Building Resilience

Have you ever been blindsided by something so painful it split your life into a “before” and “after”? Loss, betrayal, trauma, uncertainty—whatever the moment—you’re not broken, you’re human. In this powerful episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson unpacks the core habits of resilient people—through the lens of nervous system science. Inspired by Lucy Hone’s TED Talk on grief and...

Do you ever feel like life is happening to you—like you’re stuck in survival mode and just waiting for permission to live fully? In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah Davidson invites you to step out of fear and into your true power as a creator and co-creator of your life. You’ll learn: • How survival mode keeps your nervous system stuck and limits creativity • Why belief in so...

Stressed out with no time for meditation, breathwork, or long walks? In this video, Leah Davidson teaches you the Safety Sequence—a rapid, science-backed 3-step tool to reset your nervous system in the middle of real life. Whether you’re frozen, spiraling, or shut down, this technique will ground you, reconnect you, and keep you in the game. Learn why your body panics even when you’re safe, and ho...

Have you ever had a brief moment with a stranger that unexpectedly lifted your mood or shifted your entire day? Whether it’s a kind smile from a passerby, a chatty waiter who made you feel seen, or a stranger’s calm presence in a stressful moment—these small interactions carry a surprisingly big impact. In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, Leah explores the powerful role strangers p...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “That’s not how I meant it to come out…” or felt the sting of someone else’s words lingering long after? The truth is, our words have weight—and they either build or break. But it’s not just what we say; it’s how we say it, and even more, how we’re showing up in our nervous system when we do. In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast...

Do you feel constantly on edge, wired but exhausted, or like you’re just going through the motions of life? You might be stuck in survival mode—and not even know it. In this episode of the Building Resilience Podcast, we’ll unpack what it means to have a dysregulated nervous system and how it can silently shape your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even your physical health. We’ll walk through 1...

Have you ever considered that the secret to a healthier mind and a stronger relationship might be found behind the shower curtain? In this fun and enlightening episode, Leah welcomes her friend and fellow entrepreneur, Neta Talmor, for a refreshingly candid conversation about how sharing a daily ritual like showering with your partner can deepen your connection, boost creativity, improve your mood...

If you’ve been trying to think your way out of anxiety, it’s time to flip the script. In this continuation from last week’s episode, we dive deeper into the truth that anxiety isn’t just in your mind—it lives in your body. And that’s where real healing begins. Join me as we explore three practical, body-based frameworks to help you break the anxiety cycle by creating a sense of internal safety, re...

Anxiety isn’t just in your mind —it’s in your body . If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, stress, and self-doubt , no matter how hard you try to think your way out of it, this episode is for you. In today’s episode of Building Resilience , we’re diving into the real root cause of anxiety —why it happens, why traditional approaches don’t always work, and how shifting your focus from your mind...

Have you ever been blindsided by someone’s reaction and thought, where did that come from ? Whether it’s a toddler refusing to put on their shoes, a teen with an unexpected attitude, or even a coworker’s sharp remark, our interactions are shaped by something deeper than we realize—our nervous system state . In this episode of Building Resilience , we explore how our nervous system acts as a filter...

What if fun was the missing ingredient for a healthier, more resilient nervous system ? In this episode of Building Resilience , I sit down with Chris Rich , a certified life coach and self-proclaimed “fun expert,” to talk about why fun isn’t just a luxury—it’s a nervous system reset button . From stomping in puddles to spontaneous adventures , Kris shares simple ways to infuse more fun into every...

Chronic pain is often misunderstood, and many people feel like they have no choice but to live with it. But what if pain could be unlearned ? In this episode of Building Resilience , I sit down with Dr. Howard Schubiner , one of the world's leading experts on chronic pain, to explore the science behind pain, the role of the brain in creating pain, and how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our pa...

