Spiraling Up: Dr. Marion Piper on Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience

What if the hardest moments of your life could become the starting point for your greatest transformation? In this compelling episode, hosts Dr. Steven Pearce and Nina Winstead sit down with the incredible Dr. Marion "Maz" Piper - an artist, writer, and expert in post-traumatic growth (PTG) - for a raw and powerful conversation on how we spiral up after life knocks us down. Dr. Piper introduces her signature concept of “spiraling up,” a hopeful and empowering approach to moving through trauma - not just surviving it, but emerging stronger, wiser, and more connected to yourself and others. Together, they explore the difference between the massive, world-shaking “Big T” traumas (like loss, disaster, or illness) and the quieter, “small T” traumas - everyday emotional wounds that slowly accumulate and weigh us down. Marion opens up about her own deeply personal story: from a childhood marked by adversity, to how creativity became her lifeline, to the profound impact her mother’s passing had on her academic work and personal philosophy. You will discover how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression - and how the uncomfortable “goo” phase of growth (yes, like the caterpillar before the butterfly!) is actually where transformation begins. You’ll also learn about the five key life areas of post-traumatic growth, how to spot them in your own life, and how to tap into them - whether you're healing from heartbreak or just feeling stuck. This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Can something good come out of this?” Spoiler alert: Yes, it can. Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt, and insight-packed conversation that just might shift how you see your past - and your path forward.