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Element Q Podcast

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Element Q Podcast

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Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Voices

Hosted by TJ Woodward, revolutionary recovery expert and creator of The Conscious Recovery Method, this inspiring podcast explores healing, transformation, and the power of authentic identity.

Each week, join TJ Woodward as he interviews authors, thought leaders, therapists, coaches, and healers dedicated to empowering and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The Element Q Podcast opens doors to healing, connection, and renewal through conversations that honor our shared history while embracing the strength and power within each of us.

Those who came before us—the courageous, the resilient, the ones who fought tirelessly for the rights and recognition the LGBTQ+ community holds today—laid the foundation upon which we stand. Inspired by their courage and fueled by a vision of gentleness, healing, and transformation, Element Q Healing Center brings you stories that matter.

Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

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Element Q Podcast

Featured Episode

In Season 2, Episode 18, TJ Woodward sits down with Dr. Olivia Ratcliff-Totty—clinician, adjunct professor, and primary therapist here at Element Q—for a deeply honest conversation about chosen family, identity, and what it truly means to create safety for the people we serve.

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About Your Host

TJ Woodward is a revolutionary recovery expert, bestselling author, and addiction treatment specialist who has helped countless individuals through his simple yet powerful teachings.

As the creator of The Conscious Recovery Method and a specialist in helping the LGBTQ+ community heal from unresolved trauma, spiritual disconnection, and shame, TJ brings depth and compassion to every conversation.

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LGBTQ concept. Woman with rainbow flag on sky background

About Element Q Healing Center

Our mission is to serve each person’s journey by creating space for growth, connection, and renewal. Through identity, gender, and culturally affirming practices and trauma-focused care, we empower LGBTQIA+ community members to not only discover their voice but to embrace the strength and power within it.

Element Q Healing Center offers comprehensive mental health services including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community in San Diego and beyond.

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Element Q YouTube Feed

In Season 3, Episode 10 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes back beloved guest Temple Hayes for a deeply personal conversation about LGBTQ+ identity, shame, healing, belonging, self-acceptance, spirituality, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Temple Hayes and TJ reflect on how dramatically the LGBTQ+ experience has changed across generations—from growing up in a time when simply saying the word “gay” could feel dangerous or shameful, to witnessing greater visibility, representation, marriage equality, Pride celebrations, and LGBTQ+ people openly building joyful lives. But this conversation goes deeper than celebrating progress. TJ and Temple explore what happens when external validation changes, when social progress appears to move backward, and when old wounds and fears continue to live within us—even after we believe we've healed. They discuss the difference between fighting against an old paradigm and standing for a new one, and why spiritual activism can begin with simply becoming more fully ourselves. The conversation also explores: • Healing LGBTQ+ shame and the fear of being discovered • The courage required to live authentically • Why identity can become a catalyst for deeper self-discovery • The difference between external validation and internal knowing • How unhealed wounds can become collective belief systems • The power of surrounding yourself with people who mirror joy, health and possibility • Why our communities can sometimes become organized around our wounds • Moving from talking about what we don't want toward creating what we do want • The importance of creating communities centered around growth and possibility • Why younger LGBTQ+ generations shouldn't have to experience the same trauma as previous generations • TJ's personal journey of healing shame and reconnecting with his younger self • Learning to love the parts of ourselves we once felt we needed to hide • The relationship between spirituality, identity, and authentic self-expression If this conversation resonates with you, like this video, subscribe to the Element Q podcast, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they don't have to hide who they are. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Temple Hayes: https://templehayes.com/ Key Moments 00:00 — Welcome to Element Q with Temple Hayes 01:15 — Did We Ever Imagine We'd See This Day? 02:13 — From Hiding the Word “Gay” to Celebrating Pride 03:11 — The Power of External Validation & Belonging 04:33 — Spiritual Activism: Standing FOR a New Paradigm 06:08 — The Courage to Live Authentically 08:11 — Why LGBTQ+ Identity Can Lead to Deeper Self-Discovery 10:29 — “What If They Found Out?” Healing the Fear of Being Seen 12:16 — The Freedom of No Longer Hiding Who You Are 14:35 — TJ’s Story: The Aunt Who Taught Him About Acceptance 16:13 — How Unhealed Wounds Become Collective Beliefs 17:17 — The People Around You Become Your Mirrors 18:24 — Are You Surrounded by People Who Mirror Joy? 20:11 — We Change Through What We Want, Not What We Don't Want 20:59 — When We Create Community Around the Wound 21:58 — Stop Fighting the Paradigm: Stand in Who You Are 25:17 — Why LGBTQ+ Love Can Feel So Sacred 26:21 — Don't Make the Next Generation Suffer As We Did 27:17 — TJ’s Deep Healing at 40 28:24 — Learning to Love the Parts of Ourselves We Once Hid 30:21 — Moving Toward Understanding, Inclusion & Less Judgment #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration
What Happens When We Stop Hiding Who We Are? | Temple Hayes & TJ Woodward
In Season 3, Episode 9 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward and Gregory Fisher explore the profound difference between managing symptoms and discovering the wholeness that already exists beneath our coping strategies. Together, they unpack internalized shame, spiritual bypassing, LGBTQ+ identity, addiction recovery, compassion, Carl Jung's shadow work, and why healing begins when we stop believing we're broken. Explore personal growth strategies with Gregory Fisher, a therapist and recovery coach, on this episode of the Element Q podcast. Learn practical approaches to emotional healing and professional spiritual counseling insights. Fisher shares how his experience as a recovery coach informs his work with individuals seeking lasting change. By combining clinical social work with spiritual counseling, he provides a holistic framework for those interested in deepening their healing journey. This episode is designed for anyone looking to understand the intersection of mental health and spiritual development. If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Gregory Fisher: https://gregoryfisher.life Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 1:20 – You're not broken—your survival strategies are not your identity 3:30 – Coming out, addiction recovery, and leaving the church 5:10 – Healing the six-year-old self still carrying shame 8:55 – Spiritual bypassing: why positivity alone doesn't heal trauma 11:15 – Carl Jung, shadow work, and integrating every part of yourself 15:05 – LGBTQ identity as a pathway to deeper wisdom and compassion 19:40 – Why self-compassion transforms every relationship 22:45 – From angry activism to healing through love 27:00 – Why being gay should never be your only identity 31:20 – Recovery isn't about being fixed—it's falling in love with the journey 33:25 – The greatest gift: discovering you were never broken #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration
Why You're Not Broken: Gregory Fisher on Recovery and Self-Compassion
In Season 3, Episode 8 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward welcomes Hana Leyland, Executive Director of the Rainbow Transformations Foundation, for a powerful conversation about identity, recovery, mental health, and the courage to embrace authenticity. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as a transgender woman in recovery, Hana explores how traditional mental health and addiction systems often overlook the unique experiences of trans, gender-diverse, and intersex individuals. Together, TJ and Hana examine the intersection of trauma, shame, identity, cultural conditioning, and healing while inviting listeners to move beyond labels and into deeper curiosity. From delayed adolescence within the LGBTQ+ community to the role of hormones, attachment, social conditioning, and inner child work, this conversation challenges conventional thinking while offering compassion for the complexity of the human experience. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, a clinician, someone in recovery, or simply seeking greater understanding, this episode offers wisdom, vulnerability, and hope. In this episode, you'll discover: Why healing often uncovers deeper layers of ourselves The relationship between transition, identity, and emotional growth How shame becomes embedded through secrecy and social conditioning Why curiosity creates healing while certainty can limit growth The challenges facing transgender mental health today How recovery extends far beyond sobriety Why authentic healing requires individualized care—not one-size-fits-all solutions The importance of creating truly affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ mental health If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Hana Leyland: https://www.rainbowtransformationsfoundation.org Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:18 – Why Trans Mental Health Requires Specialized Care 05:20 – Recovery, Transition & The Hidden Emotional Layers 09:23 – Delayed Adolescence, Shame & Living a Double Life 12:22 – The Lasting Impact of Cultural Conditioning 18:38 – Social Media, Identity & Authentic Individuality 22:20 – What's Missing in Traditional Mental Health Systems 29:04 – Living the Questions Instead of Chasing the Answers #ElementQ #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration #LGBTQHealing #Spirituality #Recovery #TraumaHealing
