Brain Shaman

In this episode, I talk with yoga teacher and researcher?Erica Sharpe?about yoga nidra. We explore the emerging science behind this ancient practice, how to do it, and how it can help with insomnia, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, depression, pain, and more. Yoga nidra lets you rewire memories and habits, break free from past constraints, and open new possibilities. It enhances sleep, relaxation, learning, mood, memory, and overall well-being by guiding you into a deep state of conscious rest. We also discuss sleep, dreams, nightmares, psychosis, symbols, language, imagery, audio, intention, sensory perception, sensory withdrawal, environment, posture, timing, duration, potential risks, the distinction between yoga nidra and NSDR, and the deeper impact of yoga on the mind and body. Explore how yoga nidra unlocks your subconscious mind and guides you into deeper states of rest, awareness, and transformation. ??Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gnyY-Pic #yoganidra #yoga #sleep #consciousness #mentalhealth #anxiety #ptsd #insomnia #relaxation #meditation

In this episode, I talk with yoga teacher and health journalist?Sonia Azad?about meditation for beginners. We explore Vipassana, yoga nidra, mindfulness, and more—guiding you into practices that bring more calm, peace, presence, and freedom. ??Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g9gbb7wh #meditation #vipassana #yoganidra #mindfulness #yoga #mentalhealth #minimalism #brainhealth

In this episode, I talk with Cambridge zoologist?Arik Kershenbaum?about why communication evolved in animals and humans. We explore how social structure, status, needs, movement, distance, environment, emotions, sense of self and other, theory of mind, genetic relatedness, technology, ideas, words, language, and the senses shape the way we communicate. We also discuss interspecies communication, pets, plants, gossip, names, autism, mental illness, other minds, information media (books, radio, etc.), language breakdown, variation in language abilities, fighting, isolation, and anthropomorphism. Learn more about how wolves, dolphins, parrots, hyraxes, gibbons, chimpanzees, humans, and other species communicate in Arik’s latest book,?Why Animals Talk. ?? Read the book: https://lnkd.in/giNRRiki ?? Listen to the interview: https://lnkd.in/gjDqZasq #AnimalCommunication #Zoology #Communication #Evolution #InterspeciesCommunication #Neuroscience #Emotions #AnimalBehavior #CommunicationEvolution #Language #WhyAnimalsTalk #Autism #Wolves #Pets

In this episode, I talk with Peggy Doherty DeLong, Psy.D.,?the Gratitude Psychologist ?? about how to cultivate gratitude ????. Learn simple exercises, tools, and tips to help you experience and express more gratitude in your daily life. We also explore the science behind gratitude and its many benefits. ?? Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/g5qxZmi4 #gratitude #positivity #brainhealth #mentalhealth #mindfulness

In this episode, I talk with Rachel White, the 'Skeptical Shaman,' about lucid dreaming and how we can become more lucid—both in dreams and waking life—through meditation, psilocybin ??, flowers ??, herbs ??, cards, and other substances and practices. ?? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/d_62AqH6 #dreams #luciddreaming #shamanism #psilocybin #flowers #herbs #brainhealth #podcast

In this episode, I interview?Michelle Sherman, PhD LP ABPP, a couple and family psychologist and author of two new books: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma?and?I'm Not Alone. We explore how to love and care for someone with a mental illness while also taking care of yourself. We discuss balancing both individuals' needs, setting limits and boundaries, and navigating the challenges and gifts that arise. Topics include homelessness, trauma, trust, social isolation, and the power of relationship, presence, acts of love, and social connection—both with your loved one and within broader support systems like?NAMI. Michelle shares practical skills, tools, resources, and strategies for adults and teenagers living with someone who has a mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, or PTSD) or a history of trauma. She also emphasizes the importance of things like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and education. A core backdrop to our conversation is my own recent, challenging yet beautiful journey with my brother, who has been struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and trauma. This conversation truly helped me, and I hope it provides support for you and your family as well. ?? Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/gASn-kXr #mentalillness #trauma #homelessness #relationships #family #love #community #brainhealth #psychology #NAMI #book

In this episode, I interview Fredric Schiffer, MD., the father of Dual Brain Psychology. We explore his groundbreaking approach to treating trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges, as detailed in his book Good-bye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, & PTSD. Dr. Schiffer explains how each brain hemisphere operates as its own independent mind—one side often troubled and negative, while the other is more positive and healthy. Using simple techniques like covering one visual field with your hand, an envelope, or special glasses, individuals can identify which hemisphere is struggling. We also discuss the use of near-infrared light therapy (transcranial photobiomodulation) applied to the forehead, stimulating the healthier hemisphere. Paired with psychotherapy, these techniques help the brain’s two hemispheres work together, facilitating healing. They help treat trauma, addiction (likely including fentanyl), and other mental health issues. They can restore health and power to both brain hemispheres and even help transform relationships, communities, and societies. ?? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gxe_njxU #brainhealth #trauma #fentanyl #addiction #lighttherapy #splitbrainstudies #dualbrainpsychology #vision #mentalhealth

After reading Bipolar, Not So Much, I reached out to Chris Aiken, MD, one of its authors, for an interview on my podcast. We explore how mood disorders—ranging from depression to bipolar—exist along a spectrum, including mixed states and everything in between. He redefines bipolar as a "fragile circadian rhythm disorder." Chris shares practical tools for managing moods, with a focus on sleep regulation, including light exposure, dark therapy, and maintaining consistent sleep schedules. He also offers strategies for reducing jet lag, coping with seasonal mood changes, and managing travel-related shifts, as well as insights into technologies like dawn simulators, light boxes, and blue-light-blocking glasses. We also discuss the role of psychedelic and spiritual experiences, ADHD, creativity, the history of bipolar, and resources to better understand and manage your mood. I highly recommend following Chris Aiken, MD on LinkedIn. He shares the latest research daily, and his posts are highly informative. His website (https://chrisaikenmd.com/) is also packed with up-to-date information on mood-boosting supplements, nutrition, light therapy technologies, and more. ?? Check out the book: https://lnkd.in/gMYbc64T ?? Listen to the episode: https://lnkd.in/g5SGEnnC #bipolar #depression #mooddisorders #psychology #mentalhealth #sleep #nutrition #lighttherapy #brainhealth

In this latest episode, I talk with Karl Kahler, author of Manic Dawn. He shares wild stories of his father’s manic adventures, capturing the extremes of bipolar disorder—its brilliance, chaos, and mix of comedy, drama, and tragedy. We explore historical figures with the condition, creativity, suicide, drugs, justice, imagination, divine connection, the impact on relationships, and the art of storytelling, weaving a vivid portrait of the bipolar experience. Prepare to laugh, gasp, and cry. ?? If you’re thirsty for more, check out his book: https://lnkd.in/gjp2hEvB ?? Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gnaXware #bipolardisorder #mania #storytelling #mentalhealth #brainhealth

In this conversation with Lisa Roye Bowers, we explore the fascinating world of frequencies—from light to sound—and their role in balancing the energy within our body and brain. We also discuss prayer, meditation, pets, and other fun topics. ?? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gRRJVdi8 Thank you, Lisa, for the wonderful conversation—looking forward to our next one! And Happy New Year! #biohacking #frequencies #quantumphysics #energy #light #sound #AOscan #Solex #prayer #meditation #brainhealth #podcast