Brian Pennie shares his journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist and speaker. He explains how childhood trauma, particularly an unmedicated surgery as an infant, played a role in his struggles with anxiety and addiction. Through deep self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience, he was able to break free from his addiction and dedicate his life to studying neuroscience and helping others.

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00:00:20 - Growing Up in a Tough NeighboUrhood
00:01:37 - First Encounter with Drugs
00:02:22 - Falling into Addiction
00:03:56 - Living as a Functional Addict
00:10:38 - The Deception of Addiction
00:12:40 - The Power of Acceptance
00:14:01 - Realisation and Acceptance
00:16:59 - Previous Attempts to Change
00:17:52 - The Turning Point
00:19:02 - Finding a New Direction
00:20:28 - Discovering Spirituality
00:21:48 - The Power of Belief and Support
00:23:02 - Journey into Neuroscience
00:24:29 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
00:24:51 - Changing the System
00:30:00 - The Power of Breathwork
00:32:42 - The Need for Meditation and Breathwork in Schools
00:37:23 - Understanding and Regulating Emotions
00:37:58 - The Importance of Action and Practice
00:45:03 - The Power of Self-Talk
00:45:44 - Understanding Self-Talk and Inner Critic
00:47:09 - Challenging Negative Self-Talk and Limiting Beliefs
00:49:20 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection
00:55:00 - The Impact of Mindfulness and Meditation
00:55:48 - Different Approaches to Mindfulness and Meditation
00:56:34 - The Role of Trauma in Meditation Practice
00:59:50 - The Power of Mindfulness and Breath work
01:00:57 - Finding Inner Peace Through Meditation
01:01:01 - Returning to Spirituality and Mindfulness
01:02:05 - Future Projects and Where to Find Brian

Links & Resources Mentioned
 • “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (mentioned at [00:02:52]) – A book explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.

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