Bravo TV's Kari Wells on Managing PTSD and Trauma

What happens after the traumatic event is over, but your brain and body still don't feel safe? Kari Wells, known for Bravo's Married to Medicine, opens up about the severe PTSD she experienced after surviving a violent armed robbery. For months, she struggled to feel safe in everyday places like supermarkets and movie theaters, in her neighborhood, and even at home. Wells is now sharing what came next in her new book, From Attitude to Gratitude: 15 Practices for Transforming Pain Into Power. Today she sits down with host Gabe Howard about what it really means to heal from trauma when you're nowhere near ready to “move on.” Listeners Will Learn: · The difference between healing and toxic positivity · Why forgiveness can be an act of self-care · What it means to reclaim agency after trauma This conversation challenges the idea that healing means immediately finding the positive. Wells explains why acknowledging pain has to come before transforming it, why there is no universal timeline for recovery, and how she learned to see pain as something that could teach her without allowing it to define her. If you've experienced trauma—or love someone who has—this conversation offers a candid look at what healing can actually look like: not pretending everything is fine, but slowly learning how to move forward. Pull Quote “You cannot deny your pain. You cannot just quickly put a smile on your face and say, this never happened.” ~Kari Wells from Bravo's Married to Medicine Our guest is the elegant, articulate, and effortlessly charming, Kari Wells who is a British author, television personality, actress, and entrepreneur celebrated for her poise both on and off the screen. Best known as the breakout star and fan favorite of Bravo’s Married to Medicine, Kari was famously dubbed “The Queen of Class” by host Andy Cohen—a title she embraces with a touch of wit, often adding “and a bit of sass.” Kari’s extensive experience spans continents and industries. With formal training in film and television from both the UK and the US, she has starred in numerous films, national commercials, and television productions, including Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, the Ghostbusters web series, and a host of independent projects. From playing comedic characters to delivering heartfelt dramatic performances, Kari commands every stage with confidence and grace. Beyond entertainment, Kari is a published author, lifestyle blogger, and accomplished entrepreneur. She has run a successful film production company, developed real estate in Aspen and Atlanta, and authored The Pink Monkey, a children’s book promoting tolerance and inclusion as well as a spiritual self help book From Attitude to Gratitude 15 ways of transforming Pain into Power through Simon and Schuster. She lends her time and talents to causes including Doctors Without Borders, youth mentoring programs, the Aspen arts, Best Buddies and Action in Africa. She is the producer of the new lifestyle show Aspen Unfiltered - Preserving Aspen’s Stories as a gift for future generations. Kari’s signature blend of humor, elegance, and professionalism makes her a standout emcee. A seasoned world traveler fluent in multiple languages, Kari lives by the mantra, “You cannot have a narrow mind with a thick passport.” Her global perspective, dynamic presence, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference make her an inspiring choice for any high-profile event. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.