Let's Talk Brain Health! 🧠

Jaksot

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  Play Your Way to a Stronger Brain: Video Games, Wearables & Brain Health with Dr. Julia Scott, Ph.D. 02.09.2026 34min

  For a long time, video games and brain health existed in completely separate conversations. Games were entertainment — a guilty pleasure at best, a concern at worst. That is changing. And the science behind that change is more compelling than most people realize.In this episode Dr. Krystal Culler and co-host Dr. Jonathan Artz, MD sit down with Dr. Julia Scott, Ph.D. — neuroscientist, researcher, and co-founder of Gambit Labs — to explore video games and wearable sensors as genuine tools for brain health. Not as a replacement for the fundamentals, but as a powerful and increasingly accessible addition to our brain care toolkit — one that can reveal things about our brains we have never been able to see before.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 What types of video games Dr. Scott's work focuses on — and how they differ from passive gaming experiences🧠 What is actually happening in the brain when we play the right kind of game — and why games accelerate learning in ways traditional training cannot🧠 Why every game is quietly generating a portrait of your brain through patterns of behavior🧠 The difference between games designed for cognitive assessment versus intervention — and why that distinction matters🧠 What dark mechanics are — and how some games deliberately hijack dopamine systems to override good judgment🧠 What happens when wearable sensor data is integrated into gameplay in real time — and what that unlocks about self-awareness and self-regulation🧠 Why agency is the central value driving the work at Gambit Labs🧠 What Gambit Labs is building for neurodivergent youth — biofeedback-enhanced games focused on executive function and self-regulation🧠 Where the field is heading Key Takeaways✔ Not all games are created equal — the games that matter for brain health are built with intention and clinical science✔ Every game generates a portrait of your brain through patterns of behavior — strategy, reaction time, reward processing, and more✔ Wearable sensors become 10x more powerful when paired with strategically designed games — giving you the relationship between brain state and behavior in real time✔ Agency over your brain health begins with knowledge — when you can see what is happening inside, you can do something about it✔ The FDA has now cleared a second game-based ADHD intervention — the proof of principle that this approach works is no longer in question✔ Games are not just play — they are play with purposeEarn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for continuing education credit for the following healthcare professionals: Physicians (AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™), Nurses (ANCC), Pharmacists (ACPE), Physician Associates (AAPA), Dentists (ADA CERP), Dietitians (CDR), Social Workers (ASWB), Psychologists (APA), Athletic Trainers (BOC), and Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE).Each eligible episode offers 0.5 hours of FREE CE credit. Not seeing your profession listed? You will receive a Certificate of Participation to submit to your licensing board for possible credit approval. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode — available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! PodcastLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Dr. Julia Scott for reminding us that games are not just play — they are play with purpose. 🧠🎮ResourcesConnect with Dr. Julia Scott LinkedIn and YouTube PlaylistDiscover Dr. Julia Scott's work at the Brain and Memory Care Lab at Santa Clara UniversityLearn more about Gambit LabsRead more about XRSI for technology privacy and safetyExplore Rachel Kowert's Gaming Guide for Parents online here
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  What Is Brain Fog and What Can You Actually Do About It? with Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD, MSc 19.08.2026 33min

  You know something is off. The word you were reaching for is gone. The thought dissolves before you finish it. You read the same sentence three times and still cannot hold onto it.That is brain fog. And in this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi — neuropsychiatrist, biomedical engineer, and serial health-tech founder — to finally give it the language, the science, and the path forward it deserves.Brain fog is one of the most common complaints in brain health — and one of the most dismissed. Most people are told they are tired, stressed, or just getting older. Today that changes.Dr. Ghomi sees patients with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive health across a wide range of conditions — including the growing wave of post-COVID cognitive complaints. His message is clear: brain fog is real, it is worth investigating, and in most cases it is reversible.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 What brain fog actually is — and why it is a symptom cluster, not a diagnosis🧠 The full range of symptoms to recognize — from mental fatigue and forgetfulness to word-finding difficulties and slow processing🧠 How brain fog may present differently in women versus men — including perimenopause, postpartum, thyroid disorders, and hormonal shifts🧠 How to talk to a healthcare provider about brain fog — and what to bring to that appointment to be taken seriously🧠 The biggest myths and misconceptions about brain fog — including why "it's all in your head" is both wrong and dismissive🧠 The three most evidence-informed lifestyle factors contributing to brain fog — sleep, physical activity, and metabolic and nutritional stability🧠 Why blood sugar swings, vitamin deficiencies, and iron levels matter more than most people realize🧠 How wearable devices and symptom tracking can help you and your provider identify patterns🧠 A real patient case study — a woman in her late 40s caring for a parent with Alzheimer's who recovered from significant brain fog in 90 days🧠 Why brain fog is a signal — not a sentence — and what that means for your brain health journeyKey Takeaways✔ Brain fog is not a diagnosis — it is a cluster of symptoms worth tracking, naming, and taking to a provider✔ It is almost always reversible — and the sooner you address it, the more preventable the underlying causes become✔ Sleep is the highest-leverage lifestyle factor — protect it like the non-negotiable it is✔ Come to your appointment with data — a symptom diary, medications, supplements, and nutritional patterns make a significant difference✔ Do not accept dismissal — advocate for yourself, and if one provider does not help, find another✔ Brain fog is your brain communicating — not failing. Listen to what it is asking forEarn FREE CE/CMEsThis podcast qualifies for continuing education credit for the following healthcare professionals: Physicians (AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™), Nurses (ANCC), Pharmacists (ACPE), Physician Associates (AAPA), Dentists (ADA CERP), Dietitians (CDR), Social Workers (ASWB), Psychologists (APA), Athletic Trainers (BOC), and Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE).Each eligible episode offers 0.5 hours of FREE CE credit. Not seeing your profession listed? You will receive a Certificate of Participation to submit to your licensing board for possible credit approval.Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode — available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.Thank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi, MD for reminding us that brain fog is a signal — not a sentence — and that you are allowed to feel better.ResourcesContinue to learn more with Dr. Reza Hosseini Ghomi at rezahg.comStay connected with Dr. Ghomi on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok @drrezaghomi 
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  Your Body Is Talking — Are You Listening? A Brain Care Story of Chronic Pain, Nervous System Health & Recovery with Nora Rodden, MS, MBA 05.08.2026 39min

  What if the symptoms your body was sending you were trying to tell you something your mind had not yet figured out how to hear?In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler makes space for a story. Because at the heart of brain health is not just the science— it is the lived experience. The hard seasons. The wisdom that only comes from having walked through something yourself and come out the other side with something worth sharing.Nora Rodden is the Founder and CEO of Nervana, an AI-powered digital health company helping people with chronic symptoms explore the psychological and emotional factors that may be contributing to how they feel. But before the company and the Harvard MBA, Nora spent years navigating chronic back pain following a car accident, debilitating GI symptoms, and insomnia — searching desperately for answers that conventional medicine could not give her. What she eventually discovered changed everything. And she has dedicated her career to making sure others do not have to search as long as she did.This is her brain care story.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 Nora's journey from a car accident at college to years of chronic pain, GI symptoms, and insomnia, and what it felt like to navigate all three simultaneously in her early 20s🧠 Why chronic symptoms can be an invisible illness and the emotional and financial toll of searching endlessly for answers🧠 How the nervous system gets stuck in a chronic fight or flight state and why that can perpetuate physical symptoms long after the original injury has healed🧠 What the mind-body connection actually means 🧠 The Harvard clinical trial that changed Nora's life and what a structured mind-body program actually looks like in practice🧠 Why your brain's predictive processes matter for chronic symptoms and how neuroplastic recovery approaches work🧠 How Nora built Nervana to make structured mind-body programs accessible to anyone with chronic symptoms🧠 What it means to learn your brain and body's language — and how that changes everything🧠 The one piece of advice Nora would give her earlier self Key Takeaways✔ Chronic symptoms are not your fault — and understanding that changes everything✔ The nervous system can get stuck in fight or flight long after the original trigger is gone — and that perpetuation is real, physical, and treatable✔ Your brain and your body are not separate — considering both is essential to healing✔ A structured program removes the cognitive load of behavior change — and that matters more than most people realize✔ You do not have to figure this out alone. Community, recovery stories, and the right tools at the right time make all the difference✔ Give yourself some grace. Whatever you are experiencing — listen to your body, listen to your brain, and get a little closer to understanding what might be happening internally.Earn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for continuing education credit across 10 healthcare professions. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to learn more and earn FREE CE/CME credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast on your favorite platformLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, caregiver, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Nora Rodden for trusting me with her story — and for turning her own hard season into a resource for everyone still searching for answers.ResourcesLearn more about Nora's work and explore the Nervana app at trynervana.comConnect with Nora on LinkedInExplore free mind-body recovery resources at the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms at symptomatic.me Read Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter — recommended by Nora and reviewed by the Neuro Nook (book club)
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  More Walking, Less Dementia: What Your Feet Are Telling Your Brain About Health and Longevity with Dr. Courtney Conley, DC & Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT 22.07.2026 44min

  This podcast episode is a conversation from the Neuro Nook (book club) where Dr. Krystal Culler and co-host Heather Elwell spoke with the authors of the National Bestseller Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity, One Step at a Time — Dr. Courtney Conley, DC and Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT — for a conversation that may likely shift change the way you think about walking. Today, fewer people realize they need to walk each day.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 Why walking belongs alongside breathing and sleeping as one of the three essential physiological functions we need to survive🧠 The surprising foot-brain connection 🧠 What to look for when you look down at your feet🧠 What an efficient walking gait actually looks like — and the simple cue that changes everything: roll the earth away🧠 What makes a healthy shoe choice — and the three criteria to look for when buying footwear🧠 Gait speed as the sixth vital sign — and what your walking speed can predict about your cognitive health up to nine years in advance🧠 The step count research on dementia risk — and why 3,800 to 9,800 steps per day could reduce your risk by 25 to 51 percent🧠 How walking impacts mental health — and why 5,000 steps per day has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression🧠 The power of the five-minute micro walk — and why five minutes is enough 🧠 Movement snacks from the book 🧠 How to find time for walking in a busy life Key Takeaways✔ Walking is a physiological necessity — not optional, not a luxury, and not a low-level activity✔ Your foot occupies massive real estate in your brain's sensory map — what happens from the ground up matters deeply for your overall health✔ Gait speed is the sixth vital sign — and it can predict cognitive decline up to nine years before diagnosis✔ Walking 3,800 steps per day reduces dementia risk by 25% — walking 9,800 reduces it by more than 50%✔ Five minutes counts — the micro walk is real, accessible, and powerful✔ Walk more, die less — the research is overwhelming and the prescription is freeThe Neuro Nook Rx from Walk📋 Add Vitamin W (Walk) to your daily brain care. Start with 5-minute intervals (≈500 steps) and build up to 30–35+ minutes a day (≈5+ days/week).📋 Take a brisk walk (≈112 steps/per minute) for 30 minutes per day.Earn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for the following credit types:: Physicians: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (CME)Nurses: ANCCPharmacists: ACPEPhysician Associates: AAPADentists: ADA CERPDietitians: CDRSocial Workers: ASWBPsychologists: APAAthletic Trainers: BOCInterprofessional Continuing Education: IPCE Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! PodcastLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, caregiver, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Dr. Courtney Conley, DC and Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT for calling us into a collective all to action– and promise to keep walking with them?ResourcesReview the Neuro Nook Book Club Summary of the book– Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity, One Step at a Time– Including the Q&A and Final Takeaways from the authors on Substack Grab your copy of Walk: Rediscover the Most Natural Way to Boost Your Health and Longevity, One Step at a TimeExplore Dr. Courtney Conley's work and education platform at Gait Happens and connect with them on Instagram and YouTubeFollow Dr. Courtney Conley, DC on her personal Instagram and SubstackFollow Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT on Instagram and SubstackLearn more about the Neuro Nook Book Club from the Virtual Brain Health Center
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  Hardwired for the Negative–But Not Stuck There: the Negativity Bias & The Science of Gratitude with Dr. Diego Salinas, MD, NBC-HWC 08.07.2026 44min

  Your brain is not working against you. It is working for you — the best way it knows how. But sometimes that wiring gets in the way.In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with Dr. Diego Salinas — pediatrician, neuroscientist, and board-certified health and wellness coach — for a rich, practical, and deeply human conversation about two things that are more connected than most people realize: your brain's built-in negativity bias and the science of gratitude.We explore why your brain holds onto the hard stuff, what happens during emotional flooding, and how understanding that wiring gives you the power to work with your brain instead of against it. Because here is what the science is telling us: we are not at the mercy of our brains. We can train them. And the tools to do that are more accessible than most people think.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 What the negativity bias is — and why it is a survival mechanism, not a character flaw🧠 What is actually happening in the brain during emotional flooding — the amygdala, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex explained🧠 Why emotional validation measurably lowers amygdala activation — and what it actually means to validate an emotion🧠 The HALT check-in — a simple tool for identifying what is driving a heightened emotional state🧠 How the language you use — "I am excited" vs. "I am stressed" — can change your brain's recovery time🧠 Where gratitude enters the brain and how it helps rebalance the negativity bias🧠 Why gratitude is not toxic positivity — it is corrective lenses for a brain already biased toward the negative🧠 Dr. Diego's three-category gratitude method: the big things, the under-the-radar things, and the comically small things🧠 Why you should practice gratitude before you need it — and how to make it stick in daily lifeKey Takeaways✔ The negativity bias is not a character flaw — it is your brain doing its job✔ Emotional validation means acknowledging that what someone felt was real — and it measurably changes brain state✔ Gratitude gives your brain corrective lenses to also see what is good — factual, not fantastical✔ Small, consistent practice rewires the brain over time — neurons that fire together wire together✔ Practice gratitude before you need it. It is a protective tool, not just a reactive one✔ We are all sloppy stardust in the messy middle — compassion for yourself is part of the practiceEarn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA Category 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast on your favorite streaming platformLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Dr. Diego Salinas for reminding us that life is a constant restart — and that is exactly enough.ResourcesConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas, MD, on LinkedIn or view his coaching profile on ViblyLearn more about Vibly, an all-in-one platform for health coachesStay connected with Vibly on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedInWatch the "It's Not About the Nail" videoExplore previous podcast episodes on brain-based behavior change and brain health coaching
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  Sunlight Is the Unspoken Nutrient: Vision, Light & Brain Health with Dr. Marion Van Horn, PhD 24.06.2026 39min

  When was the last time you stepped outside and just looked up?Not at your phone. Not at a screen. Just up — at the sky, the light, the world around you. If it has been a while, your brain has noticed. And this week's guest is going to tell you exactly why that matters.In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with Dr. Marion Van Horn — neuroscientist, science communicator, and mother of three — for a conversation that will change the way you think about your eyes, your light environment, and your brain health.Vision is not just seeing. It is how your brain regulates your mood, sets your sleep, manages your emotions, and builds its picture of the world — all in milliseconds. And natural light — something most of us walk past every day — is one of the most powerful inputs our brains receive. Dr. Marion calls it the unspoken nutrient. And after this episode, you will never think about sunlight the same way again.This episode also features a special collaboration —'Take a Brain Break'—' coloring page created by Dr. Marion Van Horn, Dr. Maria Zamfir, and Dr. Krystal Culler. Find it free in the show notes.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 How the brain actually learns to see — and why vision is not automatic at birth🧠 What neuroplasticity means for visual development across the lifespan🧠 Why natural sunlight is the unspoken nutrient your brain needs every day🧠 The relationship between light, circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood🧠 What screens and artificial light are doing to your brain and body🧠 How visual pathways connect directly to emotional centers — including the amygdala🧠 Why going outside when you feel overwhelmed works neurologically — not just psychologically🧠 How the two eyes work together to create three-dimensional vision🧠 Why vision loss is a modifiable risk factor for dementia — and why your annual eye exam matters🧠 Practical steps to protect your visual brain health starting todayKey Takeaways✔ Natural light is the unspoken nutrient — get outside within the first hour of waking, even for a few minutes✔ Vision actively regulates how you feel and how you interact with the world — it is so much more than seeing✔ Your eyes are part of your brain — protecting your vision is protecting your brain✔ Going outside changes your gaze, your nervous system, and your emotional state✔ Uncorrected vision loss increases dementia risk — prioritize your annual eye exam at every age✔ Small consistent habits — morning light, noticing the sunrise, watching the moon — add up over timeEarn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA Category 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! PodcastLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Dr. Marion Van Horn, PhD for reminding us that one of the most powerful things we can do for our brains costs nothing at all. Go outside. Look up.Resources:Explore Marion’s work and resources on ⁠her website⁠Connect with Marion on Social media @marion.phd on ⁠Instagram ⁠Download Our “Let’s Take A Brain Break” coloring page on our websiteContinue to learn from The Neuron Family on Instagram or their newsletterCheck out The Neuron Family’s colouring books on its website or LinkTr.eeOrder Volume 1: The BrainOrder Volume 2: How We FeelOrder Volume 3: How We See
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  Why Your Brain Needs Play: Creativity, Confidence & Connection with Rachael Renae 10.06.2026 42min

  What if one of the most powerful tools for your brain health has been sitting on the shelf since childhood — and you just forgot to pick it back up? In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA sits down with Rachael Renae— artist, play enthusiast, creative educator, and debut author of Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection — for a conversation that will change the way you think about play, creativity, connection, and what it truly means to care for your brain.We often hear brain health advice centered on movement, sleep, nutrition, and stress management. But how often are we told to write a haiku between meetings, make a seasonal play playlist, or simply follow the fun — just for the brain-building benefit of it? The science says we should be.A former engineer with over a decade in her field, Rachael discovered that what was missing from her life wasn't a career change — it was play. This conversation is for anyone who has ever said "I'm not creative," "I don't have time for play," or quietly wondered why life feels a little gray lately.What You'll Learn in This Episode🧠 Why play is not frivolous — it is a brain-building practice backed by science🧠 What play actually is and the key ingredients that make something truly playful for adults🧠 Why every single person is creative, whether they believe it or not🧠 What the brain loses across creativity, confidence, and connection when play disappears🧠 How play supports stress reduction, emotional processing, neuroplasticity, and social bonding🧠 How to find time for play using things you are already doing every day🧠 Practical 5-minute play challenges — no equipment, no budget, no free afternoon required🧠 What the "Friend File" is and how it addresses loneliness and social isolation🧠 How to rewire your brain to seek wonder in everyday routines🧠 The power of the seasonal "playlist" — a to-do list made up entirely of play activitiesKey Takeaways✔ Play belongs on your to-do list right next to the groceries and the bills✔ Creativity is not a talent reserved for artists — it is a built-in human need✔ Small, consistent, intentional moments of play rewire the brain toward curiosity and connection✔ Non-zero play days are enough — one small playful moment today is a powerful place to startEarn FREE CEsThis podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA Category 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE credit for listening to this episode!ResourcesExplore Rachael’s work and resources on her websiteCheck out her new book, “Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection”Learn more about Rachael’s creative community, the Juice BoxListen to the “Chaotic Creatives” podcast on Apple & SpotifyConnect with Rachael on Social media @RachaelRenae on Instagram Learn more about our “A Kids Book About Brain Health” on our website and download our free coloring pages– fun for all ages! Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let's Talk Brain Health! PodcastLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, caregiver, or fellow brain health advocateExplore Previous Episodes Related to the Topic of Play:Episode 7: The Creative Path to Optimal Brain Health with Ty HaglerEpisode 27: The Fun Habit: Exploring the Science of Fun for Brain Health with Dr. Mike Rucker, Ph.D.Episode 74: The Arts as the Fifth Pillar of Health: Brain Health, Longevity, and Dementia Prevention with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Ph.D.Thank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health. A special thank you to Rachael Renae for reminding us all that a more joyful, connected, and fulfilling life is only one playful moment away.
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  The Arts as the Fifth Pillar of Health: Brain Health, Longevity, and Dementia Prevention with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Ph.D. 13.05.2026 33min

  **This special podcast episode was recorded live as part of the Virtual Brain Health Center’s Neuro Nook book club, where readers explored The Art Cure together before welcoming Dr. Fancourt for this live discussion.What if one of the most powerful tools for supporting brain health has been hiding in plain sight?In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler and Heather Elwell, co-host of the Neuro Nook brain health book club, sit down with internationally recognized researcher Dr. Daisy Fancourt, author of The Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, for a fascinating conversation about why the arts may be the forgotten fifth pillar of health.We often hear health advice centered on movement, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and routine medical care. But how often are we told to read a book, visit a museum, sing, dance, paint, or attend a live performance for our health?The science says we should be.Dr. Fancourt shares decades of research showing how arts engagement supports mental health, physical health, social wellbeing, and cognitive health. Whether you identify as creative or not, this episode may change how you think about what belongs in your personal brain health routine.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🧠 Why the arts are considered the forgotten fifth pillar of health🧠 What counts as “arts engagement” & why it is broader than many people realize🧠 The difference between active participation and receptive engagement, and why both matter🧠 What happens in the brain when you listen to music, read, dance, create, or experience the arts🧠 How arts engagement influences dopamine, stress hormones, inflammation, and emotional well-being🧠 The connection between the arts, neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and dementia risk reduction🧠 New research linking arts engagement to biological aging and longevity🧠 Why arts participation supports healthy aging across the lifespan🧠 Practical ways to build creative engagement into your everyday routine🧠 Why equitable access to the arts is also a public health issueWho Should ListenThis episode is for: Adults interested in brain health & healthy aging Individuals concerned about memory or dementia preventionHealthcare and public health professionalsEducators & community leadersArtists, creatives, and arts advocatesAnyone who has ever said, “I’m not artistic,” or “I’m not creative”Key Takeaways✔ The arts are not a luxury. They are a meaningful health behavior✔ Arts participation may help strengthen cognitive reserve and protect long-term brain health✔ Both creating art and experiencing art offer measurable health benefits✔ Small, consistent creative habits can make a difference over time✔ Healthy aging is not only about what you remove from life. It is also about what you addEarn FREE CEsThe podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA Category 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE.Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please help us grow the conversation around better brain health:Follow or subscribe to the Let’s Talk Brain Health! PodcastLeave a rating or reviewShare this episode with a friend, colleague, book club, or fellow brain health advocateThank you for investing your time and energy into your brain health.A special thank you to Dr. Daisy Fancourt for sharing her expertise and advocacy, and to our Neuro Nook community for making this live book club conversation possible.Resources:Explore the additional resources from “The Art Cure” book and projectConnect with The Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Dr. Daisy Fancourt’s Research Lab Subscribe to Dr. Fancourt’s NewsletterFollow the Social Biobehavioural Research Group on LinkedIn, X, & Blue SkyLearn more about the Neuro Nook (book club) from the Virtual Brain Health CenterReview the Neuro Nook (book club) summary of The Art Cure
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  Brain Health In Action: How Youth Are Leading Change in Their Communities with Shawn, Manasvi, and Nandita 29.04.2026 49min

  What happens when young people move beyond awareness and start taking action on brain health in their schools and communities?In this special episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with youth leaders–Shawn, Mansavi, and Nandita– who are not waiting for change. They are creating it. Through advocacy, education, and peer engagement, these young changemakers are putting brain health into action and showing what prevention can look like in real life.This conversation highlights how youth are using their voices to reduce stigma, promote mental wellness, and build healthier environments where they live and learn. Their stories remind us that brain health is not only a future issue. It is something that can be supported starting today.This episode offers a powerful look at youth leadership, prevention, and the role young people play in shaping the future of brain health.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy youth voices matter in brain health conversationsHow students are raising awareness about mental and brain healthWays young leaders are supporting their peersThe importance of curiosity and education in brain health advocacyHow youth are building supportive school and community environmentsWhat motivates young people to become brain health advocatesKey TakeawaysBrain health starts early, and youth are an essential part of prevention efforts.Young people are not only learning about brain health. They are teaching others and creating change.Peer leadership plays a powerful role in reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking.Small actions such as starting conversations, sharing resources, and supporting peers can create a meaningful impact.Investing in youth leadership is investing in the future of brain health.Why This Conversation MattersYouth are often talked about in brain health conversations. This episode highlights what happens when youth are part of the conversation and part of the solution.Their leadership shows how education, advocacy, and community engagement can work together to strengthen brain health literacy and prevention.Who Should ListenEducators and school leadersParents and caregiversYouth development professionalsPublic health professionalsStudents interested in advocacyAnyone interested in prevention and community brain healthKey Message From This EpisodeBrain health is not only something we learn about. It is something we practice. These youth leaders show what it looks like to turn knowledge into action.ResourcesLearn more about Shawn’s work at Brainolicious Adventures™ and check out his books on Amazon!Explore Manasvi’s work at The Mind InitiativeVisit Nandita’s S.T.R.A.P. the Stroke App and learn more about her work at Cognitive ConnectionsDownload the Virtual Brain Health Center’s resources for kids and teens on their websiteListen to our previous podcast conversation on brain health across the lifespan featuring Nandita!   Earn FREE CEsThe podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA CATEGORY 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf this episode inspired you:Share it with an educator or youth leaderSubscribe for more brain health conversationsLeave a review to help others find the showThank you for investing in your time in brain health today, and for the next generation.**This conversation was part of the Virtual Brain Health Center's Brain Week 2026 events and is being released on the podcast to reach a broader audience.
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  The Science of the Human-Animal Bond: How Pets Support Your Brain Health & How You Support Theirs with Dr. Etana Berger, Ph.D. 15.04.2026 37min

  Pets are part of millions of households. For many people, they are companions, family members, and daily sources of connection. Research shows these relationships also influence physical health, mental health, social well-being, and brain health.In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, sits down with Dr. Etana Berger, Ph.D., behavior scientist and applied behavior analyst, to explore the science behind the human-animal bond. This conversation explores how pets support human brain health and why it is equally important to understand how we support the cognitive and emotional well-being of our animals.This episode brings a behavioral science lens to the conversation and highlights how intentional interactions, enrichment, and environment shape wellbeing for both people and pets.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow pets support emotional health, stress reduction, and social connectionThe brain health benefits of the human-animal bondWhy routines and shared activities benefit both humans and animalsHow behavioral science helps us better understand pet needsWays to support your pet’s cognitive health through enrichmentThe importance of environment, stimulation, and engagement for petsHow caring for a pet can strengthen purpose and daily structureKey TakeawaysThe relationship between people and pets is a two-way health connection.Positive interactions with pets can support stress regulation, emotional well-being, and social health.Animals also benefit from cognitive enrichment, predictable routines, and supportive environments.Behavior science helps us better understand how to create healthier environments for both humans and animals.Small daily actions can strengthen brain health for both you and your pet.Who Should ListenPet owners interested in brain health Professionals in health, animal behavior, or aging servicesAnyone interested in the science of human connection and wellbeingAbout the GuestDr. Etana Berger, Ph.D., is a behavior scientist, professor, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over a decade of experience supporting meaningful behavior change across the lifespan. Her work explores how behavioral science principles apply across both human and animal behavior and how environments shape outcomes. ResourcesYou can connect directly with Dr. Berger on LinkedIn or at Compassionate Animal Learning, her company’s website. Be sure to check out her new program offering for “Separation Related Behavior Workshop and Social Meet Up Series” starting on May 11, 2026 via this form.You can learn more about The Susie Project, rescuing animals from the Caribbean. The resources from this podcast conversation are available in this presentation. Earn FREE CEsThe podcast qualifies for the following credit types: AMA PRA CATEGORY 1, ANCC, AAPA, APA, ASWB, and IPCE. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!Support the PodcastIf you found this episode valuable:Share it with a fellow pet ownerSubscribe for more brain health conversations Leave a review to help others find the showContactHave a topic you would like covered on the podcast? Email: [email protected] you for investing in your brain health and the well-being of those pets who depend on you.**Disclaimer** Pet ownership is a meaningful, long-term commitment that requires time, resources, and consistent care. This conversation focuses on the science of how human–animal relationships connect to the brain and overall health. It is not intended to encourage adopting or acquiring a pet. We encourage you to reflect on your current circumstances, capacity for care, and long-term readiness before making any decisions related to pet ownership.
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  What Brain Health Experts Are Talking About Right Now: Science Updates from Brain Week 2026 01.04.2026 48min

  Brain science does not stand still. New research continues to reshape how we think about memory, prevention, nutrition, and lifelong cognitive health.In this special Brain Week 2026 episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health! Podcast, your hosts brought together a panel of experts across neurology, neuropsychology, nutrition, sensory therapies, and aging science to discuss what is new, what is promising, and what still needs more evidence.This conversation focuses on separating hype from science. You will hear where the strongest research is emerging, what early warning signs deserve more attention, and how everyday habits influence brain health across the lifespan.If you want to stay current on brain health science and understand what actions are worth your attention right now, this episode brings the latest updates directly from the experts.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeEarly brain health signals adults often overlookWhy prevention starts decades before symptoms appear How sleep, smell changes, and hearing loss connect to brain healthWhat new research says about the MIND diet and dementia riskWhy personalized risk reduction matters more than one-size adviceThe role of caffeine and nutrition in cognitive performanceWhat emerging research says about sensory stimulation and brain functionWhy following evidence over trends protects your brain healthKey Topics CoveredEarly Detection and PreventionLearn why subtle changes such as sleep disruption, smell loss, and metabolic health may signal future neurological risk and why early action matters.Cognitive Aging and Risk ReductionUnderstand how lifelong learning, education, and cognitive engagement build resilience against cognitive decline.Nutrition and Brain HealthExplore the latest findings on the MIND diet, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and emerging areas like mushrooms and metabolic health.Brain Performance and Fueling CognitionLearn how caffeine and metabolic health influence daily brain performance.Emerging Therapies and Brain StimulationHear updates on areas such as 40 Hz sensory stimulation and aromatherapy research, and where the evidence currently stands.Key TakeawaysBrain health is built across decades, not just later in life.Prevention science continues to strengthen around lifestyle factors such as cardiovascular health, hearing health, sleep quality, and nutrition.There is no single solution for brain health. Personal risk factors matter.Patterns matter more than perfection when it comes to brain-healthy habits. Following credible science helps protect you from misinformation.Earn FREE CEs Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!Featured Expert GuestsDr. Kellyann Niotis, MD – Preventive Neurology and  The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Florida Dr. Mitchell Clionsky, Ph.D. – Clinical Neuropsychology and author of Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your BrainMaggie Moon, MS, RD – Brain health nutrition and author of the MIND dietDr. Richard Gold, Ph.D. – 40 Hz sensory stimulation and applied neuroscience from Metta Mindfulness MeditationDr. Jenna Stedman, DCN – Performance nutrition at Master Nutrition LabPatricia Faust, MGS – Clinical aromatherapy and aging brain health at My Boomer BrainPrevious Podcast Episodes from Our PanelistsEpisode 58: Preventive Neurology: Brain Care Today to Protect Tomorrow with Dr. Kellyann Niotis, MDEpisode 3: Dementia Prevention: Using Your Head to Save Your Brain with Dr. Emily Clionsky, M.D. and Dr. Mitch Clionsky, Ph.D.Episode 42: The MIND Diet Update: A Scientific Approach for Brain Health & Dementia Prevention with Maggie Moon, MS, RD Episode 6: Brain Beats: How Sound Influences Cognition with Dr. Richard Gold, Ph.D.Episode 48: Enhancing Cognitive Performance Through Nutrition with Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN Episode 36: Essential Oils for Brain Health: Insights From A Clinical Aromatherapist, Patricia Faust, MGS
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  Gaslighting and Brain Health: Recognizing Manipulation and Protecting Your Mind with Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D. 18.03.2026 45min

  Gaslighting does not only affect your emotions. It affects your brain.In this episode, Dr. Krystal Culler and Heather Elwell sit down with Dr. Jennifer Fraser, author of The Gaslit Brain, to examine what happens in the brain when someone experiences chronic gaslighting, bullying, and psychological harm.*Please note that this conversation was recorded live during a live Neuro Nook book club discussion and featured as part of the Virtual Brain Health Center’s annual Brain Week series.*This conversation connects neuroscience, workplace culture, and lived experience. You will learn how gaslighting disrupts memory, increases stress responses, and impacts cognitive performance. More importantly, you will learn what you can do to protect your brain.This discussion also explores institutional gaslighting, why even high-performing professionals are vulnerable, and how understanding the science can reduce self-blame and increase clarity.If you have ever questioned your memory, your judgment, or your sense of reality after a difficult workplace or personal experience, this episode provides language, science, and practical strategies.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between normal conflict and gaslightingWhy gaslighting is designed to create confusionWhat chronic psychological stress does to the brainHow the amygdala and hippocampus respond to prolonged stressWhy highly capable professionals are often targetsHow workplace cultures can enable manipulationWhy language matters in recognizing psychological harmBrain-based strategies to strengthen cognitive resilienceKey TakeawaysGaslighting follows patterns. Learning those patterns helps you see clearly.Your brain is wired for trust. That makes manipulation difficult to recognize.Psychological harm can produce real neurological effects including: stress overload, memory disruption, and cognitive fatigue.Recovery is possible. Neuroplasticity means the brain can repair and adapt.Awareness is protection. Naming the behavior reduces its power.Practical Brain Health Strategies DiscussedStrengthen awareness of your environment and patterns of behaviorBuild a more precise emotional vocabulary to better interpret stress signalsPrioritize psychological safety and supportive relationshipsSlow down decisions when something feels offQuestion assumptions and look for evidence before accepting claimsStay socially connected during recovery rather than withdrawingLearn More About Dr. Jennifer FraserWebsite: BulliedBrain.comPsychology Today column: The Bullied BrainPodcast: The FEMCAST Listen to host, Dr. Krystal Culler’s conversation with Dr. Jennifer Fraser on her podcast, The FEMCAST titled, “How 'Psychopath Puppet Masters' Destroy Careers (and How to Escape)” on iTunes, Spotify, or Substack or watch on YouTubeRelated Resources MentionedLearn more about BrainHQ brain training platform from our previous podcast conversation with their lead scientist Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D. “What the Latest Brain Training Science Means For Your Brain Health” Previous podcast conversations with Dr. Jennifer FraserListen now: Exposing Gaslighting: What it Does to the Brain and How to HealListen now: Understanding the Neuroscience of Bullying & Its Impact on the BrainExplore the written summary of Neuro Nook Book Club discussion on the gaslit brainKey Message From This EpisodeGaslighting loses power when it is recognized and named. Protecting your brain starts with understanding how manipulation works and trusting your ability to question what does not feel right.Support the PodcastIf this episode helped you better understand brain health and psychological safety:Share this episode with someone who may benefitLeave a review to help others find the showSubscribe for future brain health conversationsContactHave a topic you would like explored on the podcast?Email: [email protected]
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  Brain-Based Behavior Change: How to Build Healthy Habits in Daily Life with Trish Turo, MS, NBC-HWC 05.03.2026 41min

  Episode SummaryWhy is it so difficult to change habits even when you deeply care about the goal?In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, sits down with returning guest Trish Turo, NBC-HWC, health educator/researcher & brain health coach, to explore habits and behavior change through a brain-based lens.Together, they unpack how habits form, why resistance shows up, and what is happening inside the brain when we try to change routines. This conversation focuses on real-life behavior change, not ideal conditions. You will learn how brain systems such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex influence motivation, fear, and follow-through.This episode also explores how shame, setbacks, and past experiences shape the stories we tell ourselves about our ability to change. Instead of relying on willpower alone, Trish shares practical strategies that help you work with the brain rather than against it.If you have ever said, “I know what to do, but I can’t seem to do it,” this conversation will help you understand why and what to do next.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• The difference between a behavior and a habit• Why motivation often shows up after action rather than before it• How the brain’s habit loop works: cue, routine, reward• Why the amygdala can make behavior change feel threatening• How past experiences and memories influence your willingness to try again• The role of shame and self-talk in habit formation• Why social support improves long-term behavior change• Practical ways to make habit change easier for your brainPractical Brain Health Tips from This EpisodeStart smallFocus on one change at a time instead of trying to overhaul everything at once.Use habit stackingPair a new habit with something you already do daily.Anchor your habits to your valuesConnect behavior change to something meaningful, such as family, health, or purpose.Create visual remindersPhotos or objects connected to your values can reinforce daily choices.Practice self-compassionYour brain is designed to protect you from change. Progress requires patience.Try something more than onceYour brain needs repetition to build new neural pathways.Spend time in natureEven small moments outside can support brain health and regulation.About the GuestTrish Turo, NBHWC, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, brain health educator, researcher, and registered yoga teacher. She holds a master’s degree in health psychology and has spent more than a decade helping individuals and organizations support behavior change and healthy lifestyle habits.Trish has presented at national conferences, served on national committees, and worked across digital healthcare organizations. She is also the author of "A Kid’s Book About Healthy Habits" and focuses on making brain health education accessible to people of all ages.Connect with Trish TuroLinkedIn: Trish Turo, MS, NBC-HWCInstagram: @Coach_Trish LinkTr.ee: Coach_TrishPrevious Podcast Episode Mentioned In This ConversationUnveiling the Habenula: The Neuroscience of Behavior Change with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPHKey TakeawayHabits shape daily life more than motivation ever will. When you understand how your brain responds to change, you reduce shame and increase your ability to follow through. Sustainable behavior change starts with small steps, patience, and learning to work with your brain’s natural tendencies.Listener Question or Topic Suggestion?Have a brain health topic you would like covered on the podcast?Email: [email protected] the PodcastIf you found this episode helpful:• Share it with someone who could benefit from it• Leave a review to help others discover the showYour brain health matters. Thank you for investing in it.
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  Music and Memory Care: How Your “Time of Life” Songs Support Cognitive and Emotional Health with Shannon Wallace, CDP, CDC 18.02.2026 39min

  Music reaches your brain fast! It activates memory, movement, emotion, and connection in seconds.In this episode, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA, sat down with Shannon Wallace, CDP, CDC, creator of Musical Memory Care to explore how music functions as a whole-brain and body workout. We focus on one powerful idea—the “time of your life” effect.Research shows the music you loved between roughly ages 13 and 27 leaves a lasting imprint. Those songs shape identity. They anchor memory. They often remain accessible even during cognitive change.Shannon shares how she moved from professional jazz vocalist to serving older adults in memory care communities. What began as singing for residents evolved into an intentional, research-informed program that integrates rhythm, movement, emotional expression, and identity support.We explore:Why time-of-life music remains accessible in dementia How music activates the limbic system and supports emotional regulation The role of rhythm in movement, including Parkinson’s support Why intentional facilitation matters in memory care settings How music supports dignity, identity, and human connection Practical ways you can use music today for brain healthYou will hear real-world stories from Shannon’s work in memory care. Stories of individuals who had not spoken in years yet responded to music. Stories of rhythm supporting walking and daily tasks. Stories that reinforce this truth. Music is not entertainment alone. It is a neurological tool.If you are a caregiver, clinician, or family member supporting someone with cognitive change, this conversation gives you some practical suggestions. Play their music, not yours. Use rhythm to support movement. Build playlists rooted in their adolescence and young adulthood. Intention matters.If you are focused on your own brain health, start here:Create a “time of your life” playlist Use music to regulate mood and stress Pair rhythm with movement for exercise Share meaningful songs to deepen social connectionMusic does not require perfection. It asks for presence.About Shannon Wallace, CDP, CDC Shannon Wallace is a professional international jazz vocalist and the creator of Musical Memory Care, an interactive program serving active older adults and individuals living with all stages of dementia. Her work has reached participants across North America and in more than 40 countries. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Dementia Care Certified professional who integrates music, movement, and compassion into structured memory care experiences.Brain health lives in daily moments. Music is one of the most accessible tools you already have.00:00 Why Music Hits Fast: A Whole Brain + Body Workout00:49 Meet Shannon Wallace & the Musical Memory Care Mission02:23 The Grant Question That Changed Everything (Volunteering in Memory Care)05:48 Music Like Fitness: Intentionality, Regulation, and Engagement08:09 Your “Time of Life” Music Bump: Why Certain Songs Stick Forever11:41 Music for Mood & Nervous System Regulation (Limbic System, Empathy, Shifting State)15:10 Why Music Still Connects in Dementia—and the Need for Intentional Care20:45 Inside the Musical Memory Care Program: Reading the Room + Multi-Sensory Design23:32 Proof in Practice: Vivian Speaks Again & Building Trust Through Personal Connection29:28 Try This at Home: Playlists, Movement, Sharing Songs + Parkinson’s Rhythm Hack36:24 Closing Wisdom: Work-Life Balance, Where to Find Shannon, and Final TakeawaysResourcesDownload the free infographic on how music is a whole brain-body workout!Learn more about Shannon and her Musical Memory Care™ program on her website. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn or her professional website for her vocal talent or speaking.Listen to our previous podcast conversation with Eyleen Braaten, Executive Director of the Giving Voice Chorus and Neuroscientist, Dr. Patricia Izbicki, Ph.D., to learn how singing can impact your brain. 
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  The Brain Behind Addiction: Inside A Transformational Care Model-Where Hope Meets Science with Dr. Amber Deckard, Psy.D. 04.02.2026 37min

  In this episode, Dr. Amber Deckard, a neuropsychologist and leader in neurocognitive assessments at Caron's neuropsychological services, shares insights into the brain-first approach to addiction treatment. She explains how viewing addiction as a brain-based disorder rather than a moral failing changes the treatment paradigm. We delve into the latest brain science, revealing how substances physically alter brain areas responsible for reward, motivation, memory, decision-making, and self-control, challenging the misconception that addiction is a moral failing. Dr. Deckard discusses the impacts of substances on brain function and the importance of a holistic, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approach to recovery. She highlights the role of various therapeutic modalities, including neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and personalized treatment planning, in supporting brain health and recovery. The episode aims to shift perspectives on addiction, emphasizing the brain's capacity for healing and the crucial role of integrated care.00:00 Introduction to the Brain First Approach00:05 Meet Dr. Amber Deckard, PsyD02:16 Understanding Addiction as a Brain-Based Disorder05:04 The Role of Family in Recovery07:38 Advanced Neurocognitive Assessment Tools13:54 Personalized Treatment Plans23:30 The Power of Neurofeedback29:12 The Comprehensive, Multimodal Approach to Brain Health33:25 Dr. Deckard's Personal Brain Care35:41 Message of Hope and ConclusionResourcesLearn more about Caron’s Neurospychological Service’s and its cutting-edge Neurocognitive Assessment Program on their website.Connect with Dr. Amber Deckard on LinkedIn.Listen to learn more about Brain HQ’s brain training program in our previous podcast episode “What the Latest Brain Training Science Means for Your Brain Health: A Conversation with the Lead Developer of BrainHQ, Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.”
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  How Digital Cognitive Assessments Support Brain Health: Real World Insights with Professor Adrian Owen, Ph.D. of Creyos 21.01.2026 38min

  In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, we were joined by Professor Adrian Owen, a globally recognized neuroscientist, author, and Chief Scientific Officer of Creyos. The conversation delves into Professor Owen's extensive career in cognitive neuroscience, his groundbreaking research on brain function and dementia, and the innovative digital tools his team has developed to make cognitive assessment more accessible to the public. Key topics include the importance of brain health, the role of sleep in cognitive function, and practical strategies for monitoring and enhancing brain health using technology. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to take proactive steps to care for their brains and why it's crucial to measure cognitive health accurately and consistently.The episode wraps up with actionable steps listeners can take to prioritize their brain health daily. Join this enlightening conversation to learn more about protecting and optimizing brain function at every stage of life.00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast00:41 Meet Professor Adrian Owen03:11 Professor Owen's Journey into Neuroscience06:37 Understanding Dementia and Cognitive Decline12:24 The Importance of Brain Health and Cognitive Assessments18:04 The Role of Technology in Brain Health27:06 Future of Neuroscience and Brain Health31:34 Actionable Steps for Better Brain Health37:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Learn more about Creyos' digital cognitive assessments on their website.Explore Creyos’ blog for additional resources and information.Stay in touch with Creyos on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Questions? Email [email protected] for additional information.Read more about his book “Into the Gray Zone” and sign up for his next book’s release on August 4, 2026, “Think Before You Think: Understanding and Mastering Executive Function.”
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  What the Latest Brain Training Science Means for Your Brain Health: A Conversation with the Lead Developer of BrainHQ, Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D. 07.01.2026 48min

  In this episode, we explore the science of brain fitness and how targeted brain training exercises can strengthen key brain systems with Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.. Dr. Mahncke shares his journey from studying neuroscience at UCSF to leading brain plasticity-based training at BrainHQ. Learn how BrainHQ’s specific brain training program can improve memory, attention, decision-making, and overall brain resilience across 300+ published research studies. Discover the profound impact of brain plasticity, the significance of the groundbreaking INHANCE study, and practical tips on incorporating brain training into your daily life. Dr. Mahncke emphasizes that brain training is not just a trend but a scientific approach to maintaining and boosting brain health. Tune in to find out how you can intentionally train your brain at any age and better understand the notion of cognitive fitness. 00:00 Introduction to Brain Fitness00:24 Meet Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.01:46 Personal Motivation and Early Career03:13 Graduate School and Discovering Brain Plasticity05:40 The Concept of Brain Fitness09:19 Brain HQ: The Science Behind Brain Training11:02 Understanding Brain Fitness and Training20:50 The Enhanced Study and Neuromodulatory Systems24:46 Exciting Beginnings: Launching the Study25:11 Study Design: Brain HQ vs. Ordinary Games26:18 Training Regimen and Compliance26:35 Breakthrough Results: Acetylcholine Levels27:43 Beyond Brain HQ: Broader Brain Health29:56 The Importance of Intensity in Brain Training32:58 Holistic Approach to Brain Health39:45 Practical Tips for Brain Training42:45 Final Thoughts and EncouragementResourcesTry BrainHQ’s brain training exercises for free on their website.Explore the science behind BrainHQ in over 300+ research studies.Learn more about the INHANCE study’s media coverage and results in the research article.Learn more about brain health in BrainHQ’s “Better Brain Health” blog.Connect with Henry on LinkedIn.Stay in touch with BrainHQ on Instagram and Facebook.  
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  Exploring Brain Health Through Reading and Book Club Engagement with LeAnne Stuver and Heather Elwell 22.12.2025 42min

  In this episode, we delve into the incredible benefits of reading for brain health with guests Leanne Stuver, a nurse educator and Director of Lifelong Learning, and Heather Elwell, CEO of Brain Health Mentors. Learn how reading stimulates multiple brain areas, enhances social connections, and supports lifelong learning. Discover the advantages of different reading formats, genres, and even how book clubs can enrich your cognitive and social wellbeing. Join us as we discuss the science behind reading, offer practical tips, and share personal favorite book recommendations. This episode is filled with insights and strategies to help you integrate reading into your brain health routine. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on how to make reading a key component of a happier, healthier life.00:41 The Brain-Boosting Power of Reading01:09 Meet Our Guests: Leanne Stuver and Heather Elwell03:14 How Reading Impacts the Brain07:30 The Benefits of Book Clubs10:00 The Neuro Nook Book Club22:04 Books vs. Audiobooks: What Science Says26:05 Genres and Their Unique Brain Benefits34:09 Rapid Fire Book Recommendations41:03 Final Thoughts and Tips for Better Brain HealthResourcesLearn more about the Neuro Nook (Book Club)Explore the Neuro Nook (Book Club) Reading ListView Our Neuro Nook Rx Infographic
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  Women’s Brain Health: Holistic Lifestyle Approaches to Perimenopause with Dr. Julie Sharrar, DC 10.12.2025 24min

  In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we delve into perimenopause, a significant yet often misunderstood life transition. Dr. Julie Sharrar, DC, a holistic healthcare practitioner specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture, and functional medicine, shares her expertise on how this phase impacts brain health, mood, memory, and overall well-being. She provides insights into common symptoms, natural support strategies like diet, sleep, and exercise, and the benefits of holistic approaches such as acupuncture. Learn the importance of recognizing and addressing these changes with practical tips and resources to help navigate this journey with confidence.00:00 Introduction to Perimenopause00:44 Meet Dr. Julie: Expert in Women's Health02:03 Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms and Onset07:23 Lifestyle Changes to Support Perimenopause12:06 Functional Medicine and Acupuncture16:45 Practical Advice and Misconceptions20:09 Final Thoughts and ResourcesResourcesLearn more about Dr. Julie Sharrar on her website.Read more about navigating perimenopause naturally in Dr. Julie’s recent blog.Follow Dr. Julie on social media @consciouswellnessohio on Instagram and Facebook.
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  How Brain Energy Shapes Health: Computational Neuroscience in Action with Dr. Jin Hyung Lee, Ph.D. 26.11.2025 28min

  In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jin Hyung Lee, Ph.D., a pioneering neuroscientist, Stanford professor, and founder of LVIS Corporation. Dr. Lee introduces NeuroMatch, a groundbreaking technology that creates live digital twins of brain function to revolutionize brain healthcare. She shares her personal journey from electrical engineering to neuroscience, inspired by her grandmother's stroke, and discusses the intersection of technology and brain health. Discover how NeuroMatch can diagnose and treat conditions like epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's, potentially transforming the way we understand and manage brain health. Learn about the importance of sleep, preventative care, and how AI could make brain health accessible to all. Tune in to explore the future of neuroscience, AI, and personalized brain healthcare.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jin Lee and NeuroMatch00:42 Dr. Lee's Personal Journey into Neuroscience01:25 The Intersection of Electrical Engineering and Brain Health02:49 Developing NeuroMatch: From Lab to Clinic03:52 The Future of Brain Health Monitoring05:05 How NeuroMatch Works07:33 Collaborations and Inspirations09:56 Patient Advocacy and Real-World Impact12:25 Artificial Intelligence and Energy Efficiency17:53 Future of Neuro Match in Healthcare24:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsResources:Explore more about Dr. Lee and her work on her lab’s website Learn from Dr. Lee in one of her TedX talks from her websiteSee the Invisible: Innovating How Neurological Diseases Are Examined with NeuroMatch and LVIS on their websites.