Vitamin G? How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain & Boosts Your Health | Mike Gowans | Ep. 36

Dr. Wall is kicking off a series on mental health, depression, anxiety, and the growing sense of hopelessness, and starting with a powerful, free intervention: gratitude. Mike calls it “Vitamin G.” From death-row forgiveness (Anthony Ray Hinton) to wartime resilience (Corrie ten Boom, Dietrich Bonhoeffer), they explore how shifting from anger and bitterness to everyday thankfulness can change your brain chemistry, your relationships, your immune system, and your story.

What you’ll learn:

• Why gratitude and depression don’t coexist—and how “Vitamin G” raises your mental baseline
• The brain science in plain English: Gratitude practices can boost dopamine and serotonin
• Forgiveness, bitterness, and your body: how your inner life shows up as real symptoms
• Gratitude in conflict: the 3-thanks reset that changes your tone, body language, and outcomes
• “Thermostat vs. thermometer”: setting the atmosphere at home, work, church, and community
• Simple nightly practice that compounds into resilience and joy

Resources:

Anthony Ray Hinton — The Sun Does Shine: (wrongfully imprisoned; radical forgiveness and freedom)

Corrie ten Boom — The Hiding Place: (the “fleas” story and gratitude in hardship)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer — biographies/films on courage and joy through trials

Johns Hopkins & Mayo Clinic — plain-language articles and studies linking forgiveness/gratitude to lower blood pressure, better sleep, improved mood, and stronger immunity

Rice Broocks - God's Not Dead

Guest Bio:

Mike Gowans is an international speaker, missionary, coach, and consultant who has served across India, Africa, South America, Latin America, and here in the U.S. He pastors two churches in Arizona’s Valley and collaborates closely with Rice Broocks (author behind God’s Not Dead). After four decades of counseling and ministry, Mike champions “Vitamin G”—a daily gratitude practice that transforms minds, relationships, and communities.

Connect with Dr. Wall:

Website: https://www.drkevinwall.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unpluggedhealthcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kevinwall/

Twitter: ​​https://x.com/drkevinwall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.KevinWall

 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this health podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. The creators and hosts of this podcast are not responsible for any actions or decisions you may take based on the information presented.