Connecting to Cope

Connecting to Cope is a conversation-driven podcast hosted by Ranae Van Roekel, a trauma-informed coach and judicial reform advocate. Rooted in her own lived experience, Ranae shares her journey as a mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, wife, and formerly incarcerated woman who served 36 months in federal prison. Years of unresolved trauma shaped her life in ways she did not fully understand until incarceration forced her to slow down, reflect, and begin real healing. That experience became the foundation for both her personal recovery and her commitment to reforming a justice system that often ignores the role trauma, stress, anxiety, and mental health play in people’s lives. Each episode features honest, grounded conversations with guests who bring their own stories and expertise. Together, Ranae and her guests talk openly about trauma, resilience, self-care, and coping skills, offering practical tools and real perspectives for listeners who have been impacted by the justice system or who are simply navigating difficult seasons of life. Connecting to Cope is about meeting people where they are, sharing what works, and creating space for understanding, healing, and meaningful change.