How do you truly heal after sexual assault?

In this powerful episode of Authors After Action, Amy McKiernan shares her deeply personal journey of surviving sexual assault and the ten-year process it took to write her healing-centered book. This conversation explores trauma, PTSD, reclaiming your voice, and the courage it takes to share a vulnerable story publicly.

Amy discusses what healing actually looks like, why recovery isn’t linear, the importance of support systems, and how writing became part of her transformation. The episode also dives into the realities of self-publishing, navigating difficult memories, and why telling your story can help others feel less alone.

If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into the healing process.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. amymckiernan.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. BookBaby
2. Draft2Digital

Is there really a light people see after death? In this deeply thought-provoking episode of Spirits and Stories, we explore the mysteries surrounding the life and death journey with spiritual teacher Michael Waters. Drawing from extraordinary afterlife experiences, Michael shares his work in psychopomp work — the practice of crossing lost souls into the light — guided by Native American spirit guides.

The conversation dives into landlocked spirits, reincarnation, spirit guides, and the life review many believe occurs after death. We also examine the relationship between consciousness and energy, shamanic journeying, emotional healing, and how unresolved trauma may influence spiritual lessons beyond this life.

From mystical experiences and paranormal encounters to discussions about remote viewing and indigo children, this episode challenges conventional thinking while offering a compassionate perspective on death, healing past traumas, and the nature of the afterlife.

If you’ve ever questioned what happens when we die, how spiritual guidance works, or whether consciousness survives the body, this episode will leave you reflecting long after it ends.

Join us On Substack and stay up to date with everything happening with Spirits and Stories https://zlpceut.substack.com/?utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web

What does real healing actually look like — and why is it never linear?

In this powerful episode of The Healing Side, Donald Dunn sits down with author, editor, and communications professional Tara May Temple to explore the messy, layered, and deeply personal journey of healing.

With over fifteen years in advertising and healthcare fundraising, Tara walked away from corporate success to pursue her calling — helping others achieve inner peace through storytelling, evidence-based strategies, and radical self-acceptance. Her new book, Life Hacks for Healing and Harmony, blends research-backed techniques with personal experience to guide readers through anxiety, identity struggles, grief, perfectionism, and self-image challenges.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

1. Why healing is not linear — and why that’s normal
2. How journaling and storytelling can be therapeutic tools
3. Evidence-based anxiety strategies like the 4-7-8 breathing method
4. The science behind nature therapy and lowering cortisol
5. How suppressed trauma can manifest as physical symptoms
6. Why self-compassion is a critical part of emotional recovery
7. Women’s self-image struggles, perfectionism, and people-pleasing
8. How to rebuild identity after trauma or major life change

Tara shares openly about body shaming, cultural expectations, faith, and self-discovery — offering practical tools that anyone can apply, regardless of where they are in their healing journey.

This episode is especially powerful for:

1. Women navigating self-worth and identity challenges
2. Veterans and trauma survivors seeking practical healing tools
3. Anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm
4. Readers looking for realistic, actionable personal growth strategies

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing healing right,” this conversation reminds you that there are no shortcuts — only progress, compassion, and small daily steps forward.

Life Hacks for Healing and Harmony by Tara May Temple

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major online retailers.

For more conversations on mental health, storytelling, faith, and personal transformation, explore additional episodes of The Healing Side and the Barracks Media Network at:

https://barracksmedia.com

Links referenced in this episode:

1. tarasweetawakening.com
2. amazon.com
3. indigo.ca
4. barnesandnoble.com
5. bookshop.org
6. waterstones.com
7. booksamillion.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barix Media
2. Donald Dunn Trucking
3. Amazon
4. Indigo
5. Barnes and Noble
6. Bookshop.org
7. Waterstones
8. Books a Million