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.

Have you ever felt afraid to embrace parts of your full, messy, multifaceted self? What would it look like to unapologetically own and express the totality of who you are? Or wondered how your life might transform if you gave yourself that radical permission?

In this episode, Dr Scott is joined by the inimitable Marie Forleo, an entrepreneur, writer, philanthropist and unshakable optimist. From her early days bartending in New York to building a multimillion-dollar socially-conscious empire, Marie has defied convention and forged her own unique path by tuning into her inner voice.

In this delightful conversation, Marie shares her hard-won wisdom on overcoming limiting beliefs, cultivating unshakable faith in ourselves, and finding the courage to pursue our dreams against all odds. She also reveals the transformative power of her mantra (and book title), Everything is Figureoutable, which has changed her life and empowered countless others.

Together, Dr Scott and Marie dive into the importance of embracing our multi-passionate nature, giving ourselves permission to experiment and evolve, and trusting the journey even when the path ahead is uncertain. Marie will challenge us to question the excuses we make, to confront our deepest fears, and to take bold action in service of our highest potential.

This episode is a loving kick in the pants and a compassionate embrace all in one. So grab a notebook, get ready to laugh, and let's get ready to figure it all out.

Topics We Break Down:

• Forging a unique path by turning to your inner voice for wisdom.
• The power of movement to help you cultivate self-confidence.
• Tools of creation that you can rely on to access higher intelligence.
• Practical techniques to help you learn the language of your intuition.
• 3 simple rules to help you apply the Figureoutable Philosophy and become unstoppable.
• Why you already have everything you need to achieve anything you desire.
• Advice from Mother Nature for when it feels like you’ve hit a plateau.
• How to use “fuck you fuel” to fire yourself up for success!

In the realm of human connection, few topics captivate us quite like love. It's a melting pot of desire, vulnerability, and the profound yearning to be truly seen and understood by another. Yet despite love's universal allure, the path to cultivating deeply fulfilling bonds is often obscured by unspoken expectations, unresolved patterns, and the echoes of past wounds.

Mark Groves, a Human Connection Specialist and founder of Create the Love, joins Dr Scott to explore the complexities of connection – from the dizzying heights of passion to the depths of rupture and repair.

Together, they dive into the paradigm of "liberated love" – a conscious and intentional approach to using our relationships as catalysts for personal growth and expanded freedom. They’ll examine how childhood experiences shape adult relational dynamics, the influence of societal narratives, and the transformative power of taking responsibility for our own evolution.

With candor and vulnerability, Mark shares his own triumphs and struggles in navigating intimacy, offering a window into the art of active constructive responding, the significance of clear relational agreements, and the profound impact of unconditional love – a love that holds space for pain, loss, and the inevitable rifts that accompany any deep bond.

Topics We Break Down:

• The paradox and art of loving and the fierce dedication to truth that defines liberated love.
• Distinguishing performative and authentic behavior by understanding the science of your body.
• Different ways to create space for a third, truer reality between you and a partner or friend.
• Understanding how responsive and spontaneous desire influence our relationships.
• Recognizing that everyone in a relationship is playing out their wounds.
• The possibility of loving someone and realizing your paths are not aligned.
• Delineating between compromise and self-abandonment.
• The role of intention in creating codependence.

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship that felt like a constant battle, where every disagreement escalated into a full-blown war? Or perhaps you've experienced the opposite, a partnership so secure and harmonious that it seemed to defy the odds? What if the key to creating a lasting, fulfilling relationship lies in this podcast?

In this episode, Dr Scott is joined by Dr. Stan Tatkin, a pioneer in the field of couples therapy and the developer of the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT). With a deep understanding of attachment theory, neuroscience, and interpersonal neurobiology, Dr. Tatkin has dedicated his career to helping couples build secure, resilient relationships that withstand the test of time.

Together, they delve into the intricate dance between our brains and our bonds, exploring how our early experiences shape our attachment styles and how those styles manifest in our adult relationships. They will uncover the neuroscientific underpinnings of secure functioning, discussing the importance of honesty, fairness, and mutual support in creating a strong partnership.

