The Sharon Decker Podcast

A year after Hurricane Helene, many of us are still processing trauma while navigating the pressures of the holiday season. If you're struggling with grief, burnout, or feeling like recovery is taking longer than expected, this conversation is for you.I sit down with licensed mental health counselor Jake Orr to explore moral injury, trauma recovery, and why healing doesn't follow a timeline. We talk about what happens when trigger dates hit, how to recognize burnout before it takes over, and why winter might be the perfect time to slow down instead of pushing through.Whether you're a first responder dealing with moral injury, someone recovering from trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations, this episode offers practical strategies for coping. We discuss the importance of rest, how to stop over-giving, the power of saying no, and why it's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and start focusing on what's ahead.If you've been feeling guilty about not "being over it" yet, or if you're exhausted from trying to meet everyone's expectations this season, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.Topics covered: trauma recovery, moral injury, PTSD, first responder mental health, burnout prevention, holiday stress, grief after disaster, Hurricane Helene recovery, coping strategies, mental health support, self-care, setting boundaries, Sabbath rest, trigger dates, healing timeline🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North CarolinaIf you'd like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here's where you can find us:Instagram: ➡️ instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit): ➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources & How to Help: ➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govIf you'd like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.00:00 - Introduction: A Year After Hurricane Helene 02:01 - What Is Moral Injury? 04:16 - Why Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected 06:24 - Returning to Traditions After Trauma 08:28 - Moving Forward vs. Retelling the Story 10:17 - Moral Injury Beyond First Responders 12:58 - How to Help First Responders Seek Support 14:50 - Understanding Burnout: The Race to the Finish 16:35 - Winter as a Season for Rest and Renewal 18:49 - Practicing Sabbath and Saying No 21:14 - Final Advice: Patience, Goals, and Self-CareKey Takeaways:Moral injury involves feeling powerless or violating personal moral boundariesRecovery doesn't follow a calendar—trigger dates are realBurnout comes from overgiving and neglecting self-careWinter is a natural time to slow down and restIt's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and focus forwardSetting measurable goals helps create intentional changeChapters:00:00 - Introduction: A Year After Hurricane Helene 02:01 - What Is Moral Injury? 04:16 - Why Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected 06:24 - Returning to Traditions After Trauma 08:28 - Moving Forward vs. Retelling the Story 10:17 - Moral Injury Beyond First Responders 12:58 - How to Help First Responders Seek Support 14:50 - Understanding Burnout: The Race to the Finish 16:35 - Winter as a Season for Rest and Renewal 18:49 - Practicing Sabbath and Saying No 21:14 - Final Advice: Patience, Goals, and Self-CareKey Takeaways:Moral injury involves feeling powerless or violating personal moral boundariesRecovery doesn't follow a calendar—trigger dates are realBurnout comes from overgiving and neglecting self-careWinter is a natural time to slow down and restIt's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and focus forwardSetting measurable goals helps create intentional change

I had the honor of speaking with Stephanie Johnson, a dedicated advocate for Rebuilding the Hollers of Western North Carolina. Stephanie shares her journey from distributing food to leading construction efforts, all in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of grassroots initiatives. From providing essential supplies to rebuilding homes, Stephanie's work exemplifies what happens when compassion turns into action. What moved me most is how hope flourishes when people unite. As Stephanie beautifully puts it, "We rebuild not just structures, but lives." If you care about the future of Western North Carolina, about strengthening communities, or about the transformative power of volunteerism, this conversation will inspire you. I'd love to hear your thoughts—what gives you hope in your community?🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North CarolinaIf you’d like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here’s where you can find us:Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit): ➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources & How to Help: ➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govRebuilding The Hollers:rebuildinghollers.comIf you’d like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.Keywords Rebuilding Hollers, disaster recovery, community resilience, volunteer engagement, recovery efforts, Western North Carolina, Helene recovery, humanitarian aid, local involvement, rebuilding homes, Stephanie Johnson, Sharon Decker Takeaways Rebuilding Hollers is a grassroots initiative. Community support is vital during recovery. Volunteers provide both physical and emotional aid. Long-term recovery requires ongoing commitment. Local businesses play a crucial role in rebuilding. Hope is essential in disaster recovery. Engaging volunteers can amplify the impact of resources. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Rebuilding Hollers 06:49 Community Support and Volunteer Efforts 16:55 Long-term Recovery and Local Engagement 23:53 Gratitude and Future Vision

