Podcasts about Polyvagal theory

What exactly is a glimmer? Why do glimmers matter for outgrowing porn? Learn 3 ways to get the most out of your glimmers—maximizing moments of joy, peace, and connection. Related episodes:Porn and Polyvagal Theory (with John Kilmer) Play, Awe, & Porn Addiction: A Polyvagal Perspective Support the showTake the Husband Material Journey... Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTube Step 2: Join the private Husband Material Community Step 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow Porn Step 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material Academy Thanks for listening!

Why does stress seem to hit so much harder in midlife? If you've ever found yourself feeling anxious, emotionally flat, overwhelmed, reactive, or strangely disconnected from yourself, this conversation may help make sense of what's going on beneath the surface. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I'm joined by Owen Marcus, Founder and CEO of MELD, to talk about stress, emotional resilience, and the concept of the window of tolerance — the range in which your nervous system feels safe enough to think clearly, respond calmly, and stay connected to yourself and others. Owen explains how chronic stress can gradually shrink that window, especially during seasons like midlife and menopause when the body may already be carrying more load. We talk about why common advice like "just breathe" or "think positive" often falls flat when you're already in a survival state, and why nervous system support needs to start with understanding what your body is actually experiencing. This conversation explores the difference between hyperarousal and freeze, why disconnection can become such a common midlife experience, and how body awareness, co-regulation, and gentle somatic tools can support greater steadiness and emotional resilience. If you've been feeling wired, numb, overly emotional, or not quite like yourself, this episode offers an eye-opening and compassionate look at what stress may really be doing — and how you can begin to support yourself more effectively. In this episode, we discuss: what the window of tolerance means and why it matters how chronic stress affects the body and brain why midlife and menopause can make stress feel more intense the difference between fight-or-flight and freeze responses why common stress-management tools sometimes don't work how body awareness can help shift your nervous system the role of co-regulation and connection in feeling calmer why understanding your stress response is the first step toward change About Owen Marcus Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD (Men's Emotional Leadership Development), a pioneer in men's emotional health, and the author of Grow Up: A Man's Guide to Emotional Maturity. His work integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, somatic mindfulness, and relational skill-building to support emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. Resources mentioned MELD: meld.community MELD resources: meld.community/resource/ Facebook: MELD Men X: @meldmen Instagram: @meld.men YouTube: @MELD-men LinkedIn: MELD Men's Community Join my community If you're a woman in midlife looking for grounded, natural support for energy, hormones, stress, and emotional wellbeing, come join us inside the Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a warm and welcoming community where we talk honestly about what midlife really looks like — and how to support mind, body, and soul with more ease, wisdom, and encouragement. Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, taught you something new, or helped you feel a little more understood, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening app. Your reviews help more women discover the show and get the support they need through midlife and beyond. Connect with Lynne If you'd like a gentle conversation about your next steps, you can schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, health concerns, or treatment decisions. The views shared by podcast guests are their own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.

Have you noticed that your emotions feel louder, sharper, and harder to manage since you stopped drinking? Host Teri Patterson explains why this "emotional flood" is a normal part of the alcohol-free journey. Discover the science of Polyvagal Theory, the biological roadmap of your nervous system, and learn how to identify whether you are in a state of Ventral Vagal (safety), Sympathetic (fight or flight), or Dorsal Vagal (shutdown). This episode provides high achievers with practical tools to expand their Window of Tolerance, helping them move from "numbing out" to "feeling through." Learn how to honor your nervous system, regulate your responses, and find the quiet strength that comes from true alcohol-free emotional safety.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Hey, Survivor! Managing unexpected confrontation, regulating your nervous system, and responding with dignity and confidence can be challenging for trauma survivors - especially when your brain detects a threat and sounds the alarm. In this episode, a surprising criminal courtroom moment provides a powerful lesson in emotional regulation, trauma responses, and calming your brain and body in high-pressure situations.  We'll talk about self regulation, Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Theory, and what you can do to take care of your brain and body during awkward, uncomfortable, high stakes moments. If you've ever been called out or confronted publicly, this episode will give you strategies and tools to stay calm, grounded, and in control.

High performers are taught to push harder, but what if the real breakthrough comes from learning to regulate, recover, and reconnect? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Owen Marcus, Founder and CEO of MELD (Men's Emotional Leadership Development) and author of Grow Up: A Man's Guide to Emotional Maturity. Owen unpacks why high-performing entrepreneurs often hit an invisible ceiling despite doing “everything right.” Drawing on five decades of experience working with leaders, athletes, and elite performers, Owen explains how chronic stress, emotional disconnection, and nervous system overload quietly erode performance, relationships, and fulfillment. This conversation bridges neuroscience, leadership, and personal growth to reveal how building resilience from the body up unlocks the final 30% of untapped potential. Key Takeaways:→ Entrepreneurs are often wired for survival, not fulfillment, which leads to chronic overdrive.→ Long-term stress creates allostatic load, silently shrinking resilience and emotional capacity. → High performance at work does not automatically translate into a healthy connection at home. → Neuroplasticity allows leaders to rewire stress patterns and build new capacity over time. → Somatic mindfulness helps retrain the nervous system by increasing body awareness. Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD (Men's Emotional Leadership Development), demonstrating the transformative potential of evidence-based peer support. A pioneer in men's emotional health, his retreats, workshops, coaching, training, and other programs enhance relational dynamics and support men's personal and professional growth and leadership development. For nearly three decades, MELD has been a trusted guide for men navigating the complex terrain of modern life: stress, relationships, leadership, and identity. Marcus is also the author of Grow Up: A Man's Guide to Emotional Maturity. In it, Marcus leads readers on an enlightening path toward the authentic self, revealing how men need clarity, purpose, connection, and the support of other men to thrive. A founding member of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and a member of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, Marcus integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic mindfulness to help individuals and groups cultivate emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. Connect With Owen:Website: https://meld.community/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meld.men/X: https://x.com/meldmenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/meldmenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meldmenscommunity/

In this week's episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell explores what it truly means to worship without fear for those healing from religious trauma, spiritual manipulation, or environments where worship felt pressured or unsafe. This gentle, trauma‑informed conversation guides listeners back to the heart of worship: connection, honesty, and safety in God's presence.Keana begins with a grounding moment, then revisits last week's episode on reconnecting with God after religious trauma. Drawing from leading trauma researchers like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Stephen Porges, and Dr. Diane Langberg, she explains how trauma affects the nervous system and why worship can feel overwhelming even when the desire to connect with God is strong.Through powerful biblical examples — David, Elijah, Hagar, Mary Magdalene, and the disciples  Keana shows how God consistently meets people in fear with gentleness, not pressure. The episode then explores what worship without fear looks like in real life and offers practical steps for creating spiritually safe, grounding worship practices.This episode is a compassionate reminder that God's presence is not a place of fear, but a place of refuge.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeWhy worship can feel unsafe after religious traumaHow trauma affects the body's ability to feel spiritually safeInsights from leading trauma psychologists (van der Kolk, Porges, Langberg)Biblical stories of people who found safety in God's presenceWhat worship without fear actually looks likeGentle, practical steps to begin worshiping safely againEncouragement for reconnecting with God at your own paceKey TakeawaysGod's presence is a place of safety, not pressureTrauma can make worship feel overwhelming — and that's normalHealing requires gentleness, not spiritual performanceWorship can be quiet, slow, and deeply personalGod meets you where you are, not where others expect you to beSmall moments of connection matter and build over timeScripture ReferencesPsalm 23; Psalm 34 — David finding refuge in God1 Kings 19 — Elijah encountering God's gentle whisperGenesis 16 & 21 — Hagar meeting “El Roi,” the God who sees herJohn 20 — Mary Magdalene and the disciples finding peace in Jesus' presenceScholarly References (General Citations)van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score.Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory.Langberg, D. (2015). Suffering and the Heart of God.Support the MinistryIf this episode encouraged you, consider supporting the Finding God Podcast through the donation button on RedCircle. Your support helps keep these spiritually grounded conversations going.

Strap in guys, we're taking a deep dive into the realm of want, desire, and interoception. This week on Schauer Thoughts the mind is taking a back seat to the bodies inner-workings and process - we'll be giving a voice to the beautiful being that gives us a voice. I hope you enjoy listening to me or at least yourself.  Link to my Substack post: How To Be The Type of Person Who Loves Reading and Learning Substack Post - https://substack.com/home/post/p-179871707  Make sure to check out the wonderful researcher who inspired this episode: Dr. Nai'a on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@naia_papaia/video/7611265785910103310?_r=1&_t=ZT-94GFOua6P4X  Resources: Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions - Temple Grandin Enshitification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It - Cory Doctorow This Is What It Sounds Like - Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas Companies Are Desperately Seeking ‘Storytellers'  https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-desperately-seeking-storytellers-7b79f54e?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqemQvxYgchwXwkzI9btEgTEnCSu86tEActGU6LXgOMv_Hmjc9gknGlTvT3KbvI%3D&gaa_ts=69a75f83&gaa_sig=k0Vp1rLUO3Z7LSgPcCMAOXqD3Xwkwt6oGQR-mZgHdTaYRvYA6SwJR71JTTOmOpyQN3FLt-RNuAiAtTU1_snLAQ%3D%3D  Why the Polyvagal Theory is Untenable https://www.clinicalneuropsychiatry.org/download/why-the-polyvagal-theory-is-untenable-an-international-expert-evaluation-of-the-polyvagal-theory-and-commentary-upon-porges-s-w-2025-polyvagal-theory-current-status-clinical-applications-and/  A Clinician's Perspective on the Polyvagal Controversy https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-connected/202602/a-clinicians-perspective-on-the-polyvagal-controversy  When Looking ‘Hot' Means Not Feeling Cold: Evidence that Self-Objectification Inhibits Feelings of Being Cold https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjso.12489  Objects Do Not Suffer: An Impact on Mechanistic Dehumanization on Perceptions of Women's Suffering and Lack of Justice in Domestic Assault https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37815050/  The psychological mechanism of self-objectification: the interaction between sociocultural pressures and self-esteem https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12517067/  Body image disturbance, interoceptive sensibility and the body schema across female adulthood: a pre-registered study https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1285216/full  Interoception: A Multi-Sensory Foundation of Participation in Daily Life https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9220286/ Why You Do the Things You Do  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-more-affectively/202512/why-you-do-the-things-you-do The Affective Side of Interoception  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-more-affectively/202512/the-affective-side-of-interoception The Affective Side of Certainty https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-more-affectively/202512/the-affective-side-of-certainty/amp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Georgie shares an honest take on the nervous system regulation world, and why it can sometimes become so jargon-heavy that it pulls you further into your mind instead of back into your body. She explores the recent criticism and debate around Polyvagal Theory as a reminder to hold any framework lightly, and to stay connected to what actually helps you feel safer, steadier, and more like yourself. This conversation is about simplifying, trusting your instincts, and remembering that your body already has a deep intelligence for soothing and settling. You'll leave feeling less pressure to "do regulation right", and more confidence in listening to what works for you.

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How Does Autism & the Polyvagal Theory Relate? Dr Rubin explains how pediatric chiropractors can use Polyvagal concepts with their neurodevelopmentally challenged children.

You just have to be a good parent 30-40% of the time. According to the research, and parenting expert Maggie Dent.

Clients hitting walls, losing focus, and quitting on the most meaningful reps too soon? Is it the client's fault or the trainer's, without even realizing it? Paradox Strength President Janaya Skye returns to the podcast to talk about something that many trainers don't realize: if you ignore your central nervous system, you're leaving a lot on the table. We dive into how your CNS can affect your workouts and client sessions, what happens – and what to do – when your clients start tuning out instructions, why that happens, and some specific, real-life situations and how to approach them. Make sure that you get those last, greatest reps in to really get the most out of your sessions — tune in to this one! ━━━━━━━━━━━━ Get a FREE course to grow your strength training business here ━━━━━━━━━━━━ Get NEW Precision-Engineered MedX Machines here ━━━━━━━━━━━━ For the complete show notes, links, and resources, click here

Send a textIn this episode of This Is A Voice (S12 Ep6), Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes continue the story from “The Secret Singer” (Ep5) and go deeper into what happens when a singer's path gets interrupted.Gillyanne shares what came after stopping singing in her late 20s, how she rebuilt confidence (slowly and with care), and why her “happy ending” wasn't about chasing the stage again. We talk identity, grief, agency and the surprisingly liberating idea that loving singing doesn't require loving performance.Then we zoom out into the bigger picture, how singing skills transfer into teaching, leadership, presenting, training and research. Plus, we unpack the difference between rehearsal and performance as totally different nervous system tasks, and why connection with the audience can change everything.If you're a singer, teacher, vocal coach, choir leader, or anyone who's ever felt like you need to “prove” your voice, this one's for you.Chapters00:00 “Singer Interrupted”01:14 The happy ending (and the grief)02:45 Returning to singing, rebuilding confidence, technique + agility05:12 Seven years off singing, and why that can still lead somewhere good06:15 “Performing spoils my day/week”, permission to redefine success08:22 Singing identity vs public performance10:45 What would your happy ending be if you didn't have to prove anything?12:19 Teaching, training, presenting, research, performance changes shape16:47 Connection with the audience, social engagement, polyvagal lens18:24 Transferable skills singers forget they have20:04 Rehearsal vs performance, what the audience changes24:09 Starting from your real emotion, plus “it's OK to be crap for 10 minutes”28:37 Nervous system expectations in performance, what helpsMentioned:Melissa Forbes, Stop Chasing Perfection, Start Singing for Connection (This Is A Voice Season 11, Ep13 https://youtu.be/r5-Lq4ithDcSafe Space 2 - Polyvagal Theory for Performance - our new online course with Franka van Essenhttps://vocal-process-hub.teachable.com/p/safe-space-2-polyvagal-theory-for-performance-with-franka-van-essenThe Master-Apprentice survey - please fill in this survey (10-20 mins)https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/Master-Apprentice-Model-In-Singing-Teaching If this episode resonates, drop a comment, what part hit home for you? And tell us, where do you “perform” even when you're not on a stage?Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most!

"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness. The salvation, then, is to be found in the body..."What if trauma isn't something to heal or release but something that formed intelligently in response to life?In this episode, I sit down with Will Rezin of Trauma & Somatics for a deep, grounding conversation on trauma, attachment, procrastination, nervous system regulation, and why so many of us never actually feel completion, only “what's next?”This episode isn't about fixing yourself. It's about understanding how you formed and what becomes possible when survival isn't the only goal anymore.

In this episode, we explore Polyvagal Theory and how understanding your nervous system can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and resilient during times of stress and uncertainty. You'll learn how to: meet your nervous system where it is recognize the language of your body work with your stress response instead of fighting it. Through science-backed insights and practical strategies, this episode offers gentle tools to support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and self-awareness, without forcing positivity or bypassing your experience. Perfect for anyone navigating anxiety, overwhelm, or burnout and looking for practical ways to feel more at ease in everyday life.   Curious to learn more about your mind and body? Join the waitlist for future mindfulness retreats here.  Take the Overwhelm Archetype Quiz Here.  Grab a copy of my book, 100 Mindful Moments to Balance & Energize. Sign up for a Discovery Call to explore if 1:1 coaching is a fit.  Check out Deb Dana's work. 

In this episode, Ashley shares an embodied understanding of the nervous system and how it shapes our emotional, physical, and mental experiences.Rather than viewing stress or dysregulation as something to overcome, Ashley reframes the nervous system as the body's internal radar — constantly scanning for safety, connection, and threat. Many patterns labeled as procrastination, anxiety, or burnout are actually protective responses learned over time.Ashley discusses the role of the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve, and how we move between states of activation and rest. She offers gentle, practical tools to support nervous system regulation through breath, sound, movement, touch, and awareness.This episode is an invitation to soften, listen, and return to balance — without fixing, forcing, or bypassing the body's wisdom.Topics explored include:Nervous system regulationVagus nerve and stress responsePolyvagal awarenessBreathwork and embodimentSomatic practices for daily lifeHypnosis and subconscious recalibrationThis work is about remembering safety from the inside out. Explore more resources and practices with Ashley Inspyrz:✨ Download the Wheel of Fulfillmenthttps://www.iambec0mingweightless.com/wheeloffulfillment✨ Join Power Hour https://www.iambecomingweightless.com/powerhour✨ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ashleyinspyrz✨ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ashleyinspyrz

Website: https://www.thebigbiemethod.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigbiemethod Twitter: @TheBigbieMethod Instagram: @thebigbiemethod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindybigbienvc YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel Be sure to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend that would get some value! The Bigbie Method website: https://www.thebigbiemethod.com

Ever felt like no matter how much you prepare for an important conversation with your partner, you still end up missing each other entirely? In the heat of tough conversations, even the best intentions can get lost as tension rises and defenses go up. It's all too easy for moments of misunderstanding to snowball, leaving both people feeling disconnected and unsure how to find their way back to each other. In this episode, you'll discover a radically simple approach to transforming those tense moments into opportunities for true connection. Looking through the lens of openness, which the conversation calls the "aperture effect," you'll learn why slowing down, becoming mindful, and attuning to each other's emotional states can help you break free from unhelpful patterns. Explore practical techniques to foster emotional safety, collaboration, and presence so you can turn even challenging interactions into pathways for deeper understanding and closeness. Kathryn Ford, M.D., is a psychiatrist, couples therapist, and author. Her work is a unique integration of mindfulness, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. After receiving her M.D. degree from Brown School of Medicine, Dr. Ford completed a residency in psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her meditation practice and studies developed her understanding of the power of mindfulness for building deeper, more resilient relationships. She has taught at Stanford Continuing Studies, Stanford Medical School, and  Santa Clara University, and publishes regularly online in Psychology Today.   Episode Highlights 04:02 The Aperture Effect—an exploration at the intersection of psychiatry, mindfulness, and neuroscience. 09:40 What happens when openness shuts down in conversation? 11:26 The brain's role in relationship dynamics and mindful self-awareness. 15:23 Recognizing and responding to real-time emotional signals. 17:14 How our openness fluctuates moment to moment: Practical awareness skills. 21:08 Why slowing down changes everything: Strategies for connection over resolution. 26:06 Openness on a continuum: Tracking your state in challenging conversations. 29:16 Regrouping when things get rocky: Navigating pauses and timeouts. 33:53 Moving between vulnerability and defensiveness. 38:13 Vulnerability as the pathway to connection. 42:18 The power of naming your emotional state. 43:30 Learning and practicing aperture awareness and mindfulness.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Practice mindful pausing: When you notice tension or confusion in conversations with your partner, pause for a deep breath to ground yourself and slow the interaction. Regularly check in with yourself during discussions. Ask, "Am I open or closed right now?" and observe your body for cues like warmth (open) or tension (closed). Use the "Two Sentences" exercise by limiting your speaking turns to one or two sentences and then pausing, giving both you and your partner time to process before responding. Be explicit about your emotional state, for example, saying, "I'm feeling a bit vulnerable discussing this," to invite empathy and understanding. When things get heated, intentionally slow down the dialogue. Avoid rapid-fire responses and give space for reflection. Call a timeout if needed: If either partner rates their openness as a 4 or lower (on a 1-10 scale), suggest a short break to allow both people to regroup and prevent escalation. Reassure and regroup: Offer reassurance like, "I didn't mean to sound harsh," and check if both partners feel ready to continue before moving forward. Acknowledge the need for ongoing conversations: Accept that not every topic needs a final resolution. Focus on maintaining connection, trust, and openness even when issues remain unresolved.   Mentioned The Aperture Effect (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Polyvagal Theory (website) Gottman Institute (website) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (*Psychology Today) (link) ERP 340: The Essential Skill Of Tracking Openness in Relationship — An Interview With Dr. Kathryn Ford 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)   Connect with Kathryn Ford M.D. Websites: kathrynfordmd.com Facebook: facebook.com/KathrynFordMD Instagram: instagram.com/KathrynFordMD LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathryn-ford-m-d-1a675b2b Substack: substack.com/@kathrynfordmd   Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com  

Transforming your health is more fun with friends! Join Chef AJ's Exclusive Plant-Based Community. Become part of the inner circle and start simplifying plant-based living - with easy recipes and expert health guidance. Find out more by visiting: https://community.chefaj.com/ For a list "The Top 10 Things Having Cancer Has Taught Me" please email help@ChefAJ.com Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. To book a consultation with Matt: https://form.jotform.com/241997228318164 Matthew Lederman, MD, is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and a pioneering thought leader in holistic health. Renowned for his innovative integration of plant-based nutrition, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), trauma-informed care, and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Lederman's work highlights the profound interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and relational well-being. As a certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer through the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), Dr. Lederman combines Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Awareness Principles, and Pain Reprocessing to empower individuals to heal from within. His approach helps people address the root causes of chronic health challenges, fostering emotional resilience and cultivating meaningful connections. Dr. Lederman is the co-host of the webe Parents podcast, a platform dedicated to equipping parents with tools and insights to foster emotional connection, resilience, and well-being in their families. His latest book, Wellness to Wonderful, weaves together medical science, psychology, spirituality, and life wisdom to guide individuals toward lasting health, vibrancy, peace, and joy. He is also the co-founder of Kinectin, a platform designed to help individuals build deeper, more fulfilling relationships through AI-driven coaching and personalized assessments. Email (questions & requests): Support@ConnectionDocs.com Website: https://www.connectiondocs.com/ Free Resources (includes Feelings & Needs Sheet for children AND Role-Play Video “Talking to Your Child About ‘Too Much' Device Time”) : https://www.connectiondocs.com/resources Substack (Weekly Articles on Connection): https://substack.com/@connectiondocs Breath & Body Regulation Training Tool: https://webekalm.com/ webe Pärents Podcast https://webekalm.com/pages/webeparents AI Connection Coach:https://app.kinectin.com/signup Main Book WELLNESS TO WONDERFUL: 9 Pillars for Living Healthier, Longer, and with Greater Joy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2S1JGZK?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true Children's E-Books (Supporting Children Bringing More Connection Into Their Lives): Healing Shame and Connecting to Self-Worth and Intrinsic Value: https://webekalm.com/products/lily-and-her-beautiful-flower Being Honest with Care https://webekalm.com/products/ella-and-the-two-gifts-ebook Supporting Children During Emergencies (fires, earthquakes, etc):'https://webekalm.com/products/brave-hearts-facing-the-fire-ebook Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheConnectionDocs Substack Newsletter: https://connectionDocs.substack.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectionDocs X: https://x.com/connectionDocs

In Part 2 of this conversation, Lawrence Joss continues his dialogue with psychologist and Polyvagal Equine Institute founder Dr. Rebecca Bailey, exploring how equine therapy and everyday interactions with animals support nervous system regulation and healing in the context of parental alienation and family trauma. Drawing from decades of clinical work, Dr. Bailey shares powerful stories that show how horses mirror emotional states, challenge rigid narratives, and create moments of connection, humor, and perspective. Together, they highlight why healing doesn't always come through talking, how safety and consent shape meaningful therapeutic work, and how parents can continue parenting, even without access, by focusing on regulation, connection, and inner stability.Key TakeawaysEquine therapy offers unique access points for emotional healing.Personal relationships with animals can enhance emotional regulation.Co-regulation is essential for emotional well-being and therapy.Horses can help individuals process trauma without delving into past experiences.Therapists must prioritize informed consent and safety in equine therapy.The evolution of equine therapy practices reflects changing societal needs.Reality clarification can help families understand their dynamics better.Co-regulation can occur between humans and horses, fostering emotional connection.Future equine therapy practices should focus on high standards and training.Therapists should empower clients to be experts in their own emotional regulation.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Equine Therapy and Emotional Regulation02:48 - Personal Experiences with Animals and Emotional Connection05:47 - The Role of Horses in Therapy and Co-Regulation08:58 - Understanding Trauma and the Therapeutic Process11:53 - The Evolution of Equine Therapy Practices14:53 - Co-Regulation and Its Importance in Therapy17:47 - Anecdotes and Insights from Equine Therapy Sessions20:52 - Future of Equine Therapy and Coaching24:03 - Concluding Thoughts on Emotional Healing and ConnectionIf you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:Email - familydisappeared@gmail.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:https://polyvagalequineinstitute.comPlease donate to support PAA programs:https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom partThis podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com

With your co-hostesses: Lyschel Burket from HopeRedefined.org Bonny Burns from StrongWives.com  Temporary Hostess Amy Matters of Matterswellness.com Support HFW through a donation   Listen now: Welcome to another episode of Hope For Wives, today we are continuing our discussion around finding safety and healing in our bodies after betrayal with Amy Matters, a holistic wellness specialist. Remember, betrayal affects our physical selves, just as much as our emotional and mental selves. We Will be Discussing: Why do so many women get stuck in survival mode after betrayal? What are some practical first steps women can take to begin feeling safe in their bodies again? What hope can we leave our listeners? Resources mentioned in this show: Escaping Enemy Mode by Dr. Jim Wilder Connect with Amy Matters here – Matters Wellness Amy Matters' Social Media: Instagram @coachamymarie Facebook @matterswellness Scripture references: 1 Peter 5:10-11 (The Passion Translation), "And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up. And he has all the power needed to do this —forever! Amen."

Have you ever wondered why, in the moments you crave connection the most, you suddenly find yourself pulling back or feeling unworthy of love? It's a confusing cycle—wanting deep intimacy yet stumbling over old shame and protective patterns that keep you at arm's length from those who matter most. The echoes of our early relationships can linger, quietly shaping the way we trust, open up, and even interpret simple gestures of kindness. Left unspoken and unexplored, these internal beliefs can create barriers to the very closeness we long for. In this episode, listeners are invited to take a compassionate look at how shame and childhood experiences impact our sense of self and our present-day relationships. Through real-life examples and insights from trauma and nervous system work, you'll discover why you might struggle with receiving care, how protective behaviors like people-pleasing or withdrawal develop, and, most importantly, how healing and repair are possible within intimate partnerships. The conversation offers practical tools for recognizing these patterns, slowing down your reactions, and using curiosity and acceptance to gently shift toward deeper connection—with yourself and with others. Dr. Arielle Schwartz is a licensed psychologist and a leading voice in the healing of trauma. She is an internationally sought-after teacher and award winning author of eight books including The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers a mind-body approach to therapy for trauma and informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart.   Episode Highlights 06:17 Uncovering attachment wounds and realizing childhood patterns in adulthood. 08:41 How shame and unworthiness show up in everyday relationship gestures. 10:59 The deep impact of relational trauma on trust and receiving love. 13:44 Cycles of childhood rejection and their lasting influence in relationships. 17:04 Understanding neuroception: Faulty safety cues and couple dynamics. 23:04 Common protective behaviors that mask shame and hinder true connection. 26:02 How longing to be authentically seen often leads to frustration and anger. 27:46 Facing shame: The role of curiosity, acceptance, and turning toward pain. 34:33 How slowing down and identifying underlying feelings in moments of reactivity allows for more vulnerable communication and understanding between partners. 37:03 Accessing and soothing shame through parts work and somatic awareness. 41:04 The power of presence: Attending to shame somatically and non-judgmentally. 42:57 Supporting partners in their activation: Invitations, patience, and repair.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Start noticing moments when you feel unworthy or defensive in relationships, and pause to reflect on what's being activated inside you. Practice slowing down your reactions, even if just for a few seconds, to bring curiosity rather than judgment to your responses. When you notice shame or discomfort, try labeling it as just one part of yourself—remind yourself it doesn't define your entire being. Invite more acceptance for uncomfortable feelings by turning toward them with compassion instead of pushing them away. If you're in a reactive moment with a loved one, communicate with phrases like, "Can I run something by you?" or "The story I'm telling myself is…" to clarify your experience. Focus on building body awareness—notice where you feel tension, contraction, or the urge to hide, and gently stay present with it. When you notice a protective behavior like people-pleasing or withdrawing, ask yourself what underlying need or emotion might be driving it. In heated moments with your partner, offer supportive choices like, "How can I best support you right now?" instead of jumping into problem-solving or fixing.   Mentioned The Polyvagal Theory Workbook for Trauma (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Complex PTSD Workbook (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Post-Traumatic Growth Deck (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Brene Brown (website) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (*Psychology Today) (link) Polyvagal Theory (website) 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)   Connect with Dr. Arielle Schwartz Websites: drarielleschwartz.com | resilienceinformedtherapy.com Facebook: facebook.com/drarielleschwartz X: twitter.com/DrAschwartz YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC5LUxnXbReV7I5cEzvb46sQ Instagram: instagram.com/arielleschwartzboulder LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/arielle-schwartz-0756b62a  

Join me this week as we delve into the second Yama from Deborah Adele's Yamas & Niyamas: Satya, or Truthfulness. Building on our exploration of non-violence, we unravel the deeper significance of truth beyond mere honesty. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory and the work of Dr. Dan Siegel, we examine how alignment with Satya impacts our mental health and interpersonal connections. Discover the multi-dimensional nature of truth and learn to practice Satya mindfully with compassion through the lens of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. Whether on a yoga mat or in daily life, uncover the journey from illusion to authenticity, and embrace your true essence. Tune in for reflections, practical tools, and resources to live a life rooted in truth.The second Yama of Yoga - Satya - Being Truthful: 5 Powerful Ways of Practicing Truthfulness And How It Impacts Your Everyday Life

In this episode of Being Human, host Steve Cuss interviews trauma counselor and author Adam Young about his book, Make Sense of Your Story. Together, they explore how personal stories and trauma shape relationships with ourselves, others, and God. Adam shares his own journey of understanding childhood wounds, the importance of self-kindness, and how faith can become entangled with coping mechanisms. They discuss the body's role in healing, the impact of certainty in theology, and practical steps toward emotional freedom. The conversation offers hope, insight, and tools for listeners seeking healing and deeper connection. Biblical Passages Genesis 37-50 (ESV) -The Joseph Story Episode Resources: Nervous System Regulation What is Polyvagal Theory? Understanding the Window of Tolerance More From Adam Young: Adam Young's Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything Adam Young's website Adam Young's The Places We Find Ourselves podcast Sign up for Steve's Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter New Candles and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Get the Communication Styles Guide: https://capablelife.com/pages/podcast Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawrence Joss continues his discussion with Matthew Brickman, a Supreme Court Certified Mediator in Florida. Together, they unpack the role of mediation in family conflict, including how mediators support the process and what to consider when choosing the right professional. Drawing from years of experience, Matthew highlights the value of ongoing learning, self-awareness, and growth in effective mediation. The conversation also explores the emotional realities clients face and the importance of empowerment and agency throughout the mediation journey.Key TakeawaysEquine therapy helps individuals learn about their own nervous system.The presence of horses can facilitate emotional safety and connection.Children often project their feelings onto horses, aiding in therapy.Building trust with horses reflects the importance of boundaries in relationships.Humor can be a powerful tool in therapeutic settings.Equine therapy can help navigate high-conflict family dynamics.The process of co-regulation is essential for emotional healing.Horses model the ability to calm down after being startled.Therapy with horses allows access to emotions that traditional methods may not reach.The unpredictability of life is mirrored in the interactions with horses.Chapters00:00 - Understanding Equine Therapy and Its Context 02:54 - The Role of the Nervous System in Therapy 05:50 - Equine Therapy: A Unique Approach to Healing 08:44 - The Connection Between Horses and Human Emotions 12:05 - Navigating Family Dynamics Through Equine Therapy 14:51 - Practical Applications of Equine Therapy 18:03 - The Impact of Trauma on Children and Families 20:48 - Building Trust and Boundaries with Horses 23:45 - The Unpredictability of Life and Therapy 26:52 - Conclusion: The Healing Power of HorsesIf you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:Email - familydisappeared@gmail.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:https://polyvagalequineinstitute.comPlease donate to support PAA programs:https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom partThis podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com

Peaches and Chris have started doing stand alone bonus episodes that have been going on youtube. This is one of them that Peaches did today. If you enjoy this content, there is more of it on youtube. Go sub to our channel.Become a member of The Tribe- https://www.2bebetter.com/join Want to go to travel with us?! - https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/2-be-qxob7 Couples and other retreats - https://www.2bebetter.com/retreats This episode is a deep, practical breakdown of the nervous system, polyvagal theory, and how trauma, stress, and lived experience shape your reactions, behaviors, and sense of safety. Instead of blaming mindset, discipline, or willpower, this conversation explains why inconsistency, emotional flooding, shutdown, people pleasing, burnout, and self abandonment are often nervous system responses, not character flaws. You'll learn how the body scans for safety through neuroception, how the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states work, and why your system may feel stuck in urgency, collapse, or numbness even when you want change This video walks you through regulation, embodiment, and nervous system awareness in a grounded, real world way. You can expect clear explanations, relatable examples, breathwork and somatic tools, and guidance on responding to yourself without shame or force. This is for anyone struggling with emotional regulation, trauma recovery, boundaries, burnout, anxiety, shutdown, or feeling disconnected from their body and relationships. If you want to understand why you react the way you do and how to build safety, presence, and self trust from the inside out, this episode will meet you where you are.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/2-be-better--5828421/support.

I think that this is an important time to pause and relook at Polyvagal Theory before continuing with Beyond Behaviors. Polyvagal Theory: Current Status, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions (Porges, S. 2025) "Social behavior and the capacity to manage challenge are dependent on the neural regulation of physiological state." S. Porges   When I dove into Stephen Porges's 2025 review of the Polyvagal Theory (PVT), I felt like I'd stepped into a crossroads where neurobiology, clinical practice, trauma science, and human experience collide. This paper isn't merely a summary of three decades of work (all of which I have read); it's a spirited defense of a paradigm that's been both celebrated (by me) and contested (by others). What follows is an honest appraisal of what the article teaches us, where it sparks real insight, and where it may fall short, especially through the lens of evidence-based medicine and developmental neurophysiology. (I also went deeper into his 2022 paper in Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience for the biophysiology of the ANS) At its heart, the article argues that the autonomic nervous system (ANS), through a set of hierarchically organized circuits centered on the vagus nerve, is not just a background player in stress and homeostasis, but a core regulator of social engagement, physiological flexibility, and behavior. Dr. Porges situates his theory as an alternative and expansion to classical views that treat sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) branches as functional opposites. Instead, he proposes a three-component hierarchy: the ventral vagal complex (VVC) supporting social engagement, a mobilization circuit mediated by the sympathetic nervous system or fight or flight state, and a dorsal vagal circuit that facilitates shutdown or immobilization under extreme threat..... Enjoy, Dr. M

Nine Simple Practices That Strengthen Relationships Summary In Episode #99 of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis celebrate their 99th episode by sharing nine powerful practices couples can use to strengthen connection, deepen trust, and build meaningful intimacy. Each principle is grounded in years of clinical experience, neuroscience, and relationship research—while remaining practical and accessible for real-life relationships. Together they explore why emotional safety is the foundation of all connection, the importance of ownership over blame, and how consistent attunement builds emotional closeness. They emphasize spending intentional time together, rebuilding trust through small daily actions, learning to emotionally regulate before communicating, and facing—not avoiding—conflict. They also highlight how positive relational interactions nurture bonding and why dreaming and planning for the future together creates shared hope and purpose. Listeners are encouraged to start small, picking one area to work on, knowing that meaningful relationships are built one intentional step at a time. Key References & Influences These concepts draw from established research and recognized thought leaders in relationships, trauma, emotional regulation, and neurobiology: Polyvagal Theory & Safety Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Emotional Attunement & Attachment Siegel, D. J. (2010). The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician's Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration. Trust and Relationship Repair Gottman, J. & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Gottman, J. (2011). What Makes Love Last? Ownership vs. Blame / Emotional Responsibility Brown, B. (2015). Rising Strong. Conflict Resolution & The Zeigarnik Effect Zeigarnik, B. (1927). On Finished and Unfinished Tasks. Psychologische Forschung. Hope & Future Orientation Seligman, M. (2018). The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist's Journey from Helplessness to Optimism. Trauma, Safety & Human Connection van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Conference Invitation If you're ready to go deeper in strengthening your relationship, we invite you to join us at the Human Intimacy 2nd Annual Conference. Use coupon code 50off to receive 50% off registration (limited time): https://humanintimacy.zohobackstage.com/HumanIntimacy2ndAnnualConference#/   Online Supplemental Course: (It's Free) The Human Intimacy Companion Course  

Why does eating sometimes feel distant, foggy, or unreal? Why do meals happen on autopilot, with little connection to hunger, fullness, or satisfaction? In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the often overlooked role of dissociation in eating disorders, especially when trauma and nervous system overwhelm are present. Many people experience eating as disconnected or numb, yet rarely receive language or support that explains why this happens. This episode breaks down how dissociation functions as a survival response, not a failure of recovery. Dr. Marianne explains how trauma, chronic stress, and loss of bodily autonomy can shape the nervous system and disrupt interoceptive awareness, making it difficult to sense hunger, fullness, and internal cues. Listeners will learn how dissociation connects to common eating disorder patterns such as restriction, binge eating, and rigid routines. Rather than viewing these behaviors as resistance or lack of motivation, this episode reframes them as nervous system strategies designed to manage overwhelm and threat. Dr. Marianne also centers neurodivergent experiences, including sensory processing differences and shutdown responses that often get missed in traditional eating disorder treatment. She explains why pressure-based approaches frequently fail neurodivergent people and why safety, accommodation, and choice are essential when eating feels unreal. This episode offers a trauma informed, neurodivergent affirming perspective on recovery, emphasizing that healing does not come from forcing embodiment. Instead, recovery unfolds when the nervous system learns that eating can be safe again. In this episode, you will hear about: Dissociation and eating disorders Trauma and nervous system responses around food Why eating can feel unreal or disconnected Interoception and disrupted hunger and fullness cues Neurodivergence, sensory overwhelm, and eating challenges Why traditional eating disorder treatment often misses dissociation What actually supports recovery when eating feels unreal Midway through the episode, Dr. Marianne shares more about her self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course, designed for people whose eating struggles are shaped by sensory differences, trauma, and nervous system needs. Related Episodes How Childhood Trauma Shapes Eating Disorders & Body Shame (Content Caution) on Apple & Spotify. Childhood Trauma & Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Using EMDR & Polyvagal Theory to Treat Trauma & Eating Disorders with Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS-S on Apple & Spotify. Trauma, Eating Disorders, & Levels of Care with Amy Ornelas, RD via Apple or Spotify. Content Caution This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, trauma, dissociation, sensory overwhelm, and nervous system responses around food. Although no specific behaviors or numbers are described, some listeners may find these topics activating. Please take care of yourself and listen in a way that feels supportive. This episode is for anyone who has felt confused, frustrated, or unseen in eating disorder recovery and wants a framework that finally makes sense.

This week I sit down with Dr. Stephen Porges, a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers across several disciplines including anesthesiology, biomedical engineering, critical care medicine, ergonomics, exercise physiology, gerontology, neurology, neuroscience, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, psychometrics, space medicine, and substance abuse. In 1994 he proposed the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that links the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system to social behavior and emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. The theory is leading to innovative treatments based on insights into the mechanisms mediating symptoms observed in several behavioral, psychiatric, and physical disorders. ​ He is the author of multiple books on his Polyvagal Theory: including the Neurophysiological foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation, as well as Polyvagal Safety: Attachment, Communication, Self-Regulation. His newest book cowritten with his son is called Our Polyvagal World, How Safety and Trauma Change Us. Dr. Porges is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ (SSP), which is used by therapists to improve social engagement, language processing, and state regulation, as well as to reduce hearing sensitivities. This is such a fascinating conversation. He brings the worlds of psychiatry and anthropological physiology into union for us to understand the why of trauma reactions and the future unwinding that is now possible. This is a must listen to conversation if you know anyone with trauma history. Please enjoy my conversation with Professor Porges, Dr. M

With your co-hostesses: Lyschel Burket from HopeRedefined.org Bonny Burns from StrongWives.com  Temporary Hostess Amy Matters of Matterswellness.com Support HFW through a donation   Listen now: Welcome to another episode of Hope For Wives, today we are so excited to continue our the healing conversation with, Amy Matters! Amy is a holistic health practitioner, she guides betrayed women toward wholeness from the inside out.  We are, again, diving into Amy's strengths as we discuss finding safety and healing in our bodies after betrayal. Safety is an important, although sometimes elusive, concept for those who are trying to heal from the traumatic impact of betrayal. We Will be Discussing: What does "safety" really mean in recovery terms? Can you explain how the nervous system responds to relational trauma? Resources mentioned in this show: Connect with Amy here – Matters Wellness

Our nervous systems form the foundation of how we move through the world. It is the filter for our thoughts, behaviors, and interpretations.And when our nervous systems are dysregulated, it impacts how we show up for ourselves, our loved ones, and those we lead.Emotional regulation isn't as simple as a human equivalent of turning your computer off and on again. But it is an essential practice to learn to notice dysregulation, and develop skills and practices to bring us back when we've spiraled or disconnected.As we head into another year of challenges and uncertainty, personally and societally, I'm coming back to my conversation on Polyvagal Theory with Deb Dana from earlier this year, which also happens to be the most downloaded episode of 2025. When the stakes are high, it only makes sense that so many of us are looking for ways to cope. Polyvagal practice offers a compassionate map to ourselves, and helps us build the adaptability, curiosity, compassion, and connection that are most needed in leadership right now.Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors and is the leading translator of this scientific work to the public and mental health professionals. She's a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute and creator of the signature Rhythm of Regulation® clinical training series.Deb's work shows us how understanding polyvagal theory applies across the board to relationships, mental health, and trauma. She delves into the intricacies of how we can all use and understand the organizing principles of polyvagal theory to change the ways we navigate our daily lives.Listen to the full episode to hear:How regulation practices help us build the capacity to return to ourselves when we've been challengedHow subconscious survival responses hijack our ability to problem solve and narrow our optionsHow tiny moments of noticing can add up to big changes in your capacity to find regulationWhy we need skills for coming back to regulation in order to engage with discomfort and struggle in our lives and in the worldHow leaders can create connected, collaborative environments for themselves and those they leadLearn more about Deb Dana:Rhythm of RegulationLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaThe Unburdened Leader on SubstackSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Stephen PorgesThe Nightingale, Kristin HannahBlue: The History of a Color, Michel PastoureauCéline Dion, Andrea Bocelli - The PrayerHalloween Baking ChampionshipHoliday Baking ChampionshipThe Great British Baking Show

High performance often leads to burnout, decision fatigue, and a body that never feels settled. This episode reveals what high capacity actually feels like in your nervous system — and why identity safety is the foundation of sustainable peace, presence, and leadership.High achievers know how to perform — but many quietly wonder why their body never fully relaxes, even when life looks good. This episode maps the felt experience of becoming a High Capacity Human, where identity safety replaces pressure, bracing, and survival-driven success.Drawing from nervous system science (Polyvagal Theory), embodied psychology, and identity formation, Julie explores the quiet but unmistakable shifts that happen when your identity begins to match the life you're leading. This is where burnout recovery deepens, decision fatigue lifts, and the body finally stops keeping score of old roles you've outgrown.Inside this episode, you'll learn:• the somatic cues that signal you're moving from high performance to high capacity • how ventral vagal safety feels compared to sympathetic “readiness mode” • why identity margin creates the internal space your nervous system craves • the surprising way your body tells you the truth long before your mind does • how co-regulation and relational safety expand your ability to lead • what “identity safety” feels like in real life — calm, connected, and unforced• why presence, not pressure, is the actual pathway to sustainable impactJulie also names a truth high-capacity humans rarely hear:you don't need to become more — you need room to be fully you.Ask yourself:“Where in my life does my body feel the most permission to soften — and what does that tell me about who I'm becoming?”Then explore:• What sensation rises when I allow myself to be fully present?• What identity am I reclaiming in that softness?• What tension drops when I stop bracing?Team extension:“What would shift if our culture valued steadiness over urgency?”If today's episode gave you language your body has been trying to speak, leave a rating and review so more high-capacity humans can find The Recalibration.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

