In this episode, we take an in-depth look at Stephanie Foo’s acclaimed memoir, What My Bones Know. A successful radio producer for This American Life and Snap Judgment, Foo seemed to have it all on paper, but behind the scenes, she was battling a constant, crushing anxiety she called "the dread".

Join us as we explore her journey from a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) to her relentless pursuit of healing. Unlike traditional PTSD, which is often linked to a single event, C-PTSD arises from chronic, repeated trauma—in Foo's case, years of severe physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her parents in San Jose, California.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding C-PTSD: How Complex PTSD differs from traditional PTSD and why it creates a "relentless search for a savior".

• The Science of Trauma: We discuss the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores on physical health and life expectancy, and how trauma can literally reshape the brain.

• A Journalist’s Approach to Healing: Foo attacks her diagnosis like a reporter, interviewing scientists and experimenting with various therapies, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and restorative yoga.

• The Myth of the Model Minority: Foo investigates her hometown of San Jose to uncover the silent epidemic of intergenerational trauma within her immigrant community, challenging the idea of the "perfect" Asian American upbringing.

• Dr. Ham and the Hulk: We discuss the pivotal role of Dr. Jacob Ham, who taught Foo to reframe her rage (her "Hulk") not as a monster, but as a protective force to be thanked rather than shamed.

• From Broken to BADASS: The surprising twist where Foo learns that her trauma responses—specifically dissociation—can actually function as a superpower in times of crisis, a phenomenon researchers call BADASS (Blunted and Discordant Affect Sensitivity Syndrome).

Memorable Quote: "Healing is never final. It is never perfection. But along with the losses are the triumphs... I am the beast’s master, and at the end of each battle I stand strong and plant my flag."