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.

🎁 Special thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! #AD Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/sinead

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.

“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, confidence, and peace. Daily meditations, journaling, and mindfulness create unstoppable transformation. Imagine waking up excited, aligned, free. Don’t miss this chance. Enrol now: https://www.thebraveway.co/30days-newyou

💆‍♀️ MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS
- The Brave Meditation Hub - Use code "MEDITATE" for 20% off
- Finding Yourself 21 Day Meditation Course

📚 FREE RESOURCES
- Monday Musings Weekly Email - Sign Up Here
- How I Dealt With Anxiety (FREE Ebook)
- Relationships You Should Know These Things - Ebook

🎯 CONNECT & STAY UPDATED
- Send questions: Sinead Says Podcast
- Follow Sinead
- Share with a friend who needs this message—they'll thank you later.

📝 ABOUT
Sinead Hegarty hosts The Sinead Says Podcast, where she helps women understand emotions, human behaviour, relationships, and psychology. Passionate about mental health and personal growth, she shares practical tools and insights that empower women to take control of their minds and live purposefully.

🎬 Produced by Dreamers Media Pty Ltd