In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Julie Beem and Ginger Healy return to a profound conversation from Season 1 with the late Cissy White—trauma survivor, fierce advocate, and the originator of the term Joy Stalking.

As the world faces rising despair and isolation, Julie and Ginger explore what it means to stalk, savor, and sustain joy—especially in the face of pain, trauma, and fear. Drawing from Cissy’s wisdom, Brene Brown’s research, theological insights, and their own personal journeys, they unpack how joy can be a radical act of healing and resistance.

You’ll discover why joy is not the same as happiness, how trauma can block joy, and why cultivating even the tiniest moments of joy might just be one of the most important things we can do—for ourselves, our children, and our communities.

“Joy stalking is always healing and useful. It’s about savoring life through sensing, using my body, absorbing, feeling all the good stuff.” — Cissy White

“Joy isn’t the opposite of sadness. It’s the opposite of fear.” — Anne Robertson via Brené Brown

“Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism… joy is a fine initial act of insurrection.” — Rebecca Solnit

“We can’t experience joy when we’re scanning for danger. Trauma blocks joy—but healing invites it back in.” — Julie & Ginger

In this thought-provoking episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger Healy and Julie Beem invite you to explore the transformative power of empathy—not just as a personal virtue but as a vital, actionable skill that the world needs now more than ever.

• Listen actively – Focus on understanding, not fixing.
  

• Challenge your assumptions – Seek to understand those who are different from you.
  

• Model empathy for children – Help them recognize their own feelings first.
  

• Be compassionate with yourself – Self-awareness is the foundation for empathy.
  

“Empathy isn’t about imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes—it’s about listening deeply to their story and believing them.” – Ginger Healy

In this special birthday-themed episode of Regulated & Relational, we’re doing something a little different—and a lot more personal. Julie Beem is celebrating her birthday by inviting the entire ATN podcast team into the studio for a heartfelt and reflective conversation about birthdays, aging, and the complexities surrounding these milestones—especially for children impacted by early childhood trauma.

You’ll hear from Julie, Ginger, Lorraine, and Stephanie as they open up about their own birthday reflections, share meaningful life lessons, and discuss how birthdays can be both joyful and emotionally complicated—especially for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or displacement. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or someone who just loves a good reflection, this episode is both thought-provoking and full of warmth.