In the final episode, Amanda tackles the most empowering part of the equation: the “Underestimation of Ability.” Discover the science behind why we forget our own capacity and resources in the exact moments we need it most and learn how to actively reconnect with your deep well of resilience. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why anxiety makes you shrink and feel like a younger, less powerful version of yourself. That stress hormones can temporarily block your access to memories of past successes H...
Sep 30, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Welcome to part two of our series! Today, Amanda’s diving into the first half of the anxiety equation: the “Overestimation of Threat.” Learn why your brain is wired to assume the worst-case scenario and discover three practical tools to help your nervous system calibrate to the actual level of danger, not just the perceived one. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your brain’s “negativity bias” is a survival skill that’s poorly adapted for modern life How childhood experiences can turn your inter...
Sep 23, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Ever wonder why anxiety shows up and feels so overwhelming? In this episode, Amanda kicks off a mini-series by re-introducing a game-changing formula that makes sense of it all, what she calls, “The Anxiety Equation”. Once you see anxiety as a math problem, you realize you have the power to change the variables. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The simple but powerful Anxiety Equation: Anxiety = Overestimation of Threat + Underestimation of Capacity How this equation plays out in real-life scenari...
Sep 16, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 128
I woke up anxious today and this conversation is about what I did to not let it ruin my day. 4am kid wake up, a bad dream, excitement, crappy sleep, all had my system wired from the minute I opened my eyes. I'd love to tell you I used this magic tool to regulate my nervous system and get on with my day, but instead what I want to share is the roller coaster of regulated, and re-regulated, and re-regulating that my day called for. ps. This is an episode re-post from 2024. It got deleted in a tech...
Sep 02, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 127
When hard things happen to our children (our ourselves), our instinct is often to protect them from discomfort at all costs. But what if the goal isn't to shield them from difficult experiences, but to support them through those experiences in ways that build resilience? In this episode, I share a recent scary experience with my 5-year-old son getting industrial paint in his eye, and how understanding nervous system principles helped turn a potentially traumatic moment into an opportunity for co...
Aug 26, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Have you ever felt like you're chasing symptoms across your body—from anxiety and depression to gut issues, chronic fatigue, or autoimmune flares? In this episode, we discuss the direct biological link between your mental and physical health. We explore how a dysregulated nervous system can be a root cause of both chronic anxiety and chronic illness, and why healing requires a whole-person approach that looks beyond siloed symptoms to support the entire system. In this episode, you’ll learn: How...
Aug 19, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 125
To wrap up our series on nervous system states, we move from theory to real life. This special episode features a powerful voice message from a listener named Brit, who shares a personal story of navigating a stressful travel day with her family. Her experience perfectly illustrates what it looks like when nervous system concepts become a lived reality. If you've ever wondered how this work actually unfolds over time, this episode offers a hopeful and practical look at the messy, imperfect, and ...
Aug 12, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In this episode of our series on nervous system states, we explore the ultimate goal: more regulation. Amanda breaks down the physiology and psychology of this "green zone" state and provides a rich toolkit for moving to make it your new normal as she compassionately discusses understanding what regulation truly is, why your system might resist it, and how to proactively create more moments of it. *This episode serves as Part 5 in our "Different States Series" In this episode, you’ll learn: What...
Aug 05, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Shut down is your nervous system's most protective response. If you've ever felt heavy, numb, and completely disconnected from life—like you're moving through a thick fog with no energy or motivation—you've likely experienced a nervous system state called "shutdown." This episode offers a deeply compassionate guide to understanding this protective state and provides a roadmap of gentle, micro-steps to help you slowly and safely reconnect with yourself and the world. *This episode serves as Part ...
Jul 29, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 122
"Freeze" is arguably the most confusing, nuanced, and self-blame-inducing state for people to understand. We often mistake it for laziness, depression, or some character flaw — it’s not. It's a protective state that your nervous system creates when it's had too much for too long and doesn't know what to do next. This episode takes a compassionate deep dive into this common but misunderstood experience. We untangle what's happening when your body's gas and brake pedals are pressed at the same tim...
Jul 22, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode we explore the activated nervous system state—better known as fight-or-flight. If you’ve ever felt anxious, tightly wound, or like your body just can’t stop, this one’s for you. We explore why your system gets stuck in this high-alert state and, most importantly, provide a practical toolkit to help you work with your nervous system, not against it. Learn why "just calm down" doesn't work and what to do instead to find real regulation. *This episode serves as Part 2 in our "Differ...
Jul 15, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Ever wonder why a breathing exercise that works for your friend makes your own anxiety worse? The problem isn't you - it's that we've been treating nervous system regulation like it's one-size-fits-all. Your nervous system has different states (activation, freeze, shutdown, and regulation), and each one needs different kinds of support. In this episode, we explore why tailored approaches work better and set the foundation for understanding your nervous system's unique needs. This episode serves ...
Jul 08, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Using a personal story about a difficult uphill walk versus an easy downhill one, this episode offers a powerful and validating analogy for the healing journey. Amanda explores why life and healing can feel so hard when you're dealing with anxiety or depression, diving into the real physiological and biological reasons your body is working overtime. This episode is a compassionate reminder that your struggle is not a personal failing and that the hard "uphill" work you're doing now is what creat...
Jul 01, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Living in the world right now can feel overwhelming, especially when every news alert seems like another crisis demanding your attention– the news can feel like both a moral obligation and a fast track to burnout. If you find yourself caught between wanting to stay informed and feeling completely dysregulated by constant alarming updates, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the news is designed to activate your stress response The difference between staying informed and p...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 117
When school ends and summer begins, many parents expect a break—but what often comes instead is a spike in stress. In this episode, we explore why summer can feel more dysregulating than restful and how to support your nervous system through the transition. Learn how small, intentional shifts can help you move through this season with more calm, connection, and compassion—for yourself and your kids. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the transition into summer can overwhelm your nervous system H...
Jun 11, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 116
This is a simplified version of the conversation we had last week about how it's common for trauma survivors to feel anxious or scared when they finally experience moments of calm or regulation. This episode explores why this paradoxical response happens and offers gentle ways to help your nervous system learn that regulation doesn't have to mean danger. We dive into the "safety-danger equation" and how to build your capacity for feeling safe, one small moment at a time. In this episode, you’ll ...
Jun 03, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Have you ever felt anxious about not feeling so anxious? Or had a moment of regulation trigger anxiety? In this follow-up we explore a counterintuitive but common phenomenon in trauma recovery: when finding safety and regulation actually triggers fear and anxiety. Drawing from research by Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, and Deb Dana, we examine why the regulated "green zone" can feel threatening to trauma survivors. In this episode, you’ll learn: → Why trauma survivors often feel most vulne...
May 27, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 114
In this episode, we tackle the challenging but vital question: How can we support nervous system regulation when someone isn't in a safe environment? Drawing from Deb Dana's Polyvagal Theory expertise and current research, we explore practical strategies for both practitioners and individuals navigating unsafe circumstances. In this episode you'll learn: How to identify small touch points that can activate brief ventral vagal states Specific techniques practitioners & individuals can use to ...
May 21, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Can anxiety start... in your gut? Triggered by a listener's experience linking a gut cleanse to panic attacks, this episode dives deep into the powerful gut-brain connection. Discover how physiological issues—from microbiome imbalances to inflammation—can ignite anxiety symptoms from the "bottom-up," often before any anxious thought occurs. Learn why this happens and gentle strategies to support both your gut and brain health for better mental wellbeing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the gu...
May 06, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 112
In this episode, Amanda shares a personal story about her shift from running to walking—and eventually walking with a weighted vest—and how this physical adaptation revealed powerful lessons about nervous system regulation, healing, and mental health. She explores what happens when the tools that once worked no longer serve us, why slowing down is often exactly what our bodies need, and how to adapt our regulation practices to match our current season of life. Whether you’re carrying too much or...
Apr 29, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Ever felt like the world around you suddenly turned foggy, distant, or dreamlike? That’s derealization—and while it can feel disorienting, it’s actually a protective response from your nervous system. In this episode, we explore what derealization is, why it happens, how it relates to depersonalization and trauma, and what you can do to support yourself or a loved one when it shows up. In this episode, you’ll learn: What derealization is, how it feels, and why it's a nervous system protective re...
Apr 22, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In this final episode of our Back to the Basics series, we bring together all the key concepts we've explored over the past eight episodes. From understanding your nervous system to creating a personalized path to healing, this episode serves as both a review and a roadmap for moving forward with confidence and clarity. In this episode, you'll learn: How all the pieces of the nervous system puzzle fit together The ultimate framework for understanding and approaching anxiety and depression Practi...
Apr 16, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 109
In this episode, we’re continuing with Part 8 of the Back to the Basics series by exploring the vital role that comprehensive lab work plays in healing anxiety and depression. I break down why we take a physiology-first—but not physiology-only—approach, the truth behind the outdated “chemical imbalance” theory, and how functional labs can uncover real root causes that are often missed in standard care. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why focusing on your body is often the missing piece in mental ...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 108
In Part 7 of our Back to Basics series, we explore proactive regulation as the long-term approach to healing anxiety and depression through a nervous system lens. Building on our previous discussion of reactive tools, this episode examines how to address the root causes of your symptoms. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes...
Apr 01, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 107
This morning I wanted to flush my kid down the toilet, it was just one of those mornings. It made me realize that while last week we had a great chat about reactive regulation, it was a bit heavy on the theory vs practical application. I'm extending that conversation today to share some real life examples of how I use these tools in my everyday life, how I used them this morning with my son. So, here's Part 6 of my Back to the Basics Series. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 t...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In part 5 of our Back to Basics series, we explore reactive regulation, a powerful approach to managing your nervous system in moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown. Learn how to use your body's natural stress responses to create a personalized toolkit for finding more calm and intentionality amidst life's challenges. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! *The impala video I referenced in the video can be found here. — Looking for more personalized support...
Mar 18, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In part 4 of our Back to Basics series, we explore the "stress bucket" analogy to help you understand why you might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. Learn how to assess your unique stress load and discover personalized pathways to healing. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated...
Mar 11, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 104
In part 3 of our Back to Basics series, we explore why we get stuck in states of dysregulation and why anxiety and depression persist. Learn how modern living patterns and past experiences shape our nervous system responses, and discover a compassionate approach to understanding your symptoms. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & in...
Mar 04, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 103
In this second episode of the "Back to Basics" series, we explore the six nervous system states and how understanding them can transform your approach to anxiety and depression healing. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membership: A mental health membership and nervous system he...
Feb 11, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 102
In this first episode of the “Back to Basics” series, where I dive into the core of what drives anxiety and depression: your nervous system. When you better understand how this mind-body system works you can work with it towards healing. CLICK HERE for the full show notes, resources, and 3 tangible takeaways! — Looking for more personalized support? 1:1 Coaching (RESTORE): Learn more or book a free discovery call (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork) Regulated Living Membersh...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 101
