Letters to my Sister

Episode 9 -Breaking Generational Cycles of Trauma

In this powerful episode of "Letters to My Sister," Jocelyn and Samantha dive deep into the difficult topic of growing up with abuse and the generational traumas that are passed down through families. They explore the different ways in which parenting has evolved over the years, highlighting the changes from their grandparents' time to the present day.

Jocelyn and Samantha share personal stories from their own upbringing, including the harsh punishments and emotional challenges they faced. They discuss the impact of societal norms and belief systems, such as growing up in a strict Catholic household, and how these factors influenced their childhood experiences. The sisters also reflect on their stepfather's struggles with bipolar disorder and depression, and how his unhealed traumas affected their family dynamics.

Throughout the episode, Jocelyn and Samantha emphasize the importance of breaking free from toxic family patterns and establishing healthy boundaries. They offer insights into how individuals can take back their power, seek healing, and nurture positive relationships. The episode concludes with a heartfelt letter from a listener, sharing their personal journey of loss and grief.

Join Jocelyn and Samantha in this candid conversation as they strive to create a space for vulnerability and healing, while encouraging others to share their own stories and break the cycle of abuse and trauma.

Episode 8 Part 2 - Healing Through the Generational Cycles

Welcome to the Letters to My Sister podcast with Jocelyn and Samantha. In this compelling episode, we continue our conversation with Jen Burke, a family intervention specialist. Jen shares her journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a guiding light for families in crisis, driven by her desire to make the world a better place for children. She explains her role in helping families navigate complex situations and emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles of trauma.Jen discusses her experiences in assessing family dynamics and providing intervention to ensure children's safety and well-being. She shares a powerful story of a young child affected by domestic violence and the journey to healing through accurate diagnosis and support. The episode also explores different therapeutic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and the integration of spiritual practices in healing.In a heartfelt letter, a listener reflects on her challenging relationship with her father, her journey through unexpected motherhood, and finding forgiveness and peace. This episode dives deep into the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the continuous journey of healing and self-discovery.

Episode 8- Part 1 Unveiling the Past: Jen's Journey of Trauma and Healing

In this compelling episode of "Letters to My Sister," hosts Jocelyn and Samantha welcome special guest Jen Burke Guptill, who bravely shares her personal story of childhood trauma, mental abuse, and the complex family dynamics that shaped her early years. Jen opens up about her upbringing, revealing the struggles she faced with a disconnected mother and an absent father, and the impact these experiences had on her mental health and self-worth.
Jen recounts pivotal moments from her childhood, including the emotional turmoil of almost being committed to a mental hospital at a young age and the weight of family secrets, such as her parents' hidden past and the revelation of a half-sibling. As she navigates her teenage years, Jen discusses the coping mechanisms she turned to, her battle with addiction, and the journey toward self-discovery and healing.
Through candid conversations and heartfelt reflections, this episode explores themes of resilience, the search for identity, and the power of self-forgiveness. Jen's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative journey of becoming the person you needed as a child. Join us as we delve into Jen's moving narrative of pain, hope, and redemption.

Breaking the Silence: Coping with Abuse

In this deeply moving episode of "Letters to My Sister," hosts Jocelyn and Sam delve into the complexities of coping with abuse, drawing from personal experiences and a poignant letter from a listener. The episode begins with the reading of a heartfelt letter that mirrors the hosts' own past traumas, setting the stage for an emotional and insightful discussion.Listeners are cautioned about the sensitive nature of the content, which includes discussions on childhood and sexual abuse. The hosts explore the challenges of reconciling love for a parent who has caused harm, the importance of breaking the cycle of silence, and the journey towards healing and empowerment. They emphasize the significance of setting boundaries, nurturing supportive relationships, and exploring various healing modalities.Jocelyn and Sam also highlight the importance of sharing one's story as a step toward healing, encouraging listeners to confront and acknowledge their traumas. They offer a safe space for others to share their stories and experiences, fostering a community of understanding and support.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Gifted Children

In this captivating episode of the "Letters to My Sister" podcast, hosts Jocelyn and Samantha delve into the intriguing world of gifted children. As a continuation from their last episode about Jocelyn's book, "Invisible," they explore the complexities surrounding children with extraordinary abilities. Parents often wonder if their child is gifted and how to nurture such talents. Jocelyn shares her personal journey of discovering her own gifts as a child, which were initially misunderstood as imaginary friends and trauma responses.

The episode also sheds light on the concept of indigo children, a term popularized in the 1970s, describing highly intuitive and empathetic souls with a mission to make the world a better place. As the discussion unfolds, Jocelyn and Samantha unravel the distinctions between indigo, crystal, and starseed children, each with unique missions and abilities.

Listeners gain valuable insights into recognizing and supporting gifted children. Jocelyn offers advice to parents on how to distinguish between sensitivity, potential mental health issues, and genuine spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of understanding and nurturing these unique traits. The episode concludes with a heartfelt letter from a listener to her unborn daughter, symbolizing hope and self-love.

Episode 5 -Invisible No More: Jocelyn's Journey from Trauma to Triumph

In Episode 5 of the Letters to My Sister podcast, we celebrate the release of Jocelyn's debut book, Invisible. Jocelyn shares the inspiration behind her book's title, rooted in her childhood experiences with trauma and imaginary friends that helped her navigate life. She recounts the pivotal moments that led her to write the book, including a profound vision during her recovery from a medical procedure.
Jocelyn opens up about the challenges of the writing process, from reliving painful memories to ensuring her story was told with integrity and grace. She discusses the physical and emotional toll the book took on her and how she overcame these obstacles. The episode delves into the book's themes of trauma, healing, and empowerment, highlighting Jocelyn's journey as a medium and her desire to help others through her story.
We also hear from Jocelyn's sister and partner, who share their perspectives on the book and its impact on their lives. Finally, the episode concludes with a heartfelt letter from a listener, resonating deeply with themes of overcoming adversity and finding self-love.
Join us for an inspiring and emotional exploration of Invisible and the power of sharing one's story.

Episode 4 Part 2 - Our mom and losing a spouse.

This is the second part of our interview with our mom. We discuss the loss of our father, her first husband and the loss of our stepfather. The likeness and differences of losing one spouse to an accident and one to cancer.

Episode 4 Part 1- Our mom and the loss of a child

In this episode we introduce our mom talk about the tragic accident that killed our sister.  We discuss the loss of a child and how she learned to not only process her death but live with the loss of a child.

Episode 3 - Monsters do Exist

Today we tell the story of the man who almost beat Sam to death and touch on the story of our Stepfather. 

Episode 2 - The people we've lost

This episode discusses some of the people we have lost. How we handled their death and the stages of grief.