SALE: For a limited time only, save 50% on 3-Session RTT Packages—a savings of nearly $700. Click here to book now.Click here for details.In this episode, we'll explore the first step in resolving and releasing stored trauma—creating and maintaining safety within the body.Resources + LinksBook a free 30-minute breakthrough consultation with me.Guided Hypnotherapy TrackCalm, Balanced, Peaceful Nervous System (available for purchase)BooksThe Science Backed Polyvagal Healing Workbook for Beginners*The Biology of Trauma* by Dr. Aimee ApigianThe Body Keeps the Score* by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. ProgramsThe Foundational Journey (Begins February 2, 2026—Dr. Aimee Apigian's 6-week program to create inner safety)ResourcesMy Brain Rewired: Rewire Your Brain with the Power of Neuroplasticity (website)Jon Kabat-Zinn (mindfulness website)PsychotraumatologyTrauma Sensitive Yoga (David Emerson)PracticesYT Video: Qigong for Calming the Nervous SystemYT Video: Straw Breathing for Nervous System RegulationImprovisation ExercisesFeldenkrais Method (Mindful Movement)Somatic and Sensorimotor PsychotherapyArticles6 Neuroplasticity Exercises for Anxiety Relief by PsychCentral7 Effective Neuroplasticity Exercises for Brain Rewiring by My Brain RewiredThe Science of OM: How Chanting Calms Your Mind and BodyHow Qigong Calms the Nervous System and Transforms Stress Into VitalityBuilding Our Sense of Agency by Trauma Aware AmericaWork with me—schedule a free 30-minute breakthrough consultation today. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not substitute individual psychological advice. No AI—all content and episodes created and written by Ashley Melillo. *This is an affiliate link. Purchasing through affiliate links supports The Soul Horizon at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

High performance often feels like pressure because your nervous system learned to brace, not rest. This episode unpacks why success triggers activation, why calm feels unfamiliar, and how to shift from survival patterns into grounded, high-capacity presence.Why does success feel heavier than it should — even when nothing is wrong?For many high-capacity humans, the answer lives in the nervous system. This episode offers a clear, practical walk-through of Polyvagal Theory, showing why performance so often feels like pressure, why the body braces even in moments of confidence, and why “I'm fine” rarely matches what's happening internally.Julie Holly breaks down the three primary states (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal vagal) in simple, real-life language, helping you understand:why your baseline feels elevated even on your best dayswhy calm feels unfamiliar for high achieverswhy your nervous system treats success like a situation to managethe link between chronic activation and identity driftthe internal cues (tight jaw, lifted shoulders, shallow breath) that reveal your statehow interoception helps you identify bracing before it becomes burnoutwhy your nervous system's loyalty to old stories makes pressure feel safer than presenceYou'll hear how these states explain the internal “edge” so many high performers live with — a form of identity dissonance and success fatigue that rarely gets named.Julie also offers a compassionate reframe:Your system isn't malfunctioning.It's remembering.It learned to keep you steady in earlier seasons of your life, and it's been loyal to that pattern ever since.Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) DistinctionThis episode makes it clear why mindset work or productivity hacks fall short.ILR works at the root level — where nervous system patterns, identity, and belonging intersect. It's not another strategy to “push through.” It's the recalibration that makes rest possible, presence accessible, and success feel like something you can actually enjoy.You'll learn:• what sympathetic activation feels like for high achievers• how dorsal vagal shutdown disguises itself as “I'm just tired”• why your nervous system confuses activation with safety• how identity performance keeps you bracing even in good moments• what it looks like to move into ventral presence without losing your edge• why capacity begins where bracing eIf this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

What if the parts of your story you're most afraid to share are the exact places where your power lives?In this raw, courageous, and transformative conversation, empowerment coach and “Becoming is Messy” podcast host Meghann Dawson reveals how our “messy middle” moments—trauma, shame, identity collapse, and the secrets we bury—are actually the gateways to healing, alignment, and true abundance.This episode helps listeners:• Stop hiding the hard parts of their past• Reconnect with their inner voice and reclaim emotional freedom• Transform trauma into wisdom, purpose, and personal power• Understand how healing yourself energetically heals your worldIf you've ever felt broken, ashamed, or afraid to be truly seen—this episode is a must-listen.Topics Covered0:00 — The Parts You're Hiding Are Your PowerWhy nearly 70% of people silence their authentic self—and why it hurts your soul.2:46 — Aligning Energetically: I AM / CONSCIOUSNESS Breath + 78-Second IntentionHow to create instant coherence with The Divine.9:44 — Wounds to Wisdom: When the Light Shines Through the CracksElaine's intuitive vision during the Intention ritual.10:59 — Meghann's Story: Trauma, Identity Collapse & the Curveballs of BecomingLosing her grandfather, discovering her father wasn't her biological father, and the shattering that followed.14:47 — Why Life Gives Us “Opportunities to Go Out of Alignment”Elaine's near-death download about duality, love, and the purpose of humans.18:54 — Abundance Defined: Personal FreedomMeghann's powerful definition—and what it means to live it.20:30 — Hiding, Coping & the Shame SpiralAddiction, secrecy, and what happens when we believe our wounds make us unlovable.24:12 — The Imperfect Level Up: Meghann's 7-Step Healing FrameworkLetting your inner voice lead, exploring childhood, valuing the messy lessons, embracing magic, and more.31:44 — You Are Perfect Because of Your ImperfectionsElaine's Divine message during her stroke.33:01 — Polyvagal Theory, Nervous System Healing & “Hiring the Heavens”Practical tools for emotional and physical healing.41:59 — Baby Steps for Real TransformationStillness, music, confession, forgiveness, and raising your vibration.48:26 — Why “Becoming Is Messy” Is a BlessingHow sharing your truth creates connection, compassion, and freedom.Key Takeaways (Skimmable Wins)· Your “messy middle” is not your shame—it is your initiation into authentic power.· Secrets create suffering; safe sharing creates liberation and connection.· Healing is lifelong and imperfect—and that's exactly how it works.· Trauma doesn't define you; it refines you into who you were designed to be.· Forgiveness and nervous system regulation are the gateway to...

SALE: For a limited time only, save 50% on 3-Session RTT Packages—a savings of nearly $700. Click here to book now.This is the first episode in a two-part series on trauma. In this episode, we'll be exploring the ins and outs of trauma—a more inclusive definition of what trauma is, how it occurs, why it gets stored in the body, and the stages we must move through in order to release it. We'll also discuss the very likely possibility, based on new understandings of trauma physiology, that most (if not all) of us have unresolved trauma stored in the body and how our most limiting patterns, behaviors, habits, and beliefs might actually be symptoms of unresolved trauma rather than personality quirks.Sources + ResourcesResourcesMy Brain Rewired: Rewire Your Brain with the Power of Neuroplasticity (website)BooksThe Biology of Trauma* by Dr. Aimee ApigianThe Body Keeps the Score* by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. ArticlesHow Common is PTSD in Adults? by U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsSelf-Directed Neuroplasticity by MindOwl6 Neuroplasticity Exercises for Anxiety Relief by PsychCentral7 Effective Neuroplasticity Exercises for Brain Rewiring by My Brain RewiredThe Science of OM: How Chanting Calms Your Mind and BodyHow Qigong Calms the Nervous System and Transforms Stress Into VitalityBuilding Our Sense of Agency by Trauma Aware AmericaNeurobiological Imprints of TraumaThe Triphasic Model for Treating TraumaHow Does Your Body Remember Trauma?The Trauma Loop: Why You Keep Repeating Old Patterns (and How to Break Them)Work with me—schedule a free 30-minute breakthrough consultation today. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not substitute individual psychological advice. No AI—all content and episodes created and written by Ashley Melillo. *This is an affiliate link. Purchasing through affiliate links supports The Soul Horizon at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

