Radiant Resilience - Real Conversations with Tawny Palm
Welcome to Radiant Resilience, the podcast where real people share their unfiltered stories of triumph, perseverance, and the raw realities of life.
In a world dominated by curated social media narratives, it's easy to feel alone in our struggles. But the truth is, everyone faces challenges – some overcome them, others navigate through, and a few find themselves still in the midst of the storm. Tawny Palm invites you to join an open and honest conversation that goes beyond the highlight reel.
These are not just success stories; these are real-life accounts of resilience in the face of adversity. In each episode, guests bravely step into the spotlight to recount their journeys, sharing the highs, lows, and the unexpected twists that have shaped them. You'll hear stories of triumph, stories of survival, and stories that are still unfolding.
In the spirit of fostering genuine connections, Radiant Resilience encourages listeners to send in their own stories anonymously if they prefer. This podcast is a safe space where vulnerability is celebrated, and your struggles are not minimized.
Why share these stories? Because, in the power of storytelling, we find solace. By listening to the experiences of others, we learn that we are not alone in our challenges. Radiant Resilience believes that sharing our stories can be a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that resilience takes many forms. Through tough conversations, empathy, and a shared commitment to understanding, Radiant Resilience aims to break down the walls of isolation. Join us as we explore the depths of the human experience, embracing the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Your story matters, and by sharing it, you contribute to a world where compassion and understanding flourish. Tune in to Radiant Resilience, because we all have a story to tell, and in our stories, we find strength.
Radiant Resilience - Real Conversations with Tawny Palm
90. Clara Schroeder - A Second Chance at Life
Trigger warning / sensitive topics to note
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) / concussions
- Car accident / rear-end collision
- PTSD / hypervigilance / anxiety
- Depression (discussion of dark emotional periods)
- Medical trauma / feeling dismissed by providers
- Chronic symptoms and long recovery / disability and limitations
- Grief and identity loss after trauma
In this episode of Radiant Resilience, Tawny sits down with Clara Schroeder—eco-therapist, outdoor guide, and author—whose life changed in an instant after being rear-ended at a red light and sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
Clara opens up about the brutal reality of an “invisible” injury: the dizziness, overstimulation, isolation, and depression that came with months of not being able to drive, read, tolerate screens, or even handle everyday environments like restaurants and grocery stores. She shares what didn’t work, what helped a little, and the turning point that changed everything—an intensive concussion rehab program at the University of Pittsburgh that challenged the “dark room and rest” narrative and helped her reclaim her life.
We also talk about the emotional aftermath: PTSD, hypervigilance, grief over the version of yourself you lose, and the complicated road toward forgiveness. Clara explains what ecotherapy is, how nature became a healing partner in her recovery, and how that journey ultimately led to her book We Nature the People and a mission rooted in post-traumatic growth, nervous system healing, and reconnecting to the earth.
If you’ve ever felt like your life got split into “before and after,” this conversation is for you—especially if you’re walking through something no one else can see.
CONNECT WITH CLARA
My website: claraschroeder.com
My substack: https://claraschroeder.substack.com/
Instagram Handles: @livingwithclarity & @renaturebook
Facebook: Living with Clarity Coaching
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clara-schroeder-ma/
WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE POD???
Click here to be featured in the podcast!
WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY ANONYMOUSLY? EMAIL ME!
@ radientresiliencepodcast@gmail.com
CONNECT WITH TAWNY!
Email us your stories and questions! radientresiliencepodcast@gmail.com
Follow Tawny: @tawnypalm
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