But it's not just about theory; Dr. Tatkin will share practical strategies for finding an ideal partner, navigating differences, and tolerating the inevitable pain and discomfort that come with any long-term commitment. They will discuss the role of transparency, setting up guardrails, and creating a shared vision for the future – all essential elements in building a relationship that not only survives but thrives.

Whether you're in a committed partnership, navigating the dating world, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of human connection, this episode promises to be a transformative exploration of the neuroscience behind secure relationships.

Topics We Break Down:

• How couples are the only democratic union to come together without a shared vision.
• Why it's vital to build relationships on the same foundation, and how to go about it.
• Helpful tips for setting up guardrails in relationships.
• How to identify your ideal partner.
• The impermanence of attraction, and the difference between love and compatibility.
• Dissecting the roles of society and basic human nature in problematic relationships.
• How it's always possible to work through deficits and gain new relationship skills.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt small, invisible, or unable to fully express yourself? Where the weight of societal expectations or past traumas seemed to silence your voice and diminish your presence?

In this episode Dr Scott is exploring the transformative power of reclaiming our space and amplifying our authentic selves with Eliza VanCort. Eliza is a multifaceted force – an author, facilitator, speaker, podcaster, and survivor. With a background in both performing arts and political science, she has become a renowned communication strategist and trainer, empowering others to stand tall in an often unnerving world. Her bestselling book, "A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard," is a transformative and intersectional tome that inspires women while enlightening men.

Listen in, as Dr Scott and Eliza delve into the art of effective communication, the role of intuition and connection, and the profound impact of body language and vocal control. Eliza shares her personal journey of overcoming a devastating brain injury that compromised her ability to communicate, and how that experience fueled her passion for helping others find their voice.

Together they explore the power of reclaiming suppressed parts of ourselves, the significance of accountability and repair in relationships, and the transformative nature of acting as a means to understand human behavior. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the courage to live life unapologetically, reclaim our souls, and expand our understanding of what it truly means to be human.

Topics We Break Down:

• Key personality traits that contribute to effective communication.
• The role of body language and vocal control in communication.
• Barriers to communication and practical strategies to overcome them.
• Explore techniques to reclaim your communication power and space.
• Why you should never try to be someone else for the sake of others.
• Accountability as a pathway to repairing a fractured relationship.
• Learn how to prepare your emotions to be intentional in situations.

In today's world, "trauma" has become a buzzword, but what does it truly mean to experience and heal from it? How do we navigate the complex journey of understanding our deepest wounds and finding a path to genuine recovery? And what if the key to breaking free from destructive patterns lies in understanding and appreciating the protective parts of ourselves?

In this episode, Dr. Scott is joined by Dr. Frank Anderson, a world-renowned trauma expert, psychiatrist, and author of the memoir, "To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation." Frank's journey from enduring childhood trauma to becoming a leading voice in trauma healing is nothing short of inspiring.

In this conversation, they’ll explore how slowing down and being present with our emotions can lead to genuine healing and how the next generation of trauma recovery will need to move beyond traditional therapy to include a collaborative and holistic approach. They discuss the repetitive patterns in relationships that stem from unresolved relational wounds and the critical inner work required to break free from these cycles, shedding light on how releasing anger and resentment can lead to self-compassion and personal growth.

Listen in as they delve into the transformative power of understanding our inner selves and the journey towards true healing.

Topics We Break Down:

• Bridging the worlds of humanity and academia
• Finding the elixir of eternal youth through the power of inner healing work.
• Listening to and appreciating the protective parts of ourselves to understand how they are trying to help us.
• What it might look like to heal trauma in connection with the person who created the harm.
• Finding self-forgiveness through the path of forgiving others.
• Breaking free of the habit of demonizing others
• Unpacking the idea of healing your inner child through self-awareness and self-connection.

In a world where traditional relationship structures are being challenged and redefined, the concept of polyamory has emerged as a topic of both curiosity and controversy. In this episode, Dr Scott delves into the intricacies of this multifaceted approach to love and intimacy with Jessica Fern, a psychotherapist, coach, and author of "Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Non-Monogamy."

