In the second part of our episode on performance with Michael Allison, we discuss performance in an athletic and physical context. Michael touches on some of the great athletes, teams, and coaches and highlights how they were (or were not) able to move in and out of different nervous system states depending on the task at hand. 

We also discuss how this information can help inform goal-setting and achievement of any kind. By honing your ability to listen to your body, and shift your physiology, using what Michael calls Autonomic Agility, you can achieve the optimal nervous system state for performance. 

Michael's book on this topic is coming in 2027. You can enroll in Michael's course with the Polyvagal Institute at several times throughout the year. Learn more about this course on our website.  [https://learning.polyvagal.org/pages/course-offerings-from-polyvagal-institute]

CONNECT WITH POLYVAGAL INSTITUTE:
polyvagal.org [http://polyvagal.org]
@PolyvagalInstitute on Social Media

MORE ON MICHAEL:
https://theplayzone.com/

Performance Through a Polyvagal Lens: Part Two

Trigger Warning: Please be advised, this episode contains dialogue about self-harm, abuse, and other sensitive topics. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if needed.

In this Wired for Connection episode with Polyvagal Institute, host Travis Goodman, LMFT welcomes psychiatrist and trauma pioneer Dr. Judith Herman. Dr. Herman explains how the modern trauma field emerged and why it still fails many survivors of complex trauma and gender based violence. She traces the history from Vietnam veterans and the women’s movement to the recognition of PTSD and the ongoing fight to recognize complex PTSD and coercive control.

We talk about how repeated child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and trafficking shape identity, relationships and the nervous system. Dr Herman explains coercive control, the submission and freeze response, and why asking “why didn’t she just leave” misses the reality of danger, dependence and nervous system survival states.

Drawing from her book “Truth and Repair,” she shares what survivors actually want from justice. Acknowledgement, apology and amends. Limits on perpetrators. Communities and systems that stop re blaming and re traumatizing victims. We touch on victim compensation, restorative justice experiments and why current courts often worsen PTSD instead of helping.

The conversation ends with a focus on prevention, early intervention, trauma informed justice, and recognizing complex PTSD in diagnosis and practice. This episode speaks to therapists, advocates, survivors and leaders who want a clear, justice focused view of trauma, power and repair.


CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:   
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]
Email: community@polyvagal.org

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:   
Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]

Judith Herman on Complex PTSD, Coercive Control and Justice

This episode of Wired for Connection is about the physiology of performance. In Part One of this discussion with Michael Allison, we'll learn more about Michael and his background in performance consulting, and how polyvagal principles help inform performance in the workplace and in building relationships. 

In Part Two, coming early January 2026, we'll discuss athletic performance, and deconstruct dominant narratives about performance and achievement -- using the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory as a guide.

Michael Allison is a globally recognized performance consultant, educator, and author who applies Polyvagal Theory to optimize health, resilience, and excellence under pressure. He is the creator of Autonomic Agility®, his registered framework for teaching individuals and teams how to recognize, respect, and guide their physiological state in high-stakes environments. Michael also developed the Performance Hierarchy and the Play Zone methodology, two core models—endorsed by Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D.—that translate Polyvagal principles into accessible, real-world performance tools.

Through his accredited Play Zone Pro® training programs, Michael has certified more than 500 consultants and coaches worldwide. His curriculum is translated into French, German, Polish, and Spanish, with additional languages forthcoming, supporting an international community of practitioners applying Autonomic Agility® across performance, health, leadership, and education.

Michael trains elite performers—including professional athletes, sports psychologists, executives, creatives, and teams—and his expertise is sought across major sports organizations, including MLB, NBA, ATP, WTA, FIFA, ITF, NCAA, AVCA, AVP, and USATF.

He writes the Pressure Paradox column for Psychology Today, where he examines the physiological, psychological, and relational demands of performing in modern pressure-based environments.

As a keynote speaker and educational partner with the Polyvagal Institute, Michael leads globally recognized educational programs for performance and health professionals. His courses are accredited by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches and are supported by Dr. Porges. He is also a core educator for the Polyvagal Institute’s flagship training, helping bring Polyvagal Theory into competitive, organizational, and high-stakes environments.

Michael is the author of State of Play: Guiding Flow Through the Vagus Nerve for High Achievers (New Harbinger, 2026) and co-author of Polyvagal Parenting (New Harbinger, 2026). His work appears across multiple Norton Professional volumes, including “Turning Competition Into Co-regulation” in Somatic-Oriented Therapies and “Empathy to Compassion: A Two-Step Physiological Process,” co-authored with Dr. Porges, in Polyvagal Perspectives. His performance case study was published in Safe and Sound (Sounds True).

