NeuroFlex Podcast

Michael Hamblin is a Principal Investigator at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Affiliated Faculty of Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology. He was trained as a synthetic organic chemist and received his PhD from Trent University in England. His research interests are now broadly in the area of phototherapy for multiple diseases. One focus is the study of new photosensitizers for infections, cancer, and heart disease.A second focus is low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation for wound healing, arthritis, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric disorders, and hair regrowth.Dr. Hamblin has published over 289 peer-reviewed articles, over 150 conference proceedings, book chapters and international abstracts, and he holds eight patents.

On episode 16 of the Roscoe's Wetsuit Podcast, Dr. Hamblin comes on to discuss how photobiomodulation improves mitochondrial function and can enhance cognitive function, with benefits ranging from alleviation of depression and anxiety, to improved treatment outcomes in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Evan Kalish is a recent MBA grad from Lynn University. He had to overcome a life-threating heart condition as a teenager, but eventually overcame all odds and ended up playing division I lacrosse. Evan has spent some time overseas in Israel, playing lacrosse and soaking up the local culture.

In the 15th edition of the Roscoe's Wetsuit Podcast, Evan and I discuss intrinsic motivation, how networking is one of the most critical skills a successful business person can have, and how Evan's heart condition gave him a new perspective on life, choosing to take positive risks and live life to the fullest.

Dr. Joel Lubar received his B.S. and Ph.D. from the Division of the Biological Sciences and Department of Biopsychology at the University of Chicago. He has published more than 85 papers, numerous book chapters, as well as eight books in the areas of Neuroscience and Applied Psychophysiology. Since 1979 he has been co-director of the Southeastern Neurofeedback Institute Inc., in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Lubar has presented his research at many workshops in Europe, South America, Canada, Israel, Australia and to many State and National meetings of Biofeedback Organizations.

Dr. Lubar was responsible for developing the use of EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) as a treatment modality for children, adolescents, and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, starting with his controlled studies in the mid-1970's. This application of Neurofeedback is now becoming widespread in clinics and schools throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Europe and Mexico. Currently, more than 1500 health care organizations are using the EEG biofeedback protocols that Dr. Lubar has developed.

On the 14th edition of the Roscoe's Wetsuit Podcast I talk with Dr. Lubar about the advances in LORETA neuroimaging, the biological and chemical mechanisms of neurofeedback, and the future of neurotechnologies that have the power to radically shape fields from neurodegerative disease treatment to peak performance to traumatic brain injuries (TBI's).

Dr. Nizar Taki is a plastic surgeon and Otolaryngologist (ENT) by training. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine and then did a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. He is in the midst of a career change to life coaching.

In the second of a two part episode, and the 13th edition of the Roscoe's Wetsuit Podcast, we discuss the lack of creativity in medicine, why listening to the signals our bodies tell us is critical, and the power of inaction and the crippling effects of inaction.

Dr. Nizar Taki is a plastic surgeon and Otolaryngologist (ENT) by training. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine and then did a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. He is in the midst of a career change to life coaching.

In the first of a two part episode, and the 12th edition of the Roscoe's Wetsuit Podcast, we discuss Nizar's route into plastic surgery and medicine, deciding on med school, and his realization that long-term happiness comes easier when working from the inside-out.

Sam Tullman is a neurophysiology researcher and zen practicioner. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor's of Arts in Neurobiology and Neurosciences. Sam is a regular meditation practitioner, often attending multi-day silent retreats, learning various different forms of meditation. He currently is the lead QEEG technician at the PTSD Institute in Seattle, Washington, doing brain maps on prisoners often facing the death penalty.

In part two of this two part episode, Sam and I discuss his current role doing brain maps on criminals caught up in the legal system, some of whom are facing the death penalty. We discussed the practicality of using EEG data to determine culpability in cases in which there's a plea for insanity, how fetal alcohol syndrome impacts brain function decades later, and the potential to incorporate neurorehabilitation services into future criminal rehabilitation.

Sam Tullman is a neurophysiology researcher and zen practicioner. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor's of Arts in Neurobiology and Neurosciences. Sam is a regular meditation practitioner, often attending multi-day silent retreats, learning various different forms of meditation. He currently is the lead QEEG technician at the PTSD Institute in Seattle, Washington, doing brain maps on prisoners often facing the death penalty.

In part 1 of this 2 part episode, we discuss how Sam got into both neuroscience and zen, how meditation is the original "neurotechnology," the utilization of neurofeedback and neurostimulation in modern psychiatry, and the biggest lessons he's learned from the abbot at the temple where he practices at.

Randy Brantley is an entrepreneur and who runs the Shell Island Shuttle, a boat touring service operating out of Panama City, Florida. Randy "came from nothing" and never quit in his quest to become a successful entrepreneur.