Brain Shaman

This is the exciting beginning of a multi-part series that digs through the philosophies, technologies, changes, and events that ultimately caused all this sickness, stress, and extra weight that we're feeling today. Listen in, as we delve into the roots of this modern crisis, tracing back to ancient times and progressing through the transformative era of the industrial revolution, into the 20th century, and up until this day. This episode is the first section of that journey.Embark on an exploration of ideas, assumptions, and philosophies that birthed this intricate web of challenges we face today. Discover the evolution of our perceptions regarding God, humanity, and our relationship with the world we inhabit. Witness the tragic narrative of our downfall, transitioning from a harmonious coexistence with nature to a mechanical approach that treats everything, including ourselves, as mere machines.In this episode, we lay the groundwork by highlighting seven pivotal assumptions that serve as the bedrock for the upcoming chapters. These assumptions, while seemingly innocuous, have paved the path towards our current health epidemic. Brace yourself for the aftershocks of these fundamental beliefs that have propelled us down a treacherous and shadowed path.Join us as we unravel the historical tapestry, unearthing the profound origins of our collective plight. Prepare to be enthralled, informed, and moved as we embark on this transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.THE ASSUMPTIONS: Assumption #1: The world is divided into separate, individual, pieces or parts , disconnected entities. There are living things and non-living things, animals and plants, viruses and bacteria, humans and non-humans, and, very importantly - the God and the non-gods, the master and the servants, the creator and the created.Assumption #2: There is a God. And that god has the power and right to create and destroy, to rule over this Earth - including all of its plants, animals, resources, and men - in whatever way he decides is "good." And what is good? Conveniently, whatever most benefits him.Assumption #3: The human mind is a God, the god that rules over the earth, that knows (or at least can learn) everything, and that the other "parts" of the solar system are subservient to. We can create, manipulate, and change anything at will. And since our thinking, rational, conscious mind (our neocortex) knows best, we know what we're doing, we know what's best for everything (or at least ourselves), and we're not gonna mess up.Assumption #4: The universe and everything in it is like a machine, or a clean mathematical equation. It can be reduced to numbers. It is governed by deterministic laws. There is cause and effect, addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.Assumption #5: We are smart enough, or equipped enough, to understand these rules. Because our senses and logical rational mind can be trusted. We can do science experiments and calculations to understand and leverage these rules. Assumption #6: Man is a machine, both God and a machine. His mind is a god. His body is a machine.Assumption #7: Society is a machine, comprised of big parts like countries and companies, and smaller gears - like humans, animals, and the new man-made technologies. This episode is a mix of history, philosophy, religion, science, technology, and nonsense. And it's just getting started. It is a reminder that you are not a machine and that you can break free. That you are not alone but deeply interconnected with everything in existence.

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between alcohol and our bodies and minds. We delve into the reasons why we are drawn to alcohol and how it affects us on both a physiological and psychological level. From its impact on our mood, behavior, perception, and health, to the way it alters the functioning of specific areas of the brain and affects our cognition and action, we cover it all.But our exploration goes beyond the individual level. We also take a look at the bigger societal issues related to alcohol, such as crime, violence, and historical patterns. We examine how alcohol has shaped our culture and the way we interact with each other.Whether you are currently struggling with alcohol addiction and looking to gain a deeper understanding of its impact, or you are a curious sober person seeking to learn more about the science behind alcohol, this episode has something for you. You may even find it useful to keep in your back pocket as a reminder of why you chose to stop drinking or as a resource to turn to in moments of temptation.Join us on this wild and eye-opening lecture that explores the many dimensions of alcohol's impact on our lives.

 Join us in this conversation with Amir Bozorgzadeh, the co-founder and CEO of Virtuleap, a pioneering VR brain training and diagnostics company.  In this episode, we delve into the fascinating topic of how VR affects the brain - from its therapeutic and cognitive uses to its potential risks and limitations. Discover how unconscious processes can shape our mood and behavior both in VR and the "real world," and learn about the latest research on VR's impact on brain health. We explore topics such as how VR can be used to treat phobias, traumas, pain, addiction, and ADHD, and discuss ways to optimize VR experiences for the brain. Resources mentioned:CHARACTERS- Christopher Pike (Star Trek)- Neo (The Matrix)COMPANIES- Akili Interactive- AppliedVR- Apple- HTC- IKONA Health- Meta- Unity Technologies- Varjo- VirtuleapPEOPLE- Andrew Huberman (neuroscientist and podcaster)- Loretta Breuning (author)- Noam Chomsky (linguist / cognitive scientist)- Roland Dubois (Virtuleap, XR Accessibility Lead) - Todd Maddox (AppliedVR, founder and CEO)- Victòria Brugada-Ramentol, Ph.D. (Virtuleap, Lead Neuroscientist)PODCASTS- Huberman Lab *"The Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better," June 2021 episode)PRODUCTS- Enhance VR- Google Cardboard- PICO 4- Oculus Go- Quest 2- Unity- Unreal Engine- VR Speech TrainerVOCABULARY- 3 degrees of freedom - 6 degrees of freedom - foveated rendering- MCI- suprachiasmatic nucleus- vertigo---- Connect with Amir (on LinkedIn): /amirboz Virtuleap website: virtuleap.com Try Enhance VR: virtuleap.com/enhance

  Excited to have Loretta Breuning, one of my long-time favorite authors, as a special guest on the show! Loretta is an unparalleled expert on happiness, mammals, and the human brain, having authored numerous books and founded the Inner Mammal Institute. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating topics of our mammalian past and unique human cortex, exploring how to leverage this knowledge to train our brains for more happiness and fulfillment, and less pain and frustration.  But that's not all – we cover a wide range of other topics, including common happiness myths and mistakes, the truth about our happy neurochemicals (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins), animal training, rewards, childhood and adolescence, addiction, habits, pain, distraction, conformity, positive thinking, expectations, goal setting and achievement, energy optimization, connection, solitude, death, writing, work, travel, comedy, reading, relationships, and more. Join us for this exciting exploration of neuroscience and personal growth with the incredible Loretta Breuning.  SPECIAL OFFER: Get 20% off her life-changing course by going to: https://innermammalinstitute.org/course/?ref=michaelUse coupon code: HAPPY20 Resources mentioned in this episode: BOOKS- Status Games by Loretta Breuning- Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Breuning - 14 Days to Sustainable Happiness by Loretta Breuning- How I Escaped Political Correctness & You Can Too by Loretta Breuning PODCASTS- The Happy Brain  (including The Problem with Academic Psychology episode) PEOPLE- Steven Pressfield- James Altucher- Brandon McMillan- Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"- Roy Baumeister- Robert Nozick COURSE- Train Your Inner Mammal to Feel Good Now(use the link: https://innermammalinstitute.org/course/?ref=michael and enter coupon code: HAPPY20 to get 20% off)**EXTRA BONUS: send me an email after you buy the course and get a free 40-minute call with me. Listen until the end of the episode to find my email ;) To learn more or connect with Loretta Breuning, visit: innermammalinstitute.org

In this episode, you will learn how to begin healing yourself - from mental illness, cognitive decline, chronic disease, or basically anything. That's what today's guest, Dr. Jonah Yakel is all about - helping people save their brain, in a natural and long-lasting way. Take back control over your own health and brain. Start feeling and functioning better, all on your own (with the help of nutrition, the removal of toxins, exercise, etc.).We talk about his story (of getting into functional medicine and healing his own body and brain). And we discuss things like:What is functional medicine?What causes cognitive decline? How can we overcome or prevent it?What role does inflammation play in brain function and mental health?What are the 4 hallmark symptoms of brain inflammation? What causes it?How does our metabolic state (and blood sugar) affect our brain state?How does food affect how you feel (mentally, physically, emotionally)?Why are some people more sensitive (or aware) of the way certain foods/substances affect their mind and body? Why are others less sensitive? How can you increase your sensitivity (awareness) of your own mental and physical state, and the ways certain foods and substances are impacting it?How can you become more attuned to your body and brain's needs?Can toxic relationships cause chronic illness or mental health problems?How can removing yourself from your ordinary environment save your life?What role might your culture be playing on your mental and physical health?Why is mental illness in the U.S. increasing?What causes depression?What causes bipolar disorder?How do carbohydrates (or, sugar) affect the brain? What about fats?Are you addicted to carbohydrates?How can a ketogenic diet help improve your mental and physical health?Why do we self-sabotage our own health, lives, and happiness?Learn more from Dr. Jonah Yakel:-Website: https://www.drjonahyakel.com-Podcast: The Brain Health Podcast-TikTok: @drjonahyakelBooks mentioned in this episode: -Brain Energy by Christopher Palmer (2022) -Mindset by Carol Dweck (2006)-Grain Brain by David Perlmutter (2013)-Drop Acid by David Perlmutter (2022)-Wheat Belly by William Davis (2011)-A Mind of Your Own by Kelly Brogan (2016)-The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (2009)*Scribd is my absolute favorite source for audiobooks. It's a subscription service. And some of the above-listed books are on there. Try for FREE for 60 days, by using the link: https://www.scribd.com/g/94z12m. (note: this podcast is NOT sponsored or in any way affiliated with Scribd. Also, if you sign up for the free trial, it'll also give me 30 days of free reading. Yay! We both can boost our brains with books).

More conversation with Dan Koch, the cacao DJ from down under. We talk about how to rediscover who you are and create your best life, with the help of things like cacao. Some of the topics discussed:  Recreating yourself  Changing your personality, identity, and life  Fear  Money  Motivation  Quitting your job  Abundance  Love  Death  Distraction  Cacao ceremonies & parties  Remembering who you really are (from childhood ...)  Finding and living your purpose  Balance and harmony  Doing what you love  Tribal living vs. Western culture  The myth of property & ownership  Ego and separation  Living in harmony with nature  Cycles of nature and history  Valuing your time, yourself, and nature  Embracing  darkness, hardship, and challenge  High-frequency foods and behaviors  Caffeine  The dark side of cacao  Common mistakes to avoid when buying cacaoAnd of course you'll learn about cacao - its effects on the mind, body, and spirit.Dan Koch is the founder of Sacred Taste, which offers pure wild-crafted ceremonial grade cacao, in 5 delicious flavors (w/ rose, matcha, mint, chili, etc.)Connect with Dan Koch (and Sacred Taste):Website:     https://sacredtaste.comInstagram: @wearesacred                         @koda.soundsListen to past podcast interviews (with Dan Koch):Brain Shaman (4/10/2023)AltMed Podcast (3/23/2023)Be More You (1/11/2022)The Carlo Cirillo Show (9/1/2021) 

 A musical and vibrational journey through life, happiness, energy, and lots of little things like cacao, alcohol, caffeine, connection, music, drugs, happiness, identity, and much more. Meet Dan Koch, the founder of the cacao company, Sacred Taste. Today, we talk about cacao but also:music's effects on the mind and bodydrugs (alcohol, caffeine ...)theobromine, magnesium, and other hidden goodies of cacaotime (past, present, and future ...)happinessidentity (and how to change who you are)cacao partiesredirecting your lifeenergynaturemoon cyclesconnection (with yourself, each other, nature, and everything)happy neurochemicals (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphin...)There's lots of awesome 100% raw cacao sold on Amazon and iHerb.However, if you'd like to give extra love to Dan, the Ashaninka tribe, the Amazon rainforest (not the website), your body, heart, spirit, mind, or also just wanna spice things up with a mix of roses, matcha, chili peppers, and other superfoods, you could try some of that Sacred Taste cacao. First order is 10% off. RECOMMENDED: drink cacao before or while listening :)  This conversation with Dan Koch is a journey that you don't want to miss. To be continued.... (in episode 18).Connect with Dan Koch (and Sacred Taste):Website: https://sacredtaste.comInstagram: @wearesacred                         @koda.soundsListen to past podcast interviews (with Dan Koch):AltMed Podcast (3/23/2023)Be More You (1/11/2022)The Carlo Cirillo Show (9/1/2021)

An episode about dopamine, happiness, distraction, action, goals, and how to live a more authentic and meaningful life. With some fun and wackiness thrown in. 

This is an interview with Justin Sunseri. He is a polyvagal-obsessed trauma therapist and coach (works with teenagers, couples, and families) and is the host of the Stuck Not Broken podcast. In today's conversation, some of the things we talk about are:Polyvagal theorytraumaconnectionsafetydangerexperience of reality parentingpets nutritionsolitudeintroversion & extroversionschoolsrules & consequencestechnologyplayself-judgment morality  mind-body splitculture evolutioncivilizationpowerperception stillness awenatureworkempathy  motivationchallengecompetitivenesssuccessbeing in the presentResources:Justin Sunseri's main hub: www.justinlmft.comStuck Not Broken podcast: www.justinlmft.com/podcast (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts...)

Play around with these ten ideas (based on Feng Shui, Vastu Shastra, biology, and Michael's recent experience), ways to reposition your bed, to help you get a better night's sleep. The underlying premise behind all of these things is: the human animal must feel safe when it goes to bed. If you do not feel physically (and psychologically) safe, it will be much harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get quality sleep.Here are the ten tips:Don't sleep with a window (or any opening) behind you.Keep all the scary / dangerous / noisy things closer to your dominant hand.Move your bed to a place where you can see your door.Don't sleep with things (e.g. shelves) above you.Keep only safe, soft, and positive things under the bed.Keep exciting or stimulating things away from your bed.Don't sleep with your feet to the door (aka in the "coffin position").Sleep with your head pointed north or east.Sleep with your head against a solid wall (or get a headboard).Sleep in a way that reminds you of your safe happy childhood.