She is Resilient: Healing, Storytelling, and Podcasting with Purpose

In this episode of Fearless Podcasting Academy, Dr. Stephanie Dean chats with Tatiana, a trauma and somatic therapist, about finding confidence in your voice, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing imperfection in podcasting. Tatiana shares her journey into trauma healing, the inspiration behind her podcast She is Resilient, and how storytelling connects us in deeper ways. They discuss why consistency matters more than perfection, how to structure engaging episodes, and why podcasting is more about impact than tech. Plus, Tatiana shares her bold move of leaving social media and what it means for her content. Tune in for real talk, laughter, and powerful insights on building a podcast that truly resonates.

Connect with Tatiana: https://open.spotify.com/show/4IYq4svBcp1CR0t0jt8OUq?si=1f8761e808de428d&nd=1&dlsi=b05d85f9f66b4c3b
Learn how to make your podcast binge-worthy with Hooked: https://www.drstephaniedean.com/hooked 

Transcript

[INTRO MUSIC]

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Welcome to Fearless Podcasting Academy! I'm your host, Dr. Stephanie Dean. I've always lived in two worlds—one filled with the magic of storytelling and language, and the other wired with technology and innovation. Through years of research, teaching, and hands-on experience, I’ve been obsessed with one question: what makes a message truly resonate?

That’s why I created the Fearless Podcasting Academy—a space for creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to ditch self-doubt, amplify their voices, and build podcasts that demand attention. Whether you're launching your first episode or leveling up your platform, you're in the right place. Because when you learn to use your voice with confidence, you don’t just start a podcast—you start a movement. This is Fearless Podcasting Academy.

[PAUSE]

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Hi! We're a little giggly today because, well, there was a slight delay in recording. But hey, this is a podcast about learning to podcast, so it feels fitting to have a Can you hear me? Can you hear me? moment.

Tatiana: Yeah, totally!

Dr. Stephanie Dean: So, Tatiana, am I saying your name right?

Tatiana: Yes, you are!

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Awesome! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Tatiana: Sure! I’m Tatiana, a first-generation Latina, trauma and somatic therapist, and holistic coach. I help women heal trauma and regulate their nervous systems through holistic practices and a method called somatic experiencing. The best part? You don’t need to remember or talk about your trauma to heal. We work with the body to complete survival responses that weren’t finished at the time of the original perceived or actual threat, rewiring the nervous system so you're not stuck in fight, flight, or freeze.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s incredible. And you have a podcast, She is Resilient, with such a powerful mission. What inspired you to start it?

Tatiana: She is Resilient is all about trauma healing, somatic healing, and holistic wellness. I share my own healing journey and feature incredible guests who get real and vulnerable about their experiences. As a mental health professional, I wanted to remind people that therapists and coaches are human too—we go through our own healing. My goal was to share my story and others’ to inspire, educate, and empower women so they don’t feel alone in their journeys.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s so important. And something you mentioned earlier—healing isn’t always a straight line. There’s no clear “end,” but there is light at the end of the tunnel, or at least a lighter point along the way.

Tatiana: Exactly! It’s about learning that you don’t have to stay in survival mode forever.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: So many podcasters struggle with imposter syndrome, especially when starting out. Did you have any doubts about launching She is Resilient?

Tatiana: Oh, absolutely. But I kept reminding myself—even if only one person listens, that’s one person gaining a new perspective. It’s not about the numbers, it’s about impact.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: We actually talk about the Burnt Pancake Theory in the academy—the first few episodes are like the first pancake: the pan’s too hot, the edges are crispy, but eventually, you get to that perfect Waffle House pancake.

Tatiana: I love that! And it’s so true.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: One thing I admire about your podcast is how you balance education, personal experience, and practical tools. How did you develop that approach?

Tatiana: Honestly, a lot of trial and error. Educating came naturally, but sharing my personal stories took time. I started with what felt comfortable—teaching—and slowly wove in my own experiences. Over time, I realized it’s okay to just share my story, no need for perfection.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s such a great message. I always tell my students, podcasting isn’t about the tech—it’s about the story. You’ll figure out the gear, but if you don’t have a clear message or purpose, you won’t make it past the first few episodes. And I love that today, despite our tech hiccups, everything we’ve talked about is about the why behind your podcast, not the how.

Tatiana: Exactly! I don’t use anything fancy—I started in my closet, recording on the floor, and I still don’t have high-end equipment. People care about the content, not the tech.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Yes! And we jumped on today, I have this fancy mic, and whose mic worked right out of the box? Not mine—yours!

Tatiana: [Laughs] That’s hilarious!

Dr. Stephanie Dean: You also mentioned that consistency matters more than perfection. Was that something you learned firsthand?

Tatiana: Oh, definitely. I struggled with consistency at first because I wanted every episode to be perfect. But I realized that done is better than perfect. Even if an episode is seven minutes instead of fifteen, getting it out there is what matters. I also stopped obsessing over editing—I used to remove every “um” and pause, but now I let my speech be natural. It makes the podcast more intimate and real.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s so true. A professor I worked with—who’s worked with the Bee Gees and Celine Dion—once told me, “Nobody cares if you leave in a few ‘ums.’” If it’s good enough for the Bee Gees, it’s good enough for me!

Tatiana: [Laughs] I love that!

Dr. Stephanie Dean: So, what’s next for She is Resilient?

Tatiana: I just recorded an episode with my husband, which was a first! It was fun, lighthearted, and different from my usual content, but I think that’s important. We need play and laughter in healing. Also, I recently deleted social media, so my podcast is now my primary way of connecting with my audience.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s huge. There’s so much research on social media’s impact on mental health—it’s such a double-edged sword. Do you feel better since deleting it?

Tatiana: 1000%. It’s liberating. I was constantly creating content and glued to my phone. Now, I have so much more time and mental space.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: That’s amazing. I know some researchers who take a detox month every summer, and they swear by it. I’d love to check in with you in a month to see how it’s going!

Tatiana: That sounds great!

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Where can listeners connect with you?

Tatiana: She is Resilient is the best way to connect with me. I also have a free community that meets monthly, and I’ll share all the links in the show notes.

Dr. Stephanie Dean: Perfect! Thank you so much for joining me today, and for your patience with the tech gremlins. I promise I didn’t feed them after midnight!

Tatiana: [Laughs] Of course! This was amazing.

[OUTRO MUSIC]