The Neurostimulation Podcast

Dr. Michael Passmore
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  • MEDICINE
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Welcome to The Neurostimulation Podcast — a deep dive into the expanding frontier of interventional mental health. Hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore, a psychiatrist specializing in neurostimulation and geriatric mental health, this show explores how cutting-edge interventions — from non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS, and beyond) to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy — are reshaping the landscape of modern psychiatry and neuroscience. Each episode bridges science, clinical experience, and human insight, featuring thought leaders and innovators who are redefining how we understand and treat the mind. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, student, or simply fascinated by the brain, you’ll discover practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and inspiring conversations that illuminate the evolving art and science of mental health care. Subscribe for episodes that stimulate your mind, deepen your understanding, and connect you to the future of brain-based healing. podscan_YIPb4jA8fBJ5ino2RSuBo3BdjrOmPM6c

  1. 3D AGO

    Living Life on Hard Mode: Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum - #41- Feb 14, 2026

    Title: "Thriving with ADHD: Understanding Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum" Show Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Kit Slocum, Neurodiversity Lead and Learning Experience Designer at FLOWN, to explore ADHD, neurodivergence, and what it really means to design work and lives that support attention rather than assault it. Kit brings a unique combination of academic training in behavioral neuroscience, lived experience with ADHD, and years of coaching neurodivergent professionals worldwide. We discuss why distraction isn't a moral failing, how our nervous systems respond to modern overstimulation, and practical tools for regulation and focus. Key Topics: The "life on hard mode" experience of neurodivergenceWhy focus is a nervous system issue, not a willpower problemThe Energy Regulation Matrix tool for managing burnoutShame, masking, and late-stage ADHD diagnosisFinding vocational alignment with neurodivergent traitsThe neurodiversity paradigm vs. the pathology paradigmParallels between ADHD coaching and ketamine-assisted psychotherapyThe power of community in neurodivergent spaces Resources Mentioned: FLOWN body doubling platform: flown.comKit's ADHD Mastery Program (6-week gamified course) https://flown.com/adhd-focus-program Energy Regulation Matrix tool https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIiYB9Nd-LXi-eoMyRxApsRC594MPqwD/view?usp=sharingEnergy Regulation How-To https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjX6yTaC9ZbBhFW3burM5cu6wwoLeWSQ/view?usp=sharingIkigai diagram for career alignment https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V2FxreSqzYrAYpBr2lM-UKg3xcGkfYOA/view?usp=sharingBook: Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain https://a.co/d/fRHtUAhPsychedelic Science Conference (Denver) https://www.psycon.org/event/denver-colorado-2026/ Connect with Kit: LinkedIn: Kit SlocumFLOWN: flown.comNext ADHD Mastery Program: March 2026 Key Takeaway: Attention isn't about forcing yourself to become something you're not—it's about understanding your nervous system and designing your life accordingly.

    50 min

  2. FEB 7

    Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life - Dr. Dana Cowles - Feb 7, 2026 - #40

    Episode Title Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life Guest Dr. Dana Cowles - Board-certified emergency medicine physician with dual academic background in biology and philosophy Episode Summary Dr. Dana Cowles shares his unique perspective on fear, trauma, and finding purpose through his experiences in emergency medicine and philosophy. From surviving a traumatic car accident at age 12 to working the front lines in emergency rooms, Dr. Cowles challenges conventional wisdom about happiness and offers a compelling framework for building resilience through purpose rather than comfort. Key Topics Discussed Personal Trauma & Transformation Surviving a serious car accident at age 12 that shaped his worldviewHow trauma taught him that helplessness, not fear, is the real enemyThe importance of building skillsets throughout life to face uncertainty Three Types of Fear Anticipatory Fear (the "what ifs") - Requires making a plan and trusting itContemporary Fear (immediate crisis) - Demands slowing down and paying attentionRetrospective Fear (PTSD) - Needs reframing into prospective planning Emergency Medicine Insights The reality of ER work vs. TV portrayalsRisk stratification over definitive diagnosisThe mantra: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" (borrowed from aviation)Why the only unforgivable mistake is telling someone they're safe when they're not The Happiness Myth How Freud, Bernays, and modern marketing created the "happiness on demand" cultureWhy the opposite of depression is purpose, not happinessThe historical shift from "worthy life" to "euphoric happiness"How consumer culture exploits our pursuit of happiness What People Really Need Security (knowing everything will be okay)Affirmation (knowing you're a good person)Purpose over comfort Philosophy & Meaning Energy transformation as life's purpose (potential to kinetic energy)Why building, growing, and developing matters more than tearing downThe importance of having...

    1h 3m

  3. JAN 17

    From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Jan 17, 2026 - #39

    From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Episode #39Guest: Ben Couch, Founder of ElumenEd and Eastern Ergonomics Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia Episode Length: ~1 hour Episode SummaryIn this fascinating conversation, martial artist and healthcare educator Ben Couch shares how 40+ years of martial arts training is transforming dementia care and caregiver safety. Ben discusses his innovative Eastern Ergonomics program, which applies ancient martial arts principles—balance, efficiency, breath, and mindful presence—to patient transfers and caregiving. He also opens up about his personal journey after his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and how it deepened his understanding of care. Key Topics DiscussedBen's Background 40+ years in martial arts (black belts in 8 disciplines, 7th degree in karate)20+ years as National Director of Training at Watermark Retirement CommunitiesFounded ElumenEd to bring Eastern Ergonomics to healthcare facilities nationwidePersonal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022 The Problem with Traditional Ergonomics Training Patient transfers have been the #1 cause of healthcare worker injuries for decadesTraditional training focuses on "dots" without connecting the transitional movementsAnnual compliance training often fails to create meaningful changeInjuries cost $40,000-$120,000 per nurse to replace Martial Arts Principles Applied to Caregiving Mental Preparation: Posture and breathing as foundation for presence and safetyTaking a pause before each transfer to be fully present"New heart every day" mindset to avoid autopilot modeConnection between body posture and mental state Physical Techniques: Moving from center of gravity rather than arm strength"Hands always push" principle (using triceps/lats instead of biceps/deltoids)Triangulation of balance—avoiding weak points in stanceSoftness, flow, and minimal effort from Tai Chi and Japanese JujitsuPrinciple-based rather than position-based training Communication and Dignity Shifting from doing something "to" someone → "for" someone → "with" someonespan...

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 10

    The Cave You Fear to Enter: Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Healing with Dr. Brian Desroches - #38 - Jan 10, 2026

    The Cave You Fear to Enter - Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Healing with Dr. Brian Desroches - Episode #38Guest: Dr. Brian Desroches, PhD - Psychotherapist, Author, Clinical Coach Release Date: January 10, 2026 Episode SummaryIn this transformative conversation, Dr. Brian Desroches shares how a personal breakthrough in 2015 fundamentally changed his understanding of emotional healing after more than 20 years of clinical practice. Moving beyond traditional "overcome and manage" approaches, Brian introduces listeners to the neuroscience of memory reconsolidation - a process that allows us to update emotional learnings at the synaptic level rather than simply coping with symptoms. Key Topics DiscussedThe 2015 Paradigm Shift Brian's 10-year struggle with writing procrastination despite extensive therapyHis breakthrough experience with memory reconsolidation at a workshopHow shame and inadequacy became neurologically linked to writing in his brainThe immediate and lasting transformation that followed Understanding Emotional Learning How the brain acquires implicit emotional knowledge in the first 7 years of lifeWhy these learnings feel true in the present moment even when formed decades agoThe difference between explicit trauma memories and implicit emotional patternsHow the brain's predictive process creates protective but maladaptive behaviors Memory Reconsolidation Explained The brain as a learning, predicting, and adapting processWhat prediction errors (or "prediction corrections") are and why they matterThe five-step process for creating lasting changeWhy insight alone doesn't lead to transformation Reframing Self-Sabotage Why "getting in your own way" is actually your brain protecting youThe car analogy: one foot on gas, one on brakeMoving from "what's wrong with me?" to "what did I learn?"Understanding triggers as protective mechanisms, not character flaws The Role of Compassion Why compassion is the gateway to self-loveHolding space for the parts of ourselves that learned to protect usThe grief that often accompanies discovering what's really driving our patternsJoseph...

    1h 4m

  5. 12/21/2025

    Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37

    Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37 In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Mike welcomes Dr. Theodore Henderson, a pioneering psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work is reshaping the field of mental health. Dr. Henderson challenges the traditional "chemical imbalance" model of psychiatric disorders, advocating for a more nuanced understanding rooted in neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, and the biology of inflammation. Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Henderson’s Journey: From a background in neurobiology and radiology to psychiatry, and how questioning the status quo led him to innovative treatments.Moving Beyond Chemical Imbalance: Why the serotonin hypothesis is outdated, and how new research points to neuroplasticity and mitochondrial health as central to mental wellness.Neuroimaging and Diagnosis: The role of SPECT scans in identifying brain dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and differentiating between psychiatric conditions.Infrared Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation): How Dr. Henderson’s research has advanced the use of infrared light to stimulate brain repair, neuroplasticity, and recovery from conditions like depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.Ketamine and Synergistic Treatments: The science behind ketamine’s effects on neuroplasticity, and how combining it with infrared therapy can yield powerful results.Neuroinflammation and Viral Triggers: Insights into how chronic fatigue, depression, and even some cases of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may be linked to viral infections and neuroinflammation.Long COVID: Dr. Henderson’s approach to treating long COVID symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog, with antiviral therapies and infrared light.Personalized Psychiatry: The importance of moving away from a “cookbook” approach to mental health, and embracing individualized, biomarker-driven diagnostics and treatments.Future Directions: The promise of next-generation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ongoing research collaborations, and the need for broader access to innovative therapies. Actionable Insights: Clinicians: Consider neuroinflammatory and viral contributions to psychiatric symptoms; basic blood tests and antibody panels can be informative.Patients: There is hope beyond standard medications—emerging therapies may offer new avenues for recovery. Resources: Dr. Henderson’s book: Brighter Days Ahead (link in show notes)Dr. Henderson’s clinic and contact information (link in show notes) Connect with Dr. Henderson: span class="ql-ui"...

    38 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies: Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research - #36 - Nov 11, 2025

    The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepressant treatments: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The discussion covers: The science behind adenosine’s role in mood regulation and how both ketamine and ECT trigger rapid antidepressant effects via adenosine pathways.Key findings from a recent Nature study using mouse models, including the necessity and sufficiency of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors for treatment response.The implications for clinical practice, including the potential impact of caffeine (which blocks adenosine) on treatment outcomes.Why standardizing caffeine intake may be important for patients undergoing ketamine or ECT therapy.The importance of translating preclinical findings into human studies and the need for further research. Key Takeaways: Adenosine may act as a “common language” for rapid antidepressant effects in both ketamine and ECT.Caffeine could potentially interfere with these treatments by blocking adenosine receptors—patients and clinicians should be aware of this variable.The research is preclinical (in mice), but it lays the groundwork for future human studies and smarter, more targeted therapies. Resources & Links: Extended data, figures, and the full research paper are linked in the show notes.For more information, check the episode’s resource section. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Connect & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Join the conversation in the comments—your feedback helps shape future episodes! Stay curious, and tune in next time for more insights into neuroscience, clinical neurostimulation, and interventional mental health. Contact: Questions, ideas, or feedback? Leave a comment or reach out via the podcast’s contact channels.

    24 min

  7. 11/07/2025

    Turning Trauma into Purpose: Sam Peterson's Journey from Battlefield to Healing - #34 - Oct 18, 2025

    Transforming Mental Health: The Power of Neurostimulation and Innovative Therapies with Sam Peterson In this episode of the Neurostimulation podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore interviews Sam Peterson, a former army bomb technician and co-founder of Patriot Power Up, who now leads Mind Spa Denver. Sam shares his personal journey from battling PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to pioneering innovative mental health therapies. He explains the neurobiology of trauma, the impact of neuroinflammation, and the effectiveness of treatments like Ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in providing rapid relief and promoting neuroplasticity. The discussion highlights the importance of innovative, individualized approaches to mental health care for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, aiming to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve lives. https://www.mindspadenver.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Sam Peterson and His Mission 01:48 Sam's Journey from Battlefield to Mental Health Advocate 03:03 Understanding the Neurobiology of Trauma 04:39 The Role of Inflammation in Mental Health 12:36 Innovative Treatments at Mind Spa Denver 22:55 Success Stories and Future Vision 27:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health Care 36:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    41 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Brainwaves & Breakthroughs: tACS in Psychiatry - A Conversation with Dr. Elyamani - #35 - Nov 1, 2025

    Exploring tACS: Current Research and Future Potentials in Neuropsychiatry In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore hosts Dr. Osama Elyamani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. They discuss the emerging applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in psychiatry, including its potential as a research tool and therapeutic intervention. They delve into the science of brain oscillations, the clinical evidence surrounding tACS, and future prospects in the field. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between tACS, TMS, and tDCS, as well as the limitations and safety considerations of these neurostimulation techniques. The conversation also touches on the significance of symptom-based approaches in psychiatric treatment and the potential for tACS to aid in diagnosing and treating disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Elyamani provides insights into ongoing research, future directions, and offers advice for young researchers entering the field. Dr. Osama Elyamany (PhD) is currently a postdoctoral researcher and resident psychiatrist at the Centre of Psychiatry at Justus Liebig University Giessen. He is working on research projects investigating brain oscillations in psychiatric disorders using EEG and fMRI, aiming to develop targeted therapies through pharmacological substances and neurostimulation techniques like tACS and TMS. Email Address: osama.elyamany@psychiat.med.uni-giessen.de Website: https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/ugi_psy/ugi_psy_team.php LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-elyamany/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:39 Dr. Elyamani's Background and Research Focus 02:54 Understanding Brain Oscillations and tACS 07:31 Comparing tACS with Other Neurostimulation Techniques 11:12 Potential Therapeutic Applications of tACS 20:42 Challenges and Future Directions in tACS Research 35:20 Safety and Practicality of tACS 41:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

    46 min
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About

Welcome to The Neurostimulation Podcast — a deep dive into the expanding frontier of interventional mental health. Hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore, a psychiatrist specializing in neurostimulation and geriatric mental health, this show explores how cutting-edge interventions — from non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS, and beyond) to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy — are reshaping the landscape of modern psychiatry and neuroscience. Each episode bridges science, clinical experience, and human insight, featuring thought leaders and innovators who are redefining how we understand and treat the mind. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, student, or simply fascinated by the brain, you’ll discover practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and inspiring conversations that illuminate the evolving art and science of mental health care. Subscribe for episodes that stimulate your mind, deepen your understanding, and connect you to the future of brain-based healing. podscan_YIPb4jA8fBJ5ino2RSuBo3BdjrOmPM6c

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Passmore
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Michael Passmore
  • Show Website
    The Neurostimulation Podcast