The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Gently Used Human, Dr. Scott Lyons is joined by the talented Lindsay Roth—a TV producer, author, and mother—to dive into the art of connection, resilience, and self-discovery. From navigating the complexities of modern relationships to finding joy in the present, Lindsay’s insights shine a light on how small, intentional choices can lead to transformative change.The conversation tackles the practicalities and challenges of everyday life to the more significant, profound questions. Dr Scott and Lindsay explore the power of setting boundaries and reframing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. Lindsay shares her personal journey of balancing career, motherhood, and self-awareness, offering practical advice on maintaining a positive mindset amidst life’s chaos. Together, she and Dr. Scott unpack how asking the right questions—whether about relationships, work, or self—can foster deeper understanding and alignment with what truly matters.This episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, connection, and empowerment in their lives.If you’ve ever struggled to communicate your needs, felt stuck in life’s challenges, or questioned how to align with your authentic self, this episode will inspire and guide you. Lindsay and Dr. Scott’s candid, compassionate conversation offers both relatable stories and practical wisdom to help you navigate life with curiosity and courage. You’ll laugh, reflect, and walk away feeling empowered to embrace your journey as a “gently used human.”Topics We Break Down:How intentional questions can foster deeper connection and self-awareness.Viewing stress as a resource for growth and adaptability.Redefining boundaries as self-driven actions rather than requests from others.Lessons from challenges, the importance of relational “reps,” and reframing the idea of “failure.”Strategies for finding gratitude, staying present, and discovering what truly matters.

In this special New Year episode, we pause to embrace the quiet power of reflection amidst the noise of the "New Year, New You" culture. Rather than rushing into resolutions, this episode encourages you to marinate in your existing potential. With curated reflections from past episodes and insights from this year’s most meaningful conversations, we aim to equip you with actionable tools for sustainable change.Instead of focusing on what needs fixing, this episode celebrates your limitless capacity for renewal. Join us for a heartfelt journey through laughter, wisdom, and empowering truths that prepare you to embrace 2025 with intention and grace.What You’ll Learn:The Beauty of Imperfection: Discover why you’re already enough and how embracing imperfection can be a superpower for growth.Crafting Sustainable Shifts: Learn small, meaningful steps to bring clarity and momentum into the new year without burnout.Reflections on Joy and Balance: Learn to navigate the thin line between passion and overwhelm and uncover tools for recalibration when needed.Breaking Cycles: Explore practical ways to step off the hamster wheel of self-criticism and create cycles of self-compassion instead.Key Takeaways:Celebrate Your "Now": Before chasing transformation, honor where you are in this moment—imperfections included.Start Small, Stay Consistent: Sustainable change is built on small, regular acts of self-awareness and care.Turn Criticism into Curiosity: Approach challenges and emotions with openness instead of judgment.Boundaries Protect Joy: Craft boundaries that honor your energy and foster healthy relationships.Pause for Possibility: Savor the stillness and rediscover your creativity and vibrancy through presence.Featuring Clips From:Tara Schuster on transforming self-care into a powerful survival strategyThomas Curran on balancing perfectionism with self-acceptanceNicole Walters on embracing boldness, courage, and comfortNicole Sachs on decoding and reshaping our relationship with painRachael Kaplan on the liberating power of emotional release and connectionBrian Moller on cultivating gratitude as a daily practiceAmy Morin on strengthening mental resilience and fortitudeJustin Michael Williams on fostering empowerment and building communityEliza VanCourt on nurturing and soothing your inner fearsMarie Forleo on developing habits that align with intuition and meaningBritt Frank on how small, consistent steps lead to big changesMichael Galyon on practicing presence and self-careMax Lugavere on prioritizing physical well-being today for a healthier tomorrowIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your fellow Gently Used Humans, and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more listeners on their path toward growth and self-discovery. Here’s to a new year that celebrates the amazing person you already are.

