When Survival Becomes Awakening: Trauma, Recovery, and the Return to Self

In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Justin LaPree, a Marine veteran, former Austin firefighter, entrepreneur, and suicide survivor who turned his darkest moment into a movement of healing, to explore the long arc of trauma, recovery, and the courageous journey back to self-love. Justin shares his story of childhood trauma, military service, and the inner battles that led to a suicide attempt — and how entheogenic medicines and spiritual practices opened a new path toward healing. Together, they discuss the role of community, intention, and storytelling in recovery, and how shared experiences can transform pain into connection, meaning, and compassion.

Choose one intentional practice this week that helps you meet yourself with honesty instead of judgment. Whether it's journaling, meditation, breathwork, or therapy, create a small, sacred space where you can listen to what your pain is trying to teach you — and take one compassionate step toward yourself.

Justin's links: Website, Insta, Facebook, Youtube

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

$3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission
$5-Ad free episodes
$10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook
$30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Jen Taylor's Books

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(300)

Burnout Recovery: Emotional Intelligence, Purpose, and Living Authentically

What if burnout isn't a sign that you're failing, but a signal that something needs to change? In this episode, Malisa Hepner sits down with Dr. Lorea Martínez to explore burnout, emotional intelligen...

3 Juli 51min

Why Understanding Trauma Isn't Enough: The Missing Piece of Healing

In this solo episode, Malisa Hepner explores why insight alone doesn't create lasting change. She unpacks how trauma shapes the nervous system, why safety is essential for healing, and how new experie...

1 Juli 26min

Why Your Brain Assumes the Worst: Breaking Free from Anxiety and Overthinking

In this solo episode, host Malisa Hepner explores how the brain predicts danger, fills in missing information, and mistakes old emotional patterns for present-day reality. Learn why uncertainty feels ...

29 Juni 26min

Interdependence, Spirituality, and Finding Meaning After Loss

In this episode, Malisa Hepner sits down with Joe Elefante for a thoughtful conversation about spirituality, identity, and the healing power of connection. Together, they explore how loss can reshape ...

26 Juni 48min

Body Positivity and Overcoming the Inner Critic

In this episode of Emotionally Unavailable, Malisa Hepner welcomes back Julia Trehane for a conversation about authenticity, self-acceptance, and the stories we tell ourselves. Together, they explore ...

24 Juni 1h 1min

Why We Struggle to Connect: Trauma, Attachment Styles, and Emotional Safety

Why do some relationships feel safe while others leave us feeling disconnected, anxious, or misunderstood? In this solo episode, Malisa Hepner explores how early life experiences, trauma, and attachme...

22 Juni 30min

The Power of Human Connection: Authentic Conversations, Circling, and Relational Growth

Host, Malisa Hepner, sits down with Guy Sengstock, founder of The Circling Institute, and they discuss deep conversations, relational practices, emotional presence, and how meaningful dialogue can fos...

19 Juni 56min

Self-Responsibility and the Power of Intentional Living

Host, Malisa Hepner, welcomes back Julie Cyvonne, microdosing mentor, for a thoughtful conversation about personal growth, community, spirituality, and the role of self-responsibility in creating a me...

17 Juni 54min