The Mel Robbins Podcast

Episode: Do THIS Every Day to Rewire Your Brain From Stress and Anxiety

Date: April 27, 2026
Host: Mel Robbins
Guest: Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

Episode Overview

In this powerful and practical episode, Mel Robbins sits down with renowned pediatrician, author, and former California Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, to reveal how childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) wire our brains and bodies for a lifetime of stress, anxiety, and reactivity—and, crucially, how anyone can use simple, evidence-based daily strategies to “rewire” their brain and calm their nervous system. Together, Mel and Dr. Burke Harris break down the science behind trauma, the “buffering” practices that heal us, and a roadmap for creating healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Redefining Trauma and Understanding ACEs

• Trauma is not just the event, but the body's ongoing biological response to a stressor.
  • Dr. Burke Harris clarifies: “At its core, trauma is the biological response to overwhelming stress... It's actually the body's reaction to that stress.” (08:23)
  • Mel shares her long-held confusion, realizing “trauma is your body’s response to the thing that happened, and not only in the moment... but that it continues to respond in similar ways.” (08:39)
• Top 10 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include: