Episode Title: When Something Still Feels Missing: A Continuation, Not a Comeback

After several months away, Paula returns to The Courageous Survivor—not for a comeback, but for a continuation.

In this deeply personal episode, Paula shares why she stepped back from the podcast, what the past year of reflection and healing revealed, and why something still felt unfinished in her body and brain despite “doing everything right.” She opens up about living with the long-term effects of prolonged trauma and a near-fatal strangulation, navigating life with a brain injury, and the reality of managing chronic inflammation, vascular stress, and survival-mode physiology.

Paula discusses recent specialty lab findings that helped explain a recurring pattern she’s experienced since 2019—periods of feeling well followed by neurological decline—and how a recent viral illness temporarily worsened already fragile systems. She speaks candidly about the emotional and financial weight of functional and holistic care, the impossible choices survivors often face, and the long-term cost of not addressing root causes.

This episode sets the foundation for what’s ahead in 2026: a transparent, real-time documentation of healing within real-world limits. Paula explains her decision to take a “middle ground” approach—combining education, functional neurology, at-home rehab, and pacing—while sharing the trade-offs, costs, and realities many survivors quietly carry.

Most importantly, this episode is about honesty. About naming how years of living in fight-or-flight change the brain and body. About why resilience isn’t infinite. And about why survivors deserve informed, compassionate care—not dismissal or gaslighting.

This isn’t a promise of answers.
It’s a commitment to truth, transparency, and prevention—so future versions of ourselves don’t have to pay an even higher price.

Coming next:
Episode 2 will dive into the education behind these lab findings—what chronic stress, inflammation, and survival-mode physiology actually do to the brain and body, and why they matter.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this raw and powerful episode, Paula Walters returns with fresh insight and deep personal reflection on one of the most uncomfortable—but essential—truths about the healing journey: the choice between excuses and accountability.

Drawing from her own experiences with trauma, emotional overwhelm, and hard-hitting feedback, Paula unpacks the difference between living from the emotional brain and stepping into the rational brain. She shares how being stuck in survival mode, constantly reacting from pain, and avoiding change can derail healing—and how choosing accountability, one small action at a time, can radically transform your life.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your own patterns, struggled to break free from victimhood, or wondered why healing sometimes feels so lonely, this episode is for you. Paula gets honest about her own setbacks, how she’s rewiring her brain, and why real healing begins in the mirror—with brutal honesty and radical ownership.

What you’ll walk away with:

• The emotional vs. rational brain: why it matters
• How trauma wires us for protection instead of connection
• Why hurt people hurt people—and how not to stay there
• The power of one small daily choice toward healing
• A new framework for seeing discipline and accountability as self-love
• And a reflective question that just might change everything

Ready to drop the excuses and choose the harder, more rewarding path forward? This is your invitation to start.

Next Episode Sneak Peek: Learn how to practically and powerfully rewire your brain, regulate your nervous system, and shift from emotional chaos to grounded peace.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

Episode Summary:
In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Paula Walters shares her deeply personal story to close out Brain Injury Awareness Month. She sheds light on “the silent injury”—the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that often go unseen and undiagnosed in survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, strangulation, and human trafficking.

Drawing from her own experience as a paramedic, survivor, and advocate, Paula walks listeners through the years of unexplained symptoms, misdiagnoses, and frustration within a medical system that treated her like a mystery patient—while missing the root cause of her suffering: an invisible brain injury caused by a near-fatal strangulation.

Paula discusses:

• Why so many survivors are misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or autoimmune conditions
• How the medical system often fails to connect trauma history to physical symptoms
• The life-changing moment she felt seen and heard by Dr. Bill Smock in 2017
• Her path to healing through functional neurology
• The emotional toll of being dismissed and mislabeled for years
• Why we must ask deeper questions and break down the silos in healthcare

This episode is not just for survivors—it’s a call to action for healthcare professionals, therapists, and advocates to recognize the real and lasting impacts of brain trauma caused by abuse. Paula’s story is a reminder that many people aren’t “crazy” or “broken”—they’re injured and need the right kind of help.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or stuck in the medical system, this episode is for you.
And if you work in healthcare or mental health, please listen with an open heart and share this message.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Paula will share what functional medicine and brain injury rehabilitation actually looked like—and how it gave her hope, purpose, and a second chance at life.

Connect with Paula:
🔹 Social Media: @PaulaDWalters | @TheCourageousSurvivor
🔹 Website: www.thecourageoussurvivor.com

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, Paula Walters returns after a long hiatus, joined by Kerri, to share life updates and discuss the challenges they've faced. Paula candidly opens up about how the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 have not gone as planned, leading her to reassess her path forward.

She shares two major realizations:

1. You don’t have to engage with toxic people – Paula reflects on dealing with narcissistic and sociopathic individuals, emphasizing that trying to reason with them is futile. She has set firm boundaries, choosing to disengage and prioritize her well-being.
2. Recognizing systemic privilege and biases – A recent emotional moment helped her realize how difficult it can be to recognize privilege when deeply embedded in it. She acknowledges her ongoing journey of self-awareness and personal growth.

Paula also discusses her upcoming three-day neuro boot camp in Minnesota to address the lingering effects of a work-related concussion. She shares how the combination of stress, trauma, and neurological challenges has left her feeling overstimulated and emotionally drained. Her top priority is healing her brain so she can regain balance and clarity.

Kerri provides an update on her own struggles, including her husband’s serious health issues, financial stress, and uncertainty in her work related to intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury research due to funding cuts. She opens up about the emotional toll of these challenges and the need for flexibility and resilience.

Moving forward, Paula and Kerri agree that they will be “winging it” for the rest of 2025—embracing the unpredictable nature of life, discussing real experiences, and sharing their healing journeys openly. Paula acknowledges that it’s okay to not have all the answers and to take things one step at a time.

Listeners can expect updates on Paula’s neuro rehab journey on her social media (@Paula D. Walters, The Courageous Survivor), with another podcast episode coming soon to reflect on her experience in Minnesota.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

• Boundaries are essential when dealing with toxic individuals.
• Recognizing privilege and systemic challenges requires deep reflection.
• Prioritizing mental and physical health is crucial.
• Healing is a continuous journey, and sometimes, it's okay to not have everything figured out.

Stay tuned for more raw and real conversations in future episodes!

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this powerful and introspective episode of The Courageous Survivor, host Paula Walters celebrates her 51st birthday by reflecting on the incredible journey of overcoming childhood trauma, healing, and defying medical predictions. With a deep sense of gratitude and renewed purpose, Paula shares her goals for the next phase of her life, which include continuing her spiritual awakening, prioritizing total body wellness, and fostering a supportive community for trauma survivors. This episode is a testament to resilience, goal-setting, and the pursuit of living authentically while rooted in faith.

Paula’s honest and inspiring account of setting long-term goals—from deepening her relationship with God to focusing on health, financial wellness, and writing her book—serves as a guide for anyone looking to create lasting change in their life. She also touches on the importance of accountability, staying grounded in truth, and the joy found in life’s simplest moments.

Podcast Highlights:

1. Celebrating 51: Paula reflects on her feelings of freedom after defying medical expectations and reaching her 51st birthday.
2. Goal-Setting for Personal Growth: Paula shares how writing down goals and setting daily, weekly, and long-term milestones boosts dopamine and serotonin, helping her heal and stay focused on her wellness journey.
3. Deepening Spiritual Awakening: A key goal for Paula is to deepen her connection with God and live a life focused on her divine purpose.
4. Prioritizing Total Body Wellness: Paula discusses her commitment to improving her strength, flexibility, and brain health, aiming to live a vibrant life as she ages.
5. Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle: With a focus on gardening, canning, and homemade foods, Paula embraces self-sustainability and the joy of nurturing a natural, holistic lifestyle.
6. Living Authentically and Embracing Simplicity: Paula emphasizes the importance of being present, traveling, and enjoying the simple things in life, like time with family and nature.
7. Writing Her Book: Paula plans to rewrite her book from a place of healing and rationality, reflecting on her journey with a more objective and compassionate lens.
8. Building a Supportive Community: Paula aims to foster a supportive environment for survivors of trauma, providing a space for healing and wellness.
9. Financial Wellness and New Income Streams: With a desire to transition from full-time paramedic work, Paula plans to focus on her speaking engagements, writing, and life coaching to create financial stability.
10. Being a Truth-Seeker: Paula remains committed to living authentically, seeking truth, and staying grounded in her faith as she navigates a world she sees as filled with both good and evil.

