"The body keeps the score." This phrase has become commonplace in trauma-informed circles, but what does it actually mean when your physical symptoms have emotional roots? How do we become truly present in bodies that have stored years of unprocessed experiences?

In this profound conversation with Air Force veteran, former firefighter, and bodyworker Amber Miskovich, we explore the sacred art of witnessing—both ourselves and others. Amber breaks down the science of how our thoughts create physical constriction or dilation in our bodies, explaining why anxiety, digestive issues, and countless other symptoms often connect to emotional states we've yet to process.

We will delve into what makes a good witness versus someone who simply wants to fix, rescue, or join in your drama. Amber shares powerful practices for healers and helpers to avoid absorbing others' pain while still holding compassionate space.

The conversation also addresses the challenging balance between sharing your story and practicing discretion, why truth-tellers are essential on your healing journey, and how to recognize when your body is signaling "yes" or "no" to a person or situation. Join us for this deeply nurturing exploration of coming home to yourself while learning to witness others with presence and care.

Find Amber on IG: @awonderly @thewonderwithin

https://www.thewonderwithin.com

Contact Valerie

Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed!

If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org
• SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1
• Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/

*This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com

Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform

In this first episode Valerie shares her personal story of surviving sexual trauma, breaking the silence and discovering the power of being witnessed. Hear how being witnessed led to a spiritual awakening that ultimately led to the birth of Defiance of Silence - A Sacred Witness Podcast.

For decades, I carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse and military sexual trauma without telling a soul. When I unexpectedly encountered my military assailant years later, it cracked open the vault of repressed memories, beginning a long and difficult journey of healing.

In 2020 sparked by the collision of the #iamvanessaguillen and #metoo movements, and the stress of COVID isolation triggered a profound PTSD episode that forced me to confront the cost of my silence. Finding community among women veterans who simply said "me too" began to break that isolation. Being witnessed without judgment cracked open decades of silence.

My heart and hope for Defiance of Silence: A Sacred Witness is to create space for survivors, healers, and witnesses to share their truth. This podcast isn't about sensationalizing trauma but honoring the journey through communal witnessing. We defy the silence that isolates while embracing the silence that allows true listening – sitting with someone's pain without judgment, without fixing, without rushing. Whether you're seeking healing or coming to witness others, you're welcome here. Your presence matters. Together, we'll discover the power of being seen and the healing that follows. Remember: you are not alone, your story deserves to be heard, and you are worthy of being witnessed.

Contact Valerie

Remember YOU are loved and worthy of being witnessed!

If today’s episode stirred heavy feelings, you are not alone. Please reach out to a trusted friend or a professional if you need support:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | rainn.org
• SAMHSA Mental Health/Substance Use: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• 988 LIFELINE: Call, Text or Chat https://988lifeline.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial or text 988, then press 1
• Help for Veterans suffering with CPTSD https://saveawarrior.org/

*This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number.

Find us on IG @defiance_of_silence_podcast valerie@defianceofsilencepodcast.com

Interested in being a guest? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejdEmBiOYT2zsb4jyj0X522nY80bsW-ENLuR7remJNCmhRsQ/viewform