What if your holiday stress wasn't about what's happening now—but about what your nervous system remembers?

In this episode, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack the neuroscience of the holidays, exploring how sensory cues like songs, smells, or family dynamics can reactivate old emotional patterns stored in the body. Together, they explain how neurotags—the networks of neurons linking memory, emotion, and physical response—shape our experience of the season and why this time of year can trigger emotional flashbacks or overwhelm.

You'll learn how to recognize when the past is replaying through your nervous system, how cycles like circadian and seasonal rhythms affect capacity, and why rest is a biological need—not a luxury. The conversation moves from emotional regulation and boundaries to post-traumatic growth, exploring how slowing down and honoring natural rhythms can transform holiday survival into healing and integration.

This episode offers neuroscience-backed practices to help you reclaim presence, build new associations with safety, and rewrite your nervous system's holiday story.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Seasonal mismatch & why holidays strain the nervous system

• 2:43 – What are neurotags and how they shape holiday reactions

• 6:39 – Emotional flashbacks: the body's real-time state shifts

• 10:20 – Orientation and regulation tools for holiday triggers

• 12:26 – Boundaries as nervous system protection

• 18:19 – Honoring natural cycles: seasonal, menstrual, and circadian rhythms

• 27:30 – Post-traumatic growth through rest, reflection, and integration

Key Takeaways:

• Neurotags explain why certain holiday cues can trigger powerful emotional and physical responses.

• Emotional flashbacks are not regressions—they're real-time nervous system shifts that can be regulated through awareness and sensory grounding.

• Setting boundaries is a form of nervous system protection, not disconnection.

• Seasonal, menstrual, and circadian rhythms all affect capacity—rest is a biological requirement for resilience.

• Post-traumatic growth happens in the pauses—through rest, orientation, and compassionate self-boundaries.

Resources Mentioned:

• Boundary Rewire Course: boundaryrewire.com – Repattern your nervous system for safer, more authentic boundaries.

• Rewire Trial: rewiretrial.com – Learn neurosomatic tools to regulate and rewire your system.

• BrainBased.com – Explore applied neurology and somatic tools for behavior change and resilience.

• Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification – neurosomaticintelligence.com

• Sacred Synapse https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Trauma Rewired wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help more people discover trauma-informed education grounded in neuroscience.

For deeper support this season, explore Boundary Rewire—a 5-module neurosomatic course designed to help you repattern stress responses and create boundaries that feel safe, natural, and grounded in authenticity. It's just $27 through the end of the year.

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

What if grief isn't something to "get over," but a biological process that reshapes your sense of self, capacity, and connection?

In this episode, co-hosts Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by Piper Rose—founder of Shadowplay Coaching and Director of Operations and Continuing Education at NSI—to explore grief through the lens of neuroscience and the body.

Together, they examine how the brain and body respond to major transitions, why sensations like heaviness or ache are part of adaptive prediction, and how practices that mobilize breath, voice, and thoracic movement can support your physiology's innate ability to heal.

You'll hear why grief looks different for everyone—from action-oriented logistics to relational sharing—and how both are valid paths. The conversation moves through the concept of a minimum effective dose for grief work, the overlap between pain and emotional circuits, the role of co-regulation, and why meaning-making often comes later in the process.

Anger and sacred rage also get their space here—alongside pathways back to nourishment.

Whether you're navigating loss, identity transitions, or the transformations that come with growth, this episode offers grounded language, body-based tools, and community-centered practices to help you fall apart, be held, and reform with greater capacity.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 — Grief as a physiological process, not a problem to fix

• 06:30 — How the brain maps grief: interoception, prediction, pain circuits

• 14:10 — Two grief styles: action orientation and expressive processing

• 21:40 — Minimum-effective-dose grief practice and daily resourcing

• 29:00 — Anger inside grief, sacred rage, and safe expression

• 36:20 — Belonging, co-regulation, and being held by people or the earth

• 44:15 — Timing of meaning-making and avoiding premature silver linings

• 51:00 — Practical ways to start: personal, relational, and community supports

Key Takeaways:

• Grief is an adaptive social-threat response that updates your body's internal maps.

• The same networks tied to physical pain can interpret loss, which is why grief can ache.

• People grieve differently. Action and expression are both valid pathways.

• Small, repeatable practices help build capacity without overwhelm.

• Co-regulation and clear support reduce isolation and soften protective patterns.

Resources Mentioned:

• NeuroSomatic Intelligence (NSI) Foundations Bundle — Three on-demand workshops to integrate applied neuroscience and somatics into your work: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/foundations

• BrainBased.com — Community using applied neurology and somatics: https://brainbased.com

• Shadowplay Coaching (Piper Rose) — Relationship and grief-support coaching.

If this episode supported you, subscribe and leave a review so others can find the show. Share it with someone who could use compassionate, science-informed language for grief.

If you're a coach, therapist, or practitioner ready to integrate applied neuroscience and somatics into your work, start with the NSI Foundations Bundle at NeurosomaticIntelligence.com/Foundations.

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

Functional healing isn't about bouncing back, it's about becoming more whole. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace are joined by somatic expert Veronica Rottman, founder of Soma School, to explore what happens when post-traumatic growth deepens into post-traumatic wisdom.

Together, they unpack how healing often involves grief, identity shifts, and surrender, not just resilience and strength. You'll hear how emotions are constructed in the body, why dissociation and fawning are intelligent survival responses, and how safety is rebuilt through slow, titrated somatic experiences. We discuss how cultural narratives about "getting stronger" can overlook the body's need for modulation, rest, and relational repair.

You'll learn how capacity building is nonlinear, why co-regulation and oxytocin-based safety cues matter, and how tending to wounds rather than fixing them can transform pain into embodied wisdom.

Join us for a workshop, taking a deeper dive into Hormones, Stress and the Female Nervous System, combining applied neuroscience and somatics to support female cycles: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome and framing: growth vs. wisdom

• 05:30 Emotions as predictions and survival patterning

• 14:00 Dissociation, boundaries, and identity shifts

• 22:30 Somatic titration, oxytocin, and co-regulation practices

• 31:00 Capacity, achievement, and health trade-offs

• 39:30 Reframing fawn and freeze as intelligent responses

• 47:00 Cyclical needs, rest, and redefining growth

• 54:00 Integration, tending, and systemic context

• 59:00 Takeaways and next steps

Key Takeaways:

• Post-traumatic wisdom includes grief, ambiguity, and letting identities evolve, not only resilience.

• Emotions are constructed from interoception and predictions; safety cues can update those predictions.

• Small, consistent somatic doses help the system perceive more safety without overwhelm.

• Fawn and freeze are adaptive; meeting them with curiosity reduces shame and supports change.

• Capacity building is relational; co-regulation and oxytocin-supportive practices can expand what feels possible.

Resources Mentioned:

• Soma School – founded by Veronica Rottman

• Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification

• Brain Based

• The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron (via Alanis Morissette interview)

• Peter Levine on Somatic Titration and Safety

• Dr. Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Perspective

• Lisa Feldman Barrett – Theory of constructed emotion

• Vincent Felitti – The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study

• Raja Selvam – Integral Somatic Psychology

Call to Action:

If this episode offered you a new perspective on healing—or gave language to something you've felt but couldn't name—share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or tap the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

If you've ever noticed your focus, energy, or emotions shift throughout your cycle, this next workshop will help you understand why. On November 13th at 12pm Central, Elisabeth Kristof

and Veronica Rottman will explore how your hormones interact with your nervous system—and how somatic tools can support you through every phase. Join live or catch the replay at https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/female-nervous-system-workshop/

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

In this conversation with Dr. Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas and the pioneering researcher who introduced self-compassion into modern psychology, we explore why self-esteem is a fair-weather friend while self-compassion provides steady support through challenge and failure. Dr. Neff shares how her early mindfulness practice reshaped her own relationship with shame, and how research now shows that self-criticism keeps the body's threat system active while compassion engages the brain's caregiving network—reducing cortisol, inflammation, and emotional reactivity.