Join Paula as she shares her next steps and invites listeners to set their own goals, offering support, accountability, and inspiration along the way.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this powerful episode, host Paula Walters shares a deeply personal account of a recent work-related concussion and her decision to forego traditional medical treatment in favor of a holistic healing approach. Drawing from her own experiences with brain injuries, misdiagnoses, and a frustrating encounter with the healthcare system, Paula discusses her journey through functional neurology and the impact of lifestyle changes on her recovery. With raw honesty, she opens up about the challenges and emotions that followed the injury and how she plans to use her own wellness program to aid in her recovery. This episode highlights Paula’s determination to take control of her health, reject the bureaucratic confines of workers' compensation, and inspire others to seek alternative methods of care.

Podcast Highlights:

1. Recent Concussion Incident: Paula recounts a new work-related concussion from an accident in the ambulance, sparking immediate symptoms and concerns about the recovery process.
2. Frustration with Traditional Healthcare: Paula explains why she is rejecting the workers’ compensation system and the conventional medical approach after years of misdiagnosis, costly treatments, and frustration with traditional providers.
3. Past Brain Injury Misdiagnosis: Sharing her story of living with a brain injury for 13 years, Paula reflects on the medical mismanagement that left her misdiagnosed and struggling until she found healing through functional neurology.
4. Commitment to Holistic Wellness: Paula highlights the functional neurology treatments that helped her regain her health and her resolve to return to these methods rather than re-enter the traditional medical system.
5. Emotional and Spiritual Strength: Discussing the emotional journey from sadness to empowerment, Paula talks about her faith and how it continues to be a guiding force as she prepares for self-guided healing at home.
6. Taking a Stand Against the System: Paula passionately shares her decision to sign off on workers’ compensation to maintain control over her treatment, despite legal and bureaucratic challenges.
7. Inspiration for Others: Paula plans to document her healing journey through videos, social media, and future podcast episodes to inspire others who may also be trapped in a broken medical system.
8. Lifestyle Changes for Recovery: Outlining her plan for fasting, supplements, and brain health exercises, Paula is determined to recover quickly and return to work within eight days, confident in her holistic approach.
9. Empowerment through Education: Paula emphasizes the value of working with providers who educate patients on how to care for themselves, contrasting this with the disease-centered approach of traditional medicine.

This episode is a raw and candid look at taking control of one’s health, rejecting the norms of the healthcare system, and trusting in holistic, functional medicine for true wellness.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this episode of The Courageous Survivor Podcast, Paula Walters, a survivor of multiple forms of abuse and national speaker, reflects on her recent experience speaking at a conference in Los Angeles, where she discussed the intersection of domestic violence (DV), interpersonal violence (IPV), and the healthcare system.

Paula shares insights from professionals in California, comparing them to the challenges she faces in Ohio, which lags behind in supporting survivors. Through her personal journey, Paula addresses the need for trauma-informed care in medical systems and the role trauma plays in chronic health conditions. She opens up about her frustrations with the medical system, the slow pace of legislative change, and her passion for making a difference in the lives of survivors.

Paula also highlights the importance of recognizing trauma’s impact on various populations, including first responders, healthcare workers, and military personnel. She challenges the traditional medical model that often fails to consider trauma in diagnosis and treatment, advocating for a holistic approach that looks at the big picture. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing from trauma requires not only addressing the psychological aspects but also the physiological impacts.

Join Paula as she explores the intersections of trauma, health, and how we can create a more compassionate and trauma-informed world for survivors and the people who protect us.

Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

Unraveling Trauma, Brain Injury, and the Broken Healthcare System

In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, Paula Walters opens up about her harrowing journey through trauma, brain injury, and the challenges of navigating a fragmented healthcare system. Sharing her personal story of surviving child abuse, domestic violence, and a near-fatal strangulation, Paula sheds light on how these experiences led to a traumatic brain injury that went undiagnosed for years.

Paula discusses the systemic failure of siloed medical specialties that treat individual symptoms rather than looking at the bigger picture of how trauma impacts the entire body. From receiving misdiagnoses like aggressive MS to being told she wouldn’t live past 50, Paula walks listeners through her turning point—finding a functional neurologist who helped her understand the deep connections between trauma, brain injury, and her body’s systems.

This episode dives into how trauma disrupts everything from brain function and immune response to gut health and hormone regulation. Paula reveals the hope and healing she found through holistic care and offers practical insights on the importance of addressing unresolved trauma. As she reflects on her journey, Paula inspires listeners who may be stuck in the medical system or struggling with chronic illness to explore their own trauma history and take control of their wellness journey.

Listeners will walk away with a powerful message: trauma impacts every part of our being, and true healing is possible when we approach it holistically.

Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.