The Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast
Hosted by Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson, The Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast explores how activating the brain to engage in homeostasis to restore optimal function holistically supports managing stress and trauma. Each episode delves into practical strategies and inspiring conversations that nurture wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Join Tom and Ruth as they break down the neuroscience of Autonomic Homeostasis Activation™ (AHA), share real-world insights, and empower you to experience greater freedom and well being in your everyday life.
Episodes
In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore why safety is a non-negotiable foundation for true wellness. Building on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, they unpack how feeling safe—both physically and psychologically—is essential before we can access higher states like love, connection, and self-actualization.
Tom offers a deep dive into the neurobiology of safety, exp...
In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals dive deep into the fascinating relationship between the brain and the mind, unpacking how they work together to achieve wellness in body, mind, and spirit. They explore how the brain functions as a powerful sensory tool—capable of guiding us toward homeostasis and healing—while the mind shapes our experiences and perceptions.
T...
Are the people, habits, and perspectives in your life fueling your flourishing—or quietly draining it? In this candid conversation, Ruth and Tom unpack a deceptively simple filter that can transform every choice: beneficial vs. detrimental. From there, they reveal the Five P’s that either propel us toward thriving or pull us back into mere survival:
- People – Why the company you keep (including you) shapes every oth...
Personal wellness does not happen in isolation. In this Fundamentals of Wellness episode, Tom and Ruth examine how health is shaped by both individual habits and our shared environment.
Using the recent Fort Collins mall incident as a case study, they address:
- Vicarious trauma – why events you only hear about can still activate your stress response.
- Me-We homeostasis – the science of co-regulation and how supportive ...
In this eye‑opening installment of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson peel back the layers of a sense most of us never knew we had—interoception, the brain’s moment‑to‑moment read‑out of everything happening inside the body. Moving beyond Aristotle’s famous “five senses,” Tom explains why modern neuroscience recognizes at least 21 human senses and argues that interoception is the...
In this enlightening episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson dive deep into the fascinating world of bodily healing and homeostasis. Challenging conventional wisdom about wellness, they explore the counterintuitive concept of "not scratching the itch" - both literally and metaphorically.
Discover why those uncomfortable sensations like itching, pain, and fever...
Is achieving balance really the key to wellness? Or have we misunderstood homeostasis all along? In this eye-opening episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson dive deep into the science of homeostasis and uncover why true wellness isn’t about achieving perfect equilibrium—it’s about thriving in dynamic disequilibrium.
They break down the history of homeostasis, from Walt...
In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the true essence of wellness—what it means, where it comes from, and how to cultivate it in daily life. They dive into the origins of the word well, linking it to ancient water sources and the fundamental human need for nourishment, both physically and emotionally.
Through rich conversation and insightful reflecti...
Join Tom Pals and co-host Ruth Lorensson as they explore the often-overlooked ways our brains naturally work to restore balance—body, mind, and spirit. Learn why discomforts like itching, pain, and even unexpected emotional responses aren’t always signs of illness, but can be signals of a deeper healing process. Discover practical insights into how our brains orchestrate homeostasis, and why redefining “symptoms” can ...
In this episode of the AHA Podcast, Ruth Lorensson and Thomas Pals introduce the groundbreaking concept of brain-informed wellness as part of their new series, The Fundamentals of Wellness. As the new year begins, many of us look to reset and embrace healthier habits, but what if the key to wellness isn’t about adding more to your plate, but about tapping into the innate wisdom of your brain?
Join Ruth and Tom as they ...
Ready to dive into wellness? 🌱 Join hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson as they kick off an exciting new season, The Fundamentals of Wellness, a fresh exploration of what it means to thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
In this debut episode, Tom shares his transformative journey from trauma survivor to psychotherapist, and now certified wellness coach. He reveals how he integrates cutting-edge autonomic homeostasis activa...
🎄 AHA Podcast Christmas Special: Light, Love, and Life 🎄
As the Christmas season unfolds, Ruth and Tom delve into the heart and soul of what makes this time of year truly special. From cherished traditions and the joy of Christmas lights to the deeper meaning of connection, they explore what truly lights up this time of year.
Hear heartwarming stories—from Tom's magical visit to the Denver Zoo Lights with his gra...
In this momentous finale of the "ABCs of Thriving" series, Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the vibrant power of zest—both as a metaphor and a mindset. Unpacking its roots in citrus and its neurobiological impact, they discuss how zest can refresh, balance, and enhance life, even in challenging seasons. From small choices like savoring a quiet moment to big adventures like climbing a 14er, this episode in...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the profound concept of yielding as an essential element of thriving. They delve into the multiple facets of yielding—from the idea of giving way to receive something of value, to the interconnectedness of human relationships and community. Through insightful stories about navigating traffic, the symbolism of the sunflower, and...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the transformative concept of xenophilia—"the love of strangers"—and how embracing this mindset fosters resilience and connection in a world where change and movement are constant.
Together, they unpack the contrasts between xenophobia and xenophilia, illuminating how a hospitality mindset toward strangers c...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson explore the concept of Verity—a transcendent form of truth that goes beyond mere facts. As part of their ongoing series on the ABCs of Thriving, they unpack how embracing Verity can help individuals align their minds, bodies, and spirits to truly thrive. Tom and Ruth discuss the distinction between truth and Verity, how our minds can d...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Tom Pals and Ruth Lorensson continue their journey through the ABCs of Thriving, focusing on the letter "W" for Wisdom. They delve into how wisdom is essential for thriving in life, influencing everything from our health to our decision-making. Tom and Ruth explore the neurobiology behind wisdom, discussing the role of the prefrontal cortex, the limbic ...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore the profound power of "understanding"—both intrapersonal and interpersonal—in fostering a thriving life. As part of their ongoing ABCs of Thriving series, they break down the letter "U," focusing on how understanding impacts personal growth, relationships, and empathy.
Tom and Ruth discuss three key facets of...
In this episode of the Autonomic Healing Podcast, Tom and Ruth discuss the common habit of letting past traumas and experiences dictate our present and future, often keeping us stuck in survival mode. They offer practical insights on how to shift from this mindset to one that embraces the present moment and uses it as a foundation for thriving. Join them as they unpack the significance of living in the "now"...
In this episode of "The ABCs of Thriving," Tom and Ruth dive deep into the letter S, exploring the ancient Greek concept of "Psyche". Psyche goes beyond just the mind—it's the essence of being, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Tom and Ruth discuss the importance of sustaining Psyche for true thriving, emphasizing the balance between support and relief. They explore how to sustain our well-...
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