Wired for Hope

Dr. Jessica Barton
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Medicine

On Wired for Hope we explore the brain, behaviour, and mental health with people who have lived with brain injury and those who have studied it. I'm Dr. Jess, an NHS clinical psychologist in the UK, university lecturer, and published author, passionate about making neuroscience more accessible. We’ll explore a range of topics from sports related concussion, to feminist perspectives on disability, and mental health and identity. We’ll also shine a light on some of the latest research from around the world, in our regular feature ‘what’s new in neuroscience’. Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by Anthony Zahra Music Credit: SigmaMusicArt Wired for Hope disclaimer  1. The content shared on "Wired for Hope" is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified mental health professional.   2. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the host, or any guest contributors. No therapeutic services are being provided via this podcast.   3. Mental health is deeply individual. If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing or have concerns about your mental health, please consult a qualified, licensed mental health professional in your local area.   4. This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.  5. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to "Wired for Hope" disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.   🗣️ Guest Disclaimer Views expressed by guest speakers on the podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organisations.   ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Some episodes may discuss sensitive topics such as trauma, abuse, suicide, or mental illness. Listener discretion is advised. Trigger warnings will be provided at the start of relevant episodes.   🌍 Jurisdiction Notice "Wired for Hope" is created and hosted in the United Kingdom. The content reflects psychological practices and legal considerations relevant to UK regulations. Listeners from other jurisdictions should consult local professionals for region-specific guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 8h ago

    Nature Therapy and the Brain (Part 1)

    In this episode, Dr Jess meets Dr Mary Delaney, a consultant clinical neuropsychologist in Greater Manchester and co-founder of the social enterprise Neuro in Nature.  Mary shares the story of how she and her colleague Claire McDonald came to set up the enterprise, after noticing, during the Covid lockdowns, just how differently their clients with brain injuries engaged in sessions held outside, and how much calmer and more communicative they became.  The conversation explores what distinguishes intentional nature therapy and forest bathing from a simple walk in the park - and why, for people with neurological conditions, the low cognitive load of being in nature can be a profound help alongside more traditional talking therapies.  Mary describes the groups she and Claire run in a woodland park, shares a touching story of a gentleman with severe aphasia who spoke more during those sessions than he had since his stroke, and introduces two of her favourite nature metaphors - the lottery of the seed and the wood wide web.  We also explore the science behind nature's effects on our nervous system, immune function, and mental health.  This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight. Links: Neuro in Nature: https://neuroinnature.co.uk/ @neuroinnature on Facebook, instagram and linkedin More info about forest bathing: https://tfb.institute Forestry England virtual forest bathing: https://www.forestryengland.uk/virtual-forest-bathing Nature Connectedness Handbook: https://findingnature.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/the-nature-connection-handbook.pdf Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  2. Jun 29

    ProSocial in Action: From the NHS to the Ebola Crisis (Part 2) | Wired for Hope

    In part two, Richard Coates picks up with the third pillar of ProSocial: contextual behavioural science and ACT, and how psychological flexibility, values, and an awareness of our threat system shape how we behave within groups.  Richard and Dr Jess discuss what a ProSocial session with a struggling NHS team actually looks like, including the ACT Matrix tool, and explore the common mistakes large organisations make when trying to foster teamwork from the top down.  The conversation also covers the economic case for investing in team cooperation, the importance of bottom-up values over imposed ones, and a vivid real-world example of ProSocial in action during the 2014 Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.  We end with a story about psychopathic chickens that just might change how you think about building a great team. If you missed part one of this conversation, find the Wired for Hope podcast on your preferred player to access previous episodes. Links: ProSocial World: https://www.prosocial.world Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  3. Jun 15

    ProSocial: How Cooperation Makes Us Human (Part 1) | Wired for Hope

    In this episode, Dr Jess welcomes Richard Coates back to the podcast to discuss the science of human cooperation and what it means for teams working under pressure in healthcare and beyond. Richard, who is a psychologist and ProSocial facilitator, introduces ProSocial - a framework rooted in three interlocking theories. He begins with evolutionary science, exploring why cooperation is not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental survival advantage, and why the story of Western individualism runs counter to biological and social reality.  The conversation moves into the remarkable work of Nobel Prize-winning economist Elinor Ostrom, whose eight core design principles offer a practical blueprint for effective, fair, and sustainable cooperation.  Richard and Dr Jess explore what those principles look like in practice, from shared identity and purpose to graduated responses to unhelpful behaviour, and why transparency within groups is so often the first thing to erode when things go wrong.  This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight. Links: ProSocial World: https://www.prosocial.world Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  4. May 31

    Brain Injury and Homelessness: Designing Services That Work (Part 2)

    In part two of this conversation, Dr Jess and George Evans pick up their conversation about brain injury and homelessness, turning their attention to what better services could and should look like.  George describes the specialist residential service he is developing in Lewisham, designed to support people with acquired brain injury and alcohol-related brain damage who have repeatedly fallen through the gaps between existing services. The conversation inevitably turns to funding and the challenge of building a business case for providing a service like the one he hopes to launch. George closes with a powerful reflection on what it means to have a home, and why homelessness remains a societal and systemic failing that must not be accepted. If you missed part one of this conversation, find the Wired for Hope podcast on your preferred player to access previous episodes. Links:  StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services Homeless Link Expert‑led Online Training for Health, Social Care & Frontline Workers | Aneemo Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  5. May 17

    Brain Injury and Homelessness: The Hidden Picture (Part 1)

