Stuck Brain

In this insightful episode of the Stuck Brain Podcast, hosts Eric and Duane delve into the transformative power of establishing routines, especially for those in early to mid-stage recovery from addiction. They explore how simple, structured routines can significantly reduce anxiety and impulsivity, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life. The conversation covers practical tips for setting up a routine, debunking common myths, and addressing typical roadblocks like perfectionism and burnout. By sharing personal experiences and scientific insights, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to bring order and peace to their chaotic life.

Key Topics

• Defining and setting up a routine.
• The impact of routines on mental health and addiction recovery.
• Common myths and misconceptions about routines.
• Overcoming roadblocks in maintaining a routine.
• The role of accountability and flexibility in routine setting.

Engaging Quotes

• "It doesn't have to be super complex, but it does have to be structured." - Duane. This demystifies the process of creating a routine, making it more approachable.
• "You’re less likely to relapse if you have a routine." - Eric. This quote directly links routine to relapse prevention, a critical aspect for listeners in recovery.

Episode Credits:

Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

Do you want to improve your emotional regulation and decision-making? I will be sharing the key to achieving greater emotional control and better choices. Learn the secret to enhancing your ability to manage your feelings and make sound decisions. Discover the solution to experiencing improved emotional regulation and better decision-making in your life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective strategies for mental health and addiction recovery.
• Learn to identify and manage primary and secondary emotions.
• Explore the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation.
• Cultivate mindfulness and self-reflection for improved emotional well-being.
• Understand the impact of trauma on decision-making processes.

Effective Mental Health Strategies

Understanding and managing primary and secondary emotions are crucial strategies for effective mental health. These strategies involve recognizing the differences between valid and genuine emotional responses versus responses that arise from judgments of these primary emotions. This enables individuals to maintain emotional balance by preventing secondary emotions from amplifying the intensity of primary emotions.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit theaddictedmind.com/plus to download a worksheet that helps in identifying primary versus secondary emotions and navigate them effectively.
• Share this Stuck Brain podcast episode with a friend who might benefit from the wisdom shared about primary and secondary emotions.
• Write a review for the Stuck Brain podcast on iTunes to show support and help others discover valuable content.
• Connect with the Stuck Brain podcast on Instagram @stuckbrainpodcast and leave suggestions for topics you'd like to hear in future episodes.
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Episode Credits:

Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

In a world where loneliness is on the rise, join host Eric Osterlind and guest co-host Pinky Virani on the Stuck Brain podcast as they delve into the causes, consequences, and strategies to combat loneliness. 

Loneliness has been increasing in society over the last few decades, and this podcast episode dives deep into the topic with two psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. But as they discuss the consequences of chronic loneliness and ways to combat it, they uncover a connection to social media that may be causing more harm than help.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between the psychological states of loneliness, social isolation, and depression and their specific repercussions.
• Engage in proactive solutions to overcome loneliness by investing in significant relationships.
• Acknowledge the increased prevalence of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discover new ways to stay connected in the remote work landscape.
• Prioritize a balanced work-life dynamic by preserving distinct boundaries between work and personal life.
• Confront the misconceptions surrounding loneliness, and scrutinize the role social media plays in shaping our sense of connection.

Review and Follow:

If you want to support the podcast and help build this community. Please click the + in the top right corner of your Apple Podcast app. A review really does help grow the show, and it only takes a second or two. Just go to Apple Podcasts and click “rating and reviews.” Once again, thank you for your time.

Resources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30142-9/fulltext

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4391342/

https://slate.com/technology/2013/08/dangers-of-loneliness-social-isolation-is-deadlier-than-obesity.html

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:03 - Loneliness on the Rise,

00:03:28 - Consequences of Loneliness,

00:06:12 - Fight or Flight Response,

00:09:51 - Quality of Relationships,

00:11:40 - Social Media and Loneliness,

00:15:44 - Combating loneliness,

00:17:00 - Therapy for loneliness,

00:21:10 - Loneliness in the workplace,

00:23:01 - Reaching out for help.

Episode Credits:

Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

When Hannah Hamlin was diagnosed with type one diabetes, she felt her life was over. But little did she know this unexpected twist would lead her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Attending a camp for children with type one diabetes, she met Dr. Stephen Ponder, a pediatric endocrinologist who also had the disease. He showed her that despite the challenges, happiness was possible. Later, she connected with Nicole Johnson, a former Miss America, who taught her the power of community and support in overcoming mental and emotional struggles. Hannah's journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing are possible.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn about the compelling correlation between chronic ailments and mental health struggles.
• Acquire essential tools for navigating the complexities of chronic illness and mental well-being.
• Appreciate the power of community support in alleviating hardships for people with chronic health concerns.
• Investigate the influence adverse childhood events have on the manifestation of lifelong illnesses.
• Grasp the importance of therapeutic and social networks in maintaining holistic wellness and life satisfaction.

My special guest is Hannah Hamlin

Get to know Hannah Hamlin, a dedicated medical professional who is no stranger to the challenges of chronic disease. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, her own struggles inspired her to explore alternative approaches to healthcare that focus on optimizing health through a holistic perspective. Today, Hannah is a functional medicine specialist, advocating for the integration of lifestyle, nutrition, and sleep in patient treatment plans. Driven by her personal experiences, she is passionate about empowering patients to overcome their mental health struggles related to chronic disease, and to live their fullest, healthiest lives.

Mental Health and Chronic Illness

There is a complex relationship between mental health and chronic illness, as both can impact each other significantly. For people living with chronic disease, addressing mental health is a crucial part of managing their condition. The emotional toll of living with a long-term health problem can often exacerbate physical symptoms and make disease management more challenging. Building awareness and understanding the connection between mental and physical health can help people develop effective strategies for holistic wellbeing. During the conversation, Hannah talks about the connection between adverse childhood events and chronic illness, emphasizing that individuals with mental health disorders often have a higher incidence of chronic illnesses and vice versa. She points out the importance of further studies and increased awareness about the intricate interplay between mental and physical health. By shedding light on how chronic illness can affect mental health, Hannah highlights the need for comprehensive support and resources for individuals living with both.

Review and Follow:

If you want to support the podcast and help build this community. Please click the + in the top right corner of your Apple Podcast app. A review really does help grow the show, and it only takes a second or two. Just go to Apple Podcasts and click “rating and reviews.” Once again, thank you for your time.

Resources:

https://drhannahhamlin.com/

https://www.ericosterlind.com/

https://www.ketaminecurious.com/

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction,

00:02:10 - Becoming a Doctor,

00:04:02 - Growing Up with Type One Diabetes,

00:08:15 - Coping with Chronic Illness,

00:13:37 - Dealing with Vulnerability,

00:14:10 - Resilience and Diligence,

00:15:14 - Mentors and Role Models,

00:18:39 - Technological Advancements for Chronic Disease,

00:22:31 - Mental Health and Chronic Illness,

00:26:52 - Breaking the Stigma Around Therapy,

00:29:31 - The Importance of Community,

00:32:00 - The Interconnectedness of Mental and Physical Health,

00:33:10 - Learning Through Failure,

00:34:28 - The Importance of Talking to People,

Episode Credits:

Music by Magiksolo from Pixabay

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to chase after prestigious titles and high-paying jobs, thinking it would bring you career fulfillment. But here's the painful truth: despite your achievements, you still feel an overwhelming sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. It's time to break free from the ineffective action of pursuing external markers of success and start aligning your work with your heart-based values. Only then can you experience true happiness and fulfillment in your professional life.

Join Eric and his guest Jenn Smith as they discuss heart-based careers. Jenn believes career success doesn't have to be at the expense of a radiantly happy and healthy lifestyle. As a sought-after career and HR consultant with professional roots grounded deep within corporate America, she brings over 15 years of progressive, global HR leadership experience across multiple industries and Fortune 200 companies. As the Founder of Flourish Careers and podcast host, Jenn is on a mission to support heart-based, career-minded professionals in navigating the changing world of work by resetting boundaries and igniting action to live their happiest, healthiest lives.

