Have you ever felt misunderstood? Like the world keeps trying to put you in a box that just doesn’t fit? Then this episode is for you.

Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Dr. Rae Johnson, a leading researcher, professor, and author exploring the intersections of somatics, social justice, and identity. Rae’s work challenges us to reconnect with our bodies, question the systems that shape us, and embrace our full, unfiltered selves.

Together, Scott and Rae explore why we brace ourselves against misunderstanding, how validation changes our nervous system, and what it really means to be witnessed. Plus, they unpack how a simple shift in perspective—or the right words from a total stranger—can change everything.

Topics We Break Down:

• Why we over-explain & brace for misunderstanding – The social conditioning that keeps us apologizing for who we are.
• The ‘Validation Reflex’ – How being truly seen creates a physical release in the body.
• Why strangers can sometimes know us better than our friends – The science behind why an outside perspective can feel so powerful.
• The cost of authenticity – What we sacrifice to be fully ourselves—and why it’s worth it.
• Witnessing & being witnessed – How deep presence can transform our relationships and sense of self.