Aligned by Dr. Kristen Holmes: Overcoming Trauma and Building A Resilient Nervous System

On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed sits down with WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes to discuss her new book, Aligned, and what it takes to build a more resilient nervous system. Drawing on her journey from elite athlete to championship-winning coach, researcher, and human performance expert, Dr. Holmes shares what she’s learned about the connection between recovery, resilience, and sustained performance. Will and Dr. Holmes explore why the time spent away from your craft can be just as important as the work itself, how sleep consistency and HRV can provide insight into the health of your nervous system, and why balancing stress with adequate recovery is critical for performing at your best. Dr. Holmes also breaks down her HEAL framework, explores how trauma and an outcome-driven mindset can shape our behaviors, and shares practical strategies for building greater agency, resilience, and alignment in everyday life.Buy Aligned by Dr. Kristen HolmesShop Meridian by WHOOP(00:00) Trailer (00:55) Introduction to Aligned by Dr. Kristen Holmes(02:25) How A Healthy Nervous System Promotes Healthy Aging(05:31) Impact of Childhood Trauma on High Performers(08:22) 70% of Americans Experience Trauma(10:15) Why Recovery Matters More Than You Think(16:17) Kristen’s Collegiate Coaching Experience(22:07) What Overworking and Overtraining Looks Like(26:44) Importance of Sleep Consistency(30:17) The HEAL FrameworkSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInBuy Aligned by Dr. Kristen Holmes: Follow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn