🔹 About This Episode:
What if the thoughts you can’t stop replaying are affecting far more than your mood? In this episode, I sit down with Donna Jackson Nakazawa to explore the fascinating science behind rumination, chronic stress, trauma, and neuroplasticity.
We discuss how adverse childhood experiences can shape lifelong health, the surprising role of microglia in brain inflammation, and why your brain remains capable of healing and rewiring itself at any age. Donna also shares her powerful personal journey through trauma and autoimmune illness, offering hope that change is possible no matter where you start.
🔹 What you will learn:
* How stress, trauma, and rumination reshape the brain—and how to change those patterns.
* The connection between microglia, inflammation, brain health, and longevity.
* How to use the MIST framework to stop negative thought spirals and build resilience.
🔹 What We Discuss:
Podcast introduction and episode overview … 00:00:00
Chronic stress, childhood adversity, and lifelong health … 00:07:04
Microglia as the link between stress and brain changes … 00:10:47
Protector vs destroyer: microglia’s dual role in the brain … 00:11:21
Neuroplasticity and hope for healing at any age … 00:15:19
Modern stressors and impacts on kids’ brain health … 00:17:25
Safety, rumination, and reshaping the brain’s wiring … 00:18:22
Donna’s personal journey with trauma and autoimmune illness … 00:38:00
How to break rumination: the MIST framework … 00:47:40
The science and power of language on health … 01:01:00
Daily practice tips to disrupt negative thought cycles … 01:07:26
Rethinking longevity: focus on healthspan and connection … 01:10:03
How to preorder the book and connect online … 01:11:38
Podcast outro and disclaimer … 01:13:02
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🔹 Learn more from Donna Jackson Nakazawa below:
• Website: https://donnajacksonnakazawa.com/
• Book: Mind Drama – The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkKon0I_HhifERXygFFFhaA/videos
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnajacksonnakazawa/
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🔹 Find more from Nathalie:
• Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/the-longevity-community
• Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor…
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longevitywithnat/
• Website: https://www.natniddam.com
• Dr. Bill Lawrence Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr2rcC1lNyM
#TheLongevityPodcast #BrainHealth #Neuroplasticity #MentalHealth #Longevity #TraumaHealing #ChronicStress #Neuroscience #Healthspan
