Resilience Through Self-Defense and Trauma Therapy with Joseph Gleed

In this episode of Resilience Redefined, host Michael Osterlenk sits down with Joseph Gleed—a self-defense expert, Krav Maga instructor, and trauma therapist with over two decades of experience.

Joseph shares his powerful journey from martial arts into trauma recovery, the creation of the Victor Course, and his decade-long undercover work rescuing human trafficking victims. He explains how integrating self-defense training with therapeutic modalities gives survivors not only the tools to protect themselves, but also the confidence and resilience to rebuild their lives.

Together, Michael and Joseph explore:

• How the Victor Course merges self-defense with therapy

• Why multimodal treatment is essential in addressing trauma’s cognitive, emotional, and somatic dimensions

• The transformative impact of Krav Maga as a trauma therapy tool

• Stories from undercover rescue operations and their long-lasting effects

• Why education and training for trauma care professionals is critical

• The deeper mission of helping survivors live lives worth living

This is a raw, hopeful, and practical conversation about the resilience born at the intersection of survival skills and healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma recovery goes far beyond the initial rescue.

• Multimodal treatment builds resilience on every level—mind, body, and spirit.

• Self-defense training can be a bridge to empowerment and healing.

• The right people with the right training change lives.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://www.michaeldostrolenk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostrolenk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostrolenkresiliencemastery