The Inner Well Podcast

Life can sometimes feel like a relentless race to check boxes, achievements, accolades, and milestones. But what happens when you check all those boxes and still feel like something's missing? This week we chat with Brandi Hudson – a guide for leaders and achievers seeking deeper fulfillment beyond the surface-level success.

In this episode:

• Why can all the boxes be checked and you still feel like something’s missing?
• What does true contentment really look like?
• And what does it genuinely feel like?
• What to do when success doesn’t feel like enough?
• How did The Inner Well facilitate the change that Brandi was searching for?
• What is the importance of shared experience when adopting new habits?
• How to embrace life with less friction and more joy?
• What is the true secret to success?
• Why is the true path easy and effortless?
• And what did that path look like for Brandi?

Brandi Hudson Bio:

Brandi helps people identify the unconscious patterns shaping their lives, leadership, and results. Most people solve the problems they can see. Brandi helps people find what’s truly creating the problem. Brandi works with a small number of leaders, founders, investors, and athletes by referral. Together, they identify the unconscious patterns, beliefs, and behaviors shaping their lives and performance. The goal isn’t simply more success. It’s creating a life that works as well on the inside as it does on the outside. 

Her clients have won by every standard but their own. Many have built lives that once looked impossible from where they started. Still, they can feel another level available to them, and they sense that the next version of their life will not be built the way the last one was. Brandi works beneath the strategy, at the root of what is creating their results, which is where the leverage has been the entire time.

 Brandi is an operator, and she knows from the inside exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. For twenty years she led sales organizations across the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, in executive roles at Fortune 500 companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Pfizer, and at the startup Inspire, which she helped carry beyond its IPO. She ran businesses responsible for more than $250 million in annual revenue across the Americas and delivered top-percentile results year after year, in a field where that kind of consistency is almost never seen. 

She has stood where her clients stand, and she understands the pressure that comes with it. She was a national-caliber athlete at the University of Michigan, where she set both the Big Ten and school records in the long jump. The discipline, self-belief, and resilience that took did not stay on the track. They became the architecture of everything she built next. 

BASE™ is the framework Brandi developed, the distillation of everything she learned performing and operating at the highest level. She works with clients in year-long engagements, and because BASE™ is a process they can keep practicing on their own, the work becomes theirs to carry forward. Her goal for every client is the same: that they come to see they already hold all the answers to their own success. 

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

As we close out the year and head into the holidays, it’s not uncommon for people to naturally reflect on their year. What worked? What didn’t? And how do we hold a space of gratitude, meaning and purpose when we feel lost, misdirected or lacking? Or, more importantly, how can these three things show up to support you in the spaces between the wins, triumphs and successes? Is it possible to cultivate a practice that enables them to be there more consistently? Yes!

In this episode:

• Gratitude, meaning and purpose: what’s the distinction?
• How to cultivate gratitude even in the challenging times
• Why is purpose so crucial to the human experience?
• What does a life with meaning really look like?
• How can purpose drive you towards fullness?
• What are the gravitational pulls in life that propel you towards happiness?
• When can gratitude be a trap?
• What to do when finding meaning and purpose feels anxiety inducing?
• Why is clarity crucial to this journey?
• And how does The Inner Well help you find it?
• Why can’t you power through or mood make your way through this journey?
• How does The Inner Well support this journey for you?
  

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

Find yourself to be yourself is a good theme for this episode with world-renowned neuroscientist Alarik Arenander. In this episode, Alarik talks with Emily about one of the most challenging brain degeneration diseases in our society today: Alzheimer's disease. Alarik goes into the details of the aging process and about how it has much less to do with your genes and what they do to us than it does with what we do to them. 

In this episode:

• How does TM make the brain more orderly and coherent?
• What needs to change in our daily activity in order to change our brain?
• Is it true that you are what you eat?
  How many millions of americans are suffering with alzheimers and why?
• Is brain degeneration really all about your genes?
• Or is it what you do to your genes?
• Outward flow versus inner stillness and its impact on our brain?
• How does our digital landscape eat away at who we are?
• What is our education system really fostering?
• How is every system trying to make the human an addict?
• What makes an orderly brain a happy brain?
• What is the glemphatic system?
• Why are the first 90minutes of sleep so important for the brain?
• How does TM flush the glemphatic system and optimize the brain?
• Aging is disconnect starting at age 30
• Why do people have such a hard time making progress?
• Where is happiness and how do we find it?
• You can only give to the world what you are.

Alarik Arenander Bio, neuroscientist, educator, lecturer & researcher

• Over the past 55 years, his work has helped establish the field of neuroscience as science’s leading area for exploring human potentiality. 
• Dr. Arenander has conducted pioneering research at University of California at Los Angeles, Penn State University at Hershey, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA