United States of PTSD

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A three-word chant can expose an entire system. We take the Macklemore “Free Palestine” moment and trace what happens next: the sudden claims of feeling “unsafe,” the propaganda language that blurs criticism of the Israeli government into attacks on identity, and the way a humanitarian demand gets relabeled as “too political.” If you’ve felt whiplash watching pop culture try to talk around Gaza and Palestine, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining the pressure.

We talk about Pink’s response, why conflation is such an effective propaganda tool, and how semantic dis...

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Ericka and I talk about the impact of Hasbara and how it is used to reroute or hijack your empathy. We dissect some of the political language, media framing, and repeatable slogans can make extreme violence sound ordinary, and how Hasbara functions as a public diplomacy strategy that shapes what audiences see as reasonable, tragic, or just “the cost of doing business.” Examples include the “most moral army” claims to the erroneous use of “war” language when the correct word is geocide. 

We hope to help educate how to talk to other...

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Erika and I discuss the double edge sword of AI.  In a world, post covid, with already strained relationships and decreasing social skills do AI chat bots help the lonely? 

We talk cognitive offloading and why outsourcing thinking can quietly erode critical thinking, especially in schools and early professional training. I talk about a disturbing early example from the mid 2010s: suicide hotline chatbot pilots and the shrugging attitude around liability if a vulnerable person is harmed. Erika brings in the clinical angle too, from veterinary medicine to education, where AI ca...

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Erika and I chat with a local hero, Noel Pichardo, a former Rhode Island police officer, to unpack why he calls Flock-style vehicle tracking a mass surveillance tool and why he believes the public should have been told before a single camera went up.

We get specific about how modern ALPR and vehicle recognition systems work, why “we’ll end crime” is a dangerous promise, and how private surveillance vendors create profit incentives that don’t always align with civil rights. Noel walks us through the moment he saw the cameras return...

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Matt provides and update on the status of the Men's Retreat and the lack of accountability.  We talk about the excuses, the missing paperwork, the pattern of complaints, and why “no official membership” is not a real barrier to removing unsafe participants. We continue to look into what community safety should look like in any nonprofit or trauma-adjacent space  This could be accomplished by a  code of conduct, an orientation that sets expectations, real consequences, and leaders trained to handle risk rather than bury it. We also share practical tools for holding your ground...

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Erika gives and update on what is happening on the ground in Phoenix, where extreme heat makes shade and hydration a matter of life and death, and where the gap between need and available shelter beds turns “public order” policies into survival crises. We also unpack how mutual aid gets targeted, why lawsuits matter, and what it means when a city’s response leans on policing instead of housing.  

We then explore another stated where criminalization of homelessness as a pipeline into the carceral system. Louisiana’s House Bill 211 becomes a stark exa...

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Matt opens up about a follow up to his experience with a Men's Group.  The group sent out an all user email with all of the attendees home addresses to each other.  Matt talks about why this is concerning as two things happened.  The first being that there is no valid form that was signed to authorize this to happen.  We talk about contact information would reasonable be defined as phone and email, in this type of setting.  Second, a complaint filed against someone for inappropriate behavior with the agency acknowledging a safety risk...

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Matt reflects on a retreat and discussed the pro's and con's of peer led support groups.  This is the first episode is a mini series topic about when therapy is weaponized.  

Matt talks about the effectiveness of peer groups, in terms of creating a mutual safe space that lacks professional power differentials.  Matt and Erika discuss how this can be an asset to people who are in need of this space.  We also explore mutual aid and reciprocity.

However, when people enter this for the wrong reasons the damage can...

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Ali shares her story of growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction and behaviors associated with it.  Ali candidly talks about how she learned to cope and how difficult it was for her to come to terms with some of her mother's behaviors.  We discuss the unique and powerful bond from child to mother and how we can compartmentalize to protect our own sanity.  Ali describes one of her coping skills as controlling food.  She shares her story of programs did not help as much as they could have.  Erika also discl...

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Gaslighting is more than just someone “lying.” It’s the slow, repeated pressure that makes you question your memory, minimize your needs, and hand over your trust in your own judgment. Erika and I explore what this looks like at a deeper level and how it can create PTSD in us.  This extends further when political rhetoric and gaslighting become synonymous.  We talked about how capitalism thrives on keeping us divided and powerless.  We need to work together to take back both our power and our sanity.   

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creator...

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Another mass shooting occurs in RI while our political system continues to dole out empty thoughts a prayers.  I intentionally did not use the name of the shooter in the podcast, because I believe in taking away the identity of people who engage in atrocities.  As a society we have made murder porn and crime shows our bread and butter.  This is part of the PTSD epidemic.  

Since we recorded this episode the United States of Israel launched an attack on Iran.   Whether this is about cash, a distraction from the Epste...

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Erika and I wanted to start off season 4 by acknowledging that many of us are having WTF moments.  In the 4 weeks that took off there have been multiple assassinations by ICE/Gestapo/IDF, while multiple genocides continue and they are funded by the US.  We have seen the release of the Epstein Files and we are currently reading through them.  

We hope each and every person will continue to listen, engage in self-care, and work on creating safe places for the people who are impacted, which is almost everyone, at this poi...

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We came back from our planned break to speak about the Brown University shooting, the weight of living near it, and the everyday systems that fail to protect people. Healthcare costs, campus safety, and community care weave into a candid, grounded conversation.

• premium spikes, broken enrollment, and access gaps
• moral injury of vulnerability in a crisis
• what the videos miss and what students carry
• policing delays, dismissive responses, and data manipulation
• harm reduction versus root causes of violence
• campus safety tradeoffs and obvious fixes
• misinformation, victim‑blaming...

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Happy Holidays everyone.  See you in 2026 and thank you for all the support.  

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae. 


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.  


Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
...

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Wendy returns for reunion episode.  Per listener request Matt shares some of his own personal trauma and how it impacted his relationships before and after his resolution.  

Below is the poem I wrote when I was 33.  This is how raw the feelings were back then.  Thankfully the pain has been healed.  

I am a bastard, thanks to you.

I bet 33 years ago you never imagined,

your polluted seed would create

the man that stands here

I N V I S I...

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Starvation isn’t a metaphor—it’s policy made real. Erika and I sit down on Halloween.  A holiday that is ironically about asking for snacks from strangers.   We map how a government shutdown can remove the barely sustainable payment rails for SNAP, why many families get far less than a livable food budget, and how the benefits cliff punishes a $1 raise with thousands lost in childcare, healthcare, and food support. The math doesn’t lie, and neither do checkout lines when EBT systems fail. We break down the myths about “living off the syst...

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We share Lila’s frontline account from Gaza and the mutual aid network she helps lead for children and orphans, weaving her poetry with hard facts about blockade, targeted healthcare, and the human cost of deliberate deprivation. We explain how to get funds and attention to people on the ground and how to build people power where you live.

• bonus context for Lila’s interview and work 
• mutual aid logistics under bombardment and blackout 
• how funds reach Gaza through trusted routes 
• starvation as state policy and targeted healthcare 
• One Health...

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We unpack reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the messy truths of trauma responses, and why some grief gets megaphones while other suffering stays invisible. Trauma reactions come in many forms.  But what is it that makes such a tidal wave of reactions when the targets are high profile white men, but a resounding silence when it is from other groups.  

• setting intentions, limits, and non‑violence
• why man‑made violence destabilizes more than disasters
• viral footage, repetition, and normal trauma responses
• witnessing harm and preventing entrenched PTSD
• medi...

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Amy returns to United States of PTSD to complete her powerful story of surviving clergy sexual abuse and the long, winding path to healing through religious deconstruction.

Following her abuse at age 15, Amy faced institutional gaslighting from the Catholic Church. Officials questioned what she "did to seduce" the priest and sent her parents a deliberately vague letter with double negatives that absolved them of responsibility. When they finally agreed to pay for therapy, they insisted on church-approved therapists—a dangerous conflict of interest that led to confidentiality breaches and further trauma.

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Every survivor has a story that deserves to be heard. In this powerful conversation, we're joined by Amy, a social work student and survivor of religious trauma who shares her journey through high-control Catholicism and the devastating abuse she experienced, at the hands of a trusted priest.

Amy takes us through her childhood immersed in religious fear – developing religious OCD as she performed rituals, before bed, to ward off demons she was taught would possess her if she failed to pray correctly. This environment of spiritual terror created perfect conditions for ex...

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Please welcome guest speaker Julie Botom-Richny Chhay.  Julie shares her family's experience during the Cambodian genocide, drawing parallels to current genocide in Gaza and how generational trauma continues to impact survivors and their descendants.

• Cambodia's genocide under Pol Pot's regime killed nearly 2 million people between 1975-1979
• The Khmer Rouge specifically targeted educated people - teachers, doctors, artists, and even those who wore glasses
• Julie's mother survived being attacked and left to die in the woods at just 8 years old
• Refugee experiences at the Thai border included further violence against t...

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Dog training experts Zak George and Bree join us to explore the dark side of animal training and how the weaponization of the human-animal bond perpetuates systems of oppression. We examine how our treatment of animals reflects deeper societal values about power, control, and our approach to both animal and human behavior.

• Traditional dog training methods often rely on pain and fear, including shock collars, prong collars, and physically harmful techniques
• The police dog system has roots in colonialism and was historically used to control marginalized communities
• When an animal...

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John Demarjain shares his emotional journey of coming out as a gay Palestinian American, revealing the complex intersection of cultural identity, family values, and personal authenticity in Western and Middle Eastern contexts.


• Western culture emphasizes (by design) individualism and independence, at the cost of community while Middle Eastern culture prioritizes family and religion
• The concept of "pinkwashing" attempts to force the LGBTQ+ population to turn a blind eye to genocide "in their own best interest". 
• Both selective empathy and performative politics create barriers to genuine human connection and social...

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A foreshadowing of the national impending healthcare collapse as we see the beginnings of it in Rhode Island.  As mental health workers face increasing dangers from understaffing, violence, and corporate retaliation against unionization efforts. Matt shares his terrifying classroom experience with possible gunfire, highlighting educators' vulnerability in America's gun violence epidemic, while Erika exposes the expanding network of privatized immigrant detention centers that are akin to the start of concentration camps.  Towards the end of the episode we welcome Hannah John Damarjian. 

• Rhode Island healthcare system facing multiple facility closures and bankr...

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In this raw, unedited conversation, we process our emotional responses to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran while exploring how intergenerational trauma shapes our understanding of war.

• Processing our emotional reactions to Israel's "preemptive strike" otherwise know as a declaration of war against Iran
• Examining how media messaging manipulates public perception of conflict to vilify people in Gaza and justify colonialism 
• Discussing intergenerational trauma from historical wars and how it shapes our worldview
• Exploring the complicity of silence and the moral obligation to speak against genocide
• Looking at...

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Matt and Erika explore how people in compassion-based professions navigate feelings of helplessness when confronted with systemic barriers and limitations beyond their control.

• The challenges of working in compassion-based professions (healthcare, teaching, social work, veterinary medicine) within systems that often prioritize profit over people
• America's dysfunctional relationship with grief and death as a "death-defying society"
• The importance of radical acceptance – acknowledging limitations while still taking meaningful action
• Why our positive impacts often ripple outward in ways we'll never witness
• How to recognize early warning signs of burnout before reach...

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Immigration rights are under severe threat as communities across America face increasing persecution and detention without due process, with Kim DeLeon sharing her family's journey through the US immigration system and the fears they still face despite her husband's citizenship. We discuss how the immigration process is far more complex, expensive, and uncertain than most people realize, with many families spending thousands of dollars and years navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

• Legal immigration requires navigating thousands of dollars in fees, complex paperwork, and multi-year waiting periods
• Even with proper documentation, immigrants face cons...

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PS: Congress is trying to pass a bill that would prohibit the boycott of the genocidal state of Israel's products. Please contact your rep to tell them to vote against the bill and stop the madness.  

H.R.867 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): IGO Anti-Boycott Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress 

Field veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Cehrs shares her experience responding to avian influenza outbreaks and the devastating mental health toll of mass animal depopulations. Her story reveals a systemic failure in supporting veterinary personnel doing essential but tr...

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Kate, a Ukrainian immigrant living in the US for 25 years, shares her journey navigating American systems while maintaining deep connections to her homeland during Russia's ongoing invasion.

• Describes how Russian cultural dominance and systematic erasure of Ukrainian identity extends back centuries, not just since 2014
• Explains coming to America as a young widow seeking opportunities for her child
• Details the challenges of navigating the American legal system as an immigrant mother
• Recounts her 15-year battle for child custody and support, costing over $130,000
• Shares experience supporting another immigrant woman escaping d...

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Pet grief cuts deeper than many realize. When my beloved cat Hermes passed away recently after 16 incredible years together, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss that inspired this raw, emotional episode.

The story of Hermes begins in 2009, during a period of personal turmoil when this playful kitten literally ran into my life. Named after the fleet-footed Greek messenger god, Hermes was quick, mischievous, and utterly devoted. He established himself as the alpha cat while remaining incredibly social with humans, winning over everyone with his characteristic headbutts and...

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Matt and Mike explore cognitive dissonance in political values, examining how party loyalty often overrides moral consistency, particularly regarding responses to global genocides versus performative corporate boycotts.

• Discussion of selective outrage: boycotting companies for one day while ignoring ongoing genocides
• Examination of how political tribalism leads to moral inconsistencies
• Analysis of capitalism's role in keeping citizens divided against their own interests
• Consideration of how class warfare is disguised as partisan political conflict
• Reflection on meaningful versus performative activism
• Personal safety considerations when speaking out against powerful interests

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The episode delves into the concepts of cognitive dissonance and selective outrage, exploring how they shape our political identities and conversations. The hosts discuss the implications of a polarized political landscape and emphasize the importance of understanding differing perspectives as a path to unity and constructive change.

• Examining the impact of selective outrage 
• Understanding cognitive dissonance in political discourse 
• Critique of the two-party system and its implications 
• Analysis of the War on Drugs as a systemic issue 
• Discussion on the selective outrage surrounding international conflicts 
• Importance of empathy and un...

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Chad Kennedy's journey from trauma to transformation sheds light on mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Through his Sea to Sea for PTSD initiative, he shares insights into finding the right therapy, the importance of connection, and the power of community in navigating mental health struggles.

• Chad shares his background and battle with PTSD 
• The necessity of trauma-informed therapy and finding a good match 
• Importance of connection and relationship in therapy for healing 
• Effects of cumulative trauma among first responders 
• Key strategies for advocating for personal m...

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The episode dives into the intersection of veterinary medicine, social justice, and global crises, focusing on the personal experiences of veterinary students facing harassment at the hands of faculty. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of One Health, the varied cultural perspectives on the human-animal bond, and the vital role of community and allyship in combating systemic injustice.

• Personal experiences of harassment within higher ed. 
• Moral duplicity within academic environments 
• The One Health approach and its relevance to societal issues 
• Cultural perspectives on the human-animal bond 
• Importance of community soli...

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Please welcome back Dr. Ericka Hendel as their input is incredibly valuable and profound.  

This episode reveals the intersection of veterinary medicine and human rights, highlighting the struggles of students advocating for marginalized voices, particularly concerning Palestine. Panelists discuss issues of tokenization, selective empathy, and the moral responsibilities of veterinarians in confronting social injustices.

• Discussion on the responsibilities of veterinary professionals for animal and human rights 
• Insights on student experiences with tokenization in education 
• Examination of selective empathy within the veterinary community 
• Personal accounts of student activism and...

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How does a seasoned police officer navigate the mental health challenges that come with the job? Captain Adam Myers, an officer with over two decades of experience, opens up about his journey through trauma and recovery in the latest episode of United States of PTSD. He takes us on a gripping ride through the aftermath of a critical incident where he was forced to use deadly force, sharing the emotional turmoil and complexities of such life-altering events. Adam's story is not just about the incident itself but also about the unhealthy coping mechanisms...

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What if the oppressive systems you navigate daily are pushing you to the brink? Join us as we welcome back Donna from "Healing Our Kindred Spirits" to confront the chaotic intersection of the U.S. healthcare system and societal tensions. We tackle the controversial shooting involving Luigi Mangione and the United CEO, diving deep into the emotions and frustrations that underpin such events. Through personal stories and heartfelt discussions, we highlight the urgent need for empathy and understanding in navigating a healthcare landscape riddled with systemic inefficiencies and insurance nightmares.

Our...

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What happens when unexpected acts of kindness force you to confront your deepest fears? Dave Murphy shares his riveting story of surviving a brutal attack in 1994 that left him with PTSD, reshaping his life in unforeseen ways. As he navigates the thorny landscape of trauma, mental health, and recovery, Dave unveils how a moment of compassion from those who resembled his assailants became a turning point. Listen as he recounts his transformative journey, from grappling with alcohol and weight gain to finding healing after the birth of his daughter.

The unexpected...

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Is the American Dream a myth we've all bought into, or is there a glimmer of truth hidden beneath its layers? Join us as we dissect the illusion of success and equality tied to this dream, especially relevant after Thanksgiving. Together, we challenge the narrative of individual achievement and underscore the often-overlooked impact of generational wealth and systemic barriers like racism and sexism on one's journey to success. Through the lens of a recent study on immigrant perceptions of American identity, we reveal a stark cognitive dissonance between the country's founding principles and...

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Facing the harsh reality of feeling invisible in the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when battling chronic conditions. Donna returns to share her courageous journey through the maze of medical gaslighting, where her invisible illnesses were often dismissed. We unravel the staggering fact that obtaining a proper diagnosis for issues like autoimmune diseases can take nearly a decade. Learn how to empower yourself with essential strategies for advocating in medical settings, from tracking symptoms in a notepad to bringing a trusted ally to appointments. We also challenge the irony of doctors relying...