Trauma, Conflict, and Healing with Sarah Peyton, Part 1
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
Release Date: 03/12/2025
The Neuroscience of Emotion Circuits and Navigating Territories of Conflict with Sarah Peyton, Part 2
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In Part 2 of my conversation with Sarah Peyton, we dive deeper into the neuroscience of conflict and emotional healing, bridging the Mediate Your Life framework with the groundbreaking research of affective neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp. Together, we explore how different emotional circuits—rage, fear, grief, disgust, and care—shape the way we experience and navigate conflict, both internally and in our relationships. Sarah shares profound insights into how empathy rewires the brain, transforming reactive patterns into resilience, and we discuss how shame and self-judgment can block our...
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Trauma, Conflict, and Healing with Sarah Peyton, Part 1
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this fascinating and heartwarming episode, I sit down with Sarah Peyton, a renowned expert in trauma healing, relational neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Sarah’s work bridges the worlds of science, empathy, and healing, helping us understand how conflict—both internal and external—can be transformed into connection and growth. We explore the deep connections between trauma, conflict, and healing, weaving together neuroscience, empathy, and the transformative power of resonance. Together, we discuss how the brain processes conflict,...
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A “Unividual” Perspective on Politics and Polarization with Philosopher Tim Freke
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this compelling episode of the Mediate Your Life Podcast, John’s guest is pioneering philosopher Tim Freke. Tim is the author of 35 books that have been translated into 15 languages. The conversation explores how Tim’s groundbreaking, revolutionary philosophy of “Unividualism” integrates evolutionary science with deep spirituality and offers a new paradigm for personal and political evolution. Rooted in individuality and consciousness of collective unity, the unividual perspective fosters universal benevolence and open system of paralogical thinking—embracing the complexity...
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Healing Societal & Personal Divides: The Power of Presence & Nonviolent Communication w/ Jeff Krasno
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John speaks with Jeff Krasno, co-founder of Commune Media and a leader in the health and wellness world. Jeff shares deeply and movingly about his experiences facilitating difficult conversations during times of social and political turmoil, particularly in his recent efforts organizing a 5-day intensive peace initiative on the Israel-Palestine situation. The discussion explores the challenges of navigating polarized viewpoints and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue. Jeff recounts powerful moments of connection that...
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Healing Family Rifts with Tejumo Ogouma
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tejumo Ogouma, a conflict resolution professional with an international background. Tejumo opens up about a deeply personal family conflict, centered on his relationship with his sister in the wake of their parents' passing. The discussion explores the complexities of sibling dynamics, estate management, and the profound impact of lost connection. John guides Tejumo through a process of self-empathy and compassion, helping him navigate the pain, sadness, and frustration he...
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Transforming Political Differences with Candidate Jovanka Beckles
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jovanka Beckles, a seasoned community leader running for California State Senate. Jovanka shares her journey from mental health professional to political activist, highlighting how her experiences shaped her commitment to social justice and community healing. The discussion covers the challenges of running a corporate-free campaign, the emotional impact of political conflict, and the importance of addressing root causes of societal issues. John guides Jovanka through a process of...
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The Enemies Project with Larry Rosen
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deep conversation with Larry Rosen, a mediator who is creating a documentary series called, "The Enemies Project." Larry introduces his theory of the "enemy trance," explaining how empathy shutdown leads to misunderstanding and conflict escalation. He shares insights from the documentary he’s creating, which aims to bring together politically opposed individuals for transformative dialogues. The discussion covers the neuroscience of conflict, the role of "enemy makers" in society, and how to break cycles...
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Navigating Self-Care and Activism with Palestinian Activist Ashira Darwish
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a deeply moving conversation with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian activist, journalist, and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing. She was also featured in the powerful documentary, Where Olive Trees Weep. Ashira shares her experiences living in Jerusalem, and her personal journey of healing and activism. The episode explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the weight of bearing witness to seemingly insurmountable conflict, and the complex interplay of rage, guilt, and the need for self-care in the context...
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Crossing Political Differences and Divides with Cory Tyler
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John Kinyon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cory Tyler, exploring the transformative potential of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in our politically divided world. Cory, drawing from his background in show business and his journey to becoming an NVC practitioner, coach, and trainer, shares examples of navigating political disagreements within his own family. Through these personal stories, he illustrates the shift from reactive debate to compassionate curiosity. John and Cory explore the nuances of self-empathy, the...
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Embracing Freedom and Love with Nicole Gibson, Part 2
Mediate Your Life with John Kinyon
In this episode of the Mediate Your Life podcast, John continues his moving conversation with Nicole Gibson, founder of Love Out Loud. In this part of the conversation they use the Mediate Your Life map of internal mediation to delve into Nicole's intimate relationship journey towards self-trust, authenticity, and embracing one's true self in the loving of another. They discuss the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and the transformative power of truly understanding and integrating all parts of oneself. Nicole shares her experiences of learning to navigate complex...
info_outlineIn this fascinating and heartwarming episode, I sit down with Sarah Peyton, a renowned expert in trauma healing, relational neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Sarah’s work bridges the worlds of science, empathy, and healing, helping us understand how conflict—both internal and external—can be transformed into connection and growth. We explore the deep connections between trauma, conflict, and healing, weaving together neuroscience, empathy, and the transformative power of resonance.
Together, we discuss how the brain processes conflict, the role of resonant language, and how we can cultivate a sense of warmth and safety within ourselves and in our relationships. We also engage in a live, experiential dialogue using Sarah’s powerful “I-You” language practice, as well as an internal mediation process to navigate inner conflict.
Sarah also shares how her personal journey through NVC and neuroscience has shaped her groundbreaking work. We discuss the current political and social landscape, and how trauma patterns shape ideological divides, making tools like NVC more vital than ever.
This is part 1 of a rich, thought-provoking, informative, and deeply moving series of conversations that I trust you will find as meaningful, valuable, and enjoyable as I did.
We delve into:
🔹 How the brain processes conflict and trauma, and why resonance is key to healing.
🔹 The power of “I-You” language, John and Sarah do a practice together that integrates both hemispheres of the brain to deepen relational connection.
🔹 How warmth and vocal tone influence the nervous system, and why emotional resonance is more impactful than words alone.
🔹 A live internal mediation, where John guides and accompanies Sarah as she explores her own inner conflict.
Sarah’s bio, key links, and learning materials:
Sarah Peyton, author, Certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to heal trauma with exquisite and warm gentleness. She teaches and lectures internationally, and is the author of the Your Resonant Self series, on the relational neuroscience of self-compassion and making your brain a good place to live. Her latest work is The Antiracist Heart, co-written with Roxy Manning, Ph.D.
www.sarahpeyton.com
Resonant Healing Seminar 2025
Episode Chapters
0:00:00 - Intro
0:06:30 - Resonant Self
0:10:00 - The Power of Warmth
0:11:00 - Understanding Brain Hemispheres
0:14:10 - NVC and Consent
0:15:20 - The Resonant Self Witness
0:16:50 - Research on Meditation
0:19:30 - The Value of Conflict
0:22:30 - Default Mode Network
0:26:50 - Stress and Healing
0:28:35 - Long Meditation
0:31:25 - Left and Right Hemispheres
0:37:00 - Self Talk
0:39:32 - How to Mediate Oneself
0:41:00 - Mediating Conflict & Being Vulnerable
0:44:20 - The Role of the Mediator
0:51:00 - Roleplaying
1:13:00 - Today’s Political Climate
1:15:00 - The Importance of NVC