How we see ourselves often is shaped by the many voices of our experience —- intersecting identities, some which may be aligned, others in conflict with one another. The voices we internalize may come from our parents or other influential adults from our childhood, or our religions and cultures more broadly. Still, other voices may be those of our ancestors, whom we have never met, but whose experiences have been imprinted in our bodies.
In this conversation I speak with the inspiring Dr. Tammy Sanders, a self-identified Black, gay woman raised in the Black Baptist Church of the deep South. She realized at an early age that in order to survive, she needed to escape parts of herself or perish. Come listen to her incredible journey to wholeness — a holistic approach towards uncomfortable growth surrounded by deep connection with others.
About Tammy Sanders, Ph.D.
For nearly 30 years, Tammy’s life and work have been an active commitment to self-awareness, healing and growth. Her professional life has focused on behavioral development for leaders and managers, while her personal emotional, mental and spiritual growth has leveraged 12-step, therapy, and entheogenic experiences to move beyond addiction, depression, complex PTSD and transgenerational trauma.
Professionally, she is a seasoned strategist, advisor, facilitator and coach with an MA Anthropology of Media from the University of London, an MBA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and a PhD in Education and Technology from Florida International University. Tammy’s evolutionary career in media, tech, management, and professional development includes guiding the behavioral growth of leaders at all stages in their careers, from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and across a wide range of industries.
With expertise grounded in experience and research, Tammy remains committed to holistic and accessible mental wellness in service of a stable and just world. Where there are initiatives, efforts and people who share this commitment, she’s keen to connect and is best reached via www.linkedin.com/in/tammyssanders.
Show Notes
About Tammy Sanders
• www.linkedin.com/in/tammyssanders
• @wellstockedmind on Twitter
Resources
Post-Traumatic Growth: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/post-traumatic-growth-finding-meaning-and-creativity-in-adversity/
This Can Happen (workplace mental health conference) https://www.thiscanhappenglobal.com/
Costner film “Let Him Go” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE8pwEF-3TI
BOOK: The Body Keeps Score (van der Kolk) https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748
Michael Pollan on psychedelics for mental, emotional and spiritual growth
info on somatic therapy for healing the body, brain and nervous system
e.g. Safe & Sound Protocol for re-tuning the nervous system through sound vibration
on nature and the emergence of ecotherapy for mental health
Crisis Text Line as something to reach for (our phone) to help rather than harm
the book Caste for thinking about the intersections of race, hierarchy and power
Graphic to Share
Please, feel free to share this graphic. All we ask is that when you do, you link back to this podcast.
