Joanne Greene (she/her)

Joanne joined Momma on June 17, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Post-Traumatic Growth

Joanne Greene never bought the adage “little girls should be seen and not heard.” She's used her voice on San Francisco radio and television, webinars, and podcasts, to explore the issues of our time with playful irreverence, candor, and compassion. Now, with many decades of seasoning, she's sharing what she's learned about navigating family and career, moving through pain and loss.

Currently, Joanne hosts the podcast "In this Story" where she shares her micro-essays set to music, showcasing tales and observations from her animated life.

She Writes Press has published her first book By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go, in which Joanne emerges from life-threatening calamities with a big fat smile and a heap of hope.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website - https://www.joanne-greene.com/

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joannergreene/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joanne.greene.984

• Book - https://a.co/d/6Ub7Ctj 

• Twitter / X - https://x.com/JoanneRGreene 

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Favorite Poem: https://livelovesimple.com/wild-geese-mary-oliver/

• Podcast Recommendations: 

  • Wiser Than Me 

  • Pod Save America 

  • The Daily

  • The Ezra Klein Show

  • For Heaven's Sake 

  • In This Story 

  • Meditation Minis

• Somatic Therapy

Episode Summary

If you've ever faced life’s toughest challenges and wondered how to rise above them, this episode on post-traumatic growth with Joanne Greene is a must-listen for anyone seeking resilience, healing, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Joanne's journey illustrates the power of resilience in overcoming trauma.

• Gratitude practices can significantly aid in emotional healing.

• Community support plays a crucial role in recovery from trauma.

• PTSD is not an inevitable outcome of traumatic experiences.

• Self-care and self-compassion are essential for healing.

• Life experiences can lead to profound personal growth.

• It's important to acknowledge and process grief without rushing the journey.

• Writing down insights and lessons learned can aid in personal reflection.

• Eliminating stigma around mental health encourages open conversations.

• Embracing flexibility in life can lead to a more fulfilling existence.

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Joanne Greene, discussing the concept of post-traumatic growth and her personal experiences with trauma and recovery. Joanne, a former radio and television personality, as well as an author, shares her journey of resilience, growth, and healing after a life-changing car accident in 2012.

Joanne recounts the accident, which occurred while she was crossing a street. A truck hit a car that had stopped for her, and the impact sent Joanne flying onto the hood of the car. She suffered serious injuries, including pelvic fractures, and faced a long physical recovery that was estimated to take up to a year and a half. The trauma from the accident was compounded by the fact that she had recently lost her mother, sister and brother, making it an especially challenging period in her life. Despite the physical and emotional pain, Joanne viewed the experience as an opportunity for growth, drawing on her family’s history of resilience.

She speaks about how the accident forced her to slow down and depend on others, which was difficult for someone who had always been an overachiever. Through her recovery, she learned the importance of being still, accepting help and practicing gratitude. Joanne emphasized that while we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we respond to adversity. Her recovery was not only physical but also emotional, as she addressed the trauma through somatic therapy, which helped her process the traumatic memories and heal.

The conversation also touches on broader themes of post-traumatic growth, where people experience positive change as a result of going through significant challenges. Joanne shares how she learned to embrace a more flexible approach to life, shedding her former perfectionist tendencies. She began to appreciate life at a slower pace, enjoying small moments of joy and connection, whether it was through playing with dogs, spending time with family or hiking in nature.

Joanne also highlights the importance of a strong support system during difficult times. Her husband, children, friends and community played crucial roles in her recovery, offering both physical and emotional support. She also found solace in giving back to her community, volunteering at shelters and staying involved in causes that matter to her.

The interview ends with Joanne sharing advice for those facing significant life challenges. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve and heal without rushing the process. She also encourages people to ask for help and to practice gratitude, even during difficult times, as these practices can aid in healing and growth. Lastly, she stresses the value of letting go of shame and stigma around mental health, so that people can seek the help they need without fear or judgment.

Joanne’s story is a powerful example of how trauma can lead to growth, healing, and a new perspective on life. Through resilience, self-reflection and support, she has emerged stronger and more connected to the things that matter most.