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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 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 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
Gender Shame is Destroying Lives (Here's Why & How to Heal) | Hana Leyland
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
In Season 3, Episode 1 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward interviews Heather Hester—speaker, author, advocate, and host of the award-winning More Human. More Kind. podcast—to explore what it truly means to support and love LGBTQ+ children. Heather shares her personal journey as a parent of two LGBTQ+ kids, opening up about the fear, confusion, and deep transformation that followed her son’s coming out at 16. What began as a search for answers became a mission to help other families navigate similar experiences with compassion and courage. As the author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias, Embrace Your Child. Empower Their Authenticity: Heather’s work centers on meeting people exactly where they are—guiding them through complex, emotional moments with a calm, grounded presence. Together, TJ and Heather dive into: The intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ identity How to move through fear-based beliefs Why doing your own “inner work” as a parent matters The importance of community, boundaries, and grace Letting go of control and embracing authentic connection 👉 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 01:14 — Heather’s Story Begins 05:50 — Faith, Fear, and Letting Go of “Hell” Narratives 08:40 — Rebuilding Faith on Your Own Terms 12:29 — Finding (and Losing) Community 17:32 — Embracing the Messiness & Giving Grace 29:39 — Boundaries, Intent, and Protecting Your Peace
Parenting LGBTQ+ Kids: Heather Hester on Faith, Fear & Finding True Acceptance
In Season 2, Episode 26 of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Betsy Spier to explore the complex and often hidden impact of internalized homophobia. Even after coming out, many LGBTQ people carry unconscious shame shaped by cultural messaging, family dynamics, and early life experiences. Betsy shares her personal story of growing up during the feminist movement, navigating identity in the late 70s and 80s, and discovering how deeply internalized beliefs can linger—even after decades of personal growth. Together, TJ and Betsy unpack how shame, trauma, and identity conditioning affect LGBTQ mental health and discuss practical ways to heal through awareness, connection, experiential therapy, and inner child work. They also explore: • How internalized homophobia shows up in everyday thoughts and behaviors • Why awareness is the first step toward healing • The power of experiential therapy and psychodrama • Why connection—not isolation—is essential for recovery • The importance of self-acceptance and internal safety This conversation is a compassionate and insightful look at the journey toward authenticity, healing, and deeper self-love within the LGBTQ community. If you’re interested in LGBTQ mental health, trauma recovery, self-acceptance, or personal growth, this episode offers powerful tools and perspectives. 👉 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 Betsy Spier: https://betsyspier.com #mentalhealth #hope #inspiration Key Moments 00:00 – Intro 01:24 - How Internalized Homophobia Forms 04:05 – The Hidden Link Between Shame and Self-Worth 06:21 – Awareness Is the First Step Toward Healing 19:01 – Integration vs. Isolation in the LGBTQ Community 27:12 – Experiential Therapy & Inner Child Healing
The Hidden Shame Many LGBTQ People Carry And How to Heal It With Betsy Spier LMFT
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