In this episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Ryan Soave, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology.

Ryan opens up about his journey from entrepreneur and world traveler to finding his true calling in the treatment of trauma and addiction. He shares insights from years of clinical practice, research, and personal transformation—exploring why we confuse discomfort with danger, how trauma builds over time, and why resilience requires learning to sit with the difficult emotions instead of running from them.

Drawing on practices like meditation, Yoga Nidra, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and breathwork, Ryan offers both science and story to help us understand how to uncover our true selves through recovery and healing.

📍 Learn more about Ryan: Guardian Recovery – Ryan Soave

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan.swa

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rjswa

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⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Ryan Soave

02:00 – From entrepreneurship to trauma treatment

04:00 – Research with Huberman Lab & VR experiments on fear

07:00 – The barnacle boat: how trauma builds up over time

10:00 – Early programming and its effects on relationships

13:00 – Why we confuse discomfort with danger

17:00 – Addictive behaviors and the search for relief

21:00 – Meaning-making, worry, and fear of the future

24:00 – Principles in action: practicing recovery in relationships

27:00 – Sensitivity, stress, and self-regulation tools

30:00 – Yoga Nidra and Non-Sleep Deep Rest explained

34:00 – Breathwork, pausing, and the power of stillness

41:00 – Practical tools for re-centering in stress

44:00 – Final reflections & how to connect with Ryan

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💬 Powerful Quote:

“We often confuse discomfort with danger—and then react to it as if it’s life or death.” – Ryan Soave

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👤 Guest Bio:

Ryan Soave

LMHC | Certified Trauma Therapist | Program Developer | Research Consultant

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. After graduating from Wake Forest University and building a successful business career, Ryan faced personal and spiritual challenges that led him to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling.

He has since worked with thousands of clients with complex PTSD, designed and facilitated large workshops, and spoken at national conferences as an expert in trauma and addiction treatment. Ryan has also been invited multiple times to lead meditations for members and staffers of the United States Congress. Trained in modalities such as yoga, Yoga Nidra, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and breathwork, Ryan approaches recovery with passion, commitment, and joy—believing that trauma treatment is an uncovering process that allows people to remember their true selves.

🌐 Learn More – Guardian Recovery

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📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Yoga Nidra / NSDR guided practices

• Breathwork and Somatic Experiencing

• Guardian Recovery: https://www.guardianrecovery.com

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📱 Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc

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▶️ Watch & Listen:

• Podcast Website: https://www.findingnewwaters.com

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw

• YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn

#RyanSoave #TraumaRecovery #AddictionRecovery #HubermanLab #FindingNewWaters #YogaNidra #NSDR #SomaticExperiencing #Breathwork #PTSDHealing