Episode 45: The Curious Case of Tyke the Elephant -- A Psychologist’s Firsthand Experience of Trauma and How He Addressed it, with Dr. Tyler Ralston

Today's episode of Mind Tricks Radio is an unusual one. I interviewed Dr. Tyler Ralston about his firsthand experience witnessing the rampage of Tyke the Elephant through the streets of Honolulu on August 20, 1994. 

During a performance by Circus International, an African Bush Elephant named Tyke mauled her trainer and then charged out of the event at the Neal Blaisdell Center and rampaged through the streets of the Kakaako business district. She was eventually brought down by police gunfire over 30 minutes later.  She was shot at least 86 times. This was a pivotal event for Dr. Ralston and caused him to think more intently about trauma. It also prompted him to take action and address animal cruelty and public policy.

In the interview, Dr. Ralston talks about his own personal experience coping with the traumatic event, and then discusses common factors leading a person to be traumatized. He also discusses how he dealt with the trauma, and how he helps others heal from their own traumas using cognitive and behavioral techniques common to trauma treatment.