#WiseGirl: Dr. Bruce Perry, Neuroscientist & Child Trauma Expert

Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and child psychiatrist, Principal Member of the Neurosequential Model Network and the Senior Fellow at the Child Trauma Academy in Houston, Texas. He is also the author of best-selling book, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook--What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing, and also published Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential--and Endangered. Both are co-authored with journalist Maria Szalavitz.



In our wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Perry goes deep into explaining the brain’s architecture and neuroplasticity: why the first two months of an infant’s life are incredibly impactful across an individual’s lifetime, creating pathways for later helpful or harmful behaviors to self or others. He also discusses how current models of mental health may be adapted to effectively treat trauma at its roots. Dr. Perry also explains the implications of untreated trauma on our greater collective wellbeing, how regulated embodiment can be transformative healing, and the role curiosity, joy and love in growing care, community and connection.

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Dr. Perry is the Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy a Community of Practice based in Houston, TX and Professor (Adjunct) in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago andthe School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria  Australia.



https://www.bdperry.com/

https://www.neurosequential.com/

http://childtrauma.org/

#WiseGirl, Dr. Stephen Porges: Polyvagal Theory, Trauma, Safety/Intimacy...

In today's #WiseGirl video podcast, I talk with Dr. Stephen Porges, Distinguished University Scientist at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University Bloomington and Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.

His research has highlighted how our mammalian (human) autonomic nervous system controls the reactions and behaviors of people affected by a wide-range of traumatic experiences. We discuss safety, defensive reactions and deep listening, why texting too much isn't good for mammals, and what our physiology and traumas large and "small" have to tell us about our deepest selves, spirits, and connection with one another. We also discuss his "Safe and Sound Protocol" (SSP), which is now available for professional use.  

http://stephenporges.com/

#WiseGirl, Dr. Stephen Porges: Polyvagal Theory, Trauma, Safety/Intimacy...

In today's #WiseGirl video podcast, I talk with Dr. Stephen Porges, Distinguished University Scientist at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University Bloomington and Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.

His research has highlighted how our mammalian (human) autonomic nervous system controls the reactions and behaviors of people affected by a wide-range of traumatic experiences. We discuss safety, defensive reactions and deep listening, why texting too much isn't good for mammals, and what our physiology and traumas large and "small" have to tell us about our deepest selves, spirits, and connection with one another. We also discuss his "Safe and Sound Protocol" (SSP), which is now available for professional use.  

http://stephenporges.com/

Francesca Maximé – BHNN Guest Podcast – Ep. 30 – The Depth of the Moment...

#WiseGirl: Dr. Vincent Felitti, on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE sc...

In today's #WiseGirl video podcast, I sit down with Dr. Vincent Felitti, who researched and came up with the well-known, evidence-based Adverse Childhood Experiences Study - a series of questions leading to an "ACE" score of 1-10, exploring traumatic childhood events that can either contribute to emotional, physical, or mental unwellness or wellbeing over a person's lifetime. We talk about the implications of the study, medically, psychologically, and spiritually, and how clinicians, physicians, and the media could help. Our conversation intersects with explorations into early caregivers and attachment theory, mindfulness, physical health and addictive/compulsive behaviors. Learn more at https://acestoohigh.com/2012/10/03/the-adverse-childhood-experiences-study-the-largest-most-important-public-health-study-you-never-heard-of-began-in-an-obesity-clinic/  and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_Childhood_Experiences_Study

#WiseGirl: Mark Matousek, Bestselling Author, Writer

#WiseGirl: Mark Matousek, Bestselling Author, Writer

#WiseGirl: Bruce Ecker, MA, LMFT: Memory Reconsolidation

In today’s #WiseGirl video podcast, I chat with psychotherapist Bruce Ecker, MA, LMFT, co-originator of Coherence Therapy and coauthor of Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Eliminating Symptoms at Their Roots Using Memory Reconsolidation. 

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What’s enlightenment, anyway? That’s one of the things I’ve been curious about for some time. The new neuroscience research that’s emerged in just the last 1-2 decades shows how subcortical synaptic changes in the brain can enable some people to be rid of issues that have plagued them for years, once and for all.  While explicit autobiographical memories of life experiences remain, after these synaptic changes take place — here known as memory reconsolidation — people who’ve gone through the process don’t end up reacting with the same patterns and locked into the same “triggered” emotion or feeling that’s bothered them for years. They can relate to it differently, from where they are, right here, right now. How does this happen? It’s a process that can occur spontaneously, either in the therapist’s office or in “regular life,” but it’s also one that can be accessed by following certain protocols. While acknowledging that many therapeutic theoretical models can and support these critical subcortical changes, Ecker offers a set of steps that fosters these transformations, known as Coherence Therapy, and discusses how the process works with me on #WiseGirl.

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Bruce Ecker, MA, LMFT is also the author of Depth Oriented Brief Therapy: How To Be Brief When You Were Trained To Be Deep and Vice Versa. Clarifying how transformational change takes place is the central theme of Bruce Ecker's clinical career, and he has contributed many innovations in concepts and methods of experiential psychotherapy. Since 2006 he has driven the clinical field's recognition of memory reconsolidation as the core process of transformational change and has developed the application of this brain research breakthrough to advancements in therapeutic effectiveness and psychotherapy integration. Bruce is a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops internationally, has taught extensively in clinical graduate programs, and is in private practice near San Francisco, California.

https://www.coherencetherapy.org/

#WiseGirl: Law Professor Rhonda Magee, on Mindfulness, Inquiry

In today’s #WiseGirl video podcast, I talk with Law Professor Rhonda Magee. We discuss mindfulness, social justice, the process of inquiry, systemic and judicial oppression and liberation, and where opportunity lies in personal mindfulness practice as well as in opening to the larger picture of our shared, relational being. 

https://twitter.com/rvmagee

https://www.usfca.edu/law/faculty/rhonda-magee 

http://www.mindfulnessinamericasummit.com/

BIO: Rhonda V. Magee (M.A., J.D.) is Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, and is an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader on integrating Mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice.  A Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute, she is a member of the Board of Advisors of the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness and the Board of Directors for the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute.  

Professor Magee is the author of numerous articles, including Educating Lawyers to Meditate? 79 UMKC L. Rev. 535 (2011);  The Way of ColorInsight: Understanding Race and Law Effectively Using Mindfulness-Based ColorInsight Practices, 8 Georgetown J. of Mod. Crit. Race Perspectives 251 (2016); and of a forthcoming book on Mindfulness and Social Justice to be published by TarcherPerigee, a member of the Penguin Random House Group.

Other resources mentioned: 

www.whiteawake.org

www.ruthking.net

http://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/

#WiseGirl: Ruth King/Francesca Maxime “Mindful of Race: Transforming Rac...

In this #WiseGirl podcast, I engage in conversation with Ruth King, author of Mindful of Race: Transforming Race from the Inside Out. Ruth shares her deep wisdom and compassionate heart, the ways in which mindfulness practice can serve as an anchor in exploring the topic of race, membership in different identity groups, the benefits of establishing a Racial Affinity Group, and more. www.ruthking.net

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Ruth King is an international teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, and an emotional wisdom author and life coach. She is on the Teacher's Council at Insight Meditation Community of Washington and Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and is the founder of Mindful Members Insight Meditation Community in Charlotte, NC.
In former years, King managed training and organizational development divisions at Levi Strauss and Intel corporations where she designed diversity awareness programs and consulted to leaders on cultural change initiatives, including the behavioral implications of mergers and acquisitions. A world traveler, King’s work has been influenced by many cultures, and is often described as “ceremony.” Her intuitive methods, knowledge, and skills weave the fields of Western psychology, Buddhist philosophy, leadership development, mindfulness meditation, and fun!
Currently recognized as a trainer of trainers and consultant to consultants, King offers teaches the Mindful of Race Training and Facilitation programs, which blends mindfulness principles and meditation with an exploration of our racial conditioning, its impact, and our potential. Both dynamic and compassionate, King speaks to the heart of her audiences with authenticity and joy. www.ruthking.net

#WiseGirl: Dr. Dan Siegel, psychiatrist & author, AWARE: The Science & P...

In the latest #WiseGirl Francesca Maxime: WiseGirl video, I speak with esteemed psychiatrist and NYT-bestselling author Dr. Dan Siegel, about his latest book, AWARE: The Science and Practice of Presence, to be released August 21st. In our conversation, Dan explains the power of the Wheel of Awareness practice (offered for free on his website http://www.drdansiegel.com/) and how focused attention, open awareness, kind intention can help reveal a plane of possibility within each one of us many describe as a peaceful, loving, spacious arena internally that's able to connect, care, and relate to others in new ways. Dan explains the science -- including the quantum vacuum - and 10,000-person research study behind his findings, as well as the implications for each of us and how we inter-relate to our "MWe" - the me/we connection with the broader world. Enjoy!

#WiseGirl: Heath Fogg Davis, PhD, Author: Beyond Trans: Does Gender Matter

In today's #WiseGirl video, I talk  with Heath Fogg Davis, PhD, the author of Beyond Trans: Does Gender Matter? Davis is the Director of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies at Temple University. In our wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the difference between sex and gender, we explore the definition of trans, we look at ways in which we can begin to look at and be mindful of our own beliefs around gender, examine what it can mean to be gender-fluid, look into what individuals and organizations can do to promote greater equality for all, and more. https://heathfoggdavis.com/ #trans #transgender #gender

#WiseGirl: Oglala Lakota & Chicano journalist Simon Moya-Smith

Oglala Lakota & Chicano journalist and activist Simon Moya-Smith joins me on #WiseGirl to talk about what we need to know about our history with Native American and Indigenous peoples, cultural appropriation, mascots and sports teams, and more. You can follow Moya-Smith at: https://twitter.com/SimonMoyaSmith, read his work here: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/native-american-teens-pulled-college-tour-are-latest-victims-push-ncna871981 and find out more about current events around Native peoples at https://twitter.com/hashtag/NativeTwitter

WiseGirl: Rob Okun, Editor & Publisher of Pro-Feminist Men's Magazine 'V...

