In this episode, Meredith sits down with Ryan and Kayla North to delve into the unique challenges and joys of foster and adoptive families. They discuss how shared experiences, trauma-informed approaches, and practical tools can build trust and connection in families navigating complex dynamics. Together, they explore what it means to create a community where healing and growth are possible, even in the hardest seasons. Join us for a conversation full of honesty, wisdom, and encouragement for every step of the journey. 🎙 About Our Guests: Ryan and Kayla North are pioneers in the foster and adoptive community, bringing years of experience as parents, trainers, and advocates. As TBRI-trained practitioners, their work focuses on empowering families through connection, understanding, and trauma-informed approaches. References: * One Big Happy Home: https://www.onebighappyhome.com/ * Empowered Parent Podcast: https://www.onebighappyhome.com/podcast/ * RE: conference: https://www.realencouragement.org/ Producer: Zach Lucero Marketing: Sydney Jones Social Media: Griffin Shuman Guest Booking: Gretchen Schrock

At James Trail, we believe healing begins with understanding. In this episode, Meredith, founder and leader of James Trail, shares her personal journey with trauma-informed care and how it shapes her leadership and approach to community building. From real-life stories to practical insights, Meredith dives into how empathy and connection create safe spaces for growth and resilience.

📚 What We Offer:

-Trauma-informed training for schools, businesses, and churches

-Resources for individuals and families facing trauma

-Supportive spaces for healing and growth

🎙 About Meredith:

Meredith brings years of experience in trauma-informed care and a deep passion for equipping others to navigate life’s challenges. As a leader and educator, she fosters healing through connection, practical tools, and faith-driven wisdom.

References:

Being Known Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-known-podcast/id1556261828

Anxious People (novel): https://a.co/d/9OdE0qW

Bear Town (novel): https://a.co/d/3DTriLb

🔗 Learn More: https://jamestrail.org

💬 Follow Us on Social Media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamestrailorg

Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamestrailorg

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/jamestrailorg

💬 Join us on the trail

#TraumaInformedCare

Meredith welcomes back Dr. Joshua Kreimeyer, James Trail board member, mental health professional, and friend, for a heartfelt conversation about healing, faith, and the journey of walking the trail together. They dive into Josh's personal experiences with emotional suppression, the power of rest, and the profound significance of the word "yet."

Through shared wisdom, humor, and a Marvel-style team spirit, they unpack the mission of James Trail—to walk alongside others, reduce the impact of trauma, and remind every listener: you might feel stuck, but you're not.

Whether you're wrestling with rest, seeking hope, or just need a reminder that you're not alone, this episode delivers insight, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart.

Learn more:

⁠https://www.jamestrail.org/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jamestrail127

Meredith and Pastor Roy Sprunger discuss the critical role of listening and leadership in healing spaces. From the power of presence to the importance of community, Pastor Roy reflects on James Trail’s work and how empathy transforms lives touched by trauma.

⁠https://www.rainiercomcog.org/⁠

Learn more about James Trail:

⁠https://www.jamestrail.org/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/jamestrail127

Meredith talks with James Trail board member Irasema Renteria about faith, vulnerability, and the transformative power of trauma-informed practices. Irasema shares her journey as a parent and advocate, her perspective on the importance of curiosity and compassion, and how James Trail has opened unexpected doors. They discuss the beauty in small moments, the importance of listening to God's guidance, and the global impact of bringing trauma-informed care to diverse communities.

Learn more about James Trail:

https://www.jamestrail.org/

https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal

https://www.facebook.com/jamestrail127

Meredith talks with Daniel Ziegler, James Trail board member, about faith, leadership, and the role of empathy in parenting, business, and relationships. They discuss the power of community and the importance of understanding trauma.

Daniel graduated with a design degree from the University of Cincinnati and spent the next 6 years working in marketing for Back2Back Ministries, a global non-profit dedicated to giving a voice to orphaned and vulnerable children. He brought his photography, video, and marketing experience to launch Next Door Photos, a real estate photography company, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s passionate about Next Door Photos' mission to provide employment to survivors of human trafficking. When Daniel is not helping realtors delight their clients with high quality media, you can find him playing outside with his wife, two sons and a daughter, or tackling that next big DIY project at home.

Learn More

Next Door Photos

James Trail

In this special episode, we sit down with members of the James Trail Board, sharing personal stories, reflections, and deep insights on the power of empathy, vulnerability, and healing in trauma-informed care. From exploring how faith guides their mission to the importance of community and leadership in addressing trauma, this conversation delves into what makes James Trail a unique force in transforming lives.

Learn more about James Trail:
Website
Instagram
Linkedin

In this episode, Nate Nielsen, Principal Consultant at the Table Group, dives deep into the importance of trust, vulnerability, and healthy conflict in organizational leadership. Nate shares his personal journey, professional insights, and the role faith plays in his work. He also tackles the complex intersections of leadership, mental health, and trauma, illustrating how authenticity and vulnerability can transform not only teams but personal lives as well. Let’s explore how business strategies overlap with relational dynamics, and how true leadership requires minimizing politics, fostering clarity, and creating a culture of trust.
Learn more
https://natenielsenconsulting.com/
https://www.tablegroup.com/

The Bear

Succession