What are trauma tingles, you ask? Oh, you know them. They're those wild, exciting, tantalizing, and misdirecting feelings that magnetize you into the same shitty relational dynamics you've been dealing with your whole life.

Oof, It's wild out there in the complex realm of relationships. Sometimes we find ourselves more interested in the chase than the embrace or confusing intensity for intimacy- all the while declaring that we want and need love. If red flags feel like home and you find yourself or people you know in the merry-go-round of relationship pains, welcome to the world of trauma tingles... Let's talk about it.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Lyons chats with Kai Cheng Thom and Nkem Ndefo about red flags in dating and why trauma tingles feel irresistible. If an ordinary life feels risky and red flags cause a buzz of excitement, don't worry—this is a normal part of being human and an adaptive response to trauma. Through witnessing patterns unfolding and learning how to form safer boundaries for ourselves and others, we can heal to the point that those trauma tingles become boring and unsexy- red flag couture no more!

Topics we break down:

• How trauma tingles relate to your attachment style.
• Why dating apps can be dehumanizing.
• Communicating your needs.
• Reconfiguring relationships.
• Maintaining boundaries.
• Choosing yourself.

Kai Cheng's work focuses on the intersection of social justice, pleasure activism, and transformative approaches to healing conflict.

Connect with Kai Cheng

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Arise Embodiment

Nkem is the founder of Lumos Transforms and the creator of the Resilience Toolkit.

Connect with Nkem

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The Resilience Toolkit

Connect with Dr. Scott

Website | Instagram | TikTok

Addicted to Drama

Save 10% at OMALA with offer code DRSCOTT10

Save 10% on The Embody Lab with offer code GENTLYUSED10

Want to see the Rorschach Drawings? Head over...

What if the key to unlocking your potential wasn’t waiting for the perfect opportunity but realizing that you get to create it?

In this episode of The Gently Used Human, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Maha Abouelenein, a global expert in communications, branding, and self-reliance, to explore the mindset shifts that turn hesitation into action, connections into opportunities, and self-doubt into unshakable confidence.

Maha’s career spans decades as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, and some of the world’s most influential brands. She understands what it takes to build influence, create lasting relationships, and step fully into your strengths. In this conversation, she shares the strategies she’s used to navigate her own journey—from overcoming personal challenges to becoming one of the most sought-after voices in branding and communication.

Together, Maha and Scott break down how to reframe self-doubt, develop confidence through action, and build a personal brand that reflects who you truly are. They explore why networking doesn’t have to feel transactional, how the simple shift from have to to get to can change your entire outlook, and why true success comes from showing up, creating value, and taking bold steps forward.

This episode is filled with practical insights on how to stop waiting, start owning your story, and build the kind of influence that opens doors.

• Reframing self-doubt – Why waiting for confidence is a trap
• Building your network – How to connect with people authentically
• The power of gratitude – Why shifting from have to → get to changes everything
• Personal branding – Why your reputation matters more than ever
• Taking the first step – How to break free from hesitation and just start

This is a conversation about power, presence, and the freedom that comes from stepping into who you truly are. Listen now on The Gently Used Human.

Maha's "Icebreaker Questions for Introverts"

• How can I help?
• What brought you to this event?
• What do you enjoy most about your work?
• What projects are you excited about working on next?
• How did you first get started in [industry]?
• What do you find most challenging/rewarding about your job?
• What inspired you to pursue a career in [specific field]?
• Are there any industry trends or developments that particularly interest you right now?
• How do you see your industry evolving in the next few years?
• What advice would you give to someone just starting out in [industry/profession]
• What are your thoughts on [current industry news/topic]
• Have you attended any interesting conferences or workshops lately?
• Are there any skills or knowledge areas you're currently looking to develop?

Are you struggling to stay focused in a world full of distractions? Do you feel like your memory isn’t as sharp as it could be?

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with the world-renowned brain coach, memory expert, and author Jim Kwik. Jim has dedicated his life to helping people break through mental barriers and unlock their full cognitive potential. From overcoming his own childhood struggles with learning difficulties to becoming the go-to brain coach for top performers, Jim shares his transformative journey and the essential tools to supercharge memory, focus, and productivity.

Throughout this conversation, Jim and Scott dive into the impact of digital distractions, the hidden costs of our reliance on technology, and how to reclaim mental strength in a world that often works against us. Jim offers practical, neuroscience-backed strategies that listeners can start using immediately to improve concentration, beat burnout, and optimize brain health.

By the end of this episode, you'll be inspired to take charge of your mental fitness and equipped with actionable techniques to sharpen your mind, cultivate resilience, and create a more fulfilling life.

Topics We Break Down:

• The modern digital habits that are eroding focus, memory, and decision-making

• How the brain rewires itself and how you can train it for peak performance

• How outsourcing our memory to devices is making us mentally weaker

• Daily techniques to rebuild attention span and mental clarity

• What your brain needs to stay sharp and resilient

• The self-imposed beliefs that hold us back and how to overcome them

• How challenges and adversity can be transformed into personal superpowers

• Simple, effective exercises to remember names, learn faster, and stay present

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reclaim their cognitive power, improve learning skills, and develop unshakable mental resilience.

Where to Find Jim Kwik:

📖 Read his book: Limitless

📱 Follow him on Instagram: @jimkwik

🎧 Listen to his podcast: Kwik Brain

🧠 Take the Brain Type Quiz: My Brain Animal

Join the Conversation!

Screenshot this episode, share your favorite takeaway, and tag us on Instagram @thegentlyusedhuman and @jimkwik! Let us know which Brain Animal you are! 🧠🔥