What if I told you that one of the most powerful tools for calming your nervous system is something you already do every single day? Walking isn't just movement—it’s medicine. It’s a built-in reset button for your body and mind. But when you add intention, it becomes a powerful practice of healing. In this episode of Building Resilience , I guide you through a walking meditation designed to regula...

Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster, especially when your child struggles with emotional regulation. One moment, everything is fine, and the next, you're navigating a meltdown in the middle of the grocery store. How do you support your child---and yourself---through these intense emotional waves? As a certified teacher with years of experience working with kids all over the globe, Emily Hambli...

Have you ever felt stuck, like you're just going through the motions without truly thriving? Sometimes, despite our best efforts, real transformation seems out of reach. But what if the key to lasting change was simpler than we think? On this episode, I break down five powerful, science-backed ways to transform your life. From understanding and befriending your nervous system to processing emotion...

Our beliefs shape our reality in more ways than we realize. What if simply believing in a treatment could lead to real, measurable healing? And on the flip side, could negative expectations actually worsen our symptoms? On this episode of Building Resilience, we explore the fascinating world of the placebo and nocebo effects: how our minds influence our bodies in profound ways. We'll dive into a s...

The balance between effort and surrender can be a tricky one to strike—we often feel the need to fix issues as soon as they come up. But in reality, surrendering to challenging times can actually have the opposite effect. On this episode of Building Resilience, we go over how we can achieve that balance between effort and surrender—where transformation and growth often occur. We’ll talk about the...

Words are a powerful thing—not just the ones we speak to others but the ones we say to ourselves. Words can shape our thoughts, which control our emotions, which ultimately drive our actions. They hold the power to lift us up or tear us down, sometimes in just a moment. But what if we could use words to build resilience, foster growth, and create a life filled with hope and possibility? On this ep...

Are you living a rich, fulfilling life, or are you waiting for the "right time" to enjoy it? Many of us are stuck saving for a future that may not come or waiting for the perfect moment to create memories. But what if the key to resilience and joy is found in living fully right now? On this episode of Building Resilience, I dive into the insights from the book Die With Zero by Bill Perkins . This...

Have you ever felt a pull between staying safe in what's familiar and venturing into the unknown? It's a common experience to wrestle with the tension between who you've been and who you're becoming. As we step into 2025, how can we navigate this journey with trust, intention, and resilience? On this episode of Building Resilience, we'll get into the concept of your past, present, and future selve...

Have you ever noticed how gratitude can transform even the toughest moments? It’s not just about saying “thank you” or counting blessings—it’s a profound practice that connects us to resilience, hope, and joy. But how do we lean into gratitude when life feels heavy, or when challenges arise that seem insurmountable? On this episode of Building Resilience, we get into the concept of deliberate grat...

Creativity isn't just for artists --- it can be an amazing tool to help calm your nervous system and expand your resilience. When life feels overwhelming, unlocking your creative side might be the unexpected solution you need. On this episode of Building Resilience, I’m teaching about the power of creativity for nervous system health. I'll explain how creative activities can signal safety to your...

We all know the stereotypes: the controlling mother-in-law, the aloof daughter-in-law. Why is this relationship often painted as inherently difficult, fraught with tension and unmet expectations? And what if it didn't have to be that way? On this episode of Building Resilience, I'm joined by  LeAnn Austin , a master-certified life coach who specializes in helping women create more connection...

So often, we get caught up in managing symptoms, treating disease, and reacting to challenges---but what if the key to lasting wellness lies in flipping that script? What if, instead of focusing on reducing danger, we focused on increasing safety and resilience to heal ourselves. On this episode of Building Resilience, I explore the profound impact of adopting a wellness-centered mindset. We'll di...

Happiness often feels like an elusive goal, something we're constantly striving for but never quite reaching. Is it about material wealth, ticking off life's achievements, or something deeper? And how do we cultivate it in a world that often feels overwhelming? On this episode of Building Resilience, I delve into the science of happiness, drawing from the groundbreaking research of Ed Diener and R...