When Bearing Witness®: Becoming a Trauma-Informed Storyteller – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In this episode, I sit down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist," to address a critical issue in the nonprofit world: the mental health of storytellers who bear witness to challenging narratives.

In the nonprofit sector, many of us wear multiple hats - we're not just storytellers but also fundraisers, advocates, project managers, and more. This balancing act, coupled with the emotional weight of the stories we tell, can lead to a unique form of stress and burnout. 

How do we continue to do impactful work without sacrificing our own well-being?

Shulamit brings us practical nervous system care techniques that can be implemented by anyone, regardless of their resources or position.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the stories you tell, struggled with the many roles you play in your organization, or simply want to proactively manage your mental well-being while continuing to make a difference, this conversation is for you. 

Tune in for nervous system care insights that could transform how you approach your work and self-care in the world of nonprofit storytelling.

About Shulamit Ber Levtov

Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW, CCTP, CFSW is an award-winning business owner, speaker, and The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. Shulamit is working passionately to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem to include founder mental health as a business priority. She also works 1:1 with women business owners to prevent burnout and preserve their peace of mind as they ride the emotional rollercoaster of running a business. 

As a masters-level, licensed somatic trauma therapist and a trauma survivor herself, with certifications in Nonviolent Communication, Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money and Financial Social Work, Shulamit brings a unique perspective and approach to supporting women in business.

Connect with Shulamit Ber Levtov

Website | Newsletter Signup | LinkedIn | Instagram

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Join us as we explore the complex world of human trafficking storytelling with Matthew Fairfax, co-founder of the Justice and Soul Foundation.

Content warning: This episode discusses sex trafficking and sexual violence. Please be mindful of your emotional capacity while listening.

Matthew's journey from salon owner to advocate is both surprising and inspiring. His organization is dedicated to empowering survivors and at-risk youth through professional cosmetology training, offering them a path to self-sufficiency and renewed confidence. 

In this episode, we'll explore how Matthew's experiences in Cambodia transformed his mission and shaped his approach to advocacy. We'll examine the delicate balance between creating impactful stories and avoiding harmful sensationalism when advocating against human trafficking. 

Listen to gain insights into how we can all contribute to a more responsible and compassionate dialogue around human trafficking.

About Matthew Fairfax

Matthew Fairfax is the President/CEO of James Alan Salon & Spa in Seattle and co-founder of the Justice and Soul Foundation. In 2012, he and his colleague, Lauren Ebright, co-founded the Justice and Soul Foundation, and in 2013, Matthew sold all his belongings and moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He now oversees both a salon and academy in Cambodia, along with the Justice and Soul Foundation in Seattle. Matthew recently returned to Seattle to implement a similar program for at-risk youth and survivors in the Pacific Northwest.

Connect with Matthew 

Learn More About Justice & Soul | Facebook | Instagram

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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In the first episode of our special series on mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we discuss maintaining emotional health while continuing your activism. Many activists burn out quickly due to compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and a lack of emotional self-care. In this episode, Jonathan Walton opens up about his own journey from unhealthy activism driven by unresolved personal wounds to a more sustainable practice of emotionally healthy activism.

Jonathan's wisdom stems from an understanding of complex intersecting identities and a belief that authentic activism flows from an affirmation of one's full humanity.

Whether you're an avid activist feeling depleted or simply want to integrate more sustainable practices, this conversation will inspire you. Jonathan's framework for emotionally healthy activism allows room for hope, rest, and wholeness as we work toward collective liberation. His insights offer a path for activists to fully show up—not just for causes but also for themselves and their loved ones.

About Jonathan Walton

Jonathan Walton is the creator of the Emotionally Healthy Activist Course and podcast and the author of 5 books, including "Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive." He is also a co-founder of KTF Press and co-host of the Shake the Dust podcast. He has a degree in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MA from the City University in New York in the Study of the Americas.

Currently, he also works as a Senior Resource Specialist in InterVarsity's Multi-Ethnic Initiatives Department and leads the Emotionally Healthy Activist Team. He focuses on developing resources around Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, including executing one-off workshops, cohort experiences, and conferences.

Connect with Jonathan Walton

Website | LinkedIn | Emotionally Healthy Activist Patreon | KTF Press Newsletter and Podcast

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Carol will guide us through a 20-minute body scan meditation. 

The body scan is a practice of systematically bringing gentle attention to each part of the body. It helps us become more present and aware of the physical sensations we often ignore or tune out. With this awareness, we can release areas of tightness or tension.

 
Before you press play, find a comfortable position. You can sit upright in a chair or lie down on your back on a mat or blanket.

Take a moment to settle into your position and allow your body to feel supported. You may want to slightly soften your gaze or let your eyes close completely. The most important thing is to find a position that feels stable and relaxed for you.

Enjoy!

About Carol
As a multi-certified meditation and yoga teacher, Carol helps people like you feel younger, healthier, and more present again. She practices easy, uncomplicated ways to peel away the layers of stress and access the many scientifically proven benefits of meditation. 

With well-researched methods that are easy and accessible to everyone, she can show you how meditation can help you gain clarity, ramp up resilience, improve your health, and strengthen your relationships.

Let’s find your way into meditation. Visit Meditate With Carol

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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AI has seemed to blow in like a tornado this past year. The rapid development of AI has brought both excitement and concerns around potential biases and inequities. 

In this episode, data equity expert Meena discusses why we need to be intentional about centering humans and promoting inclusivity as AI becomes more ubiquitous. Meena emphasizes that data is ultimately about people - we are the data points that these systems analyze and make predictions from. If AI models are trained on datasets lacking diverse representation, they will perpetuate harmful biases and alienate entire communities.

Meena advocates for having open conversations to develop organizational "AI values" that prioritize ethics, accountability, and evaluating real-world impacts. Rather than rushing to adopt shiny new AI tools, she urges taking a step back to understand how the technology aligns with an organization's mission and equitably serves all stakeholders. Meena shares examples of responsible AI practices in action.

About Meena Das

Meena Das (she/her) is the CEO, consultant, and facilitator of two practices - NamasteData and Data Is For Everyone. Namaste Data focuses on advancing data equity for nonprofits and social impact agencies, while Data Is For Everyone provides tools and resources to help people learn how to navigate the world of data. Meena is a specialist in designing and teaching equitable research tools and analyzing engagement. She supports nonprofits in three critical areas: data collection assessments, community surveys, and staff workshops on topics like improving data equity and human-centric algorithms. 

Connect with Meena Das

Website | LinkedIn | Dear Human Newsletter | Data Uncollected Newsletter

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Giving voice to our stories, especially the painful chapters, can be a daunting yet profoundly healing journey. Many of us hold back, grappling with self-doubt and the fear of revisiting trauma. However, as Marti Statler, CEO of Rebel Queen Books, passionately shares, bravely articulating your narrative through writing can be a transformative act of self-reclamation.

To be clear, this path of healing is a choice. And if you do choose to reclaim your story, this episode is for you.

Statler guides us through the delicate process of unpacking our stories with care and compassion. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong support system of "dream keepers" - trusted individuals who can hold space for you as you dive into the tender depths. Developing self-care practices, such as compassionate journaling, can help reframe perspectives and offer solace.

With authenticity and vulnerability, Statler opens up about how boldly owning her truth allowed others to feel less alone in their struggles. While revisiting painful memories can be challenging, she shares how giving voice to your story can forge deep human connections and personal growth.

This episode provides a roadmap for courageously exploring your narrative, even the most difficult chapters, with gentleness and care. Through Statler's guidance, you'll gain insights into creating a nurturing environment to safely unpack your story, one layer at a time, ultimately discovering the healing potential within your truth.

About Marti Statler

Marti Statler is the CEO of Rebel Queen and podcast host of The Rebel Maker. She knows exactly what she's doing when it comes to helping women get their books done and into the world. She has a "no BS" approach to publishing and problem-solving—along with her tenacity to make things happen.

Connect with Marti Statler

Rebel Queen Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Reverend Sanghoon Yoo has walked an incredible journey - from a social worker dealing with trauma and crisis to becoming a pastor and experiencing his own period of trauma and burnout. This led him to the trauma-informed care movement over a decade ago. 

