Mindset Neuroscience Podcast Summary

Episode: Our Brain as a Liberation Technology: how to free our mind from our past
Host: Stefanie Faye
Date: July 30, 2025

Overview of the Episode

In this brief solo episode, Stefanie Faye offers a science-based exploration of neuroplasticity and trauma recovery, highlighting actionable strategies to enhance resilience, self-regulation, and innovation through understanding how the brain can be rewired. Drawing from her background in neuroscience, trauma research, and coaching, Stefanie discusses how trauma shapes brain-body circuitry and how intentional, embodied practices can help us update our "internal technology"—regardless of our past. The episode serves as an audio adaptation of her latest article, aiming to provide listeners with hope and practical tools during the podcast’s summer break.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Science of Trauma and Neuroplasticity

• Trauma is not just a mental story:
  • Trauma is described as “a pattern embedded into the circuitry of our brain body system.” ([02:14])
  • It often manifests as “invisible patterns of stress or dysregulation or being stuck in old reactions.”
  • Quote: “Neuroscience is showing us that the brain is not necessarily completely fixed by our past, but it can be actively shaped by what we do in the present.” ([02:47])
• Trauma’s impact on the brain:
  • Experiences such as “high-risk caregiving,” neglect, abuse, or tragedy can lead to overactive circuits related to “fear, vigilance and self-protection.” This can make calm and connection harder to access ([04:07]).

2. Neuroplasticity: Rewiring in Action

• Brain patterns aren’t destiny:
  • “These patterns don’t have to predict our destiny. Through intentional experiences, we can create new connections and help soften old ones.” ([04:52])
• Importance of embodied change:
  • Real, lasting change isn’t just about changing thoughts. “It’s not enough to simply think differently...Real change requires movement and engaging the body and the senses.” ([06:02])
  • Movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness are necessary for effective nervous system regulation ([06:34]).

3. Science-Based Tools to Support Neuroplasticity

Stefanie offers a toolbox of strategies to support rewiring the brain and nervous system:

• Micro Movements and Sensory Rituals

  • Deliberately slowing breath and movements (e.g. hand gestures while talking, eating, typing).
  • Noticing and pausing to sense bodily sensations—these are “pattern interrupts,” crucial for building new neural architecture ([08:24]).
  • “This kind of deliberate and slower movement helps activate self-awareness related types of circuits in the brain and inhibitory control mechanisms...” ([08:37])

• Social Safety and Attunement

  • Safe, attuned relationships foster co-regulation via the brain’s social engagement system ([09:40]).

• Curiosity and Play

  • Engaging in play, creativity, and spontaneous social interaction activates approach-oriented networks, creating more openness and flexibility ([10:15]).

• Consistency and Repetition

  • “Patterned repetition” is the only way to build new neural circuits; the brain must “allocate resources” when something happens enough times ([12:07]).

4. Tracking Micro-Transformations: The Power of Incremental Change

• Micro progress, victories, and wins:
  • Growth happens in “tiny micro moments” and is fundamentally incremental, not all-or-nothing ([13:21]).
  • Quote: “It is really good for activating motivational circuitry and the different neurochemicals that get us to feel a little bit more excited to keep trying and to keep getting up the next day and trying something else.” ([17:19])
• Suggested experiment:
  • Each day, notice a habitual reaction (to people, situations, thoughts or body sensations).
  • Pause, ask what your body is telling you, and try a tiny shift (e.g. breath, movement) as a “pattern interrupt” ([14:31])
  • Track mini-shifts to build evidence for self-efficacy and brain change.

Memorable Quotes

• “Trauma is not simply a story stored in the mind. It’s a pattern embedded into the circuitry of our brain body system.” — Stefanie Faye ([02:15])
• “The brain is not necessarily completely fixed by our past, but it can be actively shaped by what we do in the present.” ([02:47])
• “It’s not enough to simply think differently. Real change requires movement and engaging the body and the senses.” ([06:02])
• “Micro progress, micro victories, mini wins ... that is showing you that you are learning. Your brain body system is actually learning a new pattern.” ([13:41])
• “The beauty of noticing micro progress is that it becomes self-reaffirming evidence that you are able to reshape your present and reshape some patterns.” ([16:47])

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• 00:09 – Short update, episode context, and summer break announcement
• 01:29 – Introduction to trauma as a brain-body pattern, not just a psychological story
• 04:07 – How trauma manifests in neural circuits and impacts everyday behavior/safety
• 06:02 – Embodiment and the limitations of “just thinking differently”
• 08:24 – Practical strategies: micro movements, breath, and the importance of slow, deliberate action
• 10:15 – Role of play, curiosity, and social interaction in brain rewiring
• 12:07 – The necessity of repetition and tracking micro-victories; the science of incremental change
• 14:31 – Reflective experiment: daily awareness and micro-pattern interrupts
• 17:19 – Motivational impact of noticing small shifts

Tone and Language

Stefanie’s tone throughout is gentle, exploratory, and supportive. She weaves science and actionable insight with encouragement, always emphasizing that meaningful change is possible through small, repeated actions, and that neuroscience offers real hope beyond simply “thinking positive.”

Episode Takeaways

• Trauma is deeply embodied but, thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain and nervous system can be rewired with intention and repetition.
• Small shifts matter – micro-movements and subtle experiments are foundational for long-term change.
• Social safety, play, and movement are powerful regulators that support resilience and learning.
• Track your micro-victories to build confidence and reinforce growth mindset.
• The process is incremental and ongoing—but every small experiment counts.

For more resources, including articles and upcoming videos, check out Stefanie’s website and YouTube channel.