Join us in this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast as we welcome Jess Brain, a certified brain fitness trainer, laughter leader, and aerobics instructor.

Jess shares her journey from struggling with exams in college to discovering the holistic benefits of brain health and laughter.

Discussing the extensive research on the neurological and physical benefits of laughter, Jess explains how it enhances dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, endorphins, and oxytocin levels while reducing cortisol.

The conversation also covers how laughter can improve cognitive resilience, immune function, and overall well-being.

Jess offers practical tips for integrating laughter into daily life and highlights the importance of a joyful mindset for optimal brain function.

00:00 Welcome to Let's Talk Brain Health

00:36 Jess Brain's Journey to Brain and Laughter

02:14 The Science Behind Laughter and Brain Health

06:31 Laughter's Impact on Different Age Groups

11:57 Gender Differences in Laughter

16:12 Practical Tips for Incorporating Laughter

20:30 Unexpected Benefits of Laughter

22:01 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Learn more about Jess on her website.

• Connect with Jess on Instagram or Facebook.
  

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast as we delve into the world of biofeedback and mental health technology.

Featuring Noga Sapir, CEO and founder of Reflect Innovation, and Dr. Michal Gruberger, a leading neuroscientist, we explore the innovative Reflect Orb.

Designed for effective stress management and self-regulation, the Reflect Orb combines science, technology, and creativity.

Discover personal journeys, groundbreaking research, and real-world applications that make brain care accessible and transformative.

Learn how biofeedback can enhance mindfulness practices and improve resilience while exploring the future of brain health technology.

Don't miss the insights from two pioneering figures in the neurotech ecosystem on making personalized mental wellness a reality for everyone.

00:00 Meet Our Guests

01:41 Noga's Personal Journey with Anxiety

06:24 Understanding Biofeedback with Noga Sapir

08:30 The Science Behind Reflect Orb with Dr. Michal Gruberger

15:24 Success Stories and Testimonials

20:15 Integrating Reflect Orb into Daily Life

24:59 The Future of Biofeedback Technology

27:36 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Explore the Reflect Orb on their website
• Revisit our previous podcast conversation "Understanding the Neuroscience of Bullying & Its Impact on the Brain: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D."
• Connect with Noga Sapir and Dr. Michal Gruberger on LinkedIn

In this episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast, Dr. Michael Foti, Vice President of NAMI and a clinical assistant professor, shares his personal and professional journey through anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a frontline healthcare worker, Dr. Foti experienced severe mental health challenges and learned important lessons about self-care and mental wellness. He discusses his memoir 'Grief' and the impact of unprocessed grief on mental health.

Dr. Foti also shares insights on destigmatizing mental illness, especially in the medical community, and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and personal well-being to better support others.

Tune in to uncover strategies for managing mental health and learn how fostering brain health can help navigate life's challenges.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Dr. Michael Foti

01:30 Dr. Foti's Personal Mental Health Journey

02:34 Challenges and Overcoming Mental Health Struggles

05:11 Effective Strategies for Managing Mental Health

08:44 The Impact of Grief on Mental Health

11:49 Addressing Mental Health Stigma

15:17 Supporting Loved Ones Through Mental Health Struggles

16:14 Insights from Dr. Foti's Book 'Grief'

17:20 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health

21:07 Final Thoughts and Advice on Mental Health

Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Foti’s new book “Grief: A Doctor’s Battle with Anxiety and Depression”

• Explore the many resources provided by the National Institute of Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Connect with Dr. Foti on LinkedIn and Instagram

In this episode, Amir Bozorgzadeh, CEO and co-founder of VirtuLeap, discusses his journey from founding tech startups to diving into the world of virtual reality (VR) and brain health science.

Amir shares how VR technology, notably enhanced by VirtuLeap’s flagship product 'Enhanced VR,' is being used for therapeutic purposes and cognitive assessment.

He highlights the significant potential of VR in treating conditions like ADHD and early-stage Alzheimer's, alongside the broader implications of integrative data from multiple human systems.

Amir also touches on the impact of social media on attention spans, introducing the concept of 'TikTok brain,' and emphasizing the need for personalized care through advanced data collection and analysis.

The conversation concludes with insights into the broader applications of VR in healthcare, research opportunities, and Amir's personal commitment to brain health.

00:00 Introduction to Amir Bozorgzadeh

00:35 Amir's Journey into Virtual Reality

02:30 Understanding Virtual Reality

04:04 VR and Brain Health

05:56 The Cognition Crisis and TikTok Brain

07:58 Virtuleap's Flagship Product: Enhanced VR

09:42 CogniClear VR: Screening for Cognitive Impairment

10:57 The Power of Data in VR

14:40 Applications and Future of VR in Healthcare

25:12 Personal Insights and Final Thoughts

Resources

• Learn more about Virtuleap on their website
• Connect with Amir on LinkedIn, YouTube, or email amir@virtuleap.com

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, host Krystal interviews Rena Yudkowsky, a professional memory coach and geriatric social worker. With over 20 years of experience, Rena offers valuable insights on how midlifers and seniors can maintain and improve their memory.

She discusses her journey into gerontology, the importance of memory health, and differentiates between normal age-related memory changes and signs of cognitive decline. The episode also provides practical tips—including the 'Forget Me Not Spot,' mental imagery, and sensory engagement—to enhance memory.

Rena highlights four key lifestyle factors—diet, exercise, social stimulation, and cognitive engagement—that play crucial roles in brain health.

The episode concludes with Rena emphasizing the importance of confidence in aging and some emerging trends in memory enhancement technologies.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:06 Rena's Background and Passion for Memory Coaching

02:38 Understanding Memory Health

05:12 Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Changes

09:35 Practical Tips to Boost Memory

18:45 Lifestyle Factors for Memory Health

22:16 Challenges and Overcoming Memory Issues

25:09 Future of Memory Enhancement and Brain Health

26:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Learn more about Rena and her work on her website.

• Join Rena’s MPower “brain training Whatsapp group”

• Read more about memory in Rena’s chapter on memory in the “Caregivers Advocate” book by Debbie Compton

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we are joined by Patricia Faust, a gerontologist specializing in brain health and dementia.

Patricia discusses the intersection of brain aging and aromatherapy, detailing her qualifications and extensive experience in the field.

We explore the different pathways through which essential oils impact brain health and the science behind their therapeutic benefits.

Patricia shares practical advice for those new to aromatherapy, emphasizing the importance of pure, natural oils and education.

Tune in to learn how aromatherapy can improve focus, attention, sleep, and overall cognitive function.

00:00 Introduction to Patricia Faust and Her Expertise

01:04 Patricia's Journey into Aromatherapy

02:41 Understanding Aromatherapy and Its Pathways

05:08 Scientific Evidence Behind Aromatherapy

10:47 Effective Essential Oils for Brain Health

13:48 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences

19:31 Getting Started with Aromatherapy

22:07 Recent Breakthroughs and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Learn more about Patricia on her My Boomer Brain website
• Explore her book “The Boomer Brain: For Baby Boomers Concerned about Dementia and Alzheimer's” on Amazon
• Explore multiple resources on aromatherapy and a wide variety of health conditions on Amrita’s website
• Learn more about aromatherapy on the ⁠National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy’s website
  

In this special episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler takes the 'hot seat' as she's interviewed by LeAnne Stuver, her counterpart at the Virtual Brain Health Center.

Krystal offers an in-depth look at her educational and career background, discusses her personal experiences that led her to focus on brain health and explains the genesis and growth of the Virtual Brain Health Center.

The episode also touches on the wide-reaching impact of their programs and services, their inter-generational initiatives, and their global outreach.

Krystal concludes by sharing her ambitious vision for the future of brain health education and support.

00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement

00:36 Meet Leanne Stuver

01:23 Krystal's Journey into Brain Health

04:10 The Birth of the Virtual Brain Health Center

08:04 Services Offered by VBHC

12:07 Proud Achievements and Global Reach

23:46 Future Vision and Goals

27:50 How to Connect with VBHC

29:08 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Resources:

• Visit the Virtual Brain Health Center on their website
• Learn more about "A Kids Book About Brain Health"
• Explore blogs on a wide variety of brain health topics
• Download infographics and expert tips for a brain-healthy lifestyle

Join us in this insightful episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast as we welcome Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D., a renowned biomedical scientist and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in fields like cancer research, stem cells, neuroscience, and behavior, Dr. Szutorisz delves into the role of neuroplasticity and epigenetics in mental health and addiction.

She shares her personal journey from biologist to mental health expert, touching on the impact of 21st-century lifestyle, technology, and early-life experiences on addiction. We explore how current addiction treatments often fail to account for individual differences and the necessity for personalized medicine.

She discusses her innovative startup, Objective Recovery, which leverages modern technology for personalized addiction treatment. Tune in for a deep dive into the neurobiology of addiction, the promise of digital therapeutics, and the future of personalized mental health care.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D.

01:26 The Importance of Mental Health Conversations

01:50 Understanding the Rise in Mental Health Issues

04:19 Henrietta's Personal Journey into Mental Health

06:52 The Nature of Addiction

09:25 Neurobiology of Addiction

13:45 Challenges in Addiction Treatment

17:43 Future of Personalized Addiction Treatment

23:54 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health

27:19 Hopes for the Future of Addiction Treatment

31:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Resources:

• Learn more about Henrietta's work at Objective Recovery on their ⁠LinkedIn Page.⁠
  

• Reach out to Henrietta on LinkedIn.

If you are interested in learning more about lifestyle medicine, check out our previous conversations with Dr. Dean Ornish (Season 4: Episode 1) and Dr. Melissa Sundermann (Season 2: Episode 7).