Brain Health Hook-up

Episode Description:

Ever feel like your body is betraying you? Strange aches, phantom sensations, and symptoms no doctor can explain? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. In this episode, Laurel Hurst uncovers the missing link between emotional experiences and physical symptoms, revealing why traditional approaches often fall short.

You'll learn how your nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, plays a powerfu...

Can music truly heal? Drummer, producer, and worship leader Kevin Aries shares his journey from school band percussion to music production and how rhythm connects to personal and collective healing. 

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Aries, a multi-talented musician, to explore the role of music in personal transformation. Kevin opens up about how drumming shaped his identity, helped him process life’s challenges, and ultimate...

Feeling anxious or depressed after surgery or a round of antibiotics? You might be surprised at the link between gut health, antibiotics, and mental wellbeing!

This episode clarifies the connection between antibiotic use, surgery, and the onset of some symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hear Laurel discuss how antibiotics, while sometimes necessary, can disrupt the gut microbiome, impacting the production of neurotransmitters and l...

What's the song that give you the irresistible urge to move? In this episode, host Laurel Hurst explores the incredible power of "groove"—that rhythmic magic that makes you tap your feet and feel connected to the beat. Using the iconic song "Oh Happy Day" as a jumping-off point, Laurel dives into how groove can boost your mental health, build community, and unlock your creative side.

Laurel takes us back to ...

Are you a woman who feels like something in your body is off, even when doctors say everything's "normal?" Do you dream of making a bigger impact but feel held back by internal or external obstacles? In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-up podcast, Laurel interviews Rebecca Paciorek, a successful entrepreneur who helps authors bring their books to the world.

Rebecca shares her personal journey of navigating health...

Imagine seeing the world in vibrant detail for the first time. This episode explores how vision therapy can improve not just your eyesight, but also your mental well-being.

Patti Andrich, a vision specialist, reveals the connection between vision and mental health. She explains how poor vision processing can lead to social withdrawal, difficulty focusing, and even feelings of depression. 

Vision therapy can address these issues by im...

Are you a woman juggling a demanding career and family life, but constantly battling fatigue, brain fog, and frustration? Do you feel like you're dragging through each day, despite your best efforts? 

This episode reveals how you can reclaim your energy, mood, and mental clarity in just 90 days.

Key Takeaways:

• Many women experience fatigue, frustration, and brain fog despite "normal" lab results, indicating a need f...

Feeling sluggish, fatigued, or struggling with digestive issues? This episode introduces the Reboot Weekend, a 2.5-day protocol designed to reset your gut health and enhance your overall well-being. Discover how this program, combined with the Reboot+ supplement and a gut-supportive diet, can optimize your digestion, mood, and energy levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Gut health is crucial for overall well-being, impacting digestion, energy,...

Episode Description:

Struggling with sleep? This episode explores the critical connection between sleep and mental wellness. Discover the 4 key measures of restorative sleep – latency, awakenings, duration, and restfulness – and learn how optimizing your sleep can improve your mood, focus, and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Sleep has a profound impact on brain health, mood regulation, and emotional well-being.
• The 4 pillars of ...

Episode Description:

Start your day with calm and clarity! This episode introduces Mind-Body Radiance, a powerful 3-minute exercise to banish morning anxiety. Learn how to shift anxious energy from your core to your periphery, leaving you feeling grounded and ready to face the day.

Key Takeaways:

• Waking up with anxiety is a common experience.
• Mind-Body Radiance is a 3-minute exercise that uses intentional breathing and gentle press...

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, Laurel Myers Hurst dives deep into the fundamentals of brain biology and how they impact mood and relationships. Drawing on insights from her WellTuned Woman program, Laurel explores the often-overlooked factors that contribute to mental well-being, including inflammation, nutrition, and brain structure. Discover practical strategies for optimizing your brain health a...

Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness, and for good reason! In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, Laurel Myers Hurst explores the far-reaching impacts of inflammation on the brain and body. Discover the surprising connection between inflammation and the #1 most profitable drug in the US, learn about the vital role of brain-based white blood cells, and gain practical strategies for taming the flames of inflammati...

Episode Description:

Join Laurel Myers Hurst as she shares valuable insights and reflections from a recent WellTuned Woman retreat focused on somatic desensitization and reprocessing. Discover the power of women's work, gain valuable event planning tips, and learn how to create a truly transformative retreat experience. Plus, get inspired to join the next WellTuned Woman retreat and embark on your own journey of healing and gro...

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, Laurel Myers Hurst explores the fascinating world of somatic desensitization and reprocessing, a powerful approach to healing trauma through the body. Discover the origins of this technique, how it works to rewire the brain, and the importance of building a "resource library" to support your healing journey. Laurel also shares four key resources to help you ...

Today on the Brain Health Hook-Up, Laurel Myers Hurst is joined by Dr. Jodie Skillicorn to explore the profound impact of belonging on mental health and well-being. 

Jodie Skillicorn, DO, ABIHM is a holistic psychiatrist who believes strongly in the body’s innate healing powers. In her practice, she combines mindfulness-based psychotherapy with a variety of complementary modalities that assist the healing process. She tailors techni...

Are all sugars created equal? In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, we dive into the sticky world of sweeteners and uncover their impact on your gut health and overall well-being. Laurel Myers Hurst weighs in on various sweeteners, citing research on the best choices like whole fruits and the worst offenders like saccharin and sucralose. Discover how to make healthier choices, retrain your taste buds, and achieve optimal wel...

Feeling stuck or discouraged in your pursuit of mental wellness? You're not alone! In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, we discuss the common experience of discouragement in recovery and offer practical strategies to help you stay motivated and move forward. Laurel Myers Hurst explores the concept of emotional regulation, the importance of understanding your body's signals, and how to navigate feelings of anxiety ...

Ever feel like life is random and lacks meaning? In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-Up, we dive into the concept of purpose and how it connects to your well-being. Laurel Myers Hurst, your resident "Groovologist," introduces her new book, GROOVE THERAPY, and explores how finding purpose can make things make sense, improving communication and leading to stronger relationships. Plus, learn how to tap into your innate ...

Do you struggle with constant food cravings, insatiable hunger, or a persistent "food noise" in the back of your mind? Join Laurel Myers Hurst, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, on the Brain Health Hook-Up podcast as she explores the fascinating connection between gut health, food cravings, and mental well-being. Discover the role of probiotics, the impact of gut dysbiosis, and practical strategies for quieting food noise...