Episode Summary: In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Paula Walters shares her deeply personal story to close out Brain Injury Awareness Month. She sheds light on “the silent injury”—the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that often go unseen and undiagnosed in survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, strangulation, and human trafficking. Drawing from…

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…

In this powerful episode, host Paula Walters shares a deeply personal account of a recent work-related concussion and her decision to forego traditional medical treatment in favor of a holistic healing approach. Drawing from her own experiences with brain injuries, misdiagnoses, and a frustrating encounter with the healthcare system, Paula discusses her journey through functional…

In this episode of The Courageous Survivor Podcast, Paula Walters, a survivor of multiple forms of abuse and national speaker, reflects on her recent experience speaking at a conference in Los Angeles, where she discussed the intersection of domestic violence (DV), interpersonal violence (IPV), and the healthcare system. Paula shares insights from professionals in California,…

In this talk, I explore the intricate relationship between the rational brain (prefrontal cortex) and the emotional brain (limbic system), particularly how trauma affects their balance. Trauma rewires the brain, causing the emotional center to dominate, often leading to impulsive reactions and heightened emotional sensitivity. I draw from personal experiences and societal trends, highlighting how…

In this powerful episode of Courageous Conversations, Paula Walters reflects on the intense emotional experiences of the past few weeks, including an eye-opening podcast with a military veteran and survivor of traumatic brain injury. Paula discusses the struggles many face—whether survivors of abuse or veterans—navigating a medical system that often fails them. She shares a…

Description: In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, join me, Paula Walters, as I dive deep into the complex world of our body’s stress hormones—adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones play a crucial role in how we respond to stress, but when impacted by trauma, they can become our greatest challenge. Today, I’ll be sharing…

🎙 Episode 1: Healing Through Faith and Self-Reflection 🎙 Welcome to the very first episode of Courageous Conversations. In this inaugural episode, I invite you into my world—a place where I openly share the private thoughts, journal entries, and moments of accountability that have shaped my healing journey from over four decades of trauma. Today’s…

Podcast Episode: Breaking the Chain—Rewiring Your Brain Chemistry After Trauma Welcome to The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chain. In this powerful episode, Paula Walters takes you on an enlightening journey into the science behind our “happy hormones”—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. With nearly five decades of personal experience overcoming chronic trauma, addiction, and the medical…

In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, I dive deep into the complex relationship between our innate need for connection and the importance of staying true to oneself. I explore how early life experiences, especially those involving trauma, can deeply affect our ability to connect authentically while remaining true to who we are. Reflecting on…