Empathy By Design

From Concept to Culture: Trauma-Informed Practices in Tech and Beyond

On this episode of the Empathy by Design podcast, host Julie Johnson is joined by Sarah O'Brien, Katie Kurtz, and community manager Fihmiya Hamdan for an insightful conversation on embodying trauma-informed leadership in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Together, they explore the essence of leading with authenticity, building resilience, and fostering inclusion within organizational culture.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on shifting leadership frameworks to prioritize trust and safety, starting with the fundamental question, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” The discussion dives into how authenticity becomes the bedrock of impactful leadership and how aligning actions with values creates thriving, connected teams.
Katie Kurtz sheds light on redefining resilience—not as endurance, but as nervous system care and co-regulation practices that strengthen both individuals and organizations. The episode also touches on the balance between technological innovation and genuine human connection, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and usability in mental health-focused initiatives.
Concluding with actionable insights on shaping inclusive, psychologically safe cultures, this conversation is a must-listen for leaders who aim to foster belonging while navigating complexity. Subscribe to Empathy by Design to join the movement of leadership that empowers both people and purpose.
Follow our Guests: Katie Kurtz, Sarah O'Brien
Transcript

Navigating Grief Through Somatic Experiencing with Sarit Z. Rogers

 
In this episode of Empathy By Design, host Julie welcomes Sarit Zimmerman Rogers, a body-based somatic experiencing practitioner. They discuss the upcoming monthly workshop 'Unpacking Loss' on June 28th, which will explore working through grief with a somatic and trauma-informed lens. The conversation delves into various methods of addressing grief, highlighting the importance of empathy, body-based techniques, and emotional intelligence. They also talk about how different approaches, including yoga and sound healing, come together to support individuals navigating grief and loss. Listeners are encouraged to join the workshop and take advantage of available financial assistance if needed.
00:00 Introduction to Empathy By Design00:09 Upcoming Workshop Details01:41 Podcast Overview and Intentions02:18 Unpacking Loss Workshop03:08 Interview with Sari tZimmerman Rogers03:29 Exploring Somatic Experiencing10:12 The Role of Empathy in Grief Work21:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections27:56 Conclusion and Workshop Invitation
Episode Transcript
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Navigating The Landscape of Grief with Karla Helbert

Navigating Grief: Insights and Practices with Karla Halbert In this episode of 'Empathy By Design,' host Julie Johnson engages in a profound discussion with grief activist and yoga therapist Carla Halbert. They dive into the unique facets of grief, including how it intertwines with trauma, and explore how practices such as yoga, chakra work, and somatic exercises can help in navigating the complex emotional landscape of loss. Karla also shares details about an upcoming workshop on June 28th, 2025, focused on grieving through mind, body, and energetic lenses. They delve into personal stories, the importance of safe spaces for healing, and the broader cultural challenges of addressing grief. The episode is richly layered with insights on creating supportive environments, using intuitive practices like herbalism, and fostering ongoing relationships with the departed. 00:00 Introduction and Workshop
Announcement 01:48
Welcome to Empathy By Design 02:34 Introducing
Karla Halbert
03:25 Karla's Work and Philosophy on Grief
05:48 Creating Safe Spaces for Grief
09:24 The Importance of Sensory and Safe Environments
12:09 Exploring Somatics and Sensory Engagement
19:23 The Impact of Grief on the Nervous System
24:28 Reorienting After Loss 28:30 Navigating Personal Grief
29:35 The Individuality of Grief 31:02 Safe Spaces for Grief
34:58 Understanding Fear and Anxiety
44:01 The Healing Power of Herbs
53:13 Connecting with Nature
55:36 Upcoming Events and Resources
Episode Transcript
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Constructing Compassionate Spaces with Katie Kurtz

