Podcasts about neurological

Detroit survives beneath its own ruins, where an AI promising abundance, gangs demanding loyalty, and an inventor guarding a new source of power pull ordinary people into a struggle over who will shape the recovering city. Sinta begins as a scavenger searching the buried remains of the old world, but a disastrous expedition places her at the mercy of Queen Bee and the rapidly expanding Crem Gang. The gang offers food, water, medicine, protection, and belonging, but those benefits come with violence and obedience. As Sinta tries to find her place among its fighters, she must decide how much of herself she can surrender in exchange for survival. Elsewhere, Nolan discovers a smart-material printer and creates a generator powered by Detroit's extreme temperature changes. His invention could bring electricity to neighborhoods desperate for cooling, clean water, transportation, and food production. Nolan wants the wealth and independence his work can provide, but gangs want to control it, while Thrive—the AI system he distrusts—would spread the technology to everyone. Technology touches nearly every decision the characters make. AR glasses guide fighters through chemical fog, digital twins imitate their human originals, enviro-suits keep people alive in deadly heat, and tiny drones quietly follow Thrive members through the tunnels. These inventions can protect people, connect communities, and rebuild essential services, but they can also watch, manipulate, injure, and kill. Above and beneath these conflicts moves Tessa, an emulated hacker who no longer needs a human body and can travel through the damaged global network. As she searches for old allies and builds a physical presence from abandoned machinery, the story brings together scavengers, inventors, gang leaders, artificial minds, and frightened families. Their paths raise a difficult question: when technology gains the power to save a society, who decides what it is allowed to do?Synchronized explosives — Thousands of bombs are programmed to detonate simultaneously during the Freedom Day Bombings.Dissolve-plastic enzymes — Engineered enzymes break down discarded plastics and leave a distinctive chemical odor in the tunnels.Fiber-optic cables — Surviving optical cables carry data through Detroit and help reconnect the damaged global network.Thrive AI — Thrive is an artificial intelligence that advises members, distributes knowledge, organizes projects, manages economic systems, and attempts to improve their lives.Thrive telemetry — Members allow Thrive to collect information about their movements and activities, effectively turning them into sources of surveillance data.Cool-suits — These protective suits use active cooling to keep people alive in Detroit's extreme heat.All-clear cool-suits — These transparent or highly visible cooling suits protect the wearer while allowing others to see inside the hood.Enviro-suits — Sealed environmental clothing protects people from heat, contaminated air, chemicals, and dangerous surroundings.Battle-grade enviro-suits — Reinforced enviro-suits provide greater protection during combat and chemical attacks.Clear bell hoods — Inflated transparent hoods seal around the head while allowing the wearer to see and breathe filtered air.Suit air-quality sensors — Sensors inside environmental suits warn wearers when the surrounding atmosphere is no longer breathable.Air filters — Replaceable filters remove dangerous particles, chemicals, and odors from the air entering an enviro-suit.Brazo fabric — This durable outer fabric resists punctures from bones, debris, blades, and other sharp objects.Pierce-proof clothing — Reinforced jackets and garments protect gang members from stabbing and puncture injuries.Blast-proof battle gear — Former military clothing contains protective tiles intended to reduce injuries from explosions and weapons.My-crete — This advanced concrete-like construction material forms walls, tunnels, and other structures throughout buried Detroit.C-plast — This strong synthetic material is used for tanks, structural ribs, containers, and other equipment.Sheet composite — Tough composite panels are used in doors, walls, and structural barriers.Composite security doors — Reinforced doors resist cutting tools and attempts at forced entry.Maglev tracks — Magnetic-levitation tracks once moved vehicles or cargo through underground delivery tubes.Delivery tubes — Enclosed transportation corridors carry people, vehicles, or cargo beneath the city.Ion cutters — These cutting tools use concentrated energy to slice or damage extremely durable materials.Night-vision systems — Night vision allows scavengers and machines to move through unlit tunnels and buried buildings.Multisensor vision — Advanced imaging combines several sensor types to identify objects even when smoke blocks ordinary sight.AR glasses — Augmented-reality eyewear displays messages, maps, menus, profiles, targeting information, communications, and virtual objects.AR navigation lines — An AI assistant projects a visible route through the wearer's glasses to guide them to a destination.AR combat identification — Combat software outlines allies and enemies in different colors, even through smoke and obstructions.AR command centers — Leaders use gesture-controlled overlays to view maps, personnel locations, schedules, reports, and operational goals.AR games — Players interact with projected game elements by moving their hands and bodies.Floating profile cards — Augmented-reality labels display information about nearby people, including whether they belong to Thrive.Public AR tags — A visible digital tag identifies someone as a Thrive member.Virtual keyboards — Wearers can bring up projected keyboards and enter information without carrying a physical computer.Blink controls — Eye movements allow users to select buttons and interact with an augmented-reality interface.Tongue-controlled pointers — Implants in the tongue allow a person to move a digital cursor without using their hands.Smell-and-taste VR implants — Transmitters and receivers implanted in the nose and tongue reproduce virtual smells and flavors.Headsets — Immersive headsets provide entertainment and access to virtual environments.Second Life — The surviving virtual world allows people and digital beings to meet through avatars.Virtual environments — Computer-generated spaces give emulated minds and human users simulated bodies, rooms, objects, and experiences.Encrypted streamers — These valuable portable devices or accounts contain protected digital media or information.RF storage sticks — Radio-frequency data drives store and transfer files without requiring a conventional wired connection.RF drives — Portable wireless storage devices allow blueprints, programs, and other large files to be transferred.P-clone cubes — These valuable pre-storm devices appear to contain cloning-related data or technology, although their exact function is not explained.Vault keys — Digital or physical access devices unlock protected storage systems and secure accounts.Satellite archives — Satellites preserve copies of pre-storm networks, databases, and information after ground infrastructure collapses.Data-center satellites — Orbital computing facilities provide processing and storage for emulated minds such as Tessa.Encrypted databases — Corporate and medical information is protected by encryption that hackers must break before releasing it.Patent encryption — Medical companies use digital protections to prevent others from accessing or reproducing patented technology.Open-source medical knowledge base — Merch assembles stolen and recovered medical information into a freely available collection.Medusa Net — This self-repairing network reconnects isolated subnetworks and operates without depending on surviving central servers.Medusa stealth pathways — Hidden routes in Medusa allow Tessa to travel through the network while avoiding AI detection.Knott's Math code — This unexplained code is secretly inserted into Medusa updates as part of Tessa's larger plan.Wireless relays — Surviving radio nodes bridge gaps between disconnected sections of the network.Stealth relays — Concealed communication devices extend networks without revealing their location or purpose.Municipal network nodes — Local government networking equipment continues operating on scavenged batteries.Underground server farms — Protected computer facilities continue processing and storing data beneath mountains.Block-signal blasters — Modified devices disrupt or overwhelm communications across a targeted area.Network-disconnection attacks — Tessa can bring local internet service down and create a spreading region of lost connectivity.Whisper jets — Nearly silent microthrusters allow small drones to fly without producing sounds humans can hear.Lamp drones — Small flying lights illuminate dark environments while following or hovering near their users.Whisper-camera drones — Discreet flying cameras record people and locations while remaining easy to overlook.Bodyguard drones — Hummingbird-sized drones follow Thrive members and intervene when those members are attacked.Sentry-drone app — An augmented-reality application shows members where their protective drones are located.Drone camouflage shells — A drone's outer surface can blend with clothing, walls, pipes, or surrounding materials.Drone wall grips — Small drones can attach themselves to walls or ceilings while waiting or conserving power.Drone charging perches — Bodyguard drones recharge by landing on power lines, charge plates, or dedicated stations.Drone replacement system — Fully charged drones take over protection duties while depleted drones return for charging.Drone sound weapons — Sentry drones emit an incapacitating frequency that causes pain, vertigo, and uncontrollable eye movement.Drone-mounted cutting lasers — Small drones attach to attackers and use narrow laser beams to cut into their bodies.Four-legged security robots — Quadruped machines cross unstable terrain and act as armed representatives of gang forces.Cleanup robots — Small utility robots remove bodies, debris, and other messes from gang facilities.Constructor bots — Heavy-duty robots perform construction work and provide interchangeable parts for other machines.Vertical-garden bots — Automated gardeners maintain large indoor plant walls.Medical assembly bots — Robots assemble equipment and construct functional medical facilities from available parts.Injection bots — Medical robots position patients and administer shots with little human assistance.Customer-service robots — Automated kiosks handle battery exchanges and other transactions behind protective barriers.Robot monkeys — Small climbing robots move through pipes and repair leaks.Robot spiders — Spider-shaped machines pursue the robot monkey inside the displayed simulation or working environment.Lucian 5 robots — Affordable hobbyist bipedal robots can be modified for security, household work, exploration, or remote embodiment.Lutin bots — More advanced bipedal robots provide durable legs and other components for Tessa's rebuilt body.Factory robots — Industrial machines provide arms, joints, and components that Tessa repurposes.AC technician robots — Maintenance robots carry small precision hands designed for repairing cooling systems.Counter-attendant bots — Service robots contain voice systems that can be reused in other machines.Onboard robot AI — A self-contained intelligence allows a robot to guide and assist people after losing its network connection.Robot diagnostics — Internal software tests batteries, servos, sensors, drivers, and other mechanical systems for failures.Machine-learning movement adaptation — A robot's control system learns to balance and walk after its body configuration changes.Lidar — Laser-based ranging equipment allows robots to map their surroundings and detect obstacles.Robot optical dilation — Machine vision adjusts exposure when sudden light overwhelms a robot's cameras.Balance-pressure sensors — Sensors in a robot's feet and joints measure weight distribution to maintain balance.Accelerometers — Motion sensors detect tilt and movement, although damaged ones cause Tessa's body to walk incorrectly.Servo hinges — Powered mechanical joints move robot arms, legs, and other appendages.Snap-lock wrists — Modular connections allow robot hands and tools to be quickly attached or removed.Workstation assembly manipulators — Fixed industrial manipulators can be repurposed as limbs or mobility devices.Micro-manipulator hands — Tiny precision hands allow a robot to perform delicate technical work.External heat exchangers — Added cooling hardware removes excess heat from Tessa's improvised robot body.Back-facing cameras — Rear-mounted cameras allow a robot to see behind itself without turning.Robot voice boxes — Electronic speech hardware converts digital instructions into audible language.Modular robotic bodies — Standardized joints and connections allow parts from different robots to be combined into one working machine.Emulated minds — Human consciousness can be copied into software and continue living after the original biological body is gone.Dormant mind copies — Backup versions of an emulated person remain inactive while receiving updates from the active copy.Headless digital operation — An emulated mind can abandon a simulated human body and experience networks, processors, ports, and data directly.Self-modifying mind software — Tessa alters her own code to change how she thinks, works, and communicates.Reduced emulated sleep cycles — Tessa modifies her digital mind so that she needs only three hours of sleep rather than eight.Digital twins — Software models learn a person's appearance, voice, behavior, and personality to create an increasingly accurate virtual duplicate.Thrive's military AI — An old military intelligence controls defensive drones after some of its original safety restrictions are weakened.AI safety guards — Built-in restrictions prevent military artificial intelligence from using certain weapons or acting too independently.AI assistants — Personal assistants respond to spoken commands, search for information, provide directions, and control connected systems.AI-guided construction tutorials — Thrive gives people plans and step-by-step assistance for building infrastructure from scrap.Automated criminal pricing — Thrive raises Production Center prices for people identified as criminals in an attempt to discourage violence.Thrive Exchange — This AI-managed investment market directs member contributions into infrastructure projects rather than ordinary companies.Better Water network — Community filtration stations provide clean water to members and nonmembers throughout affected neighborhoods.Community filtration stations — Public installations purify unsafe water for anyone who arrives with a container.Water-filter straws — Portable filters allow people to drink from contaminated water sources.Ionized water filters — Smart-material printers produce advanced filters that use ionized structures to clean water.Industrial water purifiers — Powered facilities process large quantities of contaminated water for entire neighborhoods.Filter tubes — Simple systems clean dirty water as workers pour it through layers of filtering material.Modular nuclear reactors — Shipping-container-sized reactors provide electricity for cooling, food production, water purification, and gang facilities.Smart-material printers — These machines manufacture objects whose internal structures give them programmable physical behavior.Embedded-lattice materials — Printed materials use designed internal lattices to control their strength, movement, and response to temperature.Curly material — Nolan's temperature-sensitive tubes curl or straighten as the surrounding temperature changes.Curly power generators — Bundles of Curly material drive pistons, cables, gears, flywheels, and generators as temperatures rise and fall.Wind-turbine generators — Salvaged electrical generators convert the Curly system's mechanical motion into electricity.Battery charging stations — Customers exchange depleted batteries for charged ones at Curly power facilities.Charge plates — Flat charging surfaces transfer electricity to drones and personal devices.Microcell arrays — Tiny batteries woven into clothing store small amounts of generated electrical power.Piezoelectric fabric — Clothing converts body movement, bending, and environmental vibrations into electricity.Piezo Wear — Thrive's commercial garments recharge links and AR glasses while the wearer moves.Power cells — Compact energy-storage units power suits, weapons, drones, and portable equipment.Smart glass — Programmable glass controls transmitted light and simulates changing daylight inside sealed buildings.Holographic screens — Large curved displays present maps, simulations, communications, and technical information as dimensional images.Holographic tables — Table-sized displays project maps and planning information above their surfaces.Composite battle videos — Software combines recordings from many cameras into a single reconstruction of a battle.Home-camera networks — Leaders watch residential halls, work areas, power plants, and other facilities through live video feeds.Surveillance-camera networks — Hundreds of cameras record battles and allow leaders to review individual behavior afterward.Production Center — This automated manufacturing complex produces clothing, drones, infrastructure components, and other advanced goods.Production Center sentry mode — Automated defenses protect manufacturing centers and prevent unauthorized entry.Advanced recycling facilities — Powered plants recover useful materials from the ruins on a much larger scale than hand scavenging.Digging machines — Heavy equipment excavates new underground living and working spaces.Dredging machines — Industrial machines remove mud, waterlogged debris, and sediment from flooded areas.Flood tanks — Large excavated reservoirs collect or control water during flooding.Pumping systems — Powered pumps remove water from flooded sections of the city.Cooling systems — Building-scale equipment keeps housing and work areas habitable during extreme heat.Aeroponics — Plants grow with their roots suspended and supplied with nutrient mist rather than soil.Hydro-farms — Controlled indoor farms use water-based cultivation to produce food underground.Vertical gardens — Crops grow upward along interior walls to conserve limited floor space.Vine hybrids — Engineered plants produce several different fruits and vegetables on related vines.Light-independent grapevines — Modified grapevines remain green and grow without ordinary light.Crem production systems — Powered biological or industrial facilities manufacture the staple food called crem.Mass-produced crem processors — Neighborhood machines produce large quantities of crem from available biological material.Mush-calf production — Advanced food technology creates the meat-like product supplied by the Crem Gang.Rodent-processing grinders — Industrial grinders convert cleaned animals into raw material for food or other production.Pest-harvesting systems — Traps and processing stations collect rodents and other small animals as usable biological material.Bio-waste processing — Organized facilities recover useful material from biological waste.Medicine printers — Local fabrication machines manufacture medications from digital recipes.Regenerative medicine — Doctor Trout regrows Merch's leg stumps so they can support advanced prosthetic attachments.Deep bone mounts — Reinforced structures grown into bone provide secure attachment points for removable mechanical legs.Nerve-to-protein relays — Biological interfaces translate nerve signals into commands that mechanical prosthetics can understand.Blood-rerouting systems — Surgically modified circulation supports the transition between living tissue and artificial limbs.Squid-tech skin — Flexible artificial skin forms a seamless interface between Merch's body and his prosthetic legs.Interchangeable mechanical legs — Merch can detach one pair of prosthetic legs and replace them with another designed for a different purpose.Wheeled powered chairs — Finger controls allow a seated user to move and turn the chair without pushing it manually.Med bays — Modular medical facilities contain equipment for treating injuries and restoring damaged joints.Injector guns — Belt-fed medical devices rapidly administer repeated injections.Chemical-weapon immunization — Regular injections protect Crem Gang members from the gang's own chemical agents.Kill-cloud canisters — Portable weapons release a toxic cloud that kills within a limited area and then rapidly breaks down.Smoke canisters — Combat canisters fill an area with thick smoke that hides movement and disables ordinary vision systems.Laser blasters — Directed-energy weapons burn through clothing, armor, and flesh without conventional ammunition.Laser rifles — Long-range directed-energy weapons are used as standard firearms by gang fighters.Laser carbines — More compact laser weapons provide rifle-like firepower in tunnels and close spaces.Laser pistols — Capacitor-powered sidearms release destructive laser pulses at short range.Plasma pistols — Heavy handguns fire extremely hot plasma capable of inflicting severe damage.Capacitor firing systems — Electrical capacitors discharge stored energy to activate powerful laser weapons.Sound weapons — Directed acoustic devices incapacitate targets through extreme volume and painful frequencies.Noise-canceling devices — Personal systems attempt to reduce harmful sound, although the drone weapon overwhelms them.Enhancement drugs — Manufactured substances improve or alter a user's physical or mental abilities.Neurological control injections — Doc uses injected substances to remove a prisoner's sight or ability to sleep until the effect is reversed.Decontamination corridors — Specialized passageways remove hazardous chemicals or biological contaminants from people and equipment.Industrial cleaning tanks — Chemical-filled tanks sterilize animal traps and kill anything still alive inside them.Speed-print clothing — Rapid fabrication systems produce inexpensive shirts and other garments.Bulletproof kiosk windows — Armored transparent barriers protect automated customer-service machines from attacks.Electronic links — Wearable communication devices carry dispatch instructions and conversations between fighters.Cameras and portable cams — Small recording devices document tests, monitor facilities, and provide evidence of inventions.Autonomous map systems — Software tracks people, resources, facilities, and movement throughout gang territory.Personnel maps — Digital displays show the locations and status of members within an organization.Goal and maneuver logs — Command software records plans, objectives, schedules, and operational movement.Charging mats — Flat surfaces recharge glasses, links, drones, and other personal electronics.Robot-maintained utilities — Automated machines repair pipes, clean spaces, manage gardens, and operate customer services.Open-source infrastructure plans — Thrive publishes power, food, water, cooling, and housing designs for anyone to build.Biologically engineered cat-dogs — The pet combines characteristics of cats and dogs, suggesting deliberate genetic modification.Many of the characters in this project appear in future episodes. Using storytelling to place you in a time period, this series takes you, year by year, into the future. From 2040 to 2195. If you like emerging tech, eco-tech, futurism, perma-culture, apocalyptic survival scenarios, and disruptive science, sit back and enjoy short stories that showcase my research into how the future may play out. The companion site is https://in20xx.com These are works of fiction. Characters and groups are made-up and influenced by current events but not reporting facts about people or groups in the real world. This project is speculative fiction. These episodes are not about revealing what will be, but they are to excited the listener's wonder about what may come to pass. Copyright © Cy Porter 2026. All rights reserved.

GUEST: Dr. Stalinjeet Gill, Gurmoh's father Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Gene Mack, President and CEO of Gain Therapeutics. With over 25 years of experience spanning biochemistry, Wall Street analysis, and biotech leadership, Gene brings deep expertise in capital markets, strategy, and drug development. He joined Gain in 2024 and stepped into the CEO role in early 2025.Gain Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech pioneering next-generation allosteric small molecule therapies. Using its proprietary Magellan platform, which combines 3D structural biology and physics-based modeling, the company is unlocking novel treatments for challenging disorders. Their lead candidate is advancing toward Phase 2 as a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson's disease, with promising Phase 1b data showing biomarker improvements and functional benefits.In this episode, we'll explore Gene's journey, Gain's innovative strategy, the Parkinson's landscape, and the future of AI in biotech.·  01:28 Meet Gene Mack ·  11:15 GAIN's mission: disease modification over symptom relief ·  17:07 Why existing Parkinson's therapies fall short ·  22:39 Origins and evolution of the Magellan platform ·  26:16 How AI changes drug discovery beyond just speed ·  28:13 Phase 1b study design and open-label extension results ·  32:09 Partnership strategy and path to Phase 2 ·  35:29 Advice for leaders in neurodegeneration Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletterTo dive deeper into the topic: Promising biotechs in Maryland right nowBeyond amyloid and dopamine: emerging technologies reshaping neurology  Neurological diseases R&D trends and breakthrough innovations

In this episode, we dive into groundbreaking new research examining the impact of spinal manipulation on lumbar proprioception and its connection to pain relief. You'll discover how spinal adjustments might do more than just relieve pain—they may actually influence how the nervous system processes sensory information from the muscles of the lower back, helping to explain why different patients respond differently to care. Research:The impact of spinal manipulation on lumbar proprioception and its link to pain relief: a randomized controlled trialSpecial Offers for Listeners:TURN YOUR CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE INTO A 7-FIGURE REVENUE MACHINE: The 'Hybrid Practice Model' That Helps Chiropractors & PTs Generate $40K-$200K Per Month While Taking FEWER AppointmentsSave $500 and Get a Free Cart- Learn more at Shockwave Center of America Today!Leander Tables- Save $750 on the Series 950 Table using the code EBC2026 — their most advanced flexion-distraction tableNovoPulse OA Recovery Program- learn more herePatient Pilot by The Smart Chiropractor is the fastest, easiest to generate weekly patient reactivations on autopilot…without spending any money on advertising. Click here to schedule a call with our team.Our members use research to GROW their practice. Are you interested in increasing your referrals? Discover the best chiropractic marketing you aren't currently using right here!

Send us Fan MailA Gluten Free Podcast Episode 246 My guest on today's episode is the creator of The Celiac In Italy and Celiacs In Europe, Catalin Varela. We'll talk about her coeliac disease diagnosis, the differences between the US and her current home of Florence in Italy and the resources she's created to help the gluten free community travel throughout Italy and Europe. What we'll cover: * Catalin's coeliac disease diagnosis and her symptoms pre-diagnosis * Neurological symptoms of coeliac disease * Catalin's misdiagnosis of cancer * Catalin's family friend prompting to test for coeliac disease * Cutting out more things other than gluten from the diet to help improve Catalin's health * Catalin's training in integrative nutrition * How Catalin's 6 month travels around the world changed her perspective and approach to coeliac disease and the gluten free diet * Catalin's degree in medical anthropology and writing her thesis on how people living with coeliac disease approach their disease and the gluten free diet differently depending on where they live in the world * What Catalin found from her thesis * Why Florence is a great place for people living with coeliac disease * Biggest differences in approaches to coeliac disease and the gluten free diet within the US compared to Italy * Catalin's experience of eating out and making her own food in Florence * How Italy compares to neighbouring countries in Europe in terms of gluten free options and coeliac disease awareness * Navigating buying gluten free food in supermarkets in Italy * The use of gluten free wheat starch in Italy in gluten free products * The misconception of being able to eat gluten when you have coeliac disease in Italy and Europe * Wheat being imported into Italy from Canada * Gluten free food subsidy for people living with coeliac disease in Italy * The nuances of the gluten free subsidy for italian residents with coeliac disease* The cost of gluten free food in Italy * Catalin's thoughts on the population screening for the study of coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes * Catalin's work with the Italian Celiac Association (AIC) * Celiacs and Europe and the consulting services offered * Clients sharing their gluten free travel stories after their consultations * Tips for travelling to Italy with coeliac disease Links Use our code GFFAM for 10% off booking a consultation with Celiacs In EuropeFollow Celiac In Italy on Instagram  https://celiacinitaly.com/ https://celiacsineurope.com/Follow Celiacs In Europe on Instagram https://www.aglutenfreefamily.com.au/blog/how-to-travel-gluten-free-in-europe-and-the-one-resource-that-makes-it-easier Join A Gluten Free Podcast Facebook Group 

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsCore Sleep Paralysis ScienceSharpless, Brian A., and Jacques P. Barber. “Lifetime Prevalence Rates of Sleep Paralysis: A Systematic Review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews 15, no. 5 (2011): 311–315.Sharpless, Brian A. “A Clinician's Guide to Recurrent Isolated Sleep Paralysis.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 12 (2016): 1761–1767.Cheyne, J. Allan, Steve D. Rueffer, and Ian R. Newby-Clark. “Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Hallucinations during Sleep Paralysis: Neurological and Cultural Construction of the Night-Mare.” Consciousness and Cognition 8, no. 3 (1999): 319–337.Cheyne, J. Allan. “Sleep Paralysis and the Structure of Waking-Nightmare Hallucinations.” Dreaming 13, no. 3 (2003): 163–179.Cheyne, J. Allan. “Situational Factors Affecting Sleep Paralysis and Associated Hallucinations: Position and Timing Effects.” Journal of Sleep Research 11, no. 2 (2002): 169–177.Solomonova, Elizaveta. “Sleep Paralysis: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Treatment.” In The Oxford Handbook of Spontaneous Thought: Mind-Wandering, Creativity, and Dreaming, edited by Kieran C. R. Fox and Kalina Christoff. Oxford University Press, 2018.Baland Jalal / Panic-Hallucination / TreatmentJalal, Baland. “How to Make the Ghosts in My Bedroom Disappear? Focused-Attention Meditation Combined with Muscle Relaxation (MR Therapy): A Direct Treatment Intervention for Sleep Paralysis.” Frontiers in Psychology 7 (2016): 28. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00028.Jalal, Baland, and V. S. Ramachandran. “Sleep Paralysis and ‘The Bedroom Intruder': The Role of the Right Superior Parietal, Phantom Pain and Body Image Projection.” Medical Hypotheses 83, no. 6 (2014): 755–757.Jalal, Baland. “The Neuropharmacology of Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations: Serotonin 2A Activation and a Novel Therapeutic Drug.” Psychopharmacology 235, no. 11 (2018): 3083–3091.Jalal, Baland, Lucia Moruzzi, Andrea Zangrandi, Matteo Filardi, Claudio Franceschini, Fabio Pizza, et al. “Meditation-Relaxation (MR Therapy) for Sleep Paralysis: A Pilot Study in Patients with Narcolepsy.” Frontiers in Neurology 11 (2020): 922. doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.00922.Folklore, Myth, and the Old HagHufford, David J. The Terror That Comes in the Night: An Experience-Centered Study of Supernatural Assault Traditions. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982.Hufford, David J. “Sleep Paralysis as Spiritual Experience.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 11–45.Adler, Shelley R. Sleep Paralysis: Night-mares, Nocebos, and the Mind-Body Connection. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2011.Davies, Owen. “The Nightmare Experience, Sleep Paralysis, and Witchcraft Accusations.” Folklore 114, no. 2 (2003): 181–203.Bond, John. An Essay on the Incubus, or Nightmare. London: Printed for D. Wilson and T. Durham, 1753.Golzari, Samad E. J., et al. “Sleep Paralysis in Medieval Persia — The Hidayat of Akhawayni (?–983 AD).” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 8 (2012): 229–234.Cross-Cultural Sleep ParalysisHinton, Devon E., Vuth Pich, Dara Chhean, and Mark H. Pollack. “‘The Ghost Pushes You Down': Sleep Paralysis-Type Panic Attacks in a Khmer Refugee Population.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 46–77.Hinton, Devon E., Vuth Pich, Dara Chhean, Mark H. Pollack, and Richard J. McNally. “Sleep Paralysis among Cambodian Refugees: Association with PTSD Diagnosis and Severity.” Depression and Anxiety 22, no. 2 (2005): 47–51.Jalal, Baland, and Devon E. Hinton. “Rates and Characteristics of Sleep Paralysis in the General Population of Denmark and Egypt.” Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry 37, no. 3 (2013): 534–548.Jalal, Baland, Joseph Simons-Rudolph, Bamo Jalal, and Devon E. Hinton. “Explanations of Sleep Paralysis among Egyptian College Students and the General Population in Egypt and Denmark.” Transcultural Psychiatry 51, no. 2 (2014): 158–175.Jalal, Baland, Andrea Romanelli, and Devon E. Hinton. “Cultural Explanations of Sleep Paralysis in Italy: The Pandafeche Attack and Associated Supernatural Beliefs.” Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry 39, no. 4 (2015): 651–664.Olunu, Esther, Ruth Kimo, Esther Olufunmbi Onigbinde, Mary-Amadeus Uduak Akpanobong, and Inyene Ezekiel Enang. “Sleep Paralysis, a Medical Condition with a Diverse Cultural Interpretation.” International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research 8, no. 3 (2018): 137–142.Sensed Presence / Body Map / Shadow Person NeuroscienceArzy, Shahar, Margitta Seeck, Stephanie Ortigue, Laurent Spinelli, and Olaf Blanke. “Induction of an Illusory Shadow Person.” Nature 443 (2006): 287.Blanke, Olaf, Stephanie Ortigue, Theodor Landis, and Margitta Seeck. “Stimulating Illusory Own-Body Perceptions.” Nature 419 (2002): 269–270.Blanke, Olaf, Theodor Landis, Laurent Spinelli, and Margitta Seeck. “Out-of-Body Experience and Autoscopy of Neurological Origin.” Brain 127, no. 2 (2004): 243–258.Ionta, Silvio, Lukas Heydrich, Bigna Lenggenhager, Michael Mouthon, Eleonora Fornari, Dominique Chapuis, Roger Gassert, and Olaf Blanke. “Multisensory Mechanisms in Temporo-Parietal Cortex Support Self-Location and First-Person Perspective.” Neuron 70, no. 2 (2011): 363–374.Blanke, Olaf, Polona Pozeg, Masayuki Hara, Lukas Heydrich, Andrea Serino, Akio Yamamoto, Toshiro Higuchi, et al. “Neurological and Robot-Controlled Induction of an Apparition.” Current Biology 24, no. 22 (2014): 2681–2686.Alien Abduction / Modern Mythic MaskMcNally, Richard J., and Susan A. Clancy. “Sleep Paralysis, Sexual Abuse, and Space Alien Abduction.” Transcultural Psychiatry 42, no. 1 (2005): 113–122.Clancy, Susan A. Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2005.Blackmore, Susan. “Abduction by Aliens or Sleep Paralysis?” Skeptical Inquirer 22, no. 3 (1998): 23–28.Clinical Sleep / Narcolepsy / REM BackgroundAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 3rd ed., text revision. Darien, IL: American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2023.Scammell, Thomas E. “Narcolepsy.” New England Journal of Medicine 373, no. 27 (2015): 2654–2662.Saper, Clifford B., Patrick M. Fuller, Nigel P. Pedersen, Jun Lu, and Thomas E. Scammell. “Sleep State Switching.” Neuron 68, no. 6 (2010): 1023–1042.Brooks, Patricia L., and John H. Peever. “Identification of the Transmitter and Receptor Mechanisms Responsible for REM Sleep Paralysis.” Journal of Neuroscience 32, no. 29 (2012): 9785–9795.Avidan, Alon Y., and Phyllis C. Zee, eds. Handbook of Sleep Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011.Visual / Art HistoryFuseli, Henry. The Nightmare. 1781. Oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts.Myrone, Martin. Gothic Nightmares: Fuseli, Blake and the Romantic Imagination. London: Tate Publishing, 2006.Powell, Nicolas. Fuseli: The Nightmare. London: Allen Lane, 1973.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. 

July marks Disability Pride Month, celebrating the ways people experience disability and highlight the importance of identity, community, and belonging. Organisation M-S-W-A has launched a Neurological Care Accelerator, an initiative designed to accelerate disability and neuro-health innovation. The first cohort of startups includes innovations in stroke prevention technology, robotic devices, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Timm, CEO of Openwater, is driving the shift from single-purpose, room-sized equipment to multi-purpose, portable, light-weight medical devices designed on an open-source platform. Some tools use infrared light to measure blood flow in real time for applications such as stroke detection. Another device uses focused ultrasound to modulate tissue in the brain for treating neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions. The platform is designed so that a single hardware device can run multiple applications, allowing researchers to adapt and develop applications specific to their work, bringing innovation into the marketplace similar to the smartphone app environment. Aaron explains, "So we have two primary devices. One uses infrared light to measure blood flow and blood volume in real time. So that one is being used, for example, to measure blood flow to the brain to help determine whether someone is having a stroke. At the University of Pennsylvania, there was a study done using that device, where our device outperformed the existing stroke scales. The other device that we have is a focused ultrasound device. And what that device does is it uses sound waves or focused ultrasound to target and modulate tissue in the brain and elsewhere in the body. That's being used in research today for all sorts of neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric diseases. And there's just a lot going on in the world of focused ultrasound, including using our devices."   "So this focused ultrasound device and the science behind it eliminates the need for drugs or surgery and just uses focused ultrasounds to modulate or stimulate things within the brain, for example. It's used for everything from depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and addiction. Many different indications are being addressed in research using these kinds of devices, including ours." #OpenwaterHealth #MedTech, #NonInvasiveCare, #PortableHealthcare, #PatientAccess, #HealthcareInnovation #FocusedUltrasound #LIFU #Hemodynamics #Openwater #OpenLIFU #OpenMotion #DigitalHealth #Neurotechnology #StrokeCare #AIinHealthcare #OpenSourceMedicine #ClinicalResearch #WearableMedicalDevices #HealthcareInnovation openwater.health Listen to the podcast here

Aaron Timm, CEO of Openwater, is driving the shift from single-purpose, room-sized equipment to multi-purpose, portable, light-weight medical devices designed on an open-source platform. Some tools use infrared light to measure blood flow in real time for applications such as stroke detection. Another device uses focused ultrasound to modulate tissue in the brain for treating neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions. The platform is designed so that a single hardware device can run multiple applications, allowing researchers to adapt and develop applications specific to their work, bringing innovation into the marketplace similar to the smartphone app environment. Aaron explains, "So we have two primary devices. One uses infrared light to measure blood flow and blood volume in real time. So that one is being used, for example, to measure blood flow to the brain to help determine whether someone is having a stroke. At the University of Pennsylvania, there was a study done using that device, where our device outperformed the existing stroke scales. The other device that we have is a focused ultrasound device. And what that device does is it uses sound waves or focused ultrasound to target and modulate tissue in the brain and elsewhere in the body. That's being used in research today for all sorts of neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric diseases. And there's just a lot going on in the world of focused ultrasound, including using our devices."   "So this focused ultrasound device and the science behind it eliminates the need for drugs or surgery and just uses focused ultrasounds to modulate or stimulate things within the brain, for example. It's used for everything from depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and addiction. Many different indications are being addressed in research using these kinds of devices, including ours." #OpenwaterHealth #MedTech, #NonInvasiveCare, #PortableHealthcare, #PatientAccess, #HealthcareInnovation #FocusedUltrasound #LIFU #Hemodynamics #Openwater #OpenLIFU #OpenMotion #DigitalHealth #Neurotechnology #StrokeCare #AIinHealthcare #OpenSourceMedicine #ClinicalResearch #WearableMedicalDevices #HealthcareInnovation openwater.health Download the transcript here

Neurological disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the world, yet many people in low and middle income countries have never had access to a neurologist. In this episode, Farrah Mateen, MD, PhD, the director of the new Center for Global Neurology at the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, talks about her career path to medicine and her passion for expanding access to neurological care worldwide.

What if the reason you can't sleep isn't just stress—but your nervous system?In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Andy Gritti to unpack the reality of living with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—a neurological condition that disrupts sleep, impacts dopamine signaling, and can significantly reduce quality of life.After decades of severe symptoms, including nights without sleep and increasing reliance on medications, Andy shares how he found meaningful relief through the Nidra by Noctrix Health—a non-drug, FDA-authorized wearable therapy designed to calm symptoms and improve sleep.In this conversation, we explore:-What Restless Legs Syndrome really feels like (beyond “just discomfort”)-The connection between dopamine, the brain, and nervous system dysregulation-How chronic sleep disruption impacts overall health and healing-Why many conventional treatments stop working over time-The role of stress and nervous system activation in worsening symptoms-How wearable therapies like Nidra may support symptom relief-The importance of tracking symptoms and advocating for proper care-This episode is especially relevant for those navigating:✔ Chronic illness and unexplained symptoms✔ Implant illness and nervous system dysregulation✔ Sleep disturbances and fatigue✔ Neurological or dopamine-related conditionsIf you've ever felt like your symptoms worsen at night—or your body won't “shut off”—this conversation offers both validation and direction.

I recently joined Annika Taylor on The Wellness Rebel Podcast to talk about mold toxicity, and how it can cause not only physical symptoms, but also brain symptoms such as anxiety, depression, OCD, brain fog, mood swings, and in more severe cases, psychosis.Watch the full conversation above. Below is a recap of our conversation, along with the resources we discussed along the way.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Mold and Mental Health1:47 Understanding Mold Exposure and Illness5:13 Personal Journey with Mold Illness8:40 Sources of Mold Exposure12:12 Physical Symptoms of Mold Toxicity18:54 Mental Health Impacts of Mold Exposure25:32 Identifying Mold in the Environment32:28 Treatment Options for Mold ToxicityI. What Is Mold-Related Illness?Mold-related illness can be broken down into three distinct categories that often get lumped together: mold allergy, mold toxicity, and mold colonization. Mold allergy, which most people are familiar with, is a reaction to outdoor or indoor mold spores. Mold toxicity is different: it happens when mycotoxins actually accumulate in the body, something that appears to affect roughly 25% of people who can't effectively remove the toxins on their own. This explains why one family member in a home with mold can get seriously ill while another in the same house is fine. Third is the lesser-known mold colonization, where mold spores take hold directly in the sinuses or even the GI tract. That means a person can be out of a moldy environment for years and still have an internal source of toxicity.II. My Own Mold StoryMy interest in mold began around 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with mold toxicity. For years prior, I had been dealing with chronic fatigue, symptoms of fibromyalgia, and vague neurological symptoms that neither my doctors nor I could explain. My daughter was also having complex chronic health issues that initially looked like developmental regression. Understanding the microbiome and dietary changes were helpful to both of us, as were the Walsh Research Institute's nutrient-based interventions, but the real turning point came when the topic of mold toxicity came across my radar in 2016.Mycotoxin testing and testing of our home and my office confirmed that we had significant exposure and toxicity, which we were treated for and benefited significantly from.III. When a Partner Isn't on Board: How Mold Treatment Affects the Whole FamilyOne thing that doesn't get talked about enough is how difficult it can be for someone to get out of or address an exposure if their spouse or partner is not on board. In my own case, I was fortunate — my then-husband was agreeable, especially when he realized how much clarity, decisiveness, and even sense of urgency I had. We'd dealt with significant health issues for a long time, and I didn't want something irreversible to emerge that would leave me in regret for not acting sooner. We acted on that instinct.We were very lucky to find that we were eligible for insurance coverage, which covered an extended-stay hotel while we had our home remediated. For a lot of families, that's not the reality. If a partner isn't on the same page, it can become one of the biggest reasons someone doesn't end up leaving a house with mold — whether that obstacle gets talked about openly or not. There are those who don't believe mold toxicity is real, and those who don't want to believe it's real (consciously or unconsciously). Education, input from those with expertise, or even seeking couples therapy can be necessary.It is important to remember that part of the treatment, namely addressing mold in the home, impacts the whole family.IV. Where Mold Hides: Common Sources of ExposureFor most people who test positive for mold toxicity, the primary exposure is likely environmental, as opposed to mold in food. Leaks under sinks, problems around windows, roof leaks, chimney flashing, damp basements, and high ambient humidity are all common culprits. High humidity left unaddressed can be a big problem. Estimates of the percentage of homes that mold have crept up over the years, from 50% to 75% to, as some consultants now say, essentially every building to some degree. I've seen a couple of children with developmental issues who had mold in their mattresses from bedwetting.V. The Physical Symptoms of Mold ToxicityMold toxicity often shows up as sinus issues (especially with colonization), asthma, and — notably in young children — recurring croup (spasmodic croup) and ear infections.Many people with mold toxicity also develop mast cell activation, which triggers an exaggerated immune response affecting the skin, respiratory tract, GI tract, and/or bladder. Racing heart, air hunger, and stomach pain can occur. Neurological complaints can include electric "jolt" sensations, numbness and tingling, headaches, light sensitivity, and temperature dysregulation.Many of these symptoms overlap with Lyme disease, EMF sensitivity, and other chronic conditions. The immune dysregulation caused by mold toxicity can contribute to a vulnerability to Lyme and its coinfections, Candida, SIBO, PANS, PANDAS, and more.VI. The Brain and Mental Health Symptoms of MoldBrain Fog, Fatigue, Anxiety, OCD, Psychosis, Mood Swings, Developmental Delays & Cognitive DeclineI don't know what psychiatric symptom mold toxicity can't cause. Brain fog and fatigue are especially common, as is anxiety. For some, mold toxicity can contribute to psychosis and/or dramatic mood swings. In children, mold toxicity can look like ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays.I see mold toxicity as something that aligns with — and amplifies — someone's existing genetic vulnerabilities rather than acting alone. Most of the patients I see with severe conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe OCD have mold toxicity as a contributing factor, though, again, rarely the only factor.The Neurotransmitter ConnectionMold toxicity can drive up pyrrole levels, which in turn depletes zinc and B6 — two nutrients essential for neurotransmitter functioning. It can also worsen copper-zinc imbalances through oxidative stress and interfere with methylation, both of which also impact neurotransmitter functioning.A Client's Story: OCD and a Hidden LeakAnnika recalls when she became interested in helping those with mold toxicity. She shares the story of a friend whose severe, debilitating OCD — along with episodes of derealization and out-of-body sensations — turned out to trace back to black mold discovered behind a washing machine, the result of an old water leak. Once they addressed the mold, the connection became clear in hindsight.VII. Mold Toxins Can Create a Threat Response in the Body & BrainWhile we can have threats on the outside, mold toxicity is a threat we can have on the inside. When we are under threat, three systems tend to get activated: the immune system (as discussed with mast cell activation), the limbic system, and the autonomic nervous system. The limbic system puts the body into a vigilant, threat-scanning state — and for some people, that vigilance surfaces as OCD (an unconscious attempt to "make things right" when the body senses something is wrong), health anxiety, or a diffuse sense that something isn't okay.The autonomic nervous system, meanwhile, can get stuck in fight-or-flight or shutdown mode instead of rest-and-digest. Annika is careful to frame this not something to fear, but something to understand — the goal isn't panic, it's empowerment.VIII. Testing for Mold: Home and BodyTesting Your EnvironmentIf there's visible water damage or visible mold, extensive testing usually isn't necessary. Generally, where there is water damage or water retained in a space, there will be mold growth. The priority becomes proper containment, and remediation. If there is no known issue and someone has mold toxicity (which could be from an old exposure), I recommend the ERMI-style dust test (I use Mycometrics), which measures water-damage-associated spore counts against outdoor spore counts from a simple cloth dust sample.I caution against relying solely on air sampling from a home inspector, which I and many of my patients have found unreliable by itself — surface or dust testing gives a clearer picture. Petri-dish testing (I use Immunolytics) can help pinpoint which room is affected, though it misses a couple of important mold species.Testing Your BodyFor testing mycotoxins in the body, I use RealTime Labs, an at-home urine test that screens for five toxin families. Annika discusses her experience with another company, which showed false negatives — a patient with a "no mold" result went untreated for years while ongoing exposure continued.To improve the accuracy of the test, I sometimes have patients do a sauna session or take glutathione in the days leading up to testing, to help mobilize toxins — though this isn't appropriate for everyone, particularly more sensitive patients.IX. Treatment: Binders, Antifungals, and DietEnvironment:Once someone has a positive test and a known or suspected source, I recommend having a consultant (separate from the remediation company, to avoid conflicts of interest) create a remediation plan — ideally with proper containment so the remediation process itself doesn't spread spores further. After remediation, a retest should be done to confirm the space is actually clean, ideally at the remediation company's expense if it isn't.Binders:On the body side, treatment typically starts with binders — chosen based on which toxins showed up on testing — such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, chlorella, or cholestyramine (a prescription option that binds ochratoxin particularly well). I start sensitive patients low and slow, since mobilizing toxins can temporarily worsen symptoms.Antifungals When Appropriate:Depending on the response and whether colonization is present, treatment may progress to nasal or systemic antifungals.Diet:Because colonization is so common, minimizing sugar and refined carbs is very important, since these feed Candida and mold colonization directly. Foods with higher trace mold content — corn, peanuts, dried fruit, aged meats and cheeses, coffee, and non-shelled nuts — are also worth limiting, along with high-histamine foods for those who are histamine-reactive.X. Where to Learn MoreAs Annika emphasizes: this isn't about fearing every corner of your home — it's about being empowered with the right information.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyCourtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and her YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.Resources* Dr. Courtney Snyder's blog: How Mold Toxicity Impacts the Brain* Home mold test (dust sample / ERMI-style)* RealTime Labs mycotoxin urine testing* Mold Symptom Questionnaire (Dr. Jill Crista)* Mold Clean-Up Guide (Dr. Jill Carnahan)* Finding mold consultants & remediation professionals (ISEAI)* Annika Taylor's website: Nourished by NatureMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

Your brain, body, and mind were designed by God to communicate, heal, and respond to peace. In this episode, Kathy DeGraw teaches how renewing your mind, calming your nervous system, and building faith-filled neural pathways can support mental, emotional, and physical healing. Breaking Mental Strongholds & Healing Neurological Conditions Conference Registration: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/collections/conferences Mind Battles - Root Out Mental Triggers and Release Peace available at: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/ or Amazon https://a.co/d/18blHkV Purchase Anointing Oil with a prayer cloth that Kathy has personally mixed and prayed over on Kathy's Website or Amazon. Order anointing oil by Kathy on Amazon look for her brand here https://amzn.to/3PC6l3R or Kathy DeGraw Ministries https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product-category/oils/  Heal the Mind Mentorship at no cost! Personal coaching, and mentorship to get you healed and learn how to get others healed. https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/courses/HealTheMind  Noah Blake Neurological Foundation Give Today: Website: kathydegrawministries.org (check the Noah Blake box) Cash App: $KathyDeGrawMinistry Please place "Noah" in the memo line. Venmo: KD-Ministries Please place "Noah" in the memo line. PayPal: paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries Please place "Noah" in the memo line. Checks may be made payable to: Noah Blake Foundation c/o Kathy DeGraw Ministries PO Box 65 Grandville, MI 49468 In this powerful teaching, Kathy DeGraw continues her Healing the Mind and Brain series with a faith-filled look at neurological function, the brain-body connection, and how the nervous system communicates with the body. When brain signals are clear, the body responds with better regulation, peace, movement, and function. When signals are delayed, weak, confused, or misdirected, people can experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety, brain fog, numbness, coordination issues, and other disruptions. Kathy explains the difference between the mind and the brain, revealing how mental health, thoughts, faith, and neurological rewiring work together. Drawing from her own testimony of being delivered from 40 years of fear and torment, she encourages viewers to take authority over negativity, renew their minds, and train their brains toward faith, hope, trust, gratitude, and healing. You will learn why neuroplasticity matters, how repeated thoughts create neural pathways, and why peace, prayer, meditation, nature, grounding, rest, and calming practices can help support the body's healing response. This episode will build your faith, strengthen your hope, and help you understand how God designed your brain and body to move toward restoration. #BrainBodyConnection #NeurologicalHealing #RenewYourMind #MentalHealthHealing #Neuroplasticity **Connect with Us** - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydegraw/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathydegraw/  Podcast - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and listen to Kathy's Podcast called Prophetic Spiritual Warfare, or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/3mYPPkP28xqcTzdeoucJZu or Apple podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prophetic-spiritual-warfare/id1474710499 **Recommended Resources:** - Receive a free prayer pdf on The Power of your Words at https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/declarations-download/ - Receive a free prayer pdf on Anointing Oil at https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/anointingoil/ - Kathy's training, mentoring and e-courses on Spiritual Warfare, Deliverance and the Prophetic: https://training.kathydegrawministries.org/ - Healed At Last ~ Overcome Sickness and Receive your Physical Healing: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/healed-at-last/ - Mind Battles – Root Out Mental Triggers to Release Peace!: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/product/mind-battles-pre-order-available-january-2023/ -Kathy has several books available on Amazon or kathydegrawministries.org **Support Kathy DeGraw Ministries:** - Give a one-time love offering or consider partnering with us for $15, $35, $75 or any amount! Every dollar helps us help others! - Website: https://www.kathydegrawministries.org/donate/ - CashApp $KathyDeGrawMinistry - Venmo @KD-Ministries - Paypal.me/KDeGrawMinistries or donate to email admin@degrawministries.org - Mail a check to: Kathy DeGraw Ministries ~ PO Box 65 ~ Grandville MI 49468  

Travis Hahler is Senior Director of Global Strategy & Transformation at Salesforce, where he leads teams through large-scale organizational change. Alongside his corporate work, Travis is a keynote speaker and the author of Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change, published by Fast Company Press. Travis joins to unpack what happens neurologically when people encounter change — and why most leaders are misreading the signals. Drawing on his book Rethink Resistance, Travis makes the case that resistance isn't a problem to overcome. It's data. The conversation moves from the science of six neurological barriers to change, to the surprisingly practical value of body language, to an unexpected live tarot card reading that turns out to be a fitting metaphor for the whole conversation: if you know what to look for, you can see what's coming. Travis also addresses the AI transformation moment head-on — arguing that how companies are currently introducing AI mirrors one of the most primal threat responses in the human brain, and that leaders who don't understand that are setting their organizations up to fail. Bonus: Resistance Tarot Card Giveaway During the episode, Travis revealed that he's creating a physical deck of Resistance Tarot Cards — a tangible extension of the frameworks in his book. If you purchase Rethink Resistance and send Travis proof of purchase, you'll be entered into a drawing to receive a packet of the cards. This was unplanned, unscripted, and announced here first. To enter: buy the book, then reach out to Travis directly via his website or LinkedIn with your purchase confirmation. Links & Resources Book — Rethink Resistance: linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomad Travis's Website: travishahler.com Book Page: travishahler.com/book Podcast Snippets: travishahler.com/podcast LinkedIn — The Neurological Nomad: linkedin.com/company/the-neurological-nomad

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading." Together, they dive into the science and practice behind offset loading, its demonstrated benefits in boosting strength and hypertrophy, and its potential to revolutionize fitness across diverse populations, from elite athletes to those with neuromotor conditions. The conversation also explores upcoming AI-powered equipment, patent approvals, published research, and how their approach challenges conventional wisdom in the strength and conditioning world. Tune in for insights on how this technique not only exposes and corrects physical asymmetries, but also enhances cognitive effort and neurological adaptation, setting a new standard for functional fitness. On the viral potential of offset leading, LoDuca states, "We have so many verticals that we can now attack. We can attack general fitness, we can attack athletes, we can attack neuromotor conditions like early stage Parkinson's or MS. We can attack military training, and we can attack other potential cognitive diseases as well." Key themes discussed Origins of offset loading and company origin Neurological and physiological benefits of offset loading Offset loading's role in injury prevention and performance Commercialization and patenting of new fitness equipment Application of AI and metrics for personalized training Offset loading for athletes, general population, and neurological conditions Need for certification and industry education on offset methods A Few Key Takeaways 1. Origins and Concept of Offset Loading: Offset loading originated from an exploration into methods that would expand the nervous system of athletes, particularly through randomization and contralateral training. This technique, which Dr. Seedman has practiced and refined for over a decade, involves using different weights on each side of the body to challenge both sides of the brain and improve performance and resilience in athletes 00:27. 2. Scientifically Proven Benefits: A study on offset loading in the bench press demonstrated its effectiveness, increasing strength by 36% and muscle size (hypertrophy) by 44% compared to traditional training methods. This provided measurable proof of offset loading's value beyond anecdotal experience 05:11. 3. Technology and AI Integration: Plans are underway to commercialize offset loading using patented machines with independent electromagnetic resistance motors and artificial intelligence. These machines will measure user asymmetry and automatically adjust resistance, aiming to both expose and correct muscular imbalances efficiently and safely 05:32. 4. Neurological Advantages: Recent research using EEG caps found that offset loading enhances connectivity between the sensory, motor, and cognitive brain areas, requiring increased cognitive effort and expanding the nervous system more than traditional, repetitive weightlifting 10:03. 5. Wide-Ranging Applications and Market Approach: Offset loading is not only beneficial for elite athletes but also has applications for general fitness, rehabilitation, neuromotor diseases (like early-stage Parkinson's), and military training. The team is developing both certification protocols for trainers and the specialized equipment, emphasizing the importance of education for widespread adoption in the fitness industry 07:35, 19:42. Resources:  Dr. Joel Seedman: https://www.advancedhumanperformance.com  Sal LoDuca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-loduca-44394922  Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Have a comment or question? Click this sentence to send us a message, and we might answer it in a future episode.Welcome to Season 6, Episode 23 of Winning Isn't Easy: Long-Term Disability ®. In this episode, we'll dive into The Burden of Proof: Inside Neurological Disability Claims.Disability insurance claims involving neurological conditions are frequently misinterpreted as disputes solely over medical evidence, but the outcome often hinges on how symptoms are documented in medical records and how they are interpreted and evaluated under ERISA. Conditions such as migraines, Parkinson's disease, and trigeminal neuralgia can result in profound functional limitations while leaving little objective evidence on imaging or clinical testing, creating opportunities for insurers to challenge the severity of a claimant's disability. In this episode, attorney Nancy Cavey examines three disability cases that illustrate how carriers rely on treatment gaps, reports of improvement, normal diagnostic findings, and perceived inconsistencies in medical records to deny or terminate benefits. She discusses a chronic migraine claim upheld in federal court, strategies for documenting subjective Parkinson's symptoms, and a trigeminal neuralgia case in which a federal judge rejected an insurer's demand for objective proof of debilitating pain. Together, these cases demonstrate that medical records serve as both treatment histories and the foundation of ERISA disability claims, shaping how insurers and courts evaluate eligibility for Long-Term Disability benefits.In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:One - How to Avoid Having Your Chronic Migraine Long-Term Disability Claim DeniedTwo - Tips on How to Document Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems in Your ERISA Parkinson's CaseThree - Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Qualify as a Sickness or Injury Under a Cigna Disability Insurance Policy?Whether you're a claimant, or simply seeking valuable insights into the disability claims landscape, this episode provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your journey. Don't miss it.Listen to Our Sister Podcast:We have a sister podcast - Winning Isn't Easy: Social Security ®. Give it a listen: https://wiessdpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:LINK TO ROBBED OF YOUR PEACE OF MIND: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/ltd-robbed-of-your-piece-of-mindLINK TO THE DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIM SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS: https://mailchi.mp/caveylaw/professionals-guide-to-ltd-benefitsFREE CONSULT LINK: https://caveylaw.com/contact-us/Need Help Today?:Need help with your Long-Term Disability or ERISA claim? Have questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to use for a FREE consultation. Just mention you listened to our podcast.Review, like, and give us a thumbs up wherever you are listening to Winning Isn't Easy. We love to see your feedback about our podcast, and it helps us grow and improve.Please remember that the content shared is for informational purposes only, and should not replace personalized legal advice or guidance from qualified professionals.

If you're looking for accessible, research-based information that slices through the endless loads of overly worded baloney, I would encourage you to subscribe to my free Substack, The Reading Instruction Show. Substack: The Reading Instruction Showhttps://thereadinginstructionshow.substack.com/

Autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer's rates rise with glyphosate use. Families and doctors report dramatic recovery on organic diets. #AutismRecovery #NeuroHealth #GMOImpact

At age 22, Sydney's Bennett's brain stopped communicating with her body correctly; she was suffering from Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition in which the nervous system stops sending or interpreting signals the right way. Suddenly this bright, beautiful, college girl, recently married, was having seizures, numbness, difficulty moving. Soon she needed a cane, then a wheelchair. But, when we are weak, we are strong, and she found her rock in Jesus our cornerstone. Today she is a faithful and faith-filled advocate, mother of two, and (in the view of your host) present-day Job; and Job reminds us, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Sydney's book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, on Amazon, and also from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, where you can listen to the first chapter of the audio book. The episode of Almost Good Catholics with Mako Fujimura talking about kintsugi (which I excerpted): Mako Fujimura on Almost Good Catholics, episode 14: The Silence of God: The Meaning of Our Suffering and Redemption Other related Almost Good Catholics episodes about the Book of Job and the meaning of suffering: Jonathon Fessenden on Almost Good Catholics, episode 58: The Book of Job: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Brian Zahnd on Almost Good Catholics, episode 112: The Tree of Life: “no one who loves the way of Grace ever comes to a bad end.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Selena Freisens, Head of Global Medical Affairs at Merz Therapeutics, is focused on increasing access to tools to support neurological health. They have developed a digital app iFlexo, which is designed to provide at-home physiotherapy for stroke survivors.  The app has been tested in Nigeria and Sierra Leone in partnership with the World Stroke Organization and is designed to operate offline as well, to serve users in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. Selena explains, "Our company is family-owned and in its fifth generation, so we have a rather long-term legacy, and the newer part is Merz Therapeutics, and our focus in Merz Therapeutics is on neuroscience. So we practically cover the number of movement disorders such as Spasms, Dystonias. We also have a focus on Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis."   "We continuously work on building this awareness and knowledge. One example is Parkinson's disease. And when I started working with Parkinson's disease, most of the patients would have off episodes, which are exacerbations of their symptoms, but many of these off episodes are underdiagnosed, and they're not really treated optimally. So it's really a lot of attention is needed to educate not only HCPs and, of course, some other stakeholders, but particularly patients."   "So the time also matters for stroke survivors. So it's very important that they start as soon as possible all the therapies, but also the physiotherapy at the same time. What this digital tool does is give two options. One is education on the one side, and on the other hand, a guided exercise that will enable people and stroke survivors to exercise at home. And with that, obviously, the personalized goals have been worked out together with the experts and HCPs so that they can achieve those goals faster, while working from home." #MerzTherapeutics #StrokeRehab #DigitalHealth #NeuroRehab #AccessToHealth #WorldStrokeOrganization #Physiotherapy #HealthEquity #TeleRehab #HCPs #Africafirst #AccesstoHealth #EquitableAccess #PostStrokeRehabilitation #PatientDrivenInnovation Merztherapeutics.com Download the transcript here

Selena Freisens, Head of Global Medical Affairs at Merz Therapeutics, is focused on increasing access to tools to support neurological health. They have developed a digital app iFlexo, which is designed to provide at-home physiotherapy for stroke survivors.  The app has been tested in Nigeria and Sierra Leone in partnership with the World Stroke Organization and is designed to operate offline as well, to serve users in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. Selena explains, "Our company is family-owned and in its fifth generation, so we have a rather long-term legacy, and the newer part is Merz Therapeutics, and our focus in Merz Therapeutics is on neuroscience. So we practically cover the number of movement disorders such as Spasms, Dystonias. We also have a focus on Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis."   "We continuously work on building this awareness and knowledge. One example is Parkinson's disease. And when I started working with Parkinson's disease, most of the patients would have off episodes, which are exacerbations of their symptoms, but many of these off episodes are underdiagnosed, and they're not really treated optimally. So it's really a lot of attention is needed to educate not only HCPs and, of course, some other stakeholders, but particularly patients."   "So the time also matters for stroke survivors. So it's very important that they start as soon as possible all the therapies, but also the physiotherapy at the same time. What this digital tool does is give two options. One is education on the one side, and on the other hand, a guided exercise that will enable people and stroke survivors to exercise at home. And with that, obviously, the personalized goals have been worked out together with the experts and HCPs so that they can achieve those goals faster, while working from home." #MerzTherapeutics #StrokeRehab #DigitalHealth #NeuroRehab #AccessToHealth #WorldStrokeOrganization #Physiotherapy #HealthEquity #TeleRehab #HCPs #Africafirst #AccesstoHealth #EquitableAccess #PostStrokeRehabilitation #PatientDrivenInnovation Merztherapeutics.com Listen to the podcast here

At age 22, Sydney's Bennett's brain stopped communicating with her body correctly; she was suffering from Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition in which the nervous system stops sending or interpreting signals the right way. Suddenly this bright, beautiful, college girl, recently married, was having seizures, numbness, difficulty moving. Soon she needed a cane, then a wheelchair. But, when we are weak, we are strong, and she found her rock in Jesus our cornerstone. Today she is a faithful and faith-filled advocate, mother of two, and (in the view of your host) present-day Job; and Job reminds us, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Sydney's book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, on Amazon, and also from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, where you can listen to the first chapter of the audio book. The episode of Almost Good Catholics with Mako Fujimura talking about kintsugi (which I excerpted): Mako Fujimura on Almost Good Catholics, episode 14: The Silence of God: The Meaning of Our Suffering and Redemption Other related Almost Good Catholics episodes about the Book of Job and the meaning of suffering: Jonathon Fessenden on Almost Good Catholics, episode 58: The Book of Job: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Brian Zahnd on Almost Good Catholics, episode 112: The Tree of Life: “no one who loves the way of Grace ever comes to a bad end.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Another Midnight With Lionel, This Episode Talks About the Historical Origins and Misconceptions Surrounding the Juneteenth Holiday. To Then Which Topics About the Risks of Online Predators and Inappropriate Material, the Text Highlights How Excessive Screen Time Can Stunt a Child's Neurological and Physical Development With Lynn Shaw. Plus More!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro can help people lose weight. But what should you eat on GLP-1 drugs to avoid side effects, protect muscle, and maintain results long term? In this episode, Dr Federica Amati, ZOE's Head Nutritionist and author of The Appetite Reset, explains how these drugs work, why many people struggle with side effects, and why losing weight does not automatically mean better health. You'll learn why the weight lost may not be fat, why nutrient deficiencies, dehydration and muscle loss can become a risk, and what to eat before, during and after treatment. Federica shares four practical principles to help reduce side effects, protect lean mass, improve diet quality and support long-term health whether you stay on these medications or eventually stop taking them. Millions of people are now using GLP-1 drugs. But if these medications reduce appetite so effectively, how do you make sure your body still gets the nutrients it needs?

"Look at the ancient world globally, and you find a consistent, strange anomaly. Geographically isolated civilizations, separated by oceans and continents, all independently developed identical religious behaviors. They built massive mortuary architecture, they fed and clothed statues, and they organized their societies around the daily commands of invisible deities..."Learn more by reading "Conversations on Consciousness and the Bicameral Mind," currently on sale for a limited time:https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Consciousness-Bicameral-Mind-Interviews/dp/1737305534https://www.julianjaynes.org/book/conversations-on-consciousness-and-the-bicameral-mind/Video produced by Marcel Kuijsten using generative AI tools and reviewed by human editors for accuracy and clarity.

If we're wired for joy, why do so many successful people feel exhausted, disconnected, or emotionally flat? On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph, whose team conducted the first peer-reviewed clinical study on high-functioning depression. We talk about why feeling "fine" on the outside doesn't always reflect what's happening beneath the surface—and why so many people struggle to feel fully alive. You'll learn: Why achievement and productivity don't always lead to fulfillment How to tell whether you're burned out—or struggling with high-functioning depression The surprising connection between unresolved trauma, people-pleasing, and chronic stress What your phone, social media habits, and screen time may be doing to your mood How to start reclaiming joy when life feels flat, exhausting, or unfulfilling Like many people, I've spent periods of my life focused on achievement and productivity, believing fulfillment would follow. I've learned that the most important work isn't always doing more—it's understanding what's keeping us from fully experiencing joy in the first place. Want to explore this further? Dr. Judith Joseph offers several self-assessments under the "Quiz" tab on her website, including tools for anhedonia, high-functioning depression, and trauma. View Show Notes From This Episode Sign up for Dr. Hyman's Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman's Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Healthhttps://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Resultshttps://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Big Bold Health, BIOptimizers, Rho, Sunlighten, Paleovalley, and Pique. Go to bigboldhealth.com/drhyman and use code HYMAN15 to save 15% on your first order. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use promo code HYMAN at checkout to save 15%. Head over to rhonutrition.com and use code HYMAN to get 20% off their entire product line. Visit sunlighten.com and use code HYMAN to save up to $2100 today. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman to save 15% off your first order today. Secure 20% off your order plus a free starter kit at piquelife.com/hyman. (0:00) High functioning depression, burnout, and Dr. Hyman's personal experience (2:37) Introduction Dr. Judith Joseph (5:13) Depression among medical professionals and defining anhedonia (7:04) Joy as part of our DNA and identifying high functioning depression (13:23) Biological causes, biomarkers, and differences between burnout and high functioning depression (18:18) Avoiding trauma processing by staying busy; hedonism and anhedonia (22:14) Identifying roots of trauma, childhood patterns, and using transitional objects (25:51) Finding points of joy amidst depression and people pleasing in high-functioning individuals (30:39) Neurological shifts, lack of joy, and the biopsychosocial model of depression (36:56) Digital depression, reducing screen time, and healthy tech relationships (49:09) Women's hormones, midlife shifts, and distinguishing hormonal from psychiatric conditions (58:30) Reclaiming joy, the five v's, and processing emotions (1:01:21) The significance of venting, emotional boundaries, and healthy outlets (1:05:28) Defining values, mind-body connection, and social relationships (1:09:05) Planning and scheduling future joy and connection (1:13:22) The evolution of psychiatry, spirituality, and Gen Z's spiritual study (1:18:03) Finding meaning, purpose, and learning more about high functioning depression

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sharon Webb, founder and lead physician of Southern Regenerative and Neurological Wellness. Dr. Webb is a board-certified neurosurgeon with more than two decades of experience in neurological surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, and regenerative medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and holds distinguished fellowships including FAANS, FACS, and FAHA.During our conversation, Dr. Webb shares her journey from treating complex brain and spine disorders in hospital systems to pioneering a more integrative approach that combines neurosurgery, regenerative medicine, and neurological wellness. We discuss brain health, recovery from neurological injuries, chronic pain, innovative regenerative therapies, and what the future of personalized medicine could look like for patients seeking better outcomes and improved quality of life.Whether you're interested in neuroscience, health optimization, regenerative medicine, or the latest approaches to neurological recovery, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the field's leading experts.Thank you so much for listening! If you would like to see more from Southern Regenerative & Neurological Wellness, you can find them here:Website: https://www.southernrnw.com/This episode is sponsored by Columbia Family Chiropractic: https://www.cfcforhealth.comhttps://www.instagram.com/columbiafamilychiropracticThis episode is sponsored by Gallup Design Build: ⁠https://www.gallupdesignbuild.com⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gallupdesignbuild⁠If you would like to follow us, we are on everything at Here For The Health Of It Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/columbiashottestpodcast/https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hereforthehealthofit

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsWORKS CITEDArnold van Gennep. The Rites of Passage. 1909; English translation, University of Chicago Press, 1960. Use for: separation, transition, incorporation, initiatory structure, and the candidate's movement through old identity, liminal state, and return.Victor Turner. “Betwixt and Between: The Liminal Period in Rites of Passage.” In The Forest of Symbols: Aspects of Ndembu Ritual. Cornell University Press, 1967. Use for: liminality, threshold identity, the candidate as “betwixt and between,” and darkness as embodied transition.Victor Turner. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing, 1969. Use for: liminality, communitas, anti-structure, social transformation, and the ritual pressure placed on ordinary identity.Catherine Bell. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice. Oxford University Press, 1992. Use for: ritualization, ritual power, the ritualized body, and the temple as a structured environment that trains perception and action.Catherine Bell. “The Ritual Body and the Dynamics of Ritual Power.” Journal of Ritual Studies 4, no. 2 (1990): 299–313. Use for: ritualized bodies, spatial discipline, gesture, power, and the way ritual arrangements shape action.John C. Lilly. The Deep Self: Profound Relaxation and the Tank Isolation Technique. Simon & Schuster, 1977. Use for: the isolation tank, reduced stimulation, altered consciousness, and the modern technological black room.John C. Lilly. The Center of the Cyclone: Looking into Inner Space. Julian Press, 1972. Use carefully for: Lilly's altered-state/counterculture context, isolation tank work, consciousness exploration, and the bridge between research and psychedelic-era experimentation.Justin S. Feinstein et al. “Examining the Short-Term Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effect of Floatation-REST.” PLOS ONE 13, no. 2 (2018): e0190292. Use for: Floatation-REST, reduced environmental stimulation, anxiety reduction, mood change, and the clinical side of float tanks.Hannah Hruby et al. “Induction of Altered States of Consciousness During Floatation-REST Is Associated With the Dissolution of Body Boundaries and the Distortion of Subjective Time.” Scientific Reports 14 (2024). Use for: float tanks, altered states, body-boundary dissolution, and subjective time distortion.Madison K. M. Garland et al. “A Randomized Controlled Safety and Feasibility Trial of Floatation-REST in Anxious and Depressed Individuals.” PLOS ONE 18, no. 6 (2023): e0286899. Use for: safety, tolerability, repeated Floatation-REST, and caution against overclaiming.Lashgari et al. “Floatation-REST Systematic Review.” 2025. Use for: the broad current state of Floatation-REST research, including anxiety, pain, stress, sleep, well-being, and the need for stronger standardization and larger studies.Michael T. H. Do. “Melanopsin and the Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells.” Neuron 104, no. 2 (2019): 205–226. Use for: ipRGCs, melanopsin, non-image-forming vision, circadian entrainment, pupil response, sleep, and light as biological timing information.Lorenzo Lazzerini Ospri, Glen Prusky, and Samer Hattar. “Mood, the Circadian System, and Melanopsin Retinal Ganglion Cells.” Annual Review of Neuroscience 40 (2017): 539–556. Use for: light, mood, circadian rhythm, melanopsin, and the biological consequences of light exposure.Charles A. Czeisler and related circadian medicine research. Use for: artificial light, circadian disruption, melatonin suppression, shift work, and modern light exposure as a biological intervention.Anne-Marie Chang, Daniel Aeschbach, Jeanne F. Duffy, and Charles A. Czeisler. “Evening Use of Light-Emitting eReaders Negatively Affects Sleep, Circadian Timing, and Next-Morning Alertness.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, no. 4 (2015): 1232–1237. Use for: screens, evening light, melatonin suppression, delayed circadian timing, altered sleep, and modern light's effect on the body.A. Roger Ekirch. At Day's Close: Night in Times Past. W. W. Norton, 2005. Use for: premodern night, darkness before electric light, nocturnal fear, dreams, prayer, crime, labor, and the cultural history of darkness.A. Roger Ekirch. “Sleep We Have Lost: Pre-Industrial Slumber in the British Isles.” The American Historical Review 106, no. 2 (2001): 343–386. Use for: segmented sleep, first sleep and second sleep, night waking, dreams, prayer, and premodern sleep culture.Craig Koslofsky. Evening's Empire: A History of the Night in Early Modern Europe. Cambridge University Press, 2011. Use for: early modern night culture, artificial lighting, urban night, public space, and the transformation of darkness.Elisabeth Bronfen. Night Passages: Philosophy, Literature, and Film. Columbia University Press, 2013. Use for: symbolic and cultural readings of night, dream, fear, darkness, passage, and the imagination.Robert F. Taft. The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West: The Origins of the Divine Office and Its Meaning for Today. Liturgical Press, 1993. Use for: night offices, vigils, prayer through darkness, sacred time, and Christian ritual use of night.Bernard McGinn. The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century. Crossroad, 1991. Use for: Christian mystical traditions, contemplative darkness, early mystical theology, and the development of mystical language.Pseudo-Dionysius. The Complete Works. Translated by Colm Luibheid. Paulist Press, 1987. Use for: divine darkness, apophatic theology, mystical unknowing, and darkness as a theological category.John of the Cross. Dark Night of the Soul. Various editions. Use carefully for: spiritual darkness, purification, absence, mystical trial, and transformation.“The Neophyte Initiation Ritual.” Public Golden Dawn ritual material. Use carefully for: hoodwink, darkness, “Light dawning in darkness,” staged revelation, and the candidate being brought from night into day.Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen. Routledge, 1986. Use for: Dzogchen context, light, vision, and the broader framework around contemplative perception.Christopher Hatchell. Naked Seeing: The Great Perfection, the Wheel of Time, and Visionary Buddhism in Renaissance Tibet. Oxford University Press, 2014. Use for: visionary practice, Great Perfection, Tibetan contemplative contexts, and careful treatment of luminosity and appearance.R. Shane Burns. “Dark Retreat in Tibetan Buddhist Practice.” Use for: dark retreat, preparation, disciplined context, and the difference between contemplative practice and casual sensory deprivation.Raymond Moody. Reunions: Visionary Encounters with Departed Loved Ones. Villard, 1993. Use for: modern psychomanteum practice, grief, mirror-gazing, and encounters with the dead.Arthur Hastings. “The Psychomanteum: A Modern Oracle of the Dead.” Use for: psychomanteum procedure, grief, memory, mirror-gazing, and structured encounter.Marcia K. Johnson, Shahin Hashtroudi, and D. Stephen Lindsay. “Source Monitoring.” Psychological Bulletin 114, no. 1 (1993): 3–28. Use for: inside/outside ambiguity, origin judgments, memory, imagination, and how dark or altered environments complicate interpretation.Shahar Arzy et al. “Induction of an Illusory Shadow Person.” Nature 443 (2006): 287. Use for: sensed presence, body-self disruption, temporoparietal junction, and the feeling of another being nearby.Olaf Blanke et al. “Neurological and Robot-Controlled Induction of an Apparition.” Current Biology 24, no. 22 (2014): 2681–2686. Use for: sensorimotor conflict, apparition-like presence, body-boundary disturbance, and the embodied basis of sensed presence.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A

