Be a Blaze with Polly Hamp

Episode 4 – You Inherited It — But You Don’t Have to Keep It

Hey friend! I cannot wait for you to hear this deeply meaningful conversation with my dear friend and powerhouse guest, Gina Birkemeier. In this episode, we explore the idea that just because something’s been passed down through generations—like trauma, dysfunction, or limiting beliefs—doesn’t mean you have to keep it. 🙌
 
Gina and I talk about the patterns and emotional narratives we inherit from our families (even before we’re born!) and how those legacy burdens quietly shape the way we see ourselves, others, and even God. We unpack what it looks like to do the inner work, confront regret, rewrite inherited stories, and offer ourselves—and others—grace through the process.
 
Gina also shares her personal story of breaking generational cycles in her own life and how that transformation fueled her mission to help others do the same. Whether you’re deep in your healing journey or just beginning to wonder “Where did this come from?”—this episode will help you connect the dots with compassion and curiosity.
 
About Gina Birkemeier:
Gina is a Licensed Professional Counselor, award-winning author, international speaker, and current PhD student at Regent University. She holds a Master’s in Counseling and Theology, and has advanced training in trauma and evidence-based therapies. A survivor of generational dysfunction herself, Gina’s work is rooted in both faith (as a healthy relationship with God) and the sciences—especially psychology, biology, and epigenetics. She’s walked with the hurting toward hope and healing for nearly two decades.
 
✨ Resources & Links Mentioned:
📘 Generations Deep Book: Buy on Amazon
📓 Generations Deep Workbook: Buy on Amazon
💻 Support Groups & More: ginabirkemeier.com/resources
 
🔥 Leave a Review & Sign up for the free TDAH! Workbook
 
Connect with Gina:
🌐 Website: www.GinaBirkemeier.com
📱 Instagram: @myoutloudvoice
 
Connect with Polly:
📱 Instagram: @pollyahamp
📱 Facebook: Polly Hamp

Episode 3 - What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

Hey friend, welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving deep into a big question that’s honestly life-changing when you sit with it: What story are you telling yourself?
 
Ever had a moment where your brain takes one little situation and builds a whole dramatic narrative out of it? Yep, me too. Whether it’s a frustrating email from a coworker or a painful breakup replaying in your mind, our thoughts can kick our emotions into overdrive—and next thing you know, we’re angry, anxious, or completely shut down. Sound familiar?
 
In this episode, I unpack how the stories we rehearse in our minds can either keep us stuck in survival mode or guide us toward healing and connection. We talk about the difference between toxic positivity and real emotional processing, why your feelings aren’t too much, and how to start learning the language of your emotions instead of shoving them down.
 
I also walk you through practical ways to rewrite your internal script—one that feels empowering, honest, and connected to who you really are. This isn’t about pretending things are okay. It’s about becoming consciously aware of your thoughts, giving your emotions a voice, and learning how to shift your nervous system from chaos to calm.
 
It’s wild what changes when we start telling ourselves new stories. Ones filled with hope, compassion, and fire. 🔥
 
 
👉 Leave a Review & Sign up for the Free TDAH! Workbook
🌐 Resources or Links Mentioned: www.TDAHyou.com
Let’s connect!
📸 Instagram: @pollyahamp
📘 Facebook: PollyAHamp
 
 

Episode 2 - How to Stop Fighting Your Body and Start Listening to It

Hey hey, it’s Polly! 👋 Welcome back to Be A Blaze! In this episode, we’re getting real about something so many of us wrestle with — our relationship with our own bodies. If you’ve ever asked yourself "What is wrong with me?" — this one’s for you.
 
We dive into how trauma shapes our nervous systems and explore how your body isn’t broken — it’s doing exactly what it learned to do to survive. We talk brain science (don’t worry, I make it simple!) and how our brainstem's “F-responses” — fight, flight, freeze, faint, fawn, and even fix — kick in when we feel unsafe. This isn’t dysfunction, it’s design. It’s your system saying, “I got you.”
 
I also walk you through a practice I love and teach often: POP — the Power of Pause. It’s all about moving out of survival mode and into connection, creativity, and calm. We also touch on addictions (yep, even the ones that look “harmless”) and how they often mask unmet needs. No shame here, just curiosity, compassion, and powerful truth: you can shift your state and take your power back.
 
There’s so much fire in you — and when you stop fighting your body and start listening, healing starts to unfold. 🔥
Leave a review if this resonated — it helps more people find their blaze too.
 
Resources Mentioned:
📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
🧠 Teachings by Gabor Maté
 
Let’s connect!
📸 Instagram: @pollyahamp
📘 Facebook: PollyAHamp
 
See you next week, friend. Until then — stay curious, stay fiery. 💛

Episode 1 – From Ashes to A Blaze: My Story of Becoming Blaze

Hey friend—welcome to the very first episode of Be a Blaze! 🔥
I’m so glad you’re here. If you’ve ever felt like your past disqualifies you… or if you’ve been carrying pain that no one else sees… this space is for you.
In this kickoff episode, I’m opening up about my story—not to spotlight me, but to let you know you’re not alone. From surviving childhood sexual abuse to dancing under the name Blaze, I walk through how trauma shaped my story—and how healing, redemption, and purpose are possible, even from the ashes.
You’ll hear why I believe so deeply that true health starts from the inside out. No more chasing diets, punishing our bodies, or living in shame. At TDAH! (Think Differently About Health), we’re learning how to love ourselves to health—and I want that freedom for you too.
I also share how the name Blaze, once part of a painful survival story, became the name God gave me for who I truly am. And maybe, just maybe, there’s a blaze inside you too—quiet or fierce, waiting to rise.
If something in this episode speaks to your heart, would you share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone? Let’s take the next brave step together.
You were made to be a blaze. Let’s light it up.
 
👉 Sign up for the Free 7-Day Workbook
Resources Links Mentioned:
📖 Cherished: Shattered Innocence. Restored Hope. 3rd Edition – By Polly Hamp
📱 Instagram | Facebook

Introduction to Be a Blaze Podcast