“My parents held a very good persona. I continued to try to impress upon the authorities that what they saw on the outside was not what was going on on the inside. Nobody bought it. Nobody believed it.”Christa Jan RyanWhat happens when a child tells adults that home is unsafe—and nobody believes her? Christa Jan Ryan describes growing up in a respected family while trying unsuccessfully to convince adults that she and her siblings were not safe at home. She explores the childhood trauma behind her addiction, the long road to recovery and why being believed is essential to healing. Her mother was a high-profile teacher, her parents were known within the community, and Christa says her attempts to explain what was happening at home were dismissed.In this deeply personal conversation, Christa describes growing up amid addiction, domestic violence and fear, and how those early experiences shaped her own dependence on alcohol and drugs.She recalls trying alcohol at a very young age and feeling, for the first time, relief from the anxiety surrounding her.By thirteen, she says she was already unable to get through the day without drinking or taking drugs.But this is also a story of recovery, faith and reclaiming a voice that had been ignored. Christa explains why treating addiction requires understanding the trauma that propelled it, why survivors need their experiences to be validated, and how her work in recovery and prison ministry transformed her understanding of healing, judgement and human behaviour.Her memoir, Silent Screams from the Hamptons: Trouble in Paradise, reveals the pain that can exist behind seemingly perfect families and prestigious communities. In This EpisodeWhat happens when a child is not believedThe contrast between a respected public image and life behind closed doorsGrowing up around addiction and domestic violenceWhy Christa began drinking at five years oldHow childhood anxiety shaped her later addictionThe trauma underlying destructive behaviourLosing faith after witnessing hypocrisyWhy survivors need validationLessons from twenty-two years working in recoveryHow ten years of prison ministry changed herRecovery, faith and learning to live differentlyA quick note before you listen: You'll notice my audio isn't up to the usual Author Conversations standard due to an unforeseen technical issue during recording. Thankfully, Christa's audio is clear throughout. We considered not publishing the interview, but her story of childhood trauma, recovery and resilience is simply too important to leave unheard. Thanks for your patience—I hope you'll forgive the technical hiccup and find Christa's extraordinary story as moving and inspiring as I did.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction02:32 Understanding the trauma behind addiction03:37 Growing up in a highly traumatic home04:35 Domestic violence, fear and the absence of safety06:15 Drinking alcohol at five years old07:09 How childhood trauma shaped addictive behaviour08:33 The respectable family image that concealed the truth08:51 “Nobody bought it. Nobody believed it”09:02 Trying to tell adults: “We’re not safe at home”12:14 Faith, protection and childhood hypocrisy26:29 Why survivors need validation26:45 Ten years working in prison ministry32:35 Breaking patterns and refusing to be ruled by triggersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support.Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.
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