In this special Best of 2024 episode, we revisit the most impactful moments from our inspiring conversations throughout the year. These discussions dive deep into relationships, attachment, community, and healing, offering meaningful insights into how we connect with others and ourselves.From the complexities of love and partnership to the foundational influence of early experiences, we explore tools for navigating challenges with clarity and intention. Mark Groves and Dr. Stan Tatkin discuss the intricacies of relationships, focusing on the balance of connection and independence that helps them thrive. Dr. Judy Ho explains attachment styles and how our childhood patterns continue to shape our adult behaviors. Kai Cheng Thom and Nkem Ndefo expand on emotional resilience, sharing strategies for navigating conflict and fostering greater compassion for ourselves and others.We also explore the transformative process of healing. Jessica Fern demystifies ethical non-monogamy, offering practical approaches to reframing love. Dr. Peter Levine delves into the impact of trauma on the nervous system, providing pathways for release and growth. Mastin Kipp and Dr. Nicole LePera share tools for understanding and managing emotional triggers, while Mia Magik reconnects us with ancient practices to strengthen our inner foundations.Themes of community care and mutual support emerge as Vannessa Bennett and Dené Logan reflect on the importance of fostering connection in mental health. Laura Clery reminds us of the power of humor to lighten life’s burdens, while Michael Galyon encourages us to embrace the present moment with gratitude and openness.Featured GuestsMark Groves, Dr. Stan Tatkin, Sabrina Zohar, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Judy Ho, Jessica Fern, Vannessa Bennett and Dené Logan, Dr. Nicole LePera, Mastin Kipp, Dr. Peter Levine, Laura Clery, Mia Magik, Michael Galyon, Kai Cheng Thom, and Nkem Ndefo.If you feel one of your favorite guests has been missed, don’t worry! Many more of our favorite guests will appear in next week’s specially curated New Year’s episode, where we’ll share transformative tools to help you heal, grow, and graciously embrace 2025.If you enjoyed this Best of 2024 episode, please subscribe, share it with your fellow Gently Used Humans, and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more listeners on their path toward growth and healing.Listen to the full episodes:Mia Magik https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/the-alchemy-of-rageMichael Galyon https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/finding-calm-in-chaosSabrina Zohar https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/breaking-the-cycle-of-toxic-relationshipsMastin Kipp https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/nourishing-your-nervous-systemDr Arielle Shwartz https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/the-nonlinear-journey-of-healingMark Groves https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/liberated-loveDr Stan Tatkin https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/the-architecture-of-relationshipsJessica Fern https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/erotic-blueprints-and-the-map-to-intimacyDr Peter Levine https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/the-birth-of-somatic-trauma-healingDr Nicole LePera https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/healing-trauma-and-an-addiction-to-dramaKai Cheng Thom and Nkem Ndefo https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/dating-your-trauma-tinglesVennessa Bennett and Dené Logan https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/tap-dancing-for-belongingJillian Turecki https://www.drscottlyons.com/podcast/the-safety-of-turbulance

What is sacred rage, you ask? Oh, you know it. It's that fiery, pulsating energy that simmers under the surface when your boundaries are crossed, your voice feels stifled, or injustice has its way again. It’s the eruption waiting for permission to move—to transform from destruction to something breathtakingly beautiful.If you've ever felt like rage and anger are forbidden emotions—villains in your emotional spectrum—this one's for you. In a world where feelings are labeled “too much” or “not enough,” it’s no wonder we suppress, deny, and numb. But what if we stopped? What if we gave our sacred rage a place to breathe and heal?In this episode, Dr. Scott Lyons talks with the dynamic and magical Mia Magik, a healer and guide who has become a voice for emotional release—particularly the misunderstood powers of rage. From volcanic eruptions of suppressed feelings to transformational rituals held in castles (yes, castles!), Mia shares how embracing our emotions can create the paradise we all long for.If you’ve been bottling up your feelings or shamed into toxic positivity, listen up. This is your invitation to feel—fully, fiercely, and safely.If you’re ready to let go, transform, and reclaim your emotions—this episode will light the fire.Listen in, Gently Used Humans, and remember—your emotions are not too much. They're magic waiting to be felt.Topics we Break Down:Why rage and anger are sacred—and essential.The difference between feeling anger and projecting it outward.How suppressed emotions contribute to dis-ease in the body.Creating containers for safe emotional expression.Toxic positivity and the pitfalls of bypassing real feelings.How rage can transform into pleasure, peace, and even paradise.Why healing yourself heals the world.

In this powerful episode of The Gently Used Human, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau—advocate, former media host, and author of the insightful new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other. Drawing from her own life’s journey and experiences on the global stage, Sophie shares her wisdom on turning pain into purpose, navigating personal transformation, and how embracing our vulnerability is key to meaningful connection.Sophie’s candidness about her own struggles and triumphs creates an inspiring, deeply human conversation. Together, she and Scott explore how cultivating self-awareness and emotional resilience can help us show up more authentically in our lives, for ourselves and for others.This episode will leave you reflecting on your relationship with pain, your patterns of connection, and the steps you can take toward a more empowered and joyful life. Whether you're curious about healing, curious about self-discovery, or just looking for some soulful motivation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Topics We Break Down:The power of transforming pain into connection and advocacyEmotional literacy: what it is and why it matters in our personal and collective livesTools for regulating the nervous system and finding calm amidst chaosBreaking free from cycles of self-criticism and addictionThe importance of play and joy in rehumanizing ourselves and othersWhy personal healing is a critical piece of global transformation

In this episode, we sit down with Erica Hornthal, a trailblazer in the world of dance and movement therapy. If you’ve ever felt stuck in life, emotionally overwhelmed, or even disconnected from your own body, this conversation is a must-listen. Erica helps us understand that movement is far more than just exercise – it’s a way to rediscover ourselves, heal from past traumas, and connect more deeply with who we are.Are you curious about how movement can be a catalyst for change in your life? Erica invites us to look beyond structured exercise and tune into our bodies’ natural rhythms and movements – like the way we sit, walk, or even breathe. She reminds us that movement starts with the smallest, simplest gestures, and that even when we feel trapped in old patterns, moving our bodies can unlock a path to emotional freedom.Together with Dr. Scott Lyons, Erica shares how our earliest movements – crawling, rolling, and even rocking – shape the way we interact with the world and how we can return to these roots to shift stuck energy. They talk about how reconnecting with play and spontaneity can help us break free of rigid thinking and foster more flexibility in body and mind.Erica offers practical ways to get started: maybe it’s leaning against a wall and letting go for a moment, exploring playful twirling, or simply noticing how our bodies react when we’re tense. She also introduces her Movement Therapy Deck, a tool designed to make reconnecting with movement accessible and engaging for everyone. Whether through mindful practices, body awareness, or gentle movement prompts, the deck offers guidance for tuning into and transforming your physical experience.If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a dancer,” Erica reassures you: movement is for everyone. Healing through movement isn’t about choreography; it’s about reconnecting with yourself, one step at a time.So, whether you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, feels stuck in their daily routine, or just wants to reconnect with their playful side, this episode holds something for you. Let’s get moving!Topics We Break Down:What is dance and movement therapy, really?The disconnect between movement and traditional exercise.How movement can heal trauma and reconnect us with our bodies.The role of play and spontaneity in finding emotional freedom.Practical tools to integrate movement into your daily life.Using movement to explore and shift anxiety and tension.Rediscovering joy and flow through the body.

In this special Best of November episode, we revisit the most impactful moments from our inspiring conversations with Rainier Wylde, Michelle Boulé, Nicole Sachs, and Michael Galyon. Each of these incredible guests brings unique insights into navigating impermanence, embracing movement as a form of self-expression, understanding the protective nature of pain, and finding meaning in the present moment.Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing through movement, or learning to savor the fleeting beauty of life, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and powerful reflections to guide you on your journey.What You’ll LearnRainier Wylde shares profound insights on embracing impermanence, challenging us to savor life’s transience and recognize the magic in the moments that melt away.Michelle Boulé explores the transformative power of movement, revealing how creative expression and physical freedom can reconnect us with choice, agency, and vitality.Nicole Sachs unpacks the protective nature of pain, explaining how it serves as a signal from our nervous system and how we can shift from a state of fear to one of empowerment.Michael Galyon inspires us to live fully in the “now,” recounting personal stories that illustrate how to embrace life’s fleeting nature and cultivate joy through presence.Key TakeawaysSavoring Impermanence: Life’s beauty lies in its fleeting nature. Embrace the urgency of now and cherish each moment for what it is.Freedom in Movement: Rediscover your sense of choice and creativity through intentional movement, whether through dance, small daily gestures, or a mindful connection with your body.Reframing Pain: Understand pain as a protective mechanism and explore ways to meet it with curiosity, compassion, and actionable strategies for relief and healing.Living in the Present: Find inspiration in life’s impermanence by connecting deeply to the present moment and focusing on what truly matters.If you enjoyed this Best of November episode, please subscribe, share it with your fellow Gently Used Humans, and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more listeners on their path toward growth and healing.

