When life moves too fast, our bodies often tell the story before our minds catch up. In this episode, hosts Dave and Luke sit down with trauma and nervous system specialist Todd Olson, who brings more than 35 years of experience helping people heal through evidence-based practices like polyvagal theory, somatic training, and trauma-informed care. Together, they unpack how slowing down, noticing small shifts, and understanding our body’s natural responses can create lasting resilience in a chaotic world.

The conversation explores why entrepreneurs sometimes self-sabotage, why our first instinct under stress isn’t fight-or-flight but connection, and how practices like breathwork, gratitude, and vagus nerve stimulation can restore balance. Todd shares stories from decades in the field, ranging from probation work to advanced trauma therapy, and highlights tools that anyone can use to widen their “window of resilience” and re-engage with life in meaningful ways.

Chapters
[Start] Welcome & Introduction: Dave and Luke set the stage for an exploration of mental fitness through the lens of the nervous system.
05:54 Polyvagal Theory in Action: Todd explains how our nervous system constantly scans for safety and why social engagement is our first line of defense.
29:41 Entrepreneurs, Trauma, and Flight Responses: A discussion of why busy lives and repeated ventures can mask unresolved nervous system patterns.
31:00 Practical Tools: Gratitude and Breathwork: Todd demonstrates simple, science-backed strategies like the “4-3-2-1” gratitude practice.
35:30 Chemicals, Habits, and Healing: From oxytocin to dopamine, Todd breaks down the brain chemistry of connection, addiction, and small daily habits.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Circles of Grace - Todd's therapy practice
• Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Granziano Breuning
• Links to Martin Seligman’s bio, videos, and books