#444: Stop Negative Thought Spirals With This Framework | Learn How Rumination Affects Your Health With Donna Jackson Nakazawa
6/5/20261 hr 13 min
Today, I’m joined by the incredibly insightful Donna Jackson Nakazawa, a science journalist and bestselling author whose work bridges the worlds of neuroscience, storytelling, and personal transformation. Donna has a unique gift for translating complex brain science into real-life strategies—and she’s not afraid to weave in her own powerful journey, from childhood trauma and autoimmune challenges to her fierce quest for hope and healing. Episode Timestamps: 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 Our Amazing Sponsors: Ultimate GI Repair by LVLUP Health — a research-backed blend of peptides, zinc carnosine, and gut-support compounds designed to strengthen your gut lining, improve digestion, and support resilience from the inside out; head to lvluphealth.com and use code NAT for 20% off MassZymes by BiOptimizers – A full-spectrum digestive enzyme formula with 4x more protease to help break down protein into usable amino acids so your body actually benefits from what you eat—try it risk-free with a 365-day money-back guarantee and save 15% at bioptimizers.com/bionat with code BIONAT. Vita Zero-Age Exosomes by Vitali Skincare — a regenerative “stacking” formula with exosomes, GHK-Cu, niacinamide, and glutathione designed to support your skin at a cellular level rather than just the surface; go to www.vitaliskincare.com/?ref=Nat20 and use code NAT20 for 20% off. Nat's Links: YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter Instagram Dr. Bill Lawrence Episode
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First 90 secondsNathalie Niddam· Host0:00
[gentle music] Welcome to Longevity. I'm your host, Natalie Knittum. I'm a nutritionist, a human potential and epigenetic coach, and I created this podcast to bring you the latest ways to take control of your health and longevity. We cover it all, from new technology and ancestral health practices, to personalized interventions, and a very special interest of mine, peptides and bioregulators. Enjoy the show. Welcome back to the show. I'm Natalie Knittum, your host. Very quick favor, my Instagram, mm, seems to have gone through some kind of a transition, and my normal account has vanished for now. So if you'd still love to share and be in touch with me, make sure to follow me at my new account, @longevitywithnat. And of course, another great way to stay in touch and stay up to date on all the comings and goings in my world, you can go to natknittum.com and sign up for my newsletter. There's a red line at the top of the page. All you have to do is click on that and sign up for the newsletter. All right, let's talk about the episode. Donna Jackson Nakazawa blends science with storytelling in a way that makes you feel smarter and a little less alone. This episode is a field guide to your brain's emotional weather. Donna explains how chronic stress can prime microglia to prune too many synapses, linking past trauma to present mood swings. We unpack how rumination traps you in a loop, and why your brain keeps replaying old