Description
In this episode of the Empathy By Design Podcast, we discuss the importance of creating trauma-informed spaces and the skills necessary for effective trauma-informed care. The featured guest, Katie Kurtz, a trauma-informed care expert and member of the Affinity Group, shares her journey and expertise in trauma-informed leadership and training. Katie emphasizes the importance of understanding human experiences, the nervous system, and the implementation of actionable strategies and skills. She also highlights how the context of the world, capacity of individuals, and fostering trust and adaptability are crucial in implementing trauma-informed principles. The conversation touches on the evolution of trauma-informed practices, critical thinking, and the role of self-regulation. Katie also mentions her upcoming projects, including the introduction of a Trauma-Informed Leadership Workshop and Training Institute.
Check out Katie's Work
Katie's Podcat: A Trauma Informed Future
More about our Affinity Group
Katie is a valued member of our Trauma-Informed Leadership Affinity Group, a unique community dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care and leadership skills. If you’ve been looking for a space to grow alongside like-minded professionals, we’d love to welcome you!
Our next Live Training for the Trauma-Informed Leadership Course Certification begins August 8th. This program is designed to fit your needs, offering a fast-track option that allows you to complete the course in just 4-6 weeks. Prefer to go at your own pace? We also offer a self-paced version, giving you up to six months to complete the course from the date of purchase.
By becoming a part of the Affinity Group, you’ll join our premier community of practice, where members actively work together to apply the trauma-informed skills taught in our course. Members also enjoy exclusive opportunities to serve as facilitators and class instructors within our app, deepening their expertise while contributing to this meaningful work
 

Co-Design and Empathy: Revolutionizing Educational Leadership

In this episode of 'Empathy by Design' by the Integrate Trauma-informed Network, host Julie explores how empathy can be integrated into systems with guests Dr. Ram Zieganfuss and Brianna Young from Moravian University. They discuss their Doctor of Education program focused on transformational leadership, co-design, and human-centered approaches. Dr. Zieganfuss explains the program's emphasis on experiential learning, flat hierarchies, and community belonging. Brianna shares her journey as a student, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, reflective practices, and leveraging diverse assets for authentic leadership transformation. The episode underscores the value of creating a psychologically safe environment and fostering empathy-driven design for educational and organizational growth.
00:00 Introduction to Empathy by Design
00:50 Meet Dr. Ram Zhu and Brianna Young
02:11 Dr. Zieganfuss's Vision for Transformational Leadership
04:44 Brianna Young's Journey in Education
07:56 Co-Design and Human-Centered Leadership
11:28 Building a Collaborative Learning Community
20:08 Navigating Discomfort and Growth in Education
23:23 Exploring the Kaleidoscope Concept
23:39 Gifts and Assets in Learning
24:06 Collaborative Learning and Community Building
25:14 Action Research and Iterative Learning

Universal Design in Breathwork

In this episode of 'Empathy by Design,' Julie Johnson, co-founder of Integrate Trauma-Informed Network, interviews Robin Mandel, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and disability rights activist. They discuss the importance of intentional design in both physical and digital spaces to create safe environments. Robin shares insights on her work integrating disability justice with trauma-informed breath work, emphasizing the nuanced approach needed for individuals with diverse lived experiences. She explains the concept of allowing the breath rather than controlling it, and the importance of personalized breath work practices.
The conversation also highlights the challenges and adaptations required for various physical abilities and stresses the significance of self-awareness in breath practices. Robin promotes her upcoming classes on Songbird Yoga, which will feature gentle, self-empowering approaches to breath work.
Episode Transcript
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Empathy and the Power of Pausing with Sally Miller

In this episode of Empathy By Design, host Julie talks with Sally Miller, a yin yoga teacher, about her journey from Vinyasa to yin yoga, the principles and practices of yin, and the importance of pausing to feel. Sally shares insights into how yin yoga cultivates stillness, empathy, and self-awareness. They delve into the benefits of somatic practices, the role of pausing in everyday life, and techniques like the yin breath for grounding. The conversation highlights the potential of yin yoga to foster resilience and emotional intelligence, especially in dealing with anger and trauma.
00:00 Introduction to Empathy By Design
00:25 Meet Sally Miller: Yin Yoga Teacher
02:59 The Yin Experiment and Empathy
03:47 Practicing Empathy and Stillness
05:41 Navigating Discomfort in Yin Yoga
08:10 The Benefits of Online Yin Yoga
09:58 Grounding Practices for Yoga Teachers
14:22 Understanding the Yin Breath
18:11 Integrating Pausing to Feel in Daily Life
20:28 The Importance of Pausing in Conversations
21:21 Personal Experiences with Pausing
22:49 Challenges and Discomfort in Pausing
23:47 Teaching and Practicing Pausing
28:08 The Therapeutic Benefits of Pausing
32:34 Empathy and the Role of Anger
38:07 Final Thoughts and Resources
 

Exploring Empathy and Conflict Resilience in the Digital Age

In this episode of Empathy By Design, we welcome Dr. Diaz, a distinguished social scientist with a background in clinical psychology and virtual reality. Dr. Diaz discusses her innovative approach to conflict through her self-constructed DOT model. She emphasizes the importance of conflict resiliency rather than conflict resolution, arguing that conflict is a natural part of human interaction that should be approached with a constructive mindset. Tune in to explore how empathic design can bridge dissonances and foster meaningful human connections in the digital age.
 
00:00 Introduction to Empathy By Design
00:47 Meet Dr. Diaz: A Social Scientist's Journey
02:58 Redefining Conflict: From Resolution to Resiliency
04:34 The Art of Conflict Resiliency
05:47 The Role of Harmony in Conflict
 
Follow Dr. Diaz on Substack
 
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Unpacking Empathy by Design: A Guide Into Embodied Boundaries

Welcome back to Empathy by Design! This episode dives deep into a topic that touches every facet of our lives: Embodied Boundaries. We’re exploring what it means to honor your emotional, mental, and physical limits and how this practice creates healthier, more empathetic connections—with others and yourself in our wellness routines and in design and business world.  
Join us as we unpack the messy, beautiful process of learning to say “no” without guilt, recognizing your needs, and creating balance in relationships. Special guest Sarah O’Brien, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her insights on boundaries as acts of care and how they’re not about keeping people out but protecting your peace.  
You’ll also hear reflections  from our Community Manager Fihmiya Hamdan on how trauma and nervous system awareness play a role in setting boundaries, plus stories of finding safety in the middle ground between “letting everything in” and “shutting everything out.”  
If you’re ready to reclaim your energy and lean into empathy—not just for others but for yourself too—this episode is for you. 🎧  
Take a moment today to listen in, reflect, and reconnect. You’re worth it. 🌟 Don’t forget to sign up for our Embodied Boundaries workshop on 5/10 from 2-4 CST (VIRTUAL) to get anexperience and professional guidance on setting Embodied Boundaries
You can find the episode transcript at the link below:
https://share.descript.com/view/xvDBQtjwgZO

Quality Meets Empathy: Innovating with Tristan Keelan

In this episode of 'Empathy by Design' from Integrate Trauma-Informed Network, host Julie welcomes Tristan Kelan, founder of Qi Folio and Director of Growth and Development at Informed. They discuss how empathy, trauma-informed care, and technology intersect to improve behavioral and mental health. Tristan shares insights from his background in behavioral health and data analytics, emphasizing the importance of integrating trauma-informed principles into quality improvement processes without compromising trust and safety. The conversation includes practical strategies for leveraging technology and data to enhance client-centered care, the importance of trust and collaboration in quality improvement, and how to effectively use data to track the impact of trauma-informed care. Whether you're a clinician, tech professional, or UX designer, this episode offers valuable insights on balancing data-driven solutions with compassionate care. For a transcript o this video please email integratenetwork@gmail.com
00:00 Introduction to Empathy By Design
01:08 Meet Tristan Kelan: Founder of Qi Folio
02:29 Exploring Trauma-Informed Care Principles
03:19 Quality Improvement in Behavioral Health
06:11 Engaging Process Owners for Effective Change
08:17 Building Trust Through Data and Collaboration
19:52 Handling Client Feedback and Reviews
24:36 Tech Support and Trauma-Informed Customer Service
28:01 Scaling and Supporting Users
29:18 Data Analytics and Trauma-Informed Care
30:55 User Experience and Technology
38:28 Data Automation and Reporting
45:31 Tracking Effectiveness in Trauma-Informed Care
53:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts