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.

4D AGO

When the Rubber Band Snaps: Holding the Weight of Collective Trauma

Last week, Stacy hit a wall. In this deeply honest episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, Stacy shares what happens when even someone who spends a career helping others through trauma reaches their own breaking point. Between global conflict, disturbing news cycles, and the emotional weight many people are carrying right now, Stacy found herself overwhelmed with anger, grief, and exhaustion. As a trauma therapist who has spent over two decades working with survivors of violence, abuse, and loss, she reflects on a hard truth: Humans were never designed to absorb endless streams of traumatic information. In this conversation, Stacy explores the idea of collective trauma—how constant exposure to painful news and social media can overwhelm our nervous systems and stretch our internal “rubber band” to the point of snapping. She also talks about: Why the modern news cycle is overwhelming our nervous systemsThe emotional load many women are carrying right nowWhy believing and supporting survivors mattersThe role men can play in changing harmful cultural normsHow empathic adults and children may be absorbing the emotional energy of the worldMost importantly, Stacy shares what helped her find her footing again: stepping away from the noise, returning to the basics of regulation, and remembering that caring for yourself is not weakness—it’s necessary. If the world has felt heavy lately, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and it’s okay to step back and take care of your nervous system.

17 min
MAR 2

It's Okay to Not Be Okay: A Combat Veteran's Journey Through Healing, Marriage, and Mental Health

In this heartfelt episode of Chitty Chats with Stacy, licensed clinical social worker and Behavioral Health Officer Stacy Nation sits down with her husband Billy — a combat veteran with over 24 years of military service — for a candid and emotional conversation about men’s mental health, the military stigma around therapy, and the journey toward healing. Together, Stacy and Billy pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to navigate trauma, marriage, and masculinity after years of deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE.Billy opens up about his early years in the military, when seeking help meant risking your career, and shares how Brainspotting and therapy transformed his life decades later. This episode is packed with insights for: 🪖 Veterans and active service members wrestling with the invisible weight of trauma.💑 Spouses and partners who want to understand how to better support their loved ones through healing.🧠 Anyone curious about brain-based therapies like Brainspotting — and why they reach parts of our story that talk therapy sometimes can’t.Key moments include: The truth about mental health stigma in the military — then and nowWhy Brainspotting can unlock healing when words aren’t enoughWhat “being strong” really means for men todayHow spouses can listen without judgment and help create safetyThe powerful reminder that “it’s okay to not be okay”Stacy and Billy’s honest, grounded conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical takeaways for anyone navigating life after trauma or trying to love someone who is.

37 min
FEB 24

No One Comes Home the Same: Reintegration, Regulation, and the Life After Deployment

A year ago today, I was in the Middle East. After nearly two years serving on full-time orders with the Wyoming Army National Guard — preparing soldiers for deployment, deploying alongside them, and supporting them through combat and operational stress — I’m finally ready to unpack what that experience did to me. Because here’s the truth: No one goes on deployment and comes home the same. In this episode, I share: What it’s like to serve as a Behavioral Health Officer during deploymentThe emotional complexity of supporting soldiers while navigating your own stressThe realities of reintegration (and why coming home can be harder than leaving)How my family, marriage, and business shifted while I was goneWhat I learned about nervous system regulation in high-stress environmentsWhy nuance matters more than ever — in leadership, in the military, and in our conversations with each otherReintegration is real.Identity shifts are real.And growth doesn’t happen without discomfort. I talk about the privilege and the hardship of deployment. I talk about grief. I talk about change. I talk about what it means to wear a uniform and still hold nuance. And I share where I feel deeply called next — helping people learn how to sit with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and hold space without judgment. After more than 20,000 one-on-one conversations with humans, I know this to be true: We don’t often sit with ourselves.And we don’t often have someone willing to simply sit with us. That’s where I’m headed. If you’ve ever: Walked through a major life transitionFelt like you came home to a different lifeNavigated reintegration after deployment, divorce, graduation, or lossOr sensed that you no longer fit neatly into one boxThis episode is for you. Thank you for being here.Thank you for staying. Season 2 of Chitty Chats with Stacy begins now.

19 min
05/09/2024

Happy Educators Week!

Today, Stacy express heartfelt gratitude towards educators. She encourages listeners to take a moment to appreciate their favorite teachers by reaching out with a message of thanks instead of spending their time on the podcast. Highlighting the significant shifts and challenges in education, Stacy acknowledges the dedication and hard work of educators, including their own 'army bestie' and their children's sports coaches, who go above and beyond their teaching duties. 00:00 Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 01:41 A Personal Shoutout to Influential Educators 02:21 Acknowledging the Extraordinary Efforts of Coaches 03:19 A Heartfelt Thank You to All Educators 03:53 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

5 min
05/06/2024

Reflections: Friendship

In this episode, Stacy reflects on the importance and value of friendship, sparked by a recent visit from a long-time friend. She recount the joy of reconnecting with friends from different phases of her life, including high school friends and a best friend of over two decades. Stacy speaker highlights the practices that have helped maintain these friendships, such as sharing daily gratitudes, and the unique connection felt with people from her small hometown. 00:00 Starting the Journey: Reflections on Friendship 00:37 Cherishing Long-Term Friendships: A Weekend of Reconnection 01:44 The Power of Gratitude in Friendship 03:06 Navigating Friendships Through Life's Seasons 04:06 Rekindling Connections: The Joy of Small-Town Ties 06:40 Contemplating the Impact of Social Media on Modern Friendships 07:41 The Enduring Value of Friendship 08:12 Invitation to Share Your Friendship Stories

9 min
05/02/2024

How Does Your Past Impact Your Teaching?

In this episode of Chitty Chats, Stacy shares a training she has held titled "How Does Your Past Impact Your Teaching?". Stacy introduces the concept of how one's physiological and emotional blueprint, developed during early childhood, affects their responses and interactions in educational settings. The session covers the development of the brain, stress response systems, sensory systems, and techniques for emotional regulation, both for teachers and their students. Educators are encouraged to reflect on their own triggers, how they were wired through their own developmental stages, and how this impacts their relationships with students, particularly those they find challenging. Additionally, educators are prompted to consider who has influenced their teaching approach and to reflect on their reasons for staying in the teaching profession, despite its challenges. The workshop aims to equip educators with tools to improve their self-awareness and emotional management, contributing to a more trauma-informed educational practice. 00:37 The Impact of Your Past on Teaching 06:31 Reflecting on Your Teaching Journey 14:12 Understanding How You're Wired: A Look at Brain Development 24:44 Navigating Triggers in the Classroom 29:24 Exploring Emotional Responses Through Body Awareness 32:46 Understanding Children's Emotional Expressions 33:23 Navigating Feelings and Family Dynamics 34:53 Practical Approaches to Helping Kids Express Emotions 35:30 Case Study: Healing Through Emotional Expression 38:03 Sensory Systems and Classroom Dynamics 46:07 Personal Reflections and Professional Development

59 min
04/29/2024

Reflections: Moms & Toddlers

Today, Stacy reflects on motherhood, inspired by a recent encounter with a group of mothers during a weekend at a hot springs. She emphasizes the unique challenges and joys of raising toddlers, stressing the significance of emotional development and the importance of supporting each other without judgment. Stacy also acknowledges the hard work of parenting, particularly during the toddler years, and offers encouragement and empathy to all mothers, reminding them they're not alone in their journey. Additionally, she touches on societal expectations of mothers, the importance of self-care, and the necessity of community support, while advocating for understanding and empathy towards all parents.

13 min
04/25/2024

Whole Brain Teaching and Emotional Regulation with Bri Miller

In this episode, Stacy is joined by Bri Miller, a behavior interventionist from Wichita, Kansas, to discuss the impact of whole brain teaching and behavior intervention strategies in the classroom. Bri shares her journey from teaching fourth and second grades to becoming a behavior interventionist, emphasizing the effectiveness of whole brain teaching in boosting student engagement and reducing classroom disruptions. Topics include: the role of therapy animals in supporting emotional regulation and creating a more conducive learning environment.methods for handling dysregulated behavior in studentschallenges and successes Brie has encountered in her role, the importance of educators learning about behavior regulation and whole brain teaching strategies00:30 Diving Into Bri Miller's Role as a Behavior Interventionist 03:39 Exploring Whole Brain Teaching and Its Impact 06:22 The Power of Whole Brain Teaching in Classroom Management 15:23 Integrating Therapy Dogs in Schools: A Game Changer 20:51 Connecting with Bri Miller: Learn More About Whole Brain Learning

22 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

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.

Creator

Stacy Nation
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

40
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Go Be You, LLC
Show Website

Chitty Chats with Stacy