Purpose and Desire: What Drives Human Behavior? (with Scott Turner)

Send us Fan Mail

Interoception, homeostasis, and the autonomic nervous system are at the heart of this conversation on trauma healing and body-based wellness—drawing inspiration from Scott Turner’s groundbreaking book, Purpose and Desire.

In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore the shift from traditional mechanistic models of the human body to a living systems approach—where homeostasis is understood not just as a function, but as the body’s deepest purpose.

Tom shares how Turner's work helped crystallize the core concepts behind AHA, especially the healing power of interoception—the internal sense that allows us to listen to the body rather than control it. Ruth recounts the story of how they connected with Scott and why his perspective has become foundational to understanding what true wellness really is.

Tune in for a story-rich, science-grounded episode that challenges the machine metaphor of the body—and invites us to see ourselves as intelligent, self-regulating systems capable of healing from within.

Key Topics:

• How Scott Turner’s book Purpose and Desire shaped the origins of AHA
• The difference between mechanistic and living systems models of the body
• Why homeostasis is more than balance—it’s the body’s deepest intelligence
• The role of interoception in healing from trauma and chronic stress
• How curiosity, observation, and conversation drive true transformation

Join Ruth and Tom as they lay the groundwork for the next two episodes with Scott Turner—and reveal why changing how we see the body might be the first step in helping it heal.

Support the show

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings Website

Email Tom [e-mail]
Email Ruth [e-mail]

Support us

We appreciate you!