Getting Discomfortable with Sarah Peyton

Sarah Peyton In Episode 86, I interview author, speaker, and neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton about the brain science of shame and what she calls “alarmed aloneness”. In this candid interview, Sarah illustrates the incredible neuroplasticity of the human mind with impactful stories from her own life detailing the transformative experiences she has had as both a mother and daughter. We explore topics like intergenerational trauma and disorganized attachment, Nonviolent Communication, the utility of relational language, and the healing power of resonance (a kind of shared empathy). We discuss how language and empathy can actually rewire the brain and tame our primal amygdala. We talk about the soothing power of “self-resonance” and other practices for turning our tumultuous brains into “good homes”. Sarah’s focus on “relational neuroscience” illuminates some of the latest research and thinking around what causes shame and how to deal with it effectively. I had several epiphanies during the recording and editing of this episode and can’t wait to delve even deeper into Sarah’s work! Some of the researchers Sarah mentions in this episode include Daniel J. Siegel, Matthew Lieberman, the author of Social, James A. Cohen of Social Baseline Theory, and Jaak Panksepp. To learn more about Sarah, watch her videos, try her meditations, or take one of her courses, check out her website and the website for her book, Your Resonant Self. Her second book, Your Resonant Self Workbook comes out in May and can be pre-ordered now. Note: this interview was edited for clarity and interest.