Trauma Rewired

Joining us is Founder of Inner Restoration, Alison Leitheiser. Her story is nothing short of miraculous and a testament to what is possible when you're determined to heal. She found her passion helping others find hope and healing.    In this episode, we discuss: Alison's health challenges during her younger years Being quadriplegic, life before, her mental health and how she felt through her battle with it Gaining her mobility and independence back NFP and applied neurology Alison's time on American Ninja Warrior and hanging out with Olympians Bush Flower Essences and Biophoton Therapy Alison's programs, what they do and how she works with her clients   Work with Jennifer Get 25% Off a Private Coaching Session with me Sign-up for the Newsletter and stay up to date on my latest workshops, services, and speaking events.  Become a Member & Support the Illuminated Podcast on Patreon FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use My exclusive offer: AthleticGreens.com/Illuminated    Work with Alison Functional Applications for an Empowered and Vibrant Life Come and join my FREE online tribe! This group is where we can connect and get stronger and healthier together I provide weekly topics and new drills & practices for you to feel better!   About Alison Leitheiser Everyone has their own challenges, but when I was 16, mine stopped me in my tracks! I had seizures, fatigue, organ damage and paralysis. I could not move from the neck down. A virus had gotten into my spinal cord and I became quadriplegic. Unwilling to accept my seat on the sidelines, I wanted to participate in life more and spent two decades learning and healing. My experiences changed the course of my life as I found a passion for helping others find hope and healing. I started my road as an alternative health care practitioner in 2002, started my own clinical practice in 2009 and today I love working with people's health challenges and helping them find their way to wellness. Now I want to give that experience of feeling better, help you to participate in life more and reclaim your health! Connect with Jennifer Website Patreon YouTube Facebook Instagram Connect with Alison Website     Facebook Instagram

Post-traumatic growth is often described as finding meaning after adversity, but insight alone does not reorganize a nervous system that is still predicting threat. In this episode, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof are joined by Matt Bush, lead educator for Neurosomatic Intelligence, to explore post-traumatic growth through the lens of neuroplasticity, sensory processing, relational healing and nervous system reorganization. Together they examine why trauma can persist long after an experience has ended, how protective patterns can become intertwined with identity and why repeatedly revisiting trauma without changing the underlying nervous system patterns may keep us caught in cycles of healing without creating lasting change. They also explore the deeply relational nature of post-traumatic growth. Trauma can disrupt trust, belonging and our capacity to co-regulate, while safe connection provides powerful biological signals that help regulate stress and support nervous system repair. From oxytocin and social synchronization to community, shared rituals and relational safety, this conversation looks at why humans evolved to endure stress together rather than alone. Jennifer, Elisabeth and Matt break down what neuroplasticity actually means, how repeated sensory and emotional experiences shape neural pathways and why safety and repetition matter when we are building new patterns. They also explore peak somatic experiences and psychedelics as potential openings into greater flexibility while emphasizing that an opening is not the same as integration. Lasting change requires us to live and practice new patterns after the insight or experience has occurred. Post-traumatic growth is not about forcing gratitude, forgiveness or meaning onto painful experiences. It is about creating the conditions that allow the brain and body to reorganize around greater safety, connection, possibility and choice. In This Episode We Discuss • What post-traumatic growth actually means and why it is more than a mindset shift • How trauma shapes the brain's predictions of safety, threat and identity • Why forcing forgiveness, gratitude or meaning too soon can lead to suppression and bypassing • The role of relational healing, co-regulation and belonging in post-traumatic growth • How oxytocin and social connection help regulate the human stress response • Why connection itself can feel threatening after trauma • How sensory inputs influence nervous system regulation and threat prediction • Why repeatedly revisiting trauma does not necessarily create healing • How healing itself can become an identity that keeps us caught in a cycle of continually searching for the next breakthrough • What neuroplasticity actually means and how repetition strengthens new neural pathways • Why old protective patterns can reappear without erasing the growth that has already occurred • Peak somatic experiences, psychedelics and the difference between an opening and integration • How sleep, digestion, pain, mood and other nervous system outputs can help us recognize whether change is actually occurring • Why humans may have an intrinsic orientation toward growth while still requiring the right conditions for that growth to emerge Resources 🧠 Featured in This Episode NSI Foundations Bundle Explore the foundations of applied neurology and somatics and learn how the brain and body develop patterns of protection, how to safely work with the nervous system and how to begin creating embodied change. The bundle includes three self-paced, on-demand workshops designed for coaches, therapists and practitioners who want to begin integrating nervous system-informed tools into their work. Lifetime access is $37. neurosomaticintelligence.com/foundations 🎯 Start Here FREE 2-week nervous system training: rewiretrial.com Learn more about Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching: Neurosomatic Intelligence 📺 Watch More Trauma Rewired Episodes YouTube Channel: Trauma Rewired on YouTube 🧠 Learn more about Jennifer's work illuminatedwithjennifer.com Sacred Synapse with Jennifer Wallace Learn more about psychedelic neuroscience, applied neurology and Neurosomatic Intelligence through educational, harm reduction content. Sacred Synapse on YouTube 📓 The Wayfinder Journal A guided journal designed to help you track nervous system patterns, deepen self-awareness and support psychedelic preparation and integration. The Wayfinder Journal 🤝 Connect with Us Instagram: Trauma Rewired on Instagram Facebook Group: Trauma Rewired Facebook Group 🌱 Exclusive Offer FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from AG1: AG1 Trauma Rewired Offer Disclaimer Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuroscience and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neurosomatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. BrainBased.com and RewireTrial.com are membership sites for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. They are not substitutes for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Jennifer Wallace is also the founder of Sacred Synapse, an educational platform exploring psychedelic neuroscience, applied neurology, Neurosomatic Intelligence, and nervous system-informed psychedelic preparation and integration. Any discussion of psychedelics is provided for educational and harm reduction purposes only. Sacred Synapse does not encourage or promote illegal substance use. Psychedelic experiences carry significant psychological and physiological risks and are not appropriate for every nervous system. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow the laws applicable where you live before making decisions related to psychedelic use. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others. If you have any concerns regarding our content, please contact us at [email protected]. All rights in our content are reserved.      

Success can become a survival strategy when the nervous system learns that achievement equals safety. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof are joined by entrepreneur and Brain Based partner Margy Feldhun to explore how unresolved trauma can drive perfectionism, relentless productivity, emotional repression, and eventual burnout. Together, they unpack why so many high achievers feel successful on the outside while feeling disconnected, numb, or chronically stressed on the inside. You'll learn how the fight response can masquerade as ambition, why emotional repression often fuels performance until it no longer can, and how nervous system regulation allows success to become something you can actually experience instead of constantly chasing. If you've ever felt like you're accomplishing everything yet still can't relax, this conversation will help you understand why—and show you a different path toward sustainable achievement, healthier relationships, and authentic fulfillment.      In This Episode Why high achievement is often rooted in nervous system survival rather than true capacity How the fight response fuels perfectionism, overworking, and burnout The hidden cost of emotional repression in business, leadership, and relationships Why external success cannot create internal safety How perfectionism, shame, and hypervigilance become performance strategies The difference between emotional repression and emotional suppression Why high performers often experience burnout despite outward success How emotional processing improves leadership, decision-making, and resilience The connection between chronic stress, migraines, pain, and emotional repression Why nervous system regulation creates sustainable success instead of survival-driven achievement How learning to process emotions leads to greater presence, authenticity, and healthier relationships Practical first steps for rewiring achievement patterns through Neurosomatic Intelligence (NSI).      Featured in This Episode 🧠 The 15-Day Nervous System Rewire A guided introduction to nervous system regulation through 15 progressive practices designed to help you build self-attunement, regulate overwhelm, and begin creating lasting change. https://rewirecourse.com 🎁 Try Brain Based Free for Two Weeks Experience daily applied neurology exercises, emotional processing practices, and nervous system training inside the Brain Based membership. https://rewiretrial.com 🎓 Become NSI Certified Learn the neuroscience and practical application of Neurosomatic Intelligence through our professional certification program. https://neurosomaticintelligence.com     Watch More Trauma Rewired Episodes Watch full episodes and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@traumarewired     Are you ready to become the woman who can carry the vision? Discover nervous system education, preparation, integration, and resources to support your journey at  illuminatedwithjennifer.com   Sacred Synapse Interested in the neuroscience of psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and nervous system preparation? Explore Jennifer Wallace's educational YouTube channel dedicated to evidence-informed psychedelic education and harm reduction. https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse   The Wayfinder Journal Develop greater nervous system awareness through guided reflections, emotional processing prompts, and practical regulation exercises. https://stan.store/illuminated     Disclaimer  Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health anddisease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seekprofessional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations arehaving a negative impact on your health and well-being.   If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.   We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.   We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization.   We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.   We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional.   The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.   Discussions related to psychedelics are provided solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. Nothing shared on this podcast or through Sacred Synapse should be interpreted as medical advice, encouragement to use illegal substances, or a recommendation that psychedelics are appropriate for any individual. Decisions regarding psychedelic use should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and in accordance with applicable laws.   Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.   We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected]   All rights in our content are reserved

Trauma doesn't just shape your memories. It changes how your brain predicts, interprets, and responds to the world. In this episode, Jennifer and Elisabeth sit down with clinical neuroscientist Dr. Mbemba Jabbi to explore the biology of complex trauma through the lens of neurogenetics, affective neuroscience, inflammation, and neuroplasticity. Together they unpack how early adversity reshapes emotional brain networks, why survival adaptations become deeply encoded, and what current neuroscience reveals about the connection between trauma, chronic disease, and healing. From the anterior insula and amygdala to inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein, this conversation bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with practical understanding for survivors and practitioners alike. Most importantly, it offers hope: the brain remains plastic throughout life, and healing is possible.     In This Episode Why trauma is an ongoing conversation between the brain, body, and environment—not simply a past event. How the brain's emotional networks continuously evaluate safety through sensory input. The role of the anterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala in emotional regulation and threat detection. Why many trauma responses are adaptive suppressions rather than deficits. How survival patterns formed during childhood often repeat throughout adulthood. The relationship between chronic trauma, inflammation, and long-term physical health. What C-reactive protein may reveal about the biological impact of childhood trauma. Why early childhood sexual trauma produces distinct biological effects compared with other forms of adversity. How genetics and environment interact to shape emotional health without determining destiny. Why neuroplasticity gives us the capacity to build new patterns throughout life. How nervous system training, supportive relationships, and therapeutic interventions help create lasting change. Why emotions are not separate from the body—they are deeply integrated with every system involved in survival and wellbeing.     Featured in This Episode 🧠 Start your FREE two-week Rewire Trial Learn the same neurosomatic tools discussed throughout the podcast and begin training your nervous system with live classes, expert guidance, and an extensive on-demand library. https://www.rewiretrial.com   RESOURCES   ✨ Are you ready to become the woman who can carry the vision? Discover nervous system education, preparation, integration, and resources to support your journey at illuminatedwithjennifer.com.   🌿 Sacred Synapse Explore Jennifer's educational videos on psychedelic neuroscience, preparation, integration, and harm reduction. https://www.youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23 📖 The Wayfinder Journal A guided psychedelic preparation and integration journal designed to help you embody insight and create lasting change. https://stan.store/illuminated   Connect with Us 🌐 Website https://www.traumarewired.com 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trauma.rewired 👥 Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846     Exclusive Offer 🥬 Receive a FREE bottle of AG1 with your subscription. https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired     Podcast Disclaimer Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Discussions related to psychedelics are provided solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. Nothing shared on this podcast or through Sacred Synapse should be interpreted as medical advice, encouragement to use illegal substances, or a recommendation that psychedelics are appropriate for any individual. Decisionsregarding psychedelic use should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and in accordance with applicable laws. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. Discussions related to psychedelics are provided solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. Nothing shared on this podcast or through Sacred Synapse should be interpreted as medical advice, encouragement to use illegal substances, or a recommendation that psychedelics are appropriate for any individual. Decisions regarding psychedelic use should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and in accordance with applicable laws. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] All rights in our content are reserved  

Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly common, yet many mild TBIs and concussions go unrecognized. And when the symptoms of a brain injury overlap with the effects of complex trauma, it can become difficult to understand what is actually driving changes in cognition, emotional regulation, behavior, energy, and capacity. In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof are joined by Amanda Smith, certified brain injury specialist, applied neurology pain and performance coach, NSI educator, and founder of Amanda's Way, to explore the intersection of traumatic brain injury and complex trauma. Amanda shares her own experience recovering from concussion and whiplash and explains why symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, irritability, emotional reactivity, poor concentration, sleep disruption, sensory sensitivity, and reduced capacity can easily be attributed to trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress when an underlying brain injury may also be contributing. Together, they explore how TBI can change the brain's ability to process visual, vestibular, sensory, and cognitive information; why everyday inputs can require significantly more resources after injury; and how reduced fuel and capacity can affect everything from relationships and work to emotional regulation and rehabilitation. The conversation also examines why practitioners working with trauma and the nervous system need a foundational understanding of concussion and TBI—and why those working with brain injury populations benefit from understanding the effects of complex trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system patterns. Rather than pushing through symptoms, recovery begins with understanding what the nervous system is actually experiencing, assessing capacity, working with the minimum effective dose, and recognizing when additional rehabilitation, referral, or collaborative care may be needed. In This Episode What traumatic brain injury and mild TBI can look like Why many concussions and mild TBIs go undiagnosed The overlap between TBI, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma symptoms How brain injury can affect emotional regulation, cognition, memory, vision, and behavior Why irritability, withdrawal, overwhelm, and reduced capacity may emerge after concussion The relationship between complex trauma and persistent post-concussion symptoms Why women and other vulnerable populations may experience additional barriers to recovery How TBI can increase the energetic demands placed on the brain Visual, vestibular, sensory, and cognitive processing after brain injury Why pushing through symptoms can create diminishing returns Fuel, capacity, assessment, reassessment, and the minimum effective dose How Neurosomatic Intelligence can support individualized nervous system work Why practitioners need to recognize when referral or collaborative care is appropriate Beginning with simple awareness of breath, energy expenditure, restoration, and capacity The importance of compassion for ourselves and others when we cannot see what another nervous system has experienced Featured in This Episode BECOMING TBI & CONCUSSION INFORMED — LIVE WORKSHOP If you work with the nervous system, understanding concussion and traumatic brain injury is essential. Post-concussion symptoms can present as fatigue, overwhelm, emotional reactivity, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to sound or light, inconsistent progress, or reduced capacity for stress. Join Amanda Smith on September 17 for Becoming TBI and Concussion Informed, a live workshop designed to help practitioners understand how a history of concussion, mild TBI, or head and neck trauma may be affecting what they observe in their clients. Learn to ask better questions, adapt your approach, recognize when referral or collaboration is needed, and work with greater clarity and confidence. neurosomatic.com/concussion Amanda Smith is a certified brain injury specialist, applied neurology pain and performance coach, founder of Amanda's Way, and educator in the Neurosomatic Intelligence Coaching Certification. Her work integrates applied neurology, nervous system education, and rehabilitation to support people navigating traumatic brain injury and persistent post-concussion symptoms.   Offerings & Resources START HERE — FREE NERVOUS SYSTEM TRAINING Begin learning how to work with your nervous system with our free two-week Rewire Trial: rewiretrial.com NEUROSOMATIC INTELLIGENCE COACHING CERTIFICATION Learn to work with the nervous system through an integrative framework combining applied neurology, somatics, trauma-informed education, and nervous system assessment. neurosomaticintelligence.com WATCH TRAUMA REWIRED ON YOUTUBE YouTube: youtube.com/@TraumaRewired   EXPLORE JENNIFER'S WORK  Explore psychedelic neuroscience, nervous system preparation and integration, neuroplasticity, and harm reduction with Jennifer on Sacred Synapse: youtube.com/@sacredsynapse-23 www.illuminatedwithjennifer.com   JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Connect with the Trauma Rewired community on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/761101225132846   CONNECT WITH TRAUMA REWIRED Instagram: instagram.com/trauma.rewired Podcast Disclaimer Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear.  We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.  We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.  We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.  Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.  Discussions related to psychedelics are provided solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. Nothing shared on this podcast or through Sacred Synapse should be interpreted as medical advice, encouragement to use illegal substances, or a recommendation that psychedelics are appropriate for any individual. Decisions regarding psychedelic use should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and in accordance with applicable laws. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected]  All rights in our content are reserved