In this powerful and honest conversation, Jill welcomes Dr. Aimie—physician, trauma expert, and author of the best selling book,The Biology of Trauma—to explore what trauma really means for coaches. Whether we call it trauma, overwhelm, or stuckness, every human nervous system carries past experiences into the present moment. Which means coaches are always working with trauma—because we’re always working with humans!

Dr. Aimie offers a clear and empowering distinction between stress and trauma. Stress grows us. Trauma breaks us. The difference lies in capacity. When a client believes they have the internal resources—energy, support, resilience—to meet a challenge, they’re in growth. When the challenge exceeds their perceived capacity, they cross into overwhelm. Coaches can listen for language shifts: “I’ve got this” signals stress; “This is too much” signals trauma physiology. The gap between demand and capacity? That’s where trauma lives.

One of the most powerful concepts introduced is neuroception—the nervous system’s perception of safety and capacity. Our bodies respond not to reality itself, but to our perception of it, shaped by past experiences. This is why two people can face the same situation and have completely different physiological responses. For coaches, this reinforces the importance of tracking nervous system states in real time.

Meet Dr. Aimie!

Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician (Preventive/Addiction Medicine) with master's degrees in biochemistry and public health, revolutionizes trauma healing by revealing how our cells—not just our minds—store trauma. Her book "The Biology of Trauma" (foreword by Gabor Maté) transforms our understanding of how the body experiences and holds trauma. After adopting a child during medical school sparked her journey, she developed an integrative science-based sequence for the healing journey. Through her practitioner training, podcast, YouTube channel, and international speaking, she bridges functional medicine, attachment and trauma therapy, proving that repairing trauma's impact on the mind, body and biology is possible.

Show Links!

1. The Biology of Trauma book: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/book
2. Toolkit Resources: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/resources
3. Rage Create, Sweet Ass Affirmations: https://ragecreate.com/products/the-sweet-ass-affirmations-deck-affirmations-to-motivate-your-creative-maniac-mind

P.S. Remember, you are magic!

In this fun little bonus “Hunch for Lunch” episode, Jess and Jill dive into a core skill that elevates both coaching and personal growth: the ability to extract value from lived experience. Rather than rushing from one event to the next, they explore how intentional reflection turns ordinary moments into powerful sources of learning, clarity, and forward momentum.

Jess and Jill discuss the deeply human drive to evolve and become our best selves — and how coaches play a unique role in helping people see possibilities they might otherwise overlook. Central to this process is creating space: space to pause, revisit experiences, and ask curious questions about what happened, what mattered, and what can be carried forward. They emphasize that insight often doesn’t appear in the moment; it surfaces later, when we slow down enough to notice.

P.S. Remember, you are magic!

In this powerful and grounding conversation, J!ll Young and Jen Couldrey explore the shift from performing life to participating in it. Moving beyond the pressure to appear successful, polished, or “put together,” Jen invites listeners to embrace the full spectrum of the human experience — messy, meaningful, joyful, and challenging all at once. She dismantles the myth that there is a point where we finally “arrive” and everything becomes easy.

Jen reframes personal growth as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Instead of striving to eliminate struggle, she encourages acceptance of life’s natural rhythm of ups and downs. When we stop trying to curate a perfect image and start showing up authentically, we gain access to deeper self-trust, resilience, and freedom. Challenges don’t signal failure — they are evidence that we are fully engaged in life.

This episode offers a refreshing perspective for anyone exhausted by the pressure to have it all figured out. Jen reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t come from achieving a flawless existence, but from embracing reality as it unfolds. Choosing to show up — rather than show off — allows us to experience life more honestly, more courageously, and ultimately, more joyfully.

Meet Jen!

I work with founders and leadership teams at a specific point in growth – when hard work has taken the business far, but clarity, structure, and leadership discipline need to catch up.

I’ve worked with hundreds of founders and leadership teams navigating this transition. Before becoming an EOS Implementer, I led and launched multiple businesses and non-profits, helped leadership teams translate strategy into execution at Deloitte, and supported founders scaling complex, fast-growing organizations.

Across more than 600 meetings and workshops facilitated, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat: when leaders are focused, aligned, and disciplined, businesses move forward. When they’re not, even great teams get stuck.

Today, I help entrepreneurial leadership teams strengthen how their business runs using EOS as a practical system for clarity, accountability, and execution. My style is focused, candid, and positive: I ask the hard questions, bring objective perspective, and hold teams to high standards- while building the confidence and momentum needed to consistently achieve desired results.

I do my best work with leaders who are ready to get out of the weeds, have honest conversations, and lead with greater discipline and intention.

Show Links!

Coaching Magic School

Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

P.S. Remember, you are magic!