Trauma-Informed or Trauma-Misguided? A Candid Talk with Best-Selling Author Philip Wire

04/23/25 • 68 min

In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni sits down with Missouri middle school teacher and author Philip Wire to unpack a provocative and timely topic: Are schools getting trauma-informed education right—or missing the mark entirely?

Inspired by Philip’s bold book, "Trauma-Informed Tragedy: How Schools Got Trauma Part Right and Part Wrong," this conversation dives deep into the well-intentioned yet sometimes misguided practices that have emerged in the name of supporting students with trauma.

Dr. Paulie and Phil explore:

✅ What schools are doing well in addressing trauma
✅ Where the system is falling short—and even causing harm
✅ Why good intentions aren't enough without behaviorally sound strategies
✅ How educators can actually empower students without overaccommodating dysfunction

This is not your average trauma talk. It’s a raw, respectful, and practical conversation between two professionals committed to helping—not harming—students through real, actionable solutions.

🎧 Tune in now to hear what it really means to be trauma-informed—and how to do it better.

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Dr. Paulie and Phil explore:

This is not your average trauma talk. It’s a raw, respectful, and practical conversation between two professionals committed to helping—not harming—students through real, actionable solutions.

🎧 Tune in now to hear what it really means to be trauma-informed—and how to do it better.

Previous Episode

Virtual Solutions, Real Impact: ABA Support for Military Families in Education with Emil Majetich

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In this powerful episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie welcomes Emil Majetich, a doctoral candidate in early childhood special education, licensed behavior analyst, university instructor, and 25-year fire service veteran. Emil shares his remarkable journey from fire lieutenant and paramedic to behavior analyst, emphasizing the transferable skills and values that fuel his passion for helping others. With firsthand experience supporting families of children with autism in education, especially military families navigating the challenges of virtual service delivery, Emil brings a unique blend of grit, compassion, and behavioral science to the table.

Listeners will hear about Emil’s work mentoring the next generation of practitioners, his involvement with organizations like Surfers Healing, and how his experiences in high-stakes, real-life crises inform his perspective on meaningful family and educator support. This episode underscores the importance of authenticity in service delivery and highlights practical ways educators and behavior analysts can collaborate to create lasting impact—not just in theory, but in action.

Military & DoD Families with Autistic Children: Take part in a free virtual ABA family coaching study designed specifically for you. Receive personalized support from a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst and learn practical, evidence-based strategies you can use at home—no travel required. The program is flexible, confidential, and built with military life in mind. Support your child’s development while helping shape better services for other military families.

Please use this link https://bit.ly/4hzDjxA or contact Emil Majetich Jr. at [email protected]