Podcast appearances and mentions of jennifer wallace

Why do so many people feel lonely, burned out, and disconnected—even in a hyper-connected world? Author and journalist Jennifer Wallace joins Mosheh to unpack what she sees as a root cause behind today's mental health, workplace, and social crises: a growing lack of mattering. In her new book, '⁠Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose⁠,' Wallace argues that feeling valued for who we are, and knowing we add value to others, is a fundamental human need. She explains how technology, distraction, and achievement-driven culture have hollowed out relationships, contributing to loneliness, burnout, disengagement at work, and rising social anger. The conversation discusses tips for reversing that trend, and also explores parenting and leadership, including why kids and adults thrive when they feel they matter at home and at work, and how small, everyday moments of attention and appreciation can rebuild connection.  Mosheh Oinounou (⁠⁠⁠⁠@mosheh⁠⁠⁠⁠) is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist. He has 20 years of experience at networks including Fox News, Bloomberg Television and CBS News, where he was the executive producer of the CBS Evening News and launched the network's 24 hour news channel. He founded the @mosheh Instagram news account in 2020 and the Mo News podcast and newsletter in 2022.

In this episode of the podcast, I explore why marriages feel empty even when couples are still together. The answer isn't about compatibility or whether you "married the right person." It's about three essential elements that every strong marriage needs, and what happens when they disappear. I'm bringing together insights from Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Jennifer Wallace's new book Mattering to show you a different way of understanding what's really going wrong. These aren't just abstract concepts. They are deeply wired human needs that your marriage either fulfills or frustrates. Here's what makes this episode different: I'm not just diagnosing the problem. I'm showing you why the disconnection you're feeling creates a cascade of other losses — and why connection is always the starting point for rebuilding. If you've been wondering whether your marriage can be saved, or if you're stuck in a relationship that feels more like going through the motions than genuine partnership, this episode will help you see your situation more clearly. Listen now to discover: • Why "fitting in" to your marriage leaves you feeling emptier than being alone • The hidden way disconnection steals your sense of significance • What it really means to "matter" to someone - and why you can't fake it • How to know if you've been hitting the Un-Pause Button without realizing it This might be the perspective shift you've been needing. RELATED RESOURCES Why Connection Matters Three Levels of Connection Save The Marriage System

Jennifer Wallace's book "Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose" explores how our lives are transformed when we are reminded of our value.

In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore autoimmune conditions through a nervous-system and psychoneuroimmunology lens—moving beyond the idea that the body is "attacking itself." Instead, we examine autoimmunity as an adaptive output of a system that has lived in chronic threat for too long. Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof unpack how immune response, emotional expression, boundaries, trauma history, and social stress intersect at the level of physiology. Drawing on research from ACEs, chronic inflammation, the HPA axis, the inflammatory reflex, and shame-based immune activation, they explain how the brain's predictions—rather than isolated biology—shape immune behavior. You'll hear why autoimmune conditions disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities, how emotional suppression and boundary violations translate into inflammation, and why anger, shame, and safety are biological—not just psychological—processes. The episode closes with a grounded conversation on post-traumatic growth: what it means to live in partnership with the body, retrain predictions through sensory and interoceptive work, and expand resilience alongside medical care. This is an invitation to replace self-blame with curiosity—and to see regulation, expression, and safety as central to immune health.     Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Autoimmune as protection, not self-attack 08:40 – Autoimmune, ACEs, gender, and nervous system prediction 21:05 – Chronic inflammation, HPA axis & the inflammatory reflex 35:20 – Boundaries, anger, shame & post-traumatic growth 52:00 – Closing reflections & integration     Key Takeaways Autoimmune responses can be understood as nervous-system outputs shaped by prediction and chronic threat. Early adversity, emotional suppression, and social stress significantly increase inflammatory load. Boundaries are physiological capacities rooted in interoception and proprioception—not just communication skills. Training safety, expression, and regulation can complement medical care and reduce flare frequency.     Call to Action:   Join us for a free NSI workshop Feb 11: Integrating the Nervous System with Precision and Purpose: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/integration-workshop/   Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at boundaryrewire.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.  Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired    Get a two-week free trial of neurosomatic training at rewiretrial.com Resources Mentioned NIH – Autoimmune Diseases & Women: https://orwh.od.nih.gov/research/maternal-morbidity-mortality/autoimmune-diseases Danese & Lewis (2017) Psychoneuroimmunology of Early-Life Stress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27860545/ Dube et al. (2009) ACEs & Autoimmune Risk: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19234146/ McEwen & Gianaros (2016) Stress, Brain & Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26766224/ Dickerson & Kemeny (2004) Shame, Social Threat & Inflammation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15250837/   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

Jennifer Wallace talks new book ‘Mattering'; Top wedding trends for 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jennifer Wallace talks new book ‘Mattering'; Top wedding trends for 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In her new book, ⁠Mattering⁠, Jennifer Wallace argues that our deepest crises — loneliness, anxiety, political rage — stem from a single unmet need: the need to matter. How did this happen, and what can we do about it? The Next Big Idea is now on YouTube! Check out our episodes ⁠here⁠. If you enjoyed this conversation, we think you'll like Jennifer's previous appearance on the show, her episode of The Next Big Idea Daily, and Rebecca Goldstein's book bite for The Mattering Instinct. Follow Rufus on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack, or send us an email. The best way to support the show is by becoming a Next Big Idea Club member. Learn more at nextbigideaclub.com, and use code PODCAST for a super secret discount (spoiler: it's 20% off). Today's episode is sponsored by Shopify. Start your $1/month trial at ⁠shopify.com/nbi⁠

 If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things—checking boxes, meeting expectations—yet still wondering whether any of it really matters, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author and researcher Jennifer Wallace to explore one of the most fundamental human needs we rarely name directly: mattering.Jennifer joins me to talk about her latest work and the research behind why feeling valued—for who we are, not just what we do—is essential for resilience, mental health, and motivation. Together, we unpack how mattering shows up in families, schools, workplaces, and communities, and why rebuilding connection may be one of the most important things we can do for our kids—and ourselves. Episode Highlights:[0:00] – Why thriving kids (and adults) need more than good intentions [1:07] – Introducing Jennifer Wallace and the idea of mattering as a basic human need [3:05] – From Never Enough to mattering: what parents revealed behind the scenes [5:44] – Why caring for children means caring for parents too [6:18] – The “pay-to-play village” and what we've lost culturally [7:12] – Why kids (and adults) need more trusted adults in their lives [9:03] – Capitalism, religion, and who society decides “matters” [10:25] – Aging, invisibility, and the pain of no longer being invested in [12:52] – Why mattering is a felt experience—not something you can force [14:46] – Defining mattering and the SAID framework [18:32] – Community, reciprocity, and the power of mutual investment [22:59] – Clean fuel vs. dirty fuel and what truly motivates kids [26:48] – Honest feedback, gratitude, and real investment in relationships [30:11] – Mental subtraction, appreciation, and noticing who matters most [34:53] – Why gratitude and mattering protect mental health [37:05] – Helping kids strive without tying worth to achievement [42:48] – Rebuilding spaces of mattering in an isolated world [43:08] – Key takeaways and why reminding others they matter helps us too Links & Resources:Rick Weissbourd at the Making Caring Common Projecthttps://www.thereciprocityeffect.org/abouthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MuditaA Wonderful Life by Frank Martela If this episode has helped you, remember to rate, follow, and share the Self-Driven Child Podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and create more content that makes a difference. If you have a high school aged student and would like to talk about putting a tutoring or college plan together, reach out to Ned's company, PrepMatters at www.prepmatters.com

As humans, we have a deep desire to know we're needed and that our community values who we are and our contributions. Jennifer Wallace is the author of the forthcoming book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. “Mattering is like gravity,” she says, “When we feel it, we feel anchored. We show up to the world in positive ways, we want to connect, we want to engage and contribute.” But, she says, mattering is eroding, leading to loneliness, anxiety, and burnout. She speaks with podcast host and author Kelly Corrigan and Northeastern University psychology professor David DeSteno about how we can build cultures of mattering in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Today, Jennifer Wallace shares a blueprint for living a meaningful life and creating a world we so urgently need. Her new book is Mattering. And later in the show, you'll hear from Zach Mercurio. Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at shopify.com/daily

In a world that's more connected than ever yet feels increasingly lonely, award-winning journalist Jennifer B. Wallace explores why the simple human need to matter may be the most powerful force shaping our well-being. Joining Yael to discuss her new book, Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, Jennifer underscores the crucial role of mattering in fostering resilience and well-being, emphasizing its importance in both personal and professional contexts. You'll gain practical ways to cultivate a sense of mattering, learn about the importance of attunement in relationships, and understand the significance of social contexts in mental health. She also reflects on the impact of technology on our social connections and the valuable lessons learned from her research on creating ecosystems that support mattering.Listen and Learn: The discovery that shifted Jennifer's entire research focus and why the real key to kids' resilience may actually lie in how adults experience purpose, value, and “mattering” in their own livesWhy “mattering” goes beyond belonging or purpose and how feeling both valued and impactful may be the hidden factor that determines whether people truly engage or quietly burn outHow a simple moment of everyday rudeness can quietly undermine our sense of mattering, and why understanding that reaction can completely change how you interpret (and respond to) those interactionsHow a lesson learned from Jennifer's father about making people feel like they matter shaped their entire lifeWhy feeling like you “matter” isn't something you can fix alone, and how small, often uncomfortable moments of connection, dependence, and even friction are actually where real healing and meaning are builtWhy do some people never seem to feel that they matter, even when the evidence is right in front of them, and what actually helps (and doesn't) when you're trying to show someone they do?How attunement can transform everyday interactions and make people feel deeply seen, valued, and connectedResources:Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose by Jennifer B. Wallace: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593850596 Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer B. Wallace: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593191866 Jennifer's Website: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/Connect with Jennifer on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-b-wallace/https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrehenywallace Yael's newsletter on “phubbing” with Jaqueline Nesi: https://relationalriffs.substack.com/p/are-you-phubbing-your-partner Empathy Diaries by Sherry Turkle: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780525560111 Power of Discord by Ed Tronick and Claudia Goldstein: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-of-discord-why-the-ups-and-downs-of-relationships-are-the-secret-to-building-intimacy-resilience-and-trust-claudia-m-gold-md/f91287b2b45f7311?ean=9780316488877&next=tAbout Jennifer B WallaceJennifer Breheny Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It, which was named an Amazon Best Book of the Year, and for which she joined us on POTC episode 324. She's also the founder of The Mattering Institute, whose mission is to create cultures of mattering in workplaces and communities, and co-founder of The Mattering Movement, a nonprofit dedicated to creating cultures of mattering in schools. Jennifer started her journalism career at CBS's 60 Minutes. She's contributed to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, and she's here today to talk about her forthcoming book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.Related Episodes:168. Everyday Conversations: How Conversational Style Impacts Relationships with Deborah Tannen179. How to be an Adult in Relationships with Dave Richo263. Relationships with Emotionally Immature People with Lindsay Gibson324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer WallaceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when achievement stops motivating and starts measuring worth? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Wallace to talk about how achievement culture quietly shapes our kids and us based on her New York Times Best Selling Book Never Enough:When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It. We unpack why so many high-performing kids struggle with anxiety, burnout, and a constant never-enough feeling, even when they look successful on the outside. We also preview her newest book, Mattering, which explores a simple but powerful idea: kids do better when they feel valued for who they are and when they see how they add value to others. That sense of mattering acts as a buffer against pressure, comparison, and setbacks. We also talk about the bigger picture, how economic pressure, school culture, and social media fuel comparison, and why parents are not failing for feeling stuck in this system. In this episode, we discuss: • Why high-achieving kids are at higher risk for anxiety and burnout • How achievement culture shapes long-term self-worth • Clean fuel vs fear-based motivation • Why mattering supports resilience and mental health • How comparison takes hold and how social media adds pressure • How parents can support healthy striving without pressure • Why kids should not worry alone and the role of adult support To connect with Jennifer Wallace follow her on Instagram @Jenniferbrehenywallace, check out all her resources at Jenniferbwallace.com and buy her books “Mattering” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/preorder and “Never Enough” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough .  00:00 Why praise alone does not build self worth 00:40 Why this conversation matters for parents today 02:16 The hidden cost of achievement culture 03:37 How achievement came to define childhood 05:05 From teen pressure to adult never enough 07:14 What achievement culture looks like later in life 07:50 Dirty fuel vs clean fuel for motivation 11:13 When self worth becomes tied to success 12:08 What the research shows about high achieving kids 16:33 Why pressure feels worse now 18:18 What resilient kids have in common 39:07 Redefining achievement as mattering Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever shared an idea, been met with silence, and felt your body instantly brace like something was wrong? Or walked to your car and suddenly felt flooded by an old fear, even though nothing "new" happened? In this episode, we explore how trauma and chronic stress can shift the brain from learning mode into survival mode, shaping what we remember, how we recall it, and how safe it feels to stay curious. You will hear why memory is not a perfect recording, how present-day state influences recall, and how the nervous system can tag even subtle cues, like a pause or a tone, as danger when past experiences taught your body that silence equals disconnection. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide) are joined by Matt Bush, founder of Next Level Neuro and lead educator in the NSI certification. Together, they unpack explicit vs. implicit memory, how the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex influence recall and learning, and how regulation, sensory inputs, and repetition can support integration and post-traumatic growth.   Timestamps: 00:00 A real-life trigger: when silence, social cues, or context flips the body into survival 08:00 Memory basics: explicit vs. implicit, plus episodic, semantic, emotional, and procedural memory 16:00 Why memory is reconstructive: state, prediction, and sensory integration shape recall 24:00 Trauma + memory: hippocampus, amygdala, and why facts fade while sensations intensify 33:00 Learning after trauma: attention as a nervous system state, and why willpower is not the lever 42:00 Memory reconsolidation and "windows" for updating threat charge with regulation 55:00 Psychedelics, preparation, and nervous system training: capacity, safety, and integration 1:07:00 Motivation, dopamine pathways, and rebuilding curiosity through safe repetition 1:18:00 Closing reframes: contraction and expansion, neurodiversity, and reducing sensory "noise" Key Takeaways: Trauma can disrupt how memories are stored and recalled, especially under high stress, without it being a personal failure. Memory is reconstructive, and your current nervous system state can change how both positive and negative memories feel. Learning is embodied: attention, curiosity, and motivation depend on safety signals in the body, not just mindset. Regulation plus recall can create opportunities to update threat charge and build new predictions over time. Repetition is not just practice. It is consistent exposure to safety while doing something new. Resources Mentioned: Free live 90-minute workshop: Neurosomatic.com/Integration  NSI Community: Neurosomatic.com  BrainBased: BrainBased.com  Next Level Neuro: Nextlevelneuro.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired    Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

Feeling that our life is meaningful - that we add value to the world and are valued by the people around us, isn't just a good feeling, it's a fundamentally necessary one. In fact, the need to matter is a universal human motive, second only to the needs of food and shelter.  On this episode we'll talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book on the topic of mattering, why we're in a “mattering deficit,” the worrying impact this is having on our physical and emotional health, and what we can do to change that. And Duke researcher Patty Van Cappellen will share studies showing how spirituality and religious community can instill a deep sense of meaning in life that contributes to true human flourishing. Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and the author of Mattering. You can find more about her work on her website.Patty Van Cappellen, Ph.D., is an associate research professor at the Social Science Research Institute and the Department for Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University.

When it feels like the world is on fire, it's hard to know what's in your control and what's out of your hands. This hour, TED speakers explain ways you can reclaim your agency. Guests include financial advisor Matt Pitcher, sociologist Anindya Kundu, journalist Jennifer Wallace and design thinking professor Bill Burnett.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Best-selling author Jennifer Wallace stops by studio 1A to offer a guide to connection and lifting each other up, the topic of her new book “Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose”. Also, Al Roker travels to the Kennedy Space Center to tour Nasa's Artemis II Rocket and chat with the crew before their historic mission next month. And Today lifestyle and fashion contributor, Melissa Garcia, shares the winter products to help keep you warm, hydrated, and stress-free until spring arrives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 83: Mattering LIVE Episode With Jennifer WallaceAvailable January 22, 2026What if we could unlock the secret to a life of deep connection and purpose? That's the premise of Jennifer Wallace's new book, Mattering. In this special live edition of New View EDU, recorded on January 15, 2026, Jennifer shares everything she has learned about the importance of mattering with NAIS President Debra Wilson.Guest: Jennifer WallaceResources, Transcript, and Expanded Show NotesIn This Episode:“Researchers who study it say that after the drive for food and shelter, it is the drive, the motivation to matter, that shapes human behavior for better or for worse. So when we feel like we matter, we show up fully, we engage, we connect, we contribute. When we are made to feel like we don't matter, we can either turn against ourselves, become anxious, depressed, turn to substances to try to alleviate the pain, or lash out in anger, right? Road rage, online attacks, political extremes, these are desperate attempts to say, oh, I don't matter? I'll show you I matter.” (10:03)“Something like 70% of the workforce, employees are reporting feeling disengaged. The way I view disengagement through the lens of mattering is that when we feel, as individual workers, like we don't matter, for whatever reason that is, it's a painful feeling. It releases these painful neurochemicals in our brains, and to stop that, if we don't feel like we have a voice or agency, to stop it, is to disengage. That's the coping strategy that we employ.” (16:40)“And so what I argue in the book to leaders, again, not just school leaders, to anybody, is that mattering at work is critical. If we want to support, if we know that children's resilience rests on the resilience of the adults in their lives, and we know that adults spend the majority of their waking hours in the workplace. If we can go and make adults feel like they matter at work, that is how we can bring caregivers and parents home to their kids as their best selves, sturdy adults, so that they could act as the first responders to those kids' struggles. You cannot do it if you are constantly beaten down at your job. You cannot show up as your best self.” (52:19)Related Episodes: 79; 78; 77; 72; 60; 54; 51 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever feel like you don't have a reason to get out of bed? Or maybe you feel lonely, even when you're in a room full of people? If you've ever wondered what it truly means to feel valued and important, this episode is for you. My guest is Jennifer Wallace, a journalist and the author of Mattering. She explains that mattering is a fundamental human need that comes right after food and shelter. When we feel like we matter, we thrive. But when that need goes unmet, we can become anxious, depressed, or angry. Fortunately, we can all do things that remind us that we matter. Some of the things we discuss are: The difference between mattering, belonging, and purpose Why being needed isn't the same as mattering How to feel like you matter without chasing achievement and recognition The one question to ask yourself every morning to prove to yourself that you matter How to rebuild your sense of mattering after a major life transition like a divorce, job loss, or relocation A simple formula for finding a sense of mattering by adding value to the world How to handle people who act out because they feel like they don't matter Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Related Episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 32 — Help Kids Build Self-Worth amid a Toxic Achievement Culture with Author Jennifer Wallace ⁠⁠⁠119 — Turning Your Pain Into Purpose With Juice WRLD's Mother Carmela Wallace Links & Resources ⁠JenniferBWallace.com ⁠⁠Mattering⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world's #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Function Health — Visit ⁠⁠functionhealth.com/stronger⁠⁠ or use gift code STRONGER25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. One Skin — Go to ⁠oneskin.co/STRONGER⁠ and use code stronger to get up to 30% off your first 3 subscription orders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like you have done everything "right" and you still hit a stress ceiling? You have gone to therapy, set boundaries, practiced self-care, learned regulation, and yet you still find yourself snapping, shutting down, or running on empty. This episode explores what it can look like to move beyond coping and into true emotional capacity. Not a life without stress, but a wider internal ability to meet life as it is, without collapsing into burnout or disconnection. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide, founder of Sacred Synapse) are joined by RaQuel Hopkins, a therapist and certified coach known for her work on capacity and adult development. Together, they unpack the difference between resilience, distress tolerance, and capacity, why "regulation" can sometimes become suppression, and how relating to emotions as data can create more choice. They also explore boundaries through the lens of self-trust, and why honoring "I do not want to" can be a meaningful step toward recovery and growth.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Why "doing everything right" can still feel like a ceiling 06:30 – What capacity means (and why it is about who you become) 14:30 – Resilience vs distress tolerance vs capacity 23:30 – Emotional strength, fragility, and the regulation misconception 34:30 – Boundaries, self-trust, and choice vs depletion 46:30 – Protective emotions, curiosity, and integration 56:30 – Corporate environments, pressure, and being human at work 1:03:00 – Closing reflections and where to find RaQuel 1:05:30 – Listener invitation and next steps (trial + workshop) Key Takeaways: Capacity is not just "holding more." It can be about meeting life as it is and adapting without losing yourself. Regulation is not the same thing as calm. It is about modulation and appropriate responsiveness. Emotional strength includes feeling emotions without being defined by them. Emotions can be information, not directives. A "hard no" can sometimes be a signal of depletion, not clarity. Self-trust can reduce the need to announce boundaries. Protective patterns once helped you survive. Growth can start with curiosity rather than judgment. Resources Mentioned: Free live 90-minute workshop: Neurosomatic.com/Integration  NSI Community: Neurosomatic.com  BrainBased: BrainBased.com  Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired  Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

In this episode, I sit down with award winning journalist and author Jennifer Wallace, to talk about her new work on mattering—the need to feel seen, valued, and needed. We explore how mattering emerged as a powerful protective factor for kids growing up in high-pressure, achievement-driven environments, and why so many adults today feel lonely, disengaged, or untethered. Jennifer shares the SAID framework—feeling significant, appreciated, invested in, and depended on—and we talk about what this looks like in real life, at home, at work, and in our communities. This conversation is about practical, doable ways to help our kids (and ourselves) feel like we matter—without more pressure, perfection, or performance.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Quince: Go to Quince.com/humans for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnExperian: Get started with the Experian App now!Brodo: Head to Brodo.com/HUMANS for20% off your first subscription order and use code HUMANS for an additional $10 offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the places we have been hurt most, our relationships, can also become the places where we grow? In this episode, we explore relational healing as a powerful driver of post-traumatic growth. Together, we unpack why safe connection can feel threatening after complex trauma, how protective patterns like fight, freeze, and fawn are intelligent adaptations (not personal failures), and why "capacity" is less about willpower and more about what your nervous system can hold in real time. You will hear how micro-moments of self attunement can reduce hypervigilance, build trust from the inside out, and turn insight into embodied change. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide) are joined by Piper Rose, a Neurosomatic Relationship Coach, founder of Shadowplay Coaching, and Director of Operations and Continuing Education at NSI. Piper shares an honest, grounded look at how co-regulation, repair, and "the burden of love" can become a training ground for deeper intimacy, resilience, and self compassion. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Why healing is relational, not just individual 03:30 Meet Piper Rose and what "Neurosomatic Relationship Coaching" means 08:20 Trauma, attachment wounding, and protective F responses in relationships 16:10 Reframing patterns as adaptations, not defects, and finding the "gifts" inside them 22:40 Neuroscience of connection: co-regulation, threat prediction, and updating the model 31:30 Why safe relationships can trigger fear, emotional flashbacks, and vulnerability 41:10 Self attunement, needs, and practicing repair in micro-moments 49:20 Community, nature, and animals as lower-risk pathways to relational practice 56:30 Closing reflections: building trust, capacity, and support beyond one relationship Key Takeaways: Relational patterns like fight, freeze, and fawn are often strategic survival adaptations, not signs you are "broken." Safe connection can feel dangerous when your nervous system is trained to predict harm in intimacy. "Capacity" is not just skill or knowledge. It is whether your body can access those skills under pressure. Self attunement, like responding to thirst, overwhelm, or startle, builds a foundation for secure internal attachment and clearer boundaries. You do not have to do relational healing alone. Support teams, community, nature, and animals can provide safe enough co-regulation while you build trust. Resources Mentioned: Free live 90-minute workshop: Neurosomatic.com/Integration  NSI Community: Neurosomatic.com  BrainBased: BrainBased.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.   Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Cozolino, L. J. (2014). The Neuroscience of Human Relationships: Attachment and the Developing Social Brain (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

Post-traumatic growth gets talked about like a mindset shift, but real change often starts somewhere else: the nervous system. In this episode, we explore why being around happy people can feel threatening, why "find the silver lining" pressure can lead to bypassing, and why growth is not the same as rushing to meaning. We also unpack the other trap: getting stuck in a healing loop that keeps re-entering the pain without creating new patterns. If you have ever felt ashamed for not "moving on" fast enough, this conversation offers a different map. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof (founder of BrainBased.com) and Jennifer Wallace (Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide) are joined by Matt Bush (Next Level Neuro, lead educator at NSI). Together, they break down what post-traumatic growth is (and is not), why connection and co-regulation are essential to healing, and how safety, repetition, and nervous system capacity create the conditions for authentic transformation. Timestamps: 00:00 Why "silver lining" pressure can trigger bypassing, and why happy environments can feel unsafe 06:30 What post-traumatic growth is (and what it is not), including the "toxic positivity" trap 14:30 Why trauma isolates, and why relational healing and co-regulation matter for recovery 23:30 Social bonding as a survival strategy: oxytocin, group rhythms, and threat reduction 34:30 Discernment in community: how to titrate connection and track nervous system outputs 45:00 Neuroplasticity and integration: why insight alone rarely rewires survival patterns 56:00 Practical integration for practitioners: frameworks, tools, and daily repetition for change   Key Takeaways: Post-traumatic growth is not about forcing gratitude or meaning. It often emerges after safety and capacity return to the body. Trauma can make connection feel dangerous, even when connection is what the nervous system needs to heal. "Good advice" can still be harmful when it is delivered before the nervous system is ready, especially around forgiveness and resilience. Healing can get stuck in two loops: performative "I am fine" masking, or compulsive re-processing that repeats intensity without building new patterns. Tracking outputs (sleep, digestion, pain, mood stability, compulsions) can reveal whether a practice is supporting regulation or creating more dysregulation. Resources Mentioned: RewireTrial.com: Free two-week access to live neurosomatic intelligence classes and an on-demand library of nervous system practices BrainBased.com: Elisabeth's online community for applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change, resilience, and stress processing NSI Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification/ Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.   Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

You can have the most mind-blowing healing experience of your life and still find yourself right back in familiar patterns. Why? Because the nervous system defaults to what it knows. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore why insight alone does not create lasting change and why the most intense healing experiences do not start in the mind, they start in the body. Co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof, founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification, and Jennifer Wallace, Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide, unpack peak somatic experiences through a trauma-informed lens. Together, they examine how experiences like breathwork, somatic practices, and psychedelics interact with neuroplasticity, interoception, and complex trauma. They also name an often-missing piece of the conversation: these experiences are not inherently healing without preparation, capacity, and integration. This episode offers a grounded, nuanced discussion of why peak somatic experiences can be both transformative and destabilizing, especially for nervous systems shaped by chronic stress, dissociation, or developmental trauma. Rather than promoting quick fixes or heroic doses, Elisabeth and Jennifer emphasize nervous system safety, minimum effective dose, and relational support as essential ingredients for real, embodied change.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Why insight alone does not create change 05:40 – What peak somatic experiences are and are not 14:20 – Neuroplasticity, psychedelics, and the default mode network 28:10 – Somatic memory, dissociation, and complex trauma 44:30 – Why preparation and integration matter more than the experience itself 58:45 – Risks, discernment, and trauma-informed support 1:12:30 – Capacity building and minimum effective dose 1:24:00 – Integration, regulation, and long-term nervous system change Key Takeaways: Peak somatic experiences amplify existing nervous system patterns rather than replacing them. Neuroplasticity is neutral and requires direction, support, and integration. Somatic memory often surfaces without narrative recall, especially in complex trauma. Preparation and capacity determine whether an experience is healing or destabilizing. Lasting change happens through consistent, embodied integration, not one-time breakthroughs. Resources Mentioned: RewireTrial.com: Free two-week access to live neurosomatic intelligence classes and an on-demand library of nervous system practices BrainBased.com: Elisabeth's online community for applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change, resilience, and stress processing Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Wayfinder Journal :  helps you see the patterns shaping your inner world — and guides you through preparation, integration, and nervous system regulation using Neurosomatic Intelligence principles. → Find your way inward. https://stan.store/illuminated   NSI Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification/ Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

While we talk about money a LOT on this program, it's very important to keep in mind that money is a means to wealth -- it's not true wealth in and of itselfTrue wealth is pretty simple when you boil it down: it's having quality relationships, a sense of purpose, and good health.Today, we're going to dive deeply into the first two of those.We're fortunate to be joined by Jennifer Wallace, New York Times Bestselling author. She has a new book out titled: "Mattering: The Secret To A Life Of Deep Connection And Purpose.Follow Jennifer and get her book at https://jenniferbwallace.com/#purpose #meaning #lifeadvice _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It's important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer's unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security's or a firm's past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.

Integration is often treated as something that happens after a breakthrough — once insight, therapy, or a peak somatic or psychedelic experience is complete. But what if integration is actually the skill that determines whether healing lasts at all? In this episode of Trauma Rewired, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace explore integration as a nervous system process, not a mindset shift. Drawing from Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI), lived experience, and years of trauma and integration work, they unpack why powerful insights so often fade — and why the body, not the mind, decides what sticks. The conversation examines nervous system capacity, preparation, and neuroplasticity, explaining how survival patterns can override even profound experiences when the body isn't resourced to receive them. They discuss emotional and somatic breakthroughs, dissociation, the overlooked role of the body in psychedelic research, and why the "space after" healing experiences can feel disorienting without support. Rather than chasing peak moments, this episode reframes healing as an embodied practice — one built through repetition, regulation, intuition, and daily nervous system support so new ways of being can truly take root. Timestamps: 00:00 Integration as a buzzword — and why it's misunderstood 05:30 Integration as a nervous system skill, not a mindset 12:40 Why breakthroughs fade and survival patterns take over 20:15 Capacity, preparation, and why insight can overwhelm the body 28:50 Neuroplasticity, repetition, and what you get better at 38:10 Emotional breakthroughs, dissociation, and somatic journeys 48:30 Psychedelic experiences, embodiment, and what research misses 58:45 The "space after" healing — identity shifts and disorientation 1:07:30 Worthiness, intuition, and integrating truth into daily life 1:18:00 Why healing takes time — and what it means to give time space 1:25:00 Closing reflections on integration as a way of being Key Takeaways: Integration is not a cognitive process — it is how the nervous system learns to embody insight through repetition, regulation, and safety. Capacity determines whether an experience lands, overwhelms, or gets overridden by survival patterns. Preparation is essential for psychedelic and peak somatic experiences; without it, neuroplasticity can reinforce old patterns instead of creating change. Emotional and somatic breakthroughs require nervous system skill, especially for those with dissociation or long-standing protective responses. Healing often creates space before clarity — integration is choosing what fills that space next. Lasting change happens slowly, through daily practice, nervous system support, and honoring intuition rather than chasing intensity. Resources Mentioned: RewireTrial.com: Free two-week access to live neurosomatic intelligence classes and an on-demand library of nervous system practices BrainBased.com: Elisabeth's online community for applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change, resilience, and stress processing Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube!

It's not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too often undervalues recognition.After the talk, Modupe shares how you can practice gratitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if "nothing happened" in your childhood, yet you still feel numb, flooded, or stuck in people pleasing or hyper-independence? This episode explores childhood emotional neglect, an often overlooked Adverse Childhood Experience that can wire the nervous system away from felt safety, expression, and connection. We look at how a lack of attunement can shape brain function, stress responses, and adult relationships, and why naming the pattern opens a path to repair. In this conversation, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace map out how emotional neglect shows up across attachment patterns, boundaries, and health outputs. They share trauma-informed context, lived reflections, and practical neurosomatic tools to rebuild capacity for feeling, processing, and connection without blame.  You will learn how repression becomes protection, why hyper-independence can feel "safer" than asking for help, and where to begin with gentle, minimum-effective-dose practices to increase interoceptive awareness and co-regulation in daily life. This episode is for anyone who grew up in a "pretty good" home yet struggles with shutdown or overwhelm, for cycle-breaking parents, and for practitioners supporting clients with complex stress patterns. You will leave with language for your experience and first steps to begin rewiring. Timestamps: 00:00 Why emotional neglect is an overlooked ACE 05:00 Defining emotional neglect and attunement needs in development 11:00 Repression as protection and links to adult health outputs 18:00 Attachment patterns, people pleasing, and hyper-independence 25:00 Practicing self-compassion while breaking cycles 32:00 Parenting notes: modeling emotions and co-regulation 39:00 Neurosomatic tools and first steps for repair   Key Takeaways: Emotional neglect can be subtle yet impactful, shaping nervous system patterns, attachment, and long-term health without assigning blame. Repression often begins when big emotions are not met with co-regulation; later, it can appear as numbness, pain, inflammation, or compulsive coping. Hyper-independence can be a protective strategy that avoids the vulnerability of asking for support. Gentle, consistent practices that build interoceptive awareness and capacity help contribute to feeling safe again. Modeling emotional expression and staying present are powerful ways caregivers support nervous system development. Resources Mentioned: Attachment Theory research (John Bowlby and colleagues) Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification (NSI) Sacred Synapse on YouTube (psychedelics, neuroscience, NSI education) https://www.youtube.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_Bz9OvfHN0nvQos4kfi9Q Explore working with Jennifer www.illuminatedwithjennifer.com Boundary Rewire Course: boundaryrewire.com – Repattern your nervous system for safer, more authentic boundaries. If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Trauma Rewired wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help more people discover trauma-informed education grounded in neuroscience.

What if those sudden waves of fear, shame, or despair are not "too much," but your nervous system remembering something your mind cannot see yet? In this episode, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof, founder of the Neurosomatic Intelligence framework and the NSI Coaching Certification, and Jennifer Wallace, NSI educator and founder of Sacred Synapse, return to one of Trauma Rewired's most downloaded episodes: emotional flashbacks in complex trauma.  Through personal stories, they explore how emotional flashbacks can shift perception, body sensations, and behavior in real time, and how NSI helps map these experiences as neurotags in the brain and body. You will learn how to recognize emotional and somatic flashbacks, why tiny cues can create giant waves of activation, and how these states connect with emotional neglect, toxic shame, boundary struggles, and other patterns of complex trauma. Elisabeth and Jennifer share how building daily capacity and emotional processing skills has changed the frequency and intensity of their own flashbacks over time. This episode offers a grounded, neuroscience-informed look at emotional flashbacks and post-traumatic growth. You will walk away with language to name your experience, a deeper understanding of how "state creates story," and hopeful frameworks for working with your nervous system more gently. Timestamps: 00:00 – Personal Story of an Emotional Flashback 00:39 – Who This Episode Is For 03:08 – What an Emotional Flashback Is (NSI Definition) 08:53 – The Greenbelt Experiment & Perception Shift 16:22 – Somatic Flashbacks & CPTS Patterns 22:18 – Holidays, Medicine Work & Intense Emotional Activation 33:05 – State Creates Story 45:15 – Repression, Completion & Daily Practice 50:21 – Post-Traumatic Growth   Key Takeaways: Emotional flashbacks are often somatic flashbacks, with intense body sensations and state shifts even when there is no clear narrative memory. From an NSI perspective, a flashback is a neurotag activation that changes how the brain filters sensory input, which can make familiar places or people suddenly feel unsafe. Emotional flashbacks in complex trauma are intertwined with toxic shame, harsh inner critics, emotional neglect, attachment wounds, and boundary struggles. Behaviors like binge eating, drinking, overworking, shutdown, or chronic pain and inflammation can be protective outputs and important clues that a survival pattern has been activated. Consistent neurosomatic practice, emotional processing, rest, and supportive relationships can reduce the frequency and intensity of emotional flashbacks and support long-term post-traumatic growth. Resources Mentioned: Boundary Rewire Course: boundaryrewire.com – Repattern your nervous system for safer, more authentic boundaries. Rewire Trial: rewiretrial.com – Learn neurosomatic tools to regulate and rewire your system. BrainBased.com – Explore applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change and resilience. Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification – neurosomaticintelligence.com Sacred Synapse on Youtube www.youtube.com/sacredsynapse-23 Call to Action: If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Trauma Rewired wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help more people discover trauma-informed education grounded in neuroscience. For deeper support this season, explore Boundary Rewire—a 5-module neurosomatic course designed to help you repattern stress responses and create boundaries that feel safe, natural, and grounded in authenticity. It's just $27 through the end of the year.   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

What if your holiday stress wasn't about what's happening now—but about what your nervous system remembers? In this episode, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack the neuroscience of the holidays, exploring how sensory cues like songs, smells, or family dynamics can reactivate old emotional patterns stored in the body. Together, they explain how neurotags—the networks of neurons linking memory, emotion, and physical response—shape our experience of the season and why this time of year can trigger emotional flashbacks or overwhelm. You'll learn how to recognize when the past is replaying through your nervous system, how cycles like circadian and seasonal rhythms affect capacity, and why rest is a biological need—not a luxury. The conversation moves from emotional regulation and boundaries to post-traumatic growth, exploring how slowing down and honoring natural rhythms can transform holiday survival into healing and integration. This episode offers neuroscience-backed practices to help you reclaim presence, build new associations with safety, and rewrite your nervous system's holiday story. Timestamps: 0:00 – Seasonal mismatch & why holidays strain the nervous system 2:43 – What are neurotags and how they shape holiday reactions 6:39 – Emotional flashbacks: the body's real-time state shifts 10:20 – Orientation and regulation tools for holiday triggers 12:26 – Boundaries as nervous system protection 18:19 – Honoring natural cycles: seasonal, menstrual, and circadian rhythms 27:30 – Post-traumatic growth through rest, reflection, and integration Key Takeaways: Neurotags explain why certain holiday cues can trigger powerful emotional and physical responses. Emotional flashbacks are not regressions—they're real-time nervous system shifts that can be regulated through awareness and sensory grounding. Setting boundaries is a form of nervous system protection, not disconnection. Seasonal, menstrual, and circadian rhythms all affect capacity—rest is a biological requirement for resilience. Post-traumatic growth happens in the pauses—through rest, orientation, and compassionate self-boundaries. Resources Mentioned: Boundary Rewire Course: boundaryrewire.com – Repattern your nervous system for safer, more authentic boundaries. Rewire Trial: rewiretrial.com – Learn neurosomatic tools to regulate and rewire your system. BrainBased.com – Explore applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change and resilience. Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification – neurosomaticintelligence.com Sacred Synapse https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23  If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Trauma Rewired wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help more people discover trauma-informed education grounded in neuroscience. For deeper support this season, explore Boundary Rewire—a 5-module neurosomatic course designed to help you repattern stress responses and create boundaries that feel safe, natural, and grounded in authenticity. It's just $27 through the end of the year.   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative  impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

What if grief isn't something to "get over," but a biological process that reshapes your sense of self, capacity, and connection? In this episode, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by Piper Rose—founder of Shadowplay Coaching and Director of Operations and Continuing Education at NSI—to explore grief through the lens of neuroscience and the body. Together, they examine how the brain and body respond to major transitions, why sensations like heaviness or ache are part of adaptive prediction, and how practices that mobilize breath, voice, and thoracic movement can support your physiology's innate ability to heal. You'll hear why grief looks different for everyone—from action-oriented logistics to relational sharing—and how both are valid paths. The conversation moves through the concept of a minimum effective dose for grief work, the overlap between pain and emotional circuits, the role of co-regulation, and why meaning-making often comes later in the process. Anger and sacred rage also get their space here—alongside pathways back to nourishment.  Whether you're navigating loss, identity transitions, or the transformations that come with growth, this episode offers grounded language, body-based tools, and community-centered practices to help you fall apart, be held, and reform with greater capacity. Timestamps: 00:00 — Grief as a physiological process, not a problem to fix 06:30 — How the brain maps grief: interoception, prediction, pain circuits 14:10 — Two grief styles: action orientation and expressive processing 21:40 — Minimum-effective-dose grief practice and daily resourcing 29:00 — Anger inside grief, sacred rage, and safe expression 36:20 — Belonging, co-regulation, and being held by people or the earth 44:15 — Timing of meaning-making and avoiding premature silver linings 51:00 — Practical ways to start: personal, relational, and community supports Key Takeaways: Grief is an adaptive social-threat response that updates your body's internal maps. The same networks tied to physical pain can interpret loss, which is why grief can ache. People grieve differently. Action and expression are both valid pathways. Small, repeatable practices help build capacity without overwhelm. Co-regulation and clear support reduce isolation and soften protective patterns. Resources Mentioned: NeuroSomatic Intelligence (NSI) Foundations Bundle — Three on-demand workshops to integrate applied neuroscience and somatics into your work: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/foundations BrainBased.com — Community using applied neurology and somatics: https://brainbased.com Shadowplay Coaching (Piper Rose) — Relationship and grief-support coaching. If this episode supported you, subscribe and leave a review so others can find the show. Share it with someone who could use compassionate, science-informed language for grief.  If you're a coach, therapist, or practitioner ready to integrate applied neuroscience and somatics into your work, start with the NSI Foundations Bundle at NeurosomaticIntelligence.com/Foundations. Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

Why are the numbers 1, 2, and 3 across the top of a phone keypad but across the bottom of a calculator? It's not random — and once you hear the logic, you'll never look at a keypad the same way again. That's just one of three quirky mysteries I explain at the start of this episode, along with surprising insights about portholes and time. Source: Ivan Semeniuk, co-author of Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? (https://amzn.to/3sf8muM) Achievement can be wonderful — until it starts defining your worth. When you believe you matter only because of what you accomplish, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even shame. Journalist and social commentator Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It( https://amzn.to/49jkdIQ), reveals how modern “achievement culture” took hold, why it's making so many people miserable, and how to redefine success so it actually feels good. The ocean covers 70% of our planet, yet we've explored only a fraction of it. Beneath the surface lies an astonishing, interconnected system that shapes everything from our weather to our food. Physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski, author of The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works (https://amzn.to/3scCyXo), takes us on a fascinating deep dive into the hidden forces that drive the sea — and why there's really only one global ocean. According to one marriage expert, there's a remarkably simple thing any woman can do to motivate the man in her life — and it works every time. It's quick, it's easy, and the results may surprise you. Source: David Clarke, PhD, author of The Total Marriage Makeover (https://amzn.to/3QoIvZD). PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! QUINCE: Layer up this fall with pieces that feel as good as they look! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ON POINT: We love the On Point podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! ⁠⁠https://www.wbur.org/radio/programs/onpoint⁠⁠ SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Functional healing isn't about bouncing back, it's about becoming more whole. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by somatic expert Veronica Rottman, founder of Soma School, to explore what happens when post-traumatic growth deepens into post-traumatic wisdom. Together, they unpack how healing often involves grief, identity shifts, and surrender, not just resilience and strength. You'll hear how emotions are constructed in the body, why dissociation and fawning are intelligent survival responses, and how safety is rebuilt through slow, titrated somatic experiences. We discuss how cultural narratives about “getting stronger” can overlook the body's need for modulation, rest, and relational repair. You'll learn how capacity building is nonlinear, why co-regulation and oxytocin-based safety cues matter, and how tending to wounds rather than fixing them can transform pain into embodied wisdom. Join us for a workshop, taking a deeper dive into Hormones, Stress and the Female Nervous System, combining applied neuroscience and somatics to support female cycles: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and framing: growth vs. wisdom 05:30 Emotions as predictions and survival patterning 14:00 Dissociation, boundaries, and identity shifts 22:30 Somatic titration, oxytocin, and co-regulation practices 31:00 Capacity, achievement, and health trade-offs 39:30 Reframing fawn and freeze as intelligent responses 47:00 Cyclical needs, rest, and redefining growth 54:00 Integration, tending, and systemic context 59:00 Takeaways and next steps Key Takeaways: Post-traumatic wisdom includes grief, ambiguity, and letting identities evolve, not only resilience. Emotions are constructed from interoception and predictions; safety cues can update those predictions. Small, consistent somatic doses help the system perceive more safety without overwhelm. Fawn and freeze are adaptive; meeting them with curiosity reduces shame and supports change. Capacity building is relational; co-regulation and oxytocin-supportive practices can expand what feels possible. Resources Mentioned: Soma School – founded by Veronica Rottman Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification Brain Based The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron (via Alanis Morissette interview) Peter Levine on Somatic Titration and Safety Dr. Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Perspective Lisa Feldman Barrett – Theory of constructed emotion Vincent Felitti – The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study Raja Selvam – Integral Somatic Psychology Call to Action: If this episode offered you a new perspective on healing—or gave language to something you've felt but couldn't name—share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or tap the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode. If you've ever noticed your focus, energy, or emotions shift throughout your cycle, this next workshop will help you understand why. On November 13th at 12pm Central, Elisabeth Kristof and Veronica Rottman will explore how your hormones interact with your nervous system—and how somatic tools can support you through every phase. Join live or catch the replay at https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

Jennifer Wallace is a journalist, researcher, and mother of three who set out to answer one of the most pressing questions in modern parenting: *Why do our kids feel like they're never enough — and what can we do about it?* Drawing on insights from her book *Never Enough* and years of reporting, Wallace explains how achievement culture, status anxiety, and social comparison are undermining children's mental health, resilience, and self-worth.In this illuminating and deeply personal conversation, she explores how economic uncertainty and hyper-competitive education systems have created a toxic climate that pushes both parents and children toward perfectionism and burnout. From the myth of elite colleges to the danger of tying love to performance, Wallace makes the case for redefining success around the concept of **mattering** — feeling valued, and adding value to others. She shares practical interventions parents can use, and why adult resilience is a prerequisite for raising healthy kids.Whether you're a parent, teacher, or anyone invested in the next generation, this episode will reshape how you think about achievement, love, and what it truly means to succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

College life can be exciting, but it's also full of unique challenges that can really take a toll on mental health. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West to break down what's really going on with students' mental well-being. They talk about the ups and downs of transitions, gaining independence, and handling academic pressure, all while navigating bigger societal stressors like the pandemic. The conversation highlights why it's so important to have mental health support built right into academic departments, and the guests share practical tips that both students and faculty can use. You'll also hear about topics like college culture expectations, the Dunning-Kruger effect, imposter feelings, and why showing yourself self-compassion and understanding your emotions matters. By the end, you'll come away with insights that can help anyone in a college community foster better mental health and overall well-being.Listen and Learn: Why college is such a challenging transition for students, who must create structure, discover their values, and learn through mistakes while adapting to new freedoms and pressuresUnderstanding individual stress matters in college counseling, which can help normalize challenges and guide appropriate mental health supportHow young adulthood is a powerful time for growthEmbracing uncertainty and connecting through shared human experiences helps us navigate overwhelming and unpredictable timesEmbedding mental health clinicians directly in university departments helps faculty support students effectively, bridging academic and emotional needsUnderstanding and “decompiling” your thoughts and emotions helps you work with them instead of against themWhy the imposter phenomenon is widespread, especially among high achievers and those stepping outside their comfort zone, and how comparing your inner doubts to others' outward confidence can intensify itTrue growth comes from building competence, not chasing confidence, and feeling uncomfortable is part of the learning processTips for navigating college, including managing your expectations, giving yourself grace for mistakes, seeking support when needed, and starting small with healthy habitsResources: Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions: https://www.amazon.com/Decompile-Your-Mind-Engineers-Thoughts/dp/B0DPXB17MV Connect with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison Westhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/colleen-ehrnstrom https://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/audrey-gilfillanhttps://www.colorado.edu/counseling/about-caps/our-providers/alison-westImposter No More: Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781538724804 About Dr. Colleen EhrnstromDr. Colleen Ehrnstrom, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and one of the managers of the Embedded Program at the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and enjoys working with college students, supporting their mental health during a critical time of personal and academic development. She is the co-author of End the Insomnia Struggle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Get to Sleep and Stay Asleep and regularly presents and trains on ACT and behavioral sleep strategies. Dr. Ehrnstrom is dedicated to supporting mental health through evidence-based, mindfulness-informed care.About Audrey GilfillanAudrey Gilfillan is a licensed professional counselor and works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With a background in academic coaching, career counseling, and college mental health, Audrey specializes supporting college students as they navigate the intersection of their academic goals and mental health. Audrey co-authored Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions. She co-founded Applied Wellness Initiatives to help educators and managers effectively support mental health and performance in the workplace.About Alison WestAlison West is a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist who works as an Embedded Therapist in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder. Prior to working in higher education, Alison worked in community mental health, providing direct support through ongoing therapy, crisis response, and case management. Alison is passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. She is the co-author of Decompile Your Mind: An Engineer's Guide to Thoughts and Emotions and the co-founder of Applied Wellness Initiatives. She finds fulfillment in helping professionals bring mental health awareness and practices into their work and academic communities.Related Episodes: 7. Insomnia: Strategies to Stop Struggling with Sleep with Alisha Brosse189. Imposter Syndrome with Jill and Debbie321. Imposter No More with Jill Stoddard274. Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood with Satya Doyle Byock – Psychologists Off the Clock324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 303. Both/And Thinking with Marianne LewisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ambivalence isn't confusion or weakness, it's your nervous system doing its job. Feeling both joy and grief, relief and loss, fear and excitement, is not dysfunction but survival wisdom. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack ambivalence as a neurobiological phenomenon: how the brain and body construct emotions, why conflicting truths arise during transformation, and how to metabolize them without collapse. You'll learn to notice the tug-of-war between emotions, expand capacity to sit with duality, and reframe ambivalence as part of post-traumatic growth. By honoring both sides, joy and sorrow, fear and courage, you can create deeper connection with yourself and move through change with clarity and trust. Timestamps 00:00 – Leaving Toxic Love: Relief and Grief Together 01:07 – Ambivalence Defined: Not Confusion, But Wisdom 03:07 – Brain and Body: How Emotions Are Constructed 05:42 – Building Capacity for Emotional Duality 06:39 – Transformation, Identity, and Misread Confusion 08:18 – Neuroscience of Ambivalence: Prediction, Insula, Signals 12:50 – Embodiment and Emotional Vocabulary 24:10 – Boundaries, Family Dynamics, and Attachment Chaos 27:40 – Sitting in Discomfort, Finding Safety Inside 30:59 – Loss of Identity, Grief, and Gratitude 38:08 – Joy Can Be Scary Too Topics Discussed in This Episode Ambivalence as a nervous system signal, not self-sabotage. Why leaving toxic relationships brings both relief and grief. How emotions are constructed in the brain and body. Expanding capacity for emotional regulation and duality. The role of interoception and emotional vocabulary in healing. Transformation and identity shifts as triggers for ambivalence. Attachment needs versus authenticity during change. Why joy and fear often arise together. Practical strategies to metabolize ambivalence and grow. Ambivalence as a gateway to post-traumatic growth.

Fawn is a nervous system survival strategy, not a personality flaw. It helps you keep connection and avoid threat by overriding your needs, smiling through discomfort, and saying yes when you want to say no. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack how fawn forms around attachment and safety, why it shows up in daily life and in sex, and how to gently rebuild self trust. You will learn to notice gut and throat signals that precede a reflexive yes, set small boundaries without collapse, and grow capacity to feel both the difficult and the good, so connection can be real, not a performance. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Rebuilding trust with the body – learning to honor yes/no signals, expanding capacity for both positive and negative feelings. Definition of the fawn trauma response – people pleasing, keeping peace, self-abandonment to preserve attachment. Nervous system mechanisms – how fawn is not just psychological but a survival adaptation deeply wired into the body. Everyday patterns of fawning – saying yes when you want to say no, constant smiling, hugging, avoiding conflict, relational perfectionism. Impact on relationships – depletion, shame, freeze states, loss of authenticity, confusing real connection with trauma responses. Attachment vs authenticity (Gabor Maté concept) – how children often sacrifice authenticity to maintain attachment. Personal trauma story (kidnapping experience) – how fawn played a role in survival and how fight/flight responses eventually emerged. Sexual fawning – difficulties with consent, disconnect between cognitive yes and bodily no, patterns of unsafe or unwanted intimacy. Healing practices – developing awareness of body signals, small boundary setting, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, emotional release practices. Outcome of healing – creating genuine connection with self, others, and the environment rather than survival-based attachment.

