Whole Brain Institute

The Why We Are

Science EN ↓ 6 episodes

The Why We Are is here to explore your unique history and stories that have shaped your brain. We believe that by understanding your nervous system, we can work to increase self-acceptance and love while reducing the risk of burnout. Your brain is unique and deserves to be celebrated!

Author

Whole Brain Institute

Episodes

S1E6- The Why of Loss, Confusion and Navigating the world through play and connection 26.08.2025 42:40

In this episode of the 'Why We Are' from the Whole Brain Institute, hosts Laurel and Sydney chat with Luke Carey, Senior Lead Software Engineer at DraftKings. Luke shares his personal narrative, discussing the impactful moment of losing his father at a young age and how it shaped his life. With a decade of professional experience and a background in CrossFit, Luke offers insights into the...

S1E5 - The Why of Recognizing Burnout and Your Support Systems 08.07.2025 45:40

Episode Notes In this episode of the Why We Are podcast, Dr. Joe Vilecco shares his journey as a physical therapist and the challenges he faced early in his career. He discusses the importance of recognizing burnout, the value of support systems, and how to create a nurturing work environment. Joe emphasizes the significance of play and self-care in maintaining mental health and reflects on the le...

S1E4 - The Why of External and Internal Strength and The Pillars of Self Care 28.05.2025 36:02

Episode Notes In this episode of the Why We Are podcast, hosts Sydney and Laurel engage in a deep conversation with Lakiah, a licensed professional counselor and certified love coach. They explore themes of resilience, stress management, and the importance of community support, particularly during challenging times such as college and entrepreneurship. Lakiah shares her personal experiences with s...

S1E3 - 03: The Why of Spiraling, Dancing, and Innate Wisdom 29.04.2025 45:39

Episode Notes This episode contains sensitive discussions about the events of 9/11, including themes of trauma, loss, and terrorism. Listener discretion is advised. If you’re affected by this topic, please take care and seek support if needed. We're joined in conversation by Karen Lynn Kaplan as she shares her profound experiences surrounding the events of 9/11 and how they shaped her personal and...

S1E2 - 02: The Why of Brain Balance through Community and Structure 09.04.2025 42:51

Episode Notes In this conversation, Brooke Stoll shares her journey as an entrepreneur in the interior design industry, discussing the challenges of stress and burnout, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned from personal struggles with mental health. She emphasizes the need for boundaries, creating space, and the value of asking for help. The discussion also touches on the d...

S1E1 - 01: The Why of Resilience, Play, and the Spiral of Stress 25.02.2025 43:22

Inside the "Why" With Olivia Join Laurel & Sydney as they premier the podcast with their designer, Olivia! Olivia shares her journey through the stress of divorce and the adaptations she made to cope with the emotional turmoil. The discussion delves into the nature of stress, the importance of community support, and the complexities of emotional responsibility in relationships. The s...