The Real Reason You Feel Stuck (and How to Fix It)
Tamsen sits down with Anna Runkle, trauma expert and creator of The Crappy Childhood Fairy, to unpack how early emotional wounds shape your adult relationships, why you pull away when you’re overwhelmed, and how to rebuild trust in yourself and others.Anna shares the science of nervous system regulation, what “covert avoidance” really looks like, and the small daily practices that rewire your brain for connection and calm.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why trauma makes it hard to feel safe around people
- How to recognize when “me time” has turned into isolation
- The hidden ways you push others away without realizing it
- Simple tools to re-regulate your nervous system in minutes
- How to rebuild connection and community without losing yourself
If you’ve ever wondered why you pull back when you most need people, or you’re ready to stop feeling so alone, this episode is for you.The healing starts with you, and it changes everything for the people who follow.
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guest appearing in this episode
Anna Runkle
In this episode, you’ll learn why you feel disconnected even when your life looks full and how to start feeling safe, seen, and connected again.
- Follow her on Instagram
- Visit her website
- Check out her YouTube
- Read her book, Connectability: Heal the Hidden Ways You Isolate, Find Your People, and Feel (At Last) Like You Belong
Resources
medical disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
- 00:00 Intro
- 02:23 How Chronic Isolation Sneaks In
- 04:30 Anna’s Childhood Story: Trauma, Neglect, and Survival
- 09:44 What Is Complex PTSD? And Why It’s So Often Missed
- 14:01 The Daily Practice That Helped Heal Her PTSD (Writing + Meditation)
- 17:10 What Dysregulation Looks Like Inside Your Body (Hormones, Immunity, Focus)
- 19:41 Quick Nervous System Reset Tools You Can Use Anytime
- 27:24 Releasing Toxic People (And Why It May Feel Lonely First)
- 29:14 “Crap Fitting” Explained: Why You Normalize Bad Behavior
- 32:40 The Clean Apology: How to Repair Relationships the Right Way
- 37:22 Building Connectability: A “Points System” to Relearn Belonging