Jessica's expertise lies in guiding individuals, couples, and those in multiple-partner relationships to transcend the limitations of reactive patterns, cultural conditioning, insecure attachment styles, and past traumas. Through her work, she invites us to explore new possibilities in life and love, challenging the conventional norms that have long governed our understanding of relationships.

Dr Scott and Jessica unpack the definition of polyamory and its place within the broader umbrella of consensual non-monogamy. They’ll confront the misconceptions and taboos surrounding this lifestyle, such as the belief that it is rooted in promiscuity or an inability to commit. Together they delve into the concept of erotic blueprints, a framework for understanding our unique desires and needs within the realm of intimacy. Jessica will guide us through the different styles of erotic blueprints, from energetic to kinky, and how understanding our own blueprint can enhance our connections and sexual satisfaction.

Listen in as they embark on this thought-provoking journey, challenging societal norms and embracing the diversity of human connection. Whether you're curious about polyamory, seeking to deepen your understanding of intimacy, or simply open to exploring new perspectives, this episode promises to be an enlightening and transformative experience.

Topics We Break Down:

• Understanding Polyamory and Ethical Nonmonogamy: Definitions and different styles of consensual nonmonogamy.
• Evolution of polyamory terminology and common misconceptions surrounding ethical nonmonogamy.
• Guidelines for setting up rules and agreements in polyamorous relationships, and recommendations for couples considering polyamory.
• Differentiating between romantic, emotional, and intimacy needs, and understanding how emotional needs drive relational needs.
• Signs of healthy monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, including the significance of self-care.
• Recognizing the difference between avoidance and attachment in relationships, and the concept of an erotic blueprint.
• Navigating parenting within polyamorous relationships and why relationship success should not be defined by longevity.

* This episode explores topics of violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. If you have the strength to listen, please do so with care.

Trauma is a universal experience that touches all of our lives in one way or another. Whether it's the shattering impact of violence or loss, the insidious effects of systemic oppression, or the lingering echoes of childhood adversity, trauma has the power to shape our lives in profound and often invisible ways. But what if the key to healing trauma lies not just in our minds, but in our bodies? What if the path to recovery is rooted in the very essence of our embodied existence?

In this episode, Dr Scott is honored to be joined by Dr. Peter Levine, the pioneer of Somatic Experiencing® and the developer of a revolutionary approach to healing trauma. Known as the father of trauma therapy, Dr. Levine has dedicated his life's work to understanding the intricate dance between our minds, bodies, and the traumatic experiences that can become lodged within us.

In this conversation, they’ll explore the evolution of our understanding of trauma over the past four decades, challenging the notion that it is merely a brain disorder. Dr. Levine will shed light on how trauma becomes encoded in the very fibers of our being, and how addressing it at a somatic level is crucial for true healing and resolution.

Together they will delve into the power of embodiment, the importance of feeling safe in our bodies, and the gradual process of reconnecting with traumatic sensations. Dr. Levine will share his personal journey of healing, emphasizing the significance of being seen and held in relationships, and the transformative act of sharing one's trauma narrative.

Listen in as Dr Scott and Dr Levine venture into the depths of the human experience, uncovering the profound wisdom of our bodies and the resilience that lies within us all. Whether you're a survivor seeking healing, a practitioner in the field, or simply someone who wishes to deepen their understanding of trauma, this conversation promises to be a powerful and enlightening exploration of the path to wholeness.

To avoid Dr. Levine’s account of sexual assault, please skip the audio between [28:23] and [29:30].

Topics We Break Down:

• Dr. Peter Levine defines trauma and explains how it’s evolved in the past three decades.
• How somatic trauma healing didn’t exist before Dr. Levine’s research.
• The way trauma is held in the body and distinguishing trauma from stress.
• Understanding the value of an empathetic presence in your life after a traumatic event.
• Semantics: the struggles of bringing a new medical solution into the mainstream.
• Exploring the concept of being and doing enough and why this is always possible.