Is That Bulls*it: Does The Body Keep the Score - in Your Hips - The Gist Recap

Podcast: The Gist

Published: 2026-03-19

Duration: 1908

Guests: Sadie Dingfelder, Chandler Garcia

What Happened

Science journalist Sadie Dingfelder investigates the popular yoga-class notion that trauma resides in the hips. This idea is often linked to Bessel van der Kolk's influential book, 'The Body Keeps the Score,' which argues that trauma can manifest physically in the body. Dingfelder explores the scientific basis for these claims, noting that while the concept of 'the body keeps the score' is widely accepted, it's often misinterpreted to suggest that the body stores trauma independently of the brain.

Bessel van der Kolk's book has been a bestseller since 2014 and has significantly broadened the understanding of trauma. It suggests that trauma can result from repeated events and has attempted to introduce new concepts like 'developmental trauma disorder' to the DSM. However, the idea that trauma specifically resides in the hips lacks substantial scientific evidence, though it remains popular in some yoga communities.

The episode also touches on the concept of cellular memory, which refers to the lasting changes in cells due to experiences. While cellular memory exists, it's limited compared to the brain's capacity for memory storage. The brain uses 20% of the body's energy, despite being only 2% of its weight, highlighting its complexity in storing detailed memories, unlike other cells.

In another segment, the podcast addresses recent testimonies before Congress by Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and John Ratcliffe on election security. Despite concerns about non-citizen voting, the Heritage Foundation found only 77 instances from 1999 to 2023. The host confirms there is no credible evidence of significant election interference in the 2020 election.

Dynamic pricing is another topic covered, explaining how companies like Amazon adjust prices based on customer data. Amazon led with 116,000 price adjustments and an average price drop of 35%. This practice is often misunderstood as predatory pricing, but it's more akin to setting a 'buy now' price, as seen on platforms like eBay.

The episode concludes with mentions of new products and endorsements, such as Chandler Garcia endorsing FIGS scrubs for their durability and comfort. Additionally, the business communication tool Quo is highlighted for its shared business number and AI features, being rated as the number one business phone system on G2.

Key Insights

• Sadie Dingfelder investigates the claim that trauma lives in the hips, a notion tied to Bessel van der Kolk's book 'The Body Keeps the Score'. While the book asserts that trauma can manifest physically, the specific idea of trauma residing in the hips lacks scientific backing.
• Bessel van der Kolk's book has redefined trauma studies by including repeated events as traumatic. It has been on bestseller lists since 2014 and attempted to introduce 'developmental trauma disorder' to the DSM, though not without controversy.
• Dynamic pricing involves charging different prices based on customer willingness to pay. Amazon, for instance, made 116,000 price adjustments with an average drop of 35%, illustrating the scale and impact of this pricing strategy.
• Despite testimonies and concerns about non-citizen voting in U.S. elections, the Heritage Foundation found only 77 instances from 1999 to 2023. The podcast host states there is no credible evidence of election interference in the 2020 election.