CRACKED UP, THE EVOLVING CONVERSATIONis a new series of virtual conversations on trauma and recovery inspired by my film CRACKED UP, THE DARRELL HAMMOND STORY. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, we were not able to do our in-person event to celebrate our release on Netflix May 1st, 2020. So, I decided along with Darrell Hammond, our courageous subject of the film, and renowned trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, also in the film, to have a live virtual conversation and Q & A to celebrate the film and discuss the long arm of childhood trauma and recovery. Our beloved Jane Stevens, founder and publisher of ACEs Connection, offered to host and moderate the event.
We expected a few hundred people to register for this one time virtual zoom event. Instead, thousands showed up and asked for more! So by popular demand a new trauma series was launched. Three conversations took place in May to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. The second episode focused on the link between childhood trauma and suicide, with featured guest, Lyn Morris, senior vice president of The Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center in Los Angeles. Trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté, well-known author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, joined Esrick and Hammond in the third episode to discuss trauma as the root cause of addiction. In June, our fourth episode featured actor and activist Jane Fonda, who spoke with Hammond, Esrick and Bessel van der Kolk about her personal experiences with generational trauma and how we can break the cycle in families and overall systems.
The conversations are inspirational, intimate, daring, fun, healing and hopeful. They help us feel less alone and more connected. They enable us to delve into many different areas of childhood trauma where most are afraid to go. With each episode we recover ourselves a little bit more with the knowledge and power to change our overall systems to be aware of ACEs science so that we can become healing centered and trauma-informedto better serve our communities and every individual precious child and adult in need.
Here’s what some of you said about the conversations:
"Fonda’s breadth of knowledge about trauma, psychotherapy, and human natures not only let the viewers into her personal challenges, it also revealed the depths of her knowledge. Just wow, so glad I tuned in!"
"I love Cracked Up, The Evolving Conversation. I have never been a part of anything so real, honest, intimate, and inspiring. Episode 3 should be a master class in holding a loving space for someone when they are upset. I can’t wait for the next one!"
"I have attended all of The Evolving Conversation series and watched the amazing film. Thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL of your sacrifices and efforts towards seeing us all healed—for your vulnerability and transparency. Your LOVE is MOVING MOUNTAINS."
We will continue to hold a space for conversations with other trauma experts as long as they continue to help others. We know we love doing them!
Join us! Oct. 28 for Episode 5 with our very special guest Jacob Ham, PhD.
“Trauma expert Jacob Ham PhD is so loving, empathetic and compassionate. When I am in his presence I feel love, empathy and compassionate for myself, and that is how I heal.”
-- Michelle Esrick, filmmaker/ activist.
We are offering ACES CONNECTION members the opportunity to catch up on past episodes with a 20% off all individual episodes of Cracked up, The Evolving Conversation with code CUOCT20 valid through 11/11/20.
Go to crackedupmovie.com/store to find all 4 episodes
With Love and Gratitude!
Michelle and the entire Cracked Up Team!
XOXO
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