In this episode of The Gently Used Human, we sit down with Michael Galyon, a renowned mindfulness teacher, speaker, and advocate for living authentically. Michael has dedicated his life to guiding individuals toward self-discovery and emotional clarity, focusing on building resilience, embracing vulnerability, and fostering meaningful connections. With a grounded and compassionate approach, he empowers people to navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and self-compassion.In this conversation, Michael shares his personal journey to mindfulness and how he has transformed moments of chaos into opportunities for growth. He explains what it truly means to find calm amid life’s turbulence and how this transformation can impact our everyday lives. Michael guides listeners in exploring how vulnerability, when embraced, can lead to greater resilience and emotional clarity. He offers practical mindfulness tools and self-compassion practices that can help reduce anxiety, enhance resilience, and bring a sense of balance to our daily routines.Listeners will gain insights on how to foster deeper connections with themselves and others, even in overwhelming circumstances, and learn strategies to shift from merely surviving to genuinely thriving. Michael emphasizes the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships through empathy and authenticity, providing actionable ways to deepen those bonds.Topics We Break Down:How to foster resilience and emotional clarity in challenging times.The transformative power of vulnerability and courage in personal growth.Using mindfulness and self-compassion to manage anxiety and find balance.Practical techniques to cultivate calm and resilience in daily life.Navigating relationships with empathy, authenticity, and deeper connection.

In this transformative episode, Scott Lyons is joined by Nicole Sachs, LCSW, a renowned therapist, author, and expert in mind-body healing. Nicole is the creator of the JournalSpeak method, a groundbreaking practice that helps people uncover and release suppressed emotions that manifest as chronic pain. With over two decades of experience, Nicole has dedicated her career to helping people heal by teaching them to understand the mind-body connection and transform their relationship with pain.Nicole shares her personal journey with chronic back pain, which began in college and led her down a path of medical consultations, surgeries, and prescriptions. However, it wasn’t until she discovered the work of Dr. John Sarno that she began to understand how emotional repression and nervous system dysregulation were contributing to her pain. Nicole’s own healing experience inspired her to create the JournalSpeak method, and she has since guided thousands of people worldwide in using this powerful tool to find lasting relief.Throughout the conversation, Scott and Nicole explore how pain is often a signal from the body, protecting us from perceived emotional threats rather than just a physical condition. Nicole offers profound insights on how we can begin to change our relationship with pain by embracing curiosity instead of fear and turning toward the emotions we’ve been suppressing.She introduces the concept of JournalSpeak as a way to safely release emotional energy, and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and patience on the healing journey. By addressing the emotional roots of pain, Nicole has helped people reclaim their lives from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, and more.Topics We Break Down:How the nervous system creates pain to protect us from perceived emotional threatsThe JournalSpeak method: A powerful tool for releasing suppressed emotions and healing painThe mind-body connection and how emotional stimuli can manifest as physical painHow pain is often a sign of emotional repression, trauma, or nervous system dysregulationThe importance of validating pain and recognizing its emotional originsBuilding self-compassion and patience in the process of healingInner child work and its role in uncovering deep emotional woundsHow curiosity and wonder can help shift fear and open new possibilities for healingReal-life success stories from people who have healed chronic pain using JournalSpeak