Why Trans Mental Health is About More Than Pronouns | Hana Leyland
In Season 3, Episode 7 of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward welcomes longtime friend, spiritual teacher, and ordained minister Mark Anthony Lord to explore healing, identity, recovery, spirituality, and the evolving journey of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they reflect on Pride, the generations that came before us, and how healing our personal pain can become a gift to the collective. Mark shares his perspective that LGBTQ+ lives carry a profound spiritual invitation—not despite challenge, but through it—and opens up about reclaiming the word “queer” as an expression of authenticity, integration, and freedom. The conversation moves into powerful territory as TJ and Mark discuss coming of age during the AIDS crisis, internalized shame, spiritual recovery, religious trauma, and the difference between religion and lived spirituality. Mark also shares a remarkable personal story of healing from childhood sexual trauma and the transformational spiritual experience that changed his relationship with pain forever. This episode is an invitation to move beyond survival and toward remembrance—of our wholeness, our divinity, and our capacity to bring more love into the world. Topics include: • LGBTQ+ healing and collective transformation • Queer identity and authentic self-expression • Recovery, spirituality, and conscious healing • Religious trauma and reclaiming God • Trauma, forgiveness, and acceptance • A Course in Miracles and New Thought principles • Moving beyond anger and returning to love If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Mark Anthony Lord: https://markanthonylord.me/ Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 00:01:43 — Pride, Purpose & Why LGBTQ+ Healing Matters 00:06:02 — Reclaiming “Queer” & Embracing Full Authenticity 00:10:07 — Coming Out During the AIDS Crisis 00:17:13 — Spirituality, Religious Trauma & Reclaiming Connection 00:23:32 — Mark’s Transformational Story of Healing Sexual Trauma 00:37:46 — Acceptance, Anger & Moving Beyond the Fight #ElementQ #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration #LGBTQHealing #Spirituality #Recovery #TraumaHealing
From Shame to Spiritual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Healing, Recovery & Divine Connection
In Season 3, Episode 6 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with LGBTQ+ advocate, community leader, and San Diego Pride board member Melody Velaruz for a conversation about identity, healing, visibility, and love. Melody shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a strict Mormon faith tradition to coming out later in life as a queer Latina woman, navigating divorce, embracing her authentic self, and finding a healthy, loving relationship with her fiancé, Roman, a transgender man. Together, they explore what it means to build a relationship rooted in accountability, therapy, communication, and personal growth. TJ and Melody dive into important conversations about religious trauma, spirituality beyond organized religion, trans visibility, intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community, and the courage required to challenge assumptions—even within our own community. They also discuss the impact of representation, the healing power of asking difficult questions, and how curiosity can create deeper understanding and connection. This heartfelt episode is an invitation to move beyond labels, embrace nuance, and cultivate compassion for ourselves and others. In this episode, you'll discover: • How therapy and personal healing strengthen healthy relationships • Melody's journey from Mormonism to LGBTQ+ advocacy • The challenges and rewards of trans visibility and representation • Navigating age gaps, identity, and authenticity in relationships • Religious trauma, spirituality, and reclaiming personal truth • Why curiosity and courageous conversations matter in healing • The importance of community, belonging, and chosen family • How accountability creates deeper connection and growth 🎧 Whether you're navigating your own healing journey, exploring questions of identity, or seeking greater understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and inspiration. 👉 Like and subscribe to support conversations on conscious healing, authentic living, and personal transformation. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Melody Velaruz: https://www.instagram.com/melodyvelaruz #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 00:01:12 – Melody's journey: coming out later in life and embracing her authentic self 00:03:19 – Finding a healthy relationship through therapy, healing, and accountability 00:07:17 – Meeting Roman and learning the importance of trans visibility 00:11:09 – Growing up Mormon: faith, culture, and leaving organized religion 00:15:06 – Not fitting into traditional boxes: intersectionality and belonging 00:18:22 – Being perceived as a heterosexual couple and navigating LGBTQ+ spaces 00:24:19 – Internal biases, healing shame, and creating understanding within the LGBTQ+ community 00:31:27 – Why Melody and Roman choose visibility, education, and courageous conversations
Healing, Identity & Love Melody Velaruz on Faith, Queerness, and Trans Visibility
