Jim Donovan Show
129 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsJim Donovan M. Ed. is a professional musician, author, assistant professor at Saint Francis University, and TEDx speaker. Each week, Jim and a guest will take you deep into the world of music and sound based healing, including the latest research on how these techniques can address anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and brain health.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Could This One Weird Sound Clear “Alzheimer’s Plaque?”
December 27, 2019 20:21 - 6 minutes - 7.62 MBCould sound really help clear “Alzheimer’s plaque?” Scientists have been studying this since the 1980’s, after finding that cognitive activities like reasoning, thinking, perceiving, decision-making, and listening produce a brainwave with a certain frequency. Learn about this special sound frequency, and how it can improve your cognitive function by activating your brain’s “cleaning crew.” Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Music for Chronic Pain
December 23, 2019 17:00 - 10 minutes - 12.5 MBHow can you use music to manage your chronic pain? There are an estimated 30 million people in the U.S. suffering from chronic pain, and if you’re one of them, please know that there’s lasting, effective relief without having to swallow another dangerous, addictive pain pill. Learn about Jim's 3 easy tips for alleviating chronic pain—starting today! Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Boost Your Creativity with Kindness - Bill Deasy
December 19, 2019 03:00 - 58 minutes - 67.4 MBThere’s a saying that goes like this... Expectation is the cause of all disappointment. It isn’t until we shed that expectation, and free ourselves from self-conscious thinking, that we truly feel free. And nowhere does this ring more true than in the creative minds of artists and musicians—like my dear friend Bill Deasy. Bill is an incredible songwriter, and author. He has recorded and toured nationally both as a solo artist and with his band The Gathering Field. He has also writte...
Avoid Becoming One of the 5.5 Million Americans Living with Alzheimer’s
December 19, 2019 01:00 - 8 minutes - 9.81 MBEvery 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. And while modern medicine is researching new treatments, there’s no “cure” in sight. But did you know you can use sound to stimulate the neuroprotective guardians within your own body? Discover how you can stimulate these benefits in just 5 minutes a day. And here’s a bonus—these easy-to-do tips can also help you relax! Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Activate Your Hidden “Brain Protector Switch”
December 17, 2019 01:00 - 7 minutes - 8.33 MBYour neck does more than just holding your head up. Nestled between your trachea and your spine is the beginning of your vagus nerve. This nerve serves as a connection between your brain and the rest of your body. It also produces chemicals that protect your brain, which helps keep your body in balance, and your brain at full cognitive function. Discover Jim’s 5 easy steps to stimulate your vagus nerve’s neuroprotective effects in the comfort of your own home. Start your journey with J...
How Sheryl Crow Discovered My Band
December 12, 2019 03:00 - 21 minutes - 24.4 MBThis is one of my favorite stories to tell. Once upon a time my band, Rusted Root, played a gig...and no one showed up to see us. Except for a lone woman and her dog. And little did we know, all hell was about to break loose...Our dreams of making it big were about to become a reality. How? Early on in our career as a band we all committed to a practice that I believe solidified our success… Learn how you can incorporate this one simple thing into your life today. Start your journe...
My Most Epic and Humiliating Failure
December 12, 2019 01:00 - 8 minutes - 10 MBIt happened in front of my idol and thousands of people… but if there’s one thing it taught me it’s this: Your ability to succeed in anything is only as strong as your ability to accept failing, until one day… you don’t. I call it “falling upward.” Listen to the story of my most epic failure, as well as what you can do to soften the blow of fumbling. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Rhythm is in Your Blood... Literally
December 11, 2019 22:14 - 9 minutes - 11.4 MBFrom the beginning of time, rhythm has been a universal healer. In fact, your body is creating its own rhythm as you read this… The blood pumping through your veins, your heart pumping in your chest, the inhale/exhale of your lungs. And when it comes to creating rhythm, I’ve seen thousands of people experience the deep, therapeutic effects and catharsis in the drumming workshops I facilitate. Learn how you can unlock the 11 health benefits of rhythm and movement! Start your journey wit...
Heighten Your Cognitive Abilities with Music’s Medicine
December 05, 2019 03:00 - 7 minutes - 8.21 MBDo you know your synaptic count? If you’re wondering what that even is, you’re not alone. Your synaptic count refers to your cognitive function. The higher the synaptic count, the better your cognitive function. And if you fear your synaptic count may be low, you can actually build new synapses—starting today—with a few of Jim’s favorite brain-boosting tips. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
How Rhythm Reshapes Your Brain for the Better
December 05, 2019 01:00 - 9 minutes - 10.5 MBThere’s a popular saying: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But it’s not exactly an accurate adage. You can, in fact, build a bigger, better brain simply by incorporating some rhythmic drumming into your daily pastime. This helps create new neural pathways that can positively affect your cognition and overall brain health. Discover your gym-free, no-sweat brain workout! Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
A Little Rhythm Builds a Better Brain
December 05, 2019 01:00 - 9 minutes - 10.8 MBTurns out you can build a better brain by incorporating any regular rhythmic activity into your daily life. You don't even need any drums! I'll show you how today. Fact is...our brains LOVE patterns. Activities like drumming help create new neural pathways that can positively affect your cognition and overall brain health. Listen to discover your new favorite brain workout... Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Make New Brain Cells—With Sound?!
December 03, 2019 01:00 - 8 minutes - 9.19 MBWhat if I said that you can actually make your brain “grow”? Turns out, it’s true! Due to a cognitive process called neurogenesis, your brain can actually grow new neurons, which has an outstanding overall benefit for your entire body. Find out the science behind neurogenesis, as well as the three most affordable, natural strategies to kick your neuron-making into overdrive. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Finding Your New "Fountain Of Youth" - Chuck Olson
November 27, 2019 16:00 - 52 minutes - 60.8 MBDid you ever want to try something new—like learning how to play a musical instrument—and thought to yourself, "I'm too old"? According to this week's guest, that's nonsense. Anytime you pick up a new pursuit, you're working your brain's "creative muscle" and contributing to your wellness. Painter Chuck Olson has exhibited widely with over 300 solo and group exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His work is included in the collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pi...
The Secret Behind Sound's Healing Powers
November 26, 2019 01:00 - 9 minutes - 10.7 MBDid you know that chronic stress can actually hijack your immune system and keep your body from healing? Or that the hormones associated with chronic stress can actually break down organ tissue and kill your brain cells? Scary stuff… That’s why it’s important to de-stress! In fact, there are many techniques for you to manage your stress levels—naturally. Find out how you can achieve deep states of relaxation, as well as Jim’s simple exercise for using sound to release your “feel good” chem...
The Benefits of Native American Healing - Shianne Eagleheart
November 21, 2019 03:00 - 46 minutes - 53.2 MBHave you ever wondered how nature, ceremony, and sound are used in the Native American healing tradition? Shianne Eagleheart is a Licensed Independent Counselor and Clinical Supervisor. She's also a Native American Ceremonial Leader and the Executive Director and Founder of The Red Bird Center, Inc. Shianne has extensive clinical experience in the treatment of adult and adolescent trauma survivors. Find out what Shianne recommends in order to ground yourself, ease the effects of trauma...
Uncovering the Science of Healing with Sound
November 21, 2019 01:00 - 10 minutes - 12.1 MBHave you ever taken a yoga class, or participated in a guided meditation, immediately felt the positive change in your body, and wondered why? Turns out, there’s a scientific explanation behind it. It has to do with harnessing the vibrational energy in our own bodies, which activates your nervous system, thwarting depression, anxiety, irritability, as well as lowering blood pressure and having a positive effect on heart rate. Learn how to tap into this vibration with 5 simple steps. St...
Your Body’s Built-In Depression Fighter
November 14, 2019 03:00 - 8 minutes - 10.6 MBDepression affects over 300 million people worldwide. And chances are, you’ve been affected by it in some way, shape, or form. But whether you, or a loved one, have struggled—or is struggling—with the heaviness of depression, the good news is that there are helpful, pill-free solutions available…and you can access them right at this very moment. Discover the Jim’s three best all-natural happiness hacks you can start using today. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth...
Why a Creative Mindset is Essential to Your Well-Being – Jenn Wertz
November 14, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBSome people are able to find beauty, art and creativity in every aspect of their lives. Even when the everyday grind limits our access to it. But have you ever wondered where creativity comes from? How you can tap into it? Jim welcomes singer-songwriter, multi-dimensional artist and his former Rusted Root bandmate Jenn Wertz to the show. They talk about the cathartic early days of the band, re-imagining personal identity and the healing power of music. Learn how you can begin tapping int...
Turn On Music to Tone Down Anxiety
November 07, 2019 03:00 - 7 minutes - 8.38 MBWhen you think about the symptoms of anxiety, excessive worry, inability to relax, and panic might seem like the most tell-tale signs. But that’s not always the case. In fact, common annoyances like headaches or insomnia may actually be indicators of anxiety. Many of us don’t want to depend on expensive medications to help mediate the symptoms of anxiety. Thankfully, you don’t have to. In fact, research is showing us that music can actually relieve some of anxiety’s most worrisome symptoms...
Turn on Music to Tone Down Anxiety
November 07, 2019 03:00 - 7 minutes - 8.38 MBWhen you think about the symptoms of anxiety, excessive worry, inability to relax, and panic might seem like the most tell-tale signs. But that’s not always the case. In fact, common annoyances like headaches or insomnia may actually be indicators of anxiety. Many of us don’t want to depend on expensive medications to help mediate the symptoms of anxiety. Thankfully, you don’t have to. In fact, research is showing us that music can actually relieve some of anxiety’s most worrisome symptoms...
Sparking Your Creative Zone - Scott Blasey of The Clarks
November 07, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBHave you ever wondered what goes into writing a song? Is it therapeutic? Jim welcomes Scott Blasey, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Pittsburgh-based rock band, The Clarks. Scott reveals his songwriting process, what he looks to for inspiration, and how he gets into his creative zone. Jim teaches Scott about the vagus nerve and how singing produces “feel good chemicals” in your brain that improve your mood and focus. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth...
A Brain Wake-Up That’s Stronger Than Coffee
October 31, 2019 02:00 - 7 minutes - 8.69 MBMusic exists in every culture on Earth. It’s been used for spiritual and religious purposes, entertainment, and everything from weddings to funerals. But you can also use music to wake up your brain and improve your processing speed. There are three easy ways you can use music to amplify your cognition. Want to give it a try? Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
A Brain Wake-Up That’s Stronger than Coffee
October 31, 2019 02:00 - 7 minutes - 8.69 MBMusic exists in every culture on Earth. It’s been used for spiritual and religious purposes, entertainment, and everything from weddings to funerals. But you can also use music to wake up your brain and improve your processing speed. There are three easy ways you can use music to amplify your cognition. Want to give it a try? Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
Your Recipe for a Better Brain - Dr. Jen Willford
October 31, 2019 00:00 - 30 minutes - 35.2 MBStrengthening the reward centers of your brain could be as simple as singing along to the radio on your morning commute. Jim welcomes Dr. Jennifer Willford, professor of psychology at Slippery Rock University and expert in the fields of neuroscience and neuropsychology. Dr. Willford tells you about the various ways in which music can actually strengthen neural pathways in our brains, even in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Plus, Jim asks Dr. Willford to reveal the 3 simple ingredie...
Sound Heals from the Inside Out
October 25, 2019 02:00 - 9 minutes - 11.1 MBSound healing can help you relieve and “open” any part of your head and torso that feels tense—like an internal massage. In many people, daily stress manifests itself as tension, aches and pains. But whether you realize it or not, sweet relief can be achieved simply by using your voice. Find out Jim's simple, 6-step exercise that can heal your pain in 5 minutes or less! Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
A Powerful Mind-Body Journey - Michael Mervosh
October 25, 2019 00:00 - 48 minutes - 56.4 MBDid you know you can use your body as its own resonating chamber in order to feel an exchange with the flow of the world around you? Michael Mervosh—clinical psychologist, founder and executive director of the Hero's Journey Foundation, joins Jim to talk about getting out of your head so you can be in your body, the concept of "PsychoEnergetics," and how music can play a huge part in self-actualization and community building. Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.donovanhealth.com
How to Turn On Your Natural “Happiness Switch”
October 11, 2019 20:41 - 9 minutes - 11.6 MBDid you know that when you experience happiness, it’s a purely chemical experience? You’ve probably heard of “feel-good” chemicals—the chemicals naturally generated by your brain, and the main ingredients in your recipe for happiness. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have these happiness chemicals at-the-ready whenever you wanted? Well, you’re in luck… Because you can! Discover Jim’s no-fuss technique for turning on your happiness switch! Start your journey with Jim for FREE at www.d...
Your Brain's Protected Music Room - Debbie Benkovitz
October 10, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 50.8 MBDid you know there's a protected "music room" in your brain? A place where music goes that disease cannot touch? Debbie Benkovitz, president elect of the American Music Therapy Association, joins Jim to talk about why music is critical to the treatment of brain diseases and how it impacts our development as babies. Jim asks Debbie about how she uses music to bring relief to those suffering from cancer, and Debbie reveals a story about a time she wrote a song with a patient during surgery! ...
Sound Health – The Beginning
September 25, 2019 18:54 - 16 minutes - 18.7 MBWhat does sound have to do with your health? How can you use simple sound and rhythm techniques right now to keep you in your best mental, physical, and emotional shape? Jim reveals the moment in his life where anxiety and the rock and roll lifestyle put him in the hospital, how he used sound and rhythm to turn his health around, and why he’s now sharing it with thousands all over the world. Jim Donovan, M.Ed. is a musician, teacher, and wellness facilitator. He’s taught thousands of peo...