TPP 311a: Deb Dana on Befriending Our Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

TPP 311a: Deb Dana on Befriending Our Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

Author: Debbie Reber July 17, 2026 Duration: 40:58
Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, and author, gives us a primer of the key points of Polyvagal Theory, and in doing so, explains the ways in which it can support the way we parent our differently-wired kids. Deb explains the nervous system pathways, why co-regulation is essential to our survival, what befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice, and the benefits of having a breathing practice. We also talk about why these concepts can change our relationships to our daily life even if our circumstances stay the same.  Things you'll learn from this episode The mission behind Deb’s book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory What the nervous system pathways are and the three states we can be in What aspects of our nervous systems are innate or “hardwired” versus routed in nurture or life experience Why co-regulation is essential to our survival and examples for ways in which we constantly do naturally What befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children is a space for parents who are moving at the speed their kids require. Hosted by Debbie Reber, an author and activist who understands the terrain, this podcast offers more than just advice-it offers a sense of shared experience. Each episode delves into the real-world challenges and joys of raising children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), giftedness, or twice-exceptional (2e) profiles. You’ll hear from specialists, educators, and therapists who provide actionable strategies, but the core of the conversation is always connection. Debbie guides discussions that move beyond theory to address the daily realities: managing meltdowns, advocating within school systems, nurturing a child’s unique strengths, and preserving your own well-being in the process. It’s a resource for those moments when standard parenting approaches fall short, offering insights that are both practical and deeply empathetic. Listening to this podcast feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who gets it, one that leaves you with tangible ideas and the reassurance that you’re not navigating this path alone. The focus is on building a supportive framework for your family, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
TPP 511: Jessica Patay on Building Brave Communities for Caregivers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the f…
TPP 307a: Eliza Fricker Talks Parenting a Child with PDA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s…