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United States of PTSD
Season One: Mental health concerns are on the rise in the United States. This podcast will look at the influencing factors contributing to the decline of our culture. With the rise of school shootings, political divisiveness, increasing levels of hate, and a chronic war of peoples' rights, we have entered a domestic war that never ends. Our podcast will look at whether this is done by design or is it an abject failure. We will discuss it from a clinical and common-sense perspective. Secondarily we will discuss ways to protect yourself from being further traumatized. Hosted by Matthew Boucher LICSW LCDP (licensed in RI) who has over 20 years of experience working with people who have addictions and trauma with a specialty of pregnant/postpartum women. Co-host Wendy Picard is a Learning and Development consultant with 15 years of experience, lifelong observer of the human condition, and diagnosed with PTSD in 1994.
Season Two: Is joined by Donna Gaudette and Julia Kirkpatrick BSW. Julia is currently working on obtaining her MSW and her LCSW. She is a welcome addition to the podcast.
Season Three: Cora Lee Kennedy provided research and worked as a temporary co-host. Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel joins as a co-host for season 3.
Episodes
53 episodes
S 3 E:14 An Immigrant Story: Erased Histories: Ukraine's Past, Present, and Uncertain Future
Kate, a Ukrainian immigrant living in the US for 25 years, shares her journey navigating American systems while maintaining deep connections to her homeland during Russia's ongoing invasion.• Describes how Russian cultural dominance and...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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53:32
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S3 E:13 When Goodbye Hurts: A Memorial to Hermes and the Grief of Losing a Pet
Pet grief cuts deeper than many realize. When my beloved cat Hermes passed away recently after 16 incredible years together, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss that inspired this raw, emotional episode.The story of H...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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29:23
S 3 E: 12 Division By Design: How Capitalism Profits From Our Political Hostility
Matt and Mike explore cognitive dissonance in political values, examining how party loyalty often overrides moral consistency, particularly regarding responses to global genocides versus performative corporate boycotts.• Discussion of s...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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51:38
S 3 E: 11 Selective Outrage and the Illusion of Neutrality in Politics
The episode delves into the concepts of cognitive dissonance and selective outrage, exploring how they shape our political identities and conversations. The hosts discuss the implications of a polarized political landscape and emphasize the imp...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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50:35
S 3 E:10 Walking Across Canada for Mental Health Change
Chad Kennedy's journey from trauma to transformation sheds light on mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Through his Sea to Sea for PTSD initiative, he shares insights into finding the right therapy, the importance o...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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50:11
S 3 E:9 Veterinary Voices: Advocacy, Diversity, and Human Rights Challenges Part 2
The episode dives into the intersection of veterinary medicine, social justice, and global crises, focusing on the personal experiences of veterinary students facing harassment at the hands of faculty. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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48:26
S 3 E:8 Veterinary Voices: Advocacy, Diversity, and Human Rights Challenges Part 1
Please welcome back Dr. Ericka Hendel as their input is incredibly valuable and profound. This episode reveals the intersection of veterinary medicine and human rights, highlighting the struggles of students advocating for margina...
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53:40
S 3 E: 7 From Trauma to Triumph: A Police Officer's Story
How does a seasoned police officer navigate the mental health challenges that come with the job? Captain Adam Myers, an officer with over two decades of experience, opens up about his journey through trauma and recovery in the latest episode of...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:15:54
S 3 E: 6 Insurance problems and consequences of oppression.
What if the oppressive systems you navigate daily are pushing you to the brink? Join us as we welcome back Donna from "Healing Our Kindred Spirits" to confront the chaotic intersection of the U.S. healthcare system and societal tensions. We tac...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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58:22
S 3 E: 5 A Story of Resilience and Renewal
What happens when unexpected acts of kindness force you to confront your deepest fears? Dave Murphy shares his riveting story of surviving a brutal attack in 1994 that left him with PTSD, reshaping his life in unforeseen ways. As he navigates t...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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45:06
S 3 E:4 Challenging the Myth of the American Dream
Is the American Dream a myth we've all bought into, or is there a glimmer of truth hidden beneath its layers? Join us as we dissect the illusion of success and equality tied to this dream, especially relevant after Thanksgiving. Together, we ch...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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45:40
S 3 E: 3 The Invisible Struggles: Being Irrelevant
Facing the harsh reality of feeling invisible in the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when battling chronic conditions. Donna returns to share her courageous journey through the maze of medical gaslighting, where her invisible ...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:07:23
S 3 E: 2 Election disaster. When Political Fear Clouds Judgment
Political fear and cognitive dissonance take center stage as we examine the unsettling political climate most likely resulting from a national/cumulative PTSD. Discover how fear tactics shape voter behavior and the troubling disconnects...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:03:48
S 3 E: 1 Spooky Season: Culture, Legends, and Fear
What if the Halloween traditions we've come to love are rooted in ancient fears and legends? Join us as we kick off season three of "The United States of PTSD" with a thrilling exploration of Halloween's origins, tracing its journey from Celtic...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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54:25
S2 E 24 Veterinary Medicine and Mental Health Challenges
Join us for a profound conversation with our special guest, Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel, who enlightens us about the intricate intersections between veterinary medicine, mental health, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Discover their heartfel...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:09:19
S2 E 23 The Emotional Weight of Political Discussions
Join Matt, Julia, and Cora as they navigate profound issues in today's episode of the United States of PTSD. They delve into the stark realities of political division, its emotional toll, and the complexities of discussing politics with your ne...
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56:23
S 2 E 22 Social Media Pressure on Modern Mothers
Picture yourself in the quiet, rural expanse of Connecticut when an unexpected visitor arrives, stirring up a series of chilling events. In our latest episode of United States of PTSD, Matt takes us through his harrowing encounter with a myster...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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1:02:35
S2 E 21 The Truth about Diet Culture
Cramped airline seats and long security lines might sound like a travel nightmare, but Julia's recent trip to Scotland, Ireland, and the UK was anything but. She brings the adventure to life, sharing her awe at ancient castles and endearing Hig...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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1:09:01
S 2 Episode 20: Reexamining Power and Society
Please welcome Patrick Jones, also known as Mr.JonesX. With his expertise in diversity, inclusion, and human rights advocacy, Patrick actively engages over 400,000 fans, including a significant LGBTQ+ community, through his thought-provokin...
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1:15:41
S 2 Episode 19 Narcissism
Julia and Matt talk about what NPD is and how it is different from the rise of cultural narcissism. At what point does being self-centered turn into a personality disorder. Matt and Julia talk about some tips when dealing with someo...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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45:53
S 2 E 18 Dating
Thanks to a listener request Julia and Matt talk about the dating app culture and how it has devolved since Covid. As people are feeling more and more disconnected from each other it would seem the fix for this would be to build more comm...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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51:47
S 2 E 17: Alice
Matt and Julia talk with a parent about Alice Trainings. This training is a "trauma informed approach" to school shootings. Cora talks about the impact this has had on her children. Does our country have any limit on the amoun...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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53:45
S 2 Episode 16 Be Kind
Matt and Julia discuss the benefits of being kind as a way of life. Can we all commit to doing this? The Benefits of Kind...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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59:01
S 2 E 15: The Uncommitted
Guest Speaker, Dany ( a first generation Palestinian / Lebanese immigrant, artist and activist. Their grandparents were displaced during the 1948 ethnic cleansing campaign or (Nakba). Since the latest assault into Gaza they have been campaignin...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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57:13