How do meditation, breathwork, and tapping influence the brain—and what can they teach us about healing, connection, and resilience?

In this episode, I speak with four thought leaders exploring the neuroscience and practice of inner calm:

• Niraj Naik, creator of SOMA Breath, on breathwork rooted in Pranayama and how rhythmic breathing and brief hypoxia strengthen mitochondria and balance energy.
• Nick Ortner, founder of The Tapping Solution, on how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) calms the amygdala, lowers cortisol, and helps rewire stress and cravings at the brain level.
• Dr. Lisa Miller, author of The Awakened Brain, on how meditation shifts us from rumination to guidance, activating the brain’s natural capacity for oneness and enduring alpha waves associated with peace and spiritual connection.
• Dr. Tony Nader, neuroscientist and leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement, on TM’s measurable effects on blood pressure, brain coherence, and even collective consciousness.

From ancient practices to modern neuroscience, this episode explores how tuning the mind and body can transform stress into clarity—and reconnect us to our shared field of consciousness.

Related Episodes:

Ep 289 - Niraj Naik on Efficiency with Breath

Ep 223 - Tapping to Reduce Stress with Nick Ortner

Ep 277 - Dr. Lisa Miller on the Science of Spirituality + Mental Health

Ep 303 - Tony Nader on Exploring Consciousness + Transcendental Meditation

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

Have you ever felt trapped in a thought you couldn’t shake? In this episode, Julie shares how the belief “I’ll never be organized” kept her stuck in anxiety and overwhelm—and how Byron Katie’s The Work helped her break free. Through four simple questions, she discovered a way to shift limiting beliefs into empowering ones. Listen in to learn how this tool can open new possibilities in your own life.

Please share your thoughts with info@pursuing-health.com, or connect with me on Instagram @JulieFoucher. Related Episodes: Ep 309 - How I Created My Life Plan

Ep 20 - Julie Foucher on Her Current Daily Schedule, Medical School Applications, Preventing Injury, and Advice for the CrossFit Games Open

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

What matters more—quality or quantity when it comes to nutrition? And how does diet connect to stress, longevity, and overall health?

In this episode, we’re bringing together highlights from some of my favorite past conversations on nutrition and lifestyle. You’ll hear from:

• Brigid Titgemeier on how changing her diet transformed her health and why food quality comes first
• Dan Buettner, author of Blue Zones, on what the world’s longest-lived communities teach us about diet, environment, and relationships
• EC Synkowski on foundational nutrition principles, the 800g Challenge, and protei
• Chris Kresser on how stress and restrictive dieting can slow metabolism
• Dr. Cate Shanahan on the impact of seed oils and dietary toxins on cellular health

It’s a packed episode with practical takeaways to help you think about food—and health—in a more holistic way.

Related Episodes:

Ep 22 - Brigid Titgemeier on Functional Nutriton

Ep 272 - The Secret to Longevity: Dan Buettner on the Blue Zones

Ep 95 - EC Synkowski on Optimizing your Nutrition

Ep 189 - Chris Kresser on HPA Axis Dysfunction and the Stress Response

Ep 302 - Cate Shanahan on The Dangers of Seed Oils

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.