Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning

Andrea Samadi
Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning

The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast provides support for school leadership and the workplace with a proven approach for implementing social and emotional learning as it’s well-known in our schools today and emotional intelligence in the modern workplace, with a proven strategy to increase well-being, achievement and results, backed by the most current neuroscience research. Andrea Samadi, a teacher from Toronto, (now living in Arizona, USA) began working with success and social and emotional learning principles with students in the late 1990s. Her programs, and trainings, grounded in brain-based research and practical neuroscience, help parents, teachers, coaches and employees to optimize learning, well-being and achievement at home, school or the workplace. Learn more at https://www.achieveit360.com

  1. MAY 29

    Uncovering Hidden Gifts: Dr. Robert Melillo's Revolutionary Approach to Developmental Neurology

    In Episode 364 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, host Andrea Samadi welcomes Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in developmental neurology. Dr. Melillo, co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and an acclaimed author, discusses his groundbreaking work on conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. Watch our interview on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wpX05ZOaQ  This episode delves into Dr. Melillo's innovative Brain Balance Program, which uses neuroscience-based exercises to address functional connectivity in the brain without medication. Dr. Melillo shares insights from his book "Disconnected Kids," now in its third edition, and explores the significance of primitive reflexes in childhood brain development. Dr. Melillo explains how identifying and nurturing the unique gifts within children can help them overcome neurological challenges and thrive. He also highlights his journey and the mentors who shaped it, along with a glimpse into his personalized program offerings based in New York and online. Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 7 years ago now, with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. For today’s episode #364, we meet with Dr. Robert Melillo[i], a leading expert in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression in both children and adults. He is the co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers, the developer of the Melillo Method®, and he runs the Melillo Center for Developing Minds in NY. His book, Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program® for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders[ii], is now in its Third Edition, endorsed by Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, who calls his book “a visionary new approach,” For today’s episode #364, we meet with Dr. Robert Melillo, where we looked at: ✔ His book that's now in its 3rd Edition, Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program®  ✔ Dr. Robert Melillo's Center for Developing Minds in New York and how they have been helping thousands of families around the world. ✔ What are milestones we can look for if we think our child or student has a vulnerability. ✔ Where to begin with The Melillo Method. Disconnected Kids is a comprehensive at-home guide to his Brain Balance program, which involves no medication or medical interventions but focuses instead on movement and sensory exercises that stimulate proper brain development. This updated and revised edition also features new exercises and the latest research findings on how the retention of primitive reflexes—the involuntary movements babies are born with that typically are replaced with intentional movements by their first birthday—plays an integral role in the development of neurological issues. Through the exercises in this book, these reflexes can be diminished, making brain balance easier to attain. Disconnected Kids helps readers guide children susceptible to a brain imbalance to overcome challenges and allow their true gifted selves to shine. Let’s meet Dr. Robert Melillo, and learn together about his new visionary approach to help ALL children uncover their authentic gifts, and shine. Welcome Dr. Melillo. Thank you for joining us today on the podcast. Have we reached you in New York today? It’s it a sunny day there today? INTRO: For sure, we do need to get up early here before the weather hits those high numbers! Before we get into your books, achievement centers and the methods you have created to help children with developmental neurological conditions, can we start with when it was that you first became interested in looking for solutions for children with neurological conditions? Where did your interest in brain disorders begin, what role did Denise Festa have on your journey and how did this lead to your Brain Balance Program where you have helped (by now) well over 50,000 young children around the world? Q1: There is nothing like watching your own child struggle (whether its academically, socially or emotionally). I was drawn to this work in the late 1990s when you were first discovering your Brain Balance Program (working as a classroom teacher years before having my own children) when I wanted to help children with social and emotional learning. It was at this time that many educators were starting to connect the dots with the importance of understanding how our brain works while learning to read, or do math, or learn a new language. I just wonder, where did your children end up career wise? That really did give me chills! This is the whole reason why I do this podcast. We can see a child in school and they might be struggling in the traditional classroom with the fact that they must sit and learn. And you talk about the vulnerabilities there. And there’s these unique gifts that we know our children all have (we just need to help bring them out in our kids or students). Q2: Dr. Melillo, I’ve got to say that I’m beyond impressed with your approach to helping children, and families. I’m going to guess that the passion that comes through in your work is because the results you have seen are profound. It took me 5 seconds to see something different behind your work with an intro video you created for your book, Disconnected Kids[iii], which is where you suggest families begin when they have a child they want to assess to see if there is an imbalance somewhere. If a parent has a child at home and they are struggling somewhere, (academically, socially or they have been diagnosed with a brain disorder and are not making progress) where do you recommend we begin? At what age do most families seek you out for help, and what is the pathway you suggest in this process to figuring out how to help parents to understand what might be happening in your child’s brain, that causes them to seem disconnected? Q3: You say in your book “to change aberrant behaviors, you have to change the brain; otherwise you are just managing the symptoms.” Is this what led you to create your Brain Balance Program, and what does this program entail? Q4: What milestones should we be aware of? Q4B: Have you ever come across the work of Glen Doman[iv]? Q5: So to wrap this all up, we become aware as parents or teachers of these important developmental milestones, and if we notice deficiencies in these milestones, we can purchase your book, Disconnected Kids in it’s 3rd Edition now, we can come and visit your centers in New York, we can take some online courses to learn more, someone could also work with you via virtual training. Can you share where we should start if we want to learn more about your programs and services? Q6: Dr. Melillo, for people who would like to work with you, even virtually, is the best way to click the inquiry button on your website? What can someone expect wtih your virtual program? https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/virtual-programs/ Q7: What online course have your created, and who would benefit from them? https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/courses/ Q8: Have I missed anything important? Dr. Melillo, I want to thank you for joining me today on the podcast, and sharing your work with our listeners. This is important work you are doing, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to meet you, and share the vision for where you will take the Melillo Method, that has already been helping thousands of children globally. For people who might notice some vulnerabilities, or milestones that they are concerned about, what would you suggest? CONNECT with Dr. Robert Melillo Website: https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/ Melillo Method Everything Brain Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melillo-method-podcast-everything-brain/id1739403876   REFERENCES:   [i] https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/   [ii] https://www.drrobertmelillo.com/books-products/   [iii] Video Intro to Disconnected Kids book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIWkYTe-_LQ [iv] Glen Doman https://iahp.org/     ]]>

    35 min
  2. MAY 22

    "Opening the Door to the Future: Biocomputers and AI with Dr. Fred Jordan"

    In this enlightening episode of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast, we delve into groundbreaking territory with Dr. Fred Jordan, CEO and co-founder of Alt Vision and FinalSpark, as he joins us from Switzerland. Dr. Jordan introduces us to a revolutionary emerging technology where living neurons—nature's own processors—are set to transform the landscape of technology and artificial intelligence. Explore how bioprocessors, derived from human stem cells using advanced lab techniques, could potentially outperform traditional semiconductor devices by significantly reducing power consumption, particularly in AI computations. Understand the implications of such innovations and the ethical considerations they entail, as we navigate a future where biocomputers might fundamentally alter our technological capabilities. Join us in opening our minds to the possibilities of neuroscience-driven tech advancements, as we discuss the practical applications and visionary future that Dr. Jordan and his team are shaping, inviting curiosity and critical thinking into our evolving technological world. Watch our Interview on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D3eKkd3L4w For today’s episode #363, we meet with Dr Fred Jordan, where we looked at: ✔ What is the biocomputer? ✔ What does this NEW innovative technology, make obsolete, from our past? ✔ What are the benefits of a biocomputer, and how exactly does it work? ✔ What is the vision of FinalSpark, and how can this change the future of AI? Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 7 years ago now, with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. For today’s episode #363, we meet with the CEO and Co-Founder of AlpVision and FinalSpark, Dr. Fred Jordan who will be joining us all the way from Switzerland. I met Dr. Jordan through LinkedIn, where he introduced his work to me, and my attention was caught. When I asked him what he does in his lab at FinalSpark, he wrote back to me that his lab has developed an emerging technology that would redefine the status quo in technology and in the ways that people work. Of course I asked him if he could explain this to me, and he wrote back that “we use living neurons, the building blocks in the brain, for processing information” and sent me the link to his website[i] where there is a live camera view of living neurons placed on electrodes, and you can see the signal from them. He went on to explain that neurons in the brain communicate using electrical and chemical stimulations and that his lab was focused on building a new generation of bioprocessors. At this point, I am sure he would know that I’m interested to learn more, mostly to understand what exactly does this mean? I wonder: Does Dr. Jordan mean that his lab is building a computer processor out of living neurons (cells from our brain)? How do they do this? What are the advantages of a bioprocessor vs using transistors (that are semiconductor devices used to amplify or switch electrical signals and power)? How does this connect to AI? What does his lab envision for the future? I have a lot of questions for Dr. Jordan, and I am coming from the point of view that I really want to learn and understand what his lab has created. I want to be able to explain his idea to our audience in a way that we can all come away with some new knowledge and understanding about the future, and how keeping an open mind while learning can set us apart from others, and even give us a razor’s edge advantage in whatever work we are doing in the world. Let’s meet Dr. Fred Jordan, and together, learn about the work they are doing at FinalSpark in Switzerland, and see if it can expand of thinking, and take us to new heights with the new awareness we will gain today. INTRO Q: Welcome Dr. Fred Jordan. Thank you for reaching out to me, and opening up my mind to something that while writing these questions, I still didn’t completely understand. Can you explain what exactly is a biocomputer and why would anyone want to have a computer that uses living neurons instead of transistors to process information? Q1: As someone who loves entrepreneurship, or those people in the world who create new ideas that change the world, can you tell me how where this idea began? Q2: I did listen to one of your podcast episodes[ii] about “The Future of AI: How Biocomputers Will Change Everything” so I could wrap my head around what you do at FinalSpark, and it brought me to something I heard longevity researcher Dr. David Sinclair say that I will never forget. He said “we can make a mouse in a lab out of stem cells.” Can you explain where these neurons come that you are using come from and also help me to understand what Dr. Sinclair meant when he said they can make a mouse out of stem cells? Q3: For someone who doesn’t have a formal background in science, but I want to learn difficult concepts, and be able to explain them to others, can you explain how these living neurons work? Q4: What is the advantage of using a biocomputer and what problems does this solve? They consume 1 million X less than digital computers, quantum computers still in R&D stage Q5: What industries will be changed with the biocomputer? (semi-conductor industry) or what other applications can you think of that this type of computer can have (maybe medical applications)? Q6: What types of feedback are you hearing about the biocomputer? Do people think it’s acceptable to use living neurons for computation? Q7: Who are the leaders in this type of research? What other countries do you know of, where labs are working on this type of computer? Q8: What Universities have approached you to learn more about this neuro-platform? Q9: What is your vision for FinalSpark, and how do you think this will change the future workforce? Q10: This topic made me think and I found it difficult to grasp, but am very interested in learning more about how this concept could change everything that we know about the way we work and use computers. What would you say to me to show me that having an open mind will set me apart from others, or give me an advantage maybe in the future? Q11: Is there anything I have missed, or anything important that our listeners should know about?  Dr. Jordan, I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me about what you have created at FinalSpark. I’m very interested in NEW ideas, especially those that will change the way we operate and live our lives, exponentially. I remember hearing a quote from Gordon Moore, Intel’s co-founder and the author of Moore’s law many years ago in reference to the fact that “the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles roughly every 2 years” and this trend has driven the exponential growth of computing power and efficiency , leading to faster processors and smaller devices. He said “frankly, I didn’t expect to be so precise” with his prediction. What do you think when you have the power of the biocomputer, and George Moore’s quote, of the potential of what you have created at FinalSpark? For people to connect with you and learn more, what is the best way? CONNECT with Dr. Fred Jordan   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-jordan-anticounterfeiting-brandprotection-authentication/   REFERENCES:   [i] https://finalspark.com/live/   [ii] Dr. Fred Jordan on the Future of AI: How Bio-Computers Will Change Everything https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-5-ep1-dr-fred-jordan-co-founder-of-finalspark/id1756198461?i=1000686503506     ]]>

    20 min
  3. MAY 18

    Unlocking Inner Healing: The Power of Qigong and Practical Neuroscience with Sifu Boggie

    Welcome to Season 13 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast, where we delve into the fascinating intersection of brain science, emotional intelligence, and educational training for enhanced well-being and performance. This episode features Sifu Boggie, also known as Paul Brighton, who brings over 40 years of expertise in qigong, a discipline involving breath work and self-healing techniques. As stress and anxiety reach unprecedented levels worldwide, Sifu Boggie shares how qi-gong can help alleviate ailments like chronic pain, migraines, and even mental health issues. Join host Andrea Samadi in an enlightening discussion about the role of mindfulness and meditation in managing stress and maintaining mental peace. Sifu Boggie, introduced to martial arts at the age of 12, guides listeners through practical exercises for achieving emotional and physical balance, including breathing techniques and posture corrections that can be easily integrated into daily life. Discover how understanding and altering your energy can bring about transformational changes, fostering a stronger connection between mind and body. For today’s episode #362, our next guest caught my eye as I noticed that my stress levels have reached some high numbers recently, with the data I see from my Whoop wearable device. Watch our interview here https://youtu.be/lYexvaGU8M0 For today’s episode #362, we meet with Sifu Boggie, where we looked at: ✔ How Paul Brighton (Sifu Boggie) discovered this pathway from Chaos to Calm, when he was 12 years old. ✔ What classes does he teach, and how does he know how to help someone, or guide them towards improved health? ✔ How would Sifu help me with persistent neck pain? ✔ How can we learn to open our minds to learn deeper truths, that can help propel us forward? While my average daily stress has decreased by 12% over the past 6 months (Whoop measurements) with the average amount of daily stress I’m facing dropping from close to 4 hours/day to 3 hours and 25 minutes, I know I still occasionally see days where daily stress hits well over 6 hours/day. I know there’s got to be something ELSE I can be doing to mitigate this stress, since I know that dis-ease in the body, leads straight to disease. It’s clear that globally, we have reached unpresented times with anxiety, stress and depression. I can’t be the only one who wonders what ELSE can I be doing. We know that: 1 in 5 Americans suffers from a mental illness (NIMH). Anxiety disorders are the highest reported mental health issue in the US with 42.5 million Americans claiming to suffer from this illness. (Mental Health America). Mental illnesses start showing symptoms by age 14 (National Alliance on Mental Illness), About 1 in 4 American adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and one in 10 will suffer from a depressive illness, such as major depression or bipolar disorder (Johns Hopkins). 10.7% of the world suffers from some form of mental illness. (Our World in Data). STATISTICS FROM https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/mental-health-statistics/  While looking at my own stress one day, I received an introduction to our next guest, who will share the knowledge he has gathered over the past 40 years, where he has learned how to help others help themselves with ailments like... Anxiety, Stress, Chronic Pain, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Crohn’s Disease, Migraines, ME, MS, Arthritis, poor circulation, back problems and so much more. He does this by teaching us Qi Gong (Breath work exercises) and self-healing techniques that will help you to maintain your body, mind and consciousness. Without further ado, let's meet Sifu Boggie (Paul Brighton) from the UK (where I was born) and see what he can teach us with his wisdom and knowledge from being immersed in this work, since he was 12 years old. Welcome Sifu Boggie! Thank you for coming on the podcast today! Where exactly have I reached you today? (I was born in Worthing, Sussex).  INTRO:  Sifu, I listened to some of your past podcast episodes, and I enjoyed learning through your experiences. I do want to start by going back in time to when you were age 12, and met someone who saw that you were talented, when you felt like you didn’t belong. Can you start with explaining how you found this pathway to help others understand themselves better at a young age? Q1: What does your name mean and how does it tie into our podcast where we work on learning strategies to be the best versions of ourselves? Q2: I can see your talent and what makes you truly unique and I’m jumping at the chance to speak with you, to ask you questions for your perspective, but what has been your experience having a talent that takes ancient practices that can hold the secret for healing modern ailments? Can you break down WHAT exactly it is that you do in your classes, and how each class is tied to support a specific ailment of injury? Qi Class: Qigong for Health, Fitness and Well-being, what ever your ailment or injury There is a Qigong for it... Jing Class: Neigong ( Qigong Yoga) great for Stretching the body, Strengthening the tendons and releasing trauma/ PTSD/ Depression... Shen Class:  Shengong ( Qigong Meditation) lots of different variations, especially "the Island" a Daoist Meditation to heal mind,body and Spirit plus other Energy Meditation styles... Eastern Reiki Class: The Traditional Version of Reiki has Hatsurie Ho ( Japanese Qigong), Kotodama ( Japanese Mantra), and Reiju ( Empowerments) done as a Weekly Class so you build and grow the energy and Traditionally Symbols were not used. DragonDog Shaman Reiki: A particular Version of Shun Qi Shen ( Chinese Reiki) based on the Daoist Shaman practice, this has 3 Classes... Theory, Practical and Lightcode... Q2B: So if I have pain in my neck, that’s persistent and always there, how would you help me to eliminate this pain in my neck? I ask, as it’s been this way for me for over 20 years, and I’ve tried everything! Chiropractic work, massage, oils, saunas, and even hypnotherapy (which I would have to say is highly effective). What would you say to me about this persistent pain in my neck and how would YOU solve it? Q3: I know a lot of this involves the mind. I heard you say something that made me think a bit, and I wonder if you can explain how you interpret when Hong-Kong, American martial arts and actor, the late Bruce Lee said “it’s like a finger pointing away to the moon” urging us to NOT concentrate on our finger, or we will miss “all that heavenly glory” and that we must NOT think, but learn to FEEL more. How does this quote tie in here? Learn to listen to our body and feel more, rather than get stuck focusing on (our finger) or whatever it is that hurts us in our body? What would you say here? Q4: So here’s another quote I heard you say that I just love. I connected with it as I worked for 6 years in the motivational speaking industry and met some of the greats in this industry, right alongside those who had all risen to the top in their careers. Most that I met were open to learning NEW strategies and ideas for success, that took them to these great heights, and they didn’t have to be scientifically proven, they just had to work. You mentioned a quote by Rockefeller that said “millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaire do” suggesting that more successful individuals, particularly those at the highest wealth levels, may leverage astrology for strategic insights beyond simple fate beliefs. Can you explain how this quote ties into your work? Q5: Before my next question, I would love it if you could give us your take on Energy 101 and what we should all know about energy fields, and frequencies? I’ve mentioned this concept on a few different episodes where I talk about how we are all spiritual beings, with an intellect, living in a physical body (EP 67[i]) and that we must change our frequency to move to different levels of vibration. How would YOU explain this image and concept? Q6: Since we now can see how important energy is, in Arizona, where I live, we can find stores on reading our energy, our aura (I’ve done this recently) or classes on how to bend a spoon, psychokinesis and dowsing (all classes that I took the FIRST year I moved here over 24 years ago). Can you tell me what you learned from your work with Uri Geller years ago that might open our listener’s eyes to different techniques for success that you have seen either yourself or others use to give them a razor’s edge for success? Q7: Ok, another quote here from Nikolas Tesla “magic is science not yet understood.” I’ve been working hard to make the connection with neuroscience and some of those age old success principles that I saw working in the seminar industry back in the late 1990s. Our most downloaded episode is a 4-part series on Applying The Silva Method[ii] for Increased Intuition, Creativity and Focus. My favorite quote from this series is that “once we learn to use our minds to train it, it will do some astounding things for us, as you will soon see.” What kind of magic have you seen over the years with people you work with who have learned to train their mind (like Bruce Lee was so well known for?). Q8: In the Silva Method, he has this activity where we learn how to see things on the “screen of our mind.” What have you learned from your study of ancient physicists about developing our minds, or our “third eye” and why is this advanced awareness important if we want to take better control our our health and wellness, as well as our success, in the future?   Q9: This has been a lot, and I could keep asking you questions, but I wonder, “where do we begin?” I didn’t know that Yin/Yang (dark/light) means Tai Chi or that Dao means “the path, or the way.” Can you highlight the best way forward for someone who notices they are off bal

    1h 15m
  4. APR 20

    Discovering the Secret to a Clear, Fog-Free Brain with Dr. Sui Wong

    Welcome to episode 361 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we reconnect with Dr. Sui Wong, a leading neuro-ophthalmologist, for an enlightening discussion on her new book, Sweet Spot for Brain Health: Why Blood Sugar Matters for a Clear, Fog-Free Brain. Join host Andrea Samadi as she dives deep into Dr. Wong's research that unveils the powerful link between our blood sugar levels and brain health. Discover practical tips and a 12-week challenge designed to help maintain optimal brain function by stabilizing blood sugar. This episode sheds light on Dr. Wong's holistic approach to patient care and her dedication to sharing knowledge that empowers individuals to enhance their health and well-being through informed lifestyle choices. Watch our interview on YouTube here https://youtu.be/MoQT39pXHhE  Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 6 years ago with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. For today’s episode #361, we meet with a returning guest, Dr. Sui Wong, a Leading Neuro-Ophthalmologist, who we met on EP 343[i], last August where we looked at: ✔ Dr. Sui Wong's career path in medicine, that led her to write 4 books to help her patients (and the world) improve their brain health. ✔ How understanding our eye health can help us to prevent neurological disorders (like Alzheimer's Disease) in the future. ✔ What common neuro-ophthalmology cases she sees. On today’s EP 361, we will dive deep into her NEW book, Sweet Spot for Brain Health: Why Blood Sugar Matters for a Clear, Fog-Free Brain.[ii] ✔ What is the brain-glucose connection? ✔ How does glucose impact cognitive performance? ✔ How can we better prepare to eat food that we know will spike our blood sugar levels? ✔ What health problems can too much sugar lead to? ✔ Helpful tools to create a brain-healthy diet. ✔ Supplements that are important for brain health and cognition. Just a reminder: Dr. Sui H. Wong, is a Neurologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist based in London, United Kingdom. In addition to her clinical work as a medical doctor and physician, Dr. Wong is an active neuroscience researcher, who translates pertinent and clinically relevant questions into research, to improve person-centered patient outcomes. Additionally, she has the qualifications and experience to consider a broader spectrum of lifestyle-specific interventions. Dr. Wong’s holistic approach in empowering patients has been recognized with many awards, and this is just the beginning for her. When I was introduced to Dr. Wong, an active neuroscience researcher with a mission of translating important clinically relevant questions into research for improved person-centred patient outcomes, I knew I had to speak with her. She is a widely-published author and researcher with over 110+ peer-reviewed publications in medical journals, chapters and conference abstracts, to date.  Let’s meet Dr. Sui Wong, for the second time on our podcast, and see what we can learn together about what she has uncovered with her research of the importance of understanding our blood sugar levels, for a fog-free brain. Welcome Dr. Sui Wong! It’s wonderful to see you again. What’s been going on with you since we met last August? Well, let’s get straight to your new book, Sweet Spot for Brain Health: Why Blood Sugar Matters for a Clear, Fog-Free Brain. I absolutely love this topic, and I’ve covered a few episodes where we looked at the impact of sugar on our health and wellness, with EP 275[iii] The Damaging Effects of Sugar on the Brain and Body. I’m open that while I will eat chocolate, (sparingly) I watch the sugar content in EVERYTHING I eat, because it just doesn’t make me feel good to have a sugar-rush to the brain. Besides chocolate, I’d say I live a sugar-free lifestyle, (since around 2005, so for the past 20 years) and it’s not something I even think about anymore. So when I see just how damaging sugar is to our health, I want to do what I can to help others to try this lifestyle, and see how they feel. INTRO Q: What was it for you that made you want to cover this topic, even with tips for a 12-week challenge at the end of the book? Q1: In the very beginning of your book, you ask the question “have you ever wondered about the hidden connection between what you eat and how your brain works” and I honestly had not, until I was at my foot doctor, telling him that my feet were going numb with exercise, and he had just written a book, called Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage and Reclaim Good Health[iv] and he handed me a piece of paper that would involve my pathway to a sugar-free diet. When was it that you began to connect the dots with how our brains work, connected to sugar? What is the brain-glucose connection? Q2: Just thinking back to my sugar-free diet, that began 20 years ago, my doctor had me stop eating high glucose fruits like pineapple, and replace them with low glycemic fruits. I remember us both laughing as we realized that bananas were not on the list, and I remember thinking “what can I eat?” and it was a massive mindset shift. You’ve broken your book into Themes and theme 1 that covers Chapters 1-4 covers how glucose helps your brain to work, as well as how your body breaks down food to give us energy. Can you tell us what we should all know about glucose, how it impacts cognitive performance, and how we can balance the sugar we ingest so it’s not too much, or too little? Q2B: Is the only way to REALLY know this, to measure what we eat with a blood glucose monitor to see how what we are eating impacts our blood sugar levels? Q2C: How can we better prepare to eat foods we know will spike our blood sugar? Q3: Then you cover Theme 2, in chapter 5, When Things Go Wrong with what happens when you blood sugar levels aren’t right. We all have heard this, but can you tell us the problems too much sugar can lead us to? (like diabetes, insulin resistance, deteriorating vascular health, in addition to the impact on our brain health and overall well-being)? Q4: Then you cover Theme 3, what to do about it, in chapters 6-11 with practical tips to keep your blood sugar steady, and our brain in top shape. It’s here that you cover diet, and this is a huge one, as many of us like eating, or cooking things in a certain way. I remember my doctor asking me to write down EVERYTHING I was eating, and what was in the sauces I was cooking things in. For example, I remember I liked this Fajita sauce, that was really high is sugar. So I had to find a replacement for it. Or learning what food were high glycemic. Or don’t even get me started when I realized how bad alcohol is for the brain, especially when I had cut out so many things. I remember thinking “what is left for me to eat/drink” until I found replacements for everything that we know to be bad for the brain. What are the most helpful tools you have found for getting our heads around a brain-healthy diet? Q5: What natural remedies or supplements are important for brain health and cognition? Q6: What is your goal for us with this book? Q7: What are some challenges you see with people in your practice, or obstacles that get in the way? Q8: What have I missed that’s important? Dr. Sui Wong, I want to thank you for coming back on the podcast for a second time. It was wonderful to catch up, and learn more about ways to improve our brain health and cognition, by finding this Sweet Spot for Brain Health. I will link your information for people to learn more about you in the show notes. What is next for you? FINAL THOUGHTS I couldn’t end this episode without really thinking about this topic of the importance of finding our own “Sweet Spot for Brain Health.” I know that during the recording, I could think of a few ways that I can improve my own habits immediately, (like by making sure I am taking fish oil, and as well, will add some flax seed to my shakes or morning breakfast) or like Dr. Wong mentioned, to improve ourselves just a little bit, make a shift that’s only about 1-3% and we can make a significant change in our future health. I hope you enjoyed this episode, and have written down some ideas to improve your health in ways that these small shifts will over time, help us all to keep our brains sharp, and fight off cognitive decline. And with that thought, I’’ll close out this episode and will see you in May, with more interviews that will dive deeper into brain health and wellbeing. RESOURCES AND CONNECT WITH DR. SUI WONG Sweet Spot for Brain Health Book books2read.com/u/br2l8z Thursday Tips-Bitesize brain health tips to thrive:  bit.ly/drwongbrainhealth Website for Dr. Wong’s books: https://www.drsuiwongmd.com/books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuiwong.neurologist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sui-wong-neurologist/ Mindfulness for Brain Health (in paperback/ hardcover/ Kindle/ audiobook) https://books2read.com/u/4XNXAg Break Free from Migraines Naturally (in paperback/ hardcover/ Kindle/ audiobook) https://books2read.com/u/bwgG5Z Sleep Better to Thrive (in paperback/ Kindle/ audiobook) books2read.com/u/mv0XQ2 Quit Ultra-Processed Foods Now (in paperback/ Kindle/ audiobook) https://books2read.com/u/m27M21 Email office@neuroeye.co.uk   RESOURCES Freestyle Libre Patch htt

    59 min
  5. MAR 30

    Unlocking Resilience & Authenticity Through Neuroscience: PART 4 Chapters 14-16 (Grant Bosnick)

    Welcome to Season 13 of Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning. Join Andrea Samadi as she wraps up a year-long exploration of Grant Bosnick's book on self-leadership, diving into the final chapters focused on the neuroscience of resilience, authenticity, and bias. Discover practical strategies and insights from the latest neuroscience research to enhance your self-awareness, build authentic relationships, and overcome biases for personal growth and improved well-being. Don't miss this final installment filled with expert knowledge and actionable steps to transform your daily life. And we will now resume PART 4, the final part of our review, to sum up last year, 2024, and our entire year studying one book, Grant Bosnick’s “Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership: A Bite Size Approach Using Psychology and Neuroscience” that we first dove into with our interview on EP #321[i] the end of January 2024. The goal was that each week, we focused on learning something new, (from Grant’s book) tied to the most current neuroscience research, that builds off the prior week, to help take us to greater heights this year. It honestly shocked me that this series took the entire year. We began with PART 1[ii] and the first 5 chapters of the book. PART 2[iii] we reviewed chapters 6-9 of Grant Bosnick’s Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, PART 3[iv], we reviewed chapters 10-13, and finally, today, we will finish with PART 4, Chapters 14-16.                                                                                         ((On today's EPISODE #360 PART 4 of our review of Grant Bosnick’s Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, we will cover)): ✔ EP 344 Chapter 14[v] “The Neuroscience of Resilience” ✔ EP 345 Chapter 15[vi] “Unlocking Authenticity: The Neuroscience of Relationships” ✔ EP 347 Chapter 16[vii] “The Science of Bias” If you have not yet taken the leadership self-assessment, or if you would like to re-take it to see if the results are different for you than last year, you can click the link here to find the quick test. I re-took the assessment for 2025, and did notice some similarities and some differences from last year. If you can, retake the assessment and see what you notice about yourself. I noticed that pathways 2 and 3 are my high areas of focus this year, and that I can drop pathway 6 from my focus. What about you? If you have a few minutes to spare, take this leadership self-assessment again, and see if you notice any changes in your areas of focus for 2025. This is an incredible way to remain laser focused on pathways that will move the needle of success for YOU this year. EP 344 Chapter 14 “The Neuroscience of Resilience: Building Stronger Minds and Teams” If you were to ask me which episode is my favorite out of the 16 chapters, I would have to say this topic is at the top of the list, even though this pathway came out as a 0% for me to focus on in 2025. It’s not because I’ll be brushing resilience under the rug this year, as it’s an area of focus I work on daily, without even thinking about it. Who doesn’t want to become more resilient, or understand how to build a stronger mind, and then translate this strength to others for predictable results in 2025? What drew me to this episode was learning about the fascinating new neuroscience behind the part of our brain called the anterior mid cingulate cortex that becomes bigger when we use our will power to do those things we just don’t want to do. Scientists believe this ability to use our will power to do difficult things, which builds our resiliency, is what’s really behind the will to live. Stop and think for a minute here. Does this resonate with you? If you enjoy doing difficult things, and you would describe yourself as being “resilient” doesn’t it make your mind spin to think that you are actually building a bigger, and stronger brain with this trait? Dr. Amen from Amen Clinics does remind us that when it comes to our brain, that bigger is better and that “a larger, more active brain is associated with better cognitive performance and overall well-being.”[viii] On this episode we also covered: A review of EP 74 and 286 where we covered the Neuroscience of Resilience with Horacio Sanchez’s work reminding us that our protective or risk factors in our lifetime, will determine how resilient we will be throughout our life. While 25% of the population are naturally resilient, Horacio asserts that “if you have little risk, it takes less to be resilient. But—if you have a lot of risk, it takes a lot more protective factors to offset the scale.” Horacio has dedicated his life to helping our next generation become more resilient. If you love Horacio Sanchez’s work as much as I do, stay tuned, as we will be featuring him soon with his new book, Unlocking School Bias: Using Neuroscience to Improve Student Outcomes[ix]. Stay tuned for this episode that will be scheduled as soon as I finish reading his book. Next we looked at Grant Bosnick’s book, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership (Chapter 14) where he gave us the analogy of the donkey who fell into the well, and demonstrated resiliency when he used the dirt shoveled on him, to climb out. This example taught us that we all will have dirt shoveled on our backs in our life, and “that we can either get buried in the dirt or shake it off and take a step up. Each adversity we face is a stepping stone, and we can get out of the deepest wells by shaking off the dirt and taking a step up.” (Chapter 14, Resilience, Bosnick, Page 160). Another analogy we learned was through the mother and daughter story, and that when adversity faces you, Bosnick asks us to reflect. “Are you the carrot that seems strong but with pain and adversity (wilted) and became soft, losing its strength? Are you the egg that starts with a soft heart, but hardens with the heat? Or are you like the coffee bean that actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that (brought) the pain?” (Chapter 14, Resilience, Bosnick, Page 161). I’m hoping that we all desire to experience change with the adversity we face, like the coffee bean and use our difficult experiences in life to build a better, and stronger version of ourselves. After learning about building resiliency in ourselves, we learned about building resiliency within our teams, and looked at Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Then we learned to turn this around, using the five functions of a high performing team: trust, absence of fear of conflict, commitment, accountability and attention to results.” (Chapter 14, Resilience, Bosnick, Page 170). Finally, we looked at how we develop resiliency, using our Will Power from EP 294 where I shared an activity to strengthen this faculty of our mind either through meditation, or with an activity of staring at a candle flame, and with time, effort and sheer will power, blocking out everything else around you, until you and the candle flame become one. REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH EP 345 Chapter 15 on “Unlocking Authenticity: The Neuroscience of Relationships“ we covered:  ✔ Author Mo Issa’s definition of authenticity from his book The Shift: How to Awaken the Aliveness from Within. We met Mo Issa on EP 346[x]) We learned that Mo believes that “true authenticity means being ourselves—not an imitation of what we think we should be or what others want us to be. We all have a unique gift, and we must find and nurture it.” (Mo Issa, The Shift). ✔ Andrea’s reflection from 2021 when Mo Issa asked her “what does authenticity mean to you?” What’s authentic for me—it’s living life according to my values. Living who I am by design. If I’m not putting health first, (for myself and my family) or learning, growing, researching, and then disseminating/sharing what I’ve learned, I’m not living my true authentic self. It will hurt my productivity if I compromise who I am, at this granular level. ✔ We ask the reader to consider: What makes YOU authentic? ✔ How do you know when you are living a truly authentic life? ✔ Have you identified your unique gifts or talents that make you stand out from others? ✔ Do you know what might be holding you back from being truly authentic? ✔ The Neuroscience of Our Social Brain “We have two systems in our brain: the X-system and the C-system. The X-system (or reflexive system) is automatic, responsive, like/dislike, reward/threat. The C-system (or reflective system) is controlled, conscious, with executive function and executive control.” (Chapter 15, Bosnick, Page 186). Motivation and effort are required to engage this part of the brain. The story of Phineas Gage who destroyed the C-system, in his brain and was operating on X-system only. In other words he had no control over his automatic, reflexive system, and his behavior became unbearable as a result. The C-system, (that requires motivation and effort to activate) we learned, is important for self-reflection and understanding self/other. We know this part of our brain as the Default Mode Network[xvi], and the part of our brain where we take breaks for creativity, thinking and learning to occur. “When the brain is at a resting state, this specific system kicks in, which is focused around social understanding (thinking about yourself, others’ thoughts, others’ actions etc.).” We learned to get into this resting state by “staring out of a window and do nothing (except reflecting on what else we can do to improve our relationships) and this knowledge that we uncover will help us to build more authentic relationships. We learned to slow down the conversation with people, truly liste

    18 min
  6. MAR 16

    Unlocking the Power of Self-Talk for Success and Well-being with Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D.

    In this illuminating episode of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, host Andrea Samadi sits down with Dr. Shad Helmstetter, a best-selling author renowned for his work in personal growth and self-talk. Dr. Helmstetter shares his profound insights into the science of self-talk and neuroplasticity, revealing how the language we use with ourselves can radically transform our lives. Watch our interview of YouTube here https://youtu.be/zaVGEjVj__Y Listeners will discover how Dr. Helmstetter's research connects age-old principles of success with cutting-edge neuroscience. The episode delves into practical strategies for reprogramming the brain through positive self-talk, the significance of learning the language of success, and the steps anyone can take to improve their mindset. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply someone seeking personal improvement, this episode offers valuable lessons on how to harness your inner dialogue for greater achievement, fulfillment, and happiness. Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 6 years ago with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. On today's EPISODE #359 we will cover: ✔ Dr. Shad Helmstetter's background that led him to create an APP that teaches how to reprogram the brain with positive self-talk ✔ Where our self-talk originated from, and how we can change it, rewire our brain, and put our lives on a trajectory for success. ✔ What is the language of success vs the language of those who are deemed to fall short of their goals? ✔ How can we teach this language to ourselves, our children, students or large groups, to permanently rewire their brain for success? For today’s EP #359, we meet with the best-selling author of more than twenty books in the field of personal growth, Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. What caught my attention with our next guest was NOT this huge list of books he has written, or that he had appeared on over 1200 radio and television programs, including repeat appearances on Oprah Winfrey, ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN News, or even that his self-talk audio programs are listened to thousands of individuals and families worldwide. There was something else that set our next guest apart from the others. What caught my attention was when I saw a passage in his book, The Power of Neuroplasticity, that described the EXACT mission or quest that I have been on, since looking back at the days I worked for motivational speaker Bob Proctor[i], and always wondered like our next guest “why do some people fail while others succeed?” I even wrote this question on the back of my first book, The Secret for Teens Revealed, and have been on a mission to connect science to these age-old principles that I have witnessed change many people’s lives. We have covered Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich[ii] book on this podcast, as well as Wallace D. Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich[iii], and after looking at this question, I always came to the SAME conclusion. It HAS GOT to come down to the fact that successful people “think and act” in a certain way. So when I came across Shad Helmstetter, I wanted to learn what he has discovered that connects the age old books that we have covered on this podcast, to science. I wondered what he has discovered about “why are some people, day to day, happier, more productive, more fulfilled than others? What makes the difference? It is kismet, a kind of fate” he asks in his classic book, What to Say When You Talk to Yourself. Or has he discovered something important about the way we talk to ourselves that could possibly change the course of our lives? Let’s meet Shad Helmstetter, a pioneering dean in the field of self-talk, and see what we can learn from his decades of research, that could possibly take us to NEW heights in 2025 and beyond. Welcome Dr. Helmstetter, it’s an honor to meet someone who has accomplished so much in a field that I’ve been immersed in since the late 1990s. Thank you for being here today. INTRO Q: I’ve got to start how did you first get interested in self-talk and programming? Can you give us some background of where your career began? 1. We have covered self-talk before on this podcast, and ways to control those automatic negative thoughts, but can you explain what is self-talk and why is it so important? Are there certain words we shouldn’t say, or think? Is there a difference in the brains of successful people compared to the brains of people who struggle or fail? I ask this question, as working in the seminar industry in the late 1990s, I saw all types of people, from all walks of life. I definitely noticed some people did things (took action) or showed me that they “thought” in a “certain way” that projected them on a pathway of success. What is the difference that you see? 1B: What are some words that can put us on a trajectory for success? What are some of the areas of life that are directly affected by our self-talk and how the brain is wired? I can guess our careers, but what else would you say? How does social media shape our self-talk, and can we override that influence through conscious effort? 1C: How do you see neuroscience being integrated in our lives, and classrooms of the future? What is the best way to listen to self-talk, and how often should you listen to it? 2: We can go deep here, but beyond our life experiences, where would you say exactly our programming comes from? 2B: How do we stop doing something we might not even be aware of? 2C: The importance of who we surround ourselves with, and ways to impact larger groups of people with positive thinking. 3. When did you first realize the importance of studying the brain with your work? What is your vision for where your work will go? Dr. Helmstetter, I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me, and share your fascinating work that has been helping people globally for decades. For people to get started with your work, is the best place through your app?  What are the best places for people to connect with you? CONNECT with Shad Helmstetter GET THE APP https://www.selftalkplus.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drshadhelmstetter/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drshadhelmstetter/ Website https://shadhelmstetter.com/     RESOURCES   The Secret Words of Success: The Life-Changing Words Successful People Use Most Published by Shad Helmstetter PH.D. January 8th, 2020 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Words-Success-Shad-Helmstetter/dp/1734498218       REFERENCES:   [i] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #66 with the Legendary Bob Proctor  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/the-legendary-bob-proctor-on/   [ii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast PART 1 of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich Book Study https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/think-and-grow-rich-book-review-part-1-how-to-make-2022-your-best-year-ever/   [iii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast PART 1 of Wallace D. Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/part-1-review-of-wallace-d-wattles-the-science-of-getting-rich-on-prosperity-consciousness/   ]]>

    49 min
  7. MAR 9

    "Unlocking Reality Shattering Insights: A Roadmap for Human Transformation" with Craig Polsfuss

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning podcast. In today's episode, we delve deep into the transformative world of practical neuroscience with our special guest, Craig Polsfuss, a pioneering psychologist and author. Polsfuss introduces us to his groundbreaking book, Reality Shattering Insights, and shares his unique journey of integrating psychology, spirituality, and brain science to enhance mental well-being, performance, and spiritual insight. Join us as we explore how understanding and tapping into deeper consciousness can lead to life-changing insights and self-discovery. Learn to listen to your inner whispers and discover how to transform mental and emotional landscapes from within, moving from the intellect into the heart and beyond. Watch interview on YouTube here https://youtu.be/2Hu6_poYLn8 Welcome back to SEASON 13 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren’t taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I’m Andrea Samadi, an author, and an educator with a passion for learning and launched this podcast 7 years ago with the goal of bringing ALL the leading experts together (in one place) to help us to APPLY this research in our daily lives. On today's EPISODE #358 we will cover: ✔ How licensed psychologist and former clinical social worker Craig Polsfuss, (among the pioneers of the Three Principles movement in the 1980s) bridged psychology, spirituality, and brain science to help people achieve mental well-being, top performance and spiritual insight. ✔ Uncover the formula to create your own Reality Shattering Insights. ✔ Learn how tap into a deeper consciousness that can lead to life-changing insights and self-discovery. For today’s EP #358, we meet with a pioneering psychologist and author of the book published just last November, Reality-Shattering Insights[i], the first in a 4-book series entitled VoLT: The Vortex of Living Truth. Today’s guest, Craig Polsfuss, a licensed psychologist and former clinical social worker, who pioneered the Three Principles movement in the 1980s after a powerful awakening. With nearly five decades of experience, he integrates psychology, spirituality, and brain science to help people achieve mental wellbeing, top performance, and spiritual insight.  The "reality-shattering insights" that he shares inside his book will open your eyes, if you are looking for answers, to questions you might not have even known that you were asking yourself. Before we meet Craig Polsfuss, and begin our journey of self-discovery: A discovery that will take us from our head to our heart, and from our heart, into the depths of our soul. I’ve got to say that this episode is not like ANY I have done before, as Craig covered questions I have had for a very long time. Questions that came up when I first studying Wallace D. Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich book, 25 years ago, that we covered on EP 315[ii] with a 7-PART series. This book was one of the seminars that I sold in the late 1990s when I worked with speaker Bob Proctor.  I always wondered “what is that thinking stuff that Wattles describes in his syllabus?” If you signed up for this seminar, you would have been given this syllabus to take home with you laminated. I’ve got at least 10 of them still today in my office. Back then I had no idea what Wattles was describing. That stuff he says “permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe.” And that “a thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought.” I always thought it was some sort of “intelligence” but it wasn’t until this past January, while studying this book series with Paul Martinelli, who also sold this seminar, and presented it years ago. I learned Paul’s point of view that Wattles is saying this “thinking stuff” is God. And he goes on to say that we might all have our own interpretation of what we call this, (some might call it God, others a Higher Power, and others something entirely different) but I think we can all agree that there is something much bigger than us in the world. Something that keeps us connected to others, and can help us. I had to look to see what scientist Dr. Andrew Huberman would say on this topic and he goes on the record to say that he is “in absolute awe of Biology, believes in God” and elaborates by saying if you look at “the magnificence of biology, and the magnificence of nature (he says) it’s impossible for (him) to conceive it could have come about any other way.”[iii] So coming back to this episode, if you have EVER wondered like me about this topic, I’m not trying to sell you in what I believe, but just asking you to keep an open mind as you listen. This episode is about: Learning how to Listen to the whispers of your deep knowing… It’s about how exactly to pay attention to what comes up when you listen to your breath. We will cover how to drop from your mind and move into your heart… And Just Listen. This is where our next guest, author Craig Polsfuss explains is how you’ll uncover your true answer. Just keep an open mind, and you’ll see the beauty that exists when we can open our hearts  …Reality Shattering Insights. INTRO: Welcome Craig, it’s wonderful to meet you today. Where have we reached you this early Monday morning? Are you in St. Paul, MN? I’ve got to say that when I first saw your work, that I jumped a bit in my chair. Those who know me well, know I have quite a spiritual side, but we all see the world through different lenses. Can you first of all share where this journey (of the mind) began for you, bridging psychology, spirituality and brain science to bring you to where you are today? Q1: You write about "reality-shattering insights" in your new book, and the "proven" human ability to completely transform in an instant.  Can you explain what you mean by “reality shattering insights?” and give some examples of people who have transformed their lives with these insights? Q1B: What does a complete personal transformation actually look like, and is instant change truly possible? Q2: I find this topic fascinating, and wrote about a book The Eureka Factor: Aha Moments, Creative Insight and the Brain (by John Kounios and Mark Beeman) on a recent EP330[iv]. Are Reality Shattering Insights like AHA Moments? Q3: What neuroscience component did you discover that contributed to your own personal awakening? How have others taken advantage of this? Can you talk more about this and add some brain science insight?  Q3B: What about listeners who are tuning into this podcast episode, and they are curious to learn how to create “reality shattering insights” at will. What are the first steps to begin this transformative journey?   Q3C: What is the core formula or method for radical personal transformation?  Q3D: What are the different levels of personal and spiritual enlightenment? Q4: What IS this infinite intelligence? Q4: In your book, you mention it’s a journey from your “head to your heart” and from your “heart to your soul.” Can you explain this a bit more? How do we “feel” our “soul?” Q5: How does co-creation work? Q6: How does this connect to social and emotional learning?  Q7: Where do we go from here?  For those who are interested in learning more, where should they begin?   Craig, I want to thank you for your time today, sharing your book, Reality Shattering Insights, and  decades of research. For people who want to connect with you, what is the best way?   FOLLOW Craig Polsfuss LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpolsfuss/ EMAIL Craig@Craigpolsfuss.com RESOURCES: Piezoelectricity: Why Hitting Crystals Makes Electricity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcJXA8IqYl8 REFERENCES [i] Reality Shattering Insights by Craig Polsfuss published November 1, 2024 https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Shattering-Insights-Begin-Journey-ebook/dp/B0D92GMKGR/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8   [ii]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #315 PART 1 of Wallace D Wattles and The Science of Getting Rich: Prosperity Consciousness https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/part-1-review-of-wallace-d-wattles-the-science-of-getting-rich-on-prosperity-consciousness/   [iii] Dr. Andrew Huberman’s Faith in God https://www.youtupsbe.com/watch?v=Z7GVf8nD7SQ   [iv]Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #330  https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/understanding-self-leadership-and-the-neuroscience-of-goals/       ]]>

    1h 9m
  8. MAR 2

    Unlocking the Power of Persuasion, Time Management, and Change: PART 3 Chapters 10-13 (Grant Bosnick)

    Welcome back to Season 13 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast! In this episode, we explore Part 3 of our review of Grant Bosnick's book on self-leadership, focusing on Chapters 10 to 13. Discover how the latest neuroscience research can enhance your skills in persuasion, time management, change, and agility. Dive deep into the nuances of persuasion and influence, learn effective time management techniques, understand the brain's response to change, and enhance your mental and physical agility. Join us as we uncover insightful strategies to apply in your leadership journey. And we will now resume PART 3 of our 4-PART review, to sum up last year, 2024, and our entire year studying one book, Grant Bosnick’s “Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership: A Bite Size Approach Using Psychology and Neuroscience” that we first dove into with our interview on EP #321[i] the end of January 2024. The goal was that each week, we focused on learning something new, (from Grant’s book) tied to the most current neuroscience research, that builds off the prior week, to help take us to greater heights this year. It honestly shocked me that this series took the entire year. We began with PART 1[ii] and the first 5 chapters of the book. PART 2[iii] we reviewed chapters 6-9 of Grant Bosnick’s Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, and today, PART 3, today, we will review chapters 10-13. We will finish with PART 4, Chapters 14-16 after we release our FIRST interview of 2025, coming next weekend.                                                                                  ((On today's EPISODE #357 PART 3 of our review of Grant Bosnick’s Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, we will cover)): ✔ EP 336 Chapter 10[iv]“The Neuroscience of Persuasion and Influence” ✔ EP 337 Chapter 11[v] “The Neuroscience of Time Management” ✔ EP 339 Chapter 12[vi] “The Neuroscience of Change” ✔ EP 342 Chapter 13[vii]    “Mastering Mental and Physical Agility” If you have not yet taken the leadership self-assessment, or if you would like to re-take it to see if the results are different for you than last year, you can click the link here to find the quick test. I re-took the assessment for 2025, and did notice some similarities and some differences. See what you notice about yourself. I noticed that pathways 2 and 3 are my high areas of focus this year, and that I can drop pathway 6 from my focus. What about you? If you have a few minutes to spare, take this leadership self-assessment again, and see if you notice any changes in your areas of focus for 2025. Did any of your pathways shift for you, since last year? This is an incredible way to be laser focused on pathways that will move the needle of success for YOU this year. ✔ EP 336 Chapter 10 “The Neuroscience of Persuasion and Influence” On this episode, we looked at Jack Carew’s classic book from 1987 called You’ll Never Get No For an Answer that was covered on EP 176.[viii] Carew looked at the unique strategies that American Author and Salesman Og Mandino encouraged us all to read to improve our communication and influence with others and I noticed that Strategy 2 was to stop looking out for number one and always look for how you can help others first. So, after noticing this, I went straight to Chapter 10 of Grant Bosnick’s book, on “Persuade and Influence” to see what he had to say on this topic. Right off the bat, in the opening of this chapter, Bosnick asks us to think about how we would persuade someone else to do something, like give you a pen you would like to have, for example, or ask for a promotion, or ask someone to do something you would like them to do. Then he differentiates the word persuade that he says “we can think of as quick, more direct, more for short-term or immediate gain” (Chapter 10, Bosnick, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership) while influence he says “is softer, more subtle, much more for longer term and lasting gain.” (Chapter 10, Bosnick, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership) Persuasion Bosnick says is “more tactical, whereas influence is strategic.”  He gives us the history of persuasion, explaining its origin from the early Greek Philosophers, and that Aristotle wrote about three modes of persuasion: logos (that’s about logic and reason), pathos (that’s about emotion and inspiration) and ethos (that’s about the speaker’s own character and credibility). Thinking of Jack Carew’s second tip in his book to improve our influence with others (by putting other people first) I think is a good example of a strategy that builds this concept for long-lasting gain (influence) versus persuading someone to give me something that I need for short-term, or immediate gain (like, to pass me their pen, so I can write down something important that I’ll need to remember).  I want to build influence with others, that’s long-term, that I think includes logic and reason (logos), emotion and inspiration (pathos) and a person’s character and credibility (ethos). All 3 of the modes of persuasion, to me, make up longer term influence with someone. We learned on this episode that “There are 6 short cuts to increase the chances that someone will be persuaded or even better, influenced by us” (Robert Cialdini) We covered the first three is Robert Cialdini’s book: 1. Reciprocity: We are obliged to give back, if we have been given something. Use the neuroscience of influence and persuasion, and think of ways to help others first, instead of thinking what you can gain from other people, think of what you can give to them. Always be the first to give and take the time to make sure what you are giving is actually useful to that person. This way, what you will give will have meaning to that person. 2. Scarcity. If something is scarce, we want it more. Use this by highlighting the Benefits, Uniqueness and Possible sense of Loss. Take the time to find out how what you are offering to someone else, will help them. You will need to find out what they are looking for to do this, by asking questions, and listening. Then you can “frame what you are saying/offering, so others will find it to be valuable”[ix] especially if it is something that is difficult to come by, or scarce. 3. Authority. We are more likely to comply with a request if it is coming from a perceived authority/expert. Being introduced by others FIRST is a fast way to have others learn about your expertise, making you instantly more influential and persuasive, rather than you introducing yourself. My take-away from this episode: If I want to improve my influence, it begins with understanding the wants and needs of others first (how can I help them) and then being able to say what I mean, and mean what I say. The words I speak do matter when I’m working on gaining influence.  If I’m speaking with someone, and not being completely honest, or not meaning what I say, I know that this can be felt by the other person, and it will hurt my ability to gain trust, rapport and influence. Our brains really can detect “benefits and threats”[x] and I want to be sure that I’m drawing those I want to interact with towards me, not away from me. Once I have gained influence with someone I am speaking with, then I can take my persuasion skills to the next level, and we can begin to work together on our common goals. REVISIT THIS EPISODE TO REVIEW THIS CONCEPT IN DEPTH ✔ EP 337 Chapter 11 “The Neuroscience Behind Effective Time Management” This topic we covered early on our podcast, with a video from author Kent Healy, who wrote Success Principles for Teens[xi] that he co-authored with Jack Canfield. Kent created a video for me (many years ago) that we used with students in the classroom, and I featured this video on EP 33[iv] of our podcast that was called “Time Management, the Greatest Asset We Have” and Kent gives a perspective to the amount of time we have, in a way that 15 years later, I’ve still not forgotten his words in this video recording. You can watch Kent’s explanation of “time management”[xii] with the visuals that he provided, reminding us that “we all have the same amount of time” and he even breaks it down and tells us how many seconds we have every day (84,600 seconds to be exact) every day. While ALL the experts agree that we can’t create more time, or change this number, some will say we can use our time to generate more of something else (like energy) but Kent’s message was about using this time (these 84,600 seconds we have each day wisely) and focus on what we can control, and that’s our personal growth. He gives an example of adding just 15 extra minutes a day towards learning something new, and that adds up to 3.8 full days a year, and asks us to think of what value we put on 15 minutes of time. I loved Kent’s point of view, and always respect people who use their time wisely. Then we looked at the Neuroscience of Time Management and learned that our chronotype “the natural inclination of your body to sleep at a certain time or what people understand as being an early bird versus a night owl”[xiii] should be factored into our Time Management Strategy. We learned that “For those people who go to bed around 9:30pm-11:30pm and wake in the window of 6am-8am that there tends to be an increase in (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, 0-8 hours after waking, which leads to increases in alertness, attention and focus that are great for analytical work, great for implementation of strategies that you already understand.” Dr. Andrew Huberman with Guest Dr. Adam Grant As we are thinking about the best strategies to manage our activities, projects, the extra time that Kent Healy thinks should go to self-improvement, or even the roles we have in our personal and professional liv

    24 min
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About

The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast provides support for school leadership and the workplace with a proven approach for implementing social and emotional learning as it’s well-known in our schools today and emotional intelligence in the modern workplace, with a proven strategy to increase well-being, achievement and results, backed by the most current neuroscience research. Andrea Samadi, a teacher from Toronto, (now living in Arizona, USA) began working with success and social and emotional learning principles with students in the late 1990s. Her programs, and trainings, grounded in brain-based research and practical neuroscience, help parents, teachers, coaches and employees to optimize learning, well-being and achievement at home, school or the workplace. Learn more at https://www.achieveit360.com

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