Did you know that your body keeps the score on trauma? Even if you don’t realize it.

In this episode of the Align podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Stephen Porges to break down how trauma is stored in the body and its impact on the nervous system. Dr. Porges explains the Polyvagal Theory (a concept he coined and pioneered), the brain-gut connection, and why our physiological state shapes perception.

Expect to learn practical ways to regulate the nervous system, including breathwork, sound therapy, and social activities, and rewire your response to stress and build resilience through scientifically-backed methods.

OUR GUEST

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University and the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. 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. As the originator of Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Porges has reshaped how we understand trauma, physiological state, and social engagement. He also developed the Safe and Sound Protocol™, a music-based intervention helping thousands of therapists improve nervous system regulation.

DR. STEPHEN PORGES

🌐 Website ▶ https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/

📷 IG ▶ https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/?hl=en

🔷 LI ▶ http://linkedin.com/company/74602056

📘 FB ▶ https://www.facebook.com/polyvagalinstitute

▶️ YT ▶ https://www.youtube.com/@PolyvagalInstitute

📱 App ▶ http://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp

AARON ALEXANDER

📸 IG ▶ https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/

🤳 TIKTOK ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@alignmethod

👉 SUBSCRIBE ▶ https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

🌐 WEBSITE ▶ https://www.alignpodcast.com

ABOUT

Aaron Alexander is a pioneering manual therapist and movement coach with over 5 years experience. He is the founder and creator of The Align Method, author of The Align Method book, and host of The Align Podcast which has ranked #1 in Nutrition on Apple Podcasts.

Aaron has worked with some of the world’s greatest professional athletes, performers, and celebrities to help relieve pain, improve strength, better flexibility, and ease the mind and body.

On this channel, Aaron interviews renowned experts in a range of fields focused on improving the mind and body. This mind and body podcast will teach you all that you need to know to become the healthiest version of yourself by integrating simplified ancient techniques and the foundational principles of The Align Method to strengthen your body, balance the mind, and activate healing systems in daily life.

The mission? To be the best personal growth podcast about healthy habits, redefine functional movement, and make fitness who you are; not what you do.

TOPICS

1. How trauma affects the nervous system

2. Polyvagal Theory

3. Stress management

4. Gut health

5. Music therapy

6. Breathwork

7. Perception, neuroception, and interoception

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Episode 241 -- November 2025 -- Part 1 AFP: American Family Physician

AFP: American Family Physician Podcast

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