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

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

 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

Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]

LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]

Email: community@polyvagal.org

Revolutionizing Health: Vagus Nerve Stimulation and the Future of Medicine

In this episode of Wired for Connection, BG Mancini, a neuro integrative medicine provider, discusses the intricate relationship between gut health, the nervous system, and emotional well-being with host Travis. BG shares her insights on the impacts of stress on the microbiome and how it can lead to inflammation, affecting both physical and emotional health.

3 Key Takeaways:

 1. The Brain-Gut Axis: BG emphasizes the critical link between our gut and brain. Stress can erode the microbiome's lining, leading to inflammation that acts as an alarm system. This inflammation can affect brain function and emotional regulation, highlighting the importance of gut health in our overall well-being.
 2. Importance of Diversity in Diet: Introducing a variety of fibers and whole foods into our diet can significantly enhance gut health. BG suggests that diversity in what we eat supports a robust microbiome, which in turn aids in better digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting a balanced mental state.
 3. Tailored Approaches to Health Improvement: BG introduces the concept of starting small, with manageable changes that can lead to significant health benefits. Whether it's through dietary adjustments, physical activity, or sensory modifications, finding an entry point that suits an individual's current lifestyle is crucial.

Explore and become more conscious of your body's signals and start small with integrating healthier habits. Consider checking out BG Mancini’s upcoming course to dive deeper into gut health, emotional resilience, and nervous system function for more tailored guidance.

These insights underline the importance of understanding the linkage between our physiological state and our mental health, encouraging a more integrated approach to well-being.



CONNECT WITH PVI

Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]

LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]

Email: community@polyvagal.org

Our Gut-Brain Connection & How it Relates to Polyvagal Theory

In this episode of "Wired for Connection," Travis hosts Deb Dana and Stephen Porges, who discuss the origins and developments of the Polyvagal Theory and its applications in therapeutic settings. Here are three key takeaways from their conversation:

 1. Polyvagal Theory's Impact on Therapy: The theory revolutionized understanding of trauma by introducing concepts like neuroception and the body's hierarchical response to threats. Its focus on embodying therapeutic principles rather than creating a strict protocol allows for flexibility and integration in various therapeutic models.
 2. The Power of Co-regulation: Stephen and Deb emphasize the importance of co-regulation in therapy and daily interactions. By being present and accessible, therapists and individuals can create a safe space that fosters healing and connection. This extends beyond therapy, influencing relationships and societal interactions.
 3. Embracing Evolution and Community: The conversation highlights the significance of the Polyvagal family, a growing community of practitioners and individuals applying these principles globally. This community supports the evolution of understanding by sharing experiences and expanding the theory's applications.

Explore how Polyvagal Theory can be integrated into your personal and professional life. Consider how the principles of co-regulation and accessibility might enhance your interactions and support your well-being. Engage with the Polyvagal community to share insights and further the development of these transformative ideas.



CONNECT WITH PVI

Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]

LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]

Email: community@polyvagal.org

A Polyvagal Primer: The Story of Polyvagal Institute and the Basics of Polyvagal Theory

"Wired for Connection" is a podcast that delves into Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in our autonomic nervous system. Hosted by Travis and produced by the Polyvagal Institute, this podcast brings together experts from various fields such as therapy, psychology, and somatic practices to discuss how our nervous system influences our daily lives and relationships.

Here is what to expect:

 1. Understanding Polyvagal Theory: The podcast focuses on Polyvagal Theory, which highlights the significance of the autonomic nervous system and the vagus nerve in shifting our states and affecting behaviors and relationships.
 2. Diverse Expert Insights: The episodes feature insights from therapists, psychologists, trauma-informed specialists, and more, who are incorporating polyvagal principles to enhance understanding and connection.
 3. Fostering Inclusivity and Co-regulation: The aim is to create safe environments where listeners can learn about co-regulation and navigate the human experience together, fostering inclusivity and connectedness.
 4. Stay updated on new episodes and polyvagal insights by following the podcast on social media. For inquiries or more information, contact the team at community@polyvagal.org. Thank you for tuning in and joining this journey towards a more connected world.

CONNECT WITH PVI

Instagram: @polyvagalinstitute [https://www.instagram.com/polyvagalinstitute/]

LinkedIn: polyvagal-institute [https://www.linkedin.com/company/polyvagal-institute]

Email: community@polyvagal.org

Welcome to Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast

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

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