How Increased Self-Awareness Can Heal Your Hidden Trauma with Dr. Paul Conti

Are hidden traumas silently controlling your life and health? This might be one of the most important conversations I’ve ever had on the show—Dr. Paul Conti, a world-class expert on trauma, joins me to reveal how the emotional wounds you’re carrying might be holding you back more than you realize. I share some of my own personal experiences growing up with an alcoholic father and how those unresolved traumas affected me in ways I didn’t fully understand until much later. Dr. Conti breaks down the science behind how trauma changes our brains and how two people can experience the same event but walk away impacted in completely different ways. We get into the concept of chronic trauma—those emotional injuries that linger for years—and why feelings of guilt and shame are often at the heart of so many struggles. Dr. Conti introduces the idea of using "compassionate curiosity" to better understand ourselves and our behaviors. And trust me, this is something that can completely shift how you see your life. We also talk about how trauma doesn’t just stay in your head—it can literally show up in your body, leading to serious health problems down the road. What really hit home for me is how generational trauma can be passed down, affecting everything from our mental well-being to how we show up in the world. I get real about how my own drive to speak in front of millions comes from a deeper need to be heard—something that started in my childhood. Dr. Conti and I both agree that while medication can play a role in healing, real growth comes from doing the hard work of understanding the root causes of emotional pain. Key Takeaways: Uncovering Hidden Trauma: How to identify those emotional scars that might be holding you back, even if you're not aware of them. Mind-Body Connection: Why unresolved emotional issues often show up as physical health problems. Generational Trauma: How the pain and trauma of past generations can be passed down and impact your life today. Self-Awareness and Healing: The importance of using compassionate curiosity to truly understand yourself and heal. The Role of Medications: When medication is useful and why it needs to be paired with deeper emotional work. This episode is for anyone who’s ready to break free from the past and truly max out their life. You don’t want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices