In this candid and heartfelt episode, I sat down with military‑veteran‑turned‑author J.M. Zamudio to unpack a powerful story of complex PTSD and the lifelong impact of growing up as an adult child of an alcoholic.

From her “dark night of the soul” in 2021 to the 2025 release of her debut novel, Memories of You, Jess describes how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness meditation, and radical self‑love helped her crawl “out of the grave by her fingernails.”

Listeners will hear practical insights on emotion regulation, distress‑tolerance skills, and harm‑reduction techniques with an honest look at how impostor syndrome can keep trauma survivors from seeking help.

If you’re searching for guidance on healing childhood trauma, overcoming depression, or finding the right therapist, this conversation offers a roadmap packed with lived experience and evidence‑based tools. The episode also explores the ripple effects of recovery: rebuilding intimate relationships, transforming pain into creative fuel, and learning to accept compassion from others.

CONNECT WITH J.M. Zamudio

Website: https://jmzamudio.my.canva.site/

Goodreads: goodreads.com/jmzamudioauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/j.m.zamudio.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmzamudioauthor/

Tiktok: JMZamudioAuthor (@j.m.zamudio.author) | TikTok

My Amazon Page: Memories of You - Kindle edition by Zamudio, J.M.. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

CONNECT WITH LOVE LETTERS AND MIXTAPES

Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lovelettersandmixtapes/⁠⁠⁠

Website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lovelettersandmixtapes.com/⁠⁠⁠

Email lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com

In this exploration of family estrangement, we examine how ongoing conflict, betrayal, or long-standing dysfunction can drive us to seek minimal, low, or even no contact with relatives. Acknowledging the intense emotional weight of this decision—such as guilt, grief, or unexpected relief—this discussion invites listeners to reflect on the hurt they’ve experienced and the changes they can initiate. From those who feel compelled to guard their boundaries for mental and emotional safety to loved ones confused by a family member’s distancing, this episode aims to spark curiosity, self-awareness, and a more compassionate understanding of why people choose space over continued harm.

You’ll hear insights on how estrangement often unfolds gradually, fueled by unresolved traumas, repeated boundary violations, or deeply rooted patterns of abuse. The conversation emphasizes that stepping away doesn’t always mark a permanent end; rather, it can create room for essential growth and healing on all sides.

With gentle reminders of the importance of self-care, professional support, and the right to protect your well-being, these reflections guide you through navigating the delicate balance between longing for connection and knowing when enough is enough.

CONNECT WITH LOVE LETTERS AND MIXTAPES

Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lovelettersandmixtapes/⁠⁠⁠

Website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lovelettersandmixtapes.com/⁠⁠⁠

Email lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com

In this candid love letter, listeners are invited to embrace the messy, uncertain sides of life without shame or apology. There’s no neat script or single “right” way to cope with challenges—only the encouragement to accept where you are, however imperfect it may look.

By touching on topics like self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to maintain a polished exterior, this episode underscores the reality that everyone deserves the space to slow down, break down, or simply pause and breathe without needing to present a flawless image.

You’ll hear a raw and heartfelt reminder that it’s normal for wellness to ebb and flow and that sometimes the best we can do is show ourselves compassion—whether that means retreating into a good book or being honest about feeling fragile. Let’s trust our pace, presence, and process.

If you’ve been craving reassurance that you don’t need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward, this episode might just be the boost of empathy and genuine understanding you need.

CONNECT WITH LOVE LETTERS AND MIXTAPES

Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lovelettersandmixtapes/⁠⁠⁠

Website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lovelettersandmixtapes.com/⁠⁠⁠

Email lovelettersandmixtapes@gmail.com