Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast
Wired for Connection is a podcast devoted to sharing information about Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve, in service of our mission to optimize the human experience by creating a safe and connected world. It highlights guests who share more information on the role the vagus nerve plays in our mental and physical health, alongside stories about their experience with their nervous systems in navigating relatable human experiences. This podcast is hosted by Polyvagal Institute, an international non-profit organization.
Episodes
Deb Dana on Repairing Relationships After Conflict
Deb Dana, LCSW, is one of our keynote presenters at the 2026 PVI International Gathering in Sitges, Spain. Secure your spot, either virtually or in-person, here! She is also a Co-Founder of the Polyvagal Institute.In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman sits down with Polyvagal Theory expert, clinician, and author Deb Dana to explore relationship rupture and repair through the lens
Kate Woodsome on Brain Health, Trauma & Civic Resilience
Kate Woodsome is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and founder and director of the Invisible Threads Impact Lab, building the human and relational capacity democracy depends on. Kate is also the the Royden B. Davis, SJ Visiting Professor at Georgetown University, Dept. of Culture, Communication and Technology.For two decades, Woodsome reported and led global news teams for Voice of America, Al J
Appeasement, Fawning & the Nervous System
In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman, LMFT sits down with trauma therapist, author, podcaster, and trainer Verena König to explore fawning, appeasement, people-pleasing, and the nervous system. Verena is speaking at 2026 PVI International Gathering. Our theme this year is "Navigating Conflict With a Resilient Nervous System. Join us in Spain this September!Verena shares how the
Skin Health, Fascia, and the Nervous System with Dr. Keira Barr
In this episode of Wired for Connection, we chat with Dr. Keira Barr about skin health, stress, inflammation, and the nervous system. Dr. Barr is a dermatologist whose work lives at the intersection of psychodermatology, mind-body medicine, Polyvagal Theory, and skin healing. She shares how her own experience with early melanoma, gut issues, hormone issues, and burnout changed the way she understo
How Technology & AI Impact Our Nervous Systems
In this episode of Wired for Connection, we chat with Stephen Hanmer D'Elia, a therapist and writer, on the topics of technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Stephen shares how phones, social media, and AI induce cognitive overload, impacting our nervous systems and putting us in defensive states. We talk about how technology shapes physiology and captures attention, often mimicking trau
Dr. Mona Delahooke on Her Traumatic Brain Injury, Coma, and the Power of Co-Regulation in Healing
In this episode of Wired for Connection, host Travis Goodman speaks with Dr. Mona Delahooke and her husband Scott, for a deeply personal conversation about her traumatic brain injury, coma, and recovery. Mona is a clinical psychologist known for her brain-body approach to behavior, parenting, and neurodiversity, and the author of Beyond Behaviors and Brain-Body Parenting.We explore the role o
Stimulating Breath Work Session with Chauna Bryant
Chauna is a Breathwork facilitator, and founder of Breath Liberation Society, a radically inclusive training and community dedicated to transformation through the breath. With nearly two decades of experience, she blends movement, meditation, and energy work to help clients reconnect to their bodies, deepen intuition, and step into their personal power.Breathing exercises can help stimulate the va
Why Feeling Safe Is The Key To A Good Life with Seth Porges
In this episode of Wired for Connection, I sit down with Seth Porges, coauthor of “Our Polyvagal World” and documentary filmmaker behind “Class Action Park” (HBO Max) and “How to Rob a Bank” (Netflix). We explore how polyvagal theory is not just a neuroscience model, but a worldview that explains why our nervous systems feel so overloaded in an age of social media, 24/7 news and constant outrage.S
Using Your Voice Effectively: Communication Through a Polyvagal Lens
In this episode of Wired for Connection, we chat with Mattie Shisko on the link between the nervous system and your ability to communicate in an authentic way. Mattie is an internationally recognized voice, performance and public speaking coach with over 30 years of experience. She teaches groups and individuals in the fields of politics, education, healthcare, creativity and business - The A
Dr. Peter Levine on Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal Theory, and Healing Trauma
In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman speaks with Dr Peter Levine, developer of Somatic Experiencing, to explore why trauma manifests as a wound in the body, not just a story in the mind. We talk about how trauma shows up in the nervous system, why the vagus nerve and interoception matter, and how bottom-up, body-based trauma work can complete unfinished fight, flight and freeze
Performance Through a Polyvagal Lens: Part Two
In the second part of our episode on performance with Michael Allison, we discuss performance in an athletic and physical context. Michael touches on some of the great athletes, teams, and coaches and highlights how they were (or were not) able to move in and out of different nervous system states depending on the task at hand. We also discuss how this information can help inform goal-setting
Judith Herman on Complex PTSD, Coercive Control and Justice
