The Neurostimulation Podcast

Episode Summary Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Nora Nneka Ekeanya, a psychiatrist, writer, and integrative thinker based in Los Angeles. The conversation moves well beyond symptom management to explore what it truly means to flourish — touching on the intersection of psychiatry, creativity, spirituality, and self-actualization. About Dr. Ekeanya Dr. Nora Nneka Ekeanya is a psychiatrist wi...

TMS for PTSD: Does Protocol Actually Matter? | Dr. Noah Philip | The Neurostimulation Podcast In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Noah Philip — Professor of Psychiatry at Brown University, Section Chief of Psychiatric Neuromodulation at the VA Providence, and leader at the VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology — to explore the cutti...

Episode Summary Host Dr. Michael Passmore (Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia) sits down with Dr. Ronan Denyer, a postdoctoral fellow at the Coactions Lab in Brussels. Dr. Denyer completed his PhD in neuroscience at UBC under Dr. Lara Boyd, and his research sits at the intersection of brain stimulation, neuroimaging, and behavioral neuroscience....

Show Notes — Neurostimulation Podcast Episode: Who Heals the Healer? Burnout, Shame & the Psychology of High Achievement Guest: Dr. Stacey Elliott, DO In this deeply insightful episode, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Stacey Elliott — board-certified psychiatrist, addiction medicine physician, and founder of CNY Integrative Psychiatry — to explore the hidden psychology behind burnout,...

Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation: The Promise of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Samuel Pichardo In this episode, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Samuel Pichardo, biomedical engineer and researcher at the University of Calgary and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in neuromodulation: transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (TUS/tFU...

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael Passmore is joined by two guests who bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to the topic of nervous system dysregulation. Together, they explore why anxiety is far more body-based than most people realize, and how a lesser-known technology called Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) may offer real relief for anxiety, insomnia, trauma, an...

Episode Show Notes Guest: Dr. Ayla Wolf Duration: ~48 minutes Episode Description Dr. Ayla Wolf shares her personal journey from sustaining multiple concussions to becoming a leading expert in concussion recovery. She challenges the outdated "rest in a dark room" advice and explains why persistent post-concussion syndrome requires an individualized, integrative approach combining neuroscience, fun...

Episode #43: Rewiring the Dyslexic Brain: How Neuroplasticity Can Transform Reading Struggles with Dr. Rebecca Troy Guest: Dr. Rebecca Troy, EdD Educational neuroscientist, dyslexia expert, and national board certified teacher Episode Summary: Dyslexia affects millions of children and adults worldwide, but modern neuroscience reveals something hopeful: the brain is remarkably plastic and capable o...

From Molecules to Meaning: A Scientist's Journey Through Neuroscience and Ancient Wisdom with Dr. José Ángel Moreno Cabezuelo - #42 Episode Summary In this fascinating episode, Dr. José Ángel Moreno Cabezuelo—molecular biologist, genetic engineering lead at CyanoCapture, and author of "Heartbeats of Consciousness"—shares his unique journey from studying cyanobacteria to exploring the intersection...

Title: "Thriving with ADHD: Understanding Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum" Show Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Kit Slocum, Neurodiversity Lead and Learning Experience Designer at FLOWN, to explore ADHD, neurodivergence, and what it really means to design work and lives that support attention rather than assault it. Kit brings a unique combination of academic training in behavioral neurosc...

Episode Title Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life Guest Dr. Dana Cowles - Board-certified emergency medicine physician with dual academic background in biology and philosophy Episode Summary Dr. Dana Cowles shares his unique perspective on fear, trauma, and finding purpose through his experiences in emergency medicine and philosophy. From...

From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Episode #39 Guest: Ben Couch, Founder of ElumenEd and Eastern Ergonomics Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia Episode Length: ~1 hour Episode Summary In this fascinating conversation, martial artist and healthcare educator Be...

The Cave You Fear to Enter - Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Healing with Dr. Brian Desroches - Episode #38 Guest: Dr. Brian Desroches, PhD - Psychotherapist, Author, Clinical Coach Release Date: January 10, 2026 Episode Summary In this transformative conversation, Dr. Brian Desroches shares how a personal breakthrough in 2015 fundamentally changed his understanding of emotional healing after...

Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37 In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Mike welcomes Dr. Theodore Henderson, a pioneering psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work is reshaping the field of mental health. Dr. Henderson challenges the traditional "chemical imbalance" model of psychiatric disorders, advocating for a more nuance...

The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry Episode Summary:  In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepre...

Transforming Mental Health: The Power of Neurostimulation and Innovative Therapies with Sam Peterson In this episode of the Neurostimulation podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore interviews Sam Peterson, a former army bomb technician and co-founder of Patriot Power Up, who now leads Mind Spa Denver. Sam shares his personal journey from battling PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to pioneering inno...

Exploring tACS: Current Research and Future Potentials in Neuropsychiatry In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore hosts Dr. Osama Elyamani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. They discuss the emerging applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in psychiatry, including its potential as a research tool and therapeutic intervention. They delve in...

Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 8: Stimulation Parameters and Their Reporting Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Episode Overview:  In this episode, Dr. Passmore unpacks Chapter 8 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)" textbook, focusing on the critical role of stimulation parameters and the importance of transparent reporting...

Neurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025 Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato Host: Dr. Michael Passmore Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenid...

Show Notes: The Neurostimulation Podcast – Episode #30 with Dr. Jennifer Rodger Guest: Dr. Jennifer Rodger, Professor at the University of Western Australia and Head of the Brain Plasticity Research Group at the Perron Institute Release Date: August 2, 2025 Episode Overview: In this episode, host Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Jennifer Rodger, a leading neuroscientist whose lab is pioneering...

Deep Dive into tDCS Methodology: Key Considerations and Protocol Designs In this episode of The Neurostimulation Podcast, we review chapter seven of the Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which focuses on the methodological considerations for selecting tDCS protocols and devices. We discuss important factors such as electrode size and placement, stimulation intensit...

Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 6: tDCS Safety – Myths, Evidence, and Best Practices Episode Overview: In this episode, host Dr. Michael Passmore explores Chapter 6 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Principles, Procedures, and Applications." The focus is on the safety of tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), addressing common myths, reviewing the late...

Aging with Independence and Innovation: Jennifer Cain Birkmose on the Future of Senior Care In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Michael Passmore discusses senior care innovations with guest Jennifer Cain Birkmose. Jennifer, a pioneering entrepreneur and global health leader, co-founded Viva Valet, a concierge-style service aimed at helping seniors live independently at home for a...

Understanding tDCS: Neurophysiological Insights and Clinical Applications | Neurostimulation Podcast In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, hosted by Michael Passmore, we delve into Chapter 5 of the 'Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.' The episode explores how tDCS modulates neurophysiological and functional outcomes. We discuss the neurophysiological principles...

Exploring Advanced Applications of tDCS: Beyond the Brain In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore continues exploring transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) based on 'The Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.' He discusses the expansion of DC-based neuromodulation beyond traditional brain applications to the spinal cord and cerebellum. Th...