Building Resilience

In this special episode of Building Resilience, you’re going to hear Part 1 of my conversation with Bethany Lewis that was on her podcast The Concussion Coach . Bethany is a neurological Occupational Therapist and a certified life coach. We delve into the world of concussions, trauma, and nervous system resilience. From understanding the roles of Team Hyper and Team Hypo, to diving into the five c...

Whether it's an episode of "This is Us" or a commercial with a sad-looking dog, one thing's for certain—I'm a crier. Tears have a language of their own—a way to communicate with our body and the nervous system. In this episode of Building Resilience, we're diving deep into understanding the emotion behind our tears and the science that accompanies them. From the essential basal tears that keep our...

Ever question how your nervous system impacts your role as a parent? The resilience of our nervous system, its ability to contract and expand, significantly influences our parenting journey. From the womb to young adulthood, the dance of connection between caregiver and child lays the foundation for regulation and resilience. In this enriching episode, we delve into the pivotal role of co-regulati...

Have you ever been struck by the sheer wonder of a sunrise or the overwhelming beauty of a piece of art? That's 'awe' at work. In today's episode of Building Resilience, I dive deep into this powerful emotion. We discuss its simplicity, the numerous benefits it offers, and how it can help lead us to a more joyful, fulfilling, and purposeful life. From the Northern Lights to architectural wonders,...

No life is going to be perfect—but the kicker? We wouldn’t want a perfect life even if we could get it! In today's episode, we dive deep into life's 50-50 mix of good and bad times, illustrating it with two poignant real-life tales: a European trip gone awry and a client's emotional journey with a loved one's health. We’ll talk about the work of positive psychology pioneer Martin Seligman, psychot...

How many times have we overlooked the beauty in our lives because we were simply viewing it through the wrong lens? In this episode, I share my husband Rob's and my quest to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights in Norway, and the parallel quest my son undertook at the same time—and the unexpected lessons we all learned about perspective, patience, and faith. Just like our quest for the Norther...

Believe it or not, your nervous system could be the secret sauce to your success as an entrepreneur. In this episode, we dive into understanding and befriending our nervous system—specifically how it impacts our journey in entrepreneurship. We uncover how it responds to safety and danger cues, as well as the uncertainty that’s the daily life of an entrepreneur. Learning to control these responses,...

Forgetting a name. Losing your keys. It can be super frustrating, and we’ve all been there. If you’ve ever wished you could do something to improve your memory, this episode is for you. In this episode of Building Resilience, we dive deep into the world of memory improvement. We’ll go over neuroplasticity (a recurring topic on this podcast), and I’ll introduce you to an easy-to-remember framework...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to not only maintain a marriage, but to make it flourish? My husband, Rob, and I may not be the experts, but we’re certainly experienced!  As we recently celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share 15 key insights that have kept our relationship strong, joyful, and resilient over the years. Drawing from...

Ever found yourself lost in someone else's pain, unsure where their feelings end and yours begin?  In this episode, we unpack the differences between empathy and compassion, exploring how these two vital aspects of human connection can sometimes blur. And more importantly, how you can show someone that love and human connection without getting pulled into the “pit” yourself. Listen up and you...

How does the legacy of a loved one shape our lives, even years after they're gone? It’s now been 20 years since I lost my dad. To honor his memory, join me today for a walk down memory lane, to reflect on some of the many life lessons he bestowed upon me. We'll reminisce about his passion for daily walks, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, the power of his storytelling, and the importance he pla...

Do you realize the untapped potential residing in the frontal part of your brain? In this episode, as we explore the concept of our brain's 'CEO', you'll uncover how it manages our executive function skills and plays a pivotal role in our lives. From planning to self control to maintaining focus, understanding these skills is vital to work, relationships, and personal growth! Also, parents will wa...

