
If you work with kids, families, or clients impacted by trauma, you’re in the right place.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is your go-to podcast for real conversations about trauma, attachment, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve.
Every other week, host Kirsty Nolan sits down with experts in attachment, trauma, and child development to talk about the stuff that really matters—how trauma shapes behavior and development, how to build stronger relationships, and how to bring these insights into your daily work.
Looking for practical tips you can actually use? Wondering how to better support your clients? Curious about the latest research in attachment and trauma? We’ve got you covered.
With nearly 2 million downloads, over 300 episodes, and a loyal community of listeners, the Attachment Theory in Action Podcast helps professionals like you grow and learn—all in under an hour, every other week.
Whether you’re a therapist, counselor, social worker, parent, or simply someone who cares deeply about helping others, this is a space for learning, growth, and inspiration. Hit follow, and let’s dive into the work that changes lives.
The Attachment Theory in Action Podcast is brought to you by Chaddock. Chaddock equips thousands of educators, clinicians, and helping professionals on the latest trauma-informed, attachment based strategies. Visit www.Chaddock.org/learn to learn more.
Want to jump behind the mic and share your expertise? Visit AttachmentTheoryInAction.com to fill out our form to be a guest.
Episodes

Mar 19, 2024
Mar 19, 2024
1hr 12 min
This week, Jenna sits down with Lori, Sara, and Kelsey, authors of 'Adoption Unfiltered,' as they share their diverse adoption experiences. From adoptee to adoptive parent to birth parent, they offer candid insights into the challenges and healing journey, exploring the power of attachment. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on love, loss, and resilience in adoption.
Show Notes:

Mar 5, 2024
Mar 5, 2024
59 min
This week, Jenna sits down with DJ Johnson, who shares his life story about his time before, during, and after living in the Indiana foster care system. Despite the physical and emotional trauma he's suffered, he now leads a successful and fulfilling life as a husband, father, author, mentor and specialist in helping parents ensure that their children have room to grow into the best version of themselves.
Show Notes:

Feb 20, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
50 min
This week, Jenna joins Josh Carlson, the Executive Director of the Knowledge Center here at Chaddock, for an insightful conversation about the different styles of attachment in the workplace, and how you can support your employees, co-workers and everyone in between to bring out the best in your team.
Show Notes:
- https://www.tkcchaddock.org/
- https://www.tkcchaddock.org/events/tirf-schools-conference/
- https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-1/
- https://attachmenttheoryinaction.podbean.com/e/david-wallin-on-the-necessity-of-the-therapists-self-revelation-part-2/
- https://adultattachmentlab.human.cornell.edu/HazanShaver1990.pdf
- https://thecircleworks.com/

Feb 6, 2024
Feb 6, 2024
54 min
Today, Jenna sits down with Dr. Scott Lyons, author of "Addicted to Drama", creator of The Embody Lab and holistic psychologist. Together, they explore the intricacies of stress, drama, and attachment wounds, delving into their lasting and impactful effects on both our relationships and daily existence.
Show Notes:

Jan 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024
45 min
Join Jenna in a compelling conversation with psychologist Dr. Rana Pishva as they delve into the challenges of new parenthood. Dr. Pishva provides valuable insights on discovering your parenting identity, debunking myths surrounding motherhood, and navigating the journey of parenting as a whole.
Show Notes:
Dr. Privas' Contact Information:
Other Resources
- Journaling in Psychotherapy
- Post Partum Supports International
- Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario
- Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health
- Sunnybrooke Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network
- Dr. Alexandra Sacks Ted Talk
Books
- What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood by A. Sacks and C. Birndorf
- Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy

Jan 9, 2024
Jan 9, 2024
1hr 7 min
This week, Jenna sits down with professor and children's book author, Dr. Katelen Fortunati, who brings her insider knowledge, strategies and experiences to a conversation about the lives of children and families who have been impacted by parental incarceration.
Get your tickets below for a FREE Webinar with Jenna and Karen Andor on February 8th, 2024!
Show Notes:
- University of Saint Mary: Online MSW Program - Forensics Concentration
- We Got Us Now Podcast
- We Got Us Now Website
- Sesame Street's Little Children Big Challenges: Incarceration
- Angel Tree
- Rutgers National Resource Center Lists
- Youth.gov's 'Children with Incarcerated Parents' Website
- Michael Trout's Book: They Took My Parents Away
Children's Books:
- Dr. Fourtunati's Free PDF Books
- Kofi's Mom by Richard Dyches
- Dougies Dad by Richard Dyches
- But Why is Daddy in Prison? by Erika Ruiz
- Anna's Test by Whitney Quinn Hollins
- Missing Daddy by Mariame Kaba
- The Night Dad Went to Jail by Melissa Higgins
- Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson
- What is Jail, Mommy? by Jackie Stanglin
- My Daddy is in Jail by Janet Bender
Youth Books:
- Slugg: A Boy's Life in the Age of Mass Incarceration by Tony Lewis Jr.
- Teen Guide to Living with Incarcerated Parents by Anye Young
- Everyone Makes Mistakes by Madison Strempek
- From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
- Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh
- Where's Dad? by Richard Dyches
- Two of Every 100 by Richard Dyches

Dec 26, 2023
Dec 26, 2023
23 min
Today, Jenna takes a moment to reflect on her year. She talks about some of the incredible conversations she's had since becoming the new host of ATIA, the lessons she's learned, and what she'll take into the new year. We thank you so much for listening to the show, it wouldn't be possible without your continued support! Thank you again, and we wish you a beautiful and attachment-filled 2024!
Show Notes:
- Watch the Previous Episodes!
Save the Date: Free Webinar with Karen Andor!
- Thursday February 8th, 2024
- Get your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-dissociation-in-children-tickets-791604790237?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Dec 12, 2023
Dec 12, 2023
1hr 55 sec
Today, Jenna talks with "Attachment Nerd" and author of "Securely Attached", Eli Harwood, about her journey, the different styles of attachment, and she also shares insightful and practical advice to help develop secure, meaningful attachments.
Show Notes:
- attachmentnerd.com
- attachmentlabs.com
- Purchase "Securely Attached"
- Check out the Attachment Nerd on Instagram

Nov 28, 2023
Nov 28, 2023
1hr 2 min
In this week’s episode, Jenna welcomes Dr. Katie Heiden-Rootes for a conversation about how attachment can support LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Dr. Heiden-Rootes also provides perspectives, insights, resources and tips for supporting the attachment needs of the queer community.
Show Notes:
- katieheidenrootes.com
- Blog (katieheidenrootes.com)
- The Queer and Trans Wellness Clinic at SLU
- Medical Family Therapy Program at SLU
- Queering Your Therapy Practice by Dr. Julie Tilsen
- The Trevor Project
- SQSH
- Campaign for Southern Equality

Oct 31, 2023
Oct 31, 2023
1hr 9 min
Show Notes:
