Most of us move through life reacting—stressed, overwhelmed, and disconnected—without ever realizing why. But what if the key to feeling more grounded, resilient, and in control isn’t about “doing more” but about understanding how your nervous system actually works?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and powerhouse educator, Danielle Brunson. With decades of experience in education, wellness, and trauma-informed practices, she’s on a mission to bring real, accessible healing tools to schools, communities, and everyday people. We unpack why so many people struggle to regulate stress, how mainstream self-care advice often misses the mark, and what it really takes to create lasting change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns or unsure why certain things trigger you, this conversation will shift the way you see yourself.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why self-regulation isn’t about perfection—and what actually works instead
• The hidden ways trauma impacts your daily reactions (even when you don’t realize it)
• How “wellness” has been repackaged—and why some practices may not be helping you
• The unexpected reason slowing down feels wrong—and how to shift that

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Start Therapy or Coaching with Deana Panza: https://www.deanapanza.com/

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

What does it take to truly tune into yourself and trust your inner voice? 

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Leasor—a certified yoga therapist, sound healing practitioner in training, and former college athlete turned mindfulness advocate. We dive into the transformative power of slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and embracing the healing journey that begins within.

Katie opens up about her personal story of overcoming emotional challenges, finding inner peace, and transforming pain into purpose through yoga therapy and somatic healing. We unpack what makes yoga therapy so unique, why tuning into your body’s cues is crucial, and how community plays an often-overlooked role in the healing process. Whether you’re curious about yoga, searching for balance, or navigating your own self-discovery, this episode will inspire you to see that healing is possible—and it starts with you.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The difference between yoga therapy and traditional yoga classes
• How your body holds onto emotional pain and how to begin releasing it
• A surprising perspective on how social media impacts community and connection
• The role of the “inner witness” in self-awareness and healing

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Start Therapy or Coaching with Deana Panza: https://www.deanapanza.com/contact

Connect with Katie: https://www.elementsyogatherapeutics.com/about

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Ever feel your blood pressure rise when plans suddenly change? 

You're not alone. 

I’d like to share a personal story about my own frustration when my carefully planned Friday night got completely derailed. This seemingly simple situation allows us to explore why last-minute changes can trigger such intense emotions, and what your response to uncertainty might be telling you about your nervous system.

We’ll also cover how our need for consistency runs far deeper than we realize. Whether you've experienced significant trauma or not, your nervous system craves predictability – and understanding this connection could be the key to showing yourself more compassion when things don't go as planned.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why you really hate when plans change
• What your reaction to uncertainty reveals about your past
• The invisible force that's actually driving your need for control

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

For Coaching and Therapy with someone who gets it head to: https://www.deanapanza.com/

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

How often do you let the world see the real you? 

Let’s revist the very first episode of Humans Are Dope—the one where I wrestled with my own vulnerability and authenticity.

Together, we’ll dive into what it means to truly embrace who you are, even when society’s expectations or self-doubt make it feel impossible. I’ll share personal stories, insights from my journey as a therapist, and the profound realization that the path to self-compassion and growth starts with showing up as your imperfect, messy, wonderful self.

Whether you’re navigating life as a parent, professional, or just someone striving to be more “you,” my hope is that this episode will help you embrace the magic of your uniqueness.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why vulnerability can be so hard to access
• How societal expectations push us to hide our true selves
• One simple practice to reconnect with your most authentic self

Applications are now open for Reclaim + Reconnect, my 12-week group program designed for healers ready to transform their lives. This program focuses on repairing your nervous system and breaking free from past pain so you can step into a life that feels aligned and whole. If this resonates with you, don’t wait—learn more and apply today!

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Reconnect: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Ever felt like breaking cycles in your family feels impossible? Or wondered how trauma impacts the way you show up as a parent? 

In this replay of our most-played episode of the year, I sat down with Amber Trejo—a licensed marriage and family therapist and trauma specialist—to explore the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of cycle-breaking. 

Amber opens up about her own experiences with complex childhood trauma, how she discovered somatic healing, and how her parenting journey led her to confront and heal her triggers. We discuss the realities of being human, embracing imperfection, and learning to show up authentically for yourself and your kids. 

If you're navigating generational patterns, parenting with compassion, or simply trying to better understand yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how healing from trauma isn't about perfection, but about learning to allow, repair, and reconnect with your humanity.

Don’t miss this raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that proves healing is possible, even when it feels messy.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• How parenting can reveal unhealed parts of yourself you never expected
• Why rage and shame often surface for trauma survivors—and how to navigate them
• What somatic healing is and why it's critical for trauma recovery

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Let's connect:

https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever wondered how to truly connect with your authentic self and understand the different parts of your inner world? 

Let’s dive into the concept of Self-energy through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. In this episode, I break down the eight critical characteristics of Self-energy - and explore how these elements help us differentiate between our authentic self and the protective parts that developed as survival mechanisms.

Throughout the episode, I provide practical strategies for recognizing and cultivating Self-energy, including how to notice when you're disconnected from your true self and techniques for becoming more grounded and present. Tune in to begin reconnecting with your authentic self.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The hidden survival mechanisms that disconnect us from our authentic self
• Why curiosity and creativity are essential for personal growth and healing
• Techniques for developing self-compassion without self-sacrifice
• Why slowing down is the key to true self-connection

Exciting news! Applications are now open for Reclaim + Reconnect, my 12-week group program for healers who are ready to transform their lives by repairing their nervous system and breaking free from past pain.⁠

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Apply for Reclaim + Reconnect: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

TW: Mention of suicide

This week, I sat down with Elyce Mandich, a licensed therapist who turned her experience of losing her mother to suicide at age ten into a powerful mission of healing and connection. We dive into the complex landscape of grief, mental health, and the importance of creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen. Elyce shares her journey from child welfare to private practice, revealing how personal experiences can shape our professional paths and our understanding of human resilience.

Our conversation explores the nuanced ways we process trauma, the power of being present, and the critical importance of talking openly about challenging topics like suicide and mental health. Elyce offers raw, compassionate insights into how we can move through life's most difficult moments, not by forgetting or minimizing them, but by radically accepting our experiences and choosing to step into the driver's seat of our own healing. Her perspective is a beautiful reminder that our most painful experiences can become the very catalyst for our greatest growth and our ability to support others.

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The unexpected path that transforms personal grief into professional calling
• The critical importance of discussing "taboo" topics like suicide with openness and compassion
• How radical acceptance can shift our relationship with painful experiences

Resources Mentioned:

• Reclaim + Reconnect 12-week program: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever felt like healing is a solitary journey that you have to navigate alone?

Join me in this episode as I dive deep into the transformative power of healing in community. Drawing from scientific research and personal experiences, I explore how our fundamental human need for connection can amplify our healing process. I share insights from the "audience effect" - a fascinating scientific phenomenon that demonstrates how our experiences become more powerful when shared with others of our own species - and challenge the individualistic narrative that healing must be a solo expedition.

Through personal stories and professional insights, I unpack the profound impact of community on our healing journey, from music festivals to support groups, and discuss how feeling truly seen and understood can be healing in itself. 

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The scientific "audience effect" and how shared experiences amplify healing
• The chemical and emotional benefits of healing alongside others
• How community can help mitigate feelings of shame and isolation
• Practical ways to find and engage with healing communities

Looking for your healing community? Reclaim + Restore provides a 3 phase process for healing, a built in community of like-minded healers, and live group coaching calls. You can check it out at: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Restore: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Curious how creativity and play can be powerful tools in healing childhood trauma? 

In this deeply intimate conversation, therapist Megan Walsh and I dive into understanding our inner child, breaking generational cycles, and embracing imperfection. Through her personal story of discovering music therapy and her professional insights, Megan shares how creative expression can unlock healing in ways traditional therapy sometimes cannot.

Megan is a holistic trauma therapist and coach with expertise in supporting women to process childhood trauma & release people-pleasing, embrace imperfection, calm their bodies & build thriving relationships.

You can follow Megan on Instagram or learn more about her offerings on her website, and don’t forget to subscribe to her podcast, Good Girls Gotta Heal.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The surprising role creativity plays in processing childhood trauma
• How improvisation can be a healing tool for reconnecting with your inner child
• Why perfectionism might be blocking your personal growth

Sign up for Reclaim + Reconnect, A Program for Healing After Trauma. Heal your nervous system, break free from the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and reconnect with the real you so you can reclaim the life you have always deserved. https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for Reclaim + Reconnect, A Program for Healing After Trauma: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectwithmegan/

Learn more about Megan’s Offerings: https://connect-with-megan.com/

Good Girls Gotta Heal Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-girls-gotta-heal/id1777167788

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Are you dreading the upcoming holiday season due to family drama, social obligations, and high expectations? 

In this episode, we explore strategies to help you take back control and create the holiday experience you truly desire. Learn how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and navigate challenging relationships - all while maintaining your sanity and joy. If you're looking to find more peace, ease, and playfulness this holiday season, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Tips for managing difficult conversations and political disagreements
• Ways to honor your needs and create the holiday experience you want
• Resources to support your mental health and healing during the holidays

Ready to heal your nervous system, break free from the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and reconnect with the real you so you can reclaim the life you have always deserved? I invite you to check out my upcoming 12 week program, Reclaim + Reconnect: A Program for Healing After Trauma. Plus, sign up before January 1st and receive my "Navigating the Holidays" workbook bonus!

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Reconnect: A Program for Healing After Trauma: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: [email protected]

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.