Vroom Vroom Veer with Jeff Smith
Staci B Navigating Life with Nervous System Regulation
From Staci B's About page:
The stress from complex trauma and undiagnosed neurodivergence, along with serving as a caregiver for over a decade, pushed Staci b’s nervous system into a continuous state of high alert. Determined not to let her fate be eternal survival mode, she embarked on a journey that led her to become a Nervous System Regulation Evangelist.
With hundreds of hours of research under her belt, staci translates complex science into easily digestible information and points the way to valuable resources that empower others to create a nervous system regulation practice that works best for them.
A journalist, author, and speaker, Staci highlights the value of nervous system regulation by openly sharing her own stories, both in person and in The Nervous System: Before and After, an essay series on her Substack, Inanna's Journal.
By providing real-life examples of her own behavior in situations and relationships before she began a nervous system regulation practice and after, she illustrates the depth of the benefits available from this work.
A sought-after podcast guest and speaker, she credits nervous system regulation as the foundation that frees her to live her destiny and not her fate.
Staci B Vroom Vroom Veer Show Summary
Jeff warmly welcomes Staci, who immediately shares a recent unsettling incident—a verbal attack from a stranger, highlighting her ability to handle such events thanks to her tools for nervous system regulation. The conversation naturally delves into the topics of personal security, the usefulness of secondary phone numbers via Google Voice, and strategies to protect one's privacy.
The dialogue continues to unpack Staci’s expertise in nervous system regulation. She shares insights from her own experiences and stresses the significance of understanding and regulating one’s nervous system to improve overall well-being. The hosts discuss the therapeutic practices and the importance of recognizing physiological responses to stress.
Staci also discusses her upcoming book re-release, which invites deeper into the discussion of personal growth, the costs of pursuing dreams, and the challenges and resilience in face of adversity and trauma. Staci explains her role as a "nervous system regulation evangelist," promoting a deeper understanding of self-regulation and advocating for mental health awareness and understanding.
In an extended, heartfelt segment, they explore societal behaviors, personal anecdotes about dealing with life's randomness and unexpected events, and the role that personal regulation plays in healthily managing responses to life’s events. They touch upon the cultural shifts in understanding neurodivergence and the personal and societal impacts of gaining better control over one's nervous responses.
Jeff and Staci’s engaging dialogue, mixed with personal stories and actionable advice, guides the listener through understanding how conscious regulation of the nervous system can not only manage immediate stressors but also lead to a more fulfilling and controlled life path. The episode wraps up encouraging listeners to explore and practice methods of self-regulation, promoting both websites and online communities that focus on supporting individuals in their journey toward better mental health and awareness.
Connections and Links
Staci's Website
Autism Questionnaire
the epigenetics study
Our PolyVagual World by Stephen Porges
The Octopus Movement
Stephen Porges Website