The Happy Nervous System
A happy nervous system is a happy life.
This isn’t your typical mental health podcast. We’re throwing out dusty textbook advice and getting real about what your body actually needs to feel more regulated, more powerful, and more alive!
Hosted by therapist and nervous system translator Kendra Delahooke, whose work bridges clinical insight with real-life tools to get you unstuck.
She’s the founder of Child Therapy Center LA and she’s on a mission to raise a generation of kids who don’t have to recover from childhood.
Each episode unpacks why so many techniques in therapy, parenting, and relationships fall short—and what your nervous system has been craving instead.
If you’ve ever wondered why you know better but can’t do better… this show is your missing link.
🎧 Tune in weekly
✨ Follow Kendra on IG @kendradela
💻 Looking for a therapist who gets it? Reach out at www.childtherapycenterla.com
Episodes
36 episodes
Episode 36: What is work-life balance anyway?
Is having a “work-life balance” possible? What does it even mean? In this episode, I debunk what this phrase means and share what we should really be focusing on- having a nervous system balance. I share some questions to ask yourself about are...
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16:14
Episode 35: The Power of Cooldowns and Why They Aren’t Just for Working Out!
Cooldowns are not just for working out! Anytime our body goes through stress, it’s very important we provide it with a “cool down” so that it can return to a state of safety. If we do not have a conscious practice of helping our body feel safe ...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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16:06
Episode 34: Are you Really Breathing? Important Lessons from a Breathwork Coach with Zach Campa
In today’s episode, I interview Zach Campa who is a certified breathwork and meditation facilitator. Zach brings a very interesting science-based approach to healing and shares great tips on how to incorporate more purposeful breathing into you...
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43:38
Episode 33: Periods, Pelvic Healthcare, and Sex with Brittney Ellers
Dr. Brittney Ellers is a holistic women’s healthcare specialist and has a very unique background and specialized training in women’s health. She is a holistic pelvic physical therapist, yoga teacher, women’s health educator, thought leader and ...
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46:03
Episode 32: When “Healthy Living” can Backfire
It’s no secret that living a healthy lifestyle is incredibely important. Thanks to modern science we are learning new hacks and habits every single day that can add years to our lives and help our physical health greatly improve. But is there a...
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Episode 32
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14:10
Episode 31: Men’s Hormone Health 101 with Dr. Justin Houman
Today we have a Men’s health expert on the show to share his knowledge on the male body. Dr. Houman is an expert on many topics including vasectomy reversals, sperm retrievals, penile implants, and male incontinence. We talk about the important...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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23:52
Episode 30: Are you listening to your symptoms?
I am a firm believer that physical health is mental health. When we listen to the physical symptoms and sensations of our body it directly improves and affects our mental well-being! In today’s episode I walk through a short practice you can do...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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19:26
Episode 29: How to Know What Advice to Listen to for YOUR Body
Professionals and experts are important. But when they give us advice or an opinion that simply doesn’t work for our body.. Progress is the last thing we will make! In this episode, I review some surprising research on the human body and how to...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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18:31
Episode 28: How to start 2022 with a Happy Nervous System
Happy New Year from the Happy Nervous System team! This episode was created to give you a boost into this new year. I provide you with a very simple yet profound technique you can practice that will help you regulate your nervous system a...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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16:26
Episode 27: 24 Hour Social Media Detox Challenge
Do you ever wonder if you are addicted to checking your phone? It's frightening to think how the brain becomes powerfully conditioned to scroll social media or check our inbox (especially when our body is craving rest!) If you are ready to slow...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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11:29
Episode 26: The Power of Apologizing and Self-Care as a Parent with Rachel Thomasian
In today’s episode we are joined by Rachel Thomasian who brings her unique parenting wisdom that comes from being a mother, therapist, and a business owner. We discuss the power of the apology, why she chooses to practice apologizi...
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39:57
Episode 25: Disordered Eating Explained with Mia Raymond
In today’s episode eating disorder specialist Mia Raymond shares with us how to identify and better understand eating disorders and disordered eating. Mia has 14 years of experience in the field and has helped many people heal their relation...
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27:41
Episode 24: An Important Question to Ask Yourself Today
In today’s episode I walk you through an important question to ask yourself to improve your mental health and your quality of life. I am a firm believer that our satisfaction in life is directly tied to the quality of the questions we ask...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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14:07
Episode 23: Rethinking Discipline: Why Spanking isn't Effective (Part 2)
In today's episode I continue the conversation around spanking and why it is not an effective form of discipline. I review specific strategies based on relational neuroscience to replace traditional discipline strategies and methods. Sprinkled ...
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25:30
Episode 22: Rethinking Discipline: Why Spanking isn't Effective with Dr. Mona Delahooke (Part 1)
Today I have a very special guest on the podcast, my mom Dr. Mona Delahooke! This is our first public collaboration and we tackle the controversial topic of spanking. We discuss why spanking doesn’t work and why fear-based discipline is an inef...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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54:47
Episode 21: The Power of Pleasure and Why We Need More of It
What do you think of when you hear the word pleasure? Does it register as a dirty word? Do you seek pleasure in private? Do you talk about pleasure with others? In this episode, I will convince you why pleasure is not just a luxury AND why it i...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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18:24
Episode 20: Why Men’s Mental Health Matters with Doron Willis
Today’s guest is a men’s mental health specialist that shares about the unique ways men tend to process feelings. Doron discusses why men struggle with perfectionism, the best way to support men emotionally, and ideas for how to raise boys in a...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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46:35
Episode 19: The Key to Having Positive Body Image
In today’s episode, I define body image and why it has very little to do with the way that you look and all to do with the way you FEEL. I review specific strategies on how to improve your body image and accept yourself as you are. If you strug...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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19:11
Episode 18: Three Popular Parenting Myths Debunked
Parenting is TOUGH. As a therapist and parent educator is my goal to debunk myths to help make parenting easier and more enjoyable. Today I break down a few common parenting myths to help you better understand your child and how to respond to t...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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26:31
Episode 17: How to Exercise With Less Effort and Better Results with Dr. Shannon Ritchey
In today’s episode, I interview fitness expert Dr. Shannon Ritchey. She has helped many people transform their relationship with exercise and reduce the pain and fatigue they experience in their bodies and joints. We talk about why the nervous ...
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35:55
Episode 16: The Reasons Diets Fail and What to do Instead
Research shows people choose to diet again and again and again even though they fail every single time. Why does this happen? In today’s episode I talk about dieting, what it does to the body, and how to stop dieting for good. I provide some su...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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23:54
Episode 15: Why a Happy Nervous System Can Add Years to Your Life!
In this episode we dive into the Blue Zone Study lead by Dan Buettner. We review the “Power Nine” criteria that shows the habits of groups of people who have the highest life expectancy on the planet! This study proves that having a happy nervo...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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23:57
Episode 14: The Secret Behind Being a Smart Consumer on Social Media
Social media is scary but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I unpack why social media (and following influencers) can be dangerous including red flags to look out for. Although influencers mean well the advice they give can cause harm if ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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18:47
Episode 13: How to Make the Most out of Online Dating with Dr. Christie Kederian
In today's episode I interview my dear friend and colleague Dr. Christie Kederian. She is a dating and love expert who was a previous matchmaker for Eharmony and is a treasure chest of knowledge. We discuss how to find the one using dating apps...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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34:20
Episode 12: Re-thinking Selfishness and Why it’s Essential to Make Yourself a Priority
Why do we demonize selfishness? In this episode I discuss why choosing to be selfish isn’t only a good thing but a necessary part of robust mental health. This episode applies to everyone but this topic is especially important for all of the pa...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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15:01