Shows
Self Centered with Katie and Allie23. How to Make Friends as a Grown Ass Adult (Without Feeling Weird About It)Somewhere in adulthood, an inevitable shift occurs where making and retaining new friends just seems tough - but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we explore why friendship often takes a backseat as we age and how to shift your mindset and approach to build meaningful, mutual connections. Whether you're craving deeper relationships, moving to a new city, or just tired of feeling disconnected, this conversation is packed with honesty, strategies, and encouragement for getting out of an isolated rut. This episode is for anyone who wants to make friends more intentionally while staying true to themselves.2025-05-061h 17
Self Centered with Katie and Allie22. The Traits and Skills you Need to Build Authentic, Lasting RelationshipsLoneliness is as dangerous as smoking — and most people don’t even realize it.In today’s conversation, we break down the research on why emotionally safe, reciprocal relationships are essential for your health, happiness, and self-worth. Plus, we share practical tools for spotting real connection versus surface-level friendships and love. If you want deeper friendships, better romantic relationships, or to feel a little less alone — this one’s for you.Inside this episode:The 4 personality traits and 5 skills that predict thriving relationshipsHow to trust yourself when navigating friendships and datingWhy authenticity is magnetic — and how to d...2025-04-2937 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureThe Power of Peer Support with Caroline BrunneIn today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz invites Caroline Brunne, a distinguished trauma survivor coach and breath work facilitator to discuss the powerful role of peer support. Caroline shares her compelling journey, underlining the critical role of personal lived experiences in the realm of trauma-informed care. This episode highlights how those who have navigated similar challenges bring valuable insight and a unique perspective that can bridge gaps between traditional support systems and personal recovery. Caroline, alongside her loyal therapy dog Louie, is dedicated to fostering environments of safety and growth through her initiative, In Support...2025-04-291h 05
Self Centered with Katie and Allie21. Confidence is Built, Not Born: How to Take Action Even When You're ScaredHave you ever found yourself waiting to feel confident before taking action, only to stay stuck? Or maybe you find that perfectionism holds you back from ever trying something new? If so, this episode on confidence may be for you. In this episode, Allie and Katie unpack the real meaning of confidence, and spoiler alert: it’s not something you either have or don’t. It’s something you build through courageous action, self-trust, and small wins. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:The difference between confidence and self-esteemWhy confidence is task-specific and needs to be practi...2025-04-2246 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie20. Real Self-Esteem vs. ‘Other-Esteem’: How to Build Unshakable Self-WorthThink self-esteem is about feeling like you’re “the best”? Think again. If you’re tired of the comparison trap and want a healthier relationship with yourself, this one’s for you.This episode unpacks the myths and truths about self-esteem and how to actually start liking yourself without needing approval, praise, or perfection. We also share our personal stories about unlearning old standards and building real self-worth by staying rooted in our values.In this episode:Why self-esteem isn’t about being perfect—or being likedThe role of emotional wiring, social media, and self-trustHow...2025-04-1540 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureSolidarity & Entrepreneurship with Tristan KatzHow do we meet the moment while also running a business? In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz explores the intersection of trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and effective marketing and business practices with Tristan Katz. An LGBTQIA+ DEI facilitator and consultant, Tristan shares their profound insights on creating meaningful change and fostering supportive environments for entrepreneurs. By highlighting the interconnectedness of solidarity and entrepreneurship, this is a compelling call to action for reflection and sustained efforts towards an inclusive future.Learn more about Tristan:Tristan Katz (t...2025-04-151h 05
Self Centered with Katie and Allie19. Feeling Defensive? Tame the Shame Around FeedbackDoes criticism leave you spiraling and feeling like you're the worst? You’re not alone. You’re doing the best you can with what you know, and there’s another way.In this empowering episode, we unpack why shame hijacks your nervous system, how to pause instead of crashing out, how to navigate hard conversations without abandoning yourself, and what real emotional repair looks like.If you’re tired of letting shame run the show, this episode will show you a new way.You’ll learn:• Why feedback often feels like a personal a...2025-04-0824 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie18. Speaking Your Truth vs Shaming OthersStruggling with the guilt of sharing your truth? You’re not alone. In this episode, Allie and Katie explore why truth-telling is not the same as shaming—even when others react as if it is. Learn how to stay grounded in your healing without carrying responsibility for others’ discomfort.This episode will help you:• Understand how internalized beliefs about loyalty can keep you silent• Release shame around acknowledging your truth• Break free from people-pleasing• Discern when you're ready to share, and howGo to the episode page to leave a qui...2025-04-0137 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie17. You’re Not Crazy: Dismantling the Stigma Around Emotions and "Mental Illness"Have you ever been told you're too emotional, too sensitive, or it's all in your head?In this episode, we’re breaking down the toxic messages we’ve all internalized about emotions—and why struggling with your mental health doesn’t make you weak.