Stay in the Light: Surviving Trauma with Trinea Gonczar

Be the Sun, Not the Salt

Trinea Gonczar, a former gymnast and survivor of the Larry Nassar sexual assault case, shares her ongoing journey from trauma to healing and how she helps others find light in their darkest times. We discuss the importance of offering grace to oneself and others, and Trinea’s impactful work at the Avalon Healing Center, and the need for survivors to have support systems and plans in place to navigate their healing journeys. The episode highlights the significance of every individual's courageous choice to spread positivity and support those around them.

Please be advised that this episode contains content about sexual assault and the journey of healing. We honor and suggest taking the self care needed for any feelings that may arise during the listening of this episode.
Resources for Survivors:

• Avalon Healing Center
• RAINN

Reference Links:

• Trinea’s victim statement from the Larry Nassar sexual assault trial
• Trinea’s episode from NPR’s Believed podcast
• Trinea’s homage to Simone Biles in Business Insider
• Trailer for the HBO documentary "At the Heart of Gold"
• Trinea’s Detroit Free Press article about her former coach, John Geddert
• Trinea’s Business Insider article in support of fellow survivor Simone Biles
• The Audible book “Twisted”
• “Sister Survivors Round Table” on ESPN
• "The Girls" by Abigail Pesta
• “Start by Believing: Larry Nassar's Crimes, the Institutions that Enabled Him, and the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster” by John Barr
• The Universal Survivor Bill of Rights, which was adopted in 2022, with the support of Trinea
• Be the Sun, Not the Salt episode with Valorie Kondos Field

More About Trinea Gonczar:
Trinea Gonczar is a survivor and advocate for victims of sexual abuse. She is an exemplar of heliotropic leadership in the many ways she chooses to find the light, even in the darkest of times, for herself and others. Today she works with Avalon Healing Center, a unique organization that provides comprehensive services to survivors and those impacted by sexual abuse, located in Detroit.
Connect with Trinea

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

To explore the book, or for more episodes, information, tips and tools to live a more heliotropic life, visit us at bethesunnotthesalt.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Chapter

1. Stay in the Light: Surviving Trauma (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Trinea (00:02:38)

3. Trinea's Life Story: From Gymnast to Survivor (00:03:53)

4. The Turning Point: From Jane Doe to Public Advocate (00:06:47)

5. Finding the Light: Healing and Helping Others (00:08:42)

6. The Power of Choice and Positive Influence (00:11:00)

7. The Power of Planning and Support in Healing (00:15:50)

8. Offering Grace: The Continuous Journey of Healing and Helping (00:20:44)

9. Look for Opportunities to Be the Light for Others (00:26:51)

10. Avalon Healing Center: A Beacon of Hope for Survivors (00:30:44)

11. Concluding thoughts: Practicing Positivity and Offering Grace in Daily Life (00:37:52)