The Neuro's Journey

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for the high-achievers who have built a life that looks perfect on paper, yet feel a persistent, quiet emptiness within. Steve sits down with Ana Kulygin, founder of In Me Wellness, for a deep exploration into the psychosomatic roots of chronic health issues and the courage required to lead from the inside out. Ana shares her remarkable story of healing a lifelong chronic illness overnight by addressing childhood trauma, illustrating why traditional success often masks a deep misalignment of the soul.If you are a leader tired of the "inherited strength" that leads to burnout and isolation, this conversation offers a radical new perspective on power. Ana and Steve discuss the concept of the "Ego as Software," the integration of masculine and feminine energies within the self, and the profound indigenous concept of "marrying the evolution" of your partner. This episode is a roadmap for shifting from a life of willpower and masks to one of authentic clarity, self-love, and sustainable impact.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s Journey Join the Neuro’s Journey Newsletter: https://theneurosjourney.com/ Follow Steve on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourney Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/ Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Ana Kulygin Ana Kulygin is the founder of InMe Wellness, a premier provider of integrated psychedelic retreats that bridge ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. Website: https://www.inmewellness.com/ Ana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiya_venus/The neuros journey, steve sapourn, ana kulygin, psychosomatic healing, psychedelic integration, ayahuasca miracles, ego death, high performance wellness, conscious leadership, chronic illness recovery, trauma informed, sovereign power, self love for leaders, indigenous wisdom, plant medicine science, nervous system regulation, post traumatic growth, intentional living, authentic power, world economic forum, in me wellness

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for the leaders and fathers who know exactly who they want to be, yet find themselves hijacked by self-sabotaging patterns when the pressure is on. Steve sits down with somatic therapist and embodiment teacher Kaira Mayestra for a profound conversation on moving past "performed strength" into the practical reality of grounded power. Kaira shares her own journey through preverbal abandonment trauma and physical collapse, illustrating why traditional talk therapy often fails to reach the survival agreements stored deep within the body.If you’ve been "thinking your way" through healing only to hit the same walls of reactivity, this conversation will reframe your approach to growth. Kaira and Steve discuss the evolution of the masculine and feminine archetypes, the "spicy" reality of adult responsibility in partnership, and how to use somatic tools to navigate intensity without losing your center. This episode provides a roadmap for those ready to stop merely surviving their history and start orienting toward a life of genuine thriving and relational safety.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s Journey Join the Neuro’s Journey Newsletter: https://theneurosjourney.com/ Follow Steve on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourney Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/ Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Kaira Mayestra Kaira Mayestra is a somatic therapist, recording artist, and the creator of SCM Mastery, specializing in nervous system resolution for high-capacity leaders and couples. Website: https://www.divinefemagency.com/Kaira’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kairamayestra/the neuros journey, steve sapourn, kaira mayestra, nervous system regulation, trauma healing, somatic healing, emotional regulation, masculine presence, grounded leadership, men's mental health, relational safety, trauma informed, healing after trauma, nervous system healing, recovery to responsibility, regulated living, from survival to presence, post healing transformation, integration not motivation, embodied change, healing is the beginning

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for those who recognize that true courage isn't a mental choice, but a biological initiation. Steve sits down with naturopathic doctor and former doula, Dr. Jenny Cundari, for a raw conversation on the "primal thresholds" that define the human experience, from the unfreezing effects of ayahuasca to the daily neurological regulation required for grounded leadership and parenting.If you’ve been "toughing it out" through physical or emotional fatigue only to find your nervous system stuck in survival mode, this conversation will reframe your struggle. Jenny and Steve discuss why biological challenges require neurological courage rather than just "mindset," the importance of a practitioner sharing from the "scar rather than the wound," and why reaching for community connection is the mechanical necessity needed to move from isolation to personal sovereignty.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s Journey Join the Neuro’s Journey Newsletter: https://theneurosjourney.com/ Follow Steve on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourney Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/ Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Dr. Jenny Cundari Dr. Jenny Cundari is a Naturopathic Doctor and somatic therapist who helps individuals navigate the intersection of physical health and neurological regulation. Website: https://www.drjennycundari.com/ Dr. Jenny’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennycundari/

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for the men who feel like traditional talk therapy is too static, those who are looking for a path that combines deep science with spiritual action. Steve sits down with anthropologist, professor, and spiritual innovator Dr. Jay Dubois, for a raw conversation on overcoming the "closed door" of childhood trauma, the tragic loss of his brother, and his journey toward becoming a bridge between the physical and the metaphysical.If you’ve been "toughing it out" only to find your nervous system stuck in a loop of reactivity, this conversation will reframe your struggle. Jay and Steve discuss why men need mission-driven healing, the power of viewing trauma as a "brain injury" rather than a character flaw, and how to use curiosity, courage, and action to reclaim your personal sovereignty.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s Journey Join the Neuro’s Journey Newsletter: https://theneurosjourney.com/Follow Steve on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourney Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/ Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Jay Dubois, PhD Dr. Jay Dubois is a professor of human relations, an anthropologist, and the Executive Director of the Compassionate Transformation Community. Website: https://jayduboisphd.com/ Dr. Jay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.j.dubois/

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for those of you in a "death or change" moment—feeling stuck in a loop of survival, even if you’ve traded destructive habits for healthier ones. Steve sits down with entrepreneur Rachel Pastor for a powerful conversation on her journey from being a homeless heroin addict at 15 to building a fitness empire, only to realize she was still leading from a place of fear and force.If you’ve been doing talk therapy or "healthy" numbing only to experience the same narrative, this conversation will open your eyes to other solutions such as neuro-linguistic programming and microdosing to shed outdated identities, set radical boundaries, and begin living with true personal sovereignty.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s JourneyFollow Steve on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourneyFollow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Rachel PastorRachel Pastor is the founder of Golden Rule Mushrooms, a company dedicated to making psychedelic healing accessible and welcoming.Website: https://goldenrulemushrooms.com/Rachel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.pastor/

This week’s episode of The Neuro’s Journey is for those of you in midlife who feel a persistent void despite your accolades. Steve sits down with journalist-turned-advocate Anne Philippi for a raw conversation on radical self-reinvention after decades of interviewing global icons for Vanity Fair and GQ.If you’ve been doing talk therapy only to experience the same narrative, this conversation will open your eyes to other solutions such as guided psychedelic work and nervous system tools to shed outdated identities, set radical boundaries, and begin living with true personal sovereignty.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s Journey:• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourney• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Anne Philippi:Anne Philippi is the founder of The New Health Club, a platform and podcast exploring psychedelics, mental health, and human potential.• Website: https://www.thenewhealthinstitute.org/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anne_philippi/

What if the thing you call “your personality” is mostly just old programming… running unattended? In this conversation, Dr. Joaquin Espinosa, a global leader in Down syndrome research and a longtime brother in Steve’s men’s group, breaks down how microtraumas and conditioning shape behavior, ambition, money anxiety, and relationships… even when you don’t have a single “capital T” trauma to point to.They talk about the hidden cost of achievement, why high performers hit a wall in their 30s and 40s, and what actually changes when men sit in a circle with a fire and tell the truth. Joaquin offers a grounded scientist’s explanation of why practices like emotional mastery, belief work, purpose, and gratitude aren’t “soft” … they’re brain chemistry, rewiring, and attention training.Steve shares his own shift from living in constant nervous system override (addiction, emotional shutdown, hypervigilance) to experiencing a cleaner, steadier internal fuel source—purpose that isn’t fear-powered. They also explore psychedelic research, integration windows, intuition as “information your system already has,” and why nature isn’t a luxury, it’s medicine. This is a conversation about healing without hype.Key Topics DiscussedThe difference between “big T trauma” and the conditioning that quietly runs your lifeWhy high achievers often crashVulnerability as a trust-builder (and why emotional armor backfires)Intuition as nonverbal data processing (brain + body intelligence)The things destroying your dopamine levels3 easy reset techniques any man can do today.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s JourneyFollow Steve on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourneyFollow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Dr. Joaquin Espinosahttps://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/pharmacology/faculty/primary-faculty/joaquin-espinosa-phdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquin-espinosa-322452113/the neuros journey, steve sapourn, nervous system regulation, trauma healing, trauma recovery, regulation creates choice, somatic healing, relational safety, trauma informed, emotional regulation, healing after trauma, nervous system healing, Dr. Joaquin Espinosa, nervous system healing, microtrauma, trauma conditioning, men’s work, men’s group healing, emotional mastery, Byron Katie beliefs, purpose and gratitude practice, addiction and trauma, brain chemistry and behavior, neuroplasticity, psychedelic therapy, psilocybin clinical trials, MDMA therapy, intuition science, vagus nerve, circadian rhythm health, blue light sleep, nature as medicine, community healing, trauma recovery podcast, healing and leadership

Have you been curious about feeling your emotions safely? This conversation is an invitation to transform how you meet yourself and others. Join Steve and Reuvain Bacal, a coach and men’s group leader from Boulder, CO for a conversation about regulating yourself so you can be in control of your emotions and building relationships rooted in honesty instead of armor. What You’ll Learn (Key Takeaways)How to begin feeling your emotionsWhy suffering exists and how to end itWhat creates peace even in difficult circumstances.The two things required to safely process emotionsWhen to know if you should join a men’s groupThe key to building trust, respect, and authentic connection.The key indicator of a healthy partnership.Connect with Steve and The Neuro’s JourneyFollow Steve on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurosJourneyFollow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-sapourn-642215118/Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurosjourney/Connect with Reuvain Bacal:Follow Reuvain on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reuvain.bacal/Check out Reuvain’s Website: https://www.reuvainbacal.com/the neuros journey, steve sapourn, nervous system regulation, trauma healing, trauma recovery, regulation creates choice, somatic healing, relational safety, trauma informed, emotional regulation, healing after trauma, nervous system healing, healthy masculinity, modern masculinity, regulated masculinity, masculine presence, men’s mental health, emotional intelligence for men, men and trauma, healing for men, safe masculinity, masculinity and relationships, masculinity and leadership, masculine emotional regulation

This conversation is a blueprint for understanding how trauma lives in the body and how to finally change it. Dr. Naomi Rusk, a clinical neuropsychologist and trauma psychotherapist with 35 years of experience, breaks down the science of why behavior change feels impossible when your nervous system is stuck in survival mode.The core message is liberating: trauma is a brain injury, not a moral failure. Your struggles with stillness, sleep, and self-sabotage aren't character flaws—they're predictable responses from a nervous system that learned danger early. The path forward isn't willpower. It's rewiring: subtraction over addition, curiosity over force, and small daily inputs that slowly overwhelm the old programming.What You'll Learn (Key Takeaways)Trauma is a brain injury, not a character flaw. When you see your brain on a QEEG scan, healing becomes a map—not a moral mountain to climb.Stillness feels dangerous for a reason. If your childhood taught you that quiet meant threat, your body will resist rest. That's not weakness—it's wiring.The "addict's body" is a nervous system state. That constant need to change your state isn't about substances—it's about a system that never learned safety.Sleep begins in the morning. How you rest at night is a mirror for how regulated you were during the day. Night problems require daytime solutions.Subtraction beats addition. Healing isn't about adding more practices. It's about removing what blocks the real you from emerging.Choice is the medicine for trauma. When you didn't have choice as a child, reclaiming agency through conscious breath, movement, and awareness becomes the antidote.Leadership Soundbites (Pull Quotes)"The fire alarms are off. That's what healing actually felt like.""Trauma is a brain injury, not a moral failure. Once I saw my brain on a scan, it became fixable.""I heard a voice—and it wasn't mine. It said, 'You're a bad person and no one should ever love you.' That program had been running my entire life.""Stillness is an extremely uncomfortable experience if you have cues of danger inside.""If I'm gonna heal, I have to forgive my father. I need to give him what he couldn't give me.""Choice is the medicine for trauma. Because we didn't have a lot of choice."Conversation Highlights (Chapters / Beats)The switch that changed everything: After 10 years of work, Steve's nervous system finally calmed—and a whole new way of being opened up.Why stillness feels threatening: Dr. Rusk explains how trauma makes rest feel dangerous, and why meditation can backfire for people with anxiety.The "addict's body" explained: Understanding substance use as nervous system regulation, not moral weakness.Sleep as the last hurrah: Why sleep problems are often daytime regulation problems, and practical strategies that actually work.The voice that wasn't his: Steve discovers the underlying program ("you're bad, no one should love you") that had been running his entire life.Forgiving the unforgivable: Why forgiving his sexual abuser was easier than forgiving his father—and what that revealed about generational trauma.Trauma as brain injury: How seeing a QEEG scan shifted Steve's relationship with his own healing from shame to science.Breathwork as agency: Dr. Rusk teaches coherence breathing—the simplest way to reclaim choice over your nervous system.The real you underneath: Healing as subtraction, not addition. Removing the programming to reveal what was always there.Who This Episode Is ForMen who've done "all the work" but still feel like something's off underneathAnyone who struggles with stillness, sleep, or an inability to just bePeople who've used substances, distraction, or achievement to regulate their nervous system Leaders and entrepreneurs who've built from fear and want to build from purpose insteadAnyone ready to stop seeing their struggles as character flaws and start seeing them as fixable wiring

This conversation is a lived exploration of how trauma shapes the nervous system and how healing actually happens over time. Steve sits down with nervous system coach and breathwork facilitator Kristin Weitzel for an unfiltered conversation about vulnerability, survival, addiction, grief and what it really takes to change your life.They met at the Heartland Gathering and connected instantly through honesty and openness. That moment of shared vulnerability became the foundation for a conversation that moves far beyond theory. This episode explores nervous system regulation, orienting, neurofeedback, breathwork, cold exposure, men’s work, psychedelic medicine and integration. But beneath all of it is a simple and powerful truth. Nothing about you is broken. Your nervous system learns to survive and it can learn something new.What You Will Learn & Key Takeaways:Vulnerability shifts rooms and acts as a filter for safe connectionTrauma responses are adaptations, not personal failuresThe goal is not constant calm, but the ability to come back downOrienting is a simple, discreet tool to signal safety anywhereShame often lives in the nervous system, not the mindAddiction is a survival strategy rooted in dysregulationSomatic practices can reach places talk therapy alone cannotCold exposure and breathwork build real life resilienceNeurofeedback offers visible data that helps remove shamePsychedelic medicine opens a door, but integration is where change happensForgiveness can free the body even when harm was realGenerational trauma can end with youNothing about you is broken. Your system adapted to protect youLeadership Soundbites & Pull Quotes:“Vulnerability shifts rooms and shows you who is safe.”“The goal is not calm. The goal is regulation and the ability to come back.”“I lived my life like the world was dangerous. Then I realized everything that happened was for me.”“I had an addict’s body long after I stopped using substances.”“Forgiveness was easier for my abuser than for my father.”“Nothing about us is broken. Our nervous systems learned to survive.”Conversation Highlights & Chapters and Beats:How instant vulnerability created trust at the Heartland GatheringWhy leading with honesty filters safe communityThe abandoned interview at Psychedelic Science and nervous system triggersDisappointment, heartbreak, and abandonment as somatic experiencesThe psychedelic moment that changed Steve’s life at a concertChildhood trauma, sexual abuse, violence, and nervous system wiringAddiction and success as parallel survival strategiesNeurofeedback and seeing trauma on a brain scanShame, airports, and everyday dysregulationOrienting as a powerful regulation toolCold exposure and breathwork as resilience trainingParasympathetic rebound and emotional regulationMen’s work, being seen, and breaking generational cyclesForgiveness, grief, and reclaiming life forceIdentity, worth, and unlearning the belief of being brokenAdvice to younger selves and reclaiming curiosity and wonderWho This Episode Is For:Anyone who feels like they have done the work but still feel dysregulatedPeople who struggle with shame, triggers, or emotional overwhelmThose navigating addiction recovery or an addict’s bodyIndividuals curious about nervous system healing beyond talk therapyMen learning how to be seen and vulnerableAnyone ready to stop seeing themselves as broken