Ep20: Burn brightly, but don’t burn out with movement psychologist Cristel Montenegro

Pain is often treated as something to suppress, avoid, or silence. But what if true healing comes from embracing it fully—together? We sit down with Nicaraguan movement psychologist Cristel Montenegro to explore the power of collective trauma processing. We examine how communities facing deep wounds caused by violence and systemic oppression can embrace healing through storytelling and welcoming emotion.   We discuss the role of anger in social movements, and why true self-care isn’t just a beach vacation—it’s about reconnecting with our senses. Cristel also reflects on the tension between grassroots activism and institutional change, and emphasizing joy, pleasure, and human connection in the fight for justice.   Cristel Montenegro is a social psychologist, researcher, and systemic psychotherapist specializing in trauma healing, community empowerment, and emotional well-being. She coordinates the Community Care Project on Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast and is the founder of Enraizar, providing accessible mental health services for women and communities engaged in social transformation.   Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Troublemakers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Learn more about Burn brightly, but don’t burn out in the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, the inspiration for our podcast. Connect with us via Instagram @troublemakers.podcast