Miroslav Volf is a theology professor and director of the Center for Faith and Culture at Yale University. His writing and teaching explore how Christian theology relates to culture, politics, and world religions. He has written and edited more than 20 books, including Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. His newest book, which we will be discussing, is entitled The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse. He joins the podcast to discuss how striving for excellence is better than superiority.  Want to learn more about striving? Listen to our insightful episode with Jennifer Wallace on "toxic achievement culture" from Season 2.  Join our growing community of 200,000+ listeners and be notified of new episodes of Templeton Ideas. Subscribe today.  Follow us on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. 

It's not enough to do important work — we need to know it truly matters, says journalist Jennifer Wallace. Drawing on her research into firefighters, caregivers and more, she shows how simple acts of acknowledgment and connection can fuel our sense of purpose in a world that too often undervalues recognition.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDSports: ted.com/sportsTEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Functional freeze is not laziness. It is a learned survival strategy that lets you function on the outside while feeling numb or shut down on the inside. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack freeze, tonic immobility, and flop, and show how functional freeze can look like “getting by” while feeling numb inside. They map the differences between freeze and burnout, explain why interoception goes offline, and share gentle, minimum-effective-dose practices to thaw safely and rebuild capacity..  You will learn how chronic stress blunts interoception, why your voice disappears in hard conversations, how shame loops keep the pattern in place, and why high performers often miss freeze because it hides behind perfectionism and people pleasing. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The freeze spectrum, acute freeze, tonic immobility, flop Functional freeze vs burnout Interoception and emotional numbness Relationship patterns, shutdown, flat affect, rupture and repair Language masking, shame loops, lost voice High performers, people pleasing, perfectionism, hidden freeze Whole system view, not only the vagus nerve Minimum effective dose, breath, voice, tiny mobilizations Resourcing and capacity building before big emotional work From dissociation to embodiment and agency

Is your teen caught up in the grind culture of overachievement? Author Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to raise kids who feel like they matter, not just when they achieve. This encore episode offers real solutions to help families fight back against toxic stress. “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It”: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids' resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.  Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists ________________ Episode Keywords: achievement pressure, parenting overachievers, student stress, academic anxiety, self-worth, teen mental health, parenting culture, emotional well-being Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

Is your teen caught up in the grind culture of overachievement? Author Jennifer Wallace joins Dr. Lisa and Reena to talk about how to raise kids who feel like they matter, not just when they achieve. This encore episode offers real solutions to help families fight back against toxic stress. “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It”: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough ________________ Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges.  Looking to learn more about how to boost kids' resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.  Check out our Ask Lisa Podcast Playlists. Binge specific topics like Raising Sons, Staying Connected to Your Teen: https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast/playlists ________________ Episode Keywords: achievement pressure, parenting overachievers, student stress, academic anxiety, self-worth, teen mental health, parenting culture, emotional well-being Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, Dr. Kathy explores the pressures parents face as their children return to school, particularly the urge to ensure high achievement through tutoring and extra activities. Drawing on insights from Jennifer Wallace's research, which highlights the importance of a "mattering mindset," Dr. Kathy emphasizes that children's long-term success is rooted in their belief in their inherent worth and ability to positively impact the world. The discussion delves into the societal expectations of parenting, the push for children to excel, and the need for a balance between achievement and self-worth. Tune in for valuable insights on fostering motivation and self-esteem in kids. Order 8 Great Smarts>> Order Start with the Heart>>

Ready to break free from burnout and self-sabotage?Join The Capacity Gap Workshop, register FREE at https://rewirecapacity.com  The flight response is often misunderstood as weakness or avoidance, but it's actually a deeply wired survival strategy shaped by fear and trauma. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we uncover how the nervous system uses constant motion, through overwork, hustle, and productivity, to escape from internal sensations and emotions that once felt unsafe. You'll learn how fear disguises itself as discipline, why rest feels threatening to high performers, and how chronic busyness creates a false sense of safety while eroding health and connection. From neuroscience to personal stories, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof explain the mechanisms of the flight response, its roots in trauma, and the protective role it sometimes plays. Most importantly, we share practical somatic tools to slow down, regulate the nervous system, and reclaim fear as a signal for presence and alignment, not something to outrun. 00:00 – Running from internal sensations, not others 00:24 – Busyness and productivity as avoidance 00:43 – Slowing down in somatic therapy 01:33 – Hustler identity and chronic overdoing 02:25 – Flight tied to fear of stillness 03:11 – Welcome to Trauma Rewired 04:15 – Flight patterns: urgency, overscheduling, avoidance 05:13 – When flight signals misalignment 07:46 – Flight as protection against overstimulation 09:31 – Brain-body mechanics of flight 11:50 – Fear bypassed as weakness 13:10 – Trauma and structural reinforcement of flight 15:36 – Movement replacing emotion 17:35 – Somatic healing requires slowing down 18:32 – Signs of inward-directed flight 19:55 – Disconnection from body cues (hunger, fatigue) 23:39 – Somatic regulation steps and tools 25:53 – Fear as primal protective signal 28:12 – Regulation tools to create space between sensation and action 31:24 – Stillness and vulnerability as safety 32:16 – Somatic release of fear: frozen shoulder story 33:28 – Reclaiming emotions as growth tools 34:36 – Fear, intuition, and aligned action Topics Discussed in This Episode: The difference between healthy fear and chronic flight How trauma conditions the nervous system to stay in motion The neuroscience of the flight response: amygdala, hypothalamus, PAG, prefrontal cortex Why productivity and hustle are often survival strategies Signs of chronic flight in relationships and work The hidden cost of avoiding emotions through busyness Somatic tools for slowing down and processing fear Rewiring chronic flight through neuroplasticity and body-based healing The role of cultural and systemic trauma in reinforcing flight How to reclaim fear as a clarifying signal for safety and presence

In this conversation recorded live at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Kelly explores two fundamental human drives with panel moderator Dave DeSteno (host of the podcast How God Works) and author of the new book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, Jennifer B. Wallace - our deep need to feel valued and our instinct to create. Jennifer shares her research on "mattering" and why so many people today feel invisible, while Kelly makes the case that creativity isn't a luxury but essential for our wellbeing. Together, they uncover why showing genuine interest in others matters more than praise, how economic pressures are driving perfectionism in families and the surprising ways that making things with our hands can change how we see the world. Kelly and Jennifer Wallace will be together in person, in New Caanan, CT on October 29th, 2025. We'll add the link for the event here in the show notes as soon as it becomes available. Special thanks to our friends at the Aspen Ideas Festival. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your constant stress, emotional triggers, and exhaustion aren't a mindset problem, but a sign your nervous system is stuck in survival mode?  In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore the science of nervous system reset, nervous system regulation, and how to restore the nervous system after chronic stress and trauma. Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof unpack how the autonomic nervous system governs your reactions, why trauma is stored as patterns in the body, and how to begin the process of nervous system recovery without forcing or overwhelming yourself. You'll learn how the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches work together, why dysregulation is not a personal failure, and how practices like movement, breathwork, and interoception can help you regulate more effectively. This conversation also covers the difference between “big T” and “small T” trauma, why nervous system healing requires both individual and collective approaches, and how to build resilience so you can meet life's challenges without staying stuck in survival mode. This episode is both a science-backed education and a compassionate guide for anyone ready to experience a genuine nervous system reset. Timestamps 00:00 – Triggers and the Nervous System 02:15 – The Nervous System as the Body's Operating System 05:35 – Autonomic Nervous System and Stress Responses 08:30 – Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic States 12:05 – Nervous System States and Emotional Patterns 16:50 – Triggers as Nervous System Reset Opportunities 18:05 – The Stress Response and Survival Mode 23:25 – Trauma and Nervous System Dysregulation 28:40 – Chronic and Complex Trauma Effects 36:10 – Emotional Processing for Nervous System Healing Topics discussed in this episode: How to restore the nervous system after chronic stress and trauma How nervous system regulation improves emotional resilience and physical health How the autonomic nervous system works (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic explained) How trauma imprints on the nervous system and keeps you in survival mode How to use nervous system healing practices like breathwork, movement, and interoception How to exit fight or flight safely when the danger has passed How nervous system reset supports emotional processing and better decision-making How to use interoception to sense, interpret, and respond to internal body signals How to regulate the nervous system daily with small, consistent practices How dysregulation impacts health and the steps to build lasting nervous system resilience

