Brain Shaman
Brain Shaman
Michael Waite
Brain Shaman is a philosophical and scientific journey towards better brain health. Michael Waite discusses how you can change your brain state and overall nervous system via behavior, nutrition, nature, and technology. Mental illness, addiction, and low brain function are destroying so many people and societies. By becoming increasingly disconnected from our natural mind-body-world and plugged into the artificial ones, we are getting sicker, weaker, and less free. We must become more conscious of how the information that we consume (in the form of action, food, drugs, sensory input, media, etc.) affects our brain. This podcast teaches you how to reconnect with your primordial nature, reprogram your brain, regain your freedom, and redirect your life. 
Ross Ellenhorn: The Art of Being Human — Meaning, Autonomy, Play, and Connection | Episode 106
In this talk with Ross Ellenhorn—author and healthcare pioneer—we explore the human condition and how embracing what makes us truly human—meaning, purpose, autonomy, self-efficacy, play, innovation, collaboration, and connection—can reduce mental suffering and bring us back to life.We also confront the forces that diminish and dehumanize us—alienation, conformity, judgment, labeling, authoritarianism, racism, isolation, and the commodification of people. At the heart of this episode is an exp...
Dec 11, 2024
1 hr 19 min
Matt Bernstein: Ketogenic Diet for Mental Health — Nutritional Solutions to Bipolar, Depression, and Schizophrenia | Episode 105
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Matt Bernstein, CEO of Accord Mental Health and Chief Medical Officer at Ellenhorn, about natural ways to improve, heal, and even potentially reverse mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and depression. The ketogenic diet, a metabolic approach, is the main focus of today’s discussion. We explore its powerful role in supporting brain health, the mechanisms behind how it works, and practical steps for imp...
Dec 4, 2024
1 hr 16 min
Tripp Friedler: Bipolar Disorder Through Family and Society's Eyes | Episode 104
In this episode, I speak with Tripp Friedler, author of The Tunnel, about his family's harrowing journey navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder. Tripp shares the heartbreaking story of his son’s battle with the illness, which tragically ended in suicide. We explore bipolar disorder from multiple perspectives: the individual, the family, and society.We delve into the unique struggles faced by each family member and examine how societal systems—education, healthcare, law enforcement—ofte...
Nov 27, 2024
1 hr 17 min
Mari B. Lutes: Bipolar Disorder and Spiritual Experiences | Episode 103
In this episode, I explore the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual experiences with Mari Beth Lutes, author of Is this a Spiritual Awakening? Or my Bipolar? We talk about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder, practical tools for navigating it, and how it can sometimes open a door to the metaphysical, connecting us to spirits, God, and deeper realities. We talk about clairvoyance, addiction, alcohol, meditation, psychedelics, mediumship, and the blurry line between mania and...
Nov 20, 2024
1 hr 45 min
Matt Masters: Manic Metamorphosis — Music, Drugs, Love, and Growing Up | Episode 102
In this episode, I talk to musician and Manic Memoir author, Matt Masters Burgener. Matt shares his journey from an exciting life of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll to one grounded in love, responsibility, and genuine connection. Together, we dive into his evolution—from living for the moment to building a future, from chasing fun to discovering lasting bonds—a true transformation from adolescence to adulthood. Our conversation covers topics like bipolar disorder, drugs and addiction (focu...
Nov 13, 2024
1 hr 23 min
Ofer Lidsky: Neurofeedback for ADHD — Training Attention, Willpower, and the Prefrontal Cortex | Episode 101
In this episode, we explore ADHD and the potential of neurofeedback to help manage symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Ofer Lidsky, founder and CEO of Excellent Brain, explains how neurofeedback can be used to train the brain, guiding users toward enhanced focus and cognitive performance. We dive into the role of dopamine, the prefrontal cortex, the benefits and limitations of medication, and examine the impact of the education system on ADHD. Additional topics inclu...
Nov 6, 2024
52 min
100th Episode Celebration: Top Tools, Themes, and Thanks | Episode 100
Welcome to episode 100 of the podcast—celebrating two incredible years since we began! Today, I’ll share my heartfelt gratitude to all my guests and listeners, spotlighting our top cities, countries, and episodes. We’ll explore the most powerful ideas and principles we've discussed, highlight essential tools, outline key things to avoid for better brain health, and give you a sneak peek into the exciting future of the podcast. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!
Oct 30, 2024
28 min
Ken Sharlin: Parkinson's Disease — Preventing and Reversing Neurodegeneration with Integrative Medicine | Episode 99
In this episode, I interview Dr. Ken Sharlin, a neurologist and the author of The Healthy Brain Toolbox, to discuss Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and ALS. Dr. Sharlin explores the symptoms, causes, and potential breakthroughs in treating these diseases through both conventional and functional medicine.What We Discuss:Parkinson’s Symptoms and Early Signs: Both motor symptoms (such as tremors, rigidity, and shuffling gait) and non-motor symptoms (in...
Oct 23, 2024
1 hr 14 min
Michael J. Gelb: How to Walk — Steps Toward Comfort, Energy, and Connection | Episode 98
In this episode, I interview Michael J. Gelb, author of Walking Well and 17 other insightful books. He teaches us how to transform our walking experience, increasing comfort, awareness, connection, energy, creativity, presence, and joy with every step. Learn to undo bad habits that hold you back and discover principles from tai chi, qi gong, aikido, and the natural movements of humans and animals. Explore how to connect with the ground, the air, historical figures, animals, the sacred, ...
Oct 16, 2024
38 min
Diante Fuchs: The Gift of Anxiety — How Emotions Guide Us Forward | Episode 97
In this episode, Diante Fuchs, author of The Gift of Anxiety, guides us through our emotions and how they reflect our unmet needs. She emphasizes the importance of listening to and embracing these emotions, allowing them to guide us forward into a better life. Emotions like anger, sadness, frustration, and anxiety often signal unmet needs—such as connection, safety, independence, acceptance, boundaries, and spontaneity. Learning how to understand, engage, accept, and communicate them, will he...
Oct 9, 2024
58 min
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