Notes From a Neuro Nerd: The Science Behind Living Your Best Life
Welcome to Notes from a Neuro Nerd, where brain science meets practical tools for living with purpose, clarity, and joy. Join Monica—a certified life-purpose coach and neuroscience enthusiast—and her partner, Austin, as they explore the mindset shifts, habits, and tools that can help you build a fulfilling life. Tune in to uncover the ‘why’ behind your thoughts and behaviors and get actionable, science-backed strategies to boost your well-being. If you're ready to design your best life, you’re in the right place!
Episodes
In this episode, I chat with the amazing Amy Pease—a coach, speaker, and survivor who broke free from years of manipulation and emotional abuse.
Amy shares her powerful story of walking away from a toxic family, raising her son with autism on her own, and slowly rebuilding her life from the ground up. Her healing journey is honest, brave, and full of hard-won wisdom.
We talk about what manipulation really looks like, how to break fre...
Matt Potratz was a pro snowmobiler when he got caught in an avalanche that should’ve killed him. It didn’t—but it left him with a broken neck, brain trauma, and a life forever changed.
In this conversation, Matt shares what happened that day, the long road to recovery, and the lessons he learned about pain, purpose, and resilience. We talk about what it really takes to survive life’s darkest moments, the power of community, focusing...
We all know sleep is important. That’s not news. The real question is: why is it so hard to get enough of it?
In this episode, I talk with Caitlin Shure about what messes with our sleep and what actually helps. You’ll learn what your body and brain need to sleep well, and what habits quietly ruin it. And most importantly, how to start fixing it.
Links from this episode:
Book your FR...
Reframing means seeing a situation from a different angle. It doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.
In this episode, I talk about how reframing has helped both me and Austin. It’s not about slapping a positive quote on a hard day. It’s about asking better questions like, “What else could be true?” or “What do I actually need right now?”
When you change how you see something, you change how you feel about it. That’s...
Your brain tracks your energy like a budget. It’s always asking: Do I have enough to get through the day?
If you feel tired, overwhelmed, irritable, or numb, your body budget is probably low. Things like poor sleep, skipping meals, constant stress, or scrolling too much all drain it.
In this episode, I explain how the body budget works and what happens when it’s off balance. You’ll learn how to tell when yours is running low and what...
Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a brain booster, a mood lifter, and even a secret weapon for learning.
In this episode, I sit down with my sister and music instructor Katie San Diego to explore how music shapes us physically, emotionally, and cognitively. We dive into its role in language learning, social anxiety, and overall mental well-being. This episode is guaranteed to change the way you think about the power of music.
Tun...
For a long time, I thought healing was just about managing stress—deep breathing, meditation, journaling. But no amount of self-care was going to help if I kept letting the same stressors into my life.
In this episode, I’m talking about the shifts that made the biggest difference for me—letting go of fear-based beliefs, setting real boundaries (even when it was hard), and being mindful of what I let into my mind. Because healing isn...
For years, I thought my body was just difficult—random stomach aches, migraines, jaw tension, constant fatigue. Turns out, it was all stress.
In this episode, I’m sharing the sneaky ways chronic stress showed up in my body and how I finally connected the dots. If you’ve ever dealt with unexplained symptoms or felt off no matter what you try, this one's for you. Plus, I’ll share some simple ways to start resetting your nervous s...
Several people have written in to me recently asking about how to reset when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
We don't always feel like we have the time, budget, or space to do the things we know will relax and reconnect us. But the thing it, you don't have to do anything big!
This week, I invited guests onto the Notes From a Neuronerd podcast to share what they do when feeling stressed and need to reset - lis...
Ever feel like your emotions have a mind of their own?
Today I'm talking about emotional regulation and how to keep your nervous system from running the show. I'll give you simple tricks to calm your body along with mindset shifts that help you handle stress like a pro, and I'm breaking it all down in a way that actually makes sense. No science degree required—just an open mind and maybe a deep breath or two.
Links m...
Ever feel like life’s gotten a little too serious? Like creativity and fun are distant memories buried under to-do lists and deadlines?
It’s time to bring fun back! Mike Brennan—author, creative consultant, and master of making life playful—joins me to share how creativity isn’t just for artists, it’s for everyone.
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Visit Mike's website: www.mikebrennan.me
- Make Fun a Habit book
- Join the Daily Cr...
Do you ever feel like you start strong on your goals but then hit a wall—and suddenly, all that momentum is just gone?
There’s a hidden reason for this, and today we’re going to uncover it.
Want to join my goal setting masterclass on March 1st? Visit https://coachingbymonica.com/unstoppable
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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Schedule a free Coffee Chat with Monica!
Get access ...
What if I told you there's ONE mistake you've been making that's keeping you from hitting your goals?
Listen in to find out why relying on momentum is that one mistake and more importantly, what to do about it!
Want to join my goal setting masterclass on March 1st? Visit https://coachingbymonica.com/unstoppable
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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Schedule a free Coffee Cha...
Did you know that about only 8% of people's New Year's Resolutions last more than a month?
Goal setting (or goal keeping rather) is a challenge for many - but this week I'm gonna talk about how to set goals that stick and actually change you as a person!
Want to join my goal setting masterclass on March 1st? Visit https://coachingbymonica.com/unstoppable
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
Losing weight is about more than just food and exercise—it’s a mindset shift.
In this episode, I’m sharing my personal health journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the mental breakthroughs that have made all the difference.
Tune in for a raw, real conversation on how to approach weight loss from a place of empowerment, not restriction.
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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Today I sit down with Cassie Groeschl, a registered dietitian and wellness coach who specializes in helping busy moms overcome exhaustion and burnout through holistic nutrition and sustainable wellness routines.
Cassie shares actionable tips for creating healthy, flexible meals that nourish both body and soul while cutting meal prep time in half. We discuss how to break free from the cycle of overwhelm, reclaim energy, and prioritiz...
Did you know your gut and brain are in constant conversation? For women, this connection plays a huge role in everything from mood and hormones to overall health.
In this episode, I'm unpacking the gut-brain connection and its unique impact on women’s wellness. Let’s dig into the science—and the solutions—behind feeling your best from the inside out.
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
Our brains are incredible—they're designed not just to bounce back from challenges but to grow stronger because of them!
In this episode, we’re diving into the science of antifragility and how our minds thrive under pressure. Let’s explore what it really means to have a brain built for resilience!
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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Schedule a free Coffee Chat with Monica!...
2024 brough some major changes to our lives - some major curveballs for sure! In this episode, we're reflecting on the moments that shaped the year—the good, the tough, and what we're carrying into 2025.
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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Schedule a free Coffee Chat with Monica!
Get access to my Trust Your Gut Decision Making Guide.
Visit me at my home on t...
Get ready to be inspired! Kerry Damiano—aka Ms. World Traveler— dives into her incredible journey through pageants, globe-trotting adventures, and faith. Kerry shares her insights on facing fears, building confidence, and stepping into opportunities with grace and courage.
Connect with Kerry:
Book your FREE discovery call with me!
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