Brain Shaman

In this episode, I talk to musician and Manic Memoir author, Matt Masters Burgener . Matt shares his journey from an exciting life of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll to one grounded in love, responsibility, and genuine connection. Together, we dive into his evolution—from living for the moment to building a future, from chasing fun to discovering lasting bonds—a true transformation from ad...

In this episode, we explore ADHD and the potential of neurofeedback to help manage symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Ofer Lidsky , founder and CEO of Excellent Brain , explains how neurofeedback can be used to train the brain, guiding users toward enhanced focus and cognitive performance. We dive into the role of dopamine, the prefrontal cortex, the benefits and limitat...

Welcome to episode 100 of the podcast—celebrating two incredible years since we began! Today, I’ll share my heartfelt gratitude to all my guests and listeners, spotlighting our top cities, countries, and episodes. We’ll explore the most powerful ideas and principles we've discussed, highlight essential tools, outline key things to avoid for better brain health, and give you a sneak peek into...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Ken Sharlin , a neurologist and the author of The Healthy Brain Toolbox , to discuss Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS. Dr. Sharlin explores the symptoms, causes, and potential breakthroughs in treating these diseases through both conventional and functional medicine. What We Discuss: Parkinson’s Symptoms...

 In this episode, I interview Michael J. Gelb , author of Walking Well and 17 other insightful books. He teaches us how to transform our walking experience, increasing comfort, awareness, connection, energy, creativity, presence, and joy with every step. Learn to undo bad habits that hold you back and discover principles from tai chi, qi gong, aikido, and the natural movements of humans and animal...

In this episode, Diante Fuchs , author of The Gift of Anxiety , guides us through our emotions and how they reflect our unmet needs. She emphasizes the importance of listening to and embracing these emotions, allowing them to guide us forward into a better life. Emotions like anger, sadness, frustration, and anxiety often signal unmet needs—such as connection, safety, independence, acceptance, bou...

Birthday boy is back! Join me on this wacky, healthy journey as we gear up for the big day. Instead of relying on quick, distracting thrills like sweets, alcohol, social media, or overloaded schedules and stomachs, we’ll focus on creating a birthday that brings true, lasting happiness—one built on long-term healthy habits. We’ll break down the difference between short-term and long-term happiness,...

In this episode, I interview Paul Zak , neuroscientist, oxytocin expert, and founder of Immersion Neuroscience . We explore how to create extraordinary experiences—not just for yourself, but for your customers, employees, patients, and everyone you encounter.  Paul introduces the concept of "Immersion," a state where we are fully present and emotionally engaged. We dive into the neuroche...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Torkil Færø — a general practitioner, emergency physician, photographer, and author of the best-selling book The Pulse Cure — to explore heart rate variability (HRV) and how you can harness smartwatches to measure and regulate stress, enhance health, and ultimately extend your lifespan. Dr. Færø delves into common sources of stress that can lead to low HRV, such a...

In this episode, Susi Amendola — yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and author — shares insights from over four decades of experience in stress management and yoga. We explore practical tools from yoga that can help you manage stress, enhance presence, and nurture your heart and well-being. Susi delves into key yogic practices for stress management, including meditation, breathwork, connection wi...

In this episode, I sit down with Amita Sharma , co-founder of NourishDoc , a platform that focuses on integrative and holistic health solutions for women. We dive into the nuances of perimenopause and menopause, shedding light on what these life stages mean for women’s bodies and minds. Perimenopause can start as early as the late 30s or mid-40s and may last up to 10 years before menopause fully s...

Dr. Jennifer Stelter is a clinical psychologist, the CEO of the Dementia Connection Institute , and the author of The Busy Caregiver's Guide to Advanced Alzheimer Disease . In this episode, she shares insights on how to better care for and connect with individuals with dementia. Dr. Stelter delves into the neuroscience and psychology behind their frustrations and behaviors, offering sensory-b...

In this solo episode, we explore the myriad of everyday ways we exhale beyond traditional breathing practices. While techniques like the physiological sigh or the 4-7-8 breath are great, there are plenty of other, often overlooked ways to exhale that can be just as effective yet easy and fun. From screaming and laughing to crying and humming, discover how everyday actions like singing, whistling,...

Alex Korb is a neuroscientist, author, and personal development coach. In this episode, we explore how to better understand and redirect your unique brain and life. While we all share certain neural circuits, each person's system is wired differently. By applying the iterative process of science and self-inquiry, you can discover your own unique path forward — helping to free your brain and c...

In this episode, our guest is Jonathan Dornell , the co-host of the Let's Get Oral podcast. We explore the oral microbiome and how to understand and nurture this vital ecosystem to optimize your brain and body health. You'll learn about key topics like: nitric oxide, neurogastronomy, and how simple habits - like chewing mindfully, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding mouthwash and teeth...

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Lara Salyer , a functional medicine practitioner, author, podcaster, and coach. We discuss burnout and how to overcome it by tapping into flow and using functional medicine. Key Topics Covered :  Burnout : Causes, diagnosis, physiology, prevention strategies, and Dr. Salyer's personal story.  Flow : Neurochemistry, phenomenology, the four phases of the flow c...

In this episode, our guest is Nicolas Luna , a language and communication coach. We dive into the secrets of learning and mastering any language, regardless of whether you're a beginner or at an upper-intermediate level. Key Topics Covered :  Overcoming barriers : Uncover and overcome your fears, increase your confidence, abandon your ego, and let go of limiting identities and habits. Stealth...

In this episode, our guest is ADHD coach Penny Kennedy . We talk all about ADHD - what it is, what it is not, the neuroscience, dopamine, challenges, frustrations, strengths, and more. We discuss various tools to help people with ADHD (or anyone experiencing challenges with executive functioning), including: nutrition, supplements, cold exposure, discomfort, exercise, technology, social connection...

In this episode, our guest is Janet Gourand , the founder of Tribe Sober , an alcohol sobriety community and podcast. We discuss alcohol blackouts and other alcohol-related dangers. Learn all about blackouts (and brownouts) - risks, causes, science, signs, interactions, preventative measures, horror stories, and more. And become reminded of alcohol's scary links to crime, violence, disease, a...

In this episode, we talk with Julia Yanker , an adventurer, coach, and Somatic Experiencing Practictioner. We discuss her experiences with adventure sports, trauma, nature, and healing through Somatic Experiencing (SE) . Learn about the neuropsychology behind the world of adventure sports, as well as the dangers, drugs, psychosocial dynamics, addictions, anxieties, traumas, disembodiment, and othe...

In this episode, our guest is Robert Cefoli , the Director of Health and Fitness at FDNY and Co-Founder of Fyr Tribe , a non-profit dedicated to helping firefighters recover from trauma. We discuss the work environment, the stress and trauma that firefighters are exposed to, the bio-psycho-social health challenges they face, the state of their mind and body, and how body-based therapies like TRE (...

In this episode, we dig into a study that compares breathwork protocols with mindfulness meditation - ' Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal ' (published in Cell Reports Medicine in January 2023). Learn about 3 breathing exercises (box breathing, cyclic sighing, and cyclic hyperventilation) and a mindfulness meditation exercise. See how the...

In this episode, we talk with Niraj Naik , the founder of SOMA Breath . We discuss breathing practices and techniques for altering your cognition, mood, and health. Learn how to quiet down your thinking mind, find focus and calm, and enter mystical, psychedelic, and blissful flow states via the breath. Breath patterns, speed, duration, and intensity are all part of this. We can change our breath t...

In this episode, our guest is Daniele Scuteri , a fitness enthusiast, language learner, black belt, and former amateur soccer player.  We talk about how to level up your mental and physical performance, happiness, and growth by embracing hard things. Challenges and difficulties can be opportunities for transformation along your journey through sports, work, love, learning, and life.  We discuss va...

In this episode, our guest is Al Wadleigh , a Feldenkrais practitioner and the co-host of the Feldenkrais for Life podcast. We talk about how to rewire our nervous system through Feldenkrais, increasing our learning, memory, health, and potential. Returning us to that childlike state of exploration, curiosity, aliveness, and possibility, Feldenkrais is like a playful portal into adult neuroplastic...