This conversation revolves around the nervous system and its impact on the way that we connect. Dr. Alexandra is joined by Deb Dana, the leading translator of Dr. Stephen Porges' scientific work on Polyvagal Theory to the public and mental health professionals. As just one example of her huge impact, a term she coined, glimmers, has gone viral on TikTok. You'll hear Deb take us through Polyvagal Theory, explaining the three principles of neuroception, hierarchy of response, and coregulation. You'll learn about the states our nervous systems go between - how those states feel and the types of thoughts and sensations that go alongside each state. You will learn that our ability to connect with the people around us is dictated by our biology. It's not cognitive. And it's certainly not random.  Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, helping our nervous systems and the nervous systems around us feel safe becomes the goal, and you'll learn how that perspective has shaped Deb Dana's life and how it can shift how you approach your relationships, as well. And of course, you'll hear about glimmers, including how to integrate a simple glimmer practice into your routine, in order to further help the nervous system feel safe and primed for connection, curiosity, and creativity.Resources worth mentioning from the episode:Read Deb Dana's “A Beginner's Guide to Polyvagal Theory”: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Beginners-Guide-Presentations-1.pdfLearn more about Deb Dana and her work: https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana: https://bookshop.org/p/books/anchored-how-to-befriend-your-nervous-system-using-polyvagal-theory-deb-dana-lcsw/2dcb315349927ae6Continue the conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon:Ask a question! Submit your relationship challenge: https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274Order Dr. Alexandra's book, Love Every Day: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-solomon/19970421?ean=9781683736530Cultivate connection by subscribing to Dr. Alexandra's newsletter: https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Learn from Dr. Alexandra (E-courses: Intimate Relationships 101 or Can I Trust You Again?): https://dralexandrasolomon.com/learn-from-alexandra/Learn more on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexandra.solomon/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The number one way to tank the holidays for your family isn't burnt rolls, forgotten gifts, or a crooked tree. It's walking into every room wound tight, resentful, and pretending your energy isn't affecting anyone.In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down what kids actually remember about the holidays (hint: not the matching pajamas) and why your nervous system becomes the emotional backdrop of the season. Drawing from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, Gottman's research, and Polyvagal Theory, they explain how kids store emotional memories more deeply than the details of any event.You'll hear real-life stories, honest confessions, and simple tools to help you pause before you snap, breathe through triggers, and become more of a thermostat than a tornado.Plus, they'll walk you through practical ways to share the holiday mental load, so you're not carrying 99% of the invisible prep while resenting everyone else.If the holidays feel heavy, you're not failing. You're just carrying too much alone. Let's change that.In this episode, we talk about:Why the emotional climate of the home matters more than perfect food, outfits, or décorHow kids “remember” holidays in their bodies, not just with their mindsWhat research from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, Gottman, and Polyvagal Theory tells us about stress, safety, and childhood memoriesThe difference between being “yourself” and becoming an emotional tornado in a shared spaceWhy moms especially feel pressure to “make it magical” and how that pressure slides into performance modeCommon holiday nervous system triggers:Family dynamics that make you feel like you're 12 againFinancial strain and gift pressureSchedules being completely off (bedtimes, routines, sugar, travel)A simple nervous system reset you can use in the bathroom, car, or closet in 20–30 secondsHow to take a pause without abandoning the conversation or triggering your partnerUsing micro-plans and 5-minute check-ins to prevent 80% of holiday resentmentHow to share the load before you explode (including using a “mental load brain dump” list together)10-Day Holiday Mental Load Series – short daily videos to help you regulate, set boundaries, and share the load this season.Holiday Mental Load Brain Dump / Template – get everything out of your head and into a shared plan with your partner.Our Current Offers for Expecting and New Parents – coaching, workshops, and resources at: postpartumtogether.com → “Current Offerings.”

Transforming your health is more fun with friends! Join Chef AJ's Exclusive Plant-Based Community. Become part of the inner circle and start simplifying plant-based living - with easy recipes and expert health guidance. Find out more by visiting: https://community.chefaj.com/ For a list "The Top 10 Things Having Cancer Has Taught Me" please email help@ChefAJ.com Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. To book a consultation with Matt: https://form.jotform.com/241997228318164 Matthew Lederman, MD, is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and a pioneering thought leader in holistic health. Renowned for his innovative integration of plant-based nutrition, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), trauma-informed care, and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Lederman's work highlights the profound interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and relational well-being. As a certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer through the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), Dr. Lederman combines Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Awareness Principles, and Pain Reprocessing to empower individuals to heal from within. His approach helps people address the root causes of chronic health challenges, fostering emotional resilience and cultivating meaningful connections. Dr. Lederman is the co-host of the webe Parents podcast, a platform dedicated to equipping parents with tools and insights to foster emotional connection, resilience, and well-being in their families. His latest book, Wellness to Wonderful, weaves together medical science, psychology, spirituality, and life wisdom to guide individuals toward lasting health, vibrancy, peace, and joy. He is also the co-founder of Kinectin, a platform designed to help individuals build deeper, more fulfilling relationships through AI-driven coaching and personalized assessments. He has co-authored six books, including the New York Times Bestseller Forks Over Knives Plan, and was featured in the acclaimed documentary Forks Over Knives. Through these works, he has shared his transformative approach to wellness with audiences around the globe. Email (questions & requests): Support@ConnectionDocs.com Website: https://www.connectiondocs.com/ Free Resources (includes Feelings & Needs Sheet for children AND Role-Play Video “Talking to Your Child About ‘Too Much' Device Time”) : https://www.connectiondocs.com/resources Substack (Weekly Articles on Connection): https://substack.com/@connectiondocs Breath & Body Regulation Training Tool: https://webekalm.com/ webe Pärents Podcast https://webekalm.com/pages/webeparents AI Connection Coach:https://app.kinectin.com/signup Main Book WELLNESS TO WONDERFUL: 9 Pillars for Living Healthier, Longer, and with Greater Joy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2S1JGZK?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_sms_apin_dp_K6HM5P02NNK5WAMRGE87&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true Children's E-Books (Supporting Children Bringing More Connection Into Their Lives): Healing Shame and Connecting to Self-Worth and Intrinsic Value: https://webekalm.com/products/lily-and-her-beautiful-flower Being Honest with Care https://webekalm.com/products/ella-and-the-two-gifts-ebook Supporting Children During Emergencies (fires, earthquakes, etc):'https://webekalm.com/products/brave-hearts-facing-the-fire-ebook Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheConnectionDocs Substack Newsletter: https://connectionDocs.substack.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectionDocs X: https://x.com/connectionDocs

Feeling the heavy "grey" of the season? You don't have to force happiness today. Join Martin, your Clinical Hypnotherapist, for a gentle 5-minute morning meditation designed to soothe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and shift your mood instantly.In this episode, we move beyond toxic positivity and use the science of Polyvagal Theory to introduce you to "Glimmers"—the trending antidote to triggers. While triggers push your nervous system into fight-or-flight, glimmers are micro-moments of safety and connection that anchor you back to calm.In just 5 minutes, you will learn to:Retrain Your Brain: Overcome your mind's natural negativity bias by activating your "Glimmer radar." Soothe Winter Blues: Shift your biology from survival mode into "rest and digest" using somatic regulation. Find Magic in the Mundane: Use visualization to spot micro-joys—like the steam of coffee or a winter robin—to spark instant gratitude. Why listen? If you are struggling with seasonal depression, high-functioning anxiety, or just the weight of the dark months, this session offers a practical tool to help you feel safe, warm, and connected. Become a "hunter of glimmers" and find the light that is already there. Featured Affirmations: "I am open to seeing the magic in the mundane." "Safety and joy are available to me right now." "I choose to focus on what warms my heart."

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with self-compassion teacher, somatic coach, IFS practitioner, and soon-to-be author Soulla Demetriou. We explore what it really means to come home to yourself, befriend your inner world, and move through life with more ease, compassion, and truth.In this conversation, we talk about:• Soulla's storyHow her early experiences with anxiety and panic opened the door to yoga, mindfulness, somatics, and eventually Internal Family Systems (IFS).• What self-compassion truly isNot clichés or forced positivity — but a daily practice of inner friendship, boundaries, honesty, and care.• The nervous system's role in healingWhy so many of our patterns come from old protective responses, and how safety changes everything.• A simple, grounded explanation of IFSHow our “parts” develop, what they're trying to protect, and how self-energy (the clear sky beneath the weather) helps bring them into balance.• The wound of “not enoughness”Why so many of us carry it, and how we begin healing it gently.• Returning to who we really areThe beautiful overlap between IFS self-energy and the Ayurvedic idea of living from sattva, clarity, and inner steadiness.About Soulla DemetriouSoulla is a somatic and transformational coach, IFS practitioner, mindfulness teacher, and author of the upcoming book You Have Always Been Enough. She supports people around the world in reconnecting with their inner truth and emotional sovereignty.Connect with SoullaWebsiteInstagram→ Begin a free 7-Day Self-Compassion Journey — a beautiful, practical introduction to building a kinder relationship with yourself→ Pre-order Soulla's book: You Have Always Been Enough: A Healing Guide to Self-Love and Inner Freedom→ Explore Soulshine Retreats in Spain→ Curious about working 1:1 with Soulla — simply email her to have a chat and find out more: soulla@soulshinewithsoulla.comResources:Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide Abhyanga Self Massage Guide Weekend Nervous System Reset Nourished For Resilience Workbook Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.comand @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a textIn today's episode of Evolve Ventures, we break down the real reason so many people feel overwhelmed, shut down, or disconnected, and why it has nothing to do with being weak or unmotivated. Together, we walk you through the simple nervous-system science that quietly shapes your emotions, your reactions, and your relationships. If you want more calm, more clarity, and more confidence in your everyday life, this conversation gives you the key without giving away the magic.Tune in now and let your nervous system exhale for the first time in years.Episode References:1. What is Polyvagal Theory | Polyvagal Institute2. A Polyvagal Primer: The Story of Polyvagal Institute & Basics of Polyvagal Theory3. Trauma and the Nervous System: A Polyvagal PerspectiveHere is a related episode that builds on today's conversation:#449 | How to Know If a Relationship is Safe - https://apple.co/3JQxnVQEvolve Together Experiences:

