Fight, Flight, Freeze: Individual Differences

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Irene Lyon, MSc, an internationally respected nervous system expert whose work has helped nearly 25,000 people in more than 90 countries transform trauma at its roots. If you’ve ever wondered why certain patterns, pains, or emotional states seem to follow you through life no matter what you try, this conversation is going to hit home.

Irene breaks down the real science of trauma and somatic healing in a way that’s refreshingly practical and deeply human. We explore the difference between what happens to us and what gets stored in us, and why the nervous system (not the mind) is the true home of unresolved stress. She shares how seemingly small experiences, from childhood injuries to subtle misattunements with caregivers, shape our lifelong patterns of safety, connection, resilience, and self-expression.

We go deep into the subtle early-life imprints that create functional freeze, chronic pain, autoimmune tendencies, and emotional overwhelm, including why traditional talk therapy, meditation, or even spiritual practices often miss the foundational biology that must be restored first. Irene also opens up about her own journey from adrenaline-fueled athlete to somatic practitioner, and the radical personal healing that unfolded as she trained with pioneers like Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais, Peter Levine, and Kathy Kain.

If you’ve been searching for a grounded, science-backed pathway to healing that honors both your biology and your soul, this episode is a powerful roadmap. Irene’s wisdom is equal parts compassionate, embodied, and transformative—you won’t see your nervous system the same way again.

To learn more on healing your nervous system, you can visit lukestorey.com/tuneup to sign up for the 21-Day Nervous System Tune-Up (and save $100 during Black Friday/Cyber Monday), lukestorey.com/sbsm to sign up for the SmartBody SmartMind course, and lukestorey.com/healingtrauma to sign up for the Healing Trauma free video series.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.

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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00) Irene’s Winding Path into Somatic Trauma Healing

(00:29:11) What Trauma Really Is & How It Lives in the Body

(01:11:25) Free Will and Why Some People Don’t Heal (Yet)

(01:28:12) Karma, Forgiveness, & Letting Go of the Victim Identity

(02:12:37) Do Cold Plunges, Breathwork, & Biohacks Actually Regulate Your Nervous System?

Resources:

Website: irenelyon.com

Instagram: instagram.com/irenelyon

Facebook: facebook.com/lyonirene

X: x.com/irene_lyon

TikTok: tiktok.com/@irenelyon

YouTube: youtube.com/@IreneLyon

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