Kara sits down with psychologist and resilience researcher Dr. Sherry Hamby, author of the forthcoming book, STRONGER THAN YOU THINK: BUILDING LIFELONG RESILIENCE.
Dr. Hamby shares what decades of research — and lived experience — reveal about healing after trauma, why resilience is not about perfection or “toughing it out,” and how people can truly flourish after hardship.
Together, Kara and Sherry explore the disconnect between academic trauma research and real-life recovery, the role of purpose, relationships, and emotional regulation, and why resilience is best understood as a portfolio of strengths — not a single trait.
This conversation blends science, storytelling, and honesty, offering listeners a grounded and hopeful reframe of what it means to be resilient.
STRONGER THAN YOU THINK is available for pre-order now and releases May 26, 2026.
SHERRY HAMBY, PhD
KARA KAVENSKY
Website: Kara Kavensky
@karakavensky on Substack, FB, IG, LinkedIn and Threads
Receive updates on Kara's new memoir release, TELL ME ABOUT JOY
Sponsored by: Adam Gibson Design and Remain Relevant, a corporate storytelling masterclass
Produced by: Marilou Marosz
Original music written and performed by: Adam W. Gibson
CHAPTERS
[01:05] Introduction: Sherry Hamby PhD
[02:47] Background for writing STRONGER THAN YOU THINK
[05:57] Related academic work
[07:32] The challenge of sharing your own story
[10:02] Gaps in research on trauma and healing
[11:03] Research and the current political climate
[12:04] Parenting and potty training
[13:51] Academic writing vs. writing for the general public