In this deeply moving episode, Dr Scott is joined by Michelle Boulé, a celebrated dancer, choreographer, teacher, and life coach whose transformative journey has been shaped by the interplay of art, movement, and healing. Michelle’s expansive career has taken her from stages across the world to the realm of personal development, where she now helps others unlock their potential through somatic practices, energy work, and emotional movement. Together, Scott and Michelle reflect on their 22-year-long connection, starting when Scott first witnessed Michelle’s magnetic performance in New York City, sparking a journey of personal and creative evolution for them both.Their conversation delves into Michelle’s personal story, highlighting how significant injuries during her dance career led her to explore somatic healing and energy work, helping her break free from physical and emotional limitations. She shares how these pivotal moments opened new pathways not only in her dance practice but in her coaching work, guiding others toward healing through the body. Michelle and Scott explore the themes of creativity, vulnerability, and resilience—how embracing challenges, whether through physical injury or personal trauma, can lead to profound transformation and greater self-awareness.The dialogue flows through the broader topics of creativity and purpose, emphasizing the importance of remaining present and curious in the face of life’s uncertainties. They discuss the role of community and support systems in moments of vulnerability, and how letting go of control can open doors to deeper healing and connection. Michelle’s philosophy that “life is our greatest creation” resonates throughout the conversation, encouraging listeners to tap into their own potential for change, no matter the obstacles.Topics We Break Down:The transformative power of creativity and how it fosters presence and aweHow trauma and obstacles can serve as doorways to growth, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of purposeThe importance of improvisation in dance and life, allowing for flexibility in navigating uncertaintyThe role of permission in allowing ourselves to fully express and embody our experiencesSurrendering control and finding freedom through yielding, both in physical movement and emotional processesBuilding emotional capacity through mindful practices and how that leads to more harmony and flow in lifeThe importance of community, support systems, and the vulnerability required to truly be held by others

In this compelling episode of The Gently Used Human, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Rainier Wylde, a gifted writer, teacher, and guide known for his candid and insightful approach to life’s toughest questions. Rainier has dedicated his life to helping others awaken to their truest selves through the power of honest reflection, creativity, and storytelling. He leads by example, drawing from his own experiences of profound personal loss and transformation to show us how we, too, can break free from the habits of sleepwalking through life.Rainier’s approach blends wisdom from ancient traditions with a modern understanding of life’s impermanence, challenging us to confront our fears, embrace discomfort, and cultivate the strength to be fully present. Together, he and Dr. Scott unpack what it means to embrace life in all its fleeting beauty, exploring topics like the connection between joy and grief, the need for community, and how we can reclaim the central role in our own lives. This conversation is an invitation to dive deep into the journey of self-discovery, to live with intention, and to find the courage to show up for the life we truly want.So, find a quiet space, tune in, and let this conversation inspire you to live more fully, bravely, and joyfully.Topics We Break Down:Awakening from “sleepwalking” and learning to live fullyThe importance of facing mortality to enhance presenceSavoring life’s impermanent moments as a path to joyFinding solace and strength through grief and personal lossBecoming the main character in our own livesUnderstanding joy versus fleeting happinessUsing artistry and creativity as tools for healing and transformation

In this special "Best of October" episode, we revisit the most impactful moments from our inspiring conversations with Mastin Kipp, Sabrina Zohar, Rachel Kaplan, Ann Weiser Cornell, and Britt Frank. Each of these incredible guests brings unique insights into personal growth, emotional healing, self-compassion, and relational awareness. Whether you’re working through stuck patterns, seeking emotional freedom, or learning to embrace the full range of human experiences, this episode is packed with practical tools and wisdom to help you along the way.What You’ll Learn:Mastin Kipp shares his experience with the deep-rooted patterns formed in early life, discussing how childhood programming can shape our adult lives and what it takes to rewire limiting beliefs.Sabrina Zohar reveals her journey through relational dynamics and how she’s learned to balance independence with vulnerability, embracing the complexities of dating and attachment.Rachel Kaplan explores emotional literacy, explaining the importance of ‘emotional potty training’ and how we can reconnect with our emotional bodies for a more fulfilling life.Ann Weiser Cornell delves into the transformative process of self-connection, discussing how awareness of bodily sensations can guide us to uncover deeper truths and navigate our inner experiences.Britt Frank offers tools for overcoming stuckness, highlighting the value of embracing discomfort and asking empowering questions to break free from repetitive patterns.Key Takeaways:Practical techniques to understand and reframe early childhood beliefs that may be holding you back.Insights into balancing autonomy and intimacy in relationships and embracing vulnerability.How to recognize, feel, and express emotions as essential steps in healing and self-discovery.The role of body awareness in uncovering subconscious patterns and finding greater alignment.Empowering ways to address stuckness and make room for growth and change.If you enjoyed this "Best of October" episode, please subscribe, share it with your fellow Gently Used Humans, and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more listeners on their journey toward growth and healing.

In this episode of The Gently Used Human Podcast, Dr. Scott Lyons welcomes Britt Frank, licensed psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and author of The Science of Stuck. Britt has dedicated her career to helping people break through their mental and emotional inertia by exploring how trauma, brain science, and emotional wellness intersect. With her approachable and humorous style, Britt offers deep insights into why we get stuck and how we can reclaim agency in our lives.In this conversation, Britt not only explores why we get stuck but also shares actionable skills to move away from procrastination and self-sabotage. She introduces powerful strategies like using "micro-yeses" to overcome inertia, practical tools for grounding yourself, and methods for cultivating self-compassion to stay present in moments of challenge. Whether you're feeling stuck in personal growth, relationships, or habits, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Tune in to learn how to shift from being "insightfully stuck" to living with more clarity, choice, and peace!Topics We Break Down:Why we get stuck and the hidden benefits of staying in unhealthy patternsHow to break free from the cycle of self-sabotage using "micro-yeses"The neuroscience of stuckness and why motivation alone isn’t enoughPractical, actionable tools to overcome procrastination and create momentumHow to cultivate self-compassion and stop self-abandoning in moments of painThe role of trauma in keeping us stuck and how to gently move through itWhy we need to address both the positives and negatives in our lives for true emotional wellnessPractical tools for creating an internal sense of "home" and stability within yourself

In this episode of The Gently Used Human Podcast, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Ann Weiser Cornell, a leading expert in the practice of focusing—a process for deep self-awareness and emotional healing developed by Eugene Gendlin. For over three decades, Ann has dedicated her work to helping people navigate their inner worlds, untangle stuck emotions, and create more compassionate relationships through her workshops, books, and courses. Ann is also the co-author of Untangling: How You Can Transform What’s Impossibly Stuck, a practical guide to breaking free from entrenched emotional patterns.In this conversation, Ann shares her wisdom on how we can become better listeners—not only to those around us but to ourselves. With simple, yet profoundly impactful techniques, Ann helps us understand the importance of presence, clarity, and listening as tools for emotional healing and connection. Whether you’re seeking to improve your relationships or find a deeper sense of self-compassion, this episode provides tangible tools to take with you. Tune in to this episode for a compassionate, insightful conversation that invites you to take a moment for yourself and explore the transformative power of listening!Topics We Break Down:The transformative power of deep listening and how it can heal relationships and ourselves.How to cultivate a “clear pool” within, so we can listen to others from a place of calm and openness.Focusing: The practice of listening to ourselves and how it helps untangle stuck emotions.Practical steps for becoming a better listener—both externally and internally.The role of language in facilitating meaningful, open dialogue.How to create a compassionate relationship with yourself by welcoming all parts of your experience, even those that feel shameful or uncomfortable.

