Episodios

  • From Burnout to Flow: How ADHD Shaped My Brain Health Journey with Jamie Toyne
    May 14 2025

    What if the key to better focus, less burnout, and sharper brain health was flow?

    In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Brain Health!, former professional athlete and ADHD advocate Jamie Toyne shares how discovering the science of flow transformed his life—and how it can do the same for you.

    Jamie explores what it takes to enter a flow state, why it’s essential for cognitive performance, and how small shifts in your daily routine can help you get “in the zone” more often. He also shares practical tools to reduce distractions, improve focus, and build habits that support your brain’s natural rhythm.

    Whether you're seeking more clarity, energy, or creativity, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you tap into your brain’s full potential through flow.

    00:00 Introduction & Jamie's ADHD Journey

    03:03 Discovering Flow Through Tennis

    06:30 Burnout and the Quest for Flow

    08:56 The Science and Practice of Flow

    14:28 Creating Flow in Daily Life

    18:50 Addressing Burnout and Self-Care

    25:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

    Resources

    • Learn more about Jamie’s coaching and consulting services on his website

      Explore the factors that may be blocking you from flow with his free tool

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    28 m
  • Measurement-Based Care for Lasting Brain Health with Dr. Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH
    Apr 30 2025

    In this enlightening episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we are joined by Dr. Marie Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH, a distinguished neuroscientist and CEO of Metric Health. Marie shares her journey from her academic pursuits to her groundbreaking work in AI-driven assessment platforms for brain health.

    She discusses the importance of measurement-based care, how personalized data collection can revolutionize brain injury recovery, and the transformative potential of bringing advanced assessments to more people globally.

    Gain valuable insights on the future of brain health, patient empowerment, and the role of technology in healthcare from an expert dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

    Tune in to learn how technology can empower patients, provide better data to healthcare providers, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with brain injuries.

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH

    01:23 Inspiration Behind Metric Health

    03:14 Understanding Measurement-Based Care

    04:38 Traditional vs. Modern Brain Health Assessment

    07:55 The Role of Self-Advocacy in Brain Health

    11:04 Challenges in Brain Injury Recovery

    17:20 Personalized Medicine and Brain Health

    19:58 Future of Brain Health Assessment

    25:32 Practical Advice and Resources

    28:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    Resources:

    • Learn more about Metric Health on their website.

    • Interested in learning more about Virtual Reality and its use to improve brain health? Check out our podcast episode with Amir Bozorgzadeh, CEO and co-founder of VirtuLeap

    Beta Testing Information

    Express interest in joining the beta test group to help inform the future of brain care injury.

    Have you ever had a concussion or brain injury? You can be part of an evolution in brain injury care by joining Metric Health's beta launch. Designed to make follow-up care less frustrating and more personalized, Metric Health's new app is an alternative to “go home and rest” when that is not enough.
    With easy-to-use, scientifically valid assessments and personalized insights into your brain health, you can communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers.

    Sign up for the waitlist today and get early access to a better way to manage your recovery.

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    31 m
  • Navigating Dementia with Pride: A Conversation on Brain Health Equity with Daìthì- Advocate
    Apr 16 2025

    **If you’re looking for supportive LGBTQI+ communities or want to connect further with today’s speaker, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime at podcast@virtualbrainhealthcenter.com—we’d be happy to guide you in the right direction!**

    In this podcast episode, we welcome Daìthì, a passionate advocate diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2015, whose advocacy highlights the intersection of dementia care and LGBTQI+ rights, particularly for trans and non-binary individuals.

    Daìthì shares their personal journey, emphasizing their unwavering identity and the importance of inclusive research and services across several countries.

    They discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia, their advocacy work, and their involvement in various projects and conferences aimed at greater visibility and inclusion.

    The conversation also touches on misconceptions about dementia erasing identity and the necessity of identity-affirming care for brain health.

    Daìthì highlights the importance of personal directives, community, and the ongoing fight against exclusion.

    The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: listen, educate, and advocate for trans and non-binary individuals living with dementia.00:00 Introduction to Daìthì 02:40 Personal Journey and Identity04:19 Defining Moments and Challenges06:01 Misconceptions About Dementia and Identity08:30 Importance of Identity-Affirming Care16:50 Advice for Navigating Dementia Care22:19 Future of Inclusive Dementia Care29:44 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Learn more and take action with resources from some key organizations:

    • SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders)

    • Opening Doors London (focused on LGBTQ+ aging)

    • Alzheimer’s Europes LGBTQ+ working group

    • DEEP Network’s LGBTQ+ initiatives and support group

    • Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project (DEEP)

    • Mens & Zorg, where Tommy Sierens is working on inclusive palliative care

    These organizations are actively making a difference in how dementia care intersects with LGBTQ+ identities.

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    33 m
  • Tuning Into Brain Health: The Intersection of Music, Science, and Dementia Care with Eyleen Braaten and Dr. Patricia Izbicki
    Apr 2 2025

    In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, expert host Dr. Krystal Culler engages with two distinguished guests, Dr. Patricia Izbicki and Eyleen Braaten, to explore the intersection of music and brain health.

    Dr. Izbicki, a neuroscientist and musician, and Eyleen, the Executive Director of the Giving Voice Chorus, discuss the profound impact of music on cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connectivity.

    They share insights from scientific research and real-world applications, emphasizing how group singing can significantly benefit individuals, especially those living with dementia and their care partners.

    The episode highlights the transformative power of music in fostering joy, community, and cognitive resilience, urging listeners to embrace music in their daily lives.

    00:00 Introduction to Brain Health

    00:45 Meet Our Special Guests

    02:59 Patricia's Journey into Music and Neuroscience

    03:58 Eileen's Passion for Music and Brain Health

    04:53 The Science Behind Music and the Brain

    08:23 Benefits of Singing and Choir Participation

    10:25 The Giving Voice Initiative

    14:45 Transformative Stories from Giving Voice

    25:34 Long-term Benefits of Music on Cognitive Health

    30:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    Resources:

    • Learn more about the Giving Voice Chorus on their website.

    • Explore more of Dr. Patricia Izbicki’s science writing on her website.

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    36 m
  • Blending Art and Science: How Creativity Fuels Brain Health with Genein Letford, M.Ed.
    Mar 19 2025

    Join us in an insightful conversation with Genein Letford, M.Ed., a national thought leader in brain health and creativity. As an award-winning businesswoman and educator, Genein delves into the concept of ‘prismatic leadership,’ intercultural creativity, and neurosomatic creativity.

    She shares her journey from teaching to founding Cafe Strategies, a company that empowers organizations through the arts and neuroscience.

    Learn how creativity impacts cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and how integrating arts into everyday life—regardless of one's background or profession—can enrich brain function.

    Genein also addresses the importance of accessible arts education for all, advocating that creativity is a vital skill in today’s fast-evolving world.

    Dive deep into how music, movement, and the arts not only enhance brain health but also foster social connections, promote adaptability, and include different cultural perspectives.

    Don't miss this opportunity to explore how to unleash your own creative potential and thrive in every aspect of life.

    00:00 Introduction to Janine Letford and Her Work

    01:38 Genein's Journey into Creativity and Brain Health

    05:02 Defining Creativity and Its Importance

    07:26 Neurosomatic Creativity Explained

    10:10 The Role of Arts in Brain Health

    14:06 Overcoming Creative Barriers and Healing Through Arts

    17:53 Practical Steps to Engage in Creative Activities

    21:31 Future of Creativity and Brain Health

    25:31 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

    Resources:

    • Learn more about Genein’s work at CAFFE Strategies on her website
    • Explore the Lyrics N’ Leadership offerings
    • Connect with Genein on LinkedIn
    • Check out Genein’s books on her website
    • Watch “How Do Our Brains Handle Grief” a TedX talk by Dr. Mary Frances-O’Connor, Ph.D.
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    31 m
  • Enhancing Cognitive Performance Through Nutrition with Dr. Jenna Stedman, DCN
    Mar 5 2025

    Join us as Dr. Jenna Stedman shares her mission to enhance cognitive performance and brain health through strategic nutrition.

    With impressive qualifications and experience, Dr. Stedman discusses how diet directly impacts focus, memory, and attention.

    Learn about personalized cognitive nutrition, practical dietary tips, and the importance of hydration.

    This episode is packed with insights for athletes, professionals, and anyone looking to optimize their brain health.

    Discover the powerful connection between what we eat and how we perform in everyday life!

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jenna Stedman

    01:13 Journey into Cognitive Nutrition

    03:17 Understanding Cognitive Performance Nutrition

    05:25 Practical Applications and Benefits

    06:29 Working with Dr. Stedman

    09:00 Cognitive Performance Events

    16:10 Evidence-Based Nutritional Strategies

    22:50 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    Resources:

    • Learn more about how blueberries impact cognitive function across the lifespan in this study

    • Explore Jenna’s website and her work at The Master Nutrition Lab

    • Learn more about Jenna’s Mindful Nutrition Program here

    Explore our previous podcast conversations on nutrition and brain health.

      • The MIND Diet Update: A Scientific Approach for Brain Health & Dementia Prevention with Maggie Moon, MS, RD | Author of the MIND Diet Second Edition
      • The Science of Plant-Based Nutrition with "The Godmother" of Vegan Dietitians, Brenda Davis, RD
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    30 m
  • Hearing and Brain Health: The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline with Andrew Campbell
    Feb 19 2025

    In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA interviews Andrew Campbell, a distinguished audiologist and author specializing in hearing and brain health.

    Campbell shares his extensive experience and research findings that highlight the importance of addressing hearing loss early to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

    He underscores that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia and impacts memory, cognitive load, and social isolation.

    Campbell advocates for regular hearing assessments, especially for those over 55, and emphasizes the need for consistent use of hearing devices for optimal benefits.

    Additionally, he highlights the interconnectedness of hearing health with overall well-being and longevity.

    The discussion also includes practical advice on accessing independent audiologists and the importance of proactivity in managing hearing health.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

    00:05 Andrew's Background and Career

    01:26 The Importance of Hearing Health

    03:03 Research and Statistics on Hearing Loss

    09:35 Early Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

    12:00 Impact of Hearing Loss on Cognitive Function

    16:53 Steps to Assess and Improve Hearing Health

    19:17 Addressing Stigma and Hesitancy

    23:18 Case Study and Practical Advice

    26:07 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    Resources:

    • Learn more about the ACHIEVE Study here

    • Review the Lancet Commission 2024 Report on “Dementia prevention, intervention, and care”

    • Explore Andrew’s website and his work at Neuaudio hearing & brain health

    • Check out Andrew's book “Hearing and Brain Health: Startling links between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline” on Amazon

    • Access additional learning videos on Andrew’s YouTube

    Explore our previous podcast conversations on how our various senses impact our brain health.

      • “How Our Eyes Reflect Our Well-being” with Dr. Jacquelin Theis, DO
      • “Mind Your Mouth: How Oral Health Impacts Brain Function” with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS

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    29 m
  • Mind Your Mouth: How Oral Health Impacts Brain Function with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS
    Feb 5 2025

    Join us for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS, dental director and dementia practitioner, as we explore the surprising connection between oral health and brain health.

    Discover the implications of oral bacteria on cognitive functions and learn actionable steps for maintaining both physical and cognitive well-being.

    From her pivot in dental practice to her enduring commitment to geriatric and homebound care, Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS, shares invaluable insights and practical tips for optimal oral hygiene.

    Don't miss this essential conversation about how simple dental care can have profound impacts on your brain health.

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS

    01:10 Unexpected Career Shift

    03:06 Oral Health and Brain Health Connection

    06:34 Importance of Daily Oral Hygiene

    08:57 Oral Health Challenges for Women

    15:19 Practical Tips for Oral Care

    19:11 Patient Success Story

    24:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    Resources

    • Learn more about Dr. Joy Poskozim’s dental practice on her website

    • Explore more resources from Joy on her personal website

    • Email Dr. Joy with questions at jvpdent@gmail.com

    Learn more about how other aspects of your senses can impact your brain health.

    Explore our previous podcast conversation “How Our Eyes Reflect Our Well-being” with Dr. Jacquelin Theis, DO

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    32 m
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