Together we examine the three pillars of self-compassion—mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness—and how these transform both personal healing and co-regulation. You'll learn about the concept of backdraft (why opening to care can surface old pain), the difference between tender and fierce compassion, and why caring for yourself actually strengthens motivation and performance.

If you've ever felt that being softer might make you weaker, this episode offers a science-based reframe: self-compassion is strength regulated.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Why self-compassion matters in trauma healing

• 05:10 Self-compassion vs. self-esteem: stable worth vs. comparison

• 12:30 Three components: mindfulness, common humanity, kindness

• 20:45 Threat vs. care systems; shame, rumination, regulation

• 29:00 "Backdraft" and pacing: minimum-effective-dose practices

• 37:20 Tender & fierce self-compassion: soothing + boundaries

• 46:15 Motivation myths: keeping your edge without self-attack

• 55:00 Post-traumatic growth, wisdom, and everyday practices

Key Takeaways:

• Self-esteem is contingent; self-compassion is unconditional. Worth isn't earned—it's acknowledged, especially when things go wrong.

• Three pillars: notice suffering (mindfulness), remember you're not alone (common humanity), respond with support (kindness).

• Threat vs. care: self-criticism can keep the threat system active; compassion practices can engage caregiving circuits and support regulation.

• Expect "backdraft." Opening to care may surface old pain—go slow, titrate, choose tools that feel safe for your system.

• Compassion supports performance. Less shame → better learning, repair, and values-aligned motivation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Self-Compassion (book) - Kristin Neff

• Fierce Self-Compassion (book) - Kristin Neff

• Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification - NeurosomaticIntelligence.com

• BrainBased community - BrainBased.com

Call to Action:

If this episode brought you clarity, comfort, or a deeper understanding of your emotional world, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or hit the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

👉 Want to learn how to rewire your nervous system, strengthen emotional regulation, and support others in doing the same? Explore the Neurosomatic Intelligence Certification at NeurosomaticIntelligence.com.

Healing starts with integration—when your brain and body begin working together, real regulation becomes possible.

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

"Fake it till you make it" can keep you moving, but there is a cost. When the prefrontal cortex tries to do the job of the whole brain, it burns fuel fast, cravings rise, and coping loops take over. This episode breaks down emotional regulation as a full-body, brain-wide process, not a mindset trick. Matt Bush, lead educator at the NSI certification and founder of Next Level Neuro, joins Elisabeth and Jennifer for this fascinating covnersation. You will learn how integration across interoception, proprioception, the insula, anterior cingulate, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex supports flexible, context-appropriate responses. We explore why shutdowns, flooding, or masking are often adaptations to threat, how sensory mismatch and modern screen habits compound dysregulation, and why big peak experiences without preparation can overwhelm rather than heal. Expect practical, trauma-informed ways to build capacity with minimum-effective-dose practices, daily nervous system hygiene, and a simple "emotional retrospect" journaling flow that plants new options for next time. If you have ever thought, "I know I am safe, but my body does not," this conversation offers science, compassion, and usable tools to reconnect brain and body.

Timestamps:

00:00 What "fake it till you make it" costs the nervous system

05:12 What emotional regulation really is and why context matters

12:30 Integration 101: body signals, brain networks, and coordination 21:45 Everyday patterns: flooding, shutdown, perfectionism, doom-scrolling

29:10 Key regions: insula, ACC, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex 36:05 Sensory mismatch, modern lifestyle, and capacity

44:20 Peak somatic experiences: preparation, risk, and integration

52:00 Building capacity: daily hygiene, minimum-effective-dose practice 58:40 The "emotional retrospect" journaling protocol 1:05:00 Individual and collective growth, closing takeaways

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional regulation means full-spectrum access to feelings without being hijacked, not suppression.

  • Integration is a brain-body loop; accurate interoception and proprioception improve predictions and choice.

  • Sensory mismatch and chronic stress bias the system toward protection, which can look like flooding, masking, or collapse.

