The Biology of Trauma, Stress & Burn Out with Dr. Aimie Apigian | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter

Today we talk to Dr. Aimie Apigian, a trauma physician and bestselling author of The Biology of Trauma, that just landed on #6 on the USA Today Bestseller List.

Now, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the title of her book, I thought, oof, that sounds heavy. But then I got into it, and it wasn’t at all what I expected. This book completely reframed what I thought I knew about trauma. It’s not just about the big, obvious moments in life — it’s also the subtle, overlooked experiences that quietly shape our nervous systems and settle into our biology.

Dr. Aimie shares her personal story of adopting a son from the foster system and how that experience held a mirror up to her own past. She explains how trauma can live in the body long after our minds have “moved on,” and how even high performers unknowingly carry trauma responses like people-pleasing, burnout, and chronic fatigue.

But this conversation isn’t just about what trauma is — it’s about how to heal it. Dr. Amy offers a hopeful, practical framework to better understand our bodies, widen our capacity for stress, and show up for ourselves and others with more compassion.

Please enjoy, Dr. Aimie.

Key Takeaways

Trauma isn’t always what we think it is. It’s not just extreme events — trauma is anything that, at the time, overwhelms our ability to process and respond. And most of us are carrying more than we realize.

Our bodies remember. Even if we mentally “get over” something, our biology — at the cellular level — can still be holding onto past trauma in the form of chronic illness, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.

You don’t have to qualify for trauma. Comparing our experiences to others can stop us from acknowledging our own pain. But recognizing our own trauma is the first step toward healing.

Stress grows us, trauma breaks us. The difference is capacity. When a challenge pushes us just far enough, it strengthens us. But when it overwhelms our system, it can lead to shutdown or long-term damage.

The body sends signals before it burns out. Learning to recognize signs like tightness, shallow breathing, or adrenaline overload can help us avoid crossing into overwhelm.

Healing starts with support. Whether it’s creating pause, connecting with others, or simply listening to your own body — the key is not being alone in your stress.

Somatic practices are game changers. Dr. Amy walks us through a simple body-based exercise to show how movement can calm the nervous system and create a sense of safety.

Compassion is key. Whether reflecting on our past or parenting our children, we’re all doing the best we can with what we have. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s understanding, and growth.

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