In this episode Rev. Yoo shares how principles of unconditional love and creating a "community of belonging" are key to being trauma-informed, even for those without clinical training. He powerfully reframes trauma-informed practices not just as an individual healing approach but as a societal justice issue that we all contribute to positively or negatively.

Rev. Yoo's perspective bridges the worlds of faith and science. He highlights how showing compassion and safety and making space for people's stories without correction creates the foundations for a trauma-informed community. Just as importantly, he emphasizes that to hold space for others' pain, we must start with self-love and self-care. 

Ultimately, Rev. Yoo casts a vision of communities becoming resilient together across all divides - faith traditions, sectors, politics, and more. Being trauma-informed is an ongoing journey, but one that can bring hope through the powerful pivot of asking "What happened to you?" rather than "What's wrong with you?" 

Listen as we learn from Rev. Yoo, whose lived experience and spiritual wisdom make him a unique voice in the trauma-informed movement.

About Rev. Sanghoon Yoo

Rev. Sanghoon Yoo leading a trauma-informed movement in the faith space. He’s the founder of The Faithful City and Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Coalition and has led ministries and social services at Arizona State University and the Phoenix metropolitan area for over three decades.  

Connect with Rev. Sanghoon Yoo

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About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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The way we communicate about traumatic experiences matters deeply. This episode dives into the importance of using trauma-informed language with nonprofit marketing expert Cody Hays. 

The discussion explores how word choices can inadvertently re-traumatize individuals or marginalized groups.  Cody shares strategies for communicating about sensitive topics in a way that prioritizes empathy and hope.  He breaks down why trauma-informed language is vital for building trust, telling authentic stories, and catalyzing positive social impact through clear and conscientious messaging.

Tune in to learn practical tips on using non-stigmatizing language, avoiding victim-blaming rhetoric, and crafting content that creates space for progress. 

About Cody Hays

Cody Hays is the CEO and Founder of Marketing Mission, a digital marketing firm that provides marketing services to nonprofit organizations to help advance progressive social change. He serves as the Executive Editor of the Journal of Public Interest Communications. If that’s not enough, he is also pursuing a PhD in communications at Arizona State University - studying how to curb the climate misinformation polluting our digital ecosystems. 

Connect with Cody Hays

Marketing Mission | Marketing Mission Resources | Instagram | Journal of Public Interest Communications

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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The most compelling yet exploitative stories often caricature complex experiences. 

When we know better, we can do better. 

Ethical storytellers build connections and go deeper into issues. They leave room for nuance, get permission, and make sure stories enlighten people rather than just expose them. The result? Story owners are dignified and respected, and audiences feel centered by shared understanding.

Christy Kern joins us on this episode to discuss all things ethical storytelling, with a deep dive into the complexities of cross-cultural storytelling. 

About Christy Kern
Christy Kern is a workshop facilitator who helps folks find clarity, determine what they are for, anchor their work in value, and, ultimately, become better communicators. She is an ethical storytelling advocate and has developed an ethical storytelling database with an evolving collection of resources to support better ethical storytelling practices. 

Connect with Christy Kern

Website | Ethical Storytelling Research Database

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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When it comes to nonprofit marketing, personal stories are powerful. But we need to be careful—not every story is ours to tell. 

Diana Farias Heinrich, founder of Habrá Marketing, joins us on the podcast to tell us how she learned this the hard way when a story she shared had unexpected consequences for the young woman involved. Motivated by this eye-opening experience, Diana decided there must be an ethical way to leverage stories in our marketing efforts.  

The solution? Informed consent conversations. Diana dove into research on consent procedures and trauma-informed storytelling. She began incorporating what she learned into her nonprofit consultancy. Over time, her expertise crystallized into a practical guide—a new standard for protecting vulnerable populations as we promote our causes. 

Listen as we explore Diana’s journey and how we can implement what she has learned in our own lives and work.

About Diana

Diana Farias Heinrich is a nonprofit storyteller and marketer and the founder and CEO of Habrá Marketing. Her consultancy is rooted in bringing equity into nonprofit marketing and fundraising strategies through Informed Consent. Diana is on the show to walk us through her Guide to Informed Consent Conversations - which is a crucial part of trauma-informed storytelling.  

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria

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