Through Autonomic Agility®, the Performance Hierarchy, and the Play Zone, Michael bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with real-world application—helping individuals, teams, and organizations guide their physiology with clarity, confidence, and connection in environments defined by pressure.

To learn with Michael, enroll in his Play Zone Pro course with the Polyvagal Institute here: https://learning.polyvagal.org/pages/course-offerings-from-polyvagal-institute

CONNECT WITH PVI:
polyvagal.org [http://polyvagal.org]
@PolyvagalInstitute on Social Media

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL:
https://theplayzone.com/

Performance Through a Polyvagal Lens: Part One

Trigger Warning: Please be advised, this episode contains dialogue about self-harm, abuse, and other sensitive topics. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if needed.

In this episode, Dr Janina Fisher joins Travis Goodman to unpack why traditional talk therapy often fails clients with complex trauma, chronic self-harm tendencies, and what methods can move them towards safety & healing. 

Janina shares how studying with Judith Herman and working alongside Bessel van der Kolk shaped her view that people suffer because real things happened to them, not because of “personality defects.” She explains how Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) grew out of her work in a state hospital with patients labelled “untreatable” who lived with constant crisis, self-hatred and unsafe behavior. 

You will hear how TIST integrates parts work, structural dissociation, sensorimotor psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy and Polyvagal Theory to create a practical, non-pathologizing way to work with suicidal parts, self-harm, eating disorders and dissociation. 

Across the conversation we explore:
• Why many clients cannot use DBT or coping skills once the prefrontal cortex goes offline in a trauma response
• How to shift from “I want to die” to “there is a part of me that wants to die” and why that language changes impulse and shame
• Using visuals and simple somatic cues instead of complex language when clients are highly activated
• How polyvagal social engagement and co-regulation support parts work and attachment repair in-session
• What “gridlock” between parts looks like and how to help clients unblend and relate to their suicidal, ashamed and protective parts
• Why focusing only on “the event” misses the ongoing context of danger, neglect and not being seen
• How TIST offers a structured path for complex trauma, chronic suicidality and self-destructive behavior in real-world systems, including hospitals and community settings 

We also talk about where Janina hopes the trauma field goes in the next decade: more trauma-informed therapists worldwide, less model tribalism, and Polyvagal Theory as a unifying lens that can plug into EMDR, IFS, somatic work and beyond. 

This episode is for trauma therapists, coaches and survivors who want a clear, compassionate framework for working with extreme symptoms without pathologizing the person.

CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:  
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]
Email: community@polyvagal.org

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:  
Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]

Janina Fisher Discusses Parts, Polyvagal Theory and TIST

In this episode of Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast, we discuss applying Polyvagal Theory and polyvagal principles in a therapeutic setting. 

Stephanie D'Angelo, from Polyvagal Institute, moderates a discussion with Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW. Ruby Jo has been applying PVT in therapy with clients for almost 15 years now, and has been a therapist working with those who have experienced trauma for over thirty years. 

Ruby Jo is a PVI Course Partner, teaching the course "Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory." Learn more about our courses at: learning.polyvagal.org [http://learning.polyvagal.org].

CONNECT WITH PVI

@PolyvagalInstite

polyvagal.org [http://polyvagal.org]

Applying Polyvagal Theory in Therapy with Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW

In this episode of Wired for Connection, host Travis Goodman interviews Dr. Frank Anderson, founder of the Trauma Institute and a renowned leader in trauma healing. Together, they explore Dr. Anderson’s journey into trauma work, his evolution in understanding healing as both an internal and relational process, and the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Polyvagal Theory. Through personal stories and professional insight, Dr. Anderson shares his perspectives on parts work, the significance of ‘self’ and ‘soul,’ and the nuanced ways trauma shapes and can heal the nervous system.

For more resources or to get involved, visit polyvagal.org alongside Dr. Anderson's website at www.frankandersonmd.com.

CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]
Email: community@polyvagal.org 

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:
Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]


Integrating IFS & Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Frank Anderson

In this episode, Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor at Butler University and founder of the Applied Educational Neuroscience certification program, discusses the transformative power of understanding the nervous system—particularly through the lens of polyvagal theory—in education. She shares her journey from special education teacher to neuroscientific educator and highlights how applied neuroscience can revolutionize classroom practices to support both teachers and students.

Join Dr. Desautels & Dr. Niki Elliott for a special one-day summit for Educators at the Polyvagal Institute on October 4, 2025: https://learning.polyvagal.org/courses/a-one-day-summit-for-educators

 1. The Adult Nervous System Sets the Tone:
    A central pillar of Dr. Desautels’ framework is that a dysregulated adult cannot effectively regulate a dysregulated child. Teachers’ nervous system awareness (not necessarily constant regulation, but awareness) is vital in modeling and co-regulating with students, establishing the foundation for a safe and productive learning environment.
 2. Polyvagal Theory Empowers Students and Educators:
    Teaching children and adolescents about their autonomic nervous system, particularly the role of the vagus nerve (“the vagal brake”), helps them understand their behaviors are often responses to nervous system states, not evidence of being “bad” kids. Simple practices like sensation check-ins, focused attention activities, and using metaphors (such as a car brake for the vagus nerve) can make these concepts accessible and empowering.
 3. Systemic Implementation Matters:
    Change is most effective when embraced across the whole school system, including administrators. Consistent procedures, collective nervous system awareness, and integrating trauma-sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming approaches benefit everyone. While resistance may exist, especially when prioritizing academic performance, whole-school frameworks create lasting impact and teacher well-being.

Want to bring these insights to your classroom or school community? Explore Dr. Desautels’ resources at revelationsineducation.com [https://revelationsineducation.com/], try out simple “focused attention practices” with your students or your own children, and start conversations with colleagues about cultivating nervous system awareness in your culture. For more, check out her books or connect on social media for ongoing tips and updates. Remember: when adults model nervous system awareness and regulation, everyone thrives!

CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]
Email: community@polyvagal.org

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:
Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]
WEB: www.travisgoodmanlmft.com [https://www.travisgoodmanlmft.com/]


Empowered Educators: How Polyvagal Principles Help Boost Learning Outcomes in the Classroom

In this episode, Travis interviews Dr. Niki Elliott, an educator, author, and director at the University of San Diego's Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity. Dr. Elliott is also a PVI Course Partner & PVI Board Member.

Dr. Elliott shares her personal journey in education, her dedication to supporting neurodiverse learners, and the transformative impact of understanding nervous system needs through the lens of polyvagal theory. The conversation explores how reimagining classroom environments—with an emphasis on sensory and relational safety—can unlock the brilliance of every child.

Understanding Behavior Through the Nervous System Lens
Dr. Elliott stresses the importance of viewing neurodivergent students not as "problem kids," but as individuals whose behavior is shaped by physiological needs and their nervous system state. Behaviors often labeled as disruptive or inattentive may actually be adaptive responses to unmet sensory or safety needs in the environment.

Creating Neuro-Inclusive Spaces is Game-Changing
Simple shifts in classroom environments—such as accommodating sensory sensitivities, providing alternative seating, softening lighting, and including students’ voices about their sensory needs—can dramatically reduce behavioral issues and enhance learning for all students. Normalizing these supports improves not only neurodivergent students' experiences but fosters a culture of understanding and resilience for everyone.

Supporting Adults' Nervous System Health is Essential
Dr. Elliott highlights that educators and caregivers must also become aware of their own nervous system patterns and past traumas. Increasing adult vagal tone and co-regulation capacity is vital to creating safe, responsive, and flexible learning communities. Adults set the tone for the classroom; their ability to self-regulate directly impacts students’ learning and emotional well-being.

Join Polyvagal Institute for "The Nervous System in the Classroom," a one-day summit for educators hosted by PVI Course Partners Dr. Niki Elliott and Dr. Lori Desautels. Register for the event at learning.polyvagal.org


To dive deeper, check out Dr. Nikki Elliott’s Heart Centered Connection certificate program or the Mindful Leaders Project for training and resources—and help build more inclusive, healing-focused spaces where every child and adult can thrive.



CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]Email: community@polyvagal.org  

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:
Web: TravisGoodmanlmft.com [https://www.travisgoodmanlmft.com/]Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]YouTube: youtube.com/travisgoodman [https://www.youtube.com/travisgoodman]

Supporting All Students in the Classroom & Beyond: A Polyvagal Perspective on Education

In this episode of “Wired for Connection,” host Travis welcomes Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a clinical psychologist and expert in somatic psychology, to talk about the natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve for physical, mental, and emotional health. Dr. Schwartz shares her professional journey—beginning with her personal experience with yoga and anxiety—and how this path led to her deep dive into polyvagal theory and natural mind-body therapies for trauma recovery. Together, they discuss accessible, practical vagus nerve stimulation techniques, the importance of self-compassion in healing, and how therapies like yoga, touch, and movement are essential for regulating the nervous system.

Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation Is Accessible to Everyone:
Dr. Schwartz emphasizes that while there are technological devices for stimulating the vagus nerve, the most accessible—and often equally effective—methods involve practices like breathwork, yoga, self-massage, and gentle touch. These natural tools are free, always available to us, and can play a pivotal role in trauma recovery.

Healing Is Not About ‘Just Calming Down’:
Stimulating the vagus nerve isn’t only about down-regulating or calming the nervous system. It’s about increasing awareness of your nervous system state, meeting yourself with compassion, and developing the flexibility to shift between different states—energizing when needed, calming when needed, and, most importantly, beginning to feel safe in all of them.

Trauma Recovery Requires Patience and Personalization:
Dr. Schwartz encourages meeting yourself or your clients where they are—especially for those who feel disconnected from their bodies due to trauma. Gentle, titrated approaches such as self-applied touch around the face, simple movement, and sensory grounding can help rebuild a positive mind-body relationship. Progress might be slow, and that’s okay; the key is consistency and self-compassion.

If you’re interested in learning more, enroll in "Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Natural Neural Exercises to Enhance Emotional & Physical Health" at the Polyvagal Institute. Live classes start online September 9: www.learning.polyvagal.org/courses/Vagus-Nerve-Stimulation-Natural-Neural-Exercises-to-Enhance-Emotional&Physical-Health

CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]Email: community@polyvagal.org  

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:
Web: TravisGoodmanlmft.com [https://www.travisgoodmanlmft.com/]Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]YouTube: youtube.com/travisgoodman [https://www.youtube.com/travisgoodman]

 Stimulating the Vagus Nerve Naturally with Dr. Arielle Schwartz

In this engaging episode, Dr. Peter Staats—chief medical officer and cofounder of ElectroCore, and a trailblazer in the fields of pain management and neuromodulation—shares his compelling journey and the emerging science that’s reshaping how we approach healing. Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals or surgical intervention, Dr. Staats introduces a transformative model centered on neuromodulation: the use of electrical stimulation to influence bodily systems in targeted, noninvasive ways.

At the heart of this model is the vagus nerve. Known as a master regulator, it plays a crucial role in managing inflammation, stress responses, and emotional well-being. When the vagus nerve isn’t functioning optimally, the body can exhibit a wide range of symptoms—from migraines and digestive issues to depression and fatigue—making it clear that many of our chronic struggles may stem from nervous system dysregulation rather than isolated organ problems.

Learn more about the vagus nerve here: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/vagusnerve

Dr. Staats explores both ancient and modern methods of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). From cold exposure and humming to cutting-edge wearable devices, the tools for nervous system regulation are becoming increasingly accessible. Noninvasive VNS is showing promise for conditions such as depression, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and even sleep disorders—with significantly fewer side effects than traditional drug therapies.

Whether you’re a therapist, coach, or simply someone seeking more integrative approaches to health, this conversation invites a broader lens on healing—one that honors the body’s innate capacity to regulate and repair when given the right support. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep listening for more grounded insights into the science of connection and wholeness.  CONNECT WITH PVI

CONNECT WITH Polyvagal Institute:
WEB: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/]
Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]
LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]Email: community@polyvagal.org  

CONNECT WITH Travis Goodman:
Web: TravisGoodmanlmft.com [https://www.travisgoodmanlmft.com/]Instagram: Travis.Goodman.LMFT [https://www.instagram.com/travis.goodman.lmft/]YouTube: youtube.com/travisgoodman [https://www.youtube.com/travisgoodman]

Revolutionizing Health: Vagus Nerve Stimulation and the Future of Medicine

Wired for Connection is a podcast devoted to sharing information about Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve, in service of our mission to optimize the human experience by creating a safe and connected world.

We highlight guests who share more information on the role the vagus nerve plays in our mental and physical health, alongside stories about their experience with their nervous systems in navigating relatable human experiences.

This podcast is hosted by Polyvagal Institute, an international non-profit organization. Learn more about PVI on our website at www.polyvagalinstitute.org [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/].

Polyvagal Institute

Shows