Trauma Rewired

In this enlightening conversation, Matt Bush, lead educator at Neurosomatic Intelligence and founder of Next Level Neuro, delves into the complexities of post-traumatic growth. He emphasizes that true transformation begins with the nervous system, not just mindset shifts. Topics include the dangers of toxic positivity, the importance of relational healing, and how feeling safe among others can foster growth. They also explore the concept of healing loops and the necessity of approach that balances connection, safety, and repetitive practice for authentic recovery.

You can have the most mind-blowing healing experience of your life and still find yourself right back in familiar patterns. Why? Because the nervous system defaults to what it knows. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore why insight alone does not create lasting change and why the most intense healing experiences do not start in the mind, they start in the body. Co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof, founder of BrainBased.com and the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification, and Jennifer Wallace, Neurosomatic Psychedelic Preparation and Integration Guide, unpack peak somatic experiences through a trauma-informed lens. Together, they examine how experiences like breathwork, somatic practices, and psychedelics interact with neuroplasticity, interoception, and complex trauma. They also name an often-missing piece of the conversation: these experiences are not inherently healing without preparation, capacity, and integration. This episode offers a grounded, nuanced discussion of why peak somatic experiences can be both transformative and destabilizing, especially for nervous systems shaped by chronic stress, dissociation, or developmental trauma. Rather than promoting quick fixes or heroic doses, Elisabeth and Jennifer emphasize nervous system safety, minimum effective dose, and relational support as essential ingredients for real, embodied change. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why insight alone does not create change 05:40 – What peak somatic experiences are and are not 14:20 – Neuroplasticity, psychedelics, and the default mode network 28:10 – Somatic memory, dissociation, and complex trauma 44:30 – Why preparation and integration matter more than the experience itself 58:45 – Risks, discernment, and trauma-informed support 1:12:30 – Capacity building and minimum effective dose 1:24:00 – Integration, regulation, and long-term nervous system change Key Takeaways: Peak somatic experiences amplify existing nervous system patterns rather than replacing them. Neuroplasticity is neutral and requires direction, support, and integration. Somatic memory often surfaces without narrative recall, especially in complex trauma. Preparation and capacity determine whether an experience is healing or destabilizing. Lasting change happens through consistent, embodied integration, not one-time breakthroughs. Resources Mentioned: RewireTrial.com: Free two-week access to live neurosomatic intelligence classes and an on-demand library of nervous system practices BrainBased.com: Elisabeth's online community for applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change, resilience, and stress processing Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. Wayfinder Journal : helps you see the patterns shaping your inner world — and guides you through preparation, integration, and nervous system regulation using Neurosomatic Intelligence principles. → Find your way inward. https://stan.store/illuminated NSI Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification/ Call to Action: Subscribe on your favorite audio platform or join us on YouTube! 👉 Ready to deepen your preparation and integration work? Explore the Wayfinder Journal, a guided neurosomatic journal designed to help you notice, name, and navigate your patterns through peak somatic experiences and everyday life. LINK 👉 You can also continue learning tools for nervous system regulation and post-traumatic growth at rewiretrial.com Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.

Explore the intriguing concept of integration as a nervous system skill rather than just a mindset. Discover how breakthroughs can fade without proper grounding and why the body often dictates the success of healing processes. Delve into emotional and somatic breakthroughs, and learn about the crucial role of preparation and capacity in determining whether insights take root. This conversation emphasizes the importance of repetition, regulation, and daily support to create lasting change. Embedding insights isn't just a mental exercise—it's an embodied journey.

In this discussion, Matt Bush, an applied neurology expert and founder of Next Level Neuro, dives into the complex interplay between grief, shame, and positive emotions. He shares how unexpected emotional releases during neuro training can unveil deep-rooted traumas. The chat reveals that grief can feel like 'phantom limb pain' and explains the body's response to shame and repression. Matt also offers practical exercises for managing grief and encourages building safety around emotional expression to foster post-traumatic growth.

Join Matt Bush, an international applied neurology expert and founder of Next Level Neuro, as he delves into the impact of repressed emotions on our reality. Matt reveals how suppressed anger, linked to trauma, creates a toxic internal landscape, contributing to chronic stress and potential health issues. He explains the differences between conscious suppression and unconscious repression, and how our past shapes adult responses. Discover actionable steps to discharge this energy, the importance of emotional expression for well-being, and the intriguing connections to our nervous system.

Childhood emotional neglect often goes unnoticed, yet it can lead to feelings of numbness and overwhelm. The hosts explore how a lack of attunement affects our relationships and stress responses. They discuss the protective nature of repression and how behaviors like hyper-independence are learned strategies to avoid vulnerability. Practical tools for emotional awareness and connection are introduced, aimed at helping both parents and individuals heal. This engaging conversation is filled with insights into patterns that affect personal growth and well-being.

What if your sudden feelings of fear and shame are just your nervous system reacting? Discover how emotional flashbacks can shape your perceptions and behaviors. Explore personal stories illustrating the impact of small cues creating significant emotional waves. The hosts outline how awareness and understanding of these experiences can lead to post-traumatic growth. Gain insights into the neurotag framework and practical strategies for navigating emotional landscape with compassion. Rewire your relationship with your nervous system for healing.

Explore how holiday stress might stem from past experiences stored in your nervous system. The hosts delve into the concept of neurotags, where sensory cues can trigger body responses linked to memories. Emotional flashbacks are explained as real-time shifts that can recreate trauma states. Discover practical tools for recognizing triggers and setting boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Learn the importance of honoring natural rhythms and making small choices that promote safety and healing during the holiday season.

In this insightful discussion, Piper Rose, Founder of Shadowplay Coaching and expert in grief work, explores the neuroscience of loss. She emphasizes that grief should be seen as a biological process rather than something to 'get over.' The conversation delves into how different individuals grieve—some through action, others by expressing emotions. They highlight practices that support healing and the significant overlap between grief and physical pain. Piper also discusses the importance of community in navigating grief and the role of anger in this complex emotional journey.

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.