Trigger Warning: Please be advised, this episode contains dialogue about self-harm, abuse, and other sensitive topics. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if needed.In this Wired for Connection episode with Polyvagal Institute, host Travis Goodman, LMFT welcomes psychiatrist and trauma pioneer Dr. Judith Herman. Dr. Herman explains how the modern trauma field emerge
Performance Through a Polyvagal Lens: Part One
This episode of Wired for Connection is about the physiology of performance. In Part One of this discussion with Michael Allison, we'll learn more about Michael and his background in performance consulting, and how polyvagal principles help inform performance in the workplace and in building relationships. In Part Two, coming early January 2026, we'll discuss athletic performance, and deconst
Janina Fisher Discusses Parts, Polyvagal Theory and TIST
Trigger Warning: Please be advised, this episode contains dialogue about self-harm, abuse, and other sensitive topics. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if needed.In this episode, Dr Janina Fisher joins Travis Goodman to unpack why traditional talk therapy often fails clients with complex trauma, chronic self-harm tendencies, and what methods can move them towards
Applying Polyvagal Theory in Therapy with Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW
In this episode of Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast, we discuss applying Polyvagal Theory and polyvagal principles in a therapeutic setting. Stephanie D'Angelo, from Polyvagal Institute, moderates a discussion with Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW. Ruby Jo has been applying PVT in therapy with clients for almost 15 years now, and has been a therapist working with those who have experienced traum
Integrating IFS & Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Frank Anderson
In this episode of Wired for Connection, host Travis Goodman interviews Dr. Frank Anderson, founder of the Trauma Institute and a renowned leader in trauma healing. Together, they explore Dr. Anderson’s journey into trauma work, his evolution in understanding healing as both an internal and relational process, and the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Polyvagal Theory. Through pers
Empowered Educators: How Polyvagal Principles Help Boost Learning Outcomes in the Classroom
In this episode, Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor at Butler University and founder of the Applied Educational Neuroscience certification program, discusses the transformative power of understanding the nervous system—particularly through the lens of polyvagal theory—in education. She shares her journey from special education teacher to neuroscientific educator and highlights how applied neu
Supporting All Students in the Classroom & Beyond: A Polyvagal Perspective on Education
In this episode, Travis interviews Dr. Niki Elliott, an educator, author, and director at the University of San Diego's Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity. Dr. Elliott is also a PVI Course Partner & PVI Board Member.Dr. Elliott shares her personal journey in education, her dedication to supporting neurodiverse learners, and the transformative impact of understanding nervous system n
Stimulating the Vagus Nerve Naturally with Dr. Arielle Schwartz
In this episode of “Wired for Connection,” host Travis welcomes Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a clinical psychologist and expert in somatic psychology, to talk about the natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve for physical, mental, and emotional health. Dr. Schwartz shares her professional journey—beginning with her personal experience with yoga and anxiety—and how this path led to her deep dive into po
Revolutionizing Health: Vagus Nerve Stimulation and the Future of Medicine
In this engaging episode, Dr. Peter Staats—chief medical officer and cofounder of ElectroCore, and a trailblazer in the fields of pain management and neuromodulation—shares his compelling journey and the emerging science that’s reshaping how we approach healing. Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals or surgical intervention, Dr. Staats introduces a transformative model centered on neuromod
Our Gut-Brain Connection & How it Relates to Polyvagal Theory
In this episode of Wired for Connection, BG Mancini, a neuro integrative medicine provider, discusses the intricate relationship between gut health, the nervous system, and emotional well-being with host Travis. BG shares her insights on the impacts of stress on the microbiome and how it can lead to inflammation, affecting both physical and emotional health. The Brain-Gut Axis: BG emphasizes the
A Polyvagal Primer: The Story of Polyvagal Institute and the Basics of Polyvagal Theory
In this episode of "Wired for Connection," Travis hosts Deb Dana and Stephen Porges, who discuss the origins and developments of the Polyvagal Theory and its applications in therapeutic settings. Here are three key takeaways from their conversation: Polyvagal Theory's Impact on Therapy: The theory revolutionized understanding of trauma by introducing concepts like neuroception and the body's hier
Welcome to Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast
"Wired for Connection" is a podcast that delves into Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in our autonomic nervous system. Hosted by Travis and produced by the Polyvagal Institute, this podcast brings together experts from various fields such as therapy, psychology, and somatic practices to discuss how our nervous system influences our daily lives and relationships.Here is what to expe
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