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In this thought-provoking conversation, Ruth Lorensson and Thomas Pals welcome back Scott Turner, author of Purpose and Desire, to explore the fascinating intersections of niche construction theory, homeostasis, and human wellness. Together, they unpack how living systems—down to the cellular level—act with agency, intentionally shaping and being shaped by their environments.

From Walter Cannon’s classic definition of homeostasis to Aristotle’s ideas on purposefulness, the discussion bridges evolutionary biology, biophysics, and wellness science. Scott Turner explains why adaptation is more than mechanistic feedback loops—it’s about purposeful striving at every level, from microbiomes to ecosystems. The trio dives deep into the “many little lives” metaphor, revealing how cellular conversations influence our overall health, vitality, and resilience—and how disruption in those conversations can lead to illness, cancer, and even addiction.

Key topics include:

• The agency of living systems and its role in adaptation and wellness
• How niche construction theory challenges modern Darwinism
• Why homeostasis is misunderstood and how it truly operates
• The parallels between ecosystem health and human health
• The role of interoception in restoring balance and fostering well-being

Whether you’re a wellness professional, leader, or simply curious about the science of thriving, this episode offers a fresh lens on what it means to be well—and how to consciously participate in the adaptive conversations that sustain life.

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Email Tom thomasjpals@innerworkings.org
Email Ruth ruth@bridgeandrhino.com

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Interoception, homeostasis, and the autonomic nervous system are at the heart of this conversation on trauma healing and body-based wellness—drawing inspiration from Scott Turner’s groundbreaking book, Purpose and Desire.

In this episode of the Autonomic Homeostasis Activation Podcast, hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals explore the shift from traditional mechanistic models of the human body to a living systems approach—where homeostasis is understood not just as a function, but as the body’s deepest purpose.

Tom shares how Turner's work helped crystallize the core concepts behind AHA, especially the healing power of interoception—the internal sense that allows us to listen to the body rather than control it. Ruth recounts the story of how they connected with Scott and why his perspective has become foundational to understanding what true wellness really is.

Tune in for a story-rich, science-grounded episode that challenges the machine metaphor of the body—and invites us to see ourselves as intelligent, self-regulating systems capable of healing from within.

Key Topics:

• How Scott Turner’s book Purpose and Desire shaped the origins of AHA
• The difference between mechanistic and living systems models of the body
• Why homeostasis is more than balance—it’s the body’s deepest intelligence
• The role of interoception in healing from trauma and chronic stress
• How curiosity, observation, and conversation drive true transformation

Join Ruth and Tom as they lay the groundwork for the next two episodes with Scott Turner—and reveal why changing how we see the body might be the first step in helping it heal.

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Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
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Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings Website

Email Tom thomasjpals@innerworkings.org
Email Ruth ruth@bridgeandrhino.com

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Interoception, homeostasis, and the autonomic nervous system come together in this powerful episode to help you understand why you may not feel safe—even when there's no actual danger. Hosts Ruth Lorensson and Tom Pals unpack how trauma, chronic stress, and learned woundings can keep your internal nervous system misaligned—and what science shows us about re-creating safety from within.

What You'll Discover:

• The disconnect between perceived threat and actual safety—driven by trauma, not current reality.
• How interoception and homeostatic regulation support the restoration of nervous system balance.
• Practical tools rooted in somatic healing, stress recovery, and self-regulation.
• How listening to the body—and not overthinking it—can transform your relationship with safety and well-being.

Why This Episode Matters:
Feeling unsafe when everything seems fine can be confusing and unsettling. This episode frames it through a living systems lens, showing why self-regulation is key to recovering emotional resilience and achieving whole-person wellness.

Tune In For:
A grounded, support‑based conversation blending neuroscience, somatic awareness, and real-life stories to guide you back to alignment, safety, and greater emotional freedom.

Support the show

Thanks for listening!

You can follow us on
Facebook
Instagram
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
Check out the Autonomic Healing Website & InnerWorkings Website

Email Tom thomasjpals@innerworkings.org
Email Ruth ruth@bridgeandrhino.com

Support us

We appreciate you!