The Mind Bod Adventure Pod Polyvagal Pathways: Tuning the Body Toward Connection | Stephen Porges & Karen Onderko
Aug 20, 2025
Stephen Porges, a pioneer of polyvagal theory, and Karen Onderko, co-author of 'Safe and Sound,' dive into the transformative power of their groundbreaking work. They discuss the Safe and Sound Protocol, a sound therapy that helps individuals connect emotionally and shift from defense to safety. The duo shares wild stories of personal transformations, explains why safety can sometimes feel daunting, and highlights the nervous system's love language: context, choice, and connection. They even guide listeners through real-time practices to enhance emotional well-being.
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Body State Shapes Behavior And Perception
- When physiology shifts, behavior and perception change automatically and intentionally controlling feelings rarely works.
- Stephen Porges argues bodily states are obligatory data for understanding behavior and mental states.
Use Prosodic Sound To Signal Safety
- Use prosodic, voice-based frequencies to cue safety and calm in listeners when possible.
- Apply frequency-filtered vocal music (SSP) incrementally to increase accessibility for co-regulation.
Quick Social Shift After Listening
- Stephen Porges describes an adult autistic participant who, after five hours of SSP, turned, offered his hand, and said, "Good morning, Dr. Porges."
- The change was reflexive and revealed sudden accessibility for social engagement.
