In this episode of the Holiday Survival Podcast, Erin sits down with Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Will Rēzin, Founder of Trauma and Somatics, to explore what’s really happening when the holidays bring up reactions that feel bigger than the moment. Together, they unpack how trauma lives in the body, why certain traditions, gatherings, or expectations can activate old survival responses, and how to tell the difference between everyday holiday overwhelm and trauma being triggered.

Will shares practical, body-based tools to help regulate the nervous system when old patterns resurface, including grounding, breathwork, and gentle movement practices you can use in real time. This conversation blends science, intuition, and compassion—offering listeners a new way to understand their reactions and meet themselves with care during a season that can feel anything but peaceful.

In this episode, we explore:

• How and why the holidays can trigger unresolved trauma
• The difference between normal seasonal pressure and trauma responses
• What it looks like when the body goes into survival mode
• Simple somatic tools to support regulation and emotional safety
• How self-awareness and self-care can change the holiday experience

This episode is an invitation to stop judging your reactions and start listening to your body—so you can move through the season with more understanding, agency, and support.

✨ If this episode resonates with you, follow The Holiday Survival Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a rating or review — it helps more people find hope, healing, and a little peace this season. Visit www.holidaysurvivalpodcast.com to listen to past episodes and explore our interactive Holiday Survival Podcast Gift Guide, featuring meaningful, heart-centered finds from small businesses and creators we love.

Connect with Will on his website or social media @willrezin. For more information about Trauma and Somatics, check out their website and social media @traumaandsomatics.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:48 Welcome to the Holiday Survival Podcast

02:00 Meet Will Rēzin

02:47 Understanding Trauma and Somatics

06:43 The Evolution of Trauma and Somatic Practices

16:24 Differentiating Stress from Trauma Responses

22:41 Managing Stress Responses

23:47 Breathing Techniques for Calmness

26:33 Orienting and Grounding Practices

29:49 Self-Contact and Vocal Techniques

34:14 Preparing for Stressful Situations

36:10 Connecting with Your Body After Trauma

41:28 Resources and Final Thoughts

CREDITS

Hosted and Produced by Erin Billings

Post Production by Isaac Moreno

Music by Erin Billings

Artwork by Diana Pietzryk