Dr. Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist from City of Hope, shares insights from his journey from college dropout to acclaimed author and surgeon. He discusses how to heal from past trauma and the importance of emotional regulation for overall well-being. Listeners learn about the brain's remarkable adaptability and the powerful connection between mind and body. Jandial emphasizes the significance of physical activity, meditation, and a positive mindset in navigating life's challenges and enhancing mental health.
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insights INSIGHT
Brain Plasticity
The brain is not hardwired, but an ecosystem of interconnected neurons.
It's constantly changing, pruning, and branching, allowing for new possibilities.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Brain Adaptability
Dr. Jandial observed patients with removed brain parts functioning normally after surgery.
This revealed the brain's adaptability and ability to compensate for lost tissue.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hemispherectomy
Removing half a child's brain for epilepsy showcased the brain's remarkable plasticity.
The remaining hemisphere reorganized, restoring lost functions over time.
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In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Life on a Knife's Edge
Rahul Jandial
In *Life on a Knife's Edge*, Dr. Rahul Jandial shares his profound experiences as a brain surgeon, highlighting the resilience and courage of his patients. The book offers a raw and unflinching account of the impossible choices he faces daily, revealing the depths of a surgeon's psyche under immense pressure. It explores the lessons he has learned about human nature from his patients and the fateful consequences of his decisions.
Today's guest is Dr. Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist at City of Hope in Los Angeles, California. Before finding his calling in the operating room, Dr. Jandial was a college dropout and worked as a security guard. As a surgeon, he now provides complex surgical treatment to patients with cancer. As a scientist, his laboratory investigates the biology of the human brain. Throughout his career, he has authored 10 books and over 100 academic articles. Be sure to check out his new book, Life on a Knife’s Edge: A Brain Surgeon’s Reflections on Life, Loss and Survival.
In this episode, you will learn
How to heal the memories of past trauma.
How to better regulate your emotions.
How to transform yourself using your mind.
Why it is so important to play and keep your body active.
The School of Greatness 