In this conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Richard Brunson, Executive Director of Baptist On Mission—one of the most extraordinary forces of hope and hands-on service in North Carolina.Richard shares the heart behind their 17 ministries, including the disaster relief teams so many of us in Western North Carolina have come to know well, especially since Hurricane Helene. From mobile medical units reaching remote communities to volunteers rebuilding homes one nail at a time, their work reminds us what happens when compassion moves into action.What encouraged me most is how hope grows when people show up. This recovery will take time, but as Richard says so beautifully, “We glorify God by meeting human needs.” And that is exactly what Baptist On Mission has done—finishing more than 617 homes and offering thousands of families a path forward.If you care about Western North Carolina’s future, about rebuilding stronger communities, or about the power of volunteers to multiply impact, you’ll be inspired by this conversation.I’d love to hear your thoughts—what gives you hope right now in your community?🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North CarolinaIf you’d like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here’s where you can find us:Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit): ➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources & How to Help: ➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govIf you’d like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.KeywordsBaptist On Mission, disaster relief, community support, volunteer engagement, recovery efforts, Western North Carolina, Helene recovery, humanitarian aid, church involvement, rebuilding homes, Richard Brunson, Sharon DeckerTakeawaysBaptist On Mission has 17 different ministries.Disaster relief is the most recognized ministry.Mobile dental and health units serve remote areas.Community support is crucial during recovery efforts.Volunteers provide both physical and emotional support.Long-term recovery requires sustained commitment.Grants from the state significantly aid rebuilding efforts.Hope is a critical component of disaster recovery.The church plays a vital role in community support.Engaging volunteers can multiply the impact of funds.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Baptist On Mission06:49 Disaster Relief Efforts and Community Support16:55 Long-term Recovery and Volunteer Engagement23:53 Gratitude and Future Outlook

Overcoming Transitions and Embracing Community: Sharon Decker's Inspirational JourneyWelcome to a special episode where Sharon Decker introduces her new journey into podcasting, inspired by long-time friends Ramona Holloway and Stetson Patton. Sharon reflects on her 20-year dream and the community of Western North Carolina she loves. Joined by notable guests Pam Stone, Ramona Holloway, and first responders therapist Jake Bowman, this episode dives deep into transitioning through life's challenges. Pam Stone brings humor and insight from her transition from stand-up comedy to horse training, while Jake emphasizes the importance of community and mental health post-Hurricane Helene. Witness the heartfelt reunion of these lifelong friends and learn how to navigate your own life transitions. Don't miss the inspiring stories from Phil and Tina DeAngelo who turned their Asheville studio into a community hub amid natural disasters, and join the celebration of Ramona Holloway's 60th birthday!Website - www.sharondecker.comInstagram - www.instagram/thesharondecker00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:17 Launching a Dream: The Podcast Journey01:42 Ramona Holloway: A Heartfelt Introduction02:08 The Satisfied Life Radio Show06:46 Transitions and Challenges12:50 Ramona's Career Shift and Personal Growth29:20 Community and Art: A New Beginning34:14 Philip and Tina DeAngelo: Angels in the Arts50:38 The Decision to Open the Art Supply Store51:27 Community Support and Challenges52:11 Lessons Learned and Community Spirit54:03 Nona's Kitchen and Community Meals55:19 Supporting Local Artists and Art Supply Store57:11 Pam Stone Joins the Conversation58:56 Pam's Journey from Comedy to Horses01:07:09 Jake's Role in Trauma and Community Support01:12:52 The Importance of Community and Therapy01:28:32 Sharon's Reflections on Transitions and Waiting