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Episode Overview

What happens when trauma remains unresolved for years?

Todd Maguire joins Coach Liz Blanding for a powerful conversation about traumatic loss, avoidance, self-destructive behavior, and recovery. After his partner died by suicide in 2000, Todd entered a nearly 20-year period marked by alcohol misuse, emotional avoidance, and extreme risk-taking during his career as an undercover police officer.

Todd shares how writing his memoir, Donny: An Undercover Cop with a Deathwish, became an unexpected turning point that allowed him to begin processing experiences and emotions he had carried for decades.

Content Notice: This episode discusses suicide loss, alcohol misuse, self-destructive behavior, and trauma.

What You Will Learn

In this episode, you will learn:

• How unresolved trauma can influence behavior and decision-making.

• Why numbing and avoidance may provide temporary relief without addressing the underlying trauma.

• How Todd now connects some of his extreme risk-taking with unresolved grief.

• Why writing became an important part of his recovery process.

• How sharing his story has encouraged other men to talk about their own trauma.

Key Takeaways

Todd compares trauma to a physical injury. If someone breaks an ankle, we expect them to receive care rather than ignore the injury and continue walking on it.

Trauma deserves attention too.

Todd's story also reminds us that unresolved trauma does not always look the way we expect. Sometimes the behaviors visible on the outside may be connected to experiences that have never been processed.

Recovery can begin when we are willing to acknowledge what happened and develop healthier ways to respond to what we have carried.

Reflection Question

Are there behaviors, coping patterns, or responses in your life that may deserve a deeper look at what happened beneath them?

Continue Your Learning Journey

Explore trauma recovery education, community support, and the Level 1 Pathway to Trauma Recovery through Oasis Wellness Centers.

Connect With Todd

Learn more about Todd Maguire and his memoir, Donny: An Undercover Cop with a Deathwish, at toddmaguire.com.au.

Instagram: @todd_author_donny_

Closing Thought

Trauma was not your fault. Recovery is your responsibility.

We are recovering one breath at a time. Give yourself grace and stay fearless. Bye for now.

If you or someone you know in the United States is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

We are dedicated to providing support, education, and resources to individuals recovering from various forms of trauma.

With a dedicated listener base, our podcast offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with a deeply engaged and supportive community.

Partnering with us will provide crucial support to many who need it on their recovery journey.

Support the show

Remember, Trauma was not your fault, your were collateral damage on someone else's warpath. Trauma was not your fault, however Recovery is your Responsibility. I am your host, Wellness Coach Liz Blanding, and this is The Get Trauma Informed Podcast.

Contact us at:

info@oasiswellnessctrs.com

https://www.skool.com/oasis-wellness-academy-3841/about

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy or clinical treatment. Please seek licensed support where appropriate.