274. Trauma to Triumph: Sobriety & Spiritual Growth with Wendy B. Correa

"Healing is possible. Our stories, even the darkest ones, can become the light that guides someone else forward." – Wendy B. Correa   In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Wendy B. Correa—author, yogi, hiker, and healer—to explore her extraordinary life journey. From losing her father at age seven to growing up in a violent household, Wendy shares how trauma shaped her early years and how she found resilience through spirituality, psychology, and community. Her path took her from California colleges to the LA music industry, where sobriety and spiritual practices like Buddhism, yoga, and Native American ceremonies became lifelines. Today, Wendy channels her experiences into writing, massage therapy, and teaching, empowering others to heal and thrive. This heartfelt conversation covers: Childhood loss, trauma, and the silence surrounding grief. Coping mechanisms—both destructive and healing—and how she chose a better path. Sobriety stories, including crossing paths with Ringo Starr at AA. The power of meditation, yoga, and Native American ceremonies in recovery. How chosen family and late-life love brought healing and hope. Her new memoir (Nov 4 release) and why it's for anyone navigating trauma, resilience, and transformation. If you've ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose, Wendy's story is living proof that healing is possible—and that resilience can become a superpower. Time Stamps: 0:00 – 2:00 | Intro, sponsors, and welcoming Wendy B. Correa. 2:00 – 8:00 | Childhood memories, losing her father, and growing up in silence. 8:00 – 15:00 | Coping mechanisms, imagination as survival, and intuition as protection. 15:00 – 22:00 | Leaving home, pursuing college, psychology & theater arts. 22:00 – 30:00 | Addiction, sobriety journey, and unexpected encounters in AA (including Ringo Starr). 30:00 – 37:00 | Spiritual practices—yoga, Native American ceremonies, meditation, and healing. 37:00 – 42:00 | Chosen family, marriage, motherhood, and creating community. 42:00 – End (44:56) | Reflections, book launch info, and Wendy's closing words of wisdom. Wendy B. Correa: Wendy B. Correa is a writer, yogi, hiker, as well as a licensed massage therapist. She has worked in the film, television, multimedia, and music industries in Los Angeles and later as a radio DJ in Aspen, Colorado. She holds bachelor's degrees in psychology and theater arts and has contributed articles to Mothering magazine. A wife and mother, she resides in Denver, Colorado, and loves traveling to magical destinations with her family. My Pretty Baby is her debut book. For more information, visit www.wendybcorrea.com. Website: wendybcorrea.com   Instagram: @wendybcorrea   Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Tik Tok: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com WATCH HERE   MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF   https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH