In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, we explore how spiritual health supports brain health with guest Christine Turo-Shields. Christine, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions counselor, shares how she integrates spirituality into trauma care and highlights the role of spiritual practices in healing and building resilience.

Discover the profound connection between spirituality and brain health as Christine shares her insights on the importance of integrating faith and spirituality into mental well-being, especially for trauma survivors.

Gain valuable strategies for nurturing spiritual health, including meditation, prayer, and mindfulness practices.

Explore how these practices can lead to emotional resilience and cognitive wellness.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and practical tips to enhance your brain health journey.

00:45 Meet Christine Turo Shields

02:32 Blending Spirituality with Clinical Practice

04:18 Defining Spiritual Health

07:05 Research on Spiritual Health and Brain Health

15:01 Practical Strategies for Spiritual Health

21:28 The Power of Spiritual Health & Healing

24:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

34:53 Conclusion

Resources:

•  Learn more about Christine and her practice on their website.

• You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

What if the key to better focus, less burnout, and sharper brain health was flow?

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Brain Health!, former professional athlete and ADHD advocate Jamie Toyne shares how discovering the science of flow transformed his life—and how it can do the same for you.

Jamie explores what it takes to enter a flow state, why it’s essential for cognitive performance, and how small shifts in your daily routine can help you get “in the zone” more often. He also shares practical tools to reduce distractions, improve focus, and build habits that support your brain’s natural rhythm.

Whether you're seeking more clarity, energy, or creativity, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you tap into your brain’s full potential through flow.

00:00 Introduction & Jamie's ADHD Journey

03:03 Discovering Flow Through Tennis

06:30 Burnout and the Quest for Flow

08:56 The Science and Practice of Flow

14:28 Creating Flow in Daily Life

18:50 Addressing Burnout and Self-Care

25:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Resources

• Learn more about Jamie’s coaching and consulting services on his website

  Explore the factors that may be blocking you from flow with his free tool

In this enlightening episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we are joined by Dr. Marie Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH, a distinguished neuroscientist and CEO of Metric Health. Marie shares her journey from her academic pursuits to her groundbreaking work in AI-driven assessment platforms for brain health.

She discusses the importance of measurement-based care, how personalized data collection can revolutionize brain injury recovery, and the transformative potential of bringing advanced assessments to more people globally.

Gain valuable insights on the future of brain health, patient empowerment, and the role of technology in healthcare from an expert dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Tune in to learn how technology can empower patients, provide better data to healthcare providers, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with brain injuries.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH

01:23 Inspiration Behind Metric Health

03:14 Understanding Measurement-Based Care

04:38 Traditional vs. Modern Brain Health Assessment

07:55 The Role of Self-Advocacy in Brain Health

11:04 Challenges in Brain Injury Recovery

17:20 Personalized Medicine and Brain Health

19:58 Future of Brain Health Assessment

25:32 Practical Advice and Resources

28:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources:

• Learn more about Metric Health on their website.

• Interested in learning more about Virtual Reality and its use to improve brain health? Check out our podcast episode with Amir Bozorgzadeh, CEO and co-founder of VirtuLeap

Beta Testing Information

Express interest in joining the beta test group to help inform the future of brain care injury.

Have you ever had a concussion or brain injury? You can be part of an evolution in brain injury care by joining Metric Health's beta launch. Designed to make follow-up care less frustrating and more personalized, Metric Health's new app is an alternative to “go home and rest” when that is not enough.
With easy-to-use, scientifically valid assessments and personalized insights into your brain health, you can communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers.

Sign up for the waitlist today and get early access to a better way to manage your recovery.

**If you’re looking for supportive LGBTQI+ communities or want to connect further with today’s speaker, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime at ⁠podcast@virtualbrainhealthcenter.com⁠—we’d be happy to guide you in the right direction!**

In this podcast episode, we welcome Daìthì, a passionate advocate diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2015, whose advocacy highlights the intersection of dementia care and LGBTQI+ rights, particularly for trans and non-binary individuals.

Daìthì shares their personal journey, emphasizing their unwavering identity and the importance of inclusive research and services across several countries.

They discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia, their advocacy work, and their involvement in various projects and conferences aimed at greater visibility and inclusion.

The conversation also touches on misconceptions about dementia erasing identity and the necessity of identity-affirming care for brain health.

Daìthì highlights the importance of personal directives, community, and the ongoing fight against exclusion.

The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: listen, educate, and advocate for trans and non-binary individuals living with dementia.00:00 Introduction to Daìthì 02:40 Personal Journey and Identity04:19 Defining Moments and Challenges06:01 Misconceptions About Dementia and Identity08:30 Importance of Identity-Affirming Care16:50 Advice for Navigating Dementia Care22:19 Future of Inclusive Dementia Care29:44 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Learn more and take action with resources from some key organizations:

• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders)

• Opening Doors London (focused on LGBTQ+ aging)

• Alzheimer’s Europe’s LGBTQ+ working group

• DEEP Network’s LGBTQ+ initiatives and support group

• Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project (DEEP)

• Mens & Zorg, where Tommy Sierens is working on inclusive palliative care

These organizations are actively making a difference in how dementia care intersects with LGBTQ+ identities.

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, expert host Dr. Krystal Culler engages with two distinguished guests, Dr. Patricia Izbicki and Eyleen Braaten, to explore the intersection of music and brain health.

Dr. Izbicki, a neuroscientist and musician, and Eyleen, the Executive Director of the Giving Voice Chorus, discuss the profound impact of music on cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connectivity.

They share insights from scientific research and real-world applications, emphasizing how group singing can significantly benefit individuals, especially those living with dementia and their care partners.

The episode highlights the transformative power of music in fostering joy, community, and cognitive resilience, urging listeners to embrace music in their daily lives.

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health

00:45 Meet Our Special Guests

02:59 Patricia's Journey into Music and Neuroscience

03:58 Eileen's Passion for Music and Brain Health

04:53 The Science Behind Music and the Brain

08:23 Benefits of Singing and Choir Participation

10:25 The Giving Voice Initiative

14:45 Transformative Stories from Giving Voice

25:34 Long-term Benefits of Music on Cognitive Health

30:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources:

• Learn more about the Giving Voice Chorus on their website.

• Explore more of Dr. Patricia Izbicki’s science writing on her website.
  

Join us in an insightful conversation with Genein Letford, M.Ed., a national thought leader in brain health and creativity. As an award-winning businesswoman and educator, Genein delves into the concept of ‘prismatic leadership,’ intercultural creativity, and neurosomatic creativity.

She shares her journey from teaching to founding Cafe Strategies, a company that empowers organizations through the arts and neuroscience.

Learn how creativity impacts cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and how integrating arts into everyday life—regardless of one's background or profession—can enrich brain function.

Genein also addresses the importance of accessible arts education for all, advocating that creativity is a vital skill in today’s fast-evolving world.

Dive deep into how music, movement, and the arts not only enhance brain health but also foster social connections, promote adaptability, and include different cultural perspectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how to unleash your own creative potential and thrive in every aspect of life.

00:00 Introduction to Janine Letford and Her Work

01:38 Genein's Journey into Creativity and Brain Health

05:02 Defining Creativity and Its Importance

07:26 Neurosomatic Creativity Explained

10:10 The Role of Arts in Brain Health

14:06 Overcoming Creative Barriers and Healing Through Arts

17:53 Practical Steps to Engage in Creative Activities

21:31 Future of Creativity and Brain Health

25:31 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Learn more about Genein’s work at CAFFE Strategies on her website
• Explore the Lyrics N’ Leadership offerings
• Connect with Genein on LinkedIn
• Check out Genein’s books on her website
• Watch “How Do Our Brains Handle Grief” a TedX talk by Dr. Mary Frances-O’Connor, Ph.D.

Join us as Dr. Jenna Stedman shares her mission to enhance cognitive performance and brain health through strategic nutrition.

With impressive qualifications and experience, Dr. Stedman discusses how diet directly impacts focus, memory, and attention.

Learn about personalized cognitive nutrition, practical dietary tips, and the importance of hydration.

This episode is packed with insights for athletes, professionals, and anyone looking to optimize their brain health.

Discover the powerful connection between what we eat and how we perform in everyday life!

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jenna Stedman

01:13 Journey into Cognitive Nutrition

03:17 Understanding Cognitive Performance Nutrition

05:25 Practical Applications and Benefits

06:29 Working with Dr. Stedman

09:00 Cognitive Performance Events

16:10 Evidence-Based Nutritional Strategies

22:50 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Resources:

• Learn more about how blueberries impact cognitive function across the lifespan in this study

• Explore Jenna’s website and her work at The Master Nutrition Lab

• Learn more about Jenna’s Mindful Nutrition Program here

Explore our previous podcast conversations on nutrition and brain health.

• • The MIND Diet Update: A Scientific Approach for Brain Health & Dementia Prevention with Maggie Moon, MS, RD | Author of the MIND Diet Second Edition
  • The Science of Plant-Based Nutrition with "The Godmother" of Vegan Dietitians, Brenda Davis, RD

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA interviews Andrew Campbell, a distinguished audiologist and author specializing in hearing and brain health.

Campbell shares his extensive experience and research findings that highlight the importance of addressing hearing loss early to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.

He underscores that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the risk of dementia and impacts memory, cognitive load, and social isolation.

Campbell advocates for regular hearing assessments, especially for those over 55, and emphasizes the need for consistent use of hearing devices for optimal benefits.

Additionally, he highlights the interconnectedness of hearing health with overall well-being and longevity.

The discussion also includes practical advice on accessing independent audiologists and the importance of proactivity in managing hearing health.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:05 Andrew's Background and Career

01:26 The Importance of Hearing Health

03:03 Research and Statistics on Hearing Loss

09:35 Early Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

12:00 Impact of Hearing Loss on Cognitive Function

16:53 Steps to Assess and Improve Hearing Health

19:17 Addressing Stigma and Hesitancy

23:18 Case Study and Practical Advice

26:07 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources:

• Learn more about the ACHIEVE Study here

• Review the Lancet Commission 2024 Report on “Dementia prevention, intervention, and care”

• Explore Andrew’s website and his work at Neuaudio hearing & brain health

• Check out Andrew's book “Hearing and Brain Health: Startling links between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline” on Amazon

• Access additional learning videos on Andrew’s YouTube

Explore our previous podcast conversations on how our various senses impact our brain health.

• • “How Our Eyes Reflect Our Well-being” with Dr. Jacquelin Theis, DO

• • “Mind Your Mouth: How Oral Health Impacts Brain Function” with Dr. Joy Poskozim, DDS