In this episode, Jeff and Matt talk about some insights Matt got from his attempts to recover from the craziness of the last year and a half. Matt demonstrates how tracking HRV can help measure the effectiveness of wellness efforts.

In this episode, Jeff and Matt talk about some insights Matt got from his attempts to recover from the craziness of the last year and a half. Matt demonstrates how tracking HRV can help measure the effectiveness of wellness efforts.

N = 1 (What Matt’s HRV did on Summer Vacation)

Jeff and Matt return! In this episode, we challenge you to apply some of the lessons learned from elite athletes’ struggle with mental health to your own life. How can you train to bring your best self to the different roles in your life?

Jeff and Matt return! In this episode, we challenge you to apply some of the lessons learned from elite athletes’ struggle with mental health to your own life. How can you train to bring your best self to the different roles in your life?

What about your Mental Health?

We are taking a short break. Keep us in your stream as we will be back with new content and some great new guests!

We are taking a short break. Keep us in your stream as we will be back with new content and some great new guests!

Quick Update on the Heart Rate Variability Podcast

In this final episode of the transition back to normal series, Jeff and Matt examine the importance of health and wellness during a transition into the new normal and a post-covid reality.

In this final episode of the transition back to normal series, Jeff and Matt examine the importance of health and wellness during a transition into the new normal and a post-covid reality.

Measuring Group and Organizational Health During the Transition back from Covid

One of our goals at Optimal HRV was to bring heart rate variability to everyday folks and not just elite athletes. In this episode, Jeff and Matt discuss their HRV through the good times and tough ones. Plus, we look at Matt’s data during burnout and after his vaccination.

One of our goals at Optimal HRV was to bring heart rate variability to everyday folks and not just elite athletes. In this episode, Jeff and Matt discuss their HRV through the good times and tough ones. Plus, we look at Matt’s data during burnout and after his vaccination.

HRV for Everyone

In this episode, Jeff Somers and Matt discuss the nature of stress and trauma and the need to focus on recovery as we transition into a “new normal.”

In this episode, Jeff Somers and Matt discuss the nature of stress and trauma and the need to focus on recovery as we transition into a “new normal.”

Focus on Recovery

Back from our adventures in the Wayback machine, Jeff and Matt update listeners on the journey since the Trauma-Informed Lens podcast series on heart rate variability. Hear how Matt’s interest turned to frustration with existing apps. Then how his frustration led him to ask Jeff to help create a solution to realize the potential of the exciting science on HRV.

Back from our adventures in the Wayback machine, Jeff and Matt update listeners on the journey since the Trauma-Informed Lens podcast series on heart rate variability. Hear how Matt’s interest turned to frustration with existing apps. Then how his frustration led him to ask Jeff to help create a solution to realize the potential of the exciting science on HRV.

The Rest of the (Matt’s HRV) Story

In our final episode in the way back machine heart rate variability (HRV) series, Matt, Curt, and Jerry examine the connection between HRV, self-regulation, and psychosocial well-being. We also reflect on the entire series and crucial lessons learned about trauma’s impact on critical biomarkers. Is HRV the next major step forward in education, psychology, and medicine? This week’s article: Cardiac Coherence, self regulation, autonomic stability

In our final episode in the way back machine heart rate variability (HRV) series, Matt, Curt, and Jerry examine the connection between HRV, self-regulation, and psychosocial well-being. We also reflect on the entire series and crucial lessons learned about trauma’s impact on critical biomarkers. Is HRV the next major step forward in education, psychology, and medicine? <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cardiac-Coherence-self-regulation-autonomic-stability.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This week’s article: Cardiac Coherence, self regulation, autonomic stability</a>

Self-regulation & Psychosocial Well-being

Another trip back in the way back machine! In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry discuss how trauma-related symptoms have been demonstrated to impede the establishment of an effective working alliance between therapist and client. In the article we discuss today, researchers provide some conceptual framework and empirical data that suggest a strong relationship between autonomic regulation and working alliance between therapists and clients seeking trauma-focused treatment. This also leads to a discussion of the impact autonomic regulation on the formation of effective interpersonal communication, connection, trust, and shared goals that are required for cooperative interactions in other contexts. This week’s article: Physiological predictors of Working Alliance

Another trip back in the way back machine! In this episode, Matt, Curt, and Jerry discuss how trauma-related symptoms have been demonstrated to impede the establishment of an effective working alliance between therapist and client. In the article we discuss today, researchers provide some conceptual framework and empirical data that suggest a strong relationship between autonomic regulation and working alliance between therapists and clients seeking trauma-focused treatment. This also leads to a discussion of the impact autonomic regulation on the formation of effective interpersonal communication, connection, trust, and shared goals that are required for cooperative interactions in other contexts. <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Physiological-predictors-of-Working-Alliance.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This week’s article: Physiological predictors of Working Alliance</a>

Autonomic Regulation and Cooperation

Matt’s favorite episode! Matt, Jerry, and Curt hit the pause button and dig deeper into what we’ve covered so far in our heart rate variability series. What does this all mean for our own health, our programming, and how we view trauma. We explore what it all means in this episode.

Matt’s favorite episode! Matt, Jerry, and Curt hit the pause button and dig deeper into what we’ve covered so far in our heart rate variability series. What does this all mean for our own health, our programming, and how we view trauma. We explore what it all means in this episode.

Matt has some Questions about this HRV thing!

Welcome to the Heart Rate Variability Podcast where we discuss the research and applications of heart rate variability.

Another trip in the way back machine! In this episode, Matt, Jerry, and Curt continue our exploration of trauma and heart rate variability. This week we explore the relationship between stressful life events, heart rate variability, and social engagement. Our conversation explores how this research applies to programming and treatment to help people recover and heal from trauma. Article for this week: High cardiac control protects against future depressive symptoms under conditions of high social support

Another trip in the way back machine! In this episode, Matt, Jerry, and Curt continue our exploration of trauma and heart rate variability. This week we explore the relationship between stressful life events, heart rate variability, and social engagement. Our conversation explores how this research applies to programming and treatment to help people recover and heal from trauma. <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/High-cardiac-control-protects-against-future-depressive-symptoms-under-conditions-of-high-social-support.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Article for this week: High cardiac control protects against future depressive symptoms under conditions of high social support</a>

Heart Rate Variability & Social Engagement

This episode continues to explore Matt’s journey into HRV! Conditioned fear responses and learning safety cues are critical components of both the etiology of trauma-related dysfunction and recovery from traumatic experiences.  Can inter-individual differences in physiological measures predict our ability to extinguish conditioned fear responses and to learn new safety cues?   In this episode, Matt, Jerry &amp; Curt discuss an article describing a study that asked these very questions. You can download the article here.

This episode continues to explore Matt’s journey into HRV! Conditioned fear responses and learning safety cues are critical components of both the etiology of trauma-related dysfunction and recovery from traumatic experiences.  Can inter-individual differences in physiological measures predict our ability to extinguish conditioned fear responses and to learn new safety cues?   In this episode, Matt, Jerry &amp; Curt discuss an article describing a study that asked these very questions. You can download the article <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Resting-HRV-Predicts-Safety-Learning-Fear-Extinction-1.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Trauma, Heart Rate Variability, & The Fear Response

We continue our deep dive into HRV with Curt and Jerry. Building on the discussion from last week related to research demonstrating the impact of chronic pain (stress) on heartbeat dynamics, in this week’s episode we discuss the physiology of the anxiety response from a research project investigating differences in HPA Axis and Heart Rate responsiveness among neurotypical children and children with autism with and without co-occurring anxiety. Article for this Podcast: Differences in HPA-axis and heart rate 2014

We continue our deep dive into HRV with Curt and Jerry. Building on the discussion from last week related to research demonstrating the impact of chronic pain (stress) on heartbeat dynamics, in this week’s episode we discuss the physiology of the anxiety response from a research project investigating differences in HPA Axis and Heart Rate responsiveness among neurotypical children and children with autism with and without co-occurring anxiety. Article for this Podcast: <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Differences-in-HPA-axis-and-heart-rate-2014.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Differences in HPA-axis and heart rate 2014</a>

Heart Rate Variability, Anxiety, & the Stress Response

Another episode in the way back machine with Jerry and Curt. Over the past decade or so, research within the field of behavioral health has given rise to a wide variety of evidence-based practices. Characterizing and legitimately testing the effects of treatments has been a significant positive direction for behavioral health.  However, notably missing from this literature are investigations of factors related to individuals who did not appear to benefit from the interventions.  Understanding individual differences may contribute valuable information about how and when interventions are most likely to be effective. The article for this week’s podcast: Affective Instability Predicted by Resting HRV

Another episode in the way back machine with Jerry and Curt. Over the past decade or so, research within the field of behavioral health has given rise to a wide variety of evidence-based practices. Characterizing and legitimately testing the effects of treatments has been a significant positive direction for behavioral health.  However, notably missing from this literature are investigations of factors related to individuals who did not appear to benefit from the interventions.  Understanding individual differences may contribute valuable information about how and when interventions are most likely to be effective. The article for this week’s podcast: <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Affective-Instability-Predicted-by-Resting-HRV.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Affective Instability Predicted by Resting HRV</a>

Physiological Markers & Individual Differences in Response to Intervention

Another episode in the way back machine. Matt is still new to the HRV stuff, but Curt and Jerry start to help him see the light! In this classic episode of the trauma-informed lens podcast, we discuss the Autonomic Nervous System, designed to be highly sensitive to input from our environment, can become sensitized and chronically upregulated in children and adults who experience chronic, unpredictable stress. This week’s Article: Heart Rate Variability as a biomarker for ANS response differences between children with chronic pain vs healthy controls

Another episode in the way back machine. Matt is still new to the HRV stuff, but Curt and Jerry start to help him see the light! In this classic episode of the trauma-informed lens podcast, we discuss the Autonomic Nervous System, designed to be highly sensitive to input from our environment, can become sensitized and chronically upregulated in children and adults who experience chronic, unpredictable stress. This week’s Article: <a href="https://connectingparadigms.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Heart-Rate-Variability-as-a-biomarkder-for-ANS-response-differences-between-children-with-chronic-pain-vs-healthy-controls.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heart Rate Variability as a biomarker for ANS response differences between children with chronic pain vs healthy controls</a>

HRV, the Autonomic Nervous System, & Trauma

In this episode, we go into the way back machine all the way to 2018! Matt’s other podcast, The Trauma-Informed Lens Podcast introduced him to the science behind HRV. We thought it would be a great way to explore HRV with a few trauma and stress experts! The first podcast in a series focused on the relationship between heart rate variability and trauma, we introduce the concept and provide some initial insights. In 2015, the Journal of Clinical Child &amp; Adolescent Psychology published a unique special issue dedicated to the idea of implementing physiological measures into the assessment of Clinical Child &amp; Adolescent behavioral health.  The issue included several articles demonstrating how this can be done.  We start a multi-episode show to share some literature, examples, and issues with using physiology in our assessment and understanding of some of the impacts of exposure to adverse childhood experiences.

In this episode, we go into the way back machine all the way to 2018! Matt’s other podcast, The Trauma-Informed Lens Podcast introduced him to the science behind HRV. We thought it would be a great way to explore HRV with a few trauma and stress experts! The first podcast in a series focused on the relationship between heart rate variability and trauma, we introduce the concept and provide some initial insights. In 2015, the Journal of Clinical Child &amp; Adolescent Psychology published a unique special issue dedicated to the idea of implementing physiological measures into the assessment of Clinical Child &amp; Adolescent behavioral health.  The issue included several articles demonstrating how this can be done.  We start a multi-episode show to share some literature, examples, and issues with using physiology in our assessment and understanding of some of the impacts of exposure to adverse childhood experiences.

Matt’s Introduction to Heart Rate Variability

In this episode, Jeff and Matt continue their exploration into Job-Demands and Resources. We look at how Job Resources counteract stress, prevents burnout, and promote engagement. Also, we explore how heart rate variability can add new insight to this well-established model.

In this episode, Jeff and Matt continue their exploration into Job-Demands and Resources. We look at how Job Resources counteract stress, prevents burnout, and promote engagement. Also, we explore how heart rate variability can add new insight to this well-established model.

Further Exploration of Job-Demands and Resource Model

In our first episode of 2021, Jeff and Matt discuss one of the best-researched models of work stress, the Job Demands &amp; Resources Model. There is a great deal of insight into how this model can help us understand our own wellness and productivity and those of teams and organizations. We will also explore how heart rate variability helps quantify the impact of job demands and whether our self-care and job resources keep us healthy or burn us out.

In our first episode of 2021, Jeff and Matt discuss one of the best-researched models of work stress, the Job Demands &amp; Resources Model. There is a great deal of insight into how this model can help us understand our own wellness and productivity and those of teams and organizations. We will also explore how heart rate variability helps quantify the impact of job demands and whether our self-care and job resources keep us healthy or burn us out.

Job Demand & Resource Model

We are excited to have our first guest, Becca Sheade founder of Elgin Pediatric Therapy. Learn how Becca has integrated HRV into her practice and some of the exciting results. Find out more about the great working being done at Becca’s clinic: http://elginpediatrictherapy.com/ &amp; becca@elginpediatrictherapy.com

We are excited to have our first guest, Becca Sheade founder of Elgin Pediatric Therapy. Learn how Becca has integrated HRV into her practice and some of the exciting results. Find out more about the great working being done at Becca’s clinic: <a href="http://elginpediatrictherapy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://elginpediatrictherapy.com/</a> &amp; becca@elginpediatrictherapy.com

Becca Sheade Joins the Show to Talk HRV in Occupational Therapy

In this episode, Jeff and Matt explore the concept of HRV friendly time off and vacations. How we choose to spend our time off will determine whether we recover or wear ourselves down even more. Learn some best practices on this episode to come back from vacation refreshed and healthy.

In this episode, Jeff and Matt explore the concept of HRV friendly time off and vacations. How we choose to spend our time off will determine whether we recover or wear ourselves down even more. Learn some best practices on this episode to come back from vacation refreshed and healthy.

Heart Rate Variability Time Off

Heart Rate Variability Podcast

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