This podcast episode explores the concept of trauma and its lasting impact on the body. Trauma is defined as an overwhelming experience that triggers fear and the desire to forget. The guest, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, is an expert in trauma studies and emphasizes that trauma not only affects memories but also physically changes the brain. Trauma is stored in different areas of the brain, leading to ongoing reactions as if the event is still happening. The podcast discusses various approaches to trauma treatment, including mind-body interventions like yoga and meditation, as well as emerging techniques like neurofeedback and the use of hallucinogens in research. The importance of feeling safe in the body is highlighted as a crucial starting point for trauma treatment.