Welcome to the Unpacking Possibility podcast – I’m your host, Dr. Traci Stein. I’m a psychologist, hypnotherapist, and I’m a core faculty member at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University in the heart of great city of New York. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how our minds work, understanding how our intuition speaks to us, and learning about what combination of these things helps people to make important steps and lead meaningful lives. I’m fascinated with how we can use our inner knowing to guide us to live a life that’s in line who we truly are. In this podcast, I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned, and give you the keys to unlock YOUR potential to live YOUR most rewarding life. I’ll sit down with people from all walks of life who’ve experienced profound personal transformation in some way – each with the common thread of realizing with great clarity, openness and receptivity, that it was time to live their purpose. We’ll listen in as each person tells their story of “aha moments,” and how they ultimately wound up taking action, overcoming challenges, and pursuing their passions. In each episode of Unpacking Possibility, we’ll unpack what it really takes to manifest positive change. It’s my calling to inspire you to discover your authentic self, learn to trust your inner wisdom, and live a life that has meaning for you!
Ep. 174 - “Silence Was My First Language” with Author Rich Dunning
In this powerful episode, Traci sits down with author Rich Dunning to discuss his memoir, “Silence Was My First Language.” Rich shares how his childhood in the Bronx, marked by poverty and severe abuse, made silence a necessary survival strategy. For years, Rich’s academic and professional successes hid a nearly unsurvivable battle with addiction. Rich recounts the pivotal moment in 2017 when he chose to seek help—and how sobriety, faith, family and forgiveness helped him to break free from generational trauma. Traci also previews the next leg of the podcast journey: “The Extraordinary, with Dr. Traci Stein,” debuting October 2026. Tune in next week for more details.Learn more about Rich Dunning + pre-order the book: https://www.richdunningbooks.com/**Content Warning:** This episode includes discussion of child abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—call or text **988** (US).Follow "The Extraordinary with Dr. Traci Stein", now live!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15Xt8qwNJhVyqJYb7uq7XVApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-extraordinary-with-dr-traci-stein/id6817035081For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/
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22 Sept 2026
Ep. 173 - Can’t Sleep? Calm Your Mind & Body Fast (Tools for 3AM Wake-Ups)
Can’t sleep—again? If you’re lying awake, waking up in the middle of the night, or up too early, this episode gives you a practical, calming toolkit you can use in the moment. Psychologist Traci Stein shares mental strategies (imagery, focus shifts, counting) and body-based tools (stretching, calming touch, self-massage, acupressure) to help you settle your nervous system and return to sleep—or at least get truly restorative rest.What you’ll learnHow to stop the pressure spiral of “I have to sleep” and shift into rest modeGuided imagery and multi-sensory visualization to calm a busy mindSimple stretching and weighted comfort to help your body feel safeCalming touch + acupressure points to reduce racing thoughtsMindfulness tools for when your brain won’t turn offWhen to get up briefly—and when to consult a providerFor Traci Stein’s sleep meditations (including “Manifesting During Deep Sleep”), please visit: https://tracistein.com/
15 Sept 2026
Ep. 172 - (Encore) Embracing Motherhood Without Losing Yourself
So much support shows up during pregnancy and those first weeks with a newborn… and then it often fades. Meanwhile, the inner transition of becoming a mother is just getting started.If motherhood has left you feeling everything from blissful to overwhelmed—or even secretly longing for the life you had before—this episode offers language, context, and reassurance. It’s also a powerful listen to share with a partner, friend, or family member who wants to better understand what new mothers are carrying.Educators and Seed Mother founders Julia Sarewitz and Victoria Trinko explore “matrescence”—the developmental process of becoming a mother. Like adolescence, matrescence brings unavoidable changes in identity, relationships, social life, mind, body, and spirit. And because society often prioritizes the needs of the child while overlooking the needs of the mother, many new moms end up feeling exhausted, alone, resentful, and guilty for not living a fairy-tale version of parenthood.Tune in to feel seen, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and learn how to feel more empowered and supported through this transformative season.Learn more about matrescence, Seed Mother’s workshops, and 1:1 wellness offerings:www.seed-mother.comFor more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/
Who has been a guest on Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Julie Murphy
Garrett Stevens
Dr Tracy McCarthy
Nancy Orlen Weber
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
93,078
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
13 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
77
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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