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In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof welcome author, speaker, and embodiment coach Preston Smiles for a powerful conversation on the Father Wound — and how paternal presence or absence shapes the nervous system.

Together, they explore how a father's regulation, emotional availability, and play patterns influence brain development, stress physiology, attachment, intimacy, and leadership. Drawing from both lived experience and developmental research, this episode examines the real impact of masculine containment — not through blame, but through understanding.

From childhood patterning to adult relationships, parenting, and community repair, this conversation offers grounded insight, somatic depth, and a hopeful path toward nervous system healing.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro/The Good Boy Pattern

• 08:00 – The Father Wound

• 17:30 – Play and Masculine Energy

• 33:30 – Shame and Reclaiming the Masculine

• 52:30 – Capacity and Embodied Partnership

Key Takeaways:

• The fatherwound isn't just emotional, it's neurological and somatic, shaping how we regulate stress, relate, and play.

• Healthy masculine presence supports brain development through movement, physical play, safety, and co-regulation.

• Many relational patterns come from what was never modeled, not from personal failure.

• Healing happens through embodied experience, safe relationships, and repeated nervous system repair, not just insight.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Bridge Method – Workshops led by Preston Smiles: https://www.thebridgemethod.org/

• Spiritual Millionaire, by Preston Smiles: https://preston-davis.mykajabi.com/book

• Instagram: @PrestonSmiles: https://www.instagram.com/prestonsmiles/

Call to Action:

• Neurosomatic Intelligence is now enrolling : https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification

• Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at https://www.boundaryrewire.com

• Get a two-week free trial of neurosomatic training at https://rewiretrial.com

• Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.

• Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.

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Sources:

Flinn, M. V. & England, B. G. (2003). Social economics of childhood glucocorticoid stress response and health.

Laurent, H. K. et al. (2013). Synchrony of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in parents and infants.

Feldman, R. et al. (2010). Parent–infant synchrony and the construction of shared timing.

Amato, P. R. & Gilbreth, J. G. (1999). Nonresident fathers and children's well-being.

Ellis, B. J. et al. (1999). Quality of early family relationships and timing of puberty.

Meaney, M. J. & Szyf, M. (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation.

Disclaimer:

Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.

We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.

We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.

We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis.

Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.

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