In this episode, Claire and Howard kick things off by reflecting on how overscheduling can be a coping mechanism—one that keeps us busy but not necessarily regulated.

We then welcome Morenike Olorunnisomo, a Dallas-based psychotherapist specializing in complex trauma, somatic therapy, and the mind-body connection. Morenike shares insights on the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD, particularly how trauma can shape a person’s sense of self from birth.

We explore the essential role of nervous system regulation in healing, how emotions serve as valuable information, and how the body naturally releases stored trauma through tears, shaking, and other somatic responses. Morenike also discusses why safety is the foundation of trauma recovery and how we can support ourselves and others in that process.

Join us for a deep, compassionate conversation on the body’s wisdom and the power of healing in safe, supportive spaces.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

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Follow Morenike:

• Instagram
• Website
• Somatic movement and meditation

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

Today we sit down with Jackson Polatnick, a traveler, business school student, and dedicated member of The Scooty Fund, which he joined in honor of his late friend, Will. Jackson opens up about his journey with mental health, the misconceptions around masculinity, and how true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness.

He shares practical tips for initiating meaningful conversations, embracing routines like journaling and exercise while traveling, and finding peace through connection with others. Jackson also delves into the intersection of mental health and the corporate world, reflecting on how stepping away from unhealthy work habits—like nonstop emails and neglecting personal time—helped him rediscover balance and authenticity.

This episode is full of insights on building community, staying curious, and prioritizing what truly matters, whether in life, work, or personal growth.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

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@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

In this episode, Claire and Howard sit down with Sarah Pribis, an actress, host, and content creator, to discuss her journey through sobriety and self-discovery. Sarah reflects on her 20s in New York City, navigating college and the hospitality industry, where drugs and alcohol were ever-present. She opens up about using substances to quiet her overthinking mind and the low moments that pushed her to seek help—like being sent home from work under the influence and fearing that one day she may overdose.

Now, Sarah has cultivated a toolkit of healthy habits, including walking, aromatherapy, and connecting with loved ones, that ground her and support her sobriety journey.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

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Follow Sarah:

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• TikTok
• Website

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

In today’s episode, Claire and Howard dive into strategies for resetting your nervous system and finding calm after moments of high adrenaline, such as unexpected emergencies. They explore techniques like ice plunges, dopamine detoxing, and the importance of doing something uncomfortable every day—like staying off your phone while waiting in line.

The conversation touches on setting boundaries with screen time and social media, alternative therapies beyond talk therapy (like hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and exercise), and the benefits of singing, humming, and physical movement. Claire shares insights from teaching sculpt pilates and the mind-body connection, while Howard draws parallels to how animals “shake out” stress and relates it to his own experience running.

Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on stress relief and nervous system regulation!

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

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@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

Episode 5 dives into the power of resilience, grit, and emotional vulnerability with guest Cason Crane, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and activist with a remarkable journey. Cason opens up about his personal mental health struggles, despite a life filled with privilege and achievements – such as being the first openly LGBT person to climb the Seven Summits, and founding an award-winning coffee business, Explorer Cold Brew.

Cason shares how he navigates the complexities of being both grateful and sad, reflecting on his late mother’s battle with cancer and the lessons she taught him about perseverance. Together, they discuss the importance of holding space for dual truths—how something can be both painful and beautiful—and finding a personal “recipe” for mental health that embraces both grit and compassion.

From the role of medication in his recovery to the value of leaning on others, Cason highlights the need for vulnerability and emotional intimacy, especially among men. Tune in as Cason, Claire, and Howard tackle what it means to embrace the messy, human side of mental health while striving for growth, balance, and connection. This episode is packed with insights for anyone seeking their own path toward healing.

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

Join us for an empowering episode with Gabriella Amaya, a 27-year-old Latina disabled woman from Long Island, New York. Gabriella shares her journey of living with Ollier’s disease, a rare bone disorder that caused malformed growth in her right leg and required multiple surgeries during childhood. Her experiences of navigating a non-typical childhood, physical pain, and later ovarian cancer have shaped her into a passionate advocate for the disability community.

As the founder and host of Re-Define, a podcast dedicated to unpacking life with a disability, Gabriella explores themes of pride, shame, and identity while amplifying disabled voices. She highlights the importance of disabled individuals taking leadership roles and the need for accessibility and compassion in all aspects of society.

Gabriella’s story is one of resilience and self-love, emphasizing the importance of embracing scars, leaning into discomfort, and prioritizing rest as a vital part of healing and advocacy.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

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Follow Gabriella:

• Instagram: Gabriella and the Re-Define podcast
• LinkedIn

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@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

Episode 3 dives deep with a fresh perspective on healing and self-care! Claire Calfo and Howard Cooke are joined by trauma therapist Devin Brooks, an experienced specialist in the field of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), working with people and communities across diverse contexts. They bring a multifaceted lens to understanding mental health, especially for those in high-stress situations and marginalized communities.

This episode delves into how trauma and stress responses are often inherited across generations. Devin breaks down complex trauma, highlighting how repeated exposure to stress impacts self-concept and relationships. Together, Devin and our hosts explore how to reframe these experiences, discussing the concept of finding safety, joy, and self-soothing methods that empower healing.

Tune in to hear Claire, Howard, and Devin examine these deep-rooted patterns and share accessible ways to reconnect with yourself, your emotions, and those around you. This conversation sets the stage for a season that’s all about embracing mental health from a whole-person perspective.

Follow Devin Brooks on Instagram: @talk.trauma

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke

In this episode, Claire and Howard catch up and discuss how they manage burnout while balancing a busy week of work and school. They cover the basics—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, exercising, and practicing meditation. Claire leads a brief gratitude-centered meditation to help them recenter.

Today they interview Katie Potratz, a clinical hypnotherapist and author, who shares her unexpected journey into hypnotherapy, starting from a self-help book to becoming a life coach and exploring the power of the subconscious mind. Katie explains how we naturally enter light-trance states throughout the day, during activities like washing the dishes and listening to a podcast. She shares how hypnotherapy can address issues like anxiety, self-worth, trauma, and physical pain, including a success story of a client whose chronic pain disappeared after working through trauma. Katie emphasizes that hypnotherapy isn’t a quick fix, but with time and effort, it can help clients address their core issues, and even tackle problems such as chronic pain and insomnia.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund’s work and about Katie’s work. Please consider supporting our work by donating.

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Follow Katie:

• Instagram
• Katie’s book: The Uncaged Mind

Follow our hosts Claire & Howard on IG:
@clairecalfo
@howardcooke