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• How society gaslights your natural emotional responses• The real reason people internalize shame around mental health• How emotional suppression creates disconnection and burnout• What therapy actually is—and why it’s not just for “crazy” people• How to reclaim your se...2025-03-2538 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie16: Do You Need a Therapist or a Coach? Understanding the Key DifferencesNot sure if you need therapy or coaching? Many people wonder where to turn for support in their personal growth journey. In this episode, we explore the key differences, bust common myths, and share insights on:• How therapy helps when you’re struggling vs. how coaching helps when you’re ready to grow• Why you keep dealing with the same "devil" even when you reach new levels in your personal development journey.• What to ask before choosing a coach or therapist to tell if they're right for you• Why therapy alone may not help...2025-03-1855 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureTrauma-Informed Town HallTrauma-informed care holds profound importance but is currently facing significant challenges. At its core, trauma-informed care is meant to be inclusive, compassionate, and universally applicable, addressing the needs of all individuals without exclusion. However, recent shifts in federal policies, funding priorities, and organizational practices have raised concerns about the erosion of this approach. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz discusses how efforts to dilute or limit trauma-informed care, including discriminatory exclusions and censorship, undermine its fundamental principles. She shares a recap from a recent Trauma-Informed Town Hall and highlights important discussions and resources to...2025-03-1320 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie15: Beyond the Couch: What Therapy Is (and Isn’t) and Debunking the MythsStarting therapy can feel intimidating, but in this episode, we’re breaking it down and debunking the myths! We share our contrasting experiences to explore what therapy really is (and isn’t). We tackle it all; who therapy is for, what actually happens in a session, and do I really have to lay on a couch?If you’ve ever worried about being judged, not knowing what to say, or even how to "break up" with a therapist who isn’t the right fit, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re curious about therapy or hesitant to take the...2025-03-111h 51
Self Centered with Katie and Allie14. When They Say, "You've Changed": Standing Your Ground in Relationships“You’re making it all about you!” Ever been hit with this accusation when setting boundaries? You’re not alone!In this episode, we break down why asserting your needs isn’t selfish and how to navigate pushback from partners, friends, family, and even adult children. This episode is for you if you're tired of feeling guilty for standing up for yourself. Tune in to learn how to stand firm and create healthier, more balanced relationships.In this episode, we cover:Why people react negatively when you prioritize yourselfHow to respond when someone says "you've cha...2025-03-0439 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureThe World Is On Fire...But You Don't Need To BeIn the face of overlapping social, economic, and cultural crises, many of us are carrying the weight of collective trauma, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But even amidst the chaos, we don’t have to be consumed by the flames. This micro-episode is validating for anyone feeling familiar 2020 pandemic feelings of hypervigilance, functional freeze, growing uncertainty and fear. Host Katie Kurtz shares some affirming messages and practical takeaways including a free opportunity to connect with other trauma-informed leaders across industries at the upcoming virtual Trauma-Informed Town Hall on March 4th 12pm EST.Join us for th...2025-02-2512 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie13. Deciphering Guilt and Shame; The Difference, The Damage, and the Path to RepairHave you ever felt stuck in a spiral of self-blame and wondered whether it’s a sign to change or just noise holding you back? In this episode, we break down the key differences between guilt and shame with one as a useful signal guiding you toward growth, while the other is a heavy weight that keeps you stuck. Guilt says, “I made a mistake,” and points you toward action; shame whispers, “I am the mistake,” and disconnects you from your true self. By learning to recognize and understand these emotions, you can stop punishing yourself with the dreaded shame spir...2025-02-2544 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie12. How to Keep Yourself from Spiraling When Everything Feels Out of ControlIn this episode, Katie and Allie talk about how to deal when it feels like your life and the world are on fire and you have no control so you can protect your wellbeing, prevent self sabotage, and set yourself up to make progress again when you're ready. This episode will help anyone who is feeling overwhelmed and unable to improve the things in their life, and the world, that matter to them and want to know what they CAN do in times like these.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:A metaphor to better understand...2025-02-181h 17
A Trauma-Informed FutureAcknowledging Collective TraumaThat palpable feeling of exhaustion, looming uncertainties, mounting moral injury, fast pace demoralization unfolding on our screens and in our streets. It's not an overreaction, it's collective trauma. Let's name a thing a thing and begin to look at ways we can begin to navigate how to live and lead during these times. Denying, minimizing and bypassing the realities of what is happening right now in the U.S. is not helpful, it's harmful. You don't have to know how to show up right now-let's be real, most of us don't. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast...2025-02-1815 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie11. "If It Isn't Love, It Isn't For You" - How VERB LOVE Can Transform Your Relationships and Help You Distinguish Between Love as a "Signal" vs Love as "Noise"It's a Valentine's Day Special! In this episode, Katie and Allie break down the concept of "verb love" and what it means for love to be a signal vs what it means for love to be noise. Allie recounts a recent personal experience that illustrates the differences between love and verb love within a friendship. This episode is beneficial for anyone looking to create deeper relationships with themselves and others and those looking to better understand how love and compatibility coexist in relationships without being mutually exclusive.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:What...2025-02-111h 07
Self Centered with Katie and Allie10. Anger: How to Feel, Communicate, and Respond to itIn this episode, Katie and Allie discuss the emotion of anger, both when you're feeling and expressing it and when other people are angry with you. This episode is helpful for people who feel uncomfortable with their or others' anger, don't know how to communicate it in a healthy way, and want to create a better relationship with their anger others' anger.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:When anger is truly legitimate vs. when it's subconsciously covering up the REAL (and uncomfortable) emotions.What anger is trying to tell you and what to do with...2025-02-0450 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie9. Instagram vs Reality; How Does the Journey to Becoming Self Centered ACTUALLY Look in Practice?When faced with the life changing process of becoming more self centered, you might ask yourself "Do people ACTUALLY say and do these things? What does life REALLY look like in the midst of carving out this path?"In this episode, we share with you our personal experience of what life felt and looked like as we learned to set boundaries, sit with challenging emotions, redefine vales, and stay in our seats. It's not always a pretty path, but the life you create is worth it.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:Tools and...2025-01-281h 09
Self Centered with Katie and Allie8. Surviving a Smear Campaign: How to Have Positive Self-Esteem, Even When People Judge YouHow do you maintain your self-esteem when people have negative perceptions of you and, even worse, spread gossip and make other people see you negatively, too?In this episode, we cover strategies for dealing with negative perceptions, smear campaigns, family conflicts, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries so you can stay true to and feel good about yourself amidst it all.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:How to cope when others judge you negatively or convince others that you're bad/selfish/crazy, etc.That people might misunderstand you because of their own...2025-01-211h 28
Self Centered with Katie and Allie7. Deathbed Regrets: How Living an Authentic and Aligned Life Helps You Reclaim Your Power and Maximize Happiness.We all aspire to live a life with no regrets. So what exactly DO people regret when they've come face to face with the end? And how can we avoid experiencing these regrets ourselves?In this episode, we discuss Bronnie Ware's The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying and how these regrets occur when your life doesn't truly center you. We also discuss connections between physical health and emotional suppression as presented in Gabor Maté's The Myth of Normal. This episode will empower you to realign your life with the priorities that matter most to you so y...2025-01-141h 22
Self Centered with Katie and Allie6. How to Set and Keep BOUNDARIES, Especially with People Who Don't Respect ThemThis is your comprehensive masterclass on exactly how to set and follow through on boundaries, say no, and set expectations for what you want and need in relationships. This is a crucial skill you MUST learn and use in order to be self centered, especially if you have trouble being assertive or you've been made to feel bad for putting yourself first.This episode has tons of real world examples of exactly what to say to set boundaries in the first place AND what to say when people push back on them so you can stand firm...2025-01-071h 32
Self Centered with Katie and Allie5. New Year Resolutions That Stick: How to create meaningful goals that last beyond January It's New Year Resolution time! This popular annual ritual can be a valuable tool for prioritizing health, finances, and personal alignment with the start of a fresh year. But unfortunately, even with the best intentions, less than 1 in 10 individuals will achieve their new year goals.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:How to set goals that truly matter to YOUHabit stacking and tools to combat common resolution pitfallsLeveraging mindset and delusionHow self awareness and emotional honesty can make or break your goalsLetting go of perfectionism while working towards a goalGo to the episode page...2024-12-301h 51
Self Centered with Katie and Allie4. From Surviving to Thriving: How to Create an Authentic Life that Centers YouIn this episode, Katie and Allie discuss the concept of finding your center across the 8 dimensions of wellness, exploring what it means to thrive versus merely survive. This episode is especially helpful for you if you feel off-balance, want to understand what it means to live authentically, or are seeking a practical framework to improve your overall well-being.Join Katie and Allie in this deep, reflective conversation that will inspire you to align with your authentic self and create a life where you feel centered, empowered, and thriving.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:2024-12-231h 02
Self Centered with Katie and Allie3. Limiting Beliefs to Being Self-Centered In this episode, Katie and Allie discuss common limiting beliefs and the patterns that consciously and sub-consciously get in the way of being self-centered. This episode is helpful for people who feel "stuck" in unhealthy patterns, self sabotage, or relationships that cause you to leave your seat.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:Examples of limiting beliefsUnderstanding objectification and its impact on the quality of your relationshipsCommon responses that signal potential relationship imbalance (J.A.D.E)How limiting beliefs prevent you from being self centeredQuestions to ask yourself to help work through your limiting beliefsHow...2024-12-171h 03
Self Centered with Katie and Allie2. How to Stop Overextending Yourself by "Staying in Your Seat"In this episode Allie and Katie share a practice that will put an end to overextending, abandoning, and burning yourself out, "staying in your seat". This practice is especially helpful if you have a big, empathetic heart, have difficulty setting boundaries, and tend to overfunction and do too much for others.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:What it means to "stay in your seat" and 3 steps to do itStrategies for identifying your needs and boundariesHow to prevent one-sided, imbalanced relationship dynamicsHow to stay true to yourselfHow to deal with the guilt and fear of saying...2024-12-1051 min
Self Centered with Katie and Allie1. Getting to Know "Self Centered"Self Centered isn't selfish... it's essential.We know what it's like feel burnt out, stuck, taken for granted, and like your life revolves around everyone but yourself. We were there once too and it wasn't until we learned and deliberately chose to trust ourselves, prioritize our needs, and set healthy boundaries that we were finally able to free ourselves from the people-pleasing hamster wheel that left us merely renting space in our own lives.In this flagship episode, we set the foundation by sharing our personal and professional experiences that informed our decision to start "...2024-12-0349 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureLeading During Dysregulating TimesThe current tumultuous socio-political climate impacts all of us, no matter where we live. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz provides practical and tangible practices that not only can be implemented immediately but can also remain a part of our evolution as trauma-informed leaders. She provides tools and techniques to take care of ourselves in order to continue to function effectively.Say ‘hello’ on Instagram or LinkedIn Learn about Trauma-Informed Leadership Join the Trauma-Informed Leadership Studio Download your FREE guide on how to acknowledge “these times” Ca...2024-11-0514 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureTrauma-Informed Policy with Jesse KohlerIf we want to live in healthy, resilient communities, we need to be thinking about who we are electing and what policies they are moving forward to make that possible. A trauma-informed future is possible and we need to be thinking about it at a policy level. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with policy advocate and Executive Director of the CTIPP (Campaign for Trauma Informed Policy and Practice), Jesse Kohler who is bringing his extensive knowledge and advocacy experience to the forefront. Since its inception in 2015, CTIPP has been a be...2024-10-2956 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureNeurodiversity Affirming Care with Tahlee RouillonWhat may be traumatic for me, may not be traumatic for you. But that doesn't mean my lived experience isn't real or valid. Because we each have unique nervous systems. We also have unique brains. Neurodiversity is becoming a more popular topic but what is it and how can be we be neurodiversity affirming? In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with distinguised Australian musician, Tahlee Roillon. Tahlee discusses the connection between neurodiversity affirming care and trauma-informed care. She also shares her journey in creating the Restful App as a tool for...2024-10-2252 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureTrauma is PoliticalWhether we like to admit it or not, trauma is inherently political. The policies and decisions made by governing bodies can significantly influence the prevalence and impact of trauma in different communities. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future, host, Katie Kurtz delves into the political nature of being human, especially in the context of an upcoming pivotal election in the United States. We discuss how the human experience, trauma, and wellness are intrinsically political, and how trauma-informed care calls for active participation, even in challenging domains such as politics. As a takeaway, listeners are encouraged to recognize the...2024-10-1512 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureTrauma-Informed Marketing with Theo Nash & Stephanie BilinskyDon't underestimate the benefits of applying trauma-informed care to your business. Embracing a trauma-informed approach can significantly enhance a business's client experience. In today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Theo Nash and Stephanie Bilinsky, trauma-informed entrepreneurs who are sharing how their focus on trauma-informed care has shaped their business approach. Theo and Stephanie delve into the significance of transparency in business practices, particularly around marketing, pricing and communications, and how trauma-informed approaches can lead to both success for their clients and themselves.Connect with Theo:Website: h...2024-10-0844 min
Edtech InsidersYouTube as the Ultimate EdTech Tool: Katie Kurtz on Youth, Learning, and AISend us a textKatie Kurtz is Managing Director and Global Head of Youth and Learning at YouTube where she is responsible for developing the ecosystem to engage, inform, and educate kids, teens, and adults. Katie joined YouTube in 2019 after serving as Chief Product Officer at Noodle Partners, an online program manager designing and building fully online degree programs for universities. Previously she was Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for Higher Education at Cengage Learning. Prior to that Katie was Vice President of Business Development at adaptive learning pioneer Knewton, where she led...2024-10-0726 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureExploring Psychological Safety with Debra CadyPsychological safety is paramount in any environment, especially in the workplace, as it fosters a culture where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of embarrassment, rejection, or retribution. This sense of security encourages collaboration, innovation, and learning, as team members are more likely to share creative solutions and admit mistakes that can lead to improvements. In today’s episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with the CEO of Silver Linings International, Debra Cady. Debra helps us explore the importance of psychological safety and understand how when it is...2024-09-2445 min
A Trauma-Informed Future4 Ways to Build TrustTrust is not assumed, it’s built over time. Safety is contingent upon trust, so if we want to build and sustain healthy relationships, we must know how to build trust. In today’s episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz shares 4 practical ways to build trusting relationships with yourself and others. These strategies not only promote trust within personal and professional relationships but also enhance overall experiences and outcomes in various interactions. Whether you are new or experienced, this is a helpful check-in episode full of powerful practices to attune to centering trust in all of yo...2024-09-1014 min
A Trauma-Informed Future5 Trauma-Informed Tools For Co-RegulationDid you know that our nervous systems are mirrors? How we show up directly impacts the person or people around us. In this episode of A Trauma-Informed Future Podcast, host Katie Kurtz delves into the importance of understanding our nervous systems to practice trauma-informed care effectively. She explores the crucial role of co-regulation in building trust and ensuring safety. Katie outlines four key elements that support nervous system care, promoting a regulated and resilient environment. This episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for nurturing our own nervous system and fostering safer, more trusting spaces for everyone....2024-09-0319 min
A Trauma-Informed FutureBuilding Trust Through Trauma-Informed Data Practices with Tristan KeelanWhether you work in the nonprofit, corporate, small business, or healthcare industries, data and quality improvement matter. But how can we use data and quality improvement measures to build trust and safety both within client AND employee experiences? On today's episode of A Trauma-Informed Future podcast, host Katie Kurtz is in conversation with Quality Improvement Specialist, Tristan Keelan. This episode emphasizes how fostering curiosity over judgment can significantly enhance care quality and outcomes. Tristan gives us practical examples of how integrating trauma-informed care into our business strategies can impact performance and organizational efficiency, ultimately building more trust and safety w...2024-08-2754 min