What if the emotions you were never allowed to feel are the same ones making you sick? In this powerful episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore the lifelong impact of emotional neglect and suppression, and why emotional processing is often the hardest part of healing. From childhood modeling to nervous system adaptations, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof break down how early emotional neglect leads to emotional insecurity, chronic shame, and deep patterns of dysregulation that affect everything from gut health to fatigue. We unpack how the nervous system stores repressed feelings like sadness and anger, and why “not feeling” is a survival pattern, not a personal failure. This episode walks you through how emotional repression becomes muscle tension, immune suppression, and gut dysfunction, and what you can do to begin feeling again. You'll learn gentle, neuro-somatic practices—like tapping, swaying, and interoceptive awareness—that help you mobilize emotions safely, access your inner signals, and rebuild your capacity to feel. This is not about forcing your way through; it's about creating the conditions where your nervous system finally says, “It's safe now.” This episode is a compassionate guide to the emotional labor you never got to do—and the healing that begins when you finally do. Topics discussed in this episode: ● The connection between emotional neglect and emotional insecurity ● Why emotional processing is stored in the nervous system—not just the mind ● How repression contributes to chronic pain, immune dysfunction, and gut issues ● Understanding shame, freeze, and the reflex to shut down ● Gentle tools for mobilizing emotion: tapping, swaying, movement ● How to train interoception and recognize internal signals ● What chronic fatigue may be telling you emotionally ● The emotional roots of “numbness” and “overwhelm” ● Why your body is holding what your mind avoided ● How to rewire your nervous system to feel safely ● Why healing is about expanding capacity, not fixing emotion Resources mentioned: Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching program: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com Find Trauma Rewired on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use our exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube StrategyClipGrowthAgency.com

Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ Chronic pain isn't just about injury, it's a whole-body experience shaped by your brain, nervous system, and unresolved trauma. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by Matt Bush, educator and founder of Next Level Neuro, to unpack the neuroscience of pain. Together, they explore how chronic pain is often a protective output from a dysregulated nervous system, not a sign of damage, but of danger. Through stories, science, and powerful reframes, you'll learn why pain persists even when tissue damage has healed, and how complex trauma and emotional suppression play a major role. The conversation covers neurotags, interoception, perfectionism, dissociation, and the tools needed to rewire the brain's pain pathways — offering hope for those living in pain and practitioners looking for deeper healing frameworks. This is a must-watch for anyone who experiences chronic pain, works with trauma, or wants to understand the body's hidden survival strategies. Topics discussed in this episode: Why chronic pain is an output, not just a symptom The neuroscience of pain: neurotags, predictions, and protection How trauma wires the brain for pain Why people with high ACE scores are more likely to develop chronic pain The link between dissociation, perfectionism, and pain Emotional repression as a driver of chronic pain What interoception tells us about the pain loop Central sensitization and why the brain gets “louder” over time The connection between complex PTSD and somatic symptoms Why emotional expression is key to nervous system healing How somatic work, movement, and neuro tools can rewire pain pathways Why chronic pain relief is possible — but multifactorial

Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ What if perfectionism isn't ambition, but a nervous system reflex for survival? In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we're joined by returning guest Piper Rose of ShadowPlay Coaching to explore perfectionism and rejection sensitivity through a neuroscience and trauma-informed lens. We reframe perfectionism as a high-cost survival strategy rooted in complex trauma, societal conditioning, and early nervous system adaptations. Together, Elisabeth Kristof, Jennifer Wallace, and Piper unpack how perfectionistic behaviors can emerge as reflexive responses to rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), relational trauma, and the need for social safety. You'll learn the neurobiology of rejection, the health costs of chronic perfectionism, and how to shift from performance and people-pleasing into embodied wholeness. The episode offers practical tools and empowering frameworks for understanding the somatic roots of perfectionism and reclaiming your internal safety and authenticity. This is a deeply validating conversation for anyone who's ever felt like they had to earn love, approval, or belonging through being “perfect.” Topics discussed in this episode: Why perfectionism is a survival response, not a personality trait How rejection sensitivity forms in the nervous system The difference between perfectionism and growth-oriented excellence Why our brains respond to social rejection like physical pain The “garden” metaphor for complex trauma and coping How societal systems reinforce performance-based self-worth Chronic illness and the cost of emotional suppression The link between self-sacrifice and autoimmune conditions Why the nervous system must be regulated before healing perfectionism How somatic work shifts self-rejection into self-acceptance The paradox of people-pleasing and codependency Reclaiming energy and creativity from high-resource coping mechanisms Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching program: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ To learn more about Piper Rose and Shadow Play coaching, head to https://piperrosecoaching.com/  Connect with Piper on Instagram by heading to https://www.instagram.com/shadowplaycoaching/ Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com Find Trauma Rewired on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use our exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy ClipGrowthAgency.com  

Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ What if the invisible responsibilities you carried as a child are still shaping your adult life? In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore parentification—a hidden form of childhood trauma where children are forced to become the emotional or physical caretakers of their parents. Whether you managed your parent's emotions or became “the responsible one” too early, these patterns can wire your nervous system for survival rather than safety—and the impact is long-term. Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof unpack how emotional and instrumental parentification lead to chronic stress, emotional repression, gut dysfunction, and deeply rooted perfectionism. You'll learn why healing isn't about changing your parents, but about reclaiming autonomy in your own nervous system through boundary setting, grief integration, and somatic repatterning. We break down how these early adaptations become nervous system defaults—like freeze, fawn, and shame—and how to begin shifting them using neuro-somatic tools that regulate stress, restore connection, and return you to your body. This episode is both validating and empowering: you are not broken—you were overloaded. And healing starts when you stop carrying what was never yours to hold. Topics discussed in this episode: ● What parentification is and why it's often invisible ● The difference between emotional and instrumental parentification ● How parentification leads to chronic shame, perfectionism, and nervous system dysregulation ● The impact of childhood stress on gut health and inflammation ● How emotional repression starts in childhood and lives in the body ● Why boundaries feel threatening—but are essential for healing ● The link between freeze, fawn, and CPTSD ● How nervous system repatterning rewires your relational responses ● The role of somatic practice in processing stored grief and guilt ● Why your healing won't change others—but it will change you ● How to reclaim your emotional autonomy and rewrite survival-based wiring Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification:https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com Find Trauma Rewired on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use our exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy ClipGrowthAgency.com

We often think of trauma healing as a personal journey, a solitary path shaped by diagnosis, insight, and effort. But what if true transformation isn't cognitive at all? What if the real healing starts in the nervous system, in the body, and in community? In this powerful close to Season 4 of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace reflect on the deepest insights and recurring themes that shaped this season: from chronic stress and burnout to neurodivergence, from shame and diagnosis to collective trauma, relational wounds, and the overlooked power of rest. This episode weaves together the threads of what you've heard all season and invites you to begin integrating, not just understanding, what healing really means. Elisabeth and Jennifer share personal stories, emerging neuroscience, and lived somatic wisdom to reveal why regulation, emotional expression, and safety are not just tools, but the foundation of post-traumatic growth. They also share what's next in Season 5, including a deeper dive into the emotional landscape, exploring feelings like grief, disgust, jealousy, and joy, as well as the science and practices behind post-traumatic growth. This is not just a season recap. It's an embodied invitation to pause, reflect, and rewire. Topics discussed in this episode: ● Why chronic stress affects memory, presence, and cognition ● Functional freeze, burnout, and the myth of personal failure ● Neurodivergence as adaptation,not disorder ● The hidden role of shame in diagnosis and illness ● Emotional repression, chronic pain, and digestive issues ● Complex trauma as a pattern of sensory processing ● The body as the holder of systemic oppression and ideology ● Addiction, sexual trauma, and the survival response ● The necessity of interoceptive accuracy for true healing ● Why healing is not personal,it's collective and relational ● Integration as an ongoing daily practice ● Post-traumatic growth and reclaiming your inner capacity ● What's coming in Season 5: emotions, expression, and transformation Join us for our free workshop on July 9: The Neuro Somatics of Leadership & Belief Change neurosomatic.com/leadership Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the fall cohort now: neurosomaticintelligence.com Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: rewiretrial.com Find Trauma Rewired on YouTube: YouTube.com/@TraumaRewired Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1-Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens with our exclusive offer: drinkag1.com/rewired   Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved This episode was produced by ClipGrowth: Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy  ClipGrowthAgency.com