Trigger Warning: discussion of mass shootings. In this powerful episode (originally aired on 3/19/25), I sit down with Sandy Hook survivor, Ella Seaver, to discuss the lasting impact of gun violence on mental health, the importance of activism, and the need for change in gun laws. We explore her journey of healing, the challenges of leaving her supportive community for college, and how she's found purpose in pain through advocacy. This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked mental health consequences of mass shootings and offers a unique perspective on gun violence from someone who experienced it firsthand. For a special intro to this episode, we are joined by CBS News correspondent and journalist, Steve Hartman, to talk about Netflix’s new documentary, All The Empty Rooms, a seven-year-long project that documents the empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. This episode is a reminder to us all that we can no longer become numb to this issue.

Key Takeaway / Points:

• What led Steve Hartman to embark on the project, All The Empty Rooms

• Steve’s emotional experience documenting the empty bedrooms left behind of children killed in school shootings

• Steve’s hope to bring awareness and open minds through watching this documentary

• Ella shares the lasting mental health impact of surviving a mass shooting

• Challenges of leaving a supportive community after experiencing trauma

• The importance of therapy and mental health resources for survivors

• How activism can provide purpose in pain and healing for survivors

• The need for an assault weapon bans

• The "spiderweb effect" of gun violence on families and communities

• Ella’s journey towards healing and finding her voice

• The role of therapy and grounding techniques in managing PTSD symptoms

• The impact of "thoughts and prayers" versus actionable change

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