The Missing Piece to Healing? Your Nervous System

Show Notes HOST Melody Hartzler | | Book Appointment AROUND THE TABLE Dr. Dave Rabin | Visit Website In Today's Episode Joining Melody on this episode is Dr. Dave Rabin, a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuro, to explore how chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation affect nearly every aspect of our health. Dr. Rabin shares the science behind the body's stress response, the role of the vagus nerve, and how creating a greater sense of safety can improve sleep, focus, resilience, and recovery. Together, they discuss why stress isn't something we can eliminate, but something we can learn to regulate. From breathwork and mindfulness to wearable technology like Apollo Neuro, this conversation offers practical strategies for improving nervous system health and building long-term resilience. Key Take Aways Chronic stress and unresolved trauma can disrupt the nervous system, contributing to poor sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic disease. The vagus nerve plays a key role in helping the body shift from a stress response into a state of recovery and healing. Nervous system regulation can be supported through simple daily practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, social connection, and wearable technologies. Feeling safe is a biological need that directly influences our ability to heal, learn, perform, and build resilience. Healing isn't about avoiding stress—it's about training the body to recover from stress more effectively. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk Introduction to today's conversation on stress, the nervous system, and resilience. 01:11 – Dr. Dave Rabin's Journey & Apollo Neuro How his work with PTSD patients led to the creation of Apollo Neuro. 04:00 – Understanding the Stress Response The science behind the vagus nerve, safety, and nervous system regulation. 07:00 – How Apollo Neuro Works How wearable touch therapy differs from traditional vagus nerve stimulation. 11:38 – Trauma, Chronic Stress & Health How unresolved stress impacts sleep, immunity, focus, and long-term wellness. 12:30 – Supporting Children & Neurodiversity Using nervous system regulation for ADHD, autism, anxiety, and emotional resilience. 17:00 – You Can't Eliminate Stress Why learning to recover from stress matters more than avoiding it. 20:27 – The Biology of Healing & the Placebo Effect How mindset, safety, and expectation influence healing outcomes. 22:20 – Stress, Blood Pressure & Chronic Disease The connection between stress regulation and long-term physical health. 23:00 – Building Daily Resilience Dr. Rabin shares his favorite Apollo Neuro settings and daily practices. 26:41 – Community, Connection & Safety Why meaningful relationships are essential for nervous system health. 27:34 – Closing Thoughts & Resources Final advice and where to learn more about Apollo Neuro. Featured Products Interested in trying Apollo Neuro? As mentioned in this episode, Apollo Neuro is a wearable designed to help support your nervous system, improve sleep, and build resilience to stress. Use our affiliate link below to receive $90 off your purchase while supporting the Table Talk Podcast. The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers Dr. Dave Rabin – Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Apollo Neuro co-founder