Episode 89 - Conversations with Dr. Mark Olson

Touching Into Presence

It was a pleasure to be Conversation today with Dr. Mark Olson.

Mark holds an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology and Neuroanatomy. His research focused on memory, attention, eye movements, and aesthetic preferences. Dr. Olson is also a NARM® practitioner, aquatic therapist, former massage school director, and published author on chronic pain and trauma-informed care. He offers a variety of courses at http://Dr-Olson.com that provide neuroscientific insights into the human experience and relational skills training for professionals and curious laypersons.

In today’s conversation, we explored how Mark’s path weaves together neuroscience, bodywork, and a deep inquiry into what it means to touch, heal, and relate. We discussed how his early fascination with human behavior led him to neuroscience, and how a later immersion into massage revealed dimensions of psychological and relational change that traditional explanations couldn’t fully capture. Mark shared insights on interoception, the role of C-tactile fibers in creating felt safety through human touch, and how neuroscience reframes concepts of trauma, posture, and therapeutic presence. Together, we questioned common narratives around “deep pressure,” “releasing trauma,” and “letting go,” highlighting the need for more nuanced, embodied, and trauma-informed approaches. Mark’s work offers a bridge between hard science and heartfelt presence—a call to understand the nervous system not as a mechanical system to be fixed, but as a dynamic expression of relationship, history, and possibility. A thoughtful and integrative teacher, he invites us to move beyond surface models and into a richer, more compassionate way of seeing and supporting human experience.

You can find out more about Mark at http://www.Dr-Olson.com

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You can find more about Andrew at http://andrewrosenstock.com and http://RolfingInBoston.com

Many thanks to Explorers Society for use of their song " All In" from their majestic album 'Spheres' Please check them out here https://open.spotify.com/album/1plT1lAPWEQ1oTRbWOiXm3?si=eAL08OJdT5-sJ6FwwZD50g