The Better Brain Podcast

Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives—but few realize how deeply it shapes our brain, emotions, and health.

In this Better Brain Podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Jack Feldman, Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at UCLA, whose groundbreaking research revealed how specific neurons in the brainstem generate and regulate breathing. His work has transformed our understanding of breathing’s role in consciousness, emotional regulation, and even survival.

We cover:

The biological fingerprint of breathing and what “healthy” breathing looks like 

How breathing interacts with consciousness and brain activity 

Surprising insights from sighs, yawns, and physiologic breathing patterns 

The science behind nasal vs. mouth breathing 

Techniques like Wim Hof breathing and how they affect stress, pain, and sleep 

Real-time demonstrations of how breath changes heart rate and emotional state

The overlap between breathwork and psychedelics 

From obstructive sleep apnea to free divers pushing human limits, we explore breathing in every dimension—and even try breathing techniques live to see their effect on our own physiology.

🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel Rafie & Dr. Kevin Bickart | The Better Brain Podcast
🎧 Full episode also available on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

Connect with the Better Brain Podcast:
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Hashtags

#Breathing #BrainHealth #JackFeldman #BetterBrainPodcast #UCLA #Neuroscience #StressRelief #EmotionalRegulation #WimHof #NasalBreathing #MindBodyConnection #MentalHealth #PeakPerformance #Breathwork

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

 What happens when winning a UFC championship doesn’t bring the fulfillment you thought it would?

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate joins the Better Brain Podcast to unpack the mindset of victory, failure, and what it truly means to enjoy the process rather than just the outcome.

We explore Miesha’s journey from rising star to world champion, and the unexpected crash that came after achieving her dream. She opens up about balancing motherhood with elite competition, her evolving relationship with opponents, and how psychedelics have shaped her perspective on healing and performance.

Miesha also shares the strategies she uses to keep her body and brain performing at their peak: from training methods that minimize brain injury risk, to nutrition, supplements, and mental resilience. We dig into her experiences with knockouts, the realities of brain trauma in combat sports, and what might ultimately drive her to step away from fighting.

🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel Rafie & Dr. Kevin Bickart | The Better Brain Podcast
🎧 Full episode also available on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms.

💡 Visit Our Sponsor: ContactMedicalServices.com

👉 If this episode gave you a new perspective on mindset, performance, or recovery, hit like, subscribe for more expert insights, and share your thoughts in the comments!
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Hashtags:
#MieshaTate #UFC #Mindset #BrainHealth #BetterBrainPodcast #MMA #PeakPerformance #SportsNeurology #MindsetMatters #AthleteMindset #BrainInjury #Nutrition #Supplements #Psychedelics #PerformanceMindset #Neuroscience #RecoveryJourney #MentalResilience #BetterBrain #concussion #cte 

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Where does pain really come from—and why does it sometimes never go away?

UCLA Professor of Psychiatry, pain specialist, and former VA psychiatrist Dr. Brandon Yarns joins the Better Brain Podcast to decode the mystery of pain. From the moment it begins to the ways it can persist for years, we explore the powerful and surprising role the brain plays in both acute and chronic pain.

Dr. Yarns shares how chronic pain isn’t just about tissue damage—but about brain circuits, memory, trauma, and emotional processing. We discuss how chronic pain literally reshapes the brain, and why some treatments—including opioids—can backfire. He also breaks down the complex connection between chronic pain and mental health, including depression and PTSD.

But there’s hope. Dr. Yarns shares his groundbreaking research into a specific psychotherapy that has been shown to completely reverse certain forms of chronic pain—without drugs or surgery. We also explore actionable strategies to boost your pain threshold and build resilience against chronic pain. 

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

What really happens to the brain when surfers face 50-foot waves? And could surfing—despite its risks—actually protect the brain from aging and dementia?

 UCLA medical student and surfer Jibreel Cader joins the Better Brain Podcast to explore the Anatomy of a Big Wave Surfer. We dive into the brutal physics behind big wave surfing, breaking down shocking wipeout videos and the hidden forces that few outside the surf world understand.

 We then investigate a silent epidemic: concussions and traumatic brain injuries in surfing. Jibreel shares early findings from his research, revealing why brain damage in surfers often goes undiagnosed—and what can be done about it.

 But it’s not all risk. We also explore how surfing may enhance brain health, improve mental resilience, and activate neuroprotective pathways—making it a fascinating paradox in neuroscience.

🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel Rafie & Dr. Kevin Bickart | The Better Brain Podcast

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#BigWaveSurfing #BrainInjury #SurfingScience #TraumaticBrainInjury #Neuroscience #ExtremeSports #BrainHealth #BetterBrainPodcast #ConcussionAwareness #SurferBrain #PeakPerformance #AnatomyOfASurfer #DementiaPrevention #MentalResilience #WipeoutPhysics #SurfingResearch #Neuroplasticity #WellnessPodcast #MindBodyConnection #HighPerformanceBrain

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Why can’t you sleep — and what’s your brain doing while you toss and turn?
World-renowned UCLA neuroscientist Dr. Gina Poe joins the Better Brain Podcast to reveal the surprising science of sleep. We dive deep into REM, sleep stages, circadian rhythm, and how alcohol, weed, antidepressants, and even painkillers disrupt your brain's ability to rest and repair.

We break down real sleep data from co-host Dr. Kevin Bickart, uncover how sleep impacts memory and learning, and share powerful, science-backed tips to upgrade your sleep—starting tonight.

🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel Rafie & Dr. Kevin Bickart | The Better Brain Podcast

Visit Our Sponsor's website: Contactmedicalservices.com 


#SleepScience #REMsleep #DreamsAndTheBrain #OptimizeYourSleep #BetterSleepBetterBrain #NeuroscienceOfSleep #SleepTips #SleepHacks #BrainHealth #GinaPoe #SleepExpert #DeepSleep #WhyWeSleep #SleepAndHealing #MentalHealthAndSleep #Neuroplasticity #SleepPodcast #BrainOptimization #SleepRecovery #BetterBrainPodcast #HealthPodcast #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #WellnessTips #SleepMatters #PeakPerformance #BrainPower #ScienceTalk  #FYP #DidYouKnow #LifeHack #MindBlown #BrainFacts 

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

 What if the key to well-being isn’t what you think?
In this episode, we sit down with renowned psychiatrist and mindfulness researcher Dr. Richie Davidson—scientific advisor to the Dalai Lama—to explore the science of well-being.

We discuss the power of purpose, the proven techniques to boost happiness, and how cultivating well-being can actually extend your life.

Chapters Include:

The science behind emotional resilience

Why purpose is essential to health

How mindfulness reshapes the brain

Practical tools for lasting well-being

Connect with the Better Brain Podcast: 
Instagram: @betterbrainpod @adel.neuro
X: @betterbrainpod

Visit https://betterbrainpodcast.com/ to subscribe and receive exclusive content including episode show notes and the better brain health newsletter.

Visit Our Sponsor's website: Contactmedicalservices.com 

👉 If you found this episode helpful, hit the like button, subscribe for more expert interviews, and share your thoughts in the comments!

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#WellBeingScience

#HappinessHack #MindfulnessMatters #RichieDavidson #DalaiLamaWisdom #LiveLonger #NeuroscienceOfHappiness #BetterBrainPodcast #PurposeDrivenLife #MentalHealthAwareness #LongevitySecrets #EmotionalFitness#MindBodyConnection #ScienceOfHappiness #TrainYourMind 

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

In this episode of the Better Brain Podcast, neurologists Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart sit down with two leading experts in nutrition science: Sarah Berry, lead nutritional scientist at Zoe, and Tim Spector, renowned epidemiologist, author, and co-founder of Zoe.

We dive into the complex world of nutrition research, exploring:

Why traditional studies in nutrition are so flawed

How Zoe is changing the game with personalized data

The real story behind seed oils and social media myths

Why gut health directly affects your brain and mood

Practical tips for what to eat, when to eat, and how to improve overall wellness

And... a blind yogurt taste test — can experts pick the healthiest option based on just the label?

This is a must-watch for anyone serious about brain health, nutrition, and cutting through the noise online.

Connect with the us: 
Instagram: @betterbrainpod @adel.neuro
X: @betterbrainpod

Visit https://betterbrainpodcast.com/ to subscribe and receive exclusive content including episode show notes and the better brain health newsletter.

Visit Our Sponsor's website: Contactmedicalservices.com 

🔗 Links & Resources:

👤 Tim Spector:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.spector
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/timspector

📘 Buy Tim's New Book – Food for Life:
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Life-Cookbook-author/dp/1787335232

👩‍🔬 Sarah Berry:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahberry

🎧 Zoe Science & Nutrition Podcast:
https://link.chtbl.com/p1ggKgOA

🌐 Learn more about Zoe and their personalized nutrition approach:
https://joinzoe.com

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations that bridge the gap between neuroscience, nutrition, and everyday health!

#GutHealth #BrainHealth #NutritionScience #Zoe #TimSpector #SarahBerry #BetterBrainPodcast #Neurology #MentalHealth #SeedOils #FoodForLife #YogurtTasteTest #neuroscience #diet #podcast #interview #fyp

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Join Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart for an discussion dementia and the modifiable risk factors that could help prevent or ward off the diagnosis.  The duo cover how dementia is diagnosed, what brain imaging demonstrates in dementia, and the most significant risk factors for developing dementia and how to address certain of these risk factors to aid in the prevention of dementia.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
3:17 – Dementia is Growing
5:03 – What is Dementia?
10:43 – Psychological Disorders and Prodromal Theories
13:56 – Normal Aging and Memory Loss
21:34 – When should patients be concerned?
23:00 – Age-Related Brain Volume Loss
25:20 – Diagnosing Dementia
28:40 – Lewy Body Dementia
29:47– Genetics
33:02- MRIs of Alzheimer Patients
42:06 – Young Onset Dementia Paper
54:37 - Hand Grip Strength
57:24 - Sleep
59:01 - Vitamin D
59:35 - Strength of the Study, Final Remarks
1:01:05 - Deprivation of Stimulation (Hearing Impairment, Vision Loss, Social Isolation)
1:02:16 - 14 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Across the Board
1:06:52 - What Can Be Done Today to Visualize Dementia Risk
1:13:33 - Things we can do now to reduce dementia risk
1:17:10 - How to measure cardiovascular fitness
1:22:25 - Brain health assessment
1:29:11 - Conclusion

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Join Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart for an important discussion on stress with Dr. Aditi Neurukar MD, MPH, a renowned Harvard-trained doctor specializing in stress, public speaker, and best-selling author. Check out her book: The 5 Resets, a reimagined approach to transform your stress and burnout for good. 

In this episode, Dr. Neurukar defines stress, and how it can progress from healthy to unhealthy. She shares why humans have the need to stay on their phones, and the debilitating effects of doom scrolling. She also breaks the myth that multitasking is beneficial, and discusses the importance of listening to your body, offering 5 mindset shifts to reduce and manage stress. 

The Five Resets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063289210/keywords=self%20help%20books?tag=harpercollinsus-20

Dr. Aditi Neurukar Website: https://www.draditi.com/

Visit https://betterbrainpodcast.com/ to subscribe and receive exclusive content including episode show notes and the better brain health newsletter.

For more information on our Sponsor, Contact Medical Services, Check out their website: https://www.contactmedicalservices.com/

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

On this episode of the Better Brain Podcast, Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart chat with Dr. Frederica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, the science and nutrition company. She is also a best-selling author, with her new book, Every Body Should Know This, being described as a fascinating DIY guide to food and health. 

In this episode, Dr. Amati shares insights on early childhood interventions and building a healthy food environment, exploring the connection between the gut microbiome, nutrition, and mental health. She emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a balanced diet and how eating well at any age can increase lifespan and quality of life. She also discusses the importance of listening to your body and its hunger or fullness cues to create a healthy relationship with food, as well as the difference between processed/unprocessed foods and their nutrition levels.

For a deeper dive into the gut microbiome, listen to the Zoe Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/p1ggKgOA

To Purchase Dr. Amati's new book visit: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Body-Should-Know-This/dp/0241679613/

Watch this episode: 
https://youtu.be/isLi8ZQVY44

Connect with the Better Brain Podcast: 
Instagram: @betterbrainpod @adel.neuro
X: @betterbrainpod

Visit https://betterbrainpodcast.com/ to subscribe and receive exclusive content including episode show notes and the better brain health newsletter. 

00:00 - Beginning 
2:14 – The Origin Story
10:07 – Microbiome and Mental Health
14:30 – The Microbiome as a Representation of our Environment
23:07 – Ultra Processed Foods
27:09 – Direct effect of ultra-processed foods on the gut
35:14 – The Gut Brain Axis (How Ultra-Processed Foods Influence Mental Health and Brain Health)
42:29 – The Microbiome and Diet through Childhood, Breast Milk, Weaning
56:24 - The Home Food Environment
1:00:37 – Processed vs Ultra-Processed Foods
1:07:36 – Dairy Impact on Gut Health
1:12:51 – Saturated Fats, Low Fat Foods, and Cholesterol
 1:18:37 – Processed Vs. Unprocessed Meat
1:24:32 – The Carnivore Diet
1:32:42 – Protein Intake, Retaining Muscle, Increasing Longevity 
1:38:55 – Sugars and Salts (Not all Sugars are the Same)
1:47:37 – Blended Foods
1:51:47 – Counting Calories and Calorie Restriction
1:59:57 – GLP – agonists
02:10:44 – Hope after 40 (How diet can increase health span)
2:18:01 – The Pleasure of Eating and Intuitive Eating
2:24:22 – Track your Microbiome Health          
2:32:11 – The Grocery Store Run
2:50:10 – Outro

#microbiome #gutmicrobiome #nutrition #diet #calories #caloriedeficit #carnivorediet #processedfoods #protein #mentalhealth #brainhealth #podcast #interview

To fully enjoy this episode, check out the video version by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterbrainpodcast

For exclusive access to unreleased UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast content, be sure to subscribe at BetterBrainPodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:
Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro Podcast - @BetterBrainPod
Twitter: @ahdelneuro

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!