  • Peak intensity does not equal integration; preparation and real-time capacity building matter.

  • Small, consistent practices create new options by improving signal quality and planting novel responses.

• Resources Mentioned:

  • RewireTrial.com - two-week free trial for live classes and on-demand neurosomatic tools

  • Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI) Coaching Certification - ICF-accredited training for practitioners

  • Next Level Neuro - education referenced in the episode

  Call to Action:

  If this episode brought you clarity, comfort, or a deeper understanding of your emotional world, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or hit the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

  👉 Want to learn how to rewire your nervous system, strengthen emotional regulation, and support others in doing the same? Explore www.rewiretrial.com.

  Healing starts with integration—when your brain and body begin working together, real regulation becomes possible.

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

Trauma is not a single moment. It is an ongoing dialogue between your brain, body, and environment. In this conversation, Dr. Mbemba Jabbi explains how neuroplasticity and affective neuroscience help us understand protective patterns like hypervigilance, shutdown, and dissociation. We explore the roles of the insula, amygdala, and cingulate networks in sensing threat, shaping emotions, and connecting brain states with bodily signals such as heart, gut, and breath. Dr. Jabbi also discusses research that associates early childhood trauma, including sexual trauma, with higher inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, while emphasizing that biology interacts with environment and change is possible. You will hear how sensory training, co-regulation, psychotherapy, and supportive practices may help repattern responses over time. This is a grounded, science-informed look at why survival strategies make sense in context and how compassionate, skills-based work can support nervous system health. If you or your clients live with complex developmental trauma, this episode offers language, frameworks, and first steps that respect lived experience and prioritize safety.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Protective patterning and repeating environments

• 1:00 Meet Dr. Jabbi and his research lens

• 7:10 Brain circuits in emotion and stress

• 13:20 Insula, interoception, and body-brain links

• 18:00 Survival values and environmental context

• 26:00 Adaptive suppression vs. underdevelopment

• 40:00 Inflammation and childhood trauma (C-reactive protein)

• 49:00 Treatment implications and tracking biomarkers

• 56:00 Fast and slow fear pathways, behavior outputs

• 59:50 Key takeaways for practitioners and individuals

• 1:02:00 Repatterning for joy and post-traumatic growth

• 1:03:30 Where to practice the tools in the community

Key Takeaways:

• Emotions are functional survival signals that reflect whole-body states.

• The insula, amygdala, and cingulate form networks that integrate sensory input with bodily responses.

• Protective outputs like numbness or shutdown are learned adaptations that supported safety.

• Studies associate early childhood trauma with elevated inflammation markers, while outcomes are shaped by environment and support.

• Neuroplasticity means skills, relationships, and practice can help repattern responses over time.

Resources Mentioned:

• BrainBased community: https://BrainBased.com

• Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification (NSI)

• Explore classes and community trial: https://rewiretrial.com

• Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin

Call to Action:

If this episode resonates, follow and review Trauma Rewired so more people can find trauma-informed education. Ready to practice the tools we discussed? Start your free trial 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 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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

Have you ever drawn a blank when asked how you're feeling? Or maybe you experience constant inner buzzing, numbness, or anxiety without any words to describe it. You're not broken—and you're not alone. In this deeply informative and compassionately nuanced episode, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and guest Matt Bush unpack alexithymia: a common and often misunderstood trauma-related trait that involves difficulty identifying, describing, or connecting with emotions.

More than emotional "numbness," alexithymia involves disrupted communication between the body and brain, making healing feel elusive. The hosts break down the neurological roots of this trait, how it differs from emotional numbing in PTSD, and why traditional talk therapy often isn't enough. You'll learn how interoceptive training—like what's taught in NeuroSomatic Intelligence (NSI)—can help bring emotional awareness back online.

Whether you're a practitioner, trauma survivor, or someone just feeling disconnected, this conversation offers hope and concrete tools to rewire the nervous system for emotional clarity, embodiment, and relational healing.

Timestamps:

• 0:43 – What Is Alexithymia?

