Navigating the Nervous System

Kristin Cronin Boone

Welcome to Navigating the Nervous System. My name is Kristin Cronin Boone Licensed Therapist, Professor, and Writer. Do you ever wonder why you do the things you do? The answer might just be your nervous system. Come with me as we explore this incredible system, and how it drives your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Let’s Navigate the Nervous System together.

Episodes

  1. Who's Driving Your Car? Your Capital S Self and Other Parts

    AUG 12

    Who's Driving Your Car? Your Capital S Self and Other Parts

    Inspired by The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer and Dr. Richard Schwartz’s groundbreaking IFS work, Kristin explores what happens when we stop becoming our thoughts and start observing them — and how this shift can rewire your brain for safety, clarity, and connection. In this eye-opening episode, Kristin breaks down: • The 8 C’s that signal you’re in your Capital-S Self: Compassion, Curiosity, Calm, Clarity, Courage, Connectedness, Creativity, and Confidence • How to instantly spot when you’re operating from a protective part instead of your core Self • The “Minivan Metaphor” for understanding your inner world — and why Self should be driving • How to intentionally choose which part is at the wheel in any situation • Real-life examples of parts in action: the cynical spam-call deflector, the productivity/perfectionist driver, and the hyper-judgy meeting dresser • A simple meditation or thought exercise to help you step back from thoughts, thank the part, and invite it to rest • How “mom and toddler” thinking can help you gently redirect persistent mental chatter • The Safe Stress Shutdown model and how it aligns with the 8 C’s • The surprising freedom that comes when you realize you are not your thoughts — you are the one who hears them This episode blends psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience to give you a roadmap for returning to your safest, truest self — even in the middle of life’s messiest moments.

    20 min
  2. Thoughts and Feelings Forever: Rewiring your Triggers

    JUL 24

    Thoughts and Feelings Forever: Rewiring your Triggers

    This episode explores how we can start to rewire our emotional triggers by understanding the connection between thoughts, body sensations, and past experiences. When we recognize that emotions are simply our body’s physical response paired with a situation, we can begin to shift how we respond—especially to everyday stressors. Emotions are like a best friend necklace—one side is the thought, the other is the nervous system’s physical reaction. That pairing is what creates an emotional experience, and when it repeatedly leads to stress or shutdown, we often call it a trigger. These responses are shaped by predictive wiring—patterns built over time from past experiences. With awareness, we can begin to upgrade those patterns. For example, if sarcasm has triggered a flight response in the past, noticing the physical reaction, recognizing the situation is out of your control, and reminding yourself you’re safe can begin to rewire that response. You may still feel annoyed, but the intensity of the trigger becomes lighter over time. Not everything needs to be processed deeply—if it’s a one-time moment, a simple reminder that you’re safe can be enough. For patterns that show up repeatedly, making a plan and practicing nervous system regulation in the moment helps shift the default response. By noticing what’s happening in your body and choosing how to respond, you’re not erasing the past—you’re rewiring the future, one trigger at a time.

    22 min

About

Welcome to Navigating the Nervous System. My name is Kristin Cronin Boone Licensed Therapist, Professor, and Writer. Do you ever wonder why you do the things you do? The answer might just be your nervous system. Come with me as we explore this incredible system, and how it drives your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Let’s Navigate the Nervous System together.