’s neuro rehab journey on her social media (@Paula D. Walters, The Courageous Survivor), with another podcast episode coming soon to reflect on her experience in Minnesota.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Boundaries are essential when dealing with toxic individuals.
- Recognizing privilege and systemic challenges requires deep reflection.
- Prioritizing mental and physical health is crucial.
- Healing is a continuous journey, and sometimes, it's okay to not have everything figured out.
Stay tuned for more raw and real conversations in future episodes!
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.