What if “feeling fine” isn’t the same as being truly ready to return to sport, or even school, after a concussion?

I sit down with Dr. Ted Arkfeld to discuss how objective nervous system measurements may add clarity to performance, recovery, and readiness.

Ted A. Arkfeld, DC, MS, is a chiropractor, clinical researcher, and educator focused on the role of the nervous system in human performance, injury risk, and recovery. He is the developer of the Neuro Sport Performance Evaluation (NSPE), a model that integrates objective neurological metrics—including BrainTap’s NeuralChek—with functional movement and sensorimotor assessment. With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Arkfeld collaborates with technology partners and clinicians to advance evidence-informed approaches to sports performance, concussion management, and neurological rehabilitation, while educating doctors of chiropractic on translating neuroscience into practical, measurable outcomes.

In this episode, we explore how tools like NeuralChek, which Dr. Arkfeld actively uses as part of his evaluation protocol, can support a more complete view of movement, balance, and autonomic regulation, especially when athletes (or patients) may underreport symptoms.

The conversation also touches on how BrainTap is incorporated as part of his recovery approach, supporting relaxation, sleep, and nervous system regulation alongside active care.

Please, comment and share your thoughts: Should baseline nervous system screening be a standard part of sports, recovery, and aging well?

Connect with Dr. Ted Arkfeld:

https://arkfeldchiropractic.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-a-arkfeld-dc-ms-43611522/\

https://www.youtube.com/@DefeatingPain

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast #braintap

Your next “brain upgrade” isn’t another productivity hack… but your TRAINING plan!

In this episode of the Brain Fitness Podcast, I’m joined by Ted Ryce (Legendary Life Podcast), a high-performance health coach who helps entrepreneurs over 40 get leaner, stronger, and more energized; not for vanity, but for better mood, sharper focus, and long-term brain performance.

We get into the real-world stuff: why many high achievers think they’re doing “enough,” but they’re not measuring the right things…and how simple data like DEXA scans, blood work, and VO2 max can cut through the noise so you stop guessing and start getting results.

Question for you: What’s your biggest challenge right now, consistency, energy, stress, sleep, or knowing what to do?

Free training — Lean After 40 Masterclass: https://www.legendarylifeprogram.com/auto-webinar-registration-25751695

Timestamps:

00:00 Why the body fuels the brain

04:00 Ted Ryce’s personal journey into fitness

07:30 Exercise, stress, and brain resilience

09:00 VO2 max explained for brain health & longevity

14:00 Why muscle mass supports metabolic and cognitive health

21:00 Fitness strategies for high-stress entrepreneurs

27:00 Strength training vs cardio for brain performance

41:00 Simple daily routines to improve focus and sleep

45:00 How to start training without burnout

Connect with Ted Ryce:

https://www.legendarylifepodcast.com/

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

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What if the “energy problem” isn’t willpower—but cellular?

In this episode of the Brain Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Jim Ladwig, the man behind Haelan 951, a nitrogen-fermented soybean product used by wellness clinics and individuals to support gut health, brain function, and overall energy.

During his own battle with cancer, Jim was introduced to Haelan 951. After experiencing powerful results, he developed a passion for natural, body-supportive approaches to healing. He is now a certified health coach and a driving force behind Haelan’s mission to help individuals and families reclaim their health.

You can’t think your way out of a gut problem. The gut plays a key role in neurotransmitter balance, inflammation signaling, and how the brain processes information. When digestion is off, mood, sleep, and mental clarity often follow.

In this episode, we explore nitrogen-fermented soy (Haelan 951), fermentation and bioavailability, the gut-brain connection, microbiome support, and wellness strategies for supporting cellular energy and inflammation balance.

Connect with Jim Ladwig:

https://haelan951.com/

https://www.instagram.com/haelan951/

https://www.facebook.com/Haelan951/

https://www.youtube.com/@haelan951

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast

Ever feel like you’re moving from one “fire” to the next?

Today, I’m joined by trauma specialist Alisa Gracheva.

Alisa strongly believes in integrating spirituality with mental health to help individuals experience deeper fulfillment and inner peace. She has extensive experience working with people in crisis, those facing a wide range of mental health challenges, and individuals navigating substance use.

Her background includes years of work with integrative and alternative healing modalities such as sacred plant medicine and integration, sound healing, light therapy, energy work, and spiritual guidance. Her areas of specialization include general mental health, trauma, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, grief and loss, life transitions, personal growth, existential crisis, and spiritual guidance.

In this episode, we explore trauma, chronic stress, and what truly helps when the nervous system is stuck in survival mode. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how practical Alisa’s approach is. She explains that in moments of crisis, the mind isn’t searching for philosophy—it’s searching for safety. That’s why we start with the body.

We discuss somatic grounding, where stress commonly shows up (hello, neck and shoulders), and simple reset tools you can try immediately—even if you only have five minutes. We also cover nervous system regulation, breathwork, daily rituals, gratitude, sound healing, music and brainwave audio, light-based tools, and how neuroplasticity supports real, lasting change over time.

So let me ask you this: when you feel overwhelmed, what helps bring you back—breath, movement, nature, music, prayer?

Drop us a comment. You might help someone else more than you realize.

Connect with Alisa Gracheva:

https://since.life/

https://www.instagram.com/alisa_art/

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast

Your voice isn’t just “something you have”. It can be a powerful daily practice for self-expression, focus, and feeling more aligned.

In this Brain Fitness Podcast episode, Marni Pogachefsky (Marni Mae) shares the concept of soul songs and how music, frequency, and simple humming can help you reconnect with your message and purpose, without needing to be a performer.

Marni Mae is a transformational artist and sound practitioner, and the founder of Soul Songs. Formerly a business consultant working with Google and Fortune 500 companies, her path shifted after formative experiences that led her to focus on sound, voice, and frequency-based practices. She creates personalized and group sonic experiences designed to help people reconnect with their authentic voice and sense of purpose, and works with creatives, leaders, and change-makers through courses, performances, and guided audio experiences.

In this conversation, you’ll hear practical ways to explore your own sound, recognize when you feel “out of tune,” and use music intentionally as a mirror for your life and relationships.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: Everyone has a “song”

00:50 Unlocking your soul song + voice activation

01:30 How soul songs began + “tuning fork” metaphor

04:00 The Voices course + community soul songs

07:25 Music as metaphor + harmony & belonging

09:50 How to tell if you’re “out of tune”

11:15 How music can shift your state

18:55 Simple practice: start humming and follow it

23:45 Music as a mirror in teams + daily life

32:20 Voices course overview + BrainTap integration

34:55 Where to find Marni + next steps

Resources mentioned:

VOICES Course: http://marnimae.com/voices

Consultation with Marni: https://www.marnimae.com/soulsong-con...

Free Playlist: https://www.marnimae.com/free-gift

BrainTap (free trial): https://braintap.com/

Connect with Marni Mae:

https://www.marnimae.com/

https://sistersdivine.com/

https://youtube.com/@Sisters.Divine

https://www.instagram.com/marnimaehem

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast

What if mental fitness starts with how the brain is fueled?

In this episode of the Brain Fitness Podcast, Dr. Patrick Porter sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Matthew Bernstein to explore the emerging science of brain metabolism, ketogenic nutrition, and mental performance.

Dr. Matthew Bernstein, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist and CEO of Accord Mental Health. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed his psychiatric residency at Massachusetts General Hospital / McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate.

Dr. Bernstein is known for integrating metabolic health, nutrition, and brain energy science into psychiatric care, with a clinical focus on mitochondrial function and metabolism in mental health. He continues to practice full-time and leads an immersive residential program centered on lifestyle-based mental health support.

In this conversation, Drs. Porter and Bernstein examine how ketones function as an alternative fuel source for the brain—and why optimizing metabolic health may be essential for achieving cognitive clarity and emotional resilience.

Learn more at https://accordmh.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Dr. Bernstein’s background

04:00 – Ketogenic diet & brain fuel

07:30 – Mitochondria and mental energy

10:00 – Circadian rhythm & brain timing

16:00 – Metabolic flexibility & insulin

23:00 – GABA, glutamate & calm focus

39:00 – Why ketosis is not a trend

Connect with Dr. Matthew Bernstein:

https://www.instagram.com/accordmh/

https://www.facebook.com/accordmh

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast

So many people are struggling with stress, poor sleep, chronic fatigue, and nervous system overload, and most don’t realize what’s driving it.

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Blue, FDNP, from My Align Mat to talk about the nervous system, posture, sleep, and the simple habits that support a calmer brain and body. We also explore how posture, breath, and grounding can shift physiology more than most people realize.

Alyssa is a former aerospace engineer turned Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner with a passion for human performance and nervous system health. After years of chronic pain and gut issues, she shifted from engineering rockets to understanding the body, using deep investigative work and bio-individual healing. She is also the co-creator of ALIGN, the first Schumann-resonance-tuned PEMF mat designed to support at-home healing and balance.

If you’ve been feeling wired but tired, overwhelmed, or unable to fully relax, this episode will give you a clearer path and a starting point.

Exclusive listener offer:

There is a $500 discount on the Align Mat when you use the code BRAINTAP at checkout.

Visit → https://myalignmat.com/?ref=braintap

For more information about BrainTap®, visit → https://braintap.com/

Connect with Alyssa Blue:

https://www.instagram.com/wholeisticlyfe/

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast

When the body begins to break down, the spirit often whispers for change.

In today's episode of the Brain Fitness Podcast, Dr. Patrick Porter sits down with Dr. Mamta Bhatt — Harvard-trained scientist, bestselling author, and holistic wellness expert — for a conversation that reshapes the way we think about healing.

Dr. Mamta Bhatt is a former Fortune 50 executive and scientist whose life was transformed by a two-decade struggle with chronic fatigue and hormonal imbalance. After traditional medicine offered no lasting relief, she turned to an integrative path — blending lifestyle medicine, functional nutrition, mindfulness and deep spiritual practice. Her healing sparked a new purpose: helping others reverse chronic conditions by aligning body, mind, and spirit. With a PhD in Macromolecular Science, executive training from Wharton and Harvard Medical School, and a lived experience that bridges the scientific and the sacred, Dr. Bhatt guides people toward sustainable, joyful, radiant health.

Dr. Bhatt shares her remarkable journey from high achievement and burnout to a sunrise awakening that transformed her health from the inside out. Together, they explore how food, brain chemistry, and the mind-body connection create a “second chance” at vitality, and why healing chronic illness often begins long before symptoms show up on a lab report.

This episode bridges neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and ancient spiritual wisdom — revealing how small daily shifts in nourishment, movement, and mindset can unlock profound energy, emotional balance, and long-term health.

If healthy, joyful living feels out of reach, this conversation shows what’s possible when science and spirituality finally meet.

Connect with Dr. Mamta Bhatt:

https://www.drmamtabhatt.com/

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

https://drpatrickporter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

https://www.facebook.com/DrPatrickPorter/

https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

Other helpful links & information:

http://www.braintap.pro/

*Our content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. Please consult with your doctor / healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medical condition.

#BrainFitnessPodcast