The Science of Regulating Your Nervous System | Dr. Kevin Tracey

From 10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

April 27, 2026 · 1h 18m · Episode 1132

About this episode

This episode features Dr. Kevin Tracey discussing the science of regulating the nervous system and its implications for health.

Plus: How to increase vagal tone, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation. Kevin J. Tracey, MD, is president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health , a pioneer of vagus nerve research and author of the recent book, The Great Nerve: The New Science of the VagusNerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes. Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Register here. Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18. Grab your in-person spot here , or sign up to livestream here ! This episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp — Online therapy, matched to your needs. Get 10% off your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/happier Spark — Clean energy and focus with zero sugar. Get 30% off and free shipping with code HAPPIER at https://www.drinksparkcom

People in this episode

Host: Dan Harris

Guest: Kevin J. Tracey

Topics covered

nervous system regulation
vagal tone
heart health
inflammation reduction
mindfulness
loneliness
retreat

Keywords

nervous system
vagal tone
heart health
inflammation
mindfulness
loneliness
retreat
BetterHelp
Spark

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health

Books & works: The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes

Places: 92NY, Omega Institute

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