Chitty Chats with Stacy

Stacy Nation
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Chitty Chats with Stacy is a neuroscience-informed podcast exploring trauma, regulation, leadership, parenting, education, and the messy nuance of being human. Hosted by therapist and Behavioral Health Officer Stacy Nation, with many amazing guests, this show invites you to sit with yourself, understand your nervous system, and navigate life without black-and-white thinking.

  1. 23h ago

    Presence Matters: Building Trust, Teams, and Better Leaders with Dr. Darrin Peppard

    What makes a great leader? Is it having all the answers, managing every problem, or creating an environment where others can succeed? In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, I sit down with Dr. Darrin Peppard, former educator, principal, superintendent, author, and founder of Road to Awesome, for a conversation about leadership, organizational culture, and the power of intentionality. Drawing from his 26 years in public education and his current work coaching leaders and leadership teams, Darrin shares practical insights into moving from reactive to intentional leadership, building effective systems, and creating teams grounded in trust, shared purpose, and honest communication. We explore what happens when leaders try to do everything themselves, why dysfunctional teams aren't always made up of dysfunctional people, and how empowering others can transform an entire organization. We also discuss the importance of self-reflection, leading by example, and showing up for the work we ask others to do. Whether you're an educator, organizational leader, helping professional, or someone who influences the people around you, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't just about what we say. It's about what we do, the relationships we build, and the environments we create. Connect with Dr. Darrin Peppard: Website: darrinpeppard.comRoad to Awesome: roadtoawesome.netPodcast: Leaning Into Leadership

    Presence Matters: Building Trust, Teams, and Better Leaders with Dr. Darrin Peppard

  2. Oct 20

    Healing Isn't Just Talking: Trauma, Psychedelics, and the Power of Connection with Kate Nesterwitz, LMFT

    What does healing really take? And what happens when talking about our trauma isn't enough? In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, I'm joined by one of my dearest friends and fellow trauma therapists, Kate Nesterwitz, LMFT, founder of Conscious Pathways Therapy and Journey Work. Kate and I have spent more than a decade exploring the complexities of trauma, relationships, and healing—both professionally and personally. And this conversation goes deep. We explore the evolving world of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the importance of working with skilled, trauma-trained clinicians, and why healing requires so much more than a single experience or intervention. We talk about the emotions we learn to suppress, the ways trauma lives in our bodies, and the profound connection between emotional healing, self-compassion, and our relationships with others. We also dig into something close to both our hearts: the emotional toll of being a therapist. Who takes care of the people who spend their days holding space for everyone else? And how do we create ethical, sustainable practices that support both clinicians and clients? Along the way, we discuss men's emotional health, substance use, generational trauma, spirituality, and the role of love and human connection in helping us find our way back to ourselves. This is an honest, sometimes raw, and deeply personal conversation between two women who believe that healing happens in relationship, that feeling our feelings matters, and that none of us were meant to do this work alone. Connect with Kate: Conscious Pathways Therapy and Journey Work: Conscious Pathways • Therapy & Journeywork • Denver, CO This conversation is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health guidance.

    Healing Isn't Just Talking: Trauma, Psychedelics, and the Power of Connection with Kate Nesterwitz, LMFT

  3. Oct 13

    Teaching the Whole Child, Neurodivergence, and Strategies with Becca Engle

    In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy sits down with educator, author, speaker, and dyslexia and special education teacher Becca Engle for a powerful conversation about neurodivergence, regulation, play-based learning, and what it really means to teach the whole child. Becca shares her perspective as both an educator and a neurodivergent person, offering practical insight into how teachers can better understand students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dysgraphia, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences. Together, Stacy and Becca discuss why students need more than a one-size-fits-all approach, how classroom environments can support regulation, and why behavior is often a signal of an unmet need. Becca also explains her “three zones” classroom model, including body release, heavy and quiet regulation, and returning to the learning zone. This conversation is full of real-world strategies for teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to better support neurodivergent students with compassion, creativity, and brain-informed care. At the heart of this episode is a reminder that kids are not diagnoses, behaviors, or test scores. They are whole humans who deserve to be understood, supported, and given the tools to learn in ways that actually work for their brains. Contact Becca at: https://2002rebs.wixsite.com/stitchesstanzasIG: becca.thestimscholarIG: stitchesstanzasFB: Becca EngleFB: stitches and stanza

    Teaching the Whole Child, Neurodivergence, and Strategies with Becca Engle

  4. Oct 6

    Getting Unstuck: Trauma, Veterans, and Brain-Based Healing with Eli Varney Show Description

    In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy sits down with Eli Varney, a Wyoming veteran, trauma therapist, and former Wyoming Army National Guard officer, for a powerful conversation about trauma, dissociation, veterans, and what it really takes to heal. Eli shares how his own military journey led him into mental health counseling and why traditional talk therapy is not always enough for people with deep trauma histories. Together, Stacy and Eli explore EMDR, Internal Family Systems, brain spotting, QEEG brain scans, somatic work, dissociation, and the importance of getting to the root of what is keeping people stuck. This conversation is especially meaningful for veterans, first responders, clinicians, and anyone who has tried to “think” their way out of trauma but still feels trapped in old patterns. Stacy and Eli talk honestly about healing the brain and body, investing in mental health, client-led therapy, addiction, sleep, identity, family, and what it means to return to your own version of normal. At the heart of this episode is hope: people can get better, healing can happen, and no one has to stay stuck forever. Contact Eli at: 307-431-4025, eli@calmermindcounseling.comwww.calmermindscounseling.comrebuild.care

    Getting Unstuck: Trauma, Veterans, and Brain-Based Healing with Eli Varney Show Description

  5. Sep 29

    Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness, Middle School, and the Power of Hope with Stefanie Lachenauer

    In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy sits down with Stefanie Lachenauer, 2025 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, author of Let the Glitter Settle, middle school educator, and board member with the Attachment and Trauma Network. Stefanie shares what 20 years in the classroom have taught her about “kids these days,” technology, boredom, creativity, regulation, and why mindfulness belongs in the school day.   Together, Stacy and Stefanie explore practical ways teachers and parents can help kids build self-awareness, manage big emotions, take breaks from screens, and reconnect through play, relationship, and community. Stefanie also talks about her book, Let the Glitter Settle, and the glitter jar metaphor for dysregulation: when life shakes us up, we can pause, breathe, and let the glitter settle so we can see clearly again. This conversation is full of wisdom for educators, parents, and anyone who cares about helping young people feel safe, regulated, creative, and hopeful. Stacy and Stefanie also discuss teacher wellness, community care, classroom agreements, sleep, snacks, travel, and the reminder that hope often lives on the other side of the hard stuff.  Connect with Stefanie: www.StefanieLachenauer.comsteflach@gmail.com@lettheglittersettle@stefanielachenauer@njstoy2025 Buy the book: https://a.co/d/09riyAjd

    Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness, Middle School, and the Power of Hope with Stefanie Lachenauer

  6. Jun 10

    What Really Happens in Therapy? The Story Behind My New Book

    In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy shares the story behind her new book, What Really Happens in Therapy: Behind Closed Doors, A Guided Journey to Healing, releasing June 15, 2026. After more than 20 years as a clinician, 25 years in the mental health field, years of teaching trauma-informed practices, and a recent deployment working with Soldiers and Veterans, Stacy began asking a deeper question: Why don’t more people come to therapy, and what are they missing when they don’t? This episode explores the barriers that keep people from seeking therapy, including cost, stigma, mistrust, fear of vulnerability, and past negative experiences with providers. Stacy also explains why the book was written for people who may never cross the threshold of a counseling office, as well as those who have been in therapy but still feel stuck. Part memoir, part science, and part practical guide, the book walks readers through understanding the brain, unpacking their story, building support, learning real healing skills, and integrating those changes into everyday life and relationships. Stacy shares why healing is hard, why we do not have to carry everything we were handed, and why learning about our nervous system, stress cycles, trauma, and emotional development can help us break generational patterns. This is an honest, heartfelt episode about therapy, healing, vulnerability, and the belief that we all deserve tools to better understand ourselves.

    What Really Happens in Therapy? The Story Behind My New Book

  7. Jun 3

    Pride Month Is Suicide Prevention

    In this heartfelt episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy speaks directly about Pride Month, allyship, trauma-informed care, and suicide prevention. She shares what it means to sit with people who believe the world would be better without them simply because of who they are, who they love, or how they live. This conversation is a call to choose love over judgment, safety over shame, and humanity over hate. Stacy reminds listeners that being trauma-informed means making space for people to live fully, honestly, and safely. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those carrying fear, rejection, religious trauma, family judgment, or suicidal thoughts, this episode offers a clear message: you matter, you are loved, and there is a chosen family ready to hold you. Pride Month is more than celebration. It is visibility. It is protection. It is belonging. And for many people, it is suicide prevention.  If you are experiencing a mental-health crisis, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or any other urgent concern, please contact a qualified mental health professional immediately or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. Veterans and active-duty service members can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

    Pride Month Is Suicide Prevention

  8. May 26

    Finding the Right Therapist: Trust Your Gut and Ask Better Questions

    Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve already worked hard just to make the appointment. In this episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy talks honestly about what clients should look for when searching for a therapist—and what therapists need to do better when creating safety, trust, and connection from the very first interaction. Stacy shares practical questions clients can ask, including questions about licensing, training, therapy experience, specialized populations, and treatment modalities. She also reminds listeners that the therapeutic relationship matters deeply. If something feels off, it’s okay to trust your gut and keep looking. This episode is for clients trying to find a good fit, therapists wanting to create safer spaces, and anyone who believes healing starts with relationship. In this episode, Stacy explores the often frustrating process of finding the right therapist. She shares that many people have to meet several therapists before finding a good fit, and she challenges clinicians to think more deeply about how they create safety from the very beginning. Stacy talks about why the first appointment matters, especially for people with PTSD, complex trauma, military experiences, foster/adoption histories, or other specialized needs. She names some of the things that can go wrong, from appointment miscommunication to sensory distractions to therapists jumping into techniques without context or relationship. She also gives listeners practical guidance for choosing a therapist, including looking at: licensing and credentials, specialized training, treatment modalities, comfort and connection, therapist self-awareness, whether the therapist has been in therapy, and whether the therapist has experience with your specific needs. The heart of this episode is simple: the relationship matters. Therapy can change your brain and your life, but only when there is enough safety and trust to do the work. If you leave a session knowing it is not a good fit, Stacy encourages you to listen to that instinct and keep looking.

    Finding the Right Therapist: Trust Your Gut and Ask Better Questions
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Chitty Chats with Stacy is a neuroscience-informed podcast exploring trauma, regulation, leadership, parenting, education, and the messy nuance of being human. Hosted by therapist and Behavioral Health Officer Stacy Nation, with many amazing guests, this show invites you to sit with yourself, understand your nervous system, and navigate life without black-and-white thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacy Nation
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Go Be You, LLC
  • Show Website
    Chitty Chats with Stacy