Becoming Your Own Hero After Trauma (EP 125)

Tracy Smaldino is back for part two of our conversation, and we get real about what healing after trauma actually looks like when life keeps moving. Tracy shares how breath work, meditation, journaling, and simply learning to pause helped her recognize the physical signs that something was off before she reacted.

We talk about the pressure to keep up appearances, especially for men who were taught to tough it out and women who were taught not to cause trouble. Tracy’s message is simple but powerful: nobody is coming to save you, but that does not mean you have to figure everything out overnight. Start with a pause, listen to what feels off, and take one honest step toward becoming your own hero.

=== Chapters

00:00 Tracy Smaldino Returns02:59 Listening to Your Body06:36 Becoming Your Own Hero08:30 Why Reset Seasons Matter13:39 Breaking the Rules We Were Taught18:45 Authenticity Over Approval22:01 Men, Trauma, and Vulnerability26:27 When the Past Affects Today27:33 Boundaries, Burnout, and Exhaustion32:35 Coaching vs. Therapy42:51 Starting Small at Home

=== Guest: Tracy Smaldino

Website: https://traumarockstars.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracysmaldino

=== Resources / Books / Podcasts / Apps

Trauma Rock Stars™ Podcast: https://traumarockstars.com/Trauma Rock Stars™ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trauma-rock-stars-trauma-recovery-healing-podcast/id1835876659Trauma Rock Stars™ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3j8Zoy3p3Mair20q0AQbW2Trauma Rock Stars™ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRockStarsTrauma Rock Stars™ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traumarockstars/Trauma Rock Stars™ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traumarockstars

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item

Item Title: Healthy EatingItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/healthy-eating-VNN4M4PAuthor Username: CrazyTunesLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: Unhealthy PodcastLicense Date: January 3rd, 2026Item License Code: XPFS6HD54W