All Episodes

June 7, 2025 72 mins

In this episode, I’m back with Dr. Mel Hopper Koppelman, discussing what she believes is one of the most important and overlooked areas in health—how brain development in childhood might be at the root of the health problems you’re experiencing as an adult.

You’ll likely have some ‘aha!’ moments (maybe big ones) while listening to the podcast. 

In this podcast, Dr. Mel and I discuss:

 

  • The fascinating fact that we actually have 2 brains…and how brain imbalances impact your immune system and overall health

  • How evolution led to our specialized, complex brain design and the main purposes it serves

  • Myths debunked: The misunderstood idea that the left brain controls math and logic and the right brain controls creativity, and whether it’s true that we only use 10% of our brain 

  • The overlooked brain imbalance called “functional disconnection” and why this might be at the root of health problems such as autism, ADHD, gut dysfunction, autoimmunity, dyslexia, depression, anxiety, or even chronic infections 

  • The surprisingly easy-to-test primitive reflexes (that start in the womb!) and how they’re connected to chronic disease 

  • Could you have an immature brain stem? Dr. Mel tells us the symptoms that let you know AND how to address this issue

  • Why some popular health solutions might actually make you worse based on the specific brain imbalance you’re experiencing 

  • How brain imbalance can lead to changes in blood tests, such as low white blood cell count

  • Practical ways you can assess if you have an imbalanced brain, accounting for your particular skills, health history, and childhood experiences

  • The important distinction between pathologizing neurodiversity vs. helping those who wish to improve their brain’s functionality in certain areas

  • The liberating knowledge that our brains are malleable and trainable, and we can heal even longstanding brain-related issues!  

 

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.