Trauma Rewired

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.

Fawn is a nervous system survival strategy, not a personality flaw. It helps you keep connection and avoid threat by overriding your needs, smiling through discomfort, and saying yes when you want to say no. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack how fawn forms around attachment and safety, why it shows up in daily life and in sex, and how to gently rebuild self trust. You will learn to notice gut and throat signals that precede a reflexive yes, set small boundaries without collapse, and grow capacity to feel both the difficult and the good, so connection can be real, not a performance. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Rebuilding trust with the body – learning to honor yes/no signals, expanding capacity for both positive and negative feelings. Definition of the fawn trauma response – people pleasing, keeping peace, self-abandonment to preserve attachment. Nervous system mechanisms – how fawn is not just psychological but a survival adaptation deeply wired into the body. Everyday patterns of fawning – saying yes when you want to say no, constant smiling, hugging, avoiding conflict, relational perfectionism. Impact on relationships – depletion, shame, freeze states, loss of authenticity, confusing real connection with trauma responses. Attachment vs authenticity (Gabor Maté concept) – how children often sacrifice authenticity to maintain attachment. Personal trauma story (kidnapping experience) – how fawn played a role in survival and how fight/flight responses eventually emerged. Sexual fawning – difficulties with consent, disconnect between cognitive yes and bodily no, patterns of unsafe or unwanted intimacy. Healing practices – developing awareness of body signals, small boundary setting, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, emotional release practices. Outcome of healing – creating genuine connection with self, others, and the environment rather than survival-based attachment. 🔗 Resources: 🎯 Start Here Ready to break free from burnout and self-sabotage? Join The Capacity Gap Workshop, register FREE at https://rewirecapacity.com FREE 2-week nervous system training: https://www.rewiretrial.com Learn more about Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching: https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com 📺 Watch More Trauma Rewired Episodes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired 🤝 Connect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma.rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 🌱 Exclusive Offer FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired This episode was produced by ClipGrowth – Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy https://ClipGrowth.com 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 Rewiretrail.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 This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy https://ClipGrowth.com  

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.

Emotional repression is often invisible to high performers, and it can be one of the biggest barriers to sustainable success. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, we explore how trauma-shaped survival responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn can create patterns of overwork, perfectionism, and emotional disconnection. You’ll learn how subconscious repression differs from conscious suppression, how shame and perfectionism drive overachievement, and why even big business milestones can feel hollow when your nervous system isn’t safe enough to process emotions. Our guest, Margy Feldhuhn, shares her journey from multi–seven-figure business growth fueled by survival patterns to building capacity for joy, presence, and connection through Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI) tools and regular emotional processing. We break down the health risks, relational costs, and business consequences of chronic repression and give you strategies to expand your emotional capacity so you can actually enjoy the success you’ve built. Timestamps 00:00 – Why Anger Matters and the Cost of Suppression 04:06 – Honoring Anger and Boundaries 06:06 – How Chronic Fight Shows Up in Life 09:45 – Early Conditioning and Nervous System Patterns 13:00 – Trauma, Parentification, and the Fight Response 15:43 – Impact on Relationships and Work 21:21 – The Neuroscience of the Fight Response 31:41 – Physical and Health Effects of Chronic Fight 39:28 – Anger vs. Chronic Fight: Key Differences 42:09 – Processing Anger Safely 49:36 – Boundaries, Regulation, and Aligned Action 53:38 – Final Takeaway: Fight as Pattern, Anger as Compass Topics Discussed in This Episode: How trauma survival responses show up in high performers The difference between suppression and repression The role of shame and perfectionism in overachievement Why business milestones can feel empty How repression impacts health, relationships, and leadership capacity Emotional hygiene for sustainable success Recognizing survival patterns in entrepreneurial decision-making Building nervous system capacity to enjoy success The ripple effect of emotional processing in business and life Practical tools to move from repression to authentic presence 🔗 Resources: 🎯 Start Here FREE 2-week nervous system training: https://www.rewiretrial.com Learn more about Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching: https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com 📺 Watch More Trauma Rewired Episodes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired 🤝 Connect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma.rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 🌱 Exclusive Offer FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired 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 Rewiretrail.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 This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy https://ClipGrowthAgency.com

Discover how the fight response, often seen as a flaw, is actually a survival mechanism shaped by trauma. The podcast reveals the crucial distinction between healthy anger and chronic fight states, and how trauma trains the brain to perceive threats everywhere. Learn about the neuroscience behind emotional regulation and how unresolved anger affects relationships. Unpack the impact of societal pressures on emotional well-being and explore practical tools for reclaiming anger as a force for setting boundaries and promoting personal growth.

Explore the fascinating dynamics of the fight trauma response and how it shapes behavior. Learn how anger is often a misunderstood survival instinct rather than a flaw. Discover the vital role of the brain's structures in regulating emotional responses and how chronic fight states impact relationships. Uncover the health consequences of suppressing anger, and why processing it is key for establishing boundaries. Gain insights on reclaiming anger as a tool for clarity and connection without living in defense mode.

Discover how your brain constantly evaluates safety, influencing emotions and physical health. The podcast reveals transformative techniques using neuroplasticity and sensory training for emotional resilience. Learn about the Inputs–Interpretations–Outputs framework and the Stress Bucket model to manage stress effectively. Explore how sensory deficits can impact emotional regulation and practical strategies for real-time state shifts. Dive into the significance of visual training and the concept of neurotags in reshaping your emotional responses for greater well-being.

Discover how your nervous system might be stuck in survival mode due to trauma and chronic stress. Learn about the effects of the autonomic nervous system on emotional regulation and reactions. The conversation breaks down the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic states in managing stress. Explore the significance of movement, breathwork, and interoception in restoring balance. Plus, understand the difference between major and minor traumas, and the need for both individual and collective healing approaches.

This episode dives into how unprocessed emotions from childhood can lead to chronic physical issues. It reveals the profound effects of emotional neglect on adult emotional health and relationship dynamics. Listeners learn about the link between the nervous system and repressed feelings, and the surprising ways that emotional repression manifests in the body, such as muscle tension and fatigue. Gentle movement practices like tapping and swaying are introduced to help individuals reconnect with their feelings and improve their emotional well-being.

Shame doesn’t live in your head, it lives in your body. In this deeply vulnerable and enlightening episode, somatic practitioner Luis Mojica returns to Trauma Rewired to share the biological impact of trauma, the hidden costs of fawning, and how embodiment is not about peace, it’s about presence. Together, we explore how unprocessed shame can drive chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, and boundary collapse, long after the traumatic event has passed. Luis also shares his own story of sexual trauma, dissociation, and how learning to support his constriction, rather than push through it, changed his life. We discuss how trauma responses like shame and fawning were once protective, and why repatterning happens not through digging up the past, but by feeling what’s here now. This episode offers hope, clarity, and tangible insights for anyone healing from trauma, struggling with burnout, or navigating the complexities of somatic work. Topics discussed in this episode: Why shame is physically stressful to the body The connection between shame, inflammation, and the gut How fawning breaks your own boundaries to gain connection Why trauma healing is not about digging up the past Embodiment ≠ Peace — what it really means The power of witnessing and being witnessed Trauma’s impact on autoimmune responses Constriction as a nervous system signal The somatic difference between memory and sensation Why burnout happens from emotional override The role of titration in safe, sustainable healing How supporting constriction expands capacity What boundaries mean in the body — and how to set them 🔗 Learn More & Links 🎓 Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/ 🎓 Free 2-week nervous system training trial: https://www.rewiretrial.com 📚 Learn more about Luis Mojica: https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/  https://www.instagram.com/holistic.life.navigation  📲 Follow Trauma Rewired: https://www.instagram.com/trauma.rewired/  Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 Get a FREE 1-Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs with AG1: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired 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 Rewiretrail.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 This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy ClipGrowthAgency.com