Jenn has a brief description of heart-based career planning on the homepage of her website and a few podcast episodes that talk about it. Homepage: https://flourish.careers/

HEART-Based Career Planning: What It Is + What It Isn't https://flourish.careers/2022/09/26/heart-based-career-planning-what-it-is-what-it-isnt/

HEART-based Careers + Job Searching: How To Break The Rules (And Why You Should); Part 1: https://flourish.careers/2022/10/26/heart-based-careers-job-searching-how-to-break-the-rules-and-why-you-should-part-1/

Part 2: https://flourish.careers/heart-based-careers-job-searching-how-to-break-the-rules-and-why-you-should-part-2/

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check out Jenn Smith's podcast, Flourish Careers, for more insights and tips on navigating the changing world of work.
• Visit Jenn Smith's website to learn more about her career coaching services and how she can help you find alignment and fulfillment in your career https://flourish.careers/
• You can find Jenn on Instagram @flourish.careers
• Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

Have you ever experienced a profound shift in your life that took you by surprise? Imagine embarking on a journey into meditation, only to be met with an unexpected twist that transformed your entire outlook. Join me as we wrap up our meditation series and explore the power of consistency in meditation and the pivotal role of mentorship in achieving personal growth and emotional well-being. We hope you have enjoyed this series as much as we did making it! And please reach out to us if you have ideas for future episodes or potential guests.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.

Guided Meditations

Sounds and Sights

Open Awareness

Recommended Books on Meditation

• The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche

I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.

https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp

• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/

• Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp

• Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp

• Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson

If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp

Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

Have you heard these myths about open awareness in meditation? Myth #1: Open awareness meditation is only for advanced practitioners. Myth #2: Open awareness means emptying your mind of all thoughts. Myth #3: Open awareness meditation is too difficult to practice regularly. But I'm here to share the truth and help you cultivate open awareness in a way that is accessible and transformative.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.

Guided Meditations

Sounds and Sights

Open Awareness

Recommended Books on Meditation

• The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche

I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.

https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp

• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/

• Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp

• Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp

• Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson

If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp

Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and unable to find peace, then you are not alone! Despite your efforts to find solace in distractions or temporary fixes, the unease continues to haunt you. Instead of experiencing the calm and clarity you seek, you find yourself trapped in a cycle of worry and restlessness.

The more often I can bring myself to the present, then I'll have less anxiety and less depression over time. - Eric Osterlind

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.

Guided Meditations

Sounds and Sights

Open Awareness

Recommended Books on Meditation

The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche

I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.

https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp

The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/

Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp

Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp

Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson

If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp

Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

Are you familiar with these common myths about maintaining focus during meditation? Myth 1: You have to clear your mind completely. Myth 2: You should suppress or ignore distracting thoughts. Myth 3: You need complete silence to meditate effectively. Stay tuned as I reveal the truth and share a powerful visualization technique that will revolutionize your meditation practice.

Different people of different personalities and different bodies and different minds will connect with certain techniques and not with others. And it's important to assemble the set of supports and techniques that you personally need. - Eric Osterlind

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.

Guided Meditations

Sounds and Sights

Open Awareness

Recommended Books on Meditation

• The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche

I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.

https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp

• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/

• Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp

• Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp

• Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson

If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp

Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay

If you're feeling frustrated and lost during your meditation sessions, struggling to find focus and purpose, then you are not alone! Despite your efforts to quiet the mind and find solace, you may find yourself getting caught up in a sea of thoughts and distractions. Instead of experiencing the clarity and peace you desire, you may feel even more overwhelmed and disconnected.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.

Guided Meditations

Sounds and Sights

Open Awareness

Recommended Books on Meditation

• The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche

I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.

https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp

• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/

• Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp

• Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.

https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp

• Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson

If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.

https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp

Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay