Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

About Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

Welcome to "Stress Mess: Laughing through Trauma," a podcast that dives into the complexities of trauma and chronic stress with a blend of humor, empathy, and real-life stories. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of life's stress mess together, because sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine. Each episode, we explore different facets of trauma and chronic stress, discussing how these experiences shape our minds, bodies, thinking patterns, behaviors, lives and relationships. From personal anecdotes to expert interviews, we uncover the learned survival patterns and growth that can emerge from adversity while squashing shame and isolation. "Stress Mess" isn't just about the struggles; it's about finding moments of levity and connection amidst the chaos. We believe in the healing power of laughter and the importance of sharing our stories openly and honestly. Whether you're seeking validation, practical advice, or simply a reminder that you're not alone in your journey, "Stress Mess" is here to accompany you. Tune in to explore the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately transformative aspects of living with trauma and chronic stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Katherine O'Leary

Category

comedy · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2025

Latest episode

25 May 2026

Latest episodes

56 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 May 2026

   All Things Couples - Part 2

   In Part 2 of this relationship and communication series, host Katie O'Leary is joined by Clinician Kate for an honest conversation about couples therapy, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and the relationship skills most people were never taught. Together, they explore how couples develop different communication styles, why arguments escalate when partners enter survival mode, and how tools like safe words, emotional breaks, and intentional reconnection can help create emotional safety during conflict. The conversation also touches on parenting stress, finances, family dynamics, and the everyday pressures that impact marriage and long-term relationships. Katie and Kate discuss why friendship is one of the strongest predictors of a successful relationship and how couples can stay connected through play, laughter, vulnerability, and accountability. They unpack how trauma, childhood experiences, and unmet emotional needs shape adult relationships, as well as why many arguments are rooted in feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally disconnected. The episode also explores healthy communication techniques, the importance of identifying core values, emotional triggers like anger and shutdown responses, and why couples therapy can initially feel more challenging before real growth begins. This episode is ideal for listeners interested in couples communication, marriage counseling, attachment styles, emotional intelligence, therapy tools, and healthier conflict management. Topics include relationship repair, emotional intimacy, coping skills, parenting and marriage stress, self-awareness, accountability in relationships, and practical couples therapy insights that support stronger, more connected partnerships. Don't forget to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   18 May 2026

   All Things Couples - Part 1

   Season 4 continues with a candid conversation on relationships, communication, and the emotional load many people carry in partnerships and family life. Clinician Kate from Oak Mountain joins the podcast to share insights from her years working with couples, along with lessons from her own long-term marriage. In this episode, the conversation explores communication styles, unspoken needs, caretaking roles, guilt, and the ways childhood conditioning shapes adult relationships. Kate and Katie discuss why couples often misunderstand each other, how resentment builds when needs are not expressed, and why learning your partner’s emotional “language” can change the way conflict is approached. The episode also brings humor into the realities of relationships, from Disney romance myths to diaper bags and an unexpected conversation about pineapples. Tune in next week for part two! Don't forget to subscribe and follow along with us on Instagram @katieostresscoaching.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   4 May 2026

   Types of Support

   On this episode, Katie explores a familiar moment in relationships when overwhelm hits and the simple question of “how can I support you” only makes things worse. This episode unpacks why so many couples miss each other in these moments, especially when past experiences or emotional neglect have shaped how support is understood. Katie explains that when the brain is flooded, it cannot problem solve or articulate needs clearly, which is why preparing for these moments ahead of time is key. She invites listeners to rethink support as something learned and discussed together, not figured out in the heat of stress, and emphasizes the importance of speaking the same emotional language as your partner. Throughout the episode, Katie walks through seven types of support, including emotional presence, physical co regulation, cognitive clarity, practical help, mind body cues, autonomy through space, and reassurance for relational safety. She highlights how small, intentional actions like validating feelings, offering calm presence, or taking initiative with daily responsibilities can transform connection. The conversation encourages couples to get curious about what support actually feels like to each person and to create shared understanding before overwhelm happens. This episode is a guide to building deeper connection by moving from guessing to knowing how to truly show up for each other. Don't forge to subscribe and follow along on Instagram @katieostresscoaching.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Who has been a guest on Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Amber Grimmett
• Lisa Becker-Schmall
• Kento Kamiyama
• John Flagg
• Dr Jocelyn Wallace

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

37

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Stress Mess: Laughing Through Trauma

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.