Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast

About 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/).

Publisher

Polyvagal Institute

Category

education · health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Mar 2025

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   Why Your Body Stays Stuck in Survival Mode | Dr. Stephen Porges

   Why can your body stay on high alert even after the danger has passed—and why can relaxing sometimes feel unsafe? Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of Polyvagal Theory, returns to Wired for Connection to explore trauma, nervous system regulation, and the role of safety and connection. We discuss why trauma responses can persist, how shame can grow when we expect ourselves to simply "think our way out," and how experiences of safety may help create room for change. Drawing on his book, Polyvagal Talks: Clinicians and Scientists in Dialogue with Stephen Porges, Steve reflects on the relationships that shaped his work with Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, Pat Ogden, Deb Dana, and others. We also explore the limits of nervous system "hacks," why resilience includes recovery, and how everyday moments—sharing a meal, hearing a reassuring voice, or reconnecting after a challenge—can become opportunities for connection. Order your copy of the book here.  [https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324083986?promo=20PTPVI]

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Finding Joy After Trauma with MaryCatherine McDonald

   A conversation with MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD, on the relationship between joy, trauma, and the nervous system — and why healing isn't about pushing past pain, but about making joy feel safe again. We cover: • Why the trauma response is never wrong, and how shame blocks healing • Why joy can feel unsafe or inaccessible after trauma • The six "joy thieves" that quietly steal joy from daily life • How joy helps regulate the nervous system, restoring safety and connection • What to do when even a tiny joy practice feels fake or uncomfortable • Why joy work is a real healing practice, not toxic positivity MaryCatherine McDonald is a research professor and life coach who specializes in the psychology and philosophy of trauma. CONNECT with the Polyvagal Institute: www.polyvagalinstitute.org [http://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/] @PolyvagalInstitute community@polyvagal.org

3. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Deb Dana on Repairing Relationships After Conflict

   Deb Dana, LCSW, is one of our keynote presenters at the 2026 PVI International Gathering in Sitges, Spain. Secure your spot, either virtually or in-person, here! [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/2026polyvagalconference] She is also a Co-Founder of the Polyvagal Institute. In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman sits down with Polyvagal Theory expert, clinician, and author Deb Dana to explore relationship rupture and repair through the lens of the nervous system. Deb explains why even small moments of disconnection can register in the nervous system, how fight, flight, shutdown, and dysregulation affect conflict, and why meaningful relationship repair requires enough nervous system regulation to access curiosity, courage, and connection. We explore how Polyvagal Theory can help us understand conflict in relationships, trauma triggers, emotional shutdown, broken trust, co-regulation, neuroception, nervous system regulation, and the process of rebuilding safe connection. Deb also explains why healthy relationships are not relationships without rupture. The ability to recognize disconnection and find your way back through repair can strengthen trust and attachment over time. 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/]

Who has been a guest on Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Peter Levine
• Michael Allison
• Judith Herman
• Janina Fisher
• Ruby Jo Walker

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

371,023

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

19 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

97

YouTube

86

Engagement

85

Contact Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast