Debbie and Courtney sit down with Dr. Judy Malinowski, PhD and clinical psychologist, in a 2 part series to dive into the important topics of anxiety and depression. Today’s topic focuses on anxiety and the current mental health crisis the world is facing post-pandemic. Tune in to learn about the causes and types of anxiety. Dr. Malinowski also provides our listeners with tangible treatment options, strategies, and tools to help those struggling with anxiety.
General Comments:
PHQ9 https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/patient-health-questionnaire.pdf
GAD https://adaa.org/sites/default/files/GAD-7_Anxiety-updated_0.pdf
NAMI- National Association of Mental Illness
Power of Breath handout: https://www.brainthropology.com/post/the-power-of-breath
Apps: Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace
Screenagers movie: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/
The Social Dilemma Movie https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/
https://www.perspectivesoftroy.com/troy/
Brainthropology Blog about today’s topic: https://www.brainthropology.com/post/the-importance-of-self-care-during-turbulent-times
Amazon Links:
Anxiety and Phobia Workbook https://amzn.to/3UjSUH6
Stress Ball https://amzn.to/3BNSNfD
Pillbox https://amzn.to/3QRGnI3
Pill bottle with timer cap: https://amzn.to/3RTNwsD
SAD Light https://amzn.to/3LkpRPm 


Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

In this meditation, Dr. Branca guides you through a body scan to teach about mindfulness of the whole body. Much of the time, we are not present in the experience we are in, but rather we rush, hurry, and worry about getting to the next thing. It has become so normal in our culture to leave the moment we are in. We miss so much of the world around us. All of our experiences go through our body first, which is why it is so helpful to use the body as a strategy to become more present in everyday life!
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life  


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Debbie Loftus and Jessica Smith discuss various energy conservation theories, why it is important, and the four “P’s” of saving energy!
Show Resources:
https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

The intention of this meditation is to be aware of how your day is really going at this moment. You have the ability to alter the day if your day is not going as intended. Dr. Branca guides you through meditation to first arrive in the present moment, gives strategies if you are feeling your mind wandering, and then encourages you to decide one way you can change the trajectory of your day. It can be big or small, but helps how you feel about your day!
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Jonathan and Shirley sit down with Meg Scaling and share their stories together, including the lows and highs after their brain injuries. This episode will tug at your heartstrings as well as have you laughing with them. Jonathan and Shirley each have different, unique experiences, and they do an excellent job outlining how symptoms can be the same or different after a brain injury, both discuss strategies that help, and they are vulnerable in talking about difficulties along the way on the recovery journey. This is an excellent listen for caregivers trying to learn how to help someone after a brain injury, as well as they outline practical and useful strategies for various triggers!
Show Resources:
Camp Barefoot:
https://www.nchpad.org/Directories/Programs/10294/Camp~Barefoot~-~The~Fowler~Center
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Dr. Branca calmly guides you through creating a peaceful environment by inviting you to allow for openness and forgiveness. Complete mindfulness is impossible if you hold grudges. It’s hard to take the necessary steps towards becoming the best version of yourself, but performing this meditation will truly change your feelings towards a tough situation and open you to forgive much easier. Forgiveness at times feels impossible, but Dr. Branca is extremely gifted and has an art that leads you through a strategy to make the impossible not only possible, but leaves you lighter and happier. You don’t want to miss this one.
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life   


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Self-advocacy is the ability to articulate one’s needs and make informed decisions about the support necessary to meet those needs. It is an essential skill to learn and use in life. Whether you are advocating for yourself, a loved one, or teaching your children how to advocate, this podcast will teach you the skills that you need and provide tools to set you up for success!
Self-Advocacy Form
https://www.brainthropology.com/post/people-want-to-help-tell-them-how
Self-Advocacy Communication Card
https://www.brainthropology.com/post/communication-cards
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life  


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Dr. Barbaranne Branca gracefully guides us through practicing compassion for ourselves and others. She reminds us that we are all the same- seeking love, happiness, and the feeling of connection. Allow her to guide you through this meditation that you can use not only today, but for future days to gain a sense of appreciation for yourself and cherish aspects of those around you, even if it seems like a struggle at times.
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Are you confused about all of the Medicare information out there? Jessica sits down with Megan Berry, a licensed clinical master’s level social worker, and together they break down some questions about Medicare, terminology that is important to know, and some rules that apply that could save you money and get you the appropriate coverage you need! Megan first explains some of the costs associated with Medicare, resources to help cover some of those costs, and also shares resources that can help during this overwhelming time of selecting a policy.
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life 


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.
This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.
Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.
Brainthropolgy Team:
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor.
Galaxy Brain Center

Resources
Setting up a Medicare Log In:
Medicare.gov
SHIP State Locator: ​​​​https://www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/regional-ship-location
Medicare and You Handbook 2022:
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf
Helpful website to explain all things Medicare:https://www.medicareinteractive.org/
Information on Medicare Savings Plans (Financial Assistance):https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program: https://mmapinc.org/

Dr. Barbaranne Branca invites you to increase your awareness of what happens in your mind. It allows you to be more present with yourself and others. This leads to a more fulfilling life! Today’s meditation uses the breath as a foundation and then uses noting to explore feelings. Mental noting is a mindfulness meditation technique that aims to label experiences as they arise. In practice, this means using a single word to describe what one is experiencing in the current moment.
“We don’t want to stop our thoughts but to change our relationship with them.” Sharon Salzburg
Show Notes
Brainthropology
Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/
the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life
the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life    


You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat. This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury. Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.  
Brainthropolgy Team: 
Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL
Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL
Meg Scaling, OTRL
Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL
Mindfulness Episodes:
Dr. Barbaranne Branca
Show Links
For more information about the show visit the links below.
Website: www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/
Email: [email protected]
Sponsors
Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center