Dr. Eugene Lipov | Brain Hope Reality & Digital Toxicity

Can PTSD accelerate aging — and can reversing it make you biologically younger? Dr. Lipov talks with epigenetics expert Bobby Brooke about stress, longevity, and the power of measurable healing.

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In this engaging episode of Brain, Hope, Reality, Dr. Eugene Lipov speaks with Robert (Bobby) Brooke, CEO of the nonprofit Clock Foundation and collaborator with epigeneticist Dr. Steve Horvath. The conversation explores the field of epigenetics, particularly how trauma and stress can accelerate biological aging through changes in gene expression — changes that are measurable and, crucially, reversible. They discuss the development of epigenetic clocks like Horvath’s GrimAge, which can predict biological age from a simple blood or saliva test, and how these tools are now being used to study the long-term health impacts of PTSD, depression, and other stress-related conditions.

Dr. Lipov reveals the biological age result from his own GrimAge test — more than 12 years younger than his chronological age — and reflects on the lifestyle and medical interventions (including rapamycin, metformin, intermittent fasting, and stress reduction) that may have contributed. The pair discuss the broader implications of these findings for aging populations, clinical trials, and public health — particularly in validating the tangible health costs of PTSD and mental stress. They share a shared optimism that new biomarkers and trials could finally shift the conversation around mental health from stigma to science, and from symptom management to true biological healing.

Dr. Eugene Lipov interviews Elizaveta Plechista, MD, Chief of Anesthesia, DOBROBUT, a private Ukrainian medical network of clinics and hospitals, about the lack of chronic pain management and under-diagnosis of PTSI in war-torn Ukraine. 

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They discuss the potential of using stellate ganglion block (SGB) as a treatment for PTSI and the challenges of implementing it in Ukraine. They also touch on the impact of the war on the healthcare system and the mental health of the population, segueing into a discussion of the condition effecting all species of mammals. Dr. Lipov emphasizes the importance of recognizing PTSI as a physiological problem and the need for a change in mindset and stigma surrounding mental health.

In Episode 8, Dr. Eugene Lipov welcomes Paul Blavin, a seasoned social venture entrepreneur, philanthropist and — over the last 10 years — he has harnessed the power of art to inspire hope, compel action, and ignite lasting impact. Paul is also a Board member of Erase PTSD Now! ( https://www.eraseptsdnow.org/ )

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The conversation in the episode focuses on the importance of mental health and the need for a change in the perception and treatment of PTSD. They discuss the physiological nature of mental health issues and the impact of trauma on individuals and society. They also touch on the potential of innovative treatments like ketamine and psychedelics in addressing mental health challenges. The conversation highlights the need for a name change from PTSD to PTSI to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of hope and the potential for positive change in the field of mental health.

In this conversation, Dr. Eugene Lipov interviews Trevor Beaman, a former Special Forces soldier, about his experiences with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and his journey towards healing. They discuss the concept of the wounded healer, the importance of hope in recovery, and the role of resilience in overcoming trauma.

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Lipov and his guest also explore the potential benefits of humor, exercise, self-respect, and exploration in managing PTSI. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in language from PTSD to PTSI to emphasize the possibility of healing and recovery. They also touch on the concept of hermesis, which suggests that what doesn't kill you can make you stronger.

Takeaways

• The concept of the wounded healer is powerful, as those who have experienced and healed from trauma can provide empathy and hope to others going through similar journeys.
• Resilience is essential in overcoming trauma, and it can be fostered through humor, exercise, self-respect, and exploration.
• Changing the language from PTSD to PTSI can have a significant impact by emphasizing the potential for healing and recovery.
• Hermesis suggests that what doesn't kill you can make you stronger, and trauma can lead to personal growth and transformation.
• Effective treatment for PTSI involves a combination of therapies, self-reflection, communication, and lifestyle changes.

Learn more about Trevor:

  • Website: https://trevorbeaman.org/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevor_a_beaman/

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D., a distinguished scientist at Indiana University where he is the Founding Director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He and Dr. Lipov discuss several topics that mostly center around the vagus nerve and the impact it can have on a person health.

Kateryna is Ukrainian who works with We Shield and Ukraine Friends, organizations that provide humanitarian help to front-line soldiers and civilians, in defense of Russia's unprovoked war with Ukraine. She is working with Dr. Lipov to provide mental health care to victims of trauma.

An in-depth discussion with Jen Satterly, CEO of All Secure Foundation and Virago, a platform for educating and inspiring Special Operations spouses and families. Jen is also the author of Arsenal of Hope. Dr. Eugene Lipov discusses the need to change the name of PTSD to PTSI and various other topics related to PTSI, Trauma and Jen's Foundations.

Dr. Frank Ochberg is a psychiatrist, a pioneer in trauma science, an educator, and the editor of the first text on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He is a graduate of Harvard and Johns Hopkins Medical School.

PROLOGUE: At certain points during this episode, you will learn about a movement to change the name associated with (and the way we think about) post-traumatic stress disorder — from PTSD to PTSI, from a diagnosis of a “disorder” to an “injury” model. The change would ultimately save so many lives and you could help effect that change.

I invite you to take part in a letter-writing campaign to the American Psychiatric Association — made especially EASY, using a form-letter that can be personalized. The first of two options involves submitting basic contact information and if you’d like to share more, there’s an opportunity to include that, as well. The printing and mailing of the letter is done on your behalf, FREE of charge. Thank you, kindly, for the consideration.

To find out more, visit bit.ly/write-the-apa

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ABOUT EPISODE 2: My very special guest for EP2 is Devon Larratt, a professional arm wrestler — currently ranked #1 in heavy + super-heavyweight —  from Ottawa, Canada. He’s a retired military veteran who served 20 years in the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). And, yes, if you watched/listened to Episode 1 with my guest Brian Leblanc, then you'll make the connection — both CANSOFCOM vets, Brian introduced Devon to me. And, I'm so glad he did!

You'll get a sense of the struggles that Devon and his family experienced, ones that ultimately gave rise to our meeting, but they're alluded to throughout the episode via Devon’s description of the treatment he received at Stella and how it effected him. His testimony dovetails into my own trauma story and the biological origins of post-traumatic stress — or PTSI (for “injury”). What follows is a discussion about how/when “PTSD” came to be and the current push to change the name/diagnosis by lobbying the American Psychiatric Association. Towards the end of the episode, Devon’s lovely wife, Jodi, joins the discussion and we discuss the phenomenon known as “secondary PTSI” and more.

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To find out more about Devon:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@devlarratt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devon.larratt.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devlarratt

Joining Dr. Lipov for Episode 1 is Brian Leblanc, a resident of Ottawa, Canada, where he lives with his spouse and two children. Brian is embarking on a new chapter in his life, as he transitions out of a 32-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) — the last 24 years within the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).

Over the last year, Brian has been focusing on his physical and mental health. During this time, he stumbled across Dr. Eugene Lipov’s groundbreaking treatment while listening to the Mike Tyson Podcast, Hot Boxing with Mike Tyson (Ep 38). Thankfully, he made a mental note of the discovery.

In August 2023, Brian witnessed one of his closest friends, Aaron Wolf, transform in front of his eyes (NOTE: Be ready to shed a tear as Brian recounts the story during Episode 1). Aaron also served in CANSOFCOM, and he had been struggling. Coaxed by Brian, the two of them traveled to Chicago for a visit with Dr. Lipov at Stella where Aaron received the ‘transformational’ treatment known as Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) — an innovative protocol that was pioneered by Dr. Lipov in 2013 to treat folks with severe post-traumatic symptoms, among other applications.

A few weeks later, Brian returned to Chicago — this time, accompanied by his wife, Kate Aldred. And, together, they made a trip t see Dr. Lipov. Kate received DSR for PTSI while Brian was treated with the (relatively new) SOF Protocol for Operators Syndrome, which includes four rounds of ketamine infusions to the DSR.

If you catch the video version of this episode, you'll find photos and video that Brian recorded of their visits at the very end.

“Please help spread the word. It‘s PTSI, not PTSD!” 
~ Brian Leblanc

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