Episode Details

Tracy Smaldino is back for part two of our conversation, and we get real about what healing after trauma actually looks like when life keeps moving. Tracy shares how breath work, meditation, journaling, and simply learning to pause helped her recognize the physical signs that something was off before she reacted.

We talk about the pressure to keep up appearances, especially for men who were taught to tough it out and women who were taught not to cause trouble. Tracy’s message is simple but powerful: nobody is coming to save you, but that does not mean you have to figure everything out overnight. Start with a pause, listen to what feels off, and take one honest step toward becoming your own hero.

=== Chapters

• 00:00 Tracy Smaldino Returns
• 02:59 Listening to Your Body
• 06:36 Becoming Your Own Hero
• 08:30 Why Reset Seasons Matter
• 13:39 Breaking the Rules We Were Taught
• 18:45 Authenticity Over Approval
• 22:01 Men, Trauma, and Vulnerability
• 26:27 When the Past Affects Today
• 27:33 Boundaries, Burnout, and Exhaustion
• 32:35 Coaching vs. Therapy
• 42:51 Starting Small at Home

=== Guest: Tracy Smaldino

• Website: https://traumarockstars.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracysmaldino

=== Resources / Books / Podcasts / Apps

• Trauma Rock Stars™ Podcast: https://traumarockstars.com/
• Trauma Rock Stars™ on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trauma-rock-stars-trauma-recovery-healing-podcast/id1835876659
• Trauma Rock Stars™ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3j8Zoy3p3Mair20q0AQbW2
• Trauma Rock Stars™ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRockStars
• Trauma Rock Stars™ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traumarockstars/
• Trauma Rock Stars™ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traumarockstars

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• License Date: January 3rd, 2026
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