Most people think trauma is a dramatic, one-time event—but Dr. Don Wood says it’s often the quiet, overlooked experiences that hold us back the most. Dr. Don has spent years helping people uncover trauma that quietly shape how we think, feel, and perform. In this episode, he shares the real-life stories and brain science behind his TIPP method, a process that’s helped athletes, survivors, and everyday folks find calm, clarity, and freedom. It’s not about reliving the pain—it’s about resetting your brain, so it stops reacting like the danger is still happening.

Dr. Don is a Trauma Expert, Author, and Founder of the Inspired Performance Institute, and he’s got a gift for explaining big ideas in a way that just clicks. He breaks down the difference between the obvious traumas and the “smaller” stuff we brush off but unknowingly leaves a mark. You’ll learn what’s really happening during a panic attack (sometimes before you even feel it), and how to interrupt those patterns before they spiral. 

We also talk about addiction, burnout, and why your past might be draining your energy more than you realize. Dr. Don’s approach goes deeper than just coping—it’s about actually healing so you can think clearer, live lighter, and show up fully. Whether you're trying to bounce back from burnout, level up your performance, or just finally feel peace in your own mind, this episode offers more than inspiration—it offers tools. Press play and find out what’s really possible when your brain is no longer stuck in survival mode.

If you're finding this conversation insightful, make sure to hit that YouTube subscribe button. It's a simple way to stay connected and get more strategies for optimizing brain function and longevity. Plus, it helps us bring you even more cutting-edge content. Thank you for being here. Now, let's get back to exploring the future of brain health.

 

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00 ] Introduction.

[00:04:08 ] Emotional concussions and big trauma.

[00:06:10 ] Telltale signs of an active trauma

[00:10:52 ] Trauma and inflammation connection.

[00:12:54 ] Atmospheric conditions and trauma.

[00:17:07 ] Anxiety as a symptom.

[00:20:46 ] Panic attack prevention methods.

[00:24:30 ] Childhood safety and health.

[00:28:24 ] Addiction as a symptom.

[00:32:29 ] Rebooting the mind for performance.

[00:33:57 ] Trauma's impact on athletic performance.

 

Memorable Quotes:

"Unresolved trauma creates inflammation. Inflammation, then that compromises the immune system. " [00:10:54 ] – Dr. Don Wood

"Addiction is the symptom of the problem. It's the pain and it's the trauma." [00:29:24 ] – Dr. Don Wood

 

Connect with Dr. Don Wood:

Website: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdonwood/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDonWoodPhD

 

Connect with Dr. Greg Eckel:

Website: https://energy4lifecenters.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e4lcenters/ & https://www.instagram.com/drgreckel/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Energy4LifeCenters

 

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com