Trauma & Healing Episodes

This episode addresses childhood trauma for grandparents raising grandchildren. Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren? Struggling to break cycles of silence and create an emotionally healthy home? Do you worry about how your own childhood wounds impact your family’s well-being? Are you searching for real-world strategies to help your grandchildren heal in a world that feels very different from the one you grew up in? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturi...

Are you a grandparent who has stepped up to raise your grandchildren following profound family loss, feeling the weight of multi-layered grief while striving to create a nurturing, stable home? Do you find yourself struggling to support children’s emotional needs while managing your own sorrow and uncertainty? For many grandfamilies, the journey through grief is complex and often misunderstood, leaving caregivers searching for effective, faith-based tools to bring healing and hope. I’m Laura Br...

Are you a grandparent caught in the crossfire of a high-conflict divorce, suddenly responsible for raising traumatized grandchildren? Do you struggle to rebuild trust and connection in a world turned upside down by legal battles and fractured family ties? Are you faced with children who are emotionally shut down, unpredictable, or struggling to regulate their big feelings—while you long for guidance, community, and hope? I’m Laura Brazan, and when my life changed overnight, I learned firsthand ...

Do you feel like you're reparenting grandchildren? Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, struggling to break free from deep-rooted family patterns and old wounds? Do you find yourself repeating responses you wish you could change, or wonder how to create a better emotional legacy for your loved ones? Are you searching for real tools to heal your own past while empowering your grandchildren to thrive? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through ...

Do you want to build your kids confidence? Has your grandchild’s spark been dimmed by life’s challenges? Do you wish you could unlock unshakable confidence in them, helping them to shine and express their authentic self? If you’re a grandparent raising grandchildren and searching for ways to nurture true self-esteem, social-emotional skills, and resilience, this episode is for you. I’m Laura Brazan, host of ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.’ In this episode, I ...

Are you a grandparent raising emotionally whole boys boys in a world that sometimes discourages men from expressing their true feelings? Do you wonder how to break generational cycles that keep boys trapped in an “emotional desert,” unable to connect with their vulnerabilities and strengths? Are you seeking guidance on nurturing grandsons and granddaughters alike, empowering them to access their full emotional selves? I’m Laura Brazan, host of ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Th...

Brian McLaren, The Last Voyage Are you a grandparent striving to build a brighter future for your grandchildren while wrestling with today’s unprecedented challenges and uncertainties? Are you searching for practical wisdom on legacy, emotional healing, and parenting through trauma, all while managing the weight of being both caregiver and guide to the next generation? I’m Laura Brazan, and on this episode of “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,” we’re joined by r...

Leading without a system. Are you a grandparent suddenly raising your grandchildren, feeling overwhelmed by the lack of support, resources, or recognition for all you do? Do you find yourself exhausted, navigating complex family trauma, or wondering how to keep going when there’s no instruction manual—or applause—for your sacrifices? The daunting reality of kinship care can leave you feeling invisible, financially strained, and emotionally drained. I’m Laura Brazan, a grandparent who has walk...

Lead with the heart. Do you ever wonder why certain emotional patterns keep repeating in your family, or why reacting to your grandchild’s behavior sometimes leaves you feeling overwhelmed? Are you searching for real tools to help you build emotional resilience as a grandparent raising grandchildren through trauma and adversity? You’re not alone. I’m Laura Brazan, and like many grandparents thrust into caregiving roles, I know the immense challenges—emotional, financial, and relational—of nur...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchild, navigating the maze of childhood anxiety and seeking out support? Do you feel alone in identifying the subtle signs of anxiety, unsure when it's time to seek further help? Are you recognizing childhood anxiety while addressing the impact of trauma? I'm Laura Brazan, your host on 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this episode, "Decoding Childhood Anxiety: Recognizing the Signs," we explore the rising concerns of...

How can you identify body image myths? Are you navigating the complex journey of raising grandchildren, wondering how societal health ideals might inadvertently harm your grandkids' self-perception? Are you seeking fresh insights into nurturing healthy body images for the youngsters now in your care? Explore the under-discussed topic of eating disorders affecting youths and how celebrated health behaviors can mask early symptoms. Learn about racial inequities, food insecurity, and educational mi...

Christian kinship care. Are you a grandparent finding yourself at the intersection of raising grandchildren and seeking spiritual wellness? Are you yearning to connect more deeply with faith while juggling the unique responsibilities of kinship care? Do you feel the constant balancing act of nurturing your grandchildren's future as you navigate the complex dynamics of family challenges? I’m Laura Brazan, and in this episode of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thriving in Grace,' we dive i...

Exploring yoga for grief. Are you a grandparent navigating the complexities of raising grandchildren while processing grief and trauma? Do you feel isolated in your journey, seeking effective ways to manage stress and find healing amidst the chaos? Are you yearning for a supportive community that understands the unique challenges you face as a kinship caregiver? I’m Laura Brazan, the host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Our latest episode, "Exploring Grie...

Are you a grandparent mentoring neurodivergent youth, striving to navigate an unfamiliar world with compassion and confidence? Do you seek expert insights and practical strategies tailored for mentoring your unique family members? In a time where understanding neurodiversity is crucial, it can feel daunting to walk this path without guidance. I’m Laura Brazan, here to welcome you to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' Join us for an enlightening episode featurin...

Meet Mr. Whiskey! Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, facing a myriad of challenges and emotions? Do you find yourself seeking guidance and strength amidst the daily trials, longing to connect with others who understand your journey? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,' and today you are in for an inspirational treat. Join us in this special episode, "Meet Mr. Whiskey—U.S. Navy Veteran, Author, Podcaster, Preac...

Emotional needs that transform families. Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your grandchildren, grappling with the emotional turmoil of stepping into the parental role once again? Do you struggle with the challenges that come from caring for children who’ve experienced trauma, often feeling alone and overwhelmed? Are you searching for practical strategies to transform your family dynamic and foster a healthier, more connected household? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, life threw me an ...

Are you a grandparent raising LGBTQ grandchildren and navigating the unique challenges and joys that come with it? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to support your grandchildren’s diverse identities while also managing personal fears and anxieties? Are you searching for a community that understands your journey and provides the tools you need to foster an inclusive and loving environment? I’m Laura Brazan, a grandmother of LGBTQ grandchildren, on a quest to deepen my understanding and su...

Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren, seeking guidance through the maze of emotional and practical challenges? Do you find yourself wrestling with the past and longing to create a nurturing environment amidst the chaos? Are you dedicated to breaking down emotional walls while fostering healthier relationships within your family? I'm Laura Brazan, and in 2022, I found myself raising my grandchildren, an unexpected turn in life that has transformed my view of family and resilience. Ha...

Are you a grandparent navigating the intricate challenges of raising your grandchildren? Have you considered mentorship as a means to connect with the community amidst the whirlwind of responsibilities? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' where we delve into stories and strategies to empower you and your family. I'm Laura Brazan, and in this week's episode, "Rethinking Aging – Mentoring a New Generation," we sit down with Dr. Deborah Heiser, founder of The Mentor Project. Dr. Heise...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly raising your teenage grandchildren, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery? Do you worry about how to effectively guide them through their struggles, ensuring they develop the life skills needed to thrive? Are you seeking expert advice and real-life stories to better support your family during these trying times? I’m Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren,' a dedicated podcast to support grandparents li...

Are you a grandparent unexpectedly faced with raising your grandchildren while dealing with the heartbreaking loss of your own child? Do you find yourself yearning for understanding and navigating through a maze of emotions, responsibilities, and societal expectations? Are you struggling to balance mental health, physical wellness, and spiritual growth while carrying the weight of grief? I’m Laura Brazan, and a decade after losing my son, I've become an advocate for grandparents like you, raisin...

Are you raising your grandchildren while navigating the complex terrain of trauma, healing, and resilience? Do you find yourself struggling to find a community that truly understands the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this unexpected journey? Are you yearning for insights on turning pain into power and building a life filled with purpose and hope? I’m Laura Brazan, and in 2022, my world shifted dramatically when I became a grandparent raising grandchildren. Despite decades of mot...

For grandparents that adopt Are you navigating the highs and lows of unexpectedly raising your foster grandchild, feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the foster care system and mental health challenges? Do you struggle with the painful memories of past traumas and disruptions, unsure if your household can find balance again? Are you looking for guidance, understanding, and a supportive community to share your journey in kinship care? I’m Laura Brazan, and today we dive into an emotional,...

Storytelling for Trauma Feeling the weight of raising your grandchildren and navigating the complexities of unprocessed trauma? Do you struggle with a whirlwind of emotions, searching for resilience amidst adversity? Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Healing Power of Storytelling and Overcoming Trauma.' I'm Laura Brazan, your host. In 2022, my journey took an unexpected turn when I found myself raising my grandchildren overnight. Through heartache and hope, I've discovered the...