In today's #WiseGirl, I chat with Rob Okun, Editor and Publisher of the Pro-Feminist Men's Magazine,  Voice Male Magazine. Rob's been at this work for 40 years. We talk about what even is the definition of masculinities, pro-feminist men or patriarchy? We also talk about #MeToo, mass schootings, victim blaming, bystander intervention, consent v. entitlement, and intimacy and emotional expression as it relates to equality. Basically, we talk about why equality, vulnerability and intimacy are just as good for men as they are for women. To learn more about Rob, the magazine/book, and the other groups he works with, please visit: https://robokun.net/ and https://voicemalemagazine.org/

#WiseGirl: Dwayne Hayes, Editor of STAND: The Magazine for Men Who Give ...

In today's #WiseGirl video, I speak with the Editor in Chief of the new pro-feminist men's magazine, STAND: The Magazine for Men Who Give a Damn. Dwayne Hayes talks about his own struggle with depression, how he's learned to be a better husband and father, how men can learn to be more in touch with their emotions and still be "men," and more. From their website: "STAND magazine takes a stand for a balanced and whole-hearted masculinity that embraces the expression of emotion as strength, promotes a healthy body, mind & spirit, appreciates style & good humor, and seeks to shape a world of peace for all." http://www.stand-magazine.com/

#WiseGirl: Dwayne Hayes, Editor of STAND: The Magazine for Men Who Give ...

In today's #WiseGirl video, I speak with the Editor in Chief of the new pro-feminist men's magazine, STAND: The Magazine for Men Who Give a Damn. Dwayne talks about his own struggle with depression, how he's learned to be a better husband and father, how men can learn to be more in touch with their emotions and still be "men," and more. From their website: "STAND magazine takes a stand for a balanced and whole-hearted masculinity that embraces the expression of emotion as strength, promotes a healthy body, mind & spirit, appreciates style & good humor, and seeks to shape a world of peace for all." http://www.stand-magazine.com/

#WiseGirl: Mark Epstein, M.D. discusses the ego, psychotherapy, Buddhism...

In today's #WiseGirl video, I had the pleasure of speaking with bestselling author and psychiatrist Dr. Mark Epstein: we discuss everything from attachment theory and the ego, the role of prescription drugs in psychiatric treatment, Buddhism, and among other things, what is enlightenment, anyway? http://markepsteinmd.com/

#WiseGirl: Dr. Loizzo, Founder & Director: Nalanda Institute for Conte...

In today's #WiseGirl episode, I have the pleasure of being in conversation with the incredibly intelligent, wise, and compassionate  Dr. Joe Loizzo of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science: a community for contemplative science education, mentoring and practice based out of Manhattan. In our exchange, we discuss the intersection of western psychology with eastern contemplative traditions, the value in a well-regulated nervous system, and how powerful personal practices can assist in our ability to contribute to a world that needs our help.

#WiseGirl: Lama Surya Das, bestselling author, Tibetan lineage holder, t...

On this episode of #WiseGirl, Lama Surya Das joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about meditation, mindfulness, how to really be "in" your life, and how to ride the waves of it without drowning.

Lama Surya Das is one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers and scholars, one of the main interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, and a leading spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism. The Dalai Lama affectionately calls him “The Western Lama.”

Surya has spent over forty five years studying Zen, vipassana, yoga, and Tibetan Buddhism with the great masters of Asia, including the Dalai Lama’s own teachers, and has twice completed the traditional three year meditation cloistered retreat at his teacher’s Tibetan monastery. He is an authorized lama and lineage holder in the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism, and a close personal disciple of the leading grand lamas of that tradition. He is the founder of the Dzogchen Center and Foundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and its branch centers around the country. www.surya.org

#WiseGirl: Sex Educator

#WiseGirl: Sex educator Emily Nagoski, PhD, author of Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, joins me for a wide-ranging conversation that includes an explanation of the difference between responsive v. spontaneous desire, how context and overall wellbeing influence sex and satisfaction, and the role of mindfulness in and outside the bedroom. Plus, we get to hear about her forthcoming book, Burnout, which tackles the subjects #MeToo and #TimesUp have put on the front page: patriarchy and misogyny. http://www.emilynagoski.com/ Plus her amazing new 2018 #TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_nagoski_the_truth_about_unwanted_arousal