The Science of Your Nervous System and How to Respond to Stress, Trauma, and the State of the World

We're sharing a special episode today from our new Feisty Media family to help you deal with and take away some action items for the collective trauma many of us are going through right now, whether it's new for you or simply heightened. Along with being a sports psychologist & therapist in her own right, the Feisty Women's Performance podcast host Dr. Erin Ayala also lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota — which has been at the center of the news over the last month since it became the target of the largest immigration enforcement action to date in the U.S. Thousands of federal agents have patrolled the streets and detained residents, and, over this past weekend, shot and killed a second bystander — leading to hundreds of thousands of people protesting in Minneapolis and around the country. In this tense environment, how do we show up as athletes, as members of our community, as our best and healthiest selves? Erin has brought together a group of experts and invites you to join them — Dr. Tess Kilwein, Dr. Quincy Guinadi, and Christine Bright — as they discuss how these experiences shape mental health and performance, and how you can respond to stress and trauma whether you're going through it right now with the news or you're dealing with your personal challenges. Key Takeaways: • What is collective trauma? Learn how collective trauma impacts communities and individuals, and why this understanding is crucial for athletes and coaches. • Recognize that intentional rest in times of stress can be essential for long-term sustainability. • Know that movement and sport can be powerful tools in community healing. • Get tips on how to navigate the complexities of wanting to help without feeling performative or overwhelmed, and how to effectively engage in difficult conversations without shame or guilt. Don't be perfect. Be brave. Guest Introductions: • Dr. Tess Kilwein: A board-certified clinical, health, and sport psychologist with expertise in mental performance and athlete wellness. • Dr. Quincy Guinadi: A postdoctoral resident specializing in identity, mental health, and the experiences of marginalized communities. • Christine Bright: Lead consultant at the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, focusing on trauma-informed coaching and community support. Resources Mentioned: • Center for Healing and Justice through Sport • Nothing Heals like Sport Playbook • "What Happened to You" by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah • Beyond Ally by Dr. Maysa Akbar • Find ways to help at standwithminnesota.com • The Feisty Women's Performance podcast

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The Science of Your Nervous System and How to Respond to Stress, Trauma, and the State of the World is an episode from Trail Society by Keely Henninger.

This episode is 01:13:17 long.

This episode was published on Jan 30, 2026.

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