Redefining Resilience & Overcoming Trauma: A Discussion Based on 'What Doesn't Kill Us'

In this introspective episode, the host shares insights gleaned from Steven Joseph's PhD book, 'What Doesn't Kill Us'. Amidst exploring how people deal with damage and distress, he redefines the concept of resilience and how it's directly tied to coping with trauma and everyday stressful scenarios. The host further discusses his personal journey with his son's traumatic cancer diagnosis, emphasizing how one's worldview shatters in the face of adversity. Drawing upon these life-changing experiences, he reveals the importance of re-framing events, pursuing purposeful meaning, and realigning your identity to cope but also to emerge stronger, more resilient. The podcast encourages viewers to make their lives count towards solving a meaningful problem and underpins the positive influence of task-focused coping strategies in contrast to avoidant measures.

00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Resilience 01:09 Understanding Fear and Failure 01:38 Personal Experiences and Perspectives 04:25 Facing Trauma and Overcoming Challenges 05:12 The Power of Resilience and Positive Thinking 05:46 Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 08:53 The Role of Fear and Avoidance in Trauma 13:43 The Importance of Storytelling in Healing 16:53 The Impact of Trauma on Personal Values 24:29 Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life 37:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts