Trauma Rewired

Dr. Jolie Hamilton, a relationship coach and expert on jealousy, dives into the neuroscience of this often-misunderstood emotion. She explores how jealousy acts as a survival signal, rooted in our evolutionary past. Jolie distinguishes between jealousy and envy, highlighting jealousy’s adaptive role from infancy. The conversation also covers the neural circuits involved, how attachment styles amplify jealousy, and effective tools for processing it. Jolie encourages open discussions about jealousy to foster healthier relationships.

Veronica Rottman, a somatic expert and founder of Soma School, joins the discussion on healing and emotional processing. She dives into the journey from post-traumatic growth to post-traumatic wisdom, emphasizing the importance of grief and vulnerability. Veronica explains how emotions are constructed in the body and how somatic practices can reshape our sense of safety and identity. The conversation also explores the complexities of the female nervous system, and challenges the traditional views on growth, urging a compassionate understanding of trauma responses.

Dr. Kristin Neff, a renowned researcher in self-compassion, discusses how embracing kindness toward ourselves can transform our emotional landscape. She contrasts self-compassion with self-esteem, highlighting its steadiness during challenges. Neff explains the neuroscience behind compassion, revealing how it activates our caregiving systems while reducing stress. She introduces the three pillars of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness—and shares the concept of 'backdraft,' urging listeners to navigate old pains safely. This insightful conversation redefines self-care as a source of strength.

Matt Bush, founder of Next Level Neuro and a specialist in emotional regulation, dives deep into how our brain and body interact to influence feelings of safety. He discusses why the common advice to 'fake it till you make it' can harm emotional health and highlights the roles of various brain regions in emotional processing. Matt introduces practical tools like the emotional retrospect journaling practice, while also exploring how modern lifestyles and sensory overload can disrupt emotional regulation. Tune in for a blend of science and actionable insights!

Dr. Mbemba Jabbi, a clinical neuroscientist at Dell Medical School, explores the intricate relationship between trauma and our biology. He explains how neuroplasticity shapes emotional responses and how childhood trauma can lead to increased health risks through elevated inflammatory markers. The conversation covers the brain's protective patterns, the significance of the insula in processing bodily signals, and the importance of environmental context in shaping sensory development. Listeners gain insights into recovery strategies like sensory training and psychotherapy.

In a captivating discussion, Matt Bush, founder of Next Level Neuro and educator in Neurosomatic Intelligence, delves into the often-overlooked topic of alexithymia—difficulty connecting with emotions, especially after trauma. He highlights its neurological roots and the distinction from PTSD-related emotional numbing. The conversation covers the importance of interoception in emotional awareness and offers practical tools for cultivating a deeper emotional connection. Matt shares how understanding and addressing alexithymia can improve relationships and overall health.

Ambivalence isn’t confusion; it’s a sign of your nervous system at work. The hosts explore how joy and grief can coexist, especially when leaving toxic relationships. They delve into the brain mechanisms behind emotions and the importance of emotional vocabulary. Discover how trauma influences attachment and identity, creating a rich tapestry of competing feelings. Learn practical strategies to sit with discomfort, honor both joy and sorrow, and cultivate deeper self-connection for personal growth.

Explore the fawn trauma response as a survival strategy that leads to people-pleasing and self-abandonment. Learn how these behaviors manifest in everyday life and relationships, often at the cost of authenticity. Discover strategies to rebuild trust with your body by tuning into gut feelings and setting boundaries without collapse. The hosts discuss the emotional and physical consequences of fawning, including its impact on consent, and offer healing practices to foster genuine connection and reclaim bodily autonomy.

Explore the nuanced freeze and flop trauma responses, revealing their physiological effects on emotional expression. Understand how functional freeze, often mistaken for laziness, stems from chronic stress and differs from burnout. Delve into the impact of early emotional neglect on adult relationships and the complexities of emotional numbness versus apathy. Learn practical ways to safely reconnect with your emotions through gentle movements and mindful practices, designed to enhance self-awareness and personal safety.

Margy Feldhuhn, an entrepreneur and founder who scaled a multi-seven-figure podcast guesting company, joins to share insights on emotional repression among high performers. She unveils how trauma-driven survival responses like fight, flight, and freeze can lead to patterns of overwork and perfectionism. Margy discusses the hollow feeling of achievement without emotional safety and offers strategies through Neurosomatic Intelligence to reconnect with emotions, enhance joy in relationships, and foster sustainable success.