Learn From People Who Lived it

The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: Finding Growth After Pain with Dr. Edith Shiro

The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: Finding Growth After Pain with Dr. Edith Shiro
In this episode, you'll hear: 
Practical steps to move from trauma to post-traumatic growth
Tips for identifying a support group that truly aids your healing journey
How generational trauma is passed down through genetics and the power you have to break the cycle
Dr. Edith Shiro is a highly respected clinical psychologist, author, and speaker specializing in trauma and post-traumatic growth. She co-founded the Trauma and Resilience Center in Miami, Florida, and is the author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor and a Syrian refugee, Dr. Shiro's personal history deeply informs her work, inspiring her mission to help individuals break cycles of generational trauma. Growing up as a Jewish woman in Venezuela before immigrating to the U.S. to pursue her education and career, she embodies resilience and transformation. 
In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave Leicken, and Dr. Edith Shiro dive into the complex and deeply personal topic of generational trauma, exploring how it is not only passed down through learned behaviors but is embedded in our genetics. Dr. Shiro shares the stages needed to get to post-traumatic growth, starting with radical acceptance of one's experiences. They explore the idea that trauma, though painful, can hold unexpected gifts. The conversation sheds light on the inevitability of trauma as part of the human experience, how its impact is deeply subjective, and what it takes to shift from suffering to growth. They also discuss the importance of timing, knowing when you’re truly ready to heal, and the difference between letting go and not caring. Finally, they address the critical role of support, distinguishing between helpful and harmful support groups and how to recognize if the people you turn to are aiding your healing or keeping you stuck in pain.
“Let’s understand what trauma is…Anything that can happen to you that shakes or shatters your belief system about yourself, about the other, about the world, for which you don’t have tools or you don’t have resources to deal with.” -Dr. Shiro
“Time is a myth because you can’t say ‘Time heals all’. It’s what you do with time.” - Dr. Shiro
“Yes we get passed on traumas, but we also get passed on treasures, and we also get passed on wisdom.” -Dr. Shiro
Follow the podcast: 
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h) 
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM) 
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE) 
 
Resources:
The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Posttraumatic Growth By Dr. Edith Shiro
Dr. Edith Shiro’s Website
Dr. Dave Leicken
 
Connect with Mathew Blades: 
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/ 
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/ 
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
 
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC
 
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A micro-dose investment in you - transitional character (part 3)

Explores the concept of transitional characters as agents of generational change, using Mathew's career shift and health improvements as case studies. Highlights actionable strategies like confronting avoidance patterns, embracing a 'main character' mentality, and leveraging mind-body connections through psychosomatic examples.
In this episode you'll hear:
Definition of a transitional character. Someone who breaks generational dysfunction and shifts their family/community to higher ground.
Uses Mathew's career change and resolution of chronic back pain as case studies for transitional character energy in action
Discusses mind-body connection through examples of eczema resolution and psychosomatic health improvements
Provides actionable steps: confronting difficult conversations (Mathew's mother example), addressing avoidance patterns, embracing 'main character' mentality
Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.
 
Next up: Spirituality 

A micro-dose investment in you - Tune out the noise (part 2)

The episode focuses on the concept of tuning out external noise to maintain focus on personal decisions and goals. Key points included the importance of confidence, avoiding distractions, and surrounding oneself with supportive influences. 
In this episode you'll hear:
The concept of tuning out the noise involves focusing on one's own decisions and not being swayed by external opinions.
The importance of being confident in one's decisions and not letting others' opinions affect them.
The role of distractions and how they can prevent us from focusing on what is true to us.
The significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people or resources, even if they are not physically present.
The idea of letting noise wash through without attaching to it, and focusing on personal goals.
Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.
 
Coming tomorrow: Transitional character  
 

A micro-dose investment in you - Blow up what you built (part 1)

This discussion focuses on strategies for personal growth through intentional life changes, including the concept of 'blowing up' unfulfilling structures, taking actionable micro-steps, and navigating transitions with kindness.
In this episode you'll hear:
The concept of 'blowing up what you built' involves making significant life changes (careers, relationships, etc.) when existing structures no longer serve personal growth or fulfillment. Hosts shared personal examples of leaving high-profile careers despite external success.
Emphasis on action over inaction: Frustration often stems from stagnation, and small steps can lead to transformative change ('micro-investments').
Navigating change with intentionality: The importance of approaching transitions kindly (e.g., 'move your family and friends through this in the highest way') rather than chaotic detachment.
Coming tomorrow: Tuning Out the Noise (Episode 2)
 
Cortney McDermott, a returning guest and a beloved voice on the show, is an international speaker and TED Talk presenter, Cortney is also a bestselling author. Her latest book, Give Yourself Permission: Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You., is out now.