Exploring Brain and Mind

Episode Summary In this episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , I take a closer look at the paradox of loneliness in our modern, hyper-connected world. Despite unprecedented access to social networks, messaging apps and virtual communities, feelings of isolation are on the rise across the globe. We explore why digital connections often fail to replace authentic human bonds, how loneliness shows up d...

Episode Summary Being a True Crime follower, I observe time and time again that any crime is never an isolated event. Beyond the headlines and courtroom drama lies a network of lives forever changed – victims and their families reliving trauma, police officers and first responders carrying invisible scars, families of offenders grappling with stigma and grief and communities shaken to their core....

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode, Elke Wallace hosts Tem Ezimokhai, the founder of the "Helping Teachers Thrive" podcast. Tem, a secondary education teacher with 16 years of experience, shares her journey into teaching, driven by a desire to help people and avoid a traditional 9-to-5 office job. The discussion delves into the evolving challenges faced by teachers, including incr...

Episode Summary: In Episode 31 of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke Wallace speaks with Tamiko Askew, a Texas-based brain health educator and wellness coach with a heart for helping teachers. As Elke’s first overseas guest, Tamiko shares her inspiring journey from classroom educator to business owner and coach, focusing on preventing burnout and promoting brain health in the education sector. Togeth...

Episode Summary: Why do people commit crimes? What causes someone to develop a “criminal mind”? In this thought-provoking episode, Elke Wallace explores the complex interplay of brain development and experiences, belief systems and social environments that contribute to criminal behaviour. From early childhood trauma to distorted thinking patterns and even extreme ideological beliefs, this episode...

Episode Summary What happens in the brain when traditional sight is impaired? In this thought-provoking episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , I take listeners on a journey into how the brain adapts to different forms of visual impairment – from congenital blindness to acquired conditions like macular degeneration and cortical visual impairment. Far from being passive when vision is compromised, th...

The episode was inspired by a recent co-facilitation of a Neurodiversity workshop with my Job Coach at Restart Wolverhampton. I had mentioned the word Mindset so often in previous episodes but have not explored the term Mindset as such or what is involved in it and what influences it. I therefore thought it was time to examine what Mindset is all about. Let’s go on a journey to explore and investi...

Episode Summary: In this fresh and eye-opening episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke welcomes Evie Greca, a wellness advocate with a deep passion for helping people clean up their diet, detox their lives and boost their brain and body from the inside out. Originally trained in design, Evie’s own journey into holistic health reveals just how closely our food, environment and mindset are connec...

Episode Summary: In this calm and compassionate episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke sits down with Craig Gilbert, a mindfulness practitioner and advocate who shares how mindfulness transformed his life and how it can do the same for others. Once an anxious, overworked IT professional, Craig now teaches and writes about mindfulness in ways that are simple, relatable and deeply human. From hi...

Episode Summary: In this beautifully rich and grounded conversation, Elke is joined by Linda Bretherton (also known as Vani), an Ayurveda Master Trainer and holistic health practitioner with over four decades of experience. Together, they explore how the ancient system of Ayurveda offers more than just remedies – it’s a way of life rooted in energy, awareness and deep self-connection. Linda shares...

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke is joined by Christine Mullaney, a specialist in brain-based conversations and neurocultural communication. With a passion for language, culture and how the brain shapes the way we interact, Christine shares her journey from language teacher to neuroscience-informed communication coach. Together, they explore how...

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke welcomes Charlie Lemmer, Healthy Homes and Buildings Expert, Certified Holistic Health and Detox Coach and host of The Healthy Home Show podcast. Together, they uncover the hidden dangers in our everyday environments and how our homes may be quietly affecting our physical health, brain function and emotional balance....

Episode Summary: Elke Wallace interviews Vicky Henderson, a multi-award-winning coach for young people with a background in emotional intelligence, personal development and career coaching, about understanding the teenage brain. They discuss brain pruning, the impact of technology and social media and the challenges teenagers face with anxiety, self-esteem and the education system. The conversatio...

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke is joined by Fenella Hemus, a dynamic breakthrough coach, NLP trainer and master practitioner. With a career focused on helping individuals and corporate clients move beyond limiting beliefs, Fenella shares her personal journey of transformation and the powerful tools she uses to help others create meaningful change. Toge...

Episode Title: Exploring the Ripple Effect of Conscious Leadership with Julie Hogbin Episode Summary: In this illuminating episode of Exploring Brain and Mind , Elke speaks with Julie Hogbin, an experienced leadership and business mentor, author and speaker. With a passion for values-driven change and conscious leadership, Julie shares her journey from corporate management to entrepreneurship and...

Episode Summary: Elke Wallace interviews Andy Baker, Managing Director of Able Training Support Ltd, about his extensive background in psychology, psychotherapy and behaviour management. Andy shares his journey from aspiring zoologist to becoming a leading voice in behaviour management, driven by a passion for understanding human behaviour. The conversation explores the common principles of behavi...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Exploring Brain and Mind, host Elke Wallace interviews her former NLP and Timeline Therapy trainer, Daniel Tolson, about the evolving landscape of leadership and the importance of emotional intelligence. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for leaders to adapt to rapid change, especially in the post-pandemic era, and to cultivate self-awareness and social...

EPISODE SUMMARY: I’m sure you have heard or used the expression “I had a brainwave”. But while this saying refers more to the fact that you or someone may have had a great idea or some light bulb moment, brainwaves are a real thing. Brainwaves are patterns, created by constant electrical activity in the brain, that influence your mood, emotions and performance. They also determine if you are focus...

EPISODE SUMMARY: We are all different, we all communicate different, which could be based on our personality, job position, role in a group or organisation or it may even depend on a situation we may be in. The four different Communication Styles or Personalities presented in this episode of “Exploring Brain and Mind” are based on Tony Alessandra’s work I his book “The Platinum Rule”. The episode...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Communication is far more complex than just using words to express yourself or to deliver a message. And it is even more complex than what is presented in this episode. However, I wanted to bring across some of the important basics of communication, especially explaining a bit more about the three key elements – words, voice and body language – and some of the impact of each on co...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Emotional Intelligence has become essential in the world of business and leadership since Daniel Goleman’s first book with the same title – “Emotional Intelligence” – has been published in 1995. However, the skills requires for Emotional Intelligence are also important for building relationships in general. I chose to present the subject not based on Daniel Goleman’s work but on t...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Emotional Intelligence has become essential in the world of business and leadership since Daniel Goleman’s first book with the same title – “Emotional Intelligence” – has been published in 1995. However, the skills requires for Emotional Intelligence are also important for building relationships in general. I chose to present the subject not based on Daniel Goleman’s work but on t...

EPISODE SUMMARY: The subject of intelligence, what is involved with it and who is or is not of high intelligence has always been an area of high interest and curiosity, especially in the field of education and academia. But while many still think of intelligence as IQ, emerging theories suggest that there is far more to intelligence and how intelligence has many different areas. The Theory of Mult...

EPISODE SUMMARY: Our brain is a very complex organ with even more complex interconnected processes that control and influence physical and mental function. The episode takes a deep dive into the world of some of the most researched Neurotransmitters and Hormones, which are involved in those processes. Some of those chemicals even execute functions as both neurotransmitters and hormones. For each n...

EPISODE SUMMARY: It is essential for our physical and mental health to keep our brain well-nourished and stimulated. This episode explores six main areas of brain health and optimisation, i.e. sleep, nutrition, movement, brain fitness, stress management and mindset, as well as mentioning three lesser-known areas of laughter, music and brain ergonomics, which are evenly important. Within each area,...