• 3:00 – Why It's Common After Trauma

• 4:40 – The TAS-20 Scale: 3 Key Features

• 7:00 – Lived Experience + Relationship Impact

• 10:00 – Alexithymia vs. Emotional Numbing

• 14:40 – Trauma's Impact on Emotional Mapping

• 17:00 – Neurological Underpinnings (Insula, DMN, etc.)

• 20:00 – Substance Use, Shutdowns & Coping

• 26:00 – Functional Freeze & Stress Sensitivity

• 30:00 – How Neuroplasticity Supports Change

• 33:00 – NSI Tools for Rewiring Emotional Awareness

• 36:00 – Practical Steps to Start Feeling More

• 40:00 – Emotional Expression, Relationships & Health Outcomes

Key Takeaways:

• Alexithymia is not a disorder but a trainable trait, often shaped by trauma and nervous system adaptations.

• Traditional talk therapy may not fully address alexithymia due to its neurological roots—interoceptive training is key.

• It differs from emotional numbing in PTSD; each involves distinct brain networks (e.g., DMN vs. salience network).

• Emotional awareness isn't just about language—it starts with sensing the body.

• Healing emotional disconnect can improve not just mental health, but physical health and relational dynamics.

Resources Mentioned:

• NeuroSomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification → www.rewiretrial.com

• Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)

• Referenced Studies:

• Vandervoort Meta-analysis (2013)

• Journal of Global Health Reports (2025)

• Gharlic & Doba (2015)

• Brewer & Kuehnerberg (2016)

• PTSD + Alexithymia Therapy Outcomes (2008)

If this episode gave you clarity, comfort, or tools for your healing, share it with someone who needs it. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite audio platform or hit the bell on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

👉 Want to learn how to rewire your nervous system and support others in doing the same? Explore the NeuroSomatic Intelligence Certification at www.rewiretrial.com

Healing is possible—and it starts with knowing how to listen to your body.

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

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 [email protected].

All rights in our content are reserved.

Ambivalence isn't confusion or weakness, it's your nervous system doing its job. Feeling both joy and grief, relief and loss, fear and excitement, is not dysfunction but survival wisdom. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace unpack ambivalence as a neurobiological phenomenon: how the brain and body construct emotions, why conflicting truths arise during transformation, and how to metabolize them without collapse.

You'll learn to notice the tug-of-war between emotions, expand capacity to sit with duality, and reframe ambivalence as part of post-traumatic growth. By honoring both sides, joy and sorrow, fear and courage, you can create deeper connection with yourself and move through change with clarity and trust.

00:00 – Leaving Toxic Love: Relief and Grief Together 01:07 – Ambivalence Defined: Not Confusion, But Wisdom 03:07 – Brain and Body: How Emotions Are Constructed 05:42 – Building Capacity for Emotional Duality 06:39 – Transformation, Identity, and Misread Confusion 08:18 – Neuroscience of Ambivalence: Prediction, Insula, Signals 12:50 – Embodiment and Emotional Vocabulary 24:10 – Boundaries, Family Dynamics, and Attachment Chaos 27:40 – Sitting in Discomfort, Finding Safety Inside 30:59 – Loss of Identity, Grief, and Gratitude 38:08 – Joy Can Be Scary Too

• Ambivalence as a nervous system signal, not self-sabotage.

• Why leaving toxic relationships brings both relief and grief.

• How emotions are constructed in the brain and body.

• Expanding capacity for emotional regulation and duality.

• The role of interoception and emotional vocabulary in healing.

• Transformation and identity shifts as triggers for ambivalence.

• Attachment needs versus authenticity during change.

• Why joy and fear often arise together.

• Practical strategies to metabolize ambivalence and grow.

• Ambivalence as a gateway to post-traumatic growth.

🔗 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 [email protected]

All rights in our content are reserved

This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy https://ClipGrowth.com

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 [email protected]

All rights in our content are reserved

This episode was produced by ClipGrowth - Podcast Video Editing, SEO & YouTube Strategy

https://ClipGrowth.com