Stuck Not Broken

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  The Shutdown State: Dorsal Vagal Collapse 22.07.2026 13Min.

  Sometimes the body's answer to too much isn't panic, it's the opposite: going quiet, going numb, wanting to disappear. That's shutdown, the bottom of the Polyvagal ladder, and it's where a lot of what gets called depression actually lives. Here's what it feels like from the inside, why your body would ever reach for it, and the slow, gentle way back up. No pushing through, no forcing it.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB mid-roll 2SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  The Fight or Flight State: Polyvagal Theory 14.07.2026 20Min.

  Anxiety and anger can feel like opposites, but they are two sides of the same state. Fight or flight is your sympathetic nervous system mobilizing to protect you: flight shows up as anxiety and worry, fight as anger and irritability. This one is about what that state feels like, what it looks like in a person's face, breath, and voice, and why a system built for short bursts can leave you feeling stuck when it stays switched on. Courtney's story picks back up here too, and the day takes a turn.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  The Safety State: The Top of the Polyvagal Ladder 07.07.2026 14Min.

  Safety is the state where life feels workable. Not perfect, just manageable. It's the top of the ladder and the place we're all reaching for, so this episode is about what it actually feels like in your body, what it looks like on someone's face and in their voice, and what it really takes to get there. You'll also meet Courtney, whose story we follow throughout the states from here.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  Functional Freeze: Why You're On Edge but Also Distant 02.07.2026 13Min.

  You're getting things done. Answering texts, making dinner, showing up. But underneath it you feel wired and flat at the same time, like you're watching your own life through a foot of glass. That's functional freeze: your gas and your brake pressed at once, and "functional" just means you're still getting through the day while it runs. In this episode I break down what freeze actually is, how it's different from burnout, depression, and shutdown, why the two obvious moves (pushing through and checking out) both backfire, and one small orienting practice you can try today to let the brake come off a little.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Story Follows State: Why Your Thoughts Aren't Random 30.06.2026 10Min.

  Ever notice your thoughts get meaner when you feel bad, and softer when you feel good? That's not a coincidence, and it's not a flaw in you. "Story follows state" means the story in your head comes out of the state your body is in, not the other way around. Once you catch it happening in real time, a dark story starts to lose its grip.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  Neuroception for Beginners: Polyvagal Theory 23.06.2026 25Min.

  Ever notice your thoughts get meaner when you feel bad, and softer when you feel good? That's not a coincidence, and it's not a flaw in you. "Story follows state" means the story in your head comes out of the state your body is in, not the other way around.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  Deb Dana's Polyvagal Ladder 16.06.2026 18Min.

  You can't just decide to calm down, sorry to say. The Polyvagal Ladder is a simple metaphor for how your nervous system moves: safety at the top, fight-or-flight in the middle, shutdown at the bottom, one rung at a time. Once you can see which rung you're on, a lot of the reactions you've beaten yourself up over start to make sense, and stop feeling like proof that something's wrong with you.the Polyvagal Current - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/polyvagal-current👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  The Autonomic Nervous System, and the Polyvagal Theory (Explained Simply) 09.06.2026 8Min.

  You don't decide to beat your heart, take your next breath, or digest your lunch. Something else runs all of that, every second, without checking in with you. That's your autonomic nervous system. This episode breaks down what Polyvagal Theory is in plain language and how it questions the old "sympathetic vs. parasympathetic" idea.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.✅ Crisis resources:National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for an emergencyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Challenging Your Paradigm: The Shift in Thinking Before the Science 08.06.2026 23Min.

  "That's bulls***." That was my honest first reaction, back in 2018, to the work I now build my entire career around.In this episode of the Stuck Not Broken audiobook, I invite you to challenge your paradigm:How I came to Polyvagal Theory, and nearly dismissed itWhat a paradigm is, and why you need a new one before the science can landThe urge most of us feel to skip ahead to the fix, and why there isn't one to skip to👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  What's My Story? Where Your Unstucking Begins 08.06.2026 15Min.

  What if the stories you tell yourself about your worth, your past, and how you got here aren't the whole truth, and you're still the one holding the pen?This is Episode 1 of the Stuck Not Broken audiobook: Book 1 - Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm. We start by questioning the stories you have about yourself and open the possibility of a new one.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Season 2: Full Audiobook - Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm 08.06.2026 1Min.

  After seven years and nearly 300 episodes, I'm trying something I don't think anyone else is doing: giving you all of my Polyvagal Theory knowledge, directly. And free.Season 2 of the Stuck Not Broken podcast is different from the regular show. It's the full audiobook of my first book, Stuck Not Broken: Book 1 - Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm, read chapter by chapter, right here in the feed. No book to buy. No course. Just the whole thing.If you've ever wanted to actually understand your nervous system, what it's doing and why, this is the place to start. By the end of the audiobook, you'll have written a new, simple self-narrative and be ready for the next phase of your unstucking journey. No quick fixes. No hacks. No gimmicks.👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you:👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademyThis and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)
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  What Is a "Gentle Rebel"? A Conversation on Creativity and Sensitivity with Andy Mort 21.05.2026 1Std. 6Min.

  What does it mean to be a "gentle rebel" — and how does creativity fit in? In this episode, I talk with Andy Mort of The Haven community about rebellion as openness rather than aggression, why highly sensitive people often need space and safety to access their creative voice, and how creativity is less about the finished product and more about the ongoing process of becoming yourself. We get into the difference between self-soothing and self-expression, the role of constraints in creative work, why unsolicited criticism rarely helps, and how to take a small, honest first step toward reconnecting with what moves you. If you've ever felt like the "should" of creativity has crowded out the joy of it, this one's for you.🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Naming Your StucknessNot sure which stuck state you're in? That's normal, and more common than you'd think. I made a free page that lays the stuck states out in plain language so you can find words for what you're experiencing. No quiz, no email just to look: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=dynamic_spot&utm_campaign=stuck-page
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  You're Meditating Wrong (Here's How) 12.05.2026 14Min.

  If you've ever sat down to meditate and felt like you were failing at it, this episode is for you. In this special episode, I read a section from my new book, Stuck Not Broken Book Three, on why most people are meditating wrong — and what to do instead. We'll get into:What meditation actually is through a nervous system lensWhy "clearing your mind" misses the point entirelyHow rejecting the present moment sabotages your practiceWhy quality matters far more than quantityWhat realistic, incremental progress looks likeMeditation isn't about forcing your thoughts to stop or sitting still for 30 minutes. It's about connecting with your internal experience of the present moment — whatever it brings.📘 Get Stuck Not Broken Book Three (and books one and two): https://stucknotbroken.com/books🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Stoicism & Your Nervous System: How to Practice Amor Fati (Loving Your Fate) with Erick Cloward 23.04.2026 50Min.

  In this episode, Justin Sunseri sits down with Erick Cloward, host of the Stoic Coffee Break podcast, for a deep dive into the Stoic practice of Amor Fati, or "loving your fate." Learn how to connect ancient Stoic wisdom with modern nervous system science. Erick and Justin discuss how to use principles from Stoicism and Polyvagal Theory to practice self-regulation, manage anxiety, and build emotional strength.Discover how to stop fighting reality and instead find power in accepting what is. This conversation explores how to embrace your emotions, turn obstacles into opportunities, and live a more virtuous, regulated life.➡️ Learn more from Erick Cloward:Stoic Coffee Break Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StoicCoffee"Stoicism 101" Book: https://www.amazon.com/Stoicism-101-Epictetus-Essential-Philosophy/dp/1507223579Build an Unbreakable Mind Program: https://stoic.coffee/unbreakable/🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Naming Your StucknessNot sure which stuck state you're in? That's normal, and more common than you'd think. I made a free page that lays the stuck states out in plain language so you can find words for what you're experiencing. No quiz, no email just to look: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=dynamic_spot&utm_campaign=stuck-page
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  The Polyvagal Bandwagon Is Dying (And I Love It) 06.04.2026 40Min.

  The Polyvagal Theory has transformed how we understand the nervous system—but somewhere along the way, it became a wellness industry bandwagon. In this episode, I'm breaking down how a legitimate scientific framework got diluted into oversimplified soundbites, and why that matters for your actual healing.🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  You Can't Love Someone Out of Shutdown: the Partner's Guide to Love & Self-Regulation 31.03.2026 26Min.

  When your partner is in shutdown, you're not just watching it happen—you're in it too. This episode is for the partners who feel like they're losing their person, who don't understand what's happening, and who wonder if they're making it worse. In this episode, I break down:What shutdown actually looks like (and why it's not a choice)What you CAN'T control (and why that matters)4 concrete ways to influence the situation without trying to fix them The myth of co-regulation and what it actually means How to regulate yourself so you can show up differently Why healthy boundaries aren't selfish—they're essentialWhat your real job is as a partner in shutdownThe invisible pain on both sides is real. You're not failing. You're not weak. And you're not alone.🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
• 
  Does EMDR Actually Work? (What the Research Says) 24.03.2026 28Min.

  EMDR is everywhere — but do you know what's actually helpful? Or if it is at all? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has become one of the most talked-about trauma treatments around. But most people — and, honestly, many therapists — reduce it to one image: a finger waving in someone's face. That shorthand is costing people clarity about what's actually working. In this episode, Justin Sunseri breaks down what EMDR really is beyond the eye movements, what the research actually says about its effectiveness, and — more importantly — what the science says is doing the heavy lifting when it works. In this episode: The 8-phase structure of EMDR (and where bilateral stimulation actually shows up) What happens when you compare EMDR to other trauma therapies 4 common factors that explain most of therapy's results — across every modality What dismantling studies reveal about eye movements specifically The "Toe Curling" thought experiment that puts it all in perspective Why the research has real weaknesses — and what that means for you What to actually look for in a therapist or healing approach🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Links to research: APA and EMDR - https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/ptsd.pdf WHO and EMDR - https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/treatment-care/mental-health-gap-action-programme/evidence-centre/conditions-related-to-stress/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-%28ptsd%29--psychological-interventions---children-and-adolescents VA on EMDR and limits of study - https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp; https://www.healthquality.va.gov/HEALTHQUALITY/guidelines/MH/ptsd/VA-DoD-CPG-PTSD-Full-CPG-Edited-111624-V5-81825.pdf Meta-analysis of EMDR - https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-006X.69.2.305 Ten Things to Remember About Common Factor Theory - https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Laska-and-Wampold-2014-1.pdf Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 1 – theory, procedure and use in PTSD - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-part-1-theory-procedure-and-use-in-ptsd/025D573300054876F5B2096F42C983D4 A Review of EMDR Literature - https://www.nausstherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/emdr-article.pdf A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories - https://emdrmagazine.nl/EM2013-2/A%20meta-analysis%20of%20the%20contribution%20of%20eye%20movements%20in%20processing%20emotional%20memories%20(Lee%20&%20Cuypers,%202013).pdf Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://www.research.unipd.it/retrieve/ff4c348a-80f5-47b4-9b7c-2e831918ed05/Eye%20movement%20desensitization%20and%20reprocessing%20for%20mental%20health%20problems%20a%20systematic%20review%20and%20meta-analysis.pdf On EMDR: Measuring the working memory taxation of various types of eye (non-)movement conditions - https://repub.eur.nl/pub/118641/Repub_118641_O-A.pdfMentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast
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  No, the Polyvagal Theory is NOT Dead: Here's What Critics (and Influencers) Aren't Understanding. 16.03.2026 25Min.

  A paper co-authored by 39 scientists called the Polyvagal Theory "untenable" — and now psychology influencers are announcing the Theory is "dead." But is it? I'm Justin Sunseri, therapist and member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board. That means I review work for Polyvagal Theory accuracy. So let me actually look at the claims. In this episode, I break down Paul Grossman's paper "Why the Polyvagal Theory Is Untenable." We need to objectively check whether his criticisms accurately represent what the theory actually says. Because if they don't, the counterarguments are moot.Links mentioned:Grossman's paper: https://www.clinicalneuropsychiatry.org/download/why-the-polyvagal-theory-is-untenable-an-international-expert-evaluation-of-the-polyvagal-theory-and-commentary-upon-porges-s-w-2025-polyvagal-theory-current-status-clinical-applications-and/ Porges' "The Vagal Paradox": https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38108034/ Grossman's ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/post/After_30_years_of_polyvagal_hypotheses_is_there_any_direct_evidence_for_the_first_3_premises_that_form_the_foundation_of_the_polyvagal_conjectures Porges' response(s) to Grossman: https://www.clinicalneuropsychiatry.org/download/when-a-critique-becomes-untenable-a-scholarly-response-to-grossman-et-al-s-evaluation-of-polyvagal-theory/ Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Five Common Self-Help Habits That Accidentally Keep Your Nervous System Sensitized and Stuck 10.03.2026 21Min.

  Is your self-help routine actually making things worse?The self-help industry has one answer for everything: do more. More habits, more discipline, more effort. But for a nervous system that's already overwhelmed — stuck in sympathetic flight/fight, freeze overdrive, or dorsal shutdown — more doing can mean more frustration, more overwhelm, and more defeat.In this episode, I break down 5 common self-help habits that may be working against you if you don't yet have the nervous system capacity for them.Capacity Builder Live (live meditation sessions) → https://www.stucknotbroken.com/c/calendar/?topics=182524 Unstucking Academy → https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy Previous episode on trauma narrative → https://youtu.be/pvJNSJ8q1aM🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcastSNB post-roll 3
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  Building Emotional Capacity Before Processing Past Traumas 03.03.2026 18Min.

  Stop forcing yourself to relive the most painful moments of your life before your body is ready to handle them.Traditional therapy often skips the most critical step — building the physiological capacity to actually process what comes up. Justin Sunseri breaks down why flooding your system with past trauma makes things worse, and what to do instead.🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-pageIt helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card.🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)Mentioned in this episode:SNB post-roll 3Stuck Not Broken self-regulation practiceStart practicing self-regulation skills with the SNB app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast