The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about understanding and managing your nervous system for optimal performance and well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Nervous System and Emotions

03:54 Breath and Body Awareness in Yoga and Pilates

06:51 Neuroception: Understanding Our Body's Risk Assessment

09:50 The Role of Environment in Emotional Regulation

12:53 Managing Stress in High-Pressure Situations

15:41 The Vagus Nerve: Our Body's Brake System

18:44 Strategies for Emotional Regulation

21:45 The Importance of Confidence and Challenge

24:37 Releasing Emotional Blockages

28:01 The Healing Power of Touch and Connection

30:48 Continuous Effort in Personal Growth

36:07 Introduction and Overview

36:07 Key Insights and Takeaways

Billy shares his recent motorcycle training experiences, revealing how he applied nervous system regulation techniques during high-pressure situations with police instructors. The duo breaks down the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, explaining how different breathing techniques can elicit specific responses - nose breathing for calm regulation in yoga versus mouth breathing for energized focus in Pilates.

Jarrett introduces the concept of neuroception and polyvagal theory, explaining how our bodies constantly assess risk beneath our conscious awareness. They explore practical tools for nervous system regulation, including the vagus nerve's role as the body's "brake system," breathing techniques like the physiological sigh, bilateral stimulation, and the surprising benefits of activities like humming and gentle touch.

The conversation emphasizes that nervous system management isn't binary - it's about finding the right balance between alertness and calm for each situation. Through personal stories and actionable strategies, they demonstrate how intentional practice and awareness can help you regulate your responses and perform better under pressure.

The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research.

We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey.

1. Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within

Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts.

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL

1. Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made

Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel.

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2

1. Brené Brown – Daring Greatly

A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power.

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi

1. Glennon Doyle – Untamed

Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully.

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT

1. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself).

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4

1. Dr. Ethan Kross – Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It

Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity.

👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP

Connect With Us

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw

Listen on Apple Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397

Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys

Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337

We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at [email protected]. Let’s level up together!

Credits

Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible:

Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule.

Connect with Moe here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm

Music provided by Remix Live (license free)

Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.