In this episode of The Gently Used Human podcast, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with psychotherapist and author Rachel Kaplan to explore her unique and powerful approach to emotional healing. Rachel is a psychotherapist, emotional educator, and host of the Healing Feeling Sht Show* podcast. She’s also the author of the amazing book Feel, Heal, and Let That Sht Go*, which introduces the concept of “emotional potty training” — and yes, it’s exactly as clever and transformative as it sounds. Rachel's method encourages us to reconnect with our feelings, process them in real time, and ultimately release the emotional backlog that so many of us have built up over the years. Rachel dives into the idea that just as we learned to manage our physical needs as children, we need to "train" ourselves to process emotions in a healthy way. With humor and a relatable perspective, she explains how most of us were taught to repress our emotions early on, leading to what she calls "emotional constipation." This buildup of unprocessed pain and feelings can manifest in our lives as stress, numbness, or even physical illness.Dr. Lyons shares his own experiences of struggling to fully feel emotions, resonating deeply with Rachel’s insights on how avoiding feelings leads to greater suffering. Together, they discuss practical tools for releasing emotions, including how to "schedule" emotional release and why it’s essential to be with our emotions, rather than intellectualizing or bypassing them.This conversation is filled with humor, wisdom, and practical guidance for anyone who feels emotionally stuck, numb, or overwhelmed. It’s about learning to move toward discomfort, release emotional baggage, and cultivate a deeper, more compassionate relationship with ourselves.This episode is perfect for anyone seeking more emotional balance and resilience, and it will leave you inspired to reconnect with the parts of yourself you may have hidden away for too long.Topics We Break DownHow decades of unprocessed emotions affect our physical and mental health, and how to begin releasing them.The importance of reintegrating the parts of ourselves that we’ve hidden away and learning to let them express their pain.Dr. Lyons and Rachel explore why repressing emotions leads to greater suffering, and how facing them head-on can lead to lasting relief.How to schedule emotional release sessions, and techniques to allow emotions to move through the body naturally.Why healing isn’t just about trauma recovery, but about creating a sustainable relationship with your emotions so you can face life’s challenges with strength.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Lyons shares a conversation with Sabrina Zohar, a renowned relationship coach whose insights have transformed countless lives. Sabrina's personal journey, from navigating toxic dynamics to building healthy and authentic connections, is deeply inspiring. She candidly discusses how growing up in a dysfunctional environment led her to repeat the same cycles of toxic relationship patterns, but through relentless self-discovery, she has emerged as a voice of clarity in the dating world.The episode explores some of the most pressing questions surrounding dating and relationships: How can we navigate the complexities of modern dating without losing ourselves? How do we stop seeking validation from others and instead cultivate security within? And most importantly, how can we truly show up authentically in our relationships?Sabrina’s approach is both relatable and practical. Her vulnerability in sharing her personal hardships, including how hitting rock bottom became a catalyst for her growth, offers hope and actionable insights for anyone struggling with relationships. From setting healthy boundaries to understanding attachment dynamics, this episode is filled with tools that listeners can apply to their own lives.On a more personal note, this conversation prompted Dr. Lyons to reflect on his own journey, particularly the question: How do I want to show up in a relationship? Sabrina’s ability to navigate the complexities of connection while staying true to herself inspired him to reconsider how he shows up as a partner, friend, and human. The hope is that this discussion will encourage listeners to explore these same questions in their own lives.A quick note before we dive in: Sabrina speaks openly about her experiences with violence in her childhood. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please take care while listening or skip ahead as needed. Your well-being is always the priority.Topics We Break DownHow childhood experiences influence adult relationship patterns.The difference between attachment and connection.Setting healthy boundaries in relationships.How to navigate modern dating with clarity and self-respect.The role of vulnerability and authenticity in creating healthy, lasting relationships.

Have you ever felt like your own body was holding you back from reaching your full potential? Like the very nervous system that keeps you alive was also keeping you trapped in patterns of self-sabotage and limitation? What if the key to unlocking our full potential lies not just in our minds, but in the conscious nourishment of our nervous systemIn this episode, Dr Scott is joined by Mastin Kipp, a number one best-selling author, speaker, and Creator of Functional Life Coaching™. Recognized as a "thought leader for the next generation" by Oprah Winfrey, Mastin has dedicated his life to helping people create rapid change, connect to their true selves, and live with passion and purpose.Mastin's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to transform one's life, even in the face of adversity. From his early experiences in the music industry to his battles with addiction and his eventual transition into personal development, Mastin's path has been one of constant evolution and self-discovery.In this conversation, they’ll delve into the profound impact of prenatal experiences on our beliefs and behaviors, and how understanding the intricacies of trauma and the nervous system can be a catalyst for personal growth and healing. Mastin will share his insights on the importance of honesty, self-discovery, and the unconventional paths that often lead to the most significant breakthroughs. From the power of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the importance of a balanced diet, Mastin will share his tried-and-true strategies for supporting healing and growth.Topics We Break DownThe importance of being honest about your credentials and how you can serve people.The biological mechanisms that are at play when it comes to trauma and the nervous system.Why safety is imperative in order for change to be cultivated in any transformational process.Some examples of therapeutic practices and processes that are working for people.Why trauma isn’t just about what happened but also about what happened after the trauma.Trauma responses and lived experiences as unconscious reflexes.Nervous system nutrition and how to nourish it to make better decisions under stress.

