In episode 77, Chris and Emma were joined by Autum Romano, an educator, bodyworker, and author from Colorado Springs, CO. This is the first in a two-part conversation exploring polyvagal theory and its relevance to personality development, healing, and human connection.

Autum brings 28+ years of experience in the healing arts and a rich understanding of the nervous system. Together, we dive into the basics of polyvagal theory—including the three autonomic states (ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal), neuroception, and co-regulation—and connect it with Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration.

Topics include:

* How our nervous system shapes our experience and reactions

* Using body-based tools for nervous system regulation

* Understanding fight, flight, and freeze responses in relationships

* Recognizing your dominant pattern and learning to move between states

* How safety, connection, and emotional healing are intertwined

* The overlap between polyvagal theory and Dabrowskian development

* Personal stories about trauma responses, self-awareness, and growth

Autum’s insights offer a compassionate, grounded lens on how to support development—not by avoiding dysregulation, but by learning to move through it with awareness. Whether you’re new to polyvagal theory or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers something valuable.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation continues.

Links from this episode

Autum’s website

Body Wisdom and the Polyvagal Theory

Connect with us

* Positive Disintegration on Substack

* Visit the Dabrowski Center website

* Facebook

* Instagram

* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel

* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook

* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma

* Email us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com

* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

* Find Positive Disintegration Merch

If you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!

In this special crossover episode, we’re sharing Episode 3 of cosmic cheer squad—our new podcast from the Positive Disintegration Network. Chris and Bee are joined by a very special guest: Emma Nicholson, co-host of Positive Disintegration, for an in-person, around-the-table conversation recorded in Madison, Wisconsin.

Together, they reflect on:

* How they became friends and collaborators through the theory of positive disintegration

* The idea of cosmic pockets as a way to hold intense feelings until it’s safe to process them

* Inner critics, intrusive thoughts, and how to rewrite old narratives

* Parenting yourself while raising others

* Emotional trampolines, anti-cults, and resisting illegitimate authority

* Why the Gravitron might be the perfect metaphor for development

Plus: Bee’s legendary toffee, Aussie accent jokes, trench coat metaphors, and the beginnings of a truly cozy counterculture.

💫 It’s part reunion, part origin story, and all heart. Come sit with us.

Links from this episode

Find Emma online:

* Tragic Gift (blog)

* Adults with Overexcitabilities (YouTube)

* Adults with Overexcitabilities (Facebook group)

* Positive Disintegration (Instagram)

We referenced:

* Cosmic Pocket

* Sneaky Stimming

Positive Disintegration:

* Episode 33: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery, with David Sweeney

* Episode 37: Self-Directed Education with Marni Kammersell