The Brain & Body Podcast with Allegra Foxlie

In this episode, Allegra Foxlie, a trauma-informed bodyworker, speaks with Dr. Hector Rodriguez, a psychiatrist based in Miami who specializes in analyzing SPECT scans to understand the unique brain patterns associated with trauma and mental health conditions. Dr. Rodriguez, who previously worked as a fashion photographer, discusses his journey into psychiatry and his current work with Dr. Daniel Amen, a pioneer in brain health and imaging.

The conversation covers several key areas:

1.   Dr. Rodriguez's career transition from fashion photography to psychiatry.

2.   The importance of viewing mental health through the lens of brain health rather than stigmatizing labels.

3.   An explanation of SPECT scans and their role in analyzing brain activity related to trauma.

4.   The distinct brain patterns, such as the "diamond pattern," observed in individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or significant trauma.

5.   The difference between ADHD and trauma symptoms, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments.

6.   The impact of trauma on the brain's limbic system and how it manifests in both psychological and physical symptoms.

7.   Various therapeutic approaches to treating trauma, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and somatic therapies like dance therapy.

8.   The societal and cultural impacts on how ADHD and trauma are perceived and diagnosed.

9.   Practical advice for individuals dealing with trauma, especially during challenging times like the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of connection and self-care.

The discussion emphasizes a compassionate and individualized approach to mental health, highlighting the importance of understanding the brain's role in trauma and advocating for specialized treatment to help individuals heal.

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

Allegra, a trauma-informed bodyworker, hosts Mark Walsh, a pioneer in embodiment and trauma recovery, on her podcast. They discuss the alarming suicide rates among men under 40 in the UK, and Mark's innovative approaches to addressing this issue. Mark shares his experiences, including his work in war zones and his development of the "Feral Philosophy" to help young men with their mental and physical health.

Mark's latest Book:
The Top 12 Embodiment Coaching Techniques eBook

Mark's company:
www.embodimentunlimited.com

Mark's "Feral Philosophy":
https://www.youtube.com/@FeralPhilosophy_mw

Mark's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/warkmalsh/

Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 Mark Walsh's Background and Work

02:09 Defining Embodiment

03:12 Mark's Personal Journey

04:29 ADHD and Coping Mechanisms

06:05 Trauma and Resilience

08:29 Understanding Trauma

18:18 Toxic Masculinity and Male Suicide

25:10 The Impact of Traditional Masculinity

26:24 Physical Health and Mental Well-being

26:45 Brotherhood and Mentorship

28:18 The Role of Embodiment in Fitness

29:22 Combining Embodiment with Weightlifting

30:08 Challenges and Growth in the Gym

31:36 The Importance of Male Role Models

34:29 Training Programs and Certifications

37:19 The Dark Side of Fame and Narcissism

44:29 The Value of Humor in Coaching

47:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

In this episode, Allegra, a trauma-informed bodyworker, speaks with Briony Davies, a passionate mental health advocate who has lived with bipolar disorder since 2013. 
 
 Briony, who transformed her personal experiences into a source of strength and empowerment, discusses the complexities of bipolar disorder, including its different types, the challenges in getting an accurate diagnosis, and the disorder's intersection with neurodivergence and trauma. The conversation covers the impact of bipolar disorder on relationships, the importance of support systems, the effects of substance misuse, and the significant role of sleep and perimenopause. 
 
 Briony candidly shares her personal journey, highlighting the stigmatization faced by individuals with mental health conditions and offering strategies for managing the disorder, including the importance of a strong support network and self-care practices. The episode aims to educate and inspire listeners, providing valuable insights into living with bipolar disorder.
 
 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
 02:05 Understanding Bipolar Disorder
 03:53 Personal Experiences with Mania
 09:02 Challenges of Bipolar II
 17:16 Gender Differences in Bipolar Disorder
 23:56 Impact of Trauma and Addiction
 43:17 The Long Road to Diagnosis
 53:57 Struggles with Medication and Addiction
 55:24 Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Symptoms
 56:49 Challenges in Mental Health Support
 58:14 Impact of Childhood Experiences
 01:01:04 Neurodivergence and Bipolar Disorder
 01:03:40 Systemic Issues in Mental Health Care
 01:11:28 Grief and Bipolar Disorder
 01:15:05 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
 01:20:14 Perimenopause and Bipolar Disorder
 01:26:26 Invisible Disabilities and Discrimination
 01:33:26 Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

This is Part 1 of Understanding Narcissism between Allegra Foxlie, a trauma-informed bodyworker, and Elizabeth Shaw, the author of "A Narcissist Handbook" and many other books on narcissism, to discuss the impacts of emotional abuse and narcissistic behaviour on mental and physical well-being.

This is a must for anyone who believes they or their friends are being abused.

Elizabeth Shaw explains the nature of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and differentiates it from general narcissistic traits, emphasizing that most abusers exhibit narcissistic behaviors due to their lack of empathy and exploitative tendencies.

The discussion explores the different types of narcissistic abuse, including overt, covert, and emotional abuse, and how these behaviours create confusion and self-doubt in victims. Elizabeth explains the concept of 'hoovering,' where narcissists attempt to suck victims back into abusive relationships. The conversation also highlights how narcissists treat children as accessories and manipulate them for their own benefit, causing harm and confusion.

Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries with narcissists, recognizing their patterns, and maintaining emotional, psychological, and physical distance when possible. She underscores that true narcissists don't change their behaviours fundamentally, even though some might seek therapy or support. The conversation also touches on how narcissistic individuals operate within families and court systems, often manipulating the narrative to appear as the victim.

Allegra and Elizabeth plan to continue their discussion in a future episode to further explore topics such as safely exiting narcissistic relationships, recognizing narcissistic behaviour, and understanding the long-term impacts of such relationships and importantly healing from them.

Elizabeth's books: 
A Narcissists Handbook,  https://amzn.eu/d/fRbRBcH
15 Rules to deal with Narcissistic People https://amzn.eu/d/7kvk4zf
Boundaries with Narcissists https://amzn.eu/d/5EeSL78

To contact Elizabeth: coachelizabethshaw

As an FYI  all the clients discussed in this episode remain anonymous and consented to their individual stories being discussed.

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

Exploring ADHD, Nutrition, and Neurodevelopment: An Interview with Dr. Rachel V. Gow

In this episode, Dr. Rachel V. Gow, a distinguished neuroscientist and neuropsychologist and the author of the highly acclaimed book “Smart Foods for ADHD and Brain Health", discusses her extensive research and personal journey focusing on the impact of nutrition on brain development and behaviour.

Dr. Gow shares her experiences as a mother to a child with ADHD, her groundbreaking work on how diet influences cognitive function, and her advocacy for better public health understanding. She explains the challenges she faced within the educational system concerning her son's ADHD, the significance of omega-3 fatty acids, and the role of nutrition in early brain development.

Dr. Gow also talks about her charity, Nutritious Minds Trust,  which aims to support children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families, offering diagnostic evaluations and community support. The episode highlights the importance of holistic approaches, community engagement, and understanding the biological basis of ADHD.

To buy Rachel's book: https://amzn.to/2IPSHvl
To get involved with her charity: http://www.nutritiousminds.org/ 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rachel V. Gow

01:51 Rachel's Early Career and Personal Journey

04:25 Challenges with Son's Education and Diagnosis

07:30 Understanding ADHD and Its Implications

18:50 Medication and Its Effects

29:08 Exploring Nutritional Interventions

36:24 Challenges in Preventative Health Research

37:15 The Deceptive Food Industry

38:55 Preventing Metabolic Diseases Through Diet

39:45 Impact of Processed Foods on Health

42:22 Early Childhood Nutrition and Brain Development

43:23 The Role of Omega-3 in Neurodevelopment

45:15 Nutritional Deficiencies and Cognitive Impairment

52:37 The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health

54:53 Supporting Children with ADHD and Autism

55:28 The Importance of Community and Support

59:42 Nutritious Minds Trust Charity

01:07:19 Advice for Parents of Children with ADHD

01:10:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The List of Studies mentioned in this podcast:

Hibbeln JR, Davis JM, Steer C, Emmett P, Rogers I, Williams C, Golding J. Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study. Lancet. 2007 Feb 17;369(9561):578-85. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60277-3. PMID: 17307104.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307104/

Golding J, Steer C, Emmett P, Davis JM, Hibbeln JR. High levels of depressive symptoms in pregnancy with low omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish. Epidemiology. 2009 Jul;20(4):598-603. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31819d6a57. PMID: 19289957.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19289957/

Hibbeln JR. Depression, suicide and deficiencies of omega-3 essential fatty acids in modern diets. World Rev Nutr Diet. 2009;99:17-30. doi: 10.1159/000192992. Epub 2009 Jan 9. PMID: 19136836.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19136836

Hibbeln JR, Gow RV. The potential for military diets to reduce depression, suicide, and impulsive aggression: a review of current evidence for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Mil Med. 2014 Nov;179(11 Suppl):117-28. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00153. PMID: 25373095.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25373095

Lewis MD, Hibbeln JR, Johnson JE, Lin YH, Hyun DY, Loewke JD. Suicide deaths of act

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

In this episode, trauma-informed body worker Allegra and Victoria Hardy, known as Ginge Unhinged, explore the intricate links between trauma, chronic pain conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis, and menopause. 

Allegra shares perspectives from her book 'HTR: Hormone Tension Release' and emphasizes the impact of adverse childhood experiences on women's health. 

Victoria recounts her personal journey with surgical menopause, discussing early medical interventions, chronic pain and her book "My Menopause, My Journal, My Rules". 

Their conversation underscores the importance of education and understanding how trauma influences health, advocating for holistic and alternative therapies. The episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge and strategies to manage menopausal symptoms actively and holistically.

00:00 Introduction to Allegra and Her Work

00:39 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

02:39 Meet Victoria Hardy: Author and Advocate

03:37 Victoria's Journey with Endometriosis

19:12 The Impact of Trauma on the Body

34:48 Victoria's Experience with PTSD

46:04 Natural Neurogenic Tremors and Birth Experiences

47:00 Male Perspective on Birth Trauma

47:39 Understanding Neurogenic Tremoring

48:20 Gazelle Example and Stress Response

49:54 Twin Towers and PTSD

52:33 Personal Experience with TRE

01:11:40 Surgical Menopause Journey

01:21:28 Writing and Advocacy

01:27:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

In this podcast episode, Allegra, a trauma-informed bodyworker, discusses the connections between trauma, the nervous system, and various disorders including PTSD and PMDD. She and Dr. Ghazala Azizi-Scott, Clinical Director at the Marion Gluck Clinic, delve into the complexities of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. They highlight the importance of addressing underlying causes, such as hormone imbalances and trauma, through integrative and functional medicine. The conversation provides insights into the roles of cortisol, GABA receptors, and genetic factors in PMDD, while also emphasizing the significance of personalized treatments and lifestyle modifications.

00:00 Introduction to Trauma-Informed Bodywork and PMDD
01:35 Expert Insights: Dr. Ghazala Azizi-Scott on PMDD and Hormonal Health
05:17 Understanding PMDD: Symptoms, Causes, and Impact
09:07 The Role of Hormones in PMDD and Mental Health
24:03 Addressing PMDD: Integrative Approaches and Lifestyle Changes
42:23 Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment for PMDD
46:54 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

This podcast episode brings together insights on how Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) can address birth trauma, facilitate emotional and physical healing, and potentially improve childbirth experiences. Host Allegra, is a trauma-informed body worker, and her guest Richmond Heath, Head of TRE Australia, discuss the broad impacts of birth trauma on babies, parents, and healthcare professionals, highlighting both physiological and behavioral consequences. The conversation explores Richmond’s journey with TRE, its foundational role in healing trauma through neurogenic exercises, and the importance of a body-focused approach to therapy over traditional psychological methods. The episode emphasizes TRE’s capability to tap into the body's intrinsic healing mechanisms via spontaneous tremors, underscoring its utility not just for trauma survivors but also in preparing for childbirth. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the podcast aims to shed light on the significance of reconnecting with one’s body through neurogenic movement to heal trauma, balance the nervous system, and potentially transform childbirth experiences by embracing the body’s natural wisdom and tremor response.

Contact Richmond Heath https://treaustralia.com

TIME STAMPS
00:00 Meet Allegra: Exploring Trauma Healing Through TRE
01:51 Richmond Heath's Journey into TRE and Personal Transformation
07:26 Understanding Trauma: A Deep Dive with Richmond Heath
16:36 The Profound Impact of Birth Trauma
31:38 Exploring the Healing Power of TRE and Neurogenic Movement
33:58 The Cultural and Medical Misunderstanding of Birth Trauma
45:12 Personal Reflections and the Universal Nature of Trauma
50:39 Exploring the Body's Response to Trauma and Stress
51:07 The Impact of Medication and Muscle Relaxation on Anxiety
52:01 Understanding Hormonal Influences and PTSD
53:14 The Role of the Nervous System in Menopause Symptoms
54:03 The Science of Oxytocin and Its Effects
55:40 The Physiology of Birth and Its Aftermath
57:05 Addressing Post-Traumatic Stress and Its Delayed Onset
58:33 The Healing Power of Spontaneous Movement and TRE
59:42 The Importance of Hormonal Balance and Emotional Health
01:04:19 Personal Stories of Birth Trauma and Recovery
01:05:39 Exploring Visceral Trauma Beyond the Birthing Process
01:19:08 The Potential of Neurogenic Tremoring for Healing
01:34:55 Innovative Approaches to Pain Management and Healing
01:37:24 Concluding Thoughts on TRE and Its Future in Birth Education

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

In this episode, I’m going to give you an overview touching upon physiology, some sex-based cognitive differences between the male and female brains, and how our genes and our environment play a fundamental role in developing our neurobiology, brain function, emotions, personality, perception, beliefs and behaviour.  I talk about how beliefs, perception and what we think, have the power to change our physiology, affecting our physical health for better or worse.  I detail the brain’s various protective outputs and how these affect our physical and emotional health.  

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com

This episode details what you can expect to hear in future episodes of this podcast.

Essentially, this podcast will feature leading experts, and authors from different healing domains, as well as friends, clients and people who suffer from the specific condition we’re discussing.  We will talk about the interconnection between biology, psychology and socioenvironmental factors that can and do impact the brain and body.  We’re going to delve deep into a topic.  

Using post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an example – this is a huge subject, so will involve multiple episodes covering all aspects related to it.  The aim is to give you a solid overview where you’ll be able to understand the causes, its impact on the brain, the body etc. giving you information on how it’s typically diagnosed, the relevant questions to ask your medical doctor, psychiatrist etc. the different treatments available, offering different perspectives on the subject matter ranging from ancient Eastern wisdom to Western neurophysiology and traumatology, which will hopefully give you a supra model for healing and or managing the condition.  

Support the show

Buy Allegra's book, HTR: Hormone Tension Release on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1KiWiai
Follow Allegra's Instagram account: @allegrafoxlie
Book a session with Allegra by visiting her website: www.thefoxlieplan.com