{"podcast":{"title":"How Humans Work Podcast","slug":"how-humans-work-podcast-1330381","podcast_index_feed_id":1330381,"rss_url":"https://feeds.captivate.fm/how-humans-work/","website_url":"HTTPS://howhumanswork.us/episodes","image_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/c6530537-c260-4096-9976-73a268831e74/uHKbO7IMPU2Co6tEhGGf4S0J.png","author":"Jef Szi","episode_count":69,"summary":"Join Jef Szi—renaissance acupuncturist and insatiably curious show host—as he guides us into the labyrinths of human nature. Each season and each episode explores a central theme through conversations with guests from diverse traditions: thinkers like Robert Sapolsky, Deb Dana, and Michael Meade, alongside artists, activists, and explorers such as Luis J. Rodriguez, Orin Carpenter, and Dossie Easton. Together, we uncover personal stories and timeless wisdom—insights that stir, resonate, and inspire. Tune in and journey into the forces that shape who we are and how we live as we navigate the personal and the profound. Consider yourself invited to walk the winding path with the How Humans Work Podcast.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-24T14:18:08.678235+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-humans-work-podcast-1330381"},"episode":{"title":"#44: Deb Dana - The Polyvagal Connection","slug":"44-deb-dana-the-polyvagal-connection","published_at":"2024-12-04T21:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-humans-work-podcast-1330381/44-deb-dana-the-polyvagal-connection","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-humans-work-podcast-1330381","url":"https://howhumanswork.us/episode-44-deb-dana","audio_url":"https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/29a427bd-f05b-4fe0-a2f8-ed715ae77ad9/44-Deb-Dana-The-Polyvagal-Connection-converted.mp3","summary":"Episode Summary Deb Dana L.C.S.W. joins the How Humans Work Podcast to illuminate how our nervous systems dance between the ancient survival responses and the instinct to be in states of connection and safety. As an author, renowned Polyvagal Theory lecturer, Deb expertly and compassionately guides us through the ins-and-outs of Polyvagal Theory (PVT), and how it can help us find a more regulated nervous system. At the core, we explore the powerful, bottom-up role of our vagal nerves play in our ability to find safety and connection. Consequently, this show is also a profound conversation about the role of our nervous systems in healing, relationships, stress, and trauma. Throughout a delightful episode, Deb offers heartfelt insight into our human experience as she emphasizes the need for co-regulation and the impact of trauma on our nervous system responses as well as the intersection of Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory. Together. Finally, we explore how environments and collective aspects challenge the nervous systems across contemporary society. Here Deb highlights the importance of creating safe environments for healing and connection has in changing how society handles. In this episode you will learn: How Polyvagal Theory provides a framework for understanding our nervous system. What Neuroception is and how our nervous system perceives safety and danger through neuroception. What the vagus nerve is and how it plays a crucial role in regulating our emotional states. Why Regulation is essential for accessing curiosity, play, and connection. The difference between Stress and Trauma responses, and how we can work with them. How the vagal break helps manage heart rate and emotional responses. Why understanding the nervous system can lead to more effective…","meta_description":"Episode Summary Deb Dana L.C.S.W. joins the How Humans Work Podcast to illuminate how our nervous systems dance between the ancient survival responses and…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3745,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/how-humans-work-podcast-1330381/episodes/44-deb-dana-the-polyvagal-connection/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/how-humans-work-podcast-1330381/44-deb-dana-the-polyvagal-connection.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}