Episode 109

Written By Michaela Carlin
 
 
 
 

Stress has become one of the most significant challenges of modern life, impacting not only our mental and emotional well-being but also our physical health. How we respond to stress—whether through habitual patterns or intentional tools—can determine whether we remain stuck in survival mode or find a path toward healing and resilience. In this episode, Dr. David Rabin, a board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience, brings decades of experience to unpack how we can better understand and regulate our stress responses.

The conversation dives deep into the science of the nervous system, exploring how stress, trauma, and epigenetics shape our lives and even future generations. Dr. Rabin shares non-invasive, science-backed tools like breath, touch, and vibration therapies to help calm the body and mind. They discuss the emerging role of psychedelics—like MDMA and ketamine—in facilitating profound healing by rewiring trauma responses. Whether you’re curious about wearable technologies, psychedelic-assisted therapy, or simple practices to regulate your nervous system, this episode offers hope, insights, and tangible strategies to bring your brain and body back into balance.

Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is the co-founder & Chief Medical Officer at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientifically-validated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, relaxation, and access to meditative states by delivering gentle layered vibrations to the skin. In addition to his clinical psychiatry practice, Dr. Rabin is also the Executive Director of The Board of Medicine, and a psychedelic clinical researcher currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant mental illnesses.

Episode Highlights

  • Exploring the concept of a collective nervous system in heightened stress

  • Understanding different types of stress: eustress vs. distress

  • The critical role of perspective in interpreting stressful events and outcomes

  • Understanding the body's inability to differentiate between physical and mental stress

  • The influence of epigenetics and trauma on inherited stress responses

  • Research insights into how trauma alters epigenetic codes related to stress

  • The therapeutic potential of psychedelics in rewiring stress responses and facilitating emotional healing

  • The necessity of relearning safety for effective psychedelic therapy and healing outcomes

  • Utilizing breath and touch as foundational practices for calming the nervous system

  • Preparing individuals for post-therapy challenges after psychedelic experiences

  • Comparing MDMA therapy to cleaning emotional wounds in a safe environment

  • The importance of integration and ongoing support for lasting benefits of psychedelic therapy

  • Development of the Apollo Neuro wearable to enhance feelings of safety and support during stress

  • How the wearable utilizes vibrations to mimic the calming effects of touch

  • Previewing a discussion of the connections between safety, intimacy, and relationships in a future episode

Dr. David Rabin’s Links 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Dr. David Rabin’s Special Offer to You

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Special thanks to Jeremy Colbert (Taragápe) for the original podcast theme music.

You can find out more about Jeremey’s work here:
taragape.com and @taragape

Michaela Carlin
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Episode 108