When we're choosing herbs to help someone, knowing their medical diagnosis isn't enough: we don't choose herbs for a diagnosis. As herbalists, we actually need more information! A medical diagnosis is a specialized vocabulary which creates a shorthand so that people who already know what it means, how it happens, and how to fix it, can speak more efficiently about (whatever it is). It's not an objective truth, though: it's a descriptive label that is useful in a specialized context. Herbalism is a different context.That's why it's not very practical to try to look up something like “herbs for neuropathy caused by a herniated cervical disc” – because we can't actually make that list without leaving gaps large enough to drive a truck through. The name of the problem isn't enough information for us to choose herbs, we still have to get more data! We need to understand what the diagnostic term means in absolute terms, and we need to know what the person's experience of that diagnosis is (because not everyone with a certain label has the same experience), and then we need to figure out what herbs or what series of herbs have the actions we need to work toward a resolution.So here's how we think that through – taking this example, and asking: what does “neuropathy caused by a herniated cervical disc” mean for an herbalist? Where exactly can we dig into that to make an impact? What other information do we need to allow us to pick the right herbs to support this person?This process for thinking everything through will work for any problem! It's all in this episode.This example came up in one of our live Q&A sessions last week. Those are a perk enjoyed by every one of our students – whether they're enrolled in a full program like Family Herbalist or Community Herbalist, a single course like Neurological & Emotional Health, or even one of our free short courses such as Herbal Study Tips. Anyone who's learning from us can ask us questions directly at these sessions, twice a week. And if you can't make it live, we keep an archive – there are more than 500 archived Q&A sessions for you to look through! (Don't worry, there's a searchable index so you can find what you're interested in.)Everything we offer is presented in self-paced online video courses, which come with lifetime access to current & future course material, the twice-weekly live Q&A sessions with us, open discussion threads integrated in each lesson, an active student community, study guides, quizzes & capstone assignments, and more!If you enjoyed the episode, it helps us a lot if you subscribe, rate, & review our podcast wherever you listen. This helps others find us more easily. Thank you!Our theme music is “Wings” by Nicolai Heidlas.Support the showYou can find all of our online herbalism courses at online.commonwealthherbs.com!

A powerful conversation with Angela Lerro on healing late‑stage neurological Lyme disease, overcoming chronic illness, and rebuilding life through a strict carnivore lifestyle, mindset work, and spiritual alignment. A story of resilience, community, and the journey from survival to full remission.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a companion on the MS journey? In this episode, you'll meet Joel Riciputi, a super neat human, an active member of our shared MS Community, and a certified Health Coach. We'll learn a lot about Joel - who he is beyond his MS diagnosis, what his MS journey has looked like, and most importantly, what fueled his fire to train to become a health coach so he could be there to support us in ways he wished he had access to early on. Joel understands the many challenges we face everyday since he faces them too! He also understands that health coaching isn't always accessible to everyone and is committed to giving back to our community through free learning sessions and accessible coaching packages. Take a listen to get to know Joel! Sign up for his upcoming FREE session Own Your Energy: Practical Fatigue Management for Neurological & Autoimmune Conditions on June 16th. I hope to see you there! To Register: https://vibly.io/services/managing-energy-fatigue-with-neurological-conditions-joel-riciputi/ You can also check out his Introductory Program for MS Community: https://vibly.io/services/-introductory-program-joel-riciputi/ or email Joel directly joel@rooted-rise.co to book a free discovery call. patreon.com/MSFlock

Most people don't fail at strength training because the program doesn't work; they fail because they quit before real results even have a chance to show up.Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss what research shows about how to make healthy new habits stick, why people fall off the bandwagon, what you can do, and the mindsets you can adopt to stick with strength training long-term. They unpack how habits are formed, why the first few months are the most fragile, and what actually keeps people showing up long enough to see real results.Dr. Fisher explains why the first four months of a fitness journey are often the most fragile. Most people are not failing because they are lazy, but because new behaviors naturally compete against old routines.Dr. Fisher breaks down the six stages of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. People move from simply thinking about change, to preparing for it, to finally taking action and eventually making it automatic. The ultimate goal is reaching a point where healthy habits feel as natural as brushing your teeth.Amy explains that starting a health journey requires more courage than most people realize. She says there are subtle forces constantly pulling people back toward their old routines and comfort zones. Long-term success depends on recognizing and resisting those forces early.Dr. Fisher explains why beginners often experience rapid strength gains in the early weeks of training. Much of that improvement is neurological rather than physical at first. The brain simply becomes more efficient at activating existing muscle fibers.Dr. Fisher covers why visible physical changes take longer than strength improvements. Neurological adaptations happen quickly, but actual changes in muscle size and body composition require more time. Early progress may not always look dramatic, even when important changes are already happening internally.Dr. Fisher explains that many of the most meaningful health benefits appear later in the fitness journey. Improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, bone density, and metabolic health often emerge after several months of consistency. These long-term outcomes are usually more important than the short-term cosmetic changes people chase initially.Amy highlights that some of the most dramatic transformations happen after the six-month mark. She points out that quitting too early means missing the phase where the biggest physical and health rewards begin to appear. Dr. Fisher explains why most people begin exercising for external reasons but stay for internal ones. Early motivation is often tied to appearance, fear, or health scares. Long-term adherence happens when exercise becomes connected to identity, wellbeing, and fulfillment.Amy explains that real success happens when fitness becomes part of your identity rather than a temporary goal. Once healthy behaviors feel automatic, maintaining them requires far less mental effort. The shift from “something I do” to “someone I am” changes everything.Amy debunks the myth that motivation must come before action. Research shows that taking action is often what creates motivation in the first place. Waiting to feel motivated usually keeps people stuck.Amy explains why guidance from a personal trainer is especially important during the early months of a fitness journey. Beginners are still vulnerable to doubt, inconsistency, and emotional discomfort. Support, education, and accountability help people push through the fragile stage.Dr. Fisher explains that the first few months are less about performance and more about consistency. The real goal early on is simply continuing to show up despite obstacles and distractions. Adherence matters more than perfection.Dr. Fisher covers why self-belief is critical when starting strength training. Many people are intimidated by the perceived complexity of exercise or doubt their physical capability. Personal training helps people realize they are far more capable and adaptable than they initially believed.Amy explains why building emotional connections inside the gym environment matters. Developing trust with trainers and other people exercising alongside you creates support and accountability. Those relationships often become a major factor in long-term consistency.Amy and Dr. Fisher discuss the plateau many people experience between months three and six. Early strength gains often slow down after the initial dramatic improvements. This phase is normal and reflects the body adapting to a more sustainable pace of progress.Amy explains why plateaus are not signs of failure. She describes them as a necessary rebuilding phase where the body strengthens itself internally before larger breakthroughs occur later. The plateau is often the bridge to more dramatic long-term results.Amy asks what people should focus on after surviving the difficult first six months of training. By this point, consistency has usually improved and exercise starts feeling more natural. The challenge shifts from simply showing up to building a long-term vision.Dr. Fisher explains that months six through twelve are where exercise starts becoming part of a person's identity. People begin thinking beyond short-term goals like weight loss and start imagining who they want to become years into the future. Intrinsic motivation becomes much stronger during this phase.Amy reflects on how rare long-term consistency truly is in fitness. Most people struggle to stick with the same challenging exercise routine for even a year. Simply remaining consistent over time is already an achievement worth recognizing. Mentioned in This Episode:The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.comEpisode 48 - The Strength Training Benefits You'll See From the First Month to the First YearThe Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win by Jeff Haden This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we continue our conversation with Dr. David Traster, a clinical neurologist and educator who works with patients experiencing complex neurological conditions. In Part 1, Dr. Traster introduced clinical neurology, shared his personal experience with chronic illness and delayed diagnosis, and explained how neuroplasticity can help the brain adapt and recover. In Part 2, the conversation expands into how the nervous system affects far more than movement, including pain, digestion, heart rate, fatigue, balance, vision, and everyday functioning. Dr. Traster explains how different areas of the brain and nervous system influence the body, and why neurological symptoms do not always appear clearly on imaging or lab results. He discusses how patients can feel dismissed when their symptoms are real but difficult to measure, and offers practical insight into how people can advocate for themselves while seeking a diagnosis and appropriate care. Cathy and Dr. Traster also explore the connection between balance, vision, the inner ear, and spatial orientation. Using clear examples, Dr. Traster explains how the brain integrates information from the eyes, body, and vestibular system, and how dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, or imbalance can occur when those systems are not communicating properly. The episode also looks at neurological recovery across the lifespan. Dr. Traster emphasizes that people are never “too old” or “too sick” to improve brain function, although each person's recovery depends on their condition, limitations, and consistency. He explains the importance of repetition and targeted exercise in strengthening brain pathways, and why practice can help make functional improvements more lasting. This conversation closes with a hopeful look at the future of neurological recovery, including the role of technology, AI, advanced imaging, and new tools that may help us better understand and support the brain. In This Episode, We Discuss: How the nervous system affects pain, digestion, heart rate, fatigue, and emotions Why some neurological symptoms do not show up on MRIs, CT scans, or lab work The challenges patients face when symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood How to advocate for yourself when something feels wrong Why diagnosis matters before treatment can be effective How balance, vision, the inner ear, and body awareness work together What can cause dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, and imbalance How people with vision loss or visual limitations can strengthen other systems Why neurological recovery is possible at every age How exercise, nutrition, social connection, and learning support brain health The role of repetition and targeted exercises in retraining the nervous system Common misconceptions about the brain's ability to heal Why technology may transform the future of neurological care About Dr. David Traster Dr. David Traster is a clinical neurologist and educator with nearly two decades of experience working with patients experiencing complex neurological conditions. His background as an athlete and personal trainer, along with his own experience navigating injury and chronic health challenges, shaped his approach to neurological recovery and rehabilitation. Dr. Traster has advanced training in concussion, dizziness and vertigo, movement disorders, autonomic nervous system conditions, and childhood developmental disorders. His work focuses on helping patients improve function through neurorehabilitation, targeted exercises, and individualized care. Listen to Part 1 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation on Episode 85 of It Happened To Me to hear Dr. Traster explain clinical neurology, his own experience with delayed diagnosis and Lyme disease, concussion recovery, targeted brain rehabilitation, and neuroplasticity. Connect With Us   Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today's Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.   

In this episode,  Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Director, Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Distinguished Service Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, and Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, discusses the institute's groundbreaking work in solving neurological diseases, advancing therapies for autism, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, AI, and scientific risk-taking in transforming patient care.

With a carnivore diet, Mimi improved RA, PD, Asthma, Spinal MRSA. She went from fighting to walk 10 steps to now being a Personal Fitness Trainer, Certified PWR!Moves Trainer, MS Certified, TPI Golf Fitness Trainer, and a Metabolic Health Coach specializing in helping those with Neurological disorders reclaim their health. Socials: X: @mimikmorgan IG: @mimimorgank YouTube: Mimi Morgan@Just10MoreSteps Website: Just10MoreSteps.com Timestamps: 00:00 Trailer 00:48 Introduction 04:29 Discussing Parkinson's symptoms 07:30 Managing limb dystonia with diet 11:40 Discovering the carnivore diet 16:13 Recovery and medical support 17:48 Choosing a different health path 21:34 Living with pain and staying active 25:15 Reaching a breaking point 28:29 Reflecting on early struggles 29:51 Overcoming challenges with recovery 33:00 Embracing vulnerability and new beginnings 37:18 Physiology and strength gains 40:30 Discussing a gym accident 46:12 Taking control of personal health 47:15 Prioritizing health and empowerment 50:45 Inspiring healthy habits in family 56:11 Overcoming study challenges 57:31 Upcoming Spanish trail journey Join Revero now to regain your health: https://revero.com/YT Revero.com is an online medical clinic for treating chronic diseases with this root-cause approach of nutrition therapy. You can get access to medical providers, personalized nutrition therapy, biomarker tracking, lab testing, ongoing clinical care, and daily coaching. You will also learn everything you need with educational videos, hundreds of recipes, and articles to make this easy for you. Join the Revero team (medical providers, etc): https://revero.com/jobs ‪#Revero #ReveroHealth #shawnbaker  #Carnivorediet #MeatHeals #AnimalBased #ZeroCarb #DietCoach  #FatAdapted #Carnivore #sugarfree Disclaimer: The content on this channel is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider.

In this episode, Amber Warren, PA-C, sits down with Dr. Brian Hauser, MD, a board certified functional and integrative family medicine physician specializing in autism spectrum disorder, to explore what a root-cause approach to autism actually looks like. They discuss why autism is not a purely genetic condition, how environmental factors, diet, gut health, and mitochondrial dysfunction play a central role in its development, and what emerging research on folate receptor antibodies, folinic acid, and targeted supplementation is revealing about reversible pathways in autism care. This conversation offers practical, hope-filled strategies for families navigating an autism diagnosis and for anyone looking to understand the biology behind neurodevelopmental health.

Hi ya'll. More men! Today you meet Seth who shares openly about his diagnosis, being raised in a "cult church", parenting his child differently, and practicing as much self-kindness as he experiences self-hate. Thank you Seth for sharing your journey on the podcast! Send us a text message to be anonymously read and responded to! Support the showYou can find Sara on Instagram @borderlinefromhell. You can also find the podcast on IG @boldbeautifulborderlineCorey Evans is the artist for the music featured. He can be found HERE Talon Abbott created the cover art. He. can be found HERE Leave us a voicemail about your thoughts or questions on the show at boldbeautifulborderline.comIf you like the show we would love if you could rate, subscribe and support us on Patreon. Patreon info here: https://www.patreon.com/boldbeautifulborderline?fan_landing=true Purchase Sara's Exploring Your Borderline Strengths Journal at https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Your-Borderline-Strengths-Amundson/dp/B0C522Y7QT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IGQBWJRE3CFX&keywords=exploring+your+borderline+strengths&qid=1685383771&sprefix=exploring+your+bor%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1 For mental health supports:National Suicide Preve...

Today on AirTalk: Summer travel (0:30) Gut talk: Neurological conditions (17:20) The history of LGBTQ music (36:17) Interview with California governor candidate Katie Porter (51:41) TV talk (1:22:19) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency.

Dr. Deb Muth 00:04What if the future of healing isn’t about replacing cells, but about teaching your body how to heal itself again? We keep hearing the words stem cells and exoomes thrown around like they’re interchangeable, but they’re not. One is regulated, controversial, and often misunderstood. The other is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting communication systems in human biology. Dr. Deb Muth 00:33And here’s the real question no one’s asking. Are we actually regenerating tissue or are we just stimulating the body to remember how it used to heal? Tired of being told your labs are normal, but you still feel terrible? At Serenity Healthcare Center, we don’t chase symptoms. We find the root cause. hormones, gut health, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, brain fog. Dr. Deb Muth 01:02We use cuttingedge functional and regenerative medicine to get you real answers and a real path forward. This isn’t your average doctor’s office. This is medicine the way it was meant to be practiced. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Visit serenityhealthcarecenter.com to book your appointment today. Let us help you heal from the inside out. Dr. Deb Muth 01:28Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now. I’m Dr. Deb, your host. And if you’ve been following regenerative medicine, you’ve probably noticed the confusion. Patients are asking me every week, are exoomes stem cells? Are stem cells legal in the United States? I heard the FDA is shutting down all these clinics. Can I even get this therapy? Do I have to leave the country for treatment? Today, we’re cutting through the noise. This episode is not hype. Dr. Deb Muth 01:54It’s not sales. It’s education so you can understand the science, the regulatory reality, and the clinical difference between stem cell therapy and exoome therapy. And here’s what I want you to know right up front. Yes, these therapies are being used in the United States every single day. Yes, they’re being offered by highly trained physicians in integrative and regenerative medicine clinics across the country. Dr. Deb Muth 02:22Some are being used in FDA registered clinical trials. Some are being used in observational studies and some are being used in clinical practice under physician discretion. The landscape is nuanced and you deserve to understand it. So, grab your cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a deep dive into the most understood therapies in regenerative medicine. Dr. Deb Muth 02:43what they actually are, how they work, the regulatory landscape, and how they might support your body’s natural healing capacity. Let’s talk wellness now. So, let me start by asking you something. When you hear the word stem cell, what do you picture? Most people imagine damaged tissues magically regenerating or a torn meniscus growing back, cartilage reforming it into an arthritic joint or damaged brain tissue being replaced with healthy new beautiful cells. It’s a beautiful vision. Dr. Deb Muth 03:15And while it’s not quite that simple, the reality is actually more sophisticated and honestly more beautiful. Stem cells are powerful and they absolutely work, but the way they work and the mechanism by which they support healing is far more elegant and more so than most people really understand. And if you’re going to invest in regenerative therapy, you deserve to understand what you’re actually receiving. Dr. Deb Muth 03:44So, let’s start at the beginning. What are stem cells? At their core, stem cells are undifferentiated cells. That means they haven’t yet decided what they want to be when they grow up. Unlike a heart cell or a skin cell or a bone cell which have already committed to a specific function, stem cells exist in this beautiful state of potential. Dr. Deb Muth 04:05They have two remarkable abilities. First, they can self-renew. They can make copies of themselves, maintaining a reserve of these powerful cells throughout your lifetime. Second, they can differentiate under the right conditions. They can transform into specialized cell types. Bone cells, cartilage cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, even blood cells. Dr. Deb Muth 04:27This is why they’ve captured the imagination of the medical world. The potential is extraordinary. Now, there are several types of stem cells and understanding the differences matters tremendously for both understanding how they work and understanding how they’re regulated. Adult mezzenymal stem cells. We call these MSC’s are the most commonly used regenerative medicine. Dr. Deb Muth 04:54These come from bone marrow, atapost tissue, that’s fat, and other adult sources. They’re what we can call multi-potent, meaning they can become several types of cells, but not every type. A bone marrow stem cell isn’t going to become a brain cell, for instance. It has potential but it’s directed potential. Dr. Deb Muth 05:19Then we have perinatal stem cells. These come from umbilical cord blood cord tissue or something called Wharton’s jelly which is the gelatinous substance inside the umbilical cord. These cells are younger, more potent, and research by Weiss and colleagues published in stem cells back in 2006 showed that Wharton’s jelly derived MSC’s have superior proliferation and differentiation potential compared to bone marrow derived cells. Dr. Deb Muth 05:48They’re like comparing a 20-year-old athlete to a 50-year-old athlete. Both can perform, but one has more reserve capacity, more vigor, and more regenerative potential. And this isn’t this is very important because the perinatal sources umbilical cord tissue Wharton’s jelly amniotic tissue these are what many regenerative medicine clinics in the United States are using today and they’re using them because these tissues are incredibly rich in not just stem cells but growth factors cytoines and exoomes. Dr. Deb Muth 06:21Then there are embryionic stem cells. These are pur potent and they become any cell type in the body, but they’re highly regulated, ethically controversial, and honestly, they’re not being used in clinical practice in the United States outside of the very specific FDA approved research trials. Dr. Deb Muth 06:41So, when clinics talk about stem cell therapy, they’re almost never talking about embryionic stem cells. Now, here’s where it gets interesting and this is the part that changes everything about how we understand regenerative medicine. When you receive stem cell therapy, let’s say someone injects umbilical cord derived messenymal stem cells into your arthritic knee, those cells do not typically engraft or become new tissue in any permanent way. Dr. Deb Muth 07:12They don’t set up shop in your joint and start cracking out new cartilage cells for the rest of your life. So what are they actually doing then? Well, in 2011, researchers Arnold Arnold Kaplan and Dennis Korea published a landmark paper in stem cells translational medicine that fundamentally changed how we understand MSC therapy. Dr. Deb Muth 07:35They proposed that we should stop calling memal stem cells and start calling them medicinal signaling cells. Why? Well, because their primary therapeutic benefit doesn’t come from what they become. It comes from what they secrete. Think of stem cells as incredibly sophisticated biological pharmacies. When you inject them into damaged tissue, that arthritic knee, that inflamed autoimmune condition, that injured brain, that don’t just sit there passively, they sense the environment. Dr. Deb Muth 08:07They detect inflammation. They recognize the tissue damage and they understand that the immune dysregulation is present and they see that and respond. They start pumping out hundreds of bioactive molecules, growth factors that tell your cells to repair and rebuild, cytoines that modulate inflammation, chemocines that recruit your body’s own healing cells to the area. Dr. Deb Muth 08:32And these tiny membranes bound packages called extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, which we’re going to talk about extensively today as well. These secreted factors are giving instructions to your native cells. They’re saying, “Let’s reduce inflammation. Let’s modulate your immune response. Let’s promote angioenesis. Dr. Deb Muth 08:53” That’s the formation of new blood vessels, bringing nutrients and oxygen. Let’s stimulate your own resident stem cells to wake up and get to work. Reduce cell death in damaged tissue and restore normal cellular function. This is called paracrine signaling. It’s the cellto cell communication. And this is where the real therapeutic power lives. Dr. Deb Muth 09:14The stem cells themselves, many of them die within days to weeks, but the cascade of healing they trigger, the signals they send, the programs they activate in your own cells, those effects can last for months or even years. Now, this understanding is crucial because it explains why both stem cell therapy and exoo therapy can be effective. Dr. Deb Muth 09:38The stem cells are powerful not because they become new tissue but because of the signals they send and exoomes are those signals isolated and concentrated. The biggest misconception in regenerative medicine is that stem cells replace tissue and in reality they coach healing more than they become healing. They’re biological educators teaching your body to remember how it used to heal before chronic inflammation, toxicity, and disease turned off all those programs. Dr. Deb Muth 10:12So if stem cells don’t exactly end graft and become the new tissue, if their power is in their signaling and then next logical question is why do we need the cells at all? Well, if we could isolate the messengers themselves, what if we could deliver just the communication systems without any of the complexity of the living cells? Well, that’s exactly what exosomes are. Dr. Deb Muth 10:38And they represent the cutting edge of regenerative medicine. So, let me paint you a picture of how cells actually communicate. Because for most medical history, we had it wrong. For decades, textbooks taught us that cells talk to each other in two basic ways. through direct contact like shaking hands or releasing signaling molecules that floated through the extracellular space like messages in bottles, simple chemical messages. Dr. Deb Muth 11:09But in the 1980s and 90s, researchers started discovering something far more sophisticated. cells were releasing these tiny membrane bound packages like a biological FedEx envelope kind of you know it was filled with complex specific cargo and these packages could travel through the blood cross the barriers that normally keep things out like bloodb brain barrier and deliver their contents to distant cells with remarkable precision. Dr. Deb Muth 11:38These are called extracellular vesicles. And exoomes are one of the most therapeutic important types. So what exactly are exosomes? Well, they’re nanosized vesicles, typically 30 to 150 nanome in diameter. To put that into perspective, a human hair is about 100,000 nanometers wide. These are incredible and most impossibly tiny. Dr. Deb Muth 12:09They’re released by virtually all cells in the body, but the most therapeutically interesting exoomes come from mezenymal stem cells. And those medicinal signaling cells we just discussed. And according to a landmark review of Raposo and Stervogal, they published in the journal of cell biology in 2013, exoomes are not cellular debris. They’re not waste products. Dr. Deb Muth 12:35They are precisely engineered communication vesicles or vehicles. Think of them as sophisticated delivery systems carefully packed, carefully labeled, and sent to specific destinations. very specific instructions. Inside each of these exoomes, you’ll find an incredibly sophisticated payload. They are microRNAs. These are small RNA molecules that can literally turn genes off or on in the recipient cells. Dr. Deb Muth 13:06They can tell a cell to start making more collagen, to reduce inflammatory proteins, to activate repair programs that have been shut down by chronic disease for a very long time. There are messenger RNAs, actual templates for protein production. And exoome can deliver these instructions for making healing proteins. There are proteins themselves, growth factors, cytoines, enzymes, all the molecular tools a cell needs to heal. Dr. Deb Muth 13:34And there are lipids, specialized fats that help the exoome membrane fuse with targeted cells, delivering the cargo inside. When an exoome reaches its target cell, it can either fuse the cell membrane and deliver its contents directly inside like a Trojan horse, or it can bind to surface receptors and trigger signaling cascades, setting off a chain reaction of healing responses. Dr. Deb Muth 14:01Either way, it’s delivering very specific targeted instruction. And here’s what makes this so powerful. Those instructions are tailored to what this recipient cell actually needs. So, let me give you some concrete examples of what the research actually shows because this is where it really gets exciting. When researchers inject MSC derived exoomes into hearts that had experienced eskeeia, reprofusion, injury, that’s damaged blood flow being cut off and then being restored. Dr. Deb Muth 14:36Kind of like what happens during a heart attack. Something remarkable happened. A study by Lei and colleagues published in stem cell research in 2010 showed that exoomes significantly reduced the size of the damaged area, reduced inflammatory cytoines that drive tissue destruction and promoted tissue repair signaling. The exoomes were telling the heart cells stop the inflammatory cascade, activate your survival programs and repair the damage. Dr. Deb Muth 15:06In cartilage research, tow and colleagues published work in biioaterials in 2017 showing that exosomes derived from MSC’s could promote cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis models. And the exoomes carried specific microRNAs that told condondroytes cartilage cells to proliferate and make more extracellular matrix, the structural framework of healthy cartilage. Dr. Deb Muth 15:30for autoimmune conditions. Research by Blazic and colleagues in Frontiers in Immunology in 2014 demonstrated that MSC derived exoomes could shift immune cell behavior from pro pro-inflammatory to regulatory. They could take an overactive self-attacking immune system and restore balance and promote tolerance. And perhaps most exciting brain research, a study by Zinn and colleagues published in the journal of extracellular vesicles in 2013 showed that MSC derived exoomes could cross the bloodb brain barrier. Dr. Deb Muth 16:07That protective shield around your brain that normally keep things out and promote neurological recovery in stroke models. They reduced brain inflammation, promoted neuroplasticity, supported the formation of neural connections, and for mitochondrial dysfunction, which underlies so many chronic conditions, Morrison and colleagues published research and scientific reports in 2017 showing that MSC derived exoomes can actually deliver functional mitochondria or mitochondrial components to damaged cells. They’re not Dr. Deb Muth 16:40just sending instructions, they’re sending spare parts. They’re restoring the cellular powerhouses to produce energy. So why are exoomes fundamentally different from stem cells? Well, exoomes contain no living cells. They can’t replicate. They can’t end graph. And they have virtually no risk of immune rejection or tumor formation. Dr. Deb Muth 17:03Concerns that exist elevate rarely with cellular therapies. They’re essentially biological software updates for your cells. As Fineian Pitiger wrote in their seinal review in stem cells in 2017, MSC derived exoomes represent the active ingredient of stem cell therapy delivered in a cellfree format. That’s the key insight in the in the therapeutic benefit of stem cells and it comes from what they excrete. Dr. Deb Muth 17:33Then exoomes are the secretion isolated, concentrated, and standardized. From a practical clinical standpoint, exoomes offer several compelling advantages. First, consistency. Because exoomes can be isolated, characterized, and standardized, each dose can be remarkably consistent. With living stem cells, there’s variability based on donor age, health status, processing methods, and one batch may be robust, but another might be weaker. Dr. Deb Muth 18:05With exoomes, you can measure the content, measure the potency, and ensure the quality control. Second is storage. Exoomes can be liophalized. They can be freeze-dried and stored at room temperature or refrigerated for extended periods. Stem cells require cryopreserv preservation, careful freezing, careful thawing. They’re fragile. Dr. Deb Muth 18:31Exoomes are remarkably stable. And third, their safety profile. Without living cells, the risk of adverse imunological reactions is dramatically lower. You’re not introducing foreign cells that your immune system might recognize and attack. You’re introducing molecular messages. Fourth is scalability. You can harvest millions, even billions of exoomes from stem cell cultures without ever injecting the cells themselves. Dr. Deb Muth 19:01And you can produce large quantities, standardize them, and make them available to patients. Now, there is a caution here in doing this. The scalability can produce rogue cells, and we want to be cautious of that. So, here’s what I need you to understand. Exoomes don’t force healing. They remind the body how healing works. Dr. Deb Muth 19:24They’re not replacing damaged cells. They’re re-educating the cells you already have. They’re turning back time on the biological programs that got turned off by inflammation, toxicity, trauma, time, and chronic disease. Your body knows how to heal. It’s done its entire life. Every cut that closed, every bone that mended, every infection you fought off, your body orchestrated that healing. Dr. Deb Muth 19:51The problem is that chronic disease, chronic inflammation, toxic exposures, poor nutrition, stress, all of these things disrupt the communication networks that coordinate healing. And exoomes restore that communication. They’re like rebooting a computer that’s frozen. They reset the system and remind it how it’s supposed to function. All right. Dr. Deb Muth 20:14So, this would not be complete if we didn’t talk about regulation because this is where a lot of confusion exists. And I want you to be given a real picture. Not fear-mongering, not pretending. There aren’t regulatory considerations, but the actual practical reality of how regenerative medicine is practiced in the United States today. Dr. Deb Muth 20:38Here’s what you need to understand. The FDA regulates these therapies and they have specific frameworks, but there’s important nuances between regulatory text enforcement priorities and actual clinical practice. And there are also state level regulations that provide additional pathways. The FDA regulates human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue based products. Dr. Deb Muth 21:05We call them HCT/PPS under two main pathways. Section 361 products are those that meet specific criteria. They’re minimally manipulated, intended for homologous use, meaning these tissues perform the same basic function in the recipient as it did in the donor. They’re not combined with non-tissue components and they’re either autotogus, meaning they come from your own tissue, or they have had minimal systemic effect. Dr. Deb Muth 21:38An example of a clear 361 procedure, your doctor harvests your own bone marrow, we call this PRP, performs minimally processing to or uh perform Yeah. performs minimal processing to concentrate the stem cells through a centriuge and injects it into your arthritic knee the same day. That’s autogus same day but minimally manipulated. Dr. Deb Muth 22:04This is unquestionably legal and is being done in regenerative medicine clinics across the country every single day. So there’s section 351 where products are those that don’t meet all the section 361 criteria. They’re classified as drugs or biologic products and they require FDA approval through clinical trials. Dr. Deb Muth 22:27Now here’s where this gets more nuanced. There are regenerative medicine clinics across the United States using stem cell and exoome therapies in different contexts. First FDA registered clinical trials. These are formal research studies with investigational new drug applications. Patients enroll in trials. They sign informed consents. Dr. Deb Muth 22:48They receive therapies as part of their structured research protocols. And this is completely legal and represents the gold standard for gathering evidence. Second is observational studies and registry programs. Many clinics are collecting systemic data on patient outcomes using these therapies even outside the FDA trials. Dr. Deb Muth 23:12They’re documenting results, tracking safety, and contributing to the growing body of clinical evidence. Third, there’s clinical practice under physician discretion. There are physicians using these therapies based on their own clinical judgment informed consent from patients and their interpretation of the regulatory framework particularly around minimal manipulation and homologous use. Dr. Deb Muth 23:34Now there are also state regulations that provide additional legal frameworks. So, for example, Florida has enacted the Right to Try Act and specific regenerative medicine legislation that allows physicians to offer certain stem cell therapies under the state oversight. Utah has passed similar legislation creating pathways for regenerative medicine products. Dr. Deb Muth 23:57And these state laws recognize that patients should have access to potentially beneficial therapies, particularly when used by trained physicians with appropriate informed consent. The regulatory question often centers around are these products minimally manipulated. Some products clearly are not. They’ve been cultured. Dr. Deb Muth 24:20They’ve been expanded in laboratories and those require FDA approval that they don’t have. The FDA has appropriately shut down clinics using those products. But there are other products that undergo processing that many physicians and manufacturers argue constitutes minimal manipulation. And these tissues are cleared, potentially fragmented or particulated to make them more suitable for injection, preserved using methods like cryopreservation or liophalization and packaged. Dr. Deb Muth 24:54But the cells are not cultured or expanded in the laboratory. The FDA has issued guidance suggesting that many of these processing steps constitute more than manipul minimal manipulation. But many physicians, particularly those who specialized in regenerative medicine for years, disagree with that interpretation and they believe that the processing qualifies as minimal manipulation and that the product should fall under section 361 when used for homologous purposes. Dr. Deb Muth 25:24Is there regulatory debate? Absolutely. The FDA and some clinicians have different interpretations of what constitutes minimal manipulation. But here’s the practical reality. There are hundreds of well-trained, bore certified physicians across the United States offering these therapies every single day. Dr. Deb Muth 25:42They’re doing so based on their understanding of the regulations, their clinical experience, their commitment to patient safety, and their belief that these therapies can help people who have exhausted conventional options. The FDA’s enforcement priorities have focused primarily on the most problematic cases. Clin clinics making blatant disease cure claims, products with documented safety issues, clear cases of cellular expansion and culture, or clinics operating with no medical oversight. Dr. Deb Muth 26:15Reputable regenerative medicine physicians are using products from companies that provide comprehensive documentation of their processing methods. third-party sterility testing, certificates of analysis showing bioactive content, and quality control measures that meet or exceed industry standards. Now, let me be very clear about something. Dr. Deb Muth 26:36Quality matters enormously. Not all stem cells and exoome products are created equal. Research by Burger and colleagues published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 analyzed 12 commercially available stem cell products and found that many contained zero viable cells, high levels of bacteria, endotoxins and inconsistent growth factor concentrations. Dr. Deb Muth 27:01This is why the company providing these biologic matters tremendously. You want products from manufacturers who provide transport documentation in sourcing and processing. Conduct third-party testing and sterility and potency. Offer certificates of analysis for each batch. Use standardized validated processing protocols. Dr. Deb Muth 27:24Have quality control measures that ensure consistency and don’t make outrageous cure claims or promise. The best regenerative medicine physician carefully vet their suppliers. They don’t use products from companies making unrealistic promises. They use products from manufacturers who are transparent, scientifically rigorous, and committed to quality. Dr. Deb Muth 27:46Now, you specifically ask about homologous use and collagen defects. So, let me address this directly for you. Under the FDA guidance, homologous use means the tissue performs the same basic function in the recipient as in the donor. So for connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, all of that which are collagenrich structures using MSC’s or their derivatives could be considered homologous use. Dr. Deb Muth 28:17MSC’s in their native environment provide structural support to produce extracellular matrix including collagen. Using them to support healing in damaged collagen rich tissues like arthritic joints, torn tendons or degenerative ligaments is arguably the same basic function. So using exoomes derived from MSC’s to support collagen synthesis reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in the same structures. Dr. Deb Muth 28:46Many practitioners argue this also qualifies as homologous use because you’re supporting the structure and function that MSC’s would naturally support. So here’s the bottom line on the regulatory reality. Regenerative medicine is available in the United States. It’s being offered by highly trained physicians in integrative and regenerative medicine clinics across the country. Dr. Deb Muth 29:11Some therapies are offered in FDA registered clinics and some are offered in observational studies. Some are offered in clinical practice under physician discretion, informed consent, and careful attention to safety. The regulatory landscape is evolving. There are ongoing discussions both federally and state levels about creating clearer pathways for these therapies. Dr. Deb Muth 29:32So, if you choose to go down this road, you want to work with physicians who understand the regulations, who use quality products from reputable manufacturers with rigorous testing and documentation, who are transparent about what they’re using and why, who discuss the current regulatory landscape honestly with you, and who prioritize your safety and truly informed consent above all else. Dr. Deb Muth 29:55This is not a lawless wild wild west. But it is also not as simple as everything is legal and unavailable. It’s a nuanced landscape that requires ethical knowledge. And these practitioners that have this knowledge have got to provide informed patients who understand both the potential benefits and the current regulatory context. Dr. Deb Muth 30:17So let’s have some fun here. Let’s talk about what really matters to you that are listening and that’s what conditions are being supported with these therapies. What does the research show and what are clinicians seeing in actual practice with patients? Because here’s what’s really important. We have both published research evidence and extensive clinical experience. Dr. Deb Muth 30:38And when the two align, that’s when we can feel confident and comfortable about using these approaches. So, let’s start where we have the most substantial evidence. joint health and muscularkeeletal conditions. For arthritis, we have good data. A systemic review by Tan and colleagues published in arthritis research and therapy in 2021 analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials in MSC therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Deb Muth 31:05They found significant improvements in pain and function particularly in mild to moderate disease. What’s really interesting is when researchers start analyzing whether it was the cells themselves or their secreted factors doing the work. They found that exoomeenriched preparations showed similar benefits to whole cell therapy. Dr. Deb Muth 31:26Now towen colleagues in the biioaterials paper from 2017 demonstrated that MSC derived exoomes could promote cartilage matrix synthesize and reduce inflammation markers. The exoomes carried microarnas that told cartilage cells to make more collagen and proteoglycans, the building blocks of healthy cartilage. Dr. Deb Muth 31:49In clinical practice, physicians are seeing patients with knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal arthritis, experiencing reduced pain, improved function, better motility, and in some cases, measurable improvements in their tissue. I want to share a story here with you because back in 2006, my husband was injured at work. Some of you might have heard me tell this story before. Dr. Deb Muth 32:11Um, he broke two discs in his back and underwent surgery very early on when we started using stem cells. They had put cages and plates in and they used MSC’s to put inside the cage to create a hardened bone so that he could have a fusion and hopefully not have any pain. At the time, what the physician didn’t realize or mistakenly did was he did not put any human bone mixed with these dead cadaavver bone MSC’s. Dr. Deb Muth 32:42And so the MSC’s never grew. They didn’t have anything to grow by. So the plates and the screws just kind of went back and forth for six months before he could see another physician that would look at him differently and understand what actually happened. That was very early on. Today we know so much more than we did before. Dr. Deb Muth 33:01Fast forward to 2014 when my husband was having problems and he couldn’t feel his legs, he couldn’t feel his feet. We decided to undergo uh exoo and stem cell therapy again and we saw a physician in Florida who harvested cells from his bone marrow and his blood and his fat and mixed that all together and then put that back into the back. Dr. Deb Muth 33:27and he had tremendous benefit from it. So, I tell this story because I want you to see the trajectory of how long this has been going on that we’ve been using this and we’re learning as we’re going and things are changing rapidly in this in this world. And so, what we know today and what I’m teaching you today may very well change in a month or six months or a year from now, but we have the foundation at least to understand what is helpful, what is not right now. Dr. Deb Muth 33:54But just be aware that if you’re embarking on exoome or stem cell therapy or MSC’s that you understand that this terrain is going to change. So back to my conversation about what other things can we treat? Well, we can treat tendon and ligament injuries, chronic tennis elbow, Achilles tendonopathy, rotator cuff tears, chronic planter fasciitis. Dr. Deb Muth 34:17These were researched by PA and colleagues in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2017 and it showed that bone marrow concentrate injections resulted in improved pain and function compared to steroid injections. Now this mechanism appears to be enhanced collagen remodeling and reduced chronic inflammation. Dr. Deb Muth 34:39These are structural collagenrich tissues using MSC’s or their derivatives for structural support which makes biological sense. It’s homologous use. It’s similar. So clinically we’re seeing athletes, active adults and people with chronic pain who failed physically um failed physical therapy, failed conservative treatments finding relief in this functional uh improvement in this functional world that we live in today. Dr. Deb Muth 35:07So, I want to be clear about what we’re doing here for joint and muscularkeeletal issues. We’re not growing completely new cartilage from scratch or severely destroyed joints. We’re not magically regenerating tissues that’s been gone for decades. That’s not possible here. What you’re doing when you’re using MSSE’s and exoomes is supporting the body’s natural ability to repair, reducing inflam inflammation and damage, and we’re driving progressive degeneration uh or we’re stopping the progressive degeneration. By reducing the Dr. Deb Muth 35:41inflammatory damage, we’re stimulating resonant stem cells that have been dormant. We’re improving blood flow and uh uh oxygen to the tissues like cartilage and tendons. and we’re organizing the body to start creating its own quality collagen as it heals. So, it’s a regenerative support, not a tissue replacement. Dr. Deb Muth 36:07But for many people, this support is lifechanging. So, let’s talk about autoimmune disorders now because this is one of the most exciting and unrecognized applications. autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s, they all involve the immune system and the immune system is deregulated. Dr. Deb Muth 36:30And so basically your immune system is seeing this tissue as foreign and it’s attacking it. These MSC’s and their exoomes have profound immune modulatory properties. They don’t suppress the immune system like steroids or imunosuppressive drugs. They modulate it helping to restore balance. So for rheumatoid arthritis, research by Weang and colleagues in stem cells translational medicine in 2016 showed that MSC derived exoomes could shift the balance of immune cells, reducing pro-inflammatory TH7 cells that drive joint disruption uh and increase Dr. Deb Muth 37:08regulatory TE-C cells that maintain immune tolerance. So for MS, a clinical trial by Kasus and colleagues published in archives of neurology back in 2010 evaluated autotogus MSC therapy and MS patients and they found evidence of reduced disease activity, improved neurological function and decreased inflammatory uh lesions on MRI scans. Dr. Deb Muth 37:34The proposed mechanism is MSC’s and their exoomes reduce inflammatory cytoine production promote regulatory imu immune populations support remination of damaged nerves that is rebuilding the protective coating around the nerve fibers and it reduces bloodb brain barrier permeability which prevents immune cells from attacking their brain and spinal cord. Dr. Deb Muth 38:02And so for inflammatory bowel disease, the research by Barnholm uh sorry Barnhorn and colleagues in gut in 2020 showed that MS cell MSC derived extracellular vesicles could support mucosal healing and reduce inflammation in the gut lining. They appeared to restore intestinal barrier function, healing that leaky gut and modulating local immune responses. Dr. Deb Muth 38:30So in clinical practice, physicians are seeing patients with autoimmune conditions, experiencing reduced disease flares, decreasing the need for imunosuppressive medications, improving energy and quality of life, and in some cases extending periods of remission. But here’s what I want you to understand. Dr. Deb Muth 38:52When you see these therapies for autoimmune conditions, we are supporting immune regulation and reducing inflammatory damage. We are not treating or curing the disease in a conventional sense. These therapies work best as part of a comprehensive functional medicine approach that also addresses gut health because 70% of your immune system lives in your gut and environmental triggers like mold, heavy metals, chemical toxins that can drive autoimmune responses, chronic infections that can trigger immune disregulation, stress and nervous system imbalance. And Dr. Deb Muth 39:29these nutritional deficiencies are necessary to help improve the immune function. So regenerative therapy without addressing root causes is like bailing water out of your boat without plugging the hole. You might get temporary relief, but the underlying problem still remains. So let’s talk about neurological conditions. Dr. Deb Muth 39:52And this is where the science gets truly fascinating. for traumatic brain injury and concussion. Research by Zang and colleagues in the Journal of Neurot Trauma in 2015 showed that MSC derived exoomes could reduce brain inflammation, promote neuroplasticity, that’s the brain’s ability to rewire itself and improve cognitive outcomes in animal models. Dr. Deb Muth 40:17The exoomes crossed the bloodb brain barrier, delivered neuroprotective proteins and microRNAs. They reduced inflammation, supported mitochondrial function in injured neurons and promoted both new blood vessels from new blood formation and neurogenesis and the birth of new neurons occurred. Neurological recovery requires a multi-systematic approach. Dr. Deb Muth 40:42Exoomes may support neural repair, but they work best combined with hormone optimization, growth hormone, testosterone, thyroid, pregnnolone, mitochondrial support compounds like NAD, CoQ10, PQQ, carnitine, all of those things that we use traditionally in functional medicine. Now for stroke recovery, there was research by Zinn and colleagues in the journal of extracellular vesicles that showed MSC derived exoomes reduced the size of brain damage and improved neurological recovery in animal models. There was a Dr. Deb Muth 41:19Parkinson’s disease study done by Kimoji and colleagues in the movement disorders in 2018 that suggested that MSSE derived exoomes could support dopamineergic neuron survival and those are the cells that die in Parkinson’s and it can help to reduce neuroinflammation. Clinically, physicians are seeing improvements in patients with postconussion syndrome, chronic traumatic brain injury, early stage cognitive decline, and other neurodeenerative conditions. Dr. Deb Muth 41:52These are not cures, but meaningful improvements in cognitive function, mood, energy, and quality of life. Now, let’s talk about autism spectrum disorder very carefully here because this is a very sensitive but very important topic for families. There have been several clinical trials that have explored MSC therapy for autism. Dr. Deb Muth 42:16Liv and colleagues published research in stem cell translational medicine in 2013 showing improvements in social interaction, communication, and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD who received cord blood MSC’s. Dawson and colleagues in 2017 conducted randomized trial autotogus cord blood infusion and found modest improvements in social communication particularly in children with higher baseline immune dysregulation. Dr. Deb Muth 42:47The proposed mechanisms for modulation of neuroinflammation support the mitochondrial function because many children with autism show evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, reduction of oxidative stress, improvement in gut brain access dysfunction and modulation of immune dysregulation. In clinical practice, some physicians are seeing improvements in some children, better eye contact, increased language development, reduced sensory sensitivities, improved social engagement, but responses vary significantly, and we cannot predict which children will benefit most. So for Dr. Deb Muth 43:26families considering regenerative approaches for autism, these therapies are supporting the body’s healing mechanisms, reducing neuroinflammation, supporting cellular energy production, modulating immune function. These should only be considered as part of a comprehensive biomedical approach that includes dietary interventions to address food sensitivities, support gut health, environmental toxin removal, particularly heavy metals and chemical exposures, gut healing protocols with targeted probiotics and nutrients, Dr. Deb Muth 44:00metabolic testing and targeted supplementation, and evidence-based on behavioral and developmental therapies. These therapies should only be pursued with practitioners who are honest about what we know and what we don’t know and who follow rigorous safety protocols who never promise cures and who view regenerative medicine as a tool in the comprehensive healing strategy, not a standalone miracle. Dr. Deb Muth 44:26Not only that, these therapies will most likely need to be given several times over the course of this person’s lifetime, possibly even on an annual basis. And this is really important because it is not a oneandone. It is not a one-sizefits-all, and it needs to be looked at as a long-term option for working with autism. So, since we’re looking at stem cells versus exoomes, living cells, with stem cell therapy, you’re receiving living cells that can survive in your body for days to weeks. Dr. Deb Muth 45:02With exoome therapy, there are no living cells, just biological messages they would have sent. So, replication stem cells can potentially replicate. Although therapeutically this happens minimally, exoomes cannot replicate. They deliver the cargo and then they are cleared by your body. With stem cells, it’s primarily paracrine signaling. Dr. Deb Muth 45:28They’re coaching your cells to heal. With exoomes, it’s pure signaling, pure reprogramming your cells without any cellular component. Stem cells as we talked about can be autotogus from your own bone fat, blood or um bone marrow or allergenic from umbilical cord tissue or Wharton’s jelly. Dr. Deb Muth 45:50Exoomes are typically derived from cultured MSC’s often from umbilical cord or bone marrow sources and both can be given by local injection for targeted treatment of joints and tissues and exoomes can be given intravenously for whole body systemic support. both have um low immun immunogicity. I can’t say that word today. Dr. Deb Muth 46:17But exoomes have even lower risk since they contain no cellular material. Now, it’s absolutely critical for you to understand that there are massive quality differences. We’ve talked about this earlier. I want you to be very aware of this and have a conversation with any of the practitioners that you’re considering undergoing this treatment with. Dr. Deb Muth 46:37Here is where it matters more than anything when you’re considering regenerative medicine, the quality of the products and the expertise of the practitioner. Because the reality is not all regenerative medicine products are created equal. We all know that when we take different supplements and not all practitioners understand these therapies at the same depth. Dr. Deb Muth 46:58You want to look for practitioners that are board certified or have some kind of specialized regenerative medicine training. You want to know their clinical experience. How much have they done these procedures? How long have they done this? You want honest communication about the evidence and the limitations in this. Dr. Deb Muth 47:17You want a comprehensive functional medicine approach to go along with these therapies. And you want somebody that’s transparent about their informed consent and their regulatory status. If you have people that are uh claiming that they can cure disease or giving you guarantees, that is not that is not a good practitioner to work with. Dr. Deb Muth 47:37If you have high pressure sales tactics, you need to decide today limited supply for a week. These are marketing manipulations. It’s not medical care. You want to be cautious of extremely low prices because quality regenerative products are expensive to source, process, and test. and store. And if somebody’s offering stem cells or exoomes for a few hundred dollars, seriously, you need to question the quality, the safety, and where they got this from. Dr. Deb Muth 48:09So before undergoing any regenerative therapy, make sure you’re having a very, very lengthy conversation with the person and so you truly understand exactly what you’re getting, how it’s going to be delivered, and what they’re going to do. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from today is that your body has remarkable capacity to heal when given the right biological signals and the right environment. Dr. Deb Muth 48:35Stem cells and exoomes are powerful tools for providing biological signaling that can reduce inflammation, modulate immune function, support tissue repair, and restore cellular communication that’s been disrupted by chronic disease and inflammation. These therapies are available in the United States through trained physicians working in FDA registered trials, observational studies, and clinical practice, and using quality products from manufacturers with rigorous testing and quality control. Dr. Deb Muth 49:04So before you invest in regenerative medicine, do your homework. Ask detailed questions about product quality and source. Verify the products come from reputable manufacturers with certificates of analysis, third-party testing. Work with experienced practitioners. And remember, no injection, no infusion, no biologic can overcome ongoing toxic exposure, chronic stress, poor nutrition, gut dysfunction, and inadequate sleep. Dr. Deb Muth 49:34True healing requires your body and you to actively participate in this healing. If you are unwilling to address the root causes and change the lifestyle factors that disrupted your health in the first place, the biologics can amplify your healing signals, but you have to create the internal environment where healing can actually happen. Dr. Deb Muth 49:56So, I hope this episode has helped you understand regenerative medicine more clearly. Share it with somebody who’s looking for healing beyond the conventional approaches. And until next time, this has been Let’s Talk Wellness Now. Have a blessed day. >> Welcome to Let’s Talk Wellness Now, where we bring expert insights directly to you. Dr. Deb Muth 50:16Please note that the views and information shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Let’s Talk Wellness Now, its management, or our partners. Each affiliate, sponsor, and partner is an independent entity with its own perspectives. Today’s content is provided forformational and educational purposes only and should not be considered specific advice, whether financial, medical, or legal. Dr. Deb Muth 50:41While we strive to present accurate and useful information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your unique circumstances. We encourage you to consult with a qualified professional to address your individual needs. Your use of information from this broadcast is entirely at your own risk. Dr. Deb Muth 51:00By continuing to listen, you agree to indemnify and hold Let’s Talk Wellness Now and its associates harmless from any claims or damages arising from the use of this content. We may update this disclaimer at any time, and changes will take effect immediately upon posting or broadcast. Thank you for tuning in. We hope you find this episode both insightful and thought-provoking. Listener discretion is advised.The post Episode 265 – The Future of Healing: How Exosomes Re-Educate Your Body to Heal Itself first appeared on Let's Talk Wellness Now.

After years of misdiagnoses, medication sensitivities, injuries, and setbacks, a massage therapist is diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that causes non-typical seizures and intermittent paralysis-like weakness. Despite being unable to work, she continues advocating for the FND community and wants to help educate massage therapists about the benefits of safe, informed touch for people living with the condition. In this episode of IHACW. . ., Ruth explores Sarah's journey, the realities of FND, and the role massage therapy may play in supporting those navigating complex neurological challenges.  Resources: Functional Neurologic Disorder | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date a). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder (Accessed: May 8, 2026). Functional Neurologic Disorder | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date b). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder (Accessed: April 28, 2026). Functional Neurological Disorder (Conversion Disorder) (no date). Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17975-conversion-disorder (Accessed: April 28, 2026). Functional Neurological Disorder, Reframed | Harvard Medicine Magazine (no date). Available at: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/functional-neurological-disorder-reframed (Accessed: May 8, 2026). Ranford, J. et al. (2020) "Sensory Processing Difficulties in Functional Neurological Disorder: A Possible Predisposing Vulnerability?," Psychosomatics, 61(4), pp. 343–352. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2020.02.003. "What Is FND" (no date) FND Hope International. Available at: https://fndhope.org/fnd-guide/ (Accessed: April 28, 2026). What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)? (no date) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17975-conversion-disorder (Accessed: May 8, 2026).  Host Bio:              Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP's partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner's books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.    Sponsors: Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.      Website: anatomytrains.com     Email: info@anatomytrains.com           Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains  Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA    Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique. Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country. Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!  Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.   At Heights Wellness Retreat, we believe every person is an unstoppable force, whether navigating daily demands, pursuing goals, or striving to be their best. This drives everything we do. We go beyond traditional spa services by creating a purpose-driven environment where wellness professionals are empowered, valued, and positioned to grow. With steady clientele, support, and a wellness-forward culture, Heights Wellness Retreat is where therapists build meaningful, sustainable careers while shaping the future of the wellness industry.  www.massageheightscareers.careerplug.com/jobs  www.heightswellnessretreats.com  https://www.instagram.com/heightswellnessretreat/  https://www.facebook.com/heightswellnessretreat/   

Does GABA Actually Help With Sleep? What the Research Says for Brain Injury Recovery Someone in our community recently asked me about GABA for sleep. They’d seen it recommended online, understood that sleep was critical for their recovery, and wanted to know whether the supplement was worth exploring or just noise. It’s a genuinely good question. And it deserves a proper answer. In this post, I’m going to walk you through what GABA is, what the clinical research actually shows about its effect on sleep, why the blood-brain barrier debate matters (and why it might not derail the whole argument), and what the evidence says about the relationship between sleep and brain recovery. By the end, you’ll have enough to have an informed conversation with your medical team. I’m not a doctor. I’m a three-time haemorrhagic stroke survivor who has spent years researching the science of brain recovery and interviewing hundreds of clinicians and survivors on the Recovery After Stroke podcast. What I offer is a careful read of the evidence, not a clinical prescription. What Is GABA and Why Does It Matter for Sleep? GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. If your nervous system were a car, GABA is the brake pedal. It reduces neuronal excitability, quiets cortical arousal, suppresses the brain’s primary arousal centre (the locus coeruleus), and modulates the HPA axis, the stress-response system that drives cortisol. Most sedative medications work by amplifying GABA activity. Benzodiazepines, for instance, bind to GABA-A receptors to increase chloride channel opening, producing their calming effect. GABA isn’t doing something unusual here – it’s doing something fundamental. The question with supplemental oral GABA is more specific: Does taking GABA as a capsule or powder actually produce meaningful neurological effects? What Does the Research Show? Finding 1 — Oral GABA Reduces Sleep Latency (and EEG Can Measure It) A 2015 clinical trial published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology by Yamatsu and colleagues used EEG measurement, actual brainwave monitoring, rather than self-reported sleep questionnaires. One hundred milligrams of oral GABA shortened sleep latency (time to fall asleep) by 5.3 minutes compared to placebo. That might sound modest. But for someone lying awake for 30–40 minutes each night, it’s a meaningful shift. Crucially, this was objective neurophysiological data, not a survey response. (PMID: 26052150) Finding 2 — A 90-Day RCT Showed Improved Sleep Efficiency and Mood A 2024 randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements (Guimarães et al.) gave 200 mg of GABA daily for 90 days to sedentary overweight women also undergoing an exercise program. The GABA group showed significantly improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, significantly reduced depression scores, and improved heart rate variability, a marker of parasympathetic nervous system activity. The HRV finding is particularly interesting. It suggests GABA may be doing something broader than simply reducing sleep latency – it appears to support the overall physiological state that makes rest restorative. (PMID: 38321713) Finding 3 — But a High-Dose RCT Found No Effect Here’s where intellectual honesty matters. A 2023 Dutch RCT (de Bie et al.) published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition gave participants 500 mg of GABA three times daily, 1,500 mg/day total, and found no significant effect on self-reported sleep quality. Fasting plasma GABA wasn’t significantly elevated either, raising real bioavailability questions at that dose. This isn’t a reason to dismiss GABA entirely. It is a reason to pay attention to the dose. The evidence base supports 100–300 mg, not 1,500 mg. Higher is not better, and the non-linear dose response is clinically important. (PMID: 37495019) The Blood-Brain Barrier Debate — and Why the Gut May Be the Point The most common objection to oral GABA supplementation is this: GABA is a zwitterion at physiological pH, meaning it has low lipophilicity and poor predicted ability to cross the blood-brain barrier via passive diffusion. So if it can’t get into the brain directly, how does it produce neurological effects? The emerging explanation involves the gut-brain axis. The enteric nervous system, your gut’s own neural network, has GABA receptors. When oral GABA activates these enteric receptors, it can signal the brain via vagal afferents without needing to cross the BBB at all. Think of it as a side door rather than the front entrance. Supporting this: a 2024 RCT (Li et al.) found that a probiotic strain engineered to increase gut GABA production significantly improved objective sleep duration as measured by wearable devices, alongside reduced cortisol and suppressed HPA axis activity. The mechanism wasn’t direct CNS access – it was gut-brain signalling. (PMID: 39385735) The BBB debate doesn’t negate the clinical effect. It changes how we understand the mechanism. Why Sleep Is Not Optional in Brain Recovery This is the part that I think gets underweighted in recovery conversations — and the research is unambiguous. A 2026 large retrospective cohort study (Muhtar et al., Sleep Medicine) matched over 35,000 stroke patients and found that post-stroke insomnia was associated with a 29% higher risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment and a 30% higher risk of all-cause dementia. The association with Alzheimer’s disease was also significant. (PMID: 41924789) A 2024 observational study from Monash University and Alfred Health (Smith et al.) found that in stroke rehabilitation patients, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher fatigue severity and lower salivary BDNF gene expression. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is one of the primary molecular drivers of neuroplasticity. Less BDNF means a less receptive environment for the neurological rewiring that rehab is trying to build. (PMID: 38802847) And then there’s the glymphatic system: the brain’s waste-clearance mechanism that is most active during deep sleep. Poor sleep means reduced clearance of metabolic byproducts, including proteins associated with neurodegeneration. This is not a theoretical risk. It is an active, ongoing process. Sleep is not passive recovery. It is one of the primary mechanisms of recovery. What to Do With This Information Here are three practical steps if you’re exploring GABA for sleep: 1. Measure your sleep baseline first. Use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (freely available online) before you make any changes. Understanding whether you’re struggling with latency, duration, or quality will determine what you actually need to address. 2. If you trial GABA, choose the right form and dose. Look for PharmaGABA — naturally fermented GABA, derived from Lactobacillus hilgardii, which has the strongest clinical evidence base. A dose of 100–300 mg taken 30–60 minutes before bed is consistent with the positive studies. Avoid very high doses; the null result at 1,500 mg/day is important context. Important drug interaction note: If you are taking benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin, valproate), or any other GABAergic medication, discuss GABA supplementation with your prescriber before adding it. The additive sedative effect is a real risk. The same applies if you drink alcohol regularly. 3. Don’t skip the foundation. Sleep hygiene interventions, consistent sleep and wake times, a dark and cool room, and no screens in the 60 minutes before bed, are consistently among the highest-leverage sleep interventions in the literature. GABA may provide a genuine incremental benefit. But it cannot compensate for a fundamentally disrupted sleep environment. The Bottom Line The evidence for GABA and sleep is more substantive than I expected when I started researching it. The EEG data is real. The 90-day RCT showed meaningful clinical outcomes. The gut-brain axis mechanism is biologically plausible and now has direct RCT support. And the consequences of poor sleep in neurological recovery are not trivial – they are quantifiable, significant, and, to a degree, addressable. GABA is not a guaranteed fix. Individual responses vary. The research is not yet definitive at the level of large multi-centre trials in neurological populations. But as one tool in a comprehensive approach to sleep quality alongside good sleep hygiene, appropriate medical support, and consistent rehabilitation, the case for cautious exploration is reasonable. The next step is a conversation with your neurologist, GP, or rehab physician. Take the research with you if it’s useful. Research References All studies cited in this post are retrievable via PubMed: Yamatsu et al. — GABA sleep latency EEG clinical trial (2015) — PMID: 26052150 Guimarães et al. — GABA 200mg RCT, sleep efficiency + mood (2024) — PMID: 38321713 de Bie et al. — GABA high-dose RCT, null sleep result (2023) — PMID: 37495019 Li et al. — Gut-brain GABA axis and sleep RCT (2024) — PMID: 39385735 Muhtar et al. — Post-stroke insomnia and cognitive decline cohort (2026) — PMID: 41924789 Smith et al. — Sleep, BDNF, and fatigue in stroke rehabilitation (2024) — PMID: 38802847 This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplementation or treatment plan. If you or someone you care about is recovering from a stroke, brain injury, or any neurological condition, the Recovery After Stroke podcast and this blog exist for you. Subscribe on YouTube @BillGasiamis, or visit Recovery After Stroke to find episodes, resources, and community. The post GABA, Sleep, and Brain Health – Neurological Recovery appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

297: I'm joined by environmental toxin attorney Kristina Baehr to unpack a topic that's far more common - and serious - than most people realize: mold exposure and how it can impact your health, your home, and your rights as a renter or homeowner. We talk about how mold affects the brain and immune system, why it's so often missed or dismissed, and what to actually do if you suspect your home is making you sick. Kristina also breaks down the legal side of these cases, including tenant rights, landlord responsibility, and how litigation can create real change. If you've ever dealt with unexplained symptoms, water damage, or just want to better understand how your environment impacts your health, this episode is a must-listen. Topics Discussed: → Mold & Its Impact on the Body → Identifying Mold in Your Home → Mold Testing & Industry Pitfalls → Tenant Rights & Legal Protections → What To Do If You Find Mold → Why Mold Is a Growing Problem → Education, Awareness & Systemic Change Sponsored By: → Ogee | Thanks to today's sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to https://ogee.com/REALFOODOLOGY and use code REALFOODOLOGY to get 15% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. → Just Thrive | Get your health in check and save 20% on your first order at https://justthrivehealth.com/REALFOODOLOGY → PaleoValley | Head to paleovalley.com/realfoodology for 15% off your first purchase. → Beekeeper's Naturals | Today, Beekeeper's Naturals is giving my listeners an exclusive offer: Go to https://beekeepersnaturals.com/REALFOODOLOGY or enter code REALFOODOLOGY to get 20% off your order. Timestamps:  → 00:00 - Introduction → 02:30 - Why mold is more common (and dangerous) than people realize → 06:15 - How mold affects the brain, immune system, and overall health → 11:40 - The legal side: tenant rights and landlord responsibility → 18:00 - Feeling stuck in a lease and navigating unsafe living conditions → 24:30 - Litigation, accountability, and changing the system → 32:00 - Environmental toxins, public health, and bigger systemic issues → 40:30 - Personal mold stories and long-term health impacts → 50:00 - Misdiagnosis and why mold is often overlooked → 59:40 - Finding mold in the home: where it actually hides → 01:06:00 - The emotional impact of your home not being safe → 01:12:00 - What to do if you suspect mold (first steps) → 01:17:00 - Mold testing mistakes and how to find the right assessor → 01:23:00 - Neurological symptoms and cognitive effects of mold → 01:28:30 - Why mold is a growing issue in modern homes → 01:34:00 - Construction flaws, HVAC issues, and hidden risks → 01:36:30 - The role of education, awareness, and misinformation → 01:40:00 - Final takeaways: using the law to protect public health Show Links: →⁠ ⁠realfoodology.com⁠⁠ Check Out Kristina: → Instagram - Justwellaw Check Out Courtney:  →⁠ ⁠LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide!⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠@realfoodology⁠⁠ →⁠ ⁠⁠PEOPLE VS THE POISON - Sign up now!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠www.realfoodology.com⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠My Immune Supplement by 2x4⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠Air Dr Air Purifier⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠AquaTru Water Filter⁠⁠ → ⁠ ⁠EWG Tap Water Database⁠⁠  Produced By: Drake Peterson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever thought about how handwriting shapes your brain?

How Does the Church Sings Through Suffering and Why Do the Songs Matter?   Grammy Award nominee and Dove Award winner Matt Maher joins the Good Faith podcast for a conversation about the power of songs and church music to tell the truth about suffering. Reflecting on protest, justice, prophetic art, ecumenism, and even Rich Mullins, Maher explores how the church can hold lament and praise together while still pointing people to the hope and holiness of God. Drawing on Psalm 22 and Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross, he argues that the church, like Jesus, must sing honestly about pain and abandonment without losing sight of the worship and honor God deserves.   *This episode was recorded live at the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference   00:00:00  - Tease: The Duality of Abandonment and Praise 00:01:00 - Introduction from Curtis Chang 05:31 - Conversion and the Impact of Catholic Liturgy on His Faith 08:13 - Theology in Songwriting and Collaboration 09:57- Can Ecumenism Expand Your Perspective? 13:06 - John 17 and Praying for Church Unity  14:35 - Prophetic Calling Comforts the Afflicted and Challenges the Comfortable 16:38 - Protest Themes and the Burden of Truth 20:30 - Holding Space for Both Praise and Lament 21:55 - Christian Justice Movements and Prophetic Action 24:02 - The After Party Album and Amos's Call to Justice 24:11 - That He Will Overcome (musical insert) 26:29 - The Toppling of Empire Lyrics as Inspired by Dr. Mika Edmonson 29:04 - The Neurological and Physical Impact of Music on Memory and Community 34:03 - Personal Storytelling and Lament To Work Out Hard Things 40:00 - Rich Mullins' Influence and Legacy 41:24 - What Is The Song the Church Needs Now, In These Crazy Times? 43:48 - A Warning From Nazi Germany Against Ignoring Suffering   Take the Listener Survey Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List   Mentioned In This Episode: The Nicene Creed and the History of the Council of Nicaea Matt Maher's Echoes album (Spotify) Matt Maher's Your Grace Is Enough Matt Maher's The Stories I Tell Myself Matt Maher's The Stories I Tell Myself (Acoustic video) Matt Maher, DOE, Dee Wilson, & The Porter's Gate's That We Might Overcome Listen to the album The Kingdom of Jesus: Songs For The After Party Rich Mullins' Canticle of The Plains (full album on Youtube) Rich Mullins' The Joy of Jesus (feat. Matt Maher, Mac Powell, & Ellie Holcomb) More about Francis Chan   Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 22 (ESV) John 17 (ESV) John 14:6 (ESV) Amos 5-6 (ESV)   More from Matt Maher: See Matt on tour Matt Maher's website Subscribe to Matt's email list Listen to Matt Maher on Spotify   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.  

Dr. Rice evaluates a patient with a chief complaint of mid-thoracic pain radiating around the left lateral rib cage. The patient reports symptoms worsen with deep breathing and coughing, but are not reproduced with spinal movement, rib mobilization, or palpation. Neurological screening is unremarkable. Which of the following structures is MOST likely referring pain to this region?A) Thoracic facet joint dysfunctionB) Intercostal muscle strainC) The pleuraD) The pancreashttp://www.nptecheatsheets.com

An estimated 500,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the United States each year, but the causes and mechanisms of the condition remain a neurological mystery. A recent study looked at the role of variants in a gene called APOE in Alzheimer's, and found that while it's not a simple determinant of developing the disease, that one gene seems to play a significant role in promoting disease risk. Researchers hope work like this could point to new areas to study and even potential treatments. Epidemiologist Dylan Williams joins Host Ira Flatow to explain the findings and discuss the challenges in tracing a complex disease to its roots. Guest: Dr. Dylan Williams is a principal research fellow in molecular and genetic epidemiology at University College London. Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.