In Season 3, Episode 5 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Hamilton for an honest and compassionate conversation about LGBTQ+ mental health, addiction recovery, adolescent identity development, and the healing power of human connection. Drawing from her own recovery journey and decades of experience working with marginalized communities, Dr. Hamilton shares deeply personal stories about supporting transgender youth, working with long-term HIV/AIDS survivors in San Francisco, advocating for LGBTQ+ youth in juvenile justice systems, and helping families navigate identity, acceptance, and healing with compassion. Together, TJ and Dr. Hamilton explore the emotional impact of shame, societal stigma, political polarization, social media algorithms, and the importance of repairing relationships through empathy and understanding. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that healing happens through connection, curiosity, and love — even in deeply divided times. If you’re passionate about mental health, recovery, LGBTQ+ advocacy, trauma-informed care, or creating safer spaces for authentic identity, this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered. 🎧 Whether you’re navigating sobriety or seeking deeper meaning, this episode offers insight, validation, and inspiration. 👉 Like and subscribe to support conversations on conscious healing, authentic living, and personal transformation. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Dr. Jessica Hamilton: https://drbyrdolmstead.com #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:29 – Recovery Journey & LGBTQ+ Connection 07:52 – Supporting LGBTQ+ 09:57 – Growing Up Gay in the 70s & 80s 12:17 – The Reality of Working with Transgender Youth 21:40 – Social Media, Algorithms & Polarization 30:32 – Why Love & Compassion Are the Real Solution
LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Recovery & Compassion Dr Jessica Hamilton on Healing & Identity
In Season 3, Episode 4 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Bryce Beliveau—Admissions and Outreach Coordinator at No Matter What Recovery and a proud graduate of the program—to explore the raw truth of addiction, identity, and healing within the LGBTQIA+ community. Bryce shares his powerful journey from growing up as a gay child in a small Midwestern town—feeling isolated, ashamed, and “othered”—to finding belonging through musical theater, and ultimately spiraling into addiction. With striking honesty, he opens up about how substances like alcohol and meth temporarily silenced the inner voices of shame, only to lead him into a rapid downward spiral. What follows is a story of resilience, recovery, and transformation. Bryce reveals how finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming treatment space changed everything—allowing him to feel seen, safe, and supported for the first time. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others take that same first step toward healing. This episode dives into: The impact of toxic shame and spiritual disconnection Why LGBTQIA+-affirming care matters in recovery The power of community, stillness, and self-acceptance How asking for help can change—and save—your life 🎧 Whether you’re navigating sobriety or seeking deeper meaning, this episode offers insight, validation, and inspiration. 👉 Like and subscribe to support conversations on conscious healing, authentic living, and personal transformation. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Growing Up “Different” in a Small Town 05:53 – First Drink, First Escape 06:56 – The Rapid Descent into Meth Addiction 09:15 – The Turning Point: Affirming Treatment 12:53 – Learning to Sit Still and Heal 17:48 – The Most Important Advice: Ask for Help
From Addiction to Purpose: Bryce Beliveau’s LGBTQ Recovery Story
In Season 3, Episode 3 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Davina Kotulski—a licensed therapist, author, and internationally recognized LGBTQ+ advocate—to explore how we can cultivate inner resilience, healing, and authenticity in a deeply divided world. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Davina shares compassionate, practical tools for navigating emotional triggers, political stress, and collective trauma—while staying grounded in love, self-awareness, and truth. Together, TJ and Davina unpack: The emotional impact of political and cultural polarization Lessons from LGBTQ+ history, including the AIDS crisis and the marriage equality movement. How to balance activism with inner peace The difference between reactivity and conscious response Why self-care and nervous system regulation are essential right now How to stay connected to your truth—even in difficult conversations Davina’s work bridges mental health, social justice, and spiritual growth, offering a powerful roadmap for anyone seeking to live with greater authenticity, resilience, and self-acceptance. 🎧 Whether you’re navigating sobriety or seeking deeper meaning, this episode offers insight, validation, and inspiration. 👉 Like and subscribe to support conversations on conscious healing, authentic living, and personal transformation. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Dr. Davina Kotulski: https://drdavinakotulski.com/ #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:29 – Living in “Interesting Times” 02:08 – LGBTQ+ History & Resilience 05:03 – Inner Freedom vs External Chaos 07:24 – Activism, Love & Consciousness 12:08 – Media, Algorithms & Emotional Triggers 23:10 – Healing in Real-Life Situations 31:51 – Final Takeaways: Self-Care & Resilience
Self-Care Isn't Selfish | It's Your Superpower
In Season 3, Episode 2 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Brittany Leach, Marketing Director at Gossip Grill, to explore the transformative journey of healing, sobriety, and self-discovery within the LGBTQ+ community. Brittany shares her personal story of stepping away from alcohol, confronting suppressed emotions, and rediscovering joy in its most authentic form. What begins as a conversation about nightlife and community quickly evolves into a profound exploration of identity, trauma, and what it truly means to “meet yourself.” With over 17 years at Gossip Grill, Brittany has helped shape one of the most inclusive and community-driven spaces in San Diego. This organization gives back nearly $500,000 annually to causes including mental health, unhoused support, and trans advocacy. Her work blends storytelling, connection, and purpose-driven marketing to create meaningful impact both online and in real life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why sobriety can initially feel harder—not easier How identity shifts when you remove coping mechanisms The role of community in healing and transformation Why compassion is the key to personal and collective growth How moments of joy signal true emotional recovery 🎧 Whether you’re navigating sobriety, questioning your identity, or seeking deeper meaning, this episode offers insight, validation, and inspiration. 👉 Like and subscribe to support conversations on conscious healing, authentic living, and personal transformation. 🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: https://www.elementqhealingcenter.com TJ Woodward: https://www.tjwoodward.com Heather Hester: https://www.heatherhester.net #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:12 — Healing Is a Privilege 02:13 — Gossip Grill’s Impact on the Community 06:10 — Sobriety Isn’t Instant Happiness 10:10 — “Who Am I Without Alcohol?” 15:54 — The Moment Joy Returned 29:41 — “Please Stay. It’s Worth It.”
Identity Shifts Nobody Warned Me About | Sobriety Story
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