Brain Shaman

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine. We discuss the powers and limits of the human brain, the tentative yet evolving role of neuroscience, and the science of thermoregulation in both animals and humans.Our conversation explores the concept of hormesis-enhanced interoceptive refocusing—how combining stressors like cold exposure and breathwork with parasympathetic practices such as meditation or introspection can influence brain function, mood, and perception.We also discuss mental health disorders, drugs, pharmaceuticals, animal research, technology, exercise, the abundance of information and food, and the dynamic relationship between the mind, body, and environment. Connect and Learn MoreProfessor Profile: psychiatry.med.wayne.edu/profile/ax3112LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/vaibhav-diwadkar-7ba3107 RESOURCESPAPERS“Brain over body”–A study on the willful regulation of autonomic function during cold exposure , NeuroImage (March 2018)Human regulatory systems in the age of abundance: A predictive processing perspective, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (February 2025)The impact of a focused behavioral intervention on brain cannabinoid signaling and interoceptive function: Implications for mood and anxiety, Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative (January 2024)PEOPLEAndrew HubermanEmerson PughFranz GallMartin Heidegger Otto MusikWim Hof

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Jett Stone, clinical psychologist and author of Quiet Your Mind: A Men's Guide. We explore the struggles many men face in today’s world—alienation, confusion, and lack of footing—and how to navigate this modern world with more meaning, purpose, confidence, and connection. We discuss:Masculinity and femininityMarriage, dating, and parenthoodWork—both paid and unpaid, including domestic laborCommunity and friendsChallenges for women and couplesOverthinking and practical tools to overcome itActionable tools for men living in the modern world:Journaling, writing, and finding the right languageMentorship, social infrastructure, and third placesJoining clubs, leagues, or churchesGetting out of the house and putting in effortSlowing down, listening to classical musicEmbracing exercise and movementExperimenting, taking small risks, and shifting perspectiveSeeking curiosity and aweDefining your values and constructing your own masculine codeWhether you're feeling lost, confused, or alone, this conversation offers practical insights to help you build a more meaningful, purpose-filled, and connected life.Connect and Learn More🌐 Website: jettstonephd.com📚 Book: Quiet Your Mind📸 Instagram: @flex.flexibility🧠 Psychology Today: /jett-stone-phdRESOURCESORGANIZATIONSBoys & Girls Clubs of AmericaPsychology TodayPEOPLEKarl Kahler Loretta BreuningSteven HayesPLACESVietnam 

In this episode, I talk with yoga teacher and researcher Erica Sharpe about yoga nidra. We explore the emerging science behind this ancient practice, how to do it, and how it can help with insomnia, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, depression, pain, and more. Yoga nidra lets you rewire memories and habits, break free from past constraints, and open new possibilities. It enhances sleep, relaxation, learning, mood, memory, and overall well-being by guiding you into a deep state of conscious rest.We also discuss sleep, dreams, nightmares, psychosis, symbols, language, imagery, audio, intention, sensory perception, sensory withdrawal, environment, posture, timing, duration, potential risks, the distinction between yoga nidra and NSDR, and the deeper impact of yoga on the mind and body.Explore how yoga nidra unlocks your subconscious mind and guides you into deeper states of rest, awareness, and transformation.Connect and Learn More📺 YouTube: @ericasharpe5711✉️ Email: shared in the episodeRESOURCESBOOKSHatha Yoga Pradipika by SvatmaramaYoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda SaraswatiORGANIZATIONSNational Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)National University of National Medicine (NUNM)SUNY CantonYoga Vidya GurukulPEOPLEAndrew HubermanFriedrich August KekuleLord Voldemort (fictional character)Mr. Hyde (fictional character)Swami Satyananda SaraswatiThomas EdisonVishwas Vasant MandlikPRACTICESAsanaAshtanga yogaDharanaDhyanaHatha yogaHypnosisOmkarMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)NyasaPratyaharaShavasanaVamachara

In this episode, I talk with yoga teacher and health journalist Sonia Azad about meditation for beginners. We explore Vipassana, yoga nidra, mindfulness, and more—guiding you into practices that bring more calm, peace, presence, and freedom. Whether you're just starting your meditation journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is for you.Connect and Learn More🌐 Website: sonia-azad.com🎙️ Podcast: The Shift with Sonia Azad📸 Instagram: @SoniaAzadTV📘 Facebook: @SoniaAzadTV🔗 LinkedIn: /sonia-azad🐦 X: @SoniaAzadTVRESOURCESAPPSCalmHeadspaceInsight Timer COURSESVipassana MeditationYoga with Sonia PEOPLEJake PanasevichS.N. Goenka PODCASTSThe Shift with Sonia AzadYoga with Jake 

In this episode, I talk with Cambridge zoologist Arik Kershenbaum about why communication evolved in animals and humans. We explore how social structure, status, needs, movement, distance, environment, emotions, sense of self and other, theory of mind, genetic relatedness, technology, ideas, words, language, and the senses shape the way we communicate.We also discuss interspecies communication, pets, plants, gossip, names, autism, mental illness, other minds, information media (books, radio, etc.), language breakdown, variation in language abilities, fighting, isolation, and anthropomorphism.Learn more about how wolves, dolphins, parrots, hyraxes, gibbons, chimpanzees, humans, and other species communicate in Arik’s latest book, Why Animals Talk. RESOURCESBOOKSAlex and Me by Irene PepperbergHarry Potter by J.K. RowlingThe Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum Why Animals Talk by Arik Kershenbaum PAPERS Epiphenomenal Qualia by Frank JacksonWhat Is It Like to Be a Bat? by Thomas NagelPEOPLEAlex (parrot)Irene PepperbergJ.K. RowlingRick McIntyreTemple GrandinConnect and Learn MoreSearch "Arik Kershenbaum" to find his books, podcast interviews, TV appearances, and more. 

In this episode, I talk with Peggy DeLong, the Gratitude Psychologist 🙏 about how to cultivate gratitude. Discover simple yet powerful exercises, tools, and tips to help you experience and express more gratitude in your daily life. We also explore the science behind gratitude and its many benefits.Whether you're facing low mood, stress, jealousy, grief, loss, loneliness, insomnia, fear, hopelessness, negativity, or pain—or simply want to feel better and more alive—this episode is for you.Thank you for listening!RESOURCESPEOPLEEckhart TolleLeon FestingerShawn AchorTheodore RooseveltWayne DyerConnect & Learn More🌐 Website: drpeggydelong.com📩 Newsletter: drpeggydelong.com/thegratefulday💎 Bracelets: loveinabracelet.com📸 Instagram: @the.gratitude.psychologist🔗 LinkedIn: Peggy Doherty DeLong, Psy.D

In this episode, I interview Rachel White, the 'Skeptical Shaman,' about lucid dreaming 🌙✨ and how we can become more lucid—both in dreams and waking life—through meditation, psilocybin 🍄, flowers 🌸, herbs 🌿, cards, and other substances and practices. RESOURCESBOOKS- Dune by Frank HerbertMOVIES & TV- 28 Days Later- Chapelle's Show- FantasiaPEOPLE- Carl Jung- Emma Cook- Frank Herbert- Jimmy Dore- Joe Rogan- Matt McCusker- Michael Harner- Natalie Fehlner- Neil Brennan- Sam Harris- Shane GillisPLANTS- Allium- Bloodroot- Blue lotus- Borage- Cardinal flower- Chamomile- Foxglove- Hemp- Kava- Lavender- Mugwort- Myrhh tree- Nasturtium - Poppy- Red raspberry- Rosemary- Sage- Stinging nettle- Sweet pea- Thyme- Willow- Wormwood- YarrowPODCASTS- Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast- The Joe Rogan Experience- The Skeptical ShamanRESTAURANTS- Elske**Connect and Learn More**Website: totemreadings.comEtsy: @TotemReadingsATXInstagram: @totemrachSubstack: @totemrachPodcast: The Skeptical Shaman In this episode, I talk with Rachel White, the 'Skeptical Shaman,' about lucid dreaming and how

In this episode, I interview Michelle Sherman, a couple and family psychologist and author of Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma and I'm Not Alone. We explore how to love and care for someone with a mental illness while also taking care of yourself. We discuss balancing both individuals' needs, setting limits and boundaries, and navigating the challenges and gifts that arise. Topics include homelessness, trauma, trust, social isolation, and the power of relationship, presence, acts of love, and social connection—both with your loved one and within broader support systems like NAMI. Michelle shares practical skills, tools, resources, and strategies for adults and teenagers living with someone who has a mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, or PTSD) or a history of trauma. She also emphasizes the importance of things like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and education.A core backdrop to our conversation is my own recent, challenging yet beautiful journey with my brother, who has been struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and trauma. This conversation truly helped me, and I hope it provides support for you and your family as well.RESOURCESBOOKS- I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help by Xavier Amador- I'm Not Alone by Michelle Sherman and DeAnne Sherman- Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma by Michelle Sherman and DeAnne ShermanORGANIZATIONS- Minnesota Vikings- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)PEOPLE- Xavier AmadorVOCABULARY- Anosognosia- Electronic benefit transfer (EBT)- First Episode Psychosis Program- Food bank- Minister of Loneliness**Connect and Learn More**website: seedsofhopebooks.com

In this episode, I interview Dr. Fredric Schiffer, psychiatrist, research associate at McLean Hospital, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and pioneer of Dual Brain Psychology. We discuss his innovative approach to understanding and treating trauma, addiction, and other mental health challenges, as outlined in his latest book, Good-bye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, & PTSD.Dr. Schiffer explains how each brain hemisphere functions as an independent mind. One side is often troubled, traumatized, and negative, while the other is healthier, more positive, and mature. However, it’s not immediately apparent which hemisphere is which in each individual. Using simple techniques like covering one visual field with your hand, an envelope, or special glasses, you can determine which side is which. This method builds on split-brain research, the brain's visual pathways, and the work of Freud.We also discuss near-infrared light therapy (transcranial photobiomodulation), applied to the forehead to stimulate the healthier hemisphere. Paired with psychotherapy, these techniques—the light therapy and eye-covering technique—help the healthier side work with its troubled counterpart to facilitate healing. These methods are effective for treating trauma, addiction (likely including fentanyl), and other mental health issues. They can restore health and power to both brain hemispheres and even help transform relationships, communities, and societies. RESOURCESBOOKS- Left Brain, Right Brain by Sally Springer and Georg Deutsch- Of Two Minds by Fredric SchifferPEOPLE- Michael Hamblin- Roger Sperry- Sally Springer- Sigmund Freud- Winston ChurchillVOCABULARY- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone)- Id, ego, and superego- Fentanyl- Psychoanalysis- Split-brain- Triune brain**Connect and Learn More**Website: dualbrainpsychology.com Email: Available in the episodeBook: Good-bye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & PTSD

In this episode, I interview Dr. Chris Aiken, psychiatrist, editor-in-chief of the Carlat Psychiatry Report, and author of Bipolar, Not So Much.   We explore bipolarity and depression as a spectrum—from depression to mania and mixed states—framing them as circadian rhythm disorders. Dr. Aiken shares practical tools for managing moods, with a focus on sleep regulation. We cover light exposure, dark therapy, sleep schedules, and strategies to reduce jetlag, travel-related mood swings, and seasonal changes. He also discusses technologies like dawn simulators and blue-light-blocking glasses.We dive into nutrition, including helpful foods, herbs, and supplements, and the effects of substances like alcohol, caffeine, ketamine, and psilocybin. We also explore the role of psychedelic and spiritual experiences.Additionally, we touch on ADHD, creativity, the history of bipolar, and other factors that influence mood swings, along with resources to help you better understand and manage your mood.RESOURCESDRUGS- Armodafinil (Nuvigil)- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)- Lamotrigine- Lithium- Modafinil (Provigil)- Valproate (Depakote)GENERAL RESOURCES- Hypomania Checklist 32 (HCL-32)- Jet Lag Rooster- Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ)- Supplements that Work- The Antidepressant DietPEOPLE- Andrew Huberman- Arthur Quiller-Couch- Chris Palmer- David Baszucki- Emil Kraepelin- Jan Ellison Baszucki- Jay Olson - Jules Angst- Philip McNeePRODUCTS- dawn simulator- light boxSUPPLEMENTS- Ashwagandha - Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)- Rhodiola rosea**Connect & Learn More**website: chrisaikenmd.combooks: chrisaikenmd.com/bookspodcasts: The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast / PocketPsychiatrist