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In this reflective solo episode kicking off season two of When Bearing Witness, Maria Bryan shares valuable insights gained from a transformative year of conversations about trauma-informed storytelling.

Join us as we reflect on lessons from the past year and tackle big questions: How do we move beyond surface-level discussions to foster deeper action? What role does empathy play in overcoming resistance to new approaches? How can we navigate the guilt that accompanies unlearning harmful practices?

Whether you're new to trauma-informed storytelling or a seasoned practitioner, this episode provides both validation and actionable insights for moving forward imperfectly but intentionally in this important work.

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email

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In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we talk with Kishshana Palmer, a dynamic international speaker, coach, and author, to discuss her new book, Busy Is a Four-Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less.

Kishshana’s candid insights offer a much-needed pause for nonprofit professionals and storytellers navigating the relentless demands of their work. We discuss the importance of slowing down to avoid burnout and maintain the authenticity and empathy necessary for impactful storytelling.

Through actionable advice and relatable anecdotes, she illustrates how storytellers can challenge unrealistic expectations, push back against "always-on" culture, and focus on what truly matters—crafting stories with care and purpose.

Whether you’re in the early stages of burnout or striving to lead with your values, this conversation is an invitation to embrace balance in a fast-paced world.

About Kishshana

Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, author, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high-performing teams. She’s the CEO of ManageMint, Inc., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. Her firm's work centers on equity and social justice and practical solutions for today’s organizations.

Connect with Kishshana

Busy Is A Four Letter Word Book | Website | ManageMint

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria

Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email

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In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Romero, Associate Director of Marketing at The Nature Conservancy, to explore the critical intersection of environmental advocacy and trauma-informed storytelling. We delve into how environmental and conservation challenges profoundly impact communities, revealing the human stories often hidden behind environmental issues.

Melissa sheds light on the often-overlooked trauma that environmental challenges can impose on people, from the devastating impacts of climate change to the displacement caused by conservation efforts. Her insights expose the deep human dimensions of environmental transformation.

We explore the delicate balance between communicating urgency and maintaining compassionate care in environmental communications—ensuring we motivate action without overwhelming or paralyzing our audience.

Through her thoughtful perspective, Melissa illuminates a path toward more responsible and empathetic environmental storytelling.

About Melissa

Melissa Romero is an Associate Director of Marketing at The Nature Conservancy. She has had the honor of telling stories that drive change for good through various roles as a journalist, editor, and non-profit communications and marketing professional. Today, she continues to champion and practice ethical, trauma-informed, and values-based storytelling.

Connect with Melissa

LinkedIn | The Nature Conservancy

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria

Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email