What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Russo—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use.
Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change.
What You’ll Learn:
- The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from present
- How havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilience
- Real-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stages
- The “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance, and Alignment as the foundation for transformation
- Simple daily havening practices to calm your mind and build emotional strength
Timestamps:
- 0:01:05 Trauma Decoded: The Four Elements That Shape Your Brain
- 0:06:33 Why Your Brain Is Wired for Negativity—and How to Change It
- 0:08:38 From Opera Stage to Safe Space: A Grammy Winner’s Breakthrough
- 0:11:52 Havening 101: The Science and Practice of Self-Healing
- 0:14:19 Positive Mindset vs. Pleasant Distraction—What Really Works?
- 0:16:38 The AAA Effect: The First Step to Lasting Resilience
- 0:20:41 Who Needs Havening Most? Hilary’s Surprising Fictional Pick
Guest Links:
- Website: https://hilaryrusso.com
- Podcast: HIListically Speaking (https://hilaryrusso.com/podcast)
- Events & Trainings: https://hilaryrusso.com/events
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilaryrusso
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso
- Book (upcoming): “Hug It Out” (details on website)
This episode is your invitation to be kind to your mind, discover the power of havening, and start hacking your way to healing.
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
