Ever wonder why you get a bad vibe from someone you just met, or why certain places just feel “off” (or totally comforting) for reasons you can’t quite name? In this episode of Thrive the Podcast, trauma therapist, author, and yoga teacher Rebecca Kase unpacks the fascinating science of neuroception—a key principle from Polyvagal Theory introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges. Discover how your nervous system is always scanning your environment to detect safety and danger—without you even realizing it.

Join Rebecca as she explains how neuroception influences intuition, relationships, and emotional regulation, and learn practical tools to tune into your body’s cues and foster a greater sense of safety. You’ll walk away with insights on how to navigate triggers, shift your awareness to cues of safety, and leverage your body’s natural wisdom for healing and growth.

Key topics covered:

• What neuroception is, and why it matters for trauma healing and everyday life
• How your body interprets signals of safety or danger (often before your mind catches on)
• The three domains of neuroception: people, places, and your internal environment
• Practical exercises and tips to increase nervous system regulation and resilience
• Stories from Rebecca’s professional and personal experience, plus a sneak peek at her upcoming book, The Polyvagal Solution

If you’re seeking to understand the hidden language of your nervous system, and move from surviving to thriving, you’ll love this episode!

Subscribe to Thrive the Podcast for more neuroscience, psychology, and practical inspiration from Rebecca Kase.

Unlock the Secrets of Your Autonomic Nervous System—Fight, Flight, and Freeze Explained

Curious about how your nervous system shapes your mood, stress responses, and healing journey? In this essential episode of The Thrive Podcast with Rebecca Kase, trauma therapist, author, and yoga teacher Rebecca guides you through the science and spirit of the three key pathways—fight, flight, and freeze—that define the autonomic nervous system. Whether you’re a trauma therapist, healer, yogi, or anyone seeking nervous system regulation and lasting resilience, this episode reveals actionable insights to help you thrive—not just survive.

Discover:

• Polyvagal theory explained: How your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work and what the vagus nerve means for your emotional health.
• Physiological state decoded: Learn how your body’s state influences anxiety, depression, shutdown, or thriving, and why “fight, flight, and freeze” aren’t just buzzwords—they’re your biology in action.
• Why neuroception matters: Unlock how subconscious threat detection shapes emotion, behavior, and healing, plus how you can intervene for greater safety and presence.
• Real tools for nervous system regulation: Simple tips (breath work, movement, finding moments of safety and joy) to activate your ventral vagal pathway and shift from survival mode to grounded thriving.
• Science meets spirituality: Blending neuroscience with lived experience, Rebecca offers hope, neuroplasticity insights, and micro-practices for lasting transformation.

If you’re recovering from trauma, supporting others through healing, or simply searching for more balance and connection in life, tune in for empowering strategies you can use today.

Don’t miss Rebecca’s new book "The Polyvagal Solution"—explore even more powerful tools for nervous system healing, coming soon from New Harbinger.

🧠 Listen and thrive:
The Thrive Podcast with Rebecca Kase

Keywords: polyvagal theory, autonomic nervous system, fight flight freeze, vagus nerve, trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, neuroscience, emotional health, ventral vagal, neuroplasticity, Rebecca Kase, mental health podcast, healing, resilience

Ready to thrive—not just survive? In this episode of Thrive the Podcast, I break down the science of polyvagal theory in a practical, approachable way.

Learn how your vagus nerve and autonomic nervous system impact your emotions, relationships, and daily stress. Explore core concepts like neuroception, the social engagement system, and the vagal paradox—and learn how understanding these can empower trauma therapists, wellness professionals, and healing humans alike.

Whether you're curious about nervous system regulation, mental health, or how to find balance in a chaotic world, this episode offers insights and tools you can use right now.

Discover how working with your biology—not against it—can be the key to lasting transformation.

Thrive On,

Rebecca

In this episode, we’ll explore why sleep is not a luxury or a badge of honor to sacrifice. It’s a biological necessity. I’ll break down what’s happening in your brain and body while you sleep, why a dysregulated nervous system can sabotage rest, and what to do when you’re stuck in tired-but-wired mode.

You’ll learn:

Why sleep is the pillar of health; how sleep supports neuroplasticity; and why "I'll sleep when I'm dead" couldn't be more wrong

Whether you’re a therapist, a high-achiever running on fumes, or someone who just wants to feel like yourself again — this one’s for you.

Because when you understand the science of sleep, you stop blaming yourself for being tired — and start building a body that can finally rest.

Thrive On,

Rebecca

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on The Polyvagal Solution — my brand new book that’s been years in the making.

You’ll hear the real story behind why I wrote it, what makes this book different from other trauma and self-help resources, and how understanding your nervous system can change everything — from how you heal to how you live, lead, love, and create.

This isn’t just a book launch — it’s an invitation to rethink the way you relate to stress, success, and your sense of safety. Whether you’re a therapist, a high-functioning human trying to keep it together, or someone on a healing path… this episode is for you.

Let’s explore how your biology holds the key to your freedom — and why this book might just be the companion your nervous system’s been waiting for.

Welcome back to Thrive.

It’s been a minute — and I’ve missed you.

In this episode, I’m sharing where I’ve been, what’s changed, and what’s coming next. You’ll hear about why I took a break, what rest revealed, and why I’m returning with a whole new fire and a brand new book: The Polyvagal Solution.

We’re entering a new season — one rooted in nervous system wisdom, personal transformation, and neuro-informed living. If you're ready to stop pushing through and start living in alignment with your body, your energy, and your purpose… you’re in the right place.

Let’s catch up, reconnect, and regulate — together.

Rebecca

Here is what was covered in this episode:

• I got this request from a podcast listener! Let’s learn what codependency is, how it relates to attachment, and why we’re prone to it as relational creatures.

• Codependency is a condition where someone relies too much on another person in an unhealthy and self-destructive way.

• Human beings are wired to form attachments and relationships for survival. We are wired to attach, even to people that aren’t good for us.

• Codependency can feel like relationship addiction, but unlike other addictions, we need relationships to survive.

• Even people from healthy childhood backgrounds can fall into codependent relationships because everyone is wired to connect.

• Signs of codependency include prioritizing others’ needs over your own, losing a sense of self, feeling guilty for doing things for yourself, and needing your partner to feel happy.

• People may stay in harmful relationships because their neurobiology prefers attachment, even to unhealthy partners, over being alone.

• Childhood experiences, such as witnessing dysfunctional relationships, can shape our relationship patterns in adulthood.

• Codependent relationships are often filled with drama, emotional destruction, and cycles of extreme highs (honeymoon phases) followed by intense lows (drama and danger).

• The brain, particularly the amygdala, can drive unhealthy attachment by perceiving the potential loss of a relationship as a survival threat.

• Codependent relationships can trigger a constant need for reassurance and fear of abandonment, making it difficult to leave.

• It’s important to get therapy or coaching from someone who can be honest about the situation and help you break the cycle.

• Codependence Anonymous (CoDA) and 12-step programs can also be helpful in navigating these issues.

• Remind yourself that you deserve love, happiness, and safety, even if you don’t fully believe it at first. Start by telling yourself that you do deserve better.

Helpful Links:

• CODA
• Codependent No More

Here is what was covered in this episode:

• I’m back! I took a break after completing my manuscript for The Polyvagal Solution, which will teach people how to manage stress using polyvagal theory.

• In today’s episode, I cover insights gained from spiritual practices that will help you be a better human.

• Most importantly, living on your own terms is essential—this is your one life, so don’t let others dictate how you should live.

• Learn why not taking things personally is a game changer.

• Be accountable is key. When you make a mistake, it’s important to take responsibility and make amends.

• Learning to let go is crucial. Life is full of cycles, and things, people, and situations will come and go. Holding on too tightly causes unnecessary suffering.

• Grief is a natural part of life’s cycles, but clinging to what was can prevent growth and healing.

• Recognizing that everyone is trying to survive can help foster empathy and understanding. Despite differences, most people want the same core things: happiness, health, safety, and joy.

• We should start conversations from a place of shared humanity, focusing on common goals like happiness and safety rather than on divisions.

• Not taking things personally doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility. It’s about understanding what is really about you and what isn’t.

• Letting go of people and relationships that no longer serve you is part of life’s natural process. It’s okay for relationships to end or evolve over time.

• Embrace life’s impermanence, and accept that nothing lasts forever. This mindset can help with moving forward from losses.

• Strive to be a better human by being curious, accountable, and compassionate toward yourself and others.

Helpful Links:

The Four Agreements