The FitMind Podcast: Mental Health, Neuroscience & Mindfulness MeditationMental Health

The FitMind Podcast: Mental Health, Neuroscience & Mindfulness Meditation


The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

#100: Float Therapy: Science, Healing & Peak Performance - Justin Feinstein, PhD

Wed, 19 Mar 2025

In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of floatation therapy.

Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset.

We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how floatation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety.

Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance.

Whether you’re new to floatation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.

 

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

 

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD

2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment 

18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating

20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation

31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity 

43:41 | Peak Performance Through Floatation

47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last

52:29 | Floating & Meditation

54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences 

58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating

1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System

1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank

1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention

1:24:17 | Respiration

1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/

#99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Philippe Douyon, MD

Tue, 18 Feb 2025

This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience.

We discuss the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life.  

Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive function.

Key strategies for brain health, including diet, fasting, exercise, and lifelong learning, are explored, along with neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chronic stress.

Practical approaches to mental fitness and stress management highlight how individuals can enhance cognitive resilience and take control of their brain health.

 

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

 

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Philipe Douyon

4:18 | Neuroplasticity Explained

6:00 | Myths About Neuroplasticity

10:01 | Inherited Mindset 

12:13 | Taking Charge of Your Brain

15:21 | Lifestyle Changes for Brain Health

23:50 | Fasting

26:55 | Diet

30:13 | Life-Long Learning 

38:36 | Neurological Disorders: Strokes & Dementia

42:32 | Pseudo-Dementia

46:26 | Flow States

48:47 | Benefit of Learning New Things

53:55 | Role of Emotions

56:22 | Chronic Stress Management

1:06:41 | Rapid Fire Questions

#98: The Science of Connection - Adam Dorsay, PsyD

Tue, 21 Jan 2025

In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction.

The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fostering connection in personal relationships, work, and the natural world, offering strategies to enhance purpose and well-being.

 

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

 

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Adam Dorsay

1:45 | 4 Types of Connection

10:02 | Neuroscience of Connection

21:09 | How to “Know Thyself”

25:44 | Vulnerability & Courage

29:24 | Connection to the World

39:50 | Amazement & Awe

49:00 | Connect to Your Work

59:59 | Effective Communication Strategy

#97: Predictive Processing & Ultimate Well-Being - Shamil Chandaria, PhD

Tue, 17 Dec 2024

In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being.

He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise.

Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habitual thought patterns, offering a deeper awareness of how the brain shapes our experience and revealing profound insights into consciousness.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

 

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Shamil Chandaria

3:38 | Spiritual Awakening in Human Flourishing

4:31 | How the Brain Predicts Reality - Bayesian Brain Explained

9:26 | AI & the Human Brain

21:33 | Free Energy Principle in Wellbeing

37:30 | Befriending Difficult Emotions

43:30 | Boundless Awareness

54:00 | Effortless Action

57:17 | Psychedelics & Bayesian Brain

1:07:29 | Default Mode Network & Predictive Processing

1:13:12 | Gamma Brain Waves in Long-Term Meditators Research

 

#96: The Science of Forgiveness - Fred Luskin, PhD

Fri, 15 Nov 2024

Stanford psychologist Fred Luskin, PhD, discusses the science of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to process grief as a foundation for emotional healing.

He explores practical ways to teach forgiveness to children and how adults can approach societal challenges with acceptance and meaning.

Luskin also introduces his 9 Steps to Forgiveness, a research-based framework for releasing resentment and fostering gratitude, offering listeners actionable tools for resilience and well-being.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Fred Luskin

3:23 | Link to 30 Days of Meditation, Science & Bliss course: https://bit.ly/30-day-course

3:33 | Forgiveness is the Forgotten Step

5:44 | Forgiveness Defined

12:30 | Resolving Grievances

16:22 | Choosing Where to Put Your Attention

18:50 | Grief Precedes Forgiveness

26:40 | Power of Forgiveness Anecdotes

38:40 | 9 Steps to Forgiveness

46:11 | Revenge is a Life Well Lived

51:49 | Repainting Your Life Picture

59:02 | Modeling Forgiveness for Children

1:06:00 | Forgiveness of Global Issues

1:10:40 | Next Steps

 

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