Seed Talks: The Science of Trauma

Seed Talks: The Science of Trauma & The Body

With Dr Susanna Petche at The Glee Club Cardiff

Discover how and why trauma manifests as physical symptoms and what we can do about it. With Q&A.

Trauma is not just in your head! In fact, trauma can impact our whole bodies. We will explore what happens in our bodies during the survival response, how our nervous system responds and coordinates physiological responses throughout our body. We need these responses to survive, but what happens when we get ‘stuck’?

Discover what the implications are for our bodies, and crucially, what we can all do to help ourselves and those around us. When we understand how trauma and the body are intrinsically interconnected, we can understand how to heal, and reconnect to ourselves, those around us and to our environment.

Dr Susanna Petche is redefining trauma care and leading a movement for change. Founder of Trauma-Sense and creator of the C-Sense methodology, she blends neuroscience, functional medicine, and coaching to address the hidden effects of trauma. With 25+ years as a GP, she saw how unresolved trauma fuels many health issues, inspiring her to create training and resources for professionals, workplaces, and individuals. In October 2025, she will deliver a TEDx talk on the importance of acknowledging trauma. A sought-after speaker, she has shared stages with Dr Gabor Maté and Dr Rangan Chatterjee, challenging outdated approaches to health and healing.

Seed Talks: The Science of Intergenerational Trauma – 2026

With Dr Jeffrey DeMarco at The Glee Club Glasgow

Discover how trauma is passed down through generations and how early interventions can prevent harmful consequences. With Q&A.

Trauma does not always end with the person who experiences it. Recent cutting-edge studies show that extreme stress can leave biochemical ‘sticky notes’ on our DNA. These tiny epigenetic tweaks not only play a role in how our bodies respond to danger but also could be passed down to generations. When war, displacement, or abuse alters stress-response genes, a child can inherit a nervous system already tuned to hyper-vigilance, shaping lifelong health and behaviour.

In this talk, Dr Jeffrey DeMarco unpacks the science behind intergenerational trauma, showing why biology is not destiny. Drawing on fieldwork with families across seven countries, he explains how positive relationships, safe digital spaces, and evidence-based interventions can ‘rewrite’ these harmful patterns before they ripple onwards.

Doors open at 6:30pm, Last entry at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!

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Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is a Senior Technical Advisor for Protecting Children from Digital Harm at Save the Children UK. He is also a chartered forensic psychologist, frequently lectures on trauma at Middlesex University. His research and policy works bridge psychology with technology and child protection, where most recently, he led a nine-nation digital-resilience programme. He has spoken before the European Commission, Europol, and UNICEF on online harms, radicalisation, and the experience of trauma. His ideas have been featured in his TEDx RoyalHolloway talks “The Importance of Trust” and his podcast “Privacy Talks” (2025).

Seed Talks: The Neuroscience of Adverse Childhood Experiences – 2026

With Dr Jeffrey DeMarco at The Glee Club Glasgow

Why do early life experiences, especially those that are difficult, shape who we become as adults? Adverse Childhood Experiences like neglect, abuse and/or chronic stress can alter the developing brains of children and adolescents. In turn, this cumulative stress could play a role in shaping our emotions, learning, memory, and decision-making.

In this talk, Dr Jeffrey DeMarco will draw on neuroscience to explore the influences of early environment on children’s long-term well-being, and how this impacts us into adulthood. He will also explore the role of support and resilience in helping the brain heal and grow after trauma. This session is perfect for any adult eager to explore and understand childhood experiences and how they can have a lasting impact on our lives.

For accessibility requirements, please contact the venue with any accessibility requirements before booking. Spaces may be limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis.You can call: 0121 693 2248 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm & Sat/Sun 12-6pm) or email info@glee.co.uk with your access requirements and the show you wish to see in order to make a booking. Disabled Access is available by lift.

Speaker Bio:

Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is a Senior Technical Advisor for Protecting Children from Digital Harm at Save the Children UK. He is also a chartered forensic psychologist, and frequently lectures on trauma at Middlesex University. His research and policy work bridge psychology with technology and child protection, where most recently, he led a nine-nation digital-resilience programme. He has spoken before the European Commission, Europol, and UNICEF on online harms, radicalisation, and the experience of trauma. His ideas have been featured in his TEDx RoyalHolloway talks “The Importance of Trust” and his podcast “Privacy Talks” (2025).