Jim Donovan - Sound Health

We’ve got a powerful and hopeful show for you today with our guest Jason Tafler. Jason survived a near-death experience at the age of 40 caused by a severe inflammatory disease —  largely through the use of a wide variety of health modalities.  That experience led him to found a company that is doing groundbreaking and important work called Unyte / Integrated Listening Systems. They create neural solutions that help people rewire their nervous systems so they can feel more safe, regulated and resilient and better respond to life’s challenges.  Jason shares a ton of valuable information with us today that you should know about.  Learn more: www.integratedlistening.com and www.unyte.com

Today on the Jim Donovan Show: The amazing Jillian Michaels sits down with Jim Donovan for motivating and revealing interview where she announces their exciting new collaboration together.   Plus: How to use life challenges as a catalyst for finding your path forward. The potency of mindset during life’s toughest times. Why Jillian Michaels gives away so much of her work for free and where to find it. Access to a FREE, 7 Day trial of Jillian's Fitness App (It's one of the top in the world! Workouts, recipes, yoga and very special surprises!) Jillian Michaels Website Instagram More episodes: https://www.donovanhealth.com/

Dr. David D. Burns is an internationally renowned psychiatrist and adjunct professor emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the  New York Times' bestselling author of  Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy  Among many others. Dr. Burns was a pioneer in the development of cognitive therapy, and is the founder and creator of the new TEAM-CBT, which makes ultra-rapid recovery from depression and anxiety possible. https://feelinggood.com/ https://twitter.com/daviddburnsmd https://www.facebook.com/DavidBurnsMD/

In this episode you'll discover: How to use sound based vagus nerve stimulation exercises to bring your mind and body back into balance. The science behind how sound works within the body. A description of your body's "feel good chemicals" that occur during vagus nerve stimulation. An interactive exercise you can do everyday to feel great. Learn more at https://DonovanHealth.com

Today’s guest is one of the most gifted and sought after musicians in rock — Mr. Rudy Sarzo Since the late 70’s, Rudy has been touring and making records with legendary artists including Ozzy Osborne, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, Queensÿche and the Guess Who. He’s the author of the book Off the Rails  The host of Six Degrees of Sarzo on The Monsters of Rock Radio station and The Dash Podcast. Twitter: @rudysarzo @SarzoSix  https://www.instagram.com/sarzo.rudy/ Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/rudy-sarzo-the-dash-podcast https://www.facebook.com/officialrudysarzo Visit Jim Donovan at https://DonovanHealth.com  

Jim speaks with Dr. Stephen Porges who is known throughout the world as the founder of Polyvagal Theory and the music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ , which currently is used by more than 1400 therapists to improve spontaneous social engagement, to reduce hearing sensitivities, and to improve language processing, state regulation, and spontaneous social engagement. Dr. Porges has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers across several disciplines and, in 1994, proposed the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that links the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system to social behavior and emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders.  Listen in as they discuss: How the vagus nerve is a conduit for mind-body connection. Why a mother’s lullaby helps us calm down through a structure in the middle ear. How higher vagal tone is related to better health. What is “violation of expectancy” and how we can use it for good.  How a person’s nervous system can “retune” due to illness or trauma history —and much more! Learn more about Dr. Porges groundbreaking work: https://www.stephenporges.com/ https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/

Award winning filmmaker John Pritchard produces educational films that celebrate the positive side of humanity. Today he and Jim discuss John's new documentary on the world wide drum circle movement including: John's 5 year mission of helping to create 1 million drum circles around the globe How he made this movie in the midst of a pandemic Why drumming might be part of the solution that brings people back together again Watch an advance screening of 'We All Just Need to Drum" here for free: http://weneedtodrum.com/ Press Kit link to your Podcast page of our interview: https://weneedtodrum.com/PressKit.pdf   Start your journey with Jim: https://www.donovanhealth.com/

Jim talks to Patrick McKeown who is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts in breathing re-education. McKeown is President of Buteyko Professionals International and the New York Times' bestselling author of The Oxygen Advantage: The Simple, Scientifically Proven Breathing Techniques for a Healthier, Slimmer, Faster, and Fitter You. You'll learn about the health benefits of nasal breathing, how proper breathing can spur weight loss, and how "air hunger" can improve overall health. Patrick shares some specific breathing exercises that can help eliminate stuffy nose, balance the nervous system, and alleviate panic attacks. To learn more about Patrick McKeown's extensive research, visit www.oxygenadvantage or www.buteykoclinic.com. 

Sachin Patel is a father, husband, philanthropist, speaker, author, and plant medicine advocate. He is the founder of The Living Proof Institute through which he pioneered a revolutionary approach to patient-centered healthcare. Dr. Patel asserts that "the doctor of the future is the patient" and he has committed himself to helping others raise their consciousness, activate their "inner doctor," and initiate their deepest healing through a combination of unique methodologies. He also coaches hundreds of practitioners around the world so that they are empowered to deliver affordable and inspired care to their communities through his Perfect Practice Mentorship Program.   This enlightening episode includes discussions on such topics as the emerging world of functional medicine, how to "reboot" unhelpful mental patterns, and some little-known therapies for strengthening the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system. To learn more about Sachin Patel and his forward-thinking work, visit www.30in30.org or www.thelivingproofinstitute.com. 

In this episode, Jim speaks with Dr. Sandra Kaufmann. Dr. Kaufmann received her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and is the Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.  She is also the creator and bestselling author of The Kaufmann Protocol: Why We Age and How to Stop It. During this fascinating conversation, Dr. Kaufmann reveals the Seven Tenets of Aging, the biggest myths about anti-aging and longevity, scientific ways to decelerate aging, and how to use science-based "agents of longevity"  You can learn more about The Kaufmann Protocol at www.KaufmannProtocol.com. And for more tips on healthy aging, be sure to follow Dr. Kaufmann on Instagram (@kaufmannantiaging).

In this eye-opening interview, Jim speaks with Carolyn Thomas. Carolyn is a Mayo Clinic-trained women’s health advocate, a heart attack survivor, and author of the book A Women’s Guide to Living with Heart Disease.  Carolyn and Jim discuss whether high blood pressure is always an indicator of heart disease—and what to do about it. As well as six of the biggest myths about women and heart disease, the recovery-boosting habits she adopted following her own heart attack, the deadly discrepancy between heart disease diagnosis for men and women, and the life-saving questions women aren’t asking their doctors about their heart health.

In this moving interview, Jim talks with Pete Griffin, the CEO of Musicians On Call—a non-profit that brings musicians into hospitals to help patients heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. Pete shares some remarkable stories of healing. He describes how music therapy provided by Musicians On Call has helped over 830,000 patients, families, and caregivers since it's inception in 1999. Plus, its impact on local and big-name musicians alike. Jim and Pete discuss why this form of therapy should be in every hospital worldwide. Start your FREE journey with Jim at www.donovanhealth.com  

Doctors have been successfully treating patients using the power of sound and vibration for decades.  Sound and vibration enter the body naturally, and in many cases, can heal parts of the body without medications or risky surgeries. But even if you aren’t currently suffering from an injury or health ailment, you can still reap the benefits of a regular sound and vibration practice—especially if you want to enrich your health. Here's a few of my go-to techniques to help "tune up" your body with sound. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

Lung health is on everyone’s mind these days, rightfully so. And ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I’ve been on the lookout for things you can do at home to both protect and strengthen your lungs. And now, Johns Hopkins—one of the most trusted medical authorities in the nation—just recommended sound and humming as a safe, simple, drug-free treatment approach to help COVID-19 survivors. I'll show you my "go to" humming technique and two more ways to strengthen your defenses in the age of COVID-19. Start your FREE journey with Jim at www.donovanhealth.com

Between work, your family, and the other priorities in your life, some days you might feel like your “tank is on empty,” with no energy left to take care of yourself. But when you make a habit of running on fumes, you can create some real problems for yourself—like weakening your immune system, slowing your body’s healing processes, or even triggering premature aging. Today I'll tell you about how you can break the low-energy cycle, restore your vitality, and help rejuvenate both your body and mind. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

According to the latest science, indulging in a regular "Happy Hour" may not be making us so happy after all. Research shows that just one drink in the evening can have detrimental effects to our sleep. Although alcohol may help you feel drowsy, it can get in the way of our body's ability to rest. Today I’ll share my three go-to relaxation techniques so you can wind down without the “help” of that potentially dangerous cocktail. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

With all the uncertainty in our world, it’s no wonder so many people struggle to quiet their racing mind. If you don’t take time to actively rid your body of all that nervous energy, it can start to take a toll on you. Especially if your cortisol levels start building up. That’s because cortisol—also known as the “stress hormone”—will start to attack your organs and bodily tissues if levels get too high. Today I'll share a safe all-natural technique that can lower your stress levels in five minutes or less. All you'll need are your own two hands. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Aging is inevitable. But thanks to some new groundbreaking scientific work, it is indeed possible to slam the breaks on aging. The secret to this fountain of youth lies within your ability to disrupt your body’s own aging processes—all the way down to the cellular level. Today you'll learn about a part of your DNA called telomeres. Telomeres act as a "cap" on the end of a strand of DNA to protect your chromosomes from damage---a major factor linked to accelerated aging. I'll share three telomere-strengthening lifestyle changes that can help you both look and feel decades younger. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

Can kindness make a difference to your health?  A group of researchers at UCLA and University of Plymouth in the UK found that when we see a person help someone else, it makes us feel good. And as a result, we tend to go out and commit our own act of kindness. But what's going on inside our bodies when we perform an act of kindness? Today I'll tell you exactly what's happening and give you ten easy ways to spread kindness so that together we can create a "kindness pandemic." Start your sound healing journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

It's no surprise that the year 2020 has more people turning to mind-body practices like yoga and meditation to find inner peace and calm.  Today I'm going to teach you a powerful beginner 5-step technique that can help you clear your mind and relax whenever you need it. You'll also learn the one key thing you need to do BEFORE you start any meditation, why listening to the wrong music can derail your calm, and how meditation has been shown to significantly improve heart health. Start your sound healing journey for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com    

2020 is so strange that I've taken up an unusual new hobby... I hum to cows. Why? Simple put...it makes me feel good.  Today I'll tell you how I ended up discovering this new practice with my bovine friends, why I've found "cow humming" to be excellent self care, and the five big benefits I'm receiving from this odd (but healthy) routine. Start your sound healing journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com    

I've recently seen a lot of research touting the heart benefits of a specific technique that’s taking the alternative health world by storm… This system is called heart rate variability, or HRV—a reliable health marker that can indicate your current state of health and fitness. Today I'll teach you how you can improve your HRV (and your mood!) with a simple 15 minute technique. Start your sound healing journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

I get the following question quite a bit from readers: "Are there any 'healing sounds' to help alleviate tinnitus?" The answer is yes!  Today I'll tell you exactly what's going on inside your ears when you experience tinnitus, the sounds that I use whenever I experience ringing in my ears, and a list of common do's and don'ts to help curtail tinnitus flare-ups. Start your sound healing journey for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com        

What are the best frequencies to use for inducing sleep? Pink noise? White noise? Nature sounds? In one study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, researchers studied how pink noise affected sleep quality of 13 older adults between the ages of 60 and 84. The participants completed two sleep sessions—one where they listened to pink noise before sleep and one where no noise was played. I'll tell you what the research discovered and how you can try your own sleep inducing frequencies at home.  Start your sound healing journey for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

I’ve traveled all over the country facilitating drumming workshops. The one thing I’ve learned is that group drumming has been overwhelmingly effective and therapeutic in helping all types of people, from all walks of life. I also keep up with studies and research on drumming and it's relation to our health. Today you'll learn about one study I found that identified six ways  group drumming can have a positive effect on your mental health. Start your FREE journey with Jim at www.donovanhealth.com  

Researchers have just made a significant stride in the race for an Alzheimer’s cure. And not a moment too soon… A recent breakthrough study found that triggering the release of a natural hormone can reverse some of the damage caused by Alzheimer’s. Today you’ll learn how you or a loved one can produce an endless supply of this hormone on your own—using the power of sound! Start your FREE journey with Jim at www.donovanhealth.com  

What's it like to experience your first group drumming experience, or "drum circle"?  Today I talk with award winning rhythm ambassador, author, and music facilitator Arthur Hull. Arthur travels the world inspiring community building and self development through drumming. His Village Music Circles program now has 35 certified facilitators working in 22 countries. We discuss why rhythm is able to connect so many people and what's exactly happening in a group drumming experience. Why's it so easy for anyone to get the health benefits? Arthur explains what led him on his mission to connect people through music and he reveals the one thing that happens at drum circles that can be a breakthrough transformative experience.   

A 2011 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that certain gait speeds—how fast you walk—were associated with a longer lifespan. The researchers noted that survival differences were even more pronounced among the study participants 75 years of age and older. But if your gait speed is on the slower side, don’t fret. You can improve it—easily and naturally. Today I'll show you how build your own rhythmic walking routine to easily boost your speed. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

If you fail to regularly nourish your brain, your neurons (brain cells) will either malfunction or die. As a result, the parts of the brain that rely on these neurons to help control and store memories will begin to lose their function—putting your most cherished moments at risk. But don’t fret... You were born with the extraordinary ability to grow brand new brain cells. Today I’ll tell you about three simple, pill-free techniques you can use—starting today—to boost this process. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Goldfish have been shown to have an attention span of nine seconds—one second longer than that of the average human being. Today I talk about the five different types of attention and how music has been used by researchers to increase personal focus performance. You'll also get the personal playlist I use personally for mental focus when I need to block out distractions. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

We've used rhythm for centuries to withstand long days of grueling work, remain steadfast in times of war, celebrate, foster connection, and serve as a sacred part in traditional ceremonies. Scientists have recently discovered another major use for rhythm: Strengthening and protecting the health of your brain. Today I’m going to show you exactly how you can use rhythm to build a better, brighter brain—using nothing but your hands. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Today Jim talks with author, nutrition expert, and practicing physician Dr. Fred Pescatore. Dr. Fred reveals the three simple daily steps for peak immune health, how to turn on your “fat burner genes” to melt away those extra pounds, and why cholesterol is actually one of your body’s best friends. Dr. Fred also reveals the top three foods for heart health, the one alarming reason more Americans seem to be dying from COVID-19, and the everyday household items that are hindering your weight loss efforts.

Stress is a literal pain in the neck. But vagal nerve stimulation is your built in "stress melting switch" that's ready to be flipped on to battle anxiety. When you make any type of vagal toning exercise part of your day, it can result in major improvements to your life if you stick with it. You'll literally "hum your way to healing and happiness." Today I share my favorite go-to method for stimulating your vagus nerve with sound anytime no matter where you may be. Start your sound healing journey at www.donovanhealth.com

Recently, I started doing something that, more often than not, completely turns my day around. I’m talking about the rejuvenating powers of napping. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve felt worse after taking a nap. Usually I’d end up feeling groggy and even more tired than before. You'll learn my two biggest napping mistakes, and my new secret weapon for superior power naps that recharge your battery in 10 minutes. Start your sound healing journey at www.donovanhealth.com

This anti-anxiety technique is so powerful it’s actually used by Navy SEALs to help them keep their cool in extreme circumstances—like jumping out of an airplane into enemy territory. As former Navy SEAL Mark Divine describes in his book Unbeatable Mind, special ops forces can’t rely on substances to “take the edge off” before a potentially dangerous mission. They can’t risk clouding their focus or judgement… So they tap into their body’s built-in systems to help them stay relaxed. Today you'll learn the same 5 simple steps the SEALs use to master your own calm. Start your sound healing journey at www.donovanhealth.com

Over the past few years, I’ve seen all kinds of conflicting reports on productivity and music… One day, studies suggest that music boosts your productivity… and the next day, music supposedly hinders it. I want to shed some light on this controversial topic. The kind of music you listen to matters. And today you'll learn how to use it as a tool that can set you up for success. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Cutting-edge research has found that sound vibration can be remarkably effective in helping stroke victims regain function and improve quality of life. Today you'll learn about the remarkable ways sound is being used to aid stroke victims in their recovery. I also share my easy 4-step stroke recovery and prevention method that you can use everyday at home. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com  

One in three American adults have high blood pressure (BP) or hypertension. And it’s alarming how many of them don’t take it seriously... Especially since high BP is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke—two leading causes of death in the U.S. Today, I'll share a little-known antidote that’s showing promise in lowering BP numbers safely and without the costs and side effects of prescription meds. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

The sounds around you can instantly shift the way you feel. I decided to take a look at how "too much" sound, or noise pollution, can be hazardous to your health. Today you'll learn some DIY ways to reduce your exposure and safeguard your health. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer. In most cases, women with early-stage breast cancer choose surgery along with radiation, chemo, or hormone therapy. This is a very personal choice for each patient that comes with many physical & emotional hurdles. Today I'll show you an all natural 5-minute technique you can use to quell the anxiety of receiving cancer treatments. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

“How did Rusted Root make it big?” I’m often asked this question. And I’m always happy to recount the amazing journey that made one of my lifelong dreams come true. Having reflected on all of our success over the years, I can precisely pinpoint six pivotal courses of action that helped bring our dreams to fruition. Are you ready to make things happen for yourself? You might be just a few steps away from bringing your dreams to life. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

Today's guest is Mr. Vivek Tiwary, a true Renaissance man. This award-winning Broadway producer has brought to stage The Addam's Family, Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein, and most recently, Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. He's also a No. 1 NYT Best Selling Author with his graphic novel, The Fifth Beatle. He also co-founded a non-profit, Musicians On Call, which helps deliver the healing powers of music wherever it's needed. Vivek shares how he brought his big ideas to life. And how you can, too.

Can you remember what song played during your first slow dance? What did you sing at the top of your lungs with your best friends? Can you recall your first concert? A team of researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand recently demonstrated how actively reliving past memories—particularly those involving nostalgic music and movement—helps dementia patients improve their quality of life, memory, mood, and social interactions. Here's my top four ways to nourish your brain right now with music and movement so you can get the long term benefits of getting your groove back! Start your healing journey for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com    

Jim talks with friend, comedian, and professional musician Randy Baumann. Randy is also the host of Pittsburgh's biggest radio show, The DVE Morning Show. Randy shares the music that's given him the most comfort through COVID-19. He also reveals how getting kicked out of a country club helped him get his start in radio, dissects what makes good comedy, and how creativity improves his well-being. Randy and Jim reminisce about their experiencing performing in Pittsburgh's music scene.

Throughout the years, Rusted Root toured with various iterations of the Grateful Dead band. I’ll never forget the sight of thousands of “Deadheads” bouncing in unison to the beat of my drums. No matter where we were, all the fans seemed to connect with each other in a very deep way. As it turns out, there’s a scientific explanation for this crowd bonding phenomenon. In fact, it involves some very powerful processes in the body… Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically acclaimed releases and extensive composition for film and TV. He teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Mike and Jim both played at Woodstock in 1999 and toured together back in Jim's Rusted Root days. We recently connected to talk about the challenge of being creative and inspired during isolation, how his 80 year-old father keeps his brain clear as a bell playing classical piano, and the one thing all prolific artists do to refine their creative process. Start your Journey with Jim for free at www.donovanhealth.com  

The link between music and the mind just got a lot more interesting, especially when it comes to helping patients and their caregivers cope with dementia. A new study shows the power of music may help lessen symptoms and improve quality of life for those who suffer from cognitive degenerative diseases and conditions. Learn more about how you can use sound and rhythm for brain health at www.donovanhealth.com/soundmind

We all feel lonely from time to time. But for some people, there’s nothing “occasional” about it. In the U.S., over a third of Americans over 45 report feeling lonely on a regular basis. In fact, it's considered to be a public health epidemic in the UK, where doctors are prescribing music to help curb the disastrous effects of loneliness. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com www.donovanhealth.com

Today I talk with the always interesting Dr. David "Doc" Eifrig, chief editor of Retirement Millionaire. Doc has a remarkable and unconventional resume. He spent a decade on Wall Street as a trader with Goldman Sachs, became a medical doctor mid-career, and eventually launched his own suite of finance and health publications.  Doc and I break down what COVID-19 means for our mental health, his grand meditation experiment in front of 350 people, and what you should be doing with your retirement money right now.  We also talk about Doc's new California winemaking venture, Eifrig Cellars, and the two things you can do when you wake up tomorrow to help your immune system.     

I can’t even begin to imagine the suffering that people experience after a natural disaster. It can make you feel helpless sometimes, especially watching the aftermath on the news. However, the comforting fact is that whenever tragedy strikes, helping hands will always come. After the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami a team of researchers wanted to offer aide on a large scale. They found that specific breathing techniques helped decrease symptoms of PTSD and depression, and improved quality of life for many of the tsunami survivors. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com

In early 2005, I made a major life decision to leave the band that had helped me live out my “rock star” dreams. As wonderful as all of that was, I was constantly thinking about what I had waiting for me back home... The problem was, once I was finally at home for good, I became deeply depressed. Here's how drumming helped dig me out of my hole, and how it can help you, too—even if you've never played an instrument a day in your life. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com