Episode Summary: In this special "Best of September" episode, we revisit the most impactful moments from our inspiring conversations with Marie Forleo, Mark Groves, Arielle Schwartz, and Damona Hoffman. Each of these incredible guests brings their unique insights into personal growth, relationships, healing, and empowerment. Whether you're navigating challenges, looking to deepen your connections, or on a journey of self-discovery, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tools to help you along the way.What You'll Learn:Marie Forleo teaches us how to break free from excuses and start turning dreams into reality, even when time and resources feel scarce.Mark Groves dives deep into the complexities of love, revealing why relationships are often so challenging and how we can learn the skills needed to love better.Arielle Schwartz shares her personal journey through the non-linear process of healing, reminding us that true healing is about unconditional self-acceptance and returning home to ourselves.Damona Hoffman debunks the fairy tale myths about love and relationships, empowering us to redefine what love looks like on our own terms and take charge of our romantic lives.Key Takeaways:Practical steps to live an excuse-free life and make progress toward your dreams.How to build deeper, more meaningful relationships by confronting your fears and learning the art of love.Insights into the healing process, and how to approach it with self-compassion and patience.Why it’s essential to let go of societal myths about love and rewrite your own love story.If you enjoyed this "Best of September" episode, please subscribe, share it with your fellow Gently Used Humans, and leave us a review! Your support helps us reach more listeners on the journey toward growth and healing.

Dating is HARD. With so many choices at our fingertips, dating apps have become a double-edged sword, offering endless possibilities while simultaneously overwhelming us with options. Do we swipe based on a carefully curated list of desired traits, or do we let our intuition guide us, swiping right on that inexplicable spark of connection? In this ever-evolving landscape where the rules of engagement are constantly shifting, many of us are left feeling lost and uncertain. Thankfully, in this episode, Dr Scott is joined by the brilliant Damona Hoffman, dating expert and author, who knows how to make sense of the complexities of human connection. Damona is here to dispel the myths of dating, like the trap of looking for a soulmate or waiting for the right chemistry, offering us tools to help navigate the search for aligned values and lasting intimacy.In this conversation, they’ll explore the power of vulnerability and self-discovery in creating meaningful bonds, the importance of curiosity in building trust and what it really means for us to each build our own unique love story. They’ll dive into the four biggest dating myths that keep us stuck and learn how to flip the script, prioritizing goals, values, communication, and trust over fairytale fantasies.So, if you’re ready, let's swipe left on outdated dating myths and swipe right on genuine connection and self-discovery.Topics We Break Down: Debunking four harmful myths about dating and relationships, and exploring their antidotes. The paradox of choice - how choice impacts the way we interact and communicate.How to identify your values, and how to see if they align with your partner's.Why repair language (conflict resolution) is just as important as love language.Helpful strategies for building trust.Diving deeper into the myth of soulmates. 

We’re often told that the path to healing is a straight line from pain to wholeness but what if the journey to reclaiming ourselves is more intricate, more nuanced, and more beautifully complex than we've been led to believe? What if healing is not about reaching a destination, but about compassionately attending to the suffering that has shaped us, and courageously embracing the full spectrum of our human experience?Today, Dr Scott is joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz , a clinical psychologist, yoga instructor, and pioneer in the field of resilience-informed therapy. With a deep understanding of trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, and somatic psychology, Dr. Schwartz has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the nonlinear path of healing, one that honors both the wounds and the innate resilience within us all.In this conversation, they’ll delve into the intricacies of the healing journey, exploring how trauma becomes encoded in our bodies and how attending to these experiences with mindfulness and self-compassion can lead to profound transformation. Together, Dr Scott and Arielle discuss the importance of creating a safe and accepting inner space, where all parts of ourselves are welcome, and how this radical self-acceptance is key to integrating the fragmented aspects of our being.But this isn't just about personal healing; it's about reclaiming our power, our agency, and our inherent wholeness. Dr. Schwartz will guide us through the process of taking self-responsibility for our lives, of owning our stories and our potential for growth and the emergence of new possibilities. They'll also explore the evolution of somatic psychology, the power of embodiment practices like yoga, and the importance of integrating science and spirituality in our understanding of the human experience. Tune in, as we remind ourselves about the extraordinary capacity for healing that lies within us all.Topics We Break Down:Differentiating between the concept of wholeness and the felt experience of homecoming.Cultivating unconditional self-acceptance as you show up for yourself.Defining the experiences that form the heart of trauma. How a resilience-informed approach enables you to see the bigger picture. The evolution of somatic therapy from catharsis to mindful attention and presence.Experiencing the spectrum of emotion that embodiment facilitates.Forging an embodied spiritual path. Healing by bringing buried parts into the present moment.