In this episode, I talk to my guest, independent pet store owner and advocate Toni Shelaske about wellness for our dogs and cats. We discuss the benefits of getting a pet from a rescue organization, different types of feeding practices, pet emotional health, the importance of exercise and more.

Learn more about Toni and listen to her podcast at toniunleashed.com.

Music is not only a treat for your ears, but it can also be therapy for the soul. Many of us have memories that are unlocked when we hear one of our favorite tunes.

My guest on this episode is David “Vito” Gregoli, producer, composer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist. The episode features two of Vito’s pieces. The first is “On the Road to Windham” (with Jim “Kimo” West). The second one is a newer track called “Hope,” with (with Jim Gelcer).

We talk about why all music, even popular music, can be healing to us, because of how it connects to our hearts. In this way, healing comes from how we receive it, rather than from the music or lyrics themselves. For example, what were we doing when we first heard a specific song? Does it remind us of a broken heart? A wonderful, nostalgic memory?

Vito talks about his background in music and playing rock n roll, as well as working in production and studio work. He also talks about how his interest in transcendental meditation, Buddhism, and heart-centered practices led him to compose and produce new age music.

Vito describes how the music industry is evolving, how AI is affecting it, and shares tips for new musicians.

Listen to Vito’s music here: https://www.youtube.com/c/VitoGregoli

This episode is the first of several episodes coming in future months, with musicians who have an interest in heart-centered practices or have experienced profound healing through their music.

My guest on this episode is Fredric Schiffer, MD, psychiatrist, assistant professor at Harvard, and author.

Many psychiatric issues and addictions stem from past traumas. Dr. Schiffer has researched and developed a theory of psychology called “dual-brain psychology.”

This theory suggests that the brain is made up of two minds, which compete for dominance. Trauma is stored in one of the two brain hemispheres, and that each of those hemispheres can support an entire mind.

When Dr. Schiffer treats the troubled side of the brain with a technique he developed, he states that it can successfully curb anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.

In this interview, Dr. Schiffer guides me through one of these techniques! You can also try this at home to discover which side of your brain stores trauma.

We also discuss how he uses this and other techniques to help people who are addicted to fentanyl and other substances. He is the author of the book “Good-bye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & PTSD: The Life-Changing Science of Dual-Brain Psychology.” Visit his website at dualbrainpsychology.com.