In this returning conversation, we welcome back Ann de Passos, leadership consultant, coach, and facilitator who specializes in nervous system–informed leadership. Drawing on 15+ years across charity, corporate, and social enterprise sectors, Ann guides leaders and teams to operate from clarity, relational intelligence, and embodied resilience. We take a deep dive into the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory to answer a simple but powerful question: How do we learn to be human? Ann explains why understanding the body's wiring is the essential first step to changing how we lead, communicate, and respond under pressure. Topics include: The basics of Polyvagal Theory and why the nervous system shapes behavior at work Somatic practices leaders can use to reduce burnout and recover faster from stress Systems thinking + emotional intelligence: designing cultures that sustain people and performance Practical tools for strengthening team connection, psychological safety, and values-led decision making If you're a leader, manager, coach, or anyone who wants to lead from steadiness instead of reactivity, this episode offers grounded science, practical exercises, and real-world strategies to build healthier, high-performing organisations.   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today's show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

Segment 1 • Modern culture has made “safety” its idol; every discomfort is treated like trauma. • Scripture flips the script: danger isn't just outside - it's inside you. • If your biggest threat is the outside world, you'll live in fear. If it's your own heart, you'll run to Christ. Segment 2 • “Safety-based” psychology is invading schools; students are learning to pathologize conviction. • Polyvagal Theory (born 1994) ignores man's spiritual nature—an anthropological train wreck. • The Bible says transformation comes by renewing the mind, not regulating vagus nerves. Segment 3 • The real concern is kids weaponizing therapy language against parents. • Britain officially affirms cousin marriage—a symbol of moral decay in the West. • Even theologians like N.T. Wright drift from biblical authority, showing the slope is real. Segment 4 • Cousin marriage bans once built Western civilization—now they're being reversed. • Germany's “polyandrous priestess” and IVF jewelry reveal what happens when sacredness dies. • The decline isn't just weird—it's spiritual rot disguised as progress. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Polyvagal Theory is quietly infiltrating schools just like mindfulness and meditation did. • It seeks to explains the “fight or flight” response, but only addresses our physical body. • The deeper issue? Our slavery to sin and death. Segment 2 • Polyvagal Theory blames issues on perceived “lack of safety”, but the Bible says it's sin. • It's this type of thinking that has brought about the “safe space” trend. • Real, transformative healing begins at the heart, not the nervous system. Segment 3 • A bold woman asks Megyn Kelly: “Would you go to heaven tonight?” • Megyn's unsure, yet searching and says she has been attending (a Roman Catholic) Church. • God wants you to be 100% sure — not just “hopeful.” Segment 4 • Mormon theology misunderstands baptism, family, and the afterlife. • Mormons tie heaven to family lineage — but God wants YOUR heart. • You can't afford to miss the true gospel, and the Mormons get it wrong. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3190: Ellen Boeder explores how emotional safety is essential for deep, lasting connection in romantic relationships. She outlines how nervous system regulation, authentic expression, and trust-building practices create the conditions for vulnerability and intimacy to thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/emotional-safety-is-necessary-for-emotional-connection/ Quotes to ponder: "Emotional safety is what allows us to let our guard down and be authentic with our partners." "When we feel safe, our nervous system is regulated enough to access the higher brain functions necessary for connection." "Without emotional safety, the parts of ourselves that are scared, ashamed, or hurt stay hidden." Episode references: Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges: https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Neurophysiological-Emotion-Communication/dp/0393707008 Healing Developmental Trauma by Laurence Heller and Aline LaPierre: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Resolution-Nervous/dp/1583944893 Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a connection between trauma recovery and spiritual awakening? Dr. Arielle Schwartz believes there is — and with more than 20 years of experience working with both patients and therapeutic professionals, she has the expertise to back it up… Dr. Schwartz is a distinguished clinical psychologist and world-renowned author who has reshaped the landscape of trauma care. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy®, she has built a thriving community of professionals dedicated to advancing mental healthcare and making healing resources accessible to all… Click play to discover: How trauma recovery can result in spiritual awakening and personal transformation. The vital role of the nervous system in healing, resilience, and emotional regulation. Practical somatic tools and mind–body practices for integrating trauma and restoring balance. Dr. Schwartz has authored several books on topics including trauma recovery, neuroscience, yoga therapy, and more. To this day, she continues to facilitate community-wide healing through professional consultation and public teachings in trauma recovery. Want to follow along with her important work? Visit her website to learn more!

What if the wounds holding you back aren't the ones you can see—or even remember? In this thought-provoking episode of “Thrive LouD,” host Lou Diamond sits down with certified trauma care practitioner and rapid transformational therapy expert Stacey Uhrig, unlocking the surprising truths about trauma, healing, and why so many high-achieving people struggle with feeling “not enough”—despite seemingly perfect childhoods.Discover:The pivotal “whisper” that steered Stacey Uhrigtoward a transformative, purpose-driven career—plus how her own 30-year journey in therapy led her to create something she'd never seen before in the mental health space.The emotional roots behind the most common wound her clients face, and why psychological safety matters just as much as physical safety—whether you recognize the trauma or not.Insider insights into Polyvagal Theory, nervous system science, and rapid transformational therapy, and how Stacey Uhrig combines these modalities to empower healing and resilience.How her podcast, “Flip Your Mindset,” was born out of pandemic necessity and now delivers top experts and real stories for those seeking guidance beyond traditional therapy.Her refreshing philosophy on rest, self-compassion, and giving yourself permission not to be “on” 24/7.Fun street favorites—from movie picks like “Sliding Doors” to why Taylor Swift's newest ballad is on repeat in her life.Whether you're looking to understand your own stuck-ness, supercharge your resilience, or simply get inspired by someone who's turned hard-won wisdom into healing for herself and others, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation that just might flip your worldview.Episode Timestamp Overview:[00:00:02] Meet your host and guest: The “whisper” that launched Stacey's career[00:02:24] Personal emotional wounds, therapy, and the path to trauma expertise[00:05:31] The science behind why traditional therapy often misses the mark—how Stacey's approach is different[00:07:28] The surprising “everyday wound” most of us share[00:10:16] Explaining psychological/physical safety, nervous system responses, and client breakthroughs[00:11:22] The origins and evolution of the “Flip Your Mindset” podcast[00:12:32] What Stacey loves most about podcasting and teaching trauma concepts[00:14:33] Stacey's self-care, rest philosophy, and why thriving isn't always about “doing”[00:16:58] Where to find Stacey and her resources[00:17:55] Fun Street: Movies, music, favorite foods, activities, and dream destinations[00:24:48] Final words of wisdom and episode wrap-upDon't miss the episode that might just flip your understanding of trauma, healing, and thriving for good.

Episode Highlights With BrittanyWhat polyvagal theory is and the updated science of the nervous system Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and what this meansThree principles of polyvagal theory: hierarchy of responses, coregulation, neuroception Humans have a bioligcal imperative to be in connection with othersWhat glimmers or safety cues are and how to understand these Misconceptions and misinformed ideas related to nervous system regulationRegulation does not mean being calm, cool, and collected all the timeWhat somatic experiencing is and how it can be helpful in processing emotions and physical symptomsSteps you can take and try now to support your body, emotions, and nervous systemTrauma doesn't always come back as a memory but can come back as patterns and reactionsHow to know if exhaustion is going into shut down or just the body finally being able to restWhy we actually have to go through fight or flight to climb the nervous system ladder When things can feel worse before they feel betterWhy the nervous system prefers predictable over safe at times and why slower is faster when it comes to the nervous systemWe will never be fully healed and releasing that expectationResources MentionedBody-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing by Brittany PiperBody First Healing ProgramBody First Healing on InstagramThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.