This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) is joined by ACEs awareness advocates Dr. John Blosnich (he/him) and Juniper Brown (he/they) to explore the importance of understanding and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-lasting adverse effects of this toxic stress. In this episode we discuss: Importance of Freedom from Pain: Recovery and resilience-building should aim for freedom from pain, not just better pain management, as emphasized by LGBTQ activist Juniper Brown. California's Live Beyond Campaign: The state is investing in educational campaigns like Live Beyond to increase awareness of ACEs and provide accessible tools and resources for healing. Impact of ACEs and Toxic Stress: ACEs and toxic stress can affect relationships and health well into adulthood, but simple activities like exercise and sleep can significantly aid in healing. Community Support in Healing: Juniper Brown's story highlights how finding a supportive community can be a crucial step in overcoming fear and starting the healing process. Accessible Resources for All: ACEs are not destiny; there are resources available to everyone, and even small steps can have a big impact on one's future. Join us as we explore how our past experiences shape us. While they don't define us, they can leave a lasting impact on our mental and physical health, as well as our relationships. ACEs are not our fault—we had no control over when or why they occurred. However, we can move beyond ACEs and take meaningful steps toward healing. This episode is Sponsored by the Live Beyond ACEs and toxic stress awareness campaign developed by the Office of the California Surgeon General. To find resources and support visit livebeyondca.org or follow them on TikTok or Instagram @livebeyondca Guests: Juniper Brown (he/they) serves as a Youth Advocate with the Live Beyond ACEs campaign. He is passionate about sharing his experience and healing process related to ACEs, hoping to inspire others to do the same. In addition to being a mental health advocate, Juniper is pursuing his dream of becoming a veterinarian for exotic animals, with a special interest in cavies. Learn more about Juniper’s ACEs story at https://livebeyondca.org/stories/juniper/. Dr. John Blosnich (he/him) serves on the advisory board of the Live Beyond ACEs campaign. He is an associate professor and the director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Dr. Blosnich's primary area of expertise is disparities in suicide risk and prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals, with a specific emphasis on social determinants of health. He has conducted numerous studies utilizing secondary analyses of existing survey data, helping to fill gaps in knowledge about LGBTQ+ health. Learn more about Dr. Blosnich’s work with the Surgeon General’s ACEs awareness program at https://osg.ca.gov/theacescampaign/. Host Bio: Renae Johnson (they/them) is the founder of Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub focused on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, as well as their allies. Renae is a licensed therapist and board-certified art therapist specializing in working with queer artists exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Before founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and serving as an Operations Director in non-profit organizations supporting people with complex co-occurring diagnoses. To find more from us visit: Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective Content transparency: childhood abuse
