In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Julianna Burmesch — former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, and author of the memoir Life With Less of Me (releasing June 23rd).

Julianna shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, physical abuse, and chronic unpredictability — and how those adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shaped her brain, her body, and her life well into adulthood. From PTSD and anxiety to sepsis, cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, Julianna connects the science of trauma to real-world health outcomes in a way that is both eye-opening and deeply human.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• · How ACEs and childhood trauma rewire the developing brain
• · The long-term physical and mental health effects of growing up in a traumatic environment
• · Practical grounding techniques for managing trauma triggers
• · What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to protect children's long-term wellbeing
• · Why investing in children — through universal childcare, birth support, and trauma-informed education — is one of society's most important priorities
• · Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or survivor, this episode offers both science-backed insight and profound human connection.

🎙️ Julianna Bio and Contact Information

Julianna Burmesch is a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. In writing her memoir, “Life with Less of Me” (Books Fluent, June 23, 2026), she wants to help people understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on one's long-term physical and mental health. Julianna is a mother, grandmother, potter, and occasional jewelry artist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, John, and her beautiful dogs, Bella and Ruby.

Links --

Website - https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/

📚 Book: Life With Less of Me — available June 23rd

To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com