BrainShape Podcast artwork

BrainShape Podcast

167 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Host Dr. Andrea Wilkinson has a PhD in Psychology, with a specialization in Cognitive Aging. She has been studying brain fitness and cognitive maintenance for over 15 years. The BrainShape Podcast discusses the hottest issues, topics, interests and concerns related to healthy aging and brain health for aging adults, older adults, seniors and baby boomers who want to learn about how to stay mentally and physically engaged for as long as possible. What are the tips and techniques that promote successful aging? How do I age well? How can I improve my brain health and memory? How can I protect my brain against disease and illness? What is brain plasticity? How does food, nutrition and fitness affect the aging brain? What lifestyle promotes healthy and successful aging? Welcome to the BrainShape Podcast where Dr. Andrea answers all of your questions and so much more! Week after week, Dr. Andrea cuts through the noise of an ever growing, ever changing world of brain health. She shares her expertise on healthy aging and has in-depth conversations with experts and knowledge leaders. On this podcast, we talk about everything that impacts healthy aging from fitness, brain food, nutrition, socializing, sleeping habits, mental stimulation, meditation, the downside of brain games, memory, cognition, family, travel, lifestyle, habits, retirement, volunteering and so much more! Dr. Andrea gives you actionable and tangible tips, tools and techniques backed-up by real scientific studies that will get you inspired and help you to keep your brain in shape. To stay in touch with all things BrainShape, you can check out www.BrainShape.ca and follow Dr. Andrea Wilkinson on social media @BrainShapeTO.

Health & Fitness Education aging dementia healthandwellness healthyaging oldage retirement ageing ageingwell agingadults agingwell
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 117: Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) with guest Brad Yates

June 01, 2021 12:33 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MB

Tapping (or Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a tool used to help reduce emotional distress, worry, stress, etc. This technique involves using your fingertips to tap along specific points on the body (primarily on the head and face) in a particular sequence. While tapping, the individual focuses on the issues they wish to address. Meridian tapping is based on the principles of acupuncture and has even been referred to as psychological acupressure. Tune in to learn more about the power of tapp...

Episode 116: Aaron’s Energy with guest Camille Dan

May 25, 2021 04:30 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MB

Everything is energy. The sun, the stars and the earth are all energy. You are energy, and the flow of energy between you and your surroundings is constant. Your energy is being exchanged with every breath, feeling, and heartbeat. When you feel love ~ that is energy. It has been said that love is the frequency of the universe. Love transcends time and space – and if you are open, you can connect with the energy of people you have loved who have passed. Camille Dan, author of “Aaron’s Energy,...

Episode 115: Thrive State with guest Dr. Kien Vuu

May 18, 2021 04:30 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MB

How can you leverage the power of bioenergetics to improve your health and help you get into a “Thrive State”? There are seven critical elements of bioenergetics that work together to optimize how your cells function. They include: Sleep, Nutrition, Movement, Stress Management, Mindset, Relationships, and Purpose. Tune in to learn more about bioenergetics, cell health, and how to optimize your well-being.   Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainshape Read the show notes: h...

Episode 114: Create Up Podcast Interview with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

May 11, 2021 04:30 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MB

In this episode, we share the audio from an interview Dr. Andrea did on the Create Up Podcast with Will Ennis. Create Up is a podcast where Will shares unfiltered conversations and stories with a roster of talented musicians, directors, comedians and more. In Dr. Andrea’s discussion with Will, she talks about getting out of your comfort zone, the power of habits, and the importance of being present in the Now. Tune in to hear the great conversation Dr. Andrea and Will Ennis have on the Creat...

Episode 113: Brain Resilience + Creativity with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

May 04, 2021 04:30 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MB

In this episode, we share audio from one of Dr. Andrea’s past workshops where she talked all about brain resilience + creativity. Specifically, Dr. Andrea covers what you can do to cultivate a dynamically wired brain and how to protect it. She also explores the role of creativity in building and maintaining a resilient brain. Tune in to learn more about brain resilience + creativity!   Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainshape Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape...

Episode 112: Building a Legacy of Love with guest Christy Yates

April 27, 2021 04:30 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MB

Many people are navigating (or have navigated) the journey of caring for aging parents and their own children at the same time. Understanding the struggles and the growth opportunities that are found within the sandwich generation can be tremendously beneficial. How can you check in with yourself and give yourself the empathy, flexibility, and care you need to thrive? Tune in to learn more about thriving in the sandwich generation.   Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainsha...

Episode 111: Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB) Client Review & Testimonial with guest Soma

April 20, 2021 04:30 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MB

The Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB) is Dr. Andrea Wilkinson’s 90-day signature methodology that teaches you how to craft your lifestyle + mindset to increase your physical energy and mental vibrancy (www.brainshape.ca/blueprint). In this episode, a past BvB client joins us to share her experiences working with Dr. Andrea 1-on-1, the struggles she faced before enrolling in the program, and her biggest takeaways. If you’re curious about the BvB, and wondering if it's for you, then be sure to tu...

Episode 110: Transition and Transformation with guest Kimberly Samson

April 13, 2021 04:30 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MB

In this episode, we cover how to take the control back in your life and create your next best chapter. Where do you start? How can you begin to identify the blocks and barriers that are keeping you from showing up as the best version of you? Rediscovering who you are and transforming your life while in the midst of a transition is possible with the right tools and support. Tune in to learn more! Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/transition-and-transformation-kimberly-...

Episode 109: Cultivating Hope with guest Kathryn Goetzke

April 06, 2021 04:30 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MB

Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain outcome to happen; but, hope is more than a wish. It takes both positive feelings and inspired actions. Hope plays a crucial role in our health + well-being and can be cultivated through intentional action. Tune in to learn about the power of hope and how to bring more of it into your life.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/cultivating-hope-kathryn-goetzke-hopeful-cities Visit our website: https://www.Bra...

Episode 108: My Program Tour - Brain Vitality Blueprint with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

March 30, 2021 04:30 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MB

The Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB) is my 90-day signature methodology to help you improve your mental vibrancy + physical energy through the integration of a healthy lifestyle. Together we optimize your daily habits and get to the root cause of the mindset blocks that are getting in the way of you showing up as the best version of you in Phase II. Throughout the program, I keep you on track + accountable on our weekly 1-on-1 coaching calls. To learn more about the BvB, visit www.brainshape.c...

Episode 107: All about Memory with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

March 23, 2021 04:30 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MB

In this episode, we share some of the audio from a past workshop where Dr. Andrea outlines the fundamentals of memory and how it works. She also covers how the memory centre of your brain (called the hippocampus) changes with age and the lifestyle factors that impact this special part of your brain. To get the most up-to-date information on virtual workshops that we will be hosting or have been invited to be a part of in 2021, join our email list by visiting www.brainshape.ca/email.   Re...

Episode 106: Movement & Mindfulness for Midlife with guest Sally Berger

March 16, 2021 04:30 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB

Everyone’s health journey is different. Some are at the beginning stages, while others have been on their health journey for many months, years, or decades. Regardless of where you are on the journey, one thing remains constant across all individuals – dedication. Every day you have to make the conscious choice to put in the effort. Health doesn’t happen by accident. It is an intentional pursuit that requires dedication to the vision you have created for yourself and your life.   Read th...

Episode 105: Essential Oils with guest Jodi Cohen

March 09, 2021 05:30 - 29 minutes - 41 MB

What are essential oils, and how do they impact health? Essential oils are concentrated natural extracts derived from plants, and they have been used since the beginning of human history for different purposes. Tune in to learn how essential oils can be used to positively impact your health – including calming your nervous system and optimizing your sleep. Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/essential-oils-jodi-sternoff-cohen Visit our website: https://www.BrainShape....

Episode 104: Sleep from A to Zzzzzz with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

March 02, 2021 05:30 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MB

In this episode, we share some of the audio from a past workshop called “Sleep from A to Zzzzzz”. Dr. Andrea covers how sleep affects the brain + body and the three sleep systems that work to impact your sleep quality. To get the most up-to-date information on the free virtual workshops we'll be hosting in 2021, join our email list by visiting www.brainshape.ca/email.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/sleep-from-a-to-zzzzzz-andrea-wilkinson Visit our website: ht...

Episode 103: The Brain-Boosting Health Benefits of Exercise with guest Ryan Glatt

February 23, 2021 05:30 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MB

Exercise has a powerful impact on the health of your brain. While aerobic and resistance training are important for brain health, there is a third category that is less talked about, but extremely valuable. Neuro-motor activity is movement that incorporates both cognitive and physical stimulation. Tune in to learn what neuro-motor activities are and how to incorporate them into your everyday life. We'll also be covering the brain boosting health benefits of exercise in general.     Rea...

Episode 102: Gracefully Greying Interview with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

February 16, 2021 05:30 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

In this episode, we are sharing the audio from a Gracefully Greying interview where Dr. Andrea Wilkinson shares her story, the evolution of the BrainShape.ca platform, and the four key pillars of brain health. Gracefully Greying is a comprehensive resource hub for a variety of issues relevant to individuals as they age. Topics covered on the Gracefully Greying platform include legal, medical, social, economic, psychological and lifestyle.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca...

Episode 101: Hope for the Alzheimer’s Journey with guest Carol B. Amos

February 09, 2021 05:30 - 42 minutes - 57.7 MB

Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia has many challenges, but there are also some surprising joys. Managing your perspective and maintaining a positive mindset can have a tremendous impact on your experience as a caregiver. If you are presently caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (or another type of dementia), tune in to gain some important insights, tools, and perspective shifts that you can use to help navigate the journey.   R...

Episode 100: Happy 100th Episode, BrainShape Podcast!

February 02, 2021 05:30 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MB

To celebrate our 100th episode, I am going to be sharing some of my favourite moments from the last year. I hope that you enjoy this year in review episode. If you hear a clip from an old episode that piques your interest, I hope you decide to go back into our show archives and listen to the full episode.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/happy-100th-episode-brainshape-podcast-andrea-wilkinson Visit our website: https://www.BrainShape.ca/ Follow us on Instagra...

Episode 99: 50 After 50 - Reframing the Next Chapter of your Life with guest Maria Leonard Olsen

January 26, 2021 05:30 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MB

Changing your perspective & moving through pain + discomfort is not easy. For many people, their pain is buried so deep in their subconscious that they don't even realize it's there. But, they witness their pain showing up whenever they get triggered or feel overwhelmed. As humans, we have become accustomed to numbing out unpleasant feelings; but, beauty + peace can bloom on the other side of pain. When we have the courage to face the darkness buried deep inside, we can find new meaning in o...

Episode 98: Sexuality and Aging with guest Dr. Melanie Davis

January 19, 2021 05:30 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MB

Sexuality is a core feature of the human experience. It should be celebrated as a positive part of life and treated with respect and care across the entire lifespan. Our guest, Dr. Melanie Davis, is on a mission to transform people’s lives through sexuality education. She helps people feel more confident and empowered in their right to sexual pleasure and sexual expression.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/sexuality-and-aging-melanie-davis Visit our website: ht...

Episode 97: Eat your Way to Wellness with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

January 12, 2021 05:30 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MB

In this episode, we share some of the audio from a past workshop called “Eat your Way to Wellness”. We cover the vital role your gut health plays in your overall well-being and how to eat for optimal health (brain + body). To learn more about our free monthly workshops on various topics related to brain health, join our email list by visiting www.brainshape.ca/email.   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/eat-your-way-to-wellness-andrea-wilkinson Visit our website: h...

Episode 96: Create a Restful Mind + Restored Body with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

January 05, 2021 05:30 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MB

We are currently serving the members of our community by hosting free monthly workshops on various topics related to brain health. If you want to get the most up-to-date information on our virtual workshops, join our email list by visiting www.brainshape.ca/email. In this episode, we share some of the audio from a past workshop called “Create a Restful Mind + Restored Body.”  We cover how stress affects the brain + body and strategies you can use to help change your relationship with stress....

Episode 95: Stop Fear from Stopping You with guest Dr. Helen Odessky

December 29, 2020 05:30 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

The year 2020 has been challenging for too many reasons to count. As humans, we have had to adjust to a different type of reality. In addition to forcing us into new ways of living, working, and connecting with our family + friends, 2020 has also created a lot of fear and anxiety in many of us. Fear is the appraisal of danger and anxiety is the unpleasant feeling or state that is evoked when fear is stimulated. Tune in to learn more about fear and effective management strategies.   Read ...

Episode 94: Breathwork with guest Cheryl Hawrychuk

December 22, 2020 05:30 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MB

For the most part, you breathe without conscious awareness. But, when you bring conscious awareness to your breath, you can open new avenues of communication with yourself. Intentional breathing is the foundation of growth, connection, healing + transformation. Your breath has the power to give you access to a deeper part of your existence. Breathwork is a practice of using the breath to create the space to ‘feel’, to respond instead of react, to notice instead of numb, and connect instead o...

Episode 93: Unified Mindfulness with guest Julianna Raye

December 15, 2020 05:30 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MB

Mindfulness + meditation are about creating tranquillity + calm within yourself, so you can fully show up for yourself, the people around you, and your life. Mindfulness + meditation refines your ability to stay focused in the present moment. We spend a lot of mental energy thinking about the past or worrying about the future. We have a difficult time being grounded in the here + now. Mindfulness + meditation give you access to yourself - right now, and your ability to be present offers nume...

Episode 92: True Wellness for your Gut with guest Dr. Catherine Kurosu (Part 2)

December 08, 2020 05:30 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

This is the conclusion of our two-part series on gut health. We’ll be talking about how sleep affects the health of your gut, various gastrointestinal illnesses, and you’ll be also be introduced to the True Wellness Approach to health. In this two-part series, we talk about how the health of your gut affects your overall well-being, the role your microbiome and circadian rhythm play in keeping your gut healthy, and you'll also learn about the True Wellness Approach to health. Tune in for Par...

Episode 91: True Wellness for your Gut with guest Dr. Catherine Kurosu (Part 1)

December 01, 2020 05:30 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB

This is part 1 of a two-part series on gut health. You’ll learn why gut health is so important and gain an understanding of the critical role a diverse microbiome plays in your overall health. In this two-part series, we’ll be talking about how the health of your gut affects your overall well-being, the role your microbiome and circadian rhythm play in keeping your gut healthy, and you’ll also learn about the True Wellness Approach to health. Tune in for Part 1!   Read the show notes: h...

Episode 90: Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB) Client Review & Testimonial with guest Christine Campbell

November 24, 2020 05:30 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MB

The Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB) is Dr. Andrea Wilkinson’s 90-day signature methodology that teaches you how to craft your lifestyle + mindset so that you can show up in the second phase of your life with physical energy + mental vibrancy. In this episode, a past BvB client joins us to share her experiences working with Dr. Andrea 1-on-1 inside the Brain Vitality Blueprint (BvB), the struggles she faced before enrolling in the program, and her biggest takeaways. If you’re curious about the...

Episode 89: Healthcare & Wellness (Lumino Health) with guest Sandy Delamere

November 17, 2020 05:30 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MB

Whether you’re taking care of your own health or helping a family member or loved one with theirs, there are many tools that are available to help support your healthcare journey. Lumino Health is a healthcare platform that connects people with experts, resources, and virtual offerings that suit their needs and can help optimize well-being. Tune in to learn more!   Read the show notes: https://www.brainshape.ca/podcast/healthcare-wellness-lumino-health-sandy-delamere Visit our website...

Episode 88: Family Caregiving and the Future of Aging with guest Dr. Zayna Khayat

November 10, 2020 05:30 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB

There are great variations in life expectancy between different parts of the world; but, the global average of human life expectancy is higher today than it was in any country in 1950. What "aging well" means is different today than it has been at any other point in human history. As a society, we’re moving away from conceptualizing aging from a perspective of decline, and when discussing "life span", the focus is no longer fixated on adding years to life but instead adding life to our years...

Episode 87: Gut Health with guest Dr. Paul Hrkal (Naturopathic Doctor)

November 03, 2020 05:30 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

The importance of gut health to your overall health and well-being cannot be overstated. There is a literal connection between your gut and brain via the vagus nerve. Your vagus nerve is like a highway between your central nervous system (including your brain) and your organs (such as your heart, lungs, spleen, liver, intestines, etc.). Your mood and well-being are directly impacted by the microbiome in your gut. What is happening in your gut influences the gut itself, as well as the entire ...

Episode 86: Caregiving with guest Ron Beleno

October 27, 2020 04:30 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MB

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia comes with many challenges, but also tremendous gifts. Failures are a part of dementia and care, but there are also many lessons that can be gathered along the way. In this episode, Ron Beleno shares his caregiving story and the many gifts - and struggles – that accompanied his journey. Ron is an active advocate for dementia, caregiving, aging, and research. Tune in to learn how Ron utilized technology, community, and creative strategies to care for h...

Episode 85: Loneliness & Social Isolation with guest Dr. Kerry Burnight

October 20, 2020 04:30 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MB

Social isolation is defined as wanting more connection than you currently have. There are many adverse health effects of loneliness and social isolation – such as the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia. While loneliness is a normal human experience, it can contribute to unhealthy behaviours (such as physical inactivity + poor sleep), increased stress and higher blood pressure. Get proactive by identifying your level of loneliness and take steps to connect with oth...

Episode 84: Counselling Services with guest Suzanne Wiseman

October 13, 2020 04:30 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MB

If you have ever experienced a traumatic event and were not able to process it for any reason, the trauma can get frozen in your senses and emotions. You can get triggered months, years or even decades later. Acknowledging your feelings and paying attention to what is happening in your body is an important first step. The second step is to ask for help. There are many different types of therapists available, and there are a variety of different approaches they can use to help you cope. Tune ...

Episode 83: Hearing Loss, Cognition & Health (HearingLife) with guest Jillian Price

October 06, 2020 04:30 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MB

Hearing loss affects many adults as they age. While the impact of hearing loss on health is varied, the relationship between hearing and cognition is notable. When it gets harder to hear information, you have to recruit additional brain areas to help you understand what you're hearing. A 10-decibel difference in hearing is equivalent to being two years older in terms of mental performance (e.g., memory). Identifying and treating hearing loss should be a priority because of its impact on cogn...

Episode 82: Mindfulness and Meditation with guest Dr. David Vago

September 29, 2020 04:30 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MB

You’ve heard about mindfulness before. Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to the present moment non-judgmentally. It is about being attuned to what arises and passes in your mind, so that you can develop familiarity with your inner world. Being mindful of what is going on inside of you is tremendously powerful. By having sensory awareness, you can allow your thoughts & emotions to rise and pass without succumbing to the impulse to act. Tune in to learn all about the health benefits o...

Episode 81: Brain and Body Exercise (Cardiomelon) with guest Alison Weinlaeder

September 22, 2020 04:30 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MB

The human brain undergoes normal age-related changes. After age 60, your brain's memory centre starts to shrink (~1% per year). Keeping an active lifestyle and moving your body regularly can help protect your brain. Also, stay mentally stimulated by challenging your mind, getting out of your comfort zone, and learning new things that are of interest to you. Research points to the added benefits of combining brain and body exercises to improve your brain's function. Tune in to learn more! R...

Episode 80: Managing Transitions with guest Lynn Nicolai

September 15, 2020 04:30 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MB

Being resilient in the face of challenge and transition is tough. Regardless of what change you are currently going through – your emotional well-being and mindset play a critical role in your ability to navigate difficult circumstances. One important element of a healthy mindset is staying focused on what you can control instead of wasting your valuable physical and mental energy on things that are outside of your control. Tune in to learn more actionable tools to help you manage life trans...

Episode 79: Spark Change with guest Jennie Lee

September 08, 2020 04:30 - 27 minutes - 37.2 MB

The journey of inner transformation and growth is not easy. Any challenge can be transformed into an opportunity to grow if you let it, but this takes conscious choice and effort. Practices of self-reflection can help you connect with yourself on a deeper level. One way to help guide your internal transformation and growth is to ask yourself quality questions. Questions help promote more in-depth thought and awareness of your innermost needs, enabling you to connect with yourself in the most...

Episode 78: Narcissism Survival Guide with guest Dr. Mariette Jansen

September 01, 2020 04:30 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

If you are in a relationship with a narcissist, and struggling, then this episode is for you. A narcissist is controlling and manipulative; they can’t handle criticism; they lack empathy and emotional awareness; and they have grandiose views of themselves. Being in relationship with a narcissist can be extremely difficult for a multitude of reasons – e.g., they are never wrong which makes it very hard to be in honest dialogue with them. Tune in to learn more about surviving a relationship wi...

Episode 77: The Rewired Life with guest Erica Spiegelman

August 25, 2020 04:30 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MB

Changing old habits can be hard. Maybe you want to stop spending so much time on your devices; maybe you want to exercise more or sleep better. Whatever your specific goals are, modifying your lifestyle and changing everyday habits is not easy. Often, we look for the solution to our challenges and difficulties in the external world – like an app or a piece of workout equipment, but I invite you to consider the role of your mindset and thinking patterns in either helping or hindering you as y...

Episode 76: Cognitive Aging & Memory with guest Dr. Sara Festini

August 18, 2020 04:30 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

Memory changes with age. Although there is a difference between “normal” age-related changes in memory and those associated with dementia-like pathology (such as Alzheimer’s disease), some changes in memory are expected as you get older. There are, however, specific behaviours and habits that you can incorporate into your daily life that can help support your memory and protect your brain as you age. Tune in to learn all about memory, the aging brain and how you can improve your mental funct...

Episode 75: Music, Memory and Emotion with guest Dr. Petr Janata

August 11, 2020 04:30 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MB

Music moves the mind. Your experiences with music involve many psychological & mental processes - from perceiving or hearing the music to the mental images that accompany a specific tune. Strong emotions can be tied to a particular song, & certain tunes can evoke powerful nostalgic experiences. A person’s relationship to a given song may be expressed as how familiar they are with the tune or the degree to which the song is associated with a personal memory. Tune in to learn about music, memo...

Episode 74: Becoming the “You-est You” with guest Julie Reisler

August 04, 2020 04:30 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

You have an inner light - a set of gifts & talents that exist within you; but, many obstacles can get in the way of you living to your fullest potential. For example, old stories that you have been told by others or society that continue to drive your behaviour or your inner critic that talks poorly about anything you try to accomplish. Regardless of what is holding you back from showing up as the best version of you or your "you-est you," there is a way through the noise. Tune in to learn m...

Episode 73: Racial Disparities in Health with guest Dr. Ronica Rooks

July 28, 2020 04:30 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MB

Research demonstrates the existence of racial disparities in health. Specifically, older black adults show an earlier onset of chronic conditions and more rapid declines in health than their white counterparts. One explanation for these health disparities is socioeconomic inequalities. For example, poorer quality schooling and not owning a home can affect access to healthcare and, therefore, health. Tune in to learn more about social-ecological explanations for racial disparities in health. ...

Episode 72: Music Therapy with guest Dr. SarahRose Black

July 21, 2020 04:30 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MB

We’ve all had powerful experiences with music. Music can help us feel light + happy, and it can also help us deal with heavy emotions that we’ve been carrying around for far too long. Musical interventions can also be used in a therapeutic context to improve a client’s quality of life. Music therapy involves using music as a form of relaxation, emotional processing, and psychotherapeutic support to relieve physical, emotional, or psychological distress. Tune in to learn more about the power ...

Episode 71: Rethinking Dementia with Dr. Peter Whitehouse

July 14, 2020 04:30 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MB

Dr. Peter Whitehouse (author of "The Myth of Alzheimer's" and the forthcoming "American Dementia") reminds us that Alzheimer's disease is not a single biological condition – but a collection of many conditions that affect cognition (e.g., memory). Also, features of Alzheimer's disease (e.g., plaques and tangles) are present in the brains of many (if not most) adults as they age, suggesting the lines between pathological and non-pathological aging may not be as clear cut as originally anticip...

Episode 70: Trailblazer with guest Dorothy Butler Gilliam

July 07, 2020 04:30 - 44 minutes - 60.5 MB

Dorothy Butler Gilliam is a pioneer and the first black female journalist at the Washington Post. In this episode, Dorothy shares her incredible life story – from growing up in a racially segregated city, to working at the Washington Post, as well as helping to train young journalists and bring more racial diversity into the media. Dorothy shares her over 50-year career as a journalist in her memoir called “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look more like America...

Episode 69: Brain Vitality Workshop #2 with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

June 30, 2020 04:30 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MB

Stress affects both your brain and your body. In this episode, I share a sneak peak of Brain Vitality Workshop #2: Stress, Sleep and Mental Challenges. To access the entire workshop, visit https://www.BrainShape.ca/brain-vitality-workshop-2 (available for a limited time only). In this episode, you’ll learn about evolution & your stress response, the dangers of chronic (or consistent) stress, the relationship between stress & inflammation and I'll end by sharing some stress management techniq...

Episode 68: Brain Vitality Workshop #1 with Dr. Andrea Wilkinson

June 23, 2020 04:30 - 25 minutes - 35.7 MB

The food you eat impacts your brain & body and it's a fundamental component of brain health & aging well. In this episode, I share a sneak peak of Brain Vitality Workshop #1: Food, Nutrition & Fitness. To access the entire workshop, visit https://www.BrainShape.ca/brain-vitality-workshop-1 (available for a limited time only). In this episode, you’ll learn about the gut-brain connection, hunger hormones, how food affects cognition, and the links between blood sugar, insulin levels, diabetes &...

Twitter Mentions

@brainshapeto 161 Episodes