Being spread too thin is a common condition in today’s world—and saying “yes” to everything is a common occurrence. That’s why learning to set boundaries with those around us has become more important than ever! On today’s episode, we explore why boundaries matter. I'll share definitions of boundaries from different perspectives, including my own experiences and insights. You'll learn that boundar...

Ever found yourself unable to put your feelings into words? Or felt overwhelmed by emotions that seem to have a life of their own? Many of us have been there—and fortunately, there is help. In this episode of Building Resilience, we'll explore the transformative power of affect labeling, a mindfulness technique that lets us name and navigate our emotions effectively. Using a variety of resources,...

As adults, sometimes we lose the magic of play—when we’re kids, it’s effortless, and it almost seems like we can make fun in any situation. However, as adults, sometimes feeling pressured to have fun can make it even more difficult. On this episode of Building Resilience, I discuss the power of playfulness and how it can help us feel more connected, creative, and resilient. I share nine ideas for...

Ever wondered why you're drawn to (or away from) certain people or places? Your body's got an unconscious surveillance system that constantly scans for safety and danger—and it influences your daily life, sometimes without you even knowing it. In this episode of Building Resilience, we dive into that system: neuroception. We'll discuss the various sensory systems that contribute to neuroception, a...

Did you know that the way you breathe can greatly impact your stress, anxiety, mood, and even your lifespan? Discover the power of breath in part two of our series, where we delve into the power of breath and its impact on various aspects of life, from stress and anxiety to sleep and energy levels. Today, we’ll investigate how to use breath for building awareness, relaxation and activation and you...

One secret to dramatically improving your mental health and well-being might just be hidden in something as simple as the way you breathe. Join me on this episode of Building Resilience as we explore the importance of nasal breathing, the drawbacks of mouth breathing, and how consciously controlling our breath can help reverse the stress response. We'll also discuss the benefits of breathwork in t...

If you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice, what would it be? In this special episode of Building Resilience, I open up about my life experiences and share the invaluable lessons I would pass on to my 21-year-old self. Together, we'll explore eight of these lessons:  trusting the process, embracing life's ups and downs, valuing education, prioritizing travel, building...

The stories we tell are truly the way we perceive the world. We’re in control of them….MOST of the time.  In this episode of Building Resilience, we delve deep into the connection between our nervous system, stories, and emotions, and how this understanding can help us manage our responses and (of course) build resilience. We'll also reveal how physiology affects our thoughts and emotions in...

Are you caught in the Drama Triangle, playing the roles of Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer? In this episode of Building Resilience, we discuss how to break free from these roles, which can be really unhelpful, and embrace the Empowerment Dynamic instead. We’ll explore the origins of the Drama Triangle, its three roles, and how self-awareness can help you recognize and change these roles in your lif...

Struggling with sleep deprivation and eager for more solutions? In this second part of our sleep series, we delve deeper into transforming your sleep habits and mindset to help you achieve the restorative rest you deserve. In this episode, we explore the science of sleep, the significance of a bedtime routine, and the crucial role our mindset plays in sleep quality. We'll provide practical tips fo...

There's a daily box we have to check that's crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. It seems easy, but it can be much harder than it seems: getting a good night's sleep. Did you know that lack of sleep can be due to sleeping disorders, medical conditions, and mental health challenges, and it affects people of all ages? That's why on today's episode, I want to share with you some insights on...

Are you someone who struggles with perfectionism? Do you find yourself constantly critiquing yourself and others around you? In this episode of Building Resilience, we dive deeper into the root causes of perfectionism and how it can actually hinder us (despite it sounding like a good thing). You'll learn about the role of the nervous system in perfectionism, why it's often tied to childhood trauma...

What does connecting with a higher power, sleep, and Gray’s Anatomy have in common? For me, a whole lot—they’re all crucial ways that I help widen my zone of resilience and anchor myself in turbulent times. Today I will share my personal top 7! From morning routines to social connection, I'll offer practical advice and tips for each of these practices, so you'll walk away feeling inspired and read...