Mindfulness, PTSD and the ROR: Return On Relationships with Brandy Maslowski

In this episode, Roxanne Derhodge speaks with Brandy Maslowski, a former firefighter turned quilter. They discuss Brandy's challenges and traumas during her firefighting career, the impact of long-term stress, and her experience with PTSD. They also delve into the therapeutic role of quilting in Brandy's healing and the effectiveness of EMDR therapy. The conversation concludes with insights into Brandy's quilting business and the importance of self-care.

Quote: “Care for yourself first until your cup is overflowing, and then you can give to others as well.” Brandy Maslowski

Social media and instant access to information can be a good thing, but not always. We live in an age where trauma is all around us. Some of us are more affected and closer to trauma than others. First responders are on the front line every day. They see and hear things that are unthinkable to most of us, so how are they supposed to cope with it all? On this episode of Authentic Living with Roxanne, we’re thrilled to welcome Brandy Maslowski to share her story of going from firefighter to quilting coach and how mindfulness can help overcome PTSD.

Brandy Maslowski is a quiltmaker and textile artist who travels the world as a teacher, speaker, author and certified quilt judge. She has curated a portfolio of workshops to nudge the quilter into artfulness. Brandy’s work explores meaningful themes in her life such as trauma using the texture, colour and boundless possibilities of fabric, surface design and stitch.

Authentic Touch Points:

Brandy’s story. 3:00 Not treated as an equal. 7:00 Stress and PTSD. 15:00 The cumulative effect. 22:00 Some things you never forget. 26:30 Self-soothing… 29:00 Repressed memories. 35:00 5 life lessons. 38:00

Brandy leads quilt-themed cruises and land tours with the tagline More Joy, Less Overwhelm and has recently launched the Square One Textile Art Bootcamp on demand. She is the founder and host of the Quilter on Fire Podcast and can be found everywhere online as the Quilter on Fire.

Roxanne offers executive coaching; we encourage leaders to reach out for guidance about presenting their authentic selves to develop an improved workplace for everyone with less conflict. Visit https://roxannederhodge.com/chat/ to schedule your complimentary discovery call now.

Stay Authentic,

Roxanne

Links:

Brandy’s website: https://quilteronfire.com/ Your Mind Matters Podcast: https://quilteronfire.com/podcast/ EMDR: https://www.emdr.com Brandy’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-maslowski-88017926/ Roxanne’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannederhodge/ Roxanne’s book: https://www.amazon.ca/ROR-Relationships-Authentic-Leadership-Resilient/dp/1739001923/

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest, Brandy Maslowski (3:54) Brandy Maslowski's journey from firefighting to quilting (11:39) Discussion on the challenges and traumas Brandy faced in her firefighting career (15:03) Conversation about the impact of long-term stress and trauma on the body and brain (20:14) Roxanne's insights on trauma as a first responder (24:29) Brandy's diagnosis and experience with PTSD (28:47) Therapeutic role of quilting in Brandy's healing process (32:55) Discussion on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (38:34) Introduction to Brandy's quilting business, Quilter on Fire (42:41) Concluding thoughts on trauma in the workplace and self-care (43:33) How to connect with Brandy Maslowski