Episode 370: From Trauma to Regulation to Resilience with Neurobiologist Dr. Bruce Perry
Dr. Bruce Perry unpacks the difference between stress, adversity, and trauma, helping parents shift from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” He explains how moderate, predictable stress actually builds resilience, while overprotection can limit a child’s growth. He also highlights the powerful role of relationships—especially how a regulated parent can calm a dysregulated child—and offers practical ways to foster connection through rhythm, movement, and presence. Ultimately, he reminds us that understanding a child’s story is key to helping them heal and grow.
Here is a transcript for episode 370.
Resources mentioned:
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential—and Endangered by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!
See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids.
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg. Exclusions apply.
NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.
EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.
SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!
CASPER: Save up to 30% on mattresses and up to 35% on everything else when you go to Casper.com.