A Resilience Project: Dr. Doug Walker - Cultivating Resilience In Community

"Send us a text about this episode!"Why You Should Listen to This EpisodeWhat does it take to rebuild — not just buildings, but lives — after catastrophic disaster? Dr. Doug Walker knows firsthand. In this deeply moving conversation, he shares how surviving Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shaped his understanding of resilience and launched a career devoted to helping communities and children heal. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to cultivate resilience — not as a fixed trait, but as a daily practice — this episode will stay with you.In this episode:Dr. Doug Walker, Registered Psychologist and Chief Programs Director of Mercy Family Center in St. Louis, opens up about the experience of surviving Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — and how that catastrophic event became the catalyst for one of the most significant mental health initiatives in New Orleans’ history. Dr. Walker is the founder of Project Fleur-de-lis, New Orleans’ largest school-based mental health program, developed specifically for students struggling emotionally and academically in the aftermath of the storm.Central to Dr. Walker’s work is a simple but powerful question: “How’s Your 5?” Drawing from research into five key domains of human wellbeing, this question invites people to honestly assess where they are — and to recognise that resilience isn’t something you either have or you don’t. It’s something we build, together, every day.In this episode of A Resilience Project, host Cindy Thompson and Dr. Walker explore what resilience looks like at both the individual and community level, how trauma can become a catalyst for meaningful change, and why connection — to others, to purpose, to community — is at the heart of human recovery.You’ll find The PULSE Community Podcasts at ThePulseCommunity.caCindy Thompson’s website: cindythompsoncounselling.caLearn more about Dr. Doug Walker: facebook.com/HowsYour5Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy - tabletpharmacy.caYou’ll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok, YouTube, and ThePulseCommunity.caCheck out Skookum Kid’s Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube.Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests: bit.ly/PulseNewsletterSignup“Like, Share & Listen!” #DrDougWalker #ResilienceProject #VancouverIsland #ParksvilleQualicum #ThePulseCommunityPodcast #CindyThompson #HowsYour5 #CultivatingResilience #MentalHealth #HurricaneKatrina Support the show