Resilience Isn't a Personality Trait: It's a Skill You Can Build Through Nervous System Work

Resilience Isn't a Personality Trait: It's a Skill You Can Build Through Nervous System Work

Author: Mandi Pratt July 21, 2026 Duration: 19:14
What if resilience isn't something you're born with, but something you can actually build, one small habit at a time? In this episode, Mandi shares what she learned from trauma specialist Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, at the Conference on Crimes Against Women, breaking down the neurobiology of trauma, the three nervous system "zones," and why willpower is NOT the real foundation of resilience. You'll learn simple, doable ways to track your nervous system state, counter your brain's negativity bias, a...

Hosted by Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate, Aware And Prepared comes from a place of hard-won experience. Mandi’s own life took a dramatic turn years ago when the FBI arrived at her door with news that her abusive ex-partner was wanted for multiple bank robberies, a story that played out publicly in the news. That moment, rooted in a past of domestic violence, sparked a transformation from feeling vulnerable to becoming empowered. This podcast is the result of that journey. Mandi now focuses on teaching women and other vulnerable populations practical, street-smart skills for safety and situational awareness. Each episode blends personal reflection with actionable advice, moving beyond theory to discuss real-world applications. The conversations here span personal health, mental resilience, physical fitness, and the cultural dynamics that impact our daily security. It’s not about fear, but about building confidence through preparedness. Tune in for honest talks that acknowledge life’s complexities while offering tangible steps toward stronger, more aware living. You’ll find a unique mix of advocacy, personal storytelling, and essential guidance in every episode of this podcast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Aware And Prepared
Podcast Episodes
How to Leave Abuse Without Leaving Your Pet Behind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:18
How many pet parents do we have here? Don’t our pets provide so much unconditional love and help us heal through heartbreaks and difficult times? Mandi shares an important update about RedRover and their Purple Leash Pro…
When Relaxing Feels Impossible: Healing from Complex PTSD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:42
Ever find it hard to relax like your body doesn’t know how to come down from survival mode? You’re not alone! In this solo episode, I’m wrapping up our Complex PTSD Series by sharing some additional final thoughts on wha…
Beyond Talk Therapy: Healing Through Nervous System and Somatic Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:16
What if you’ve tried talk therapy for years but still feel stuck? Listen in as therapist, Catherine Lucey, LMFT, and host Mandi Pratt unpack the healing practices that go beyond talk therapy bringing the body (not just t…