    In this episode, Dr Jess is joined by George Evans, commissioner of supported housing and homelessness at Lewisham Council in South East London. They explore the intertwined relationship between brain injury, alcohol-related brain damage, and homelessness - a topic that remains under-recognised in both clinical and policy settings. George describes what homelessness really looks like, from the stark statistics on rough sleeping in London to the wide variety of hostel environments, and explains why the assumptions people bring to the sector can be so damaging. The discussion turns to why alcohol-related brain damage is so prominent, and yet under-diagnosed, in the homeless population, as well as touching on the reality of services that exclude people with substance misuse from neurological rehabilitation. George’s career give him a unique perspective. It has taken him from acting, to detective work with the Metropolitan Police, to the front line of homelessness services.  This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight. Links:  StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services Homeless Link Expert‑led Online Training for Health, Social Care & Frontline Workers | Aneemo Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  6. May 4

    The Iced Viking: Practical Breathwork Advice (Part 2)

    In part two of this conversation, Chuck McGee III, brain injury survivor, breathwork coach, and ACT therapist, picks up where he left off, sharing the deeply personal impact that breathwork has had on his mental health, relationships, and sense of self.  He reflects honestly on moving from hyper-vigilance and reactivity to developing what he calls "a pause button," and explains how ACT principles, including defusion, naming his inner critic "Charlie," and psychological flexibility, sit alongside breathwork in his daily practice.  Chuck also guides Dr Jess through two practical breathwork exercises live on the podcast, including his own "cognitive reset protocol."  If you missed part one of this conversation, find the Wired for Hope podcast on your preferred player to access previous episodes. Links:  Chuck's website: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com  Instagram: @icedvikingbreathworks  Free weekly Zoom breathwork sessions: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min

  7. Apr 20

    The Iced Viking: Trauma, Breath, and Recovery (Part 1)

    In this episode, Dr Jess meets Chuck McGee III, also known as Iced Viking, a traumatic brain injury survivor, breathwork coach, and ACT therapist based in California.  Chuck opens up about his remarkable and at times raw journey: surviving approximately 24 brain injuries across car and motorcycle accidents and years of working as a bartender in high-conflict environments, where violence became both an occupational hazard and, for a time, an addiction.  He shares how a chance encounter with the Wim Hof method transformed his health, eventually leading him to retrain as a breathwork instructor and ACT practitioner.  Dr Jess and Chuck explore the science behind the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, why so many of us are unknowingly overdriving our stress response through habitual mouth breathing and poor posture, and why breathwork can be a particularly accessible and powerful tool for people living with brain injury. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight. Links:  Chuck's website: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com  Instagram: @icedvikingbreathworks  Free weekly Zoom breathwork sessions: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠ Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠ DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families. Limitation of Liability While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content. Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m

  8. Apr 7

    Sex, intimacy, and disability

    In this episode we explore a topic that rarely gets discussed in brain injury rehabilitation: sex, intimacy, and disability. Dr Jess is joined by two experts in this area - Bea Meadow is an award-winning somatic sexologist and retired conscious sex worker ,specialising in disability. Dr Giles Yates is a clinical neuropsychologist and couples therapist with more than 20 years' experience in sexuality-focused work after brain injury. Together, they make the case for why sexual wellbeing deserves a central place in rehabilitation, and what gets lost when it stays in the shadows. The conversation covers the complex legal landscape facing people with disabilities who wish to access sexual services in the UK, how brain injury can alter sexual desire, and the crucial topic of consent. Links: Bea Meadow: @beavermeadow_ Dr Giles Yates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giles-yeates-5b3016178/ Wheel of Consent: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-wisdom-of-anger/202408/boundaries-and-the-wheel-of-consent Anna Smith Higgs burlesque performance: https://www.google.com/search?q=Anna+Smith+Higgs+burlesque+performance&oq=Anna+Smith+Higgs+burlesque+performance&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBBzY3MGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b159c48e,vid:Ij0RukixRFw,st:0 Mencap – healthy and happy relationships article: https://www.mencap.org.uk/blog/consent-important Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

On Wired for Hope we explore the brain, behaviour, and mental health with people who have lived with brain injury and those who have studied it. I'm Dr. Jess, an NHS clinical psychologist in the UK, university lecturer, and published author, passionate about making neuroscience more accessible. We’ll explore a range of topics from sports related concussion, to feminist perspectives on disability, and mental health and identity. We’ll also shine a light on some of the latest research from around the world, in our regular feature ‘what’s new in neuroscience’. Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me. Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton Produced by Anthony Zahra Music Credit: SigmaMusicArt Wired for Hope disclaimer  1. The content shared on "Wired for Hope" is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified mental health professional.   2. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the host, or any guest contributors. No therapeutic services are being provided via this podcast.   3. Mental health is deeply individual. If you are struggling with your mental wellbeing or have concerns about your mental health, please consult a qualified, licensed mental health professional in your local area.   4. This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line. UK Resources Include: • Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999 • Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123 • NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111 • Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services. • Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.  5. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to "Wired for Hope" disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.   🗣️ Guest Disclaimer Views expressed by guest speakers on the podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or any affiliated organisations.   ⚠️ Trigger Warnings Some episodes may discuss sensitive topics such as trauma, abuse, suicide, or mental illness. Listener discretion is advised. Trigger warnings will be provided at the start of relevant episodes.   🌍 Jurisdiction Notice "Wired for Hope" is created and hosted in the United Kingdom. The content reflects psychological practices and legal considerations relevant to UK regulations. Listeners from other jurisdictions should consult local professionals for region-specific guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jessica Barton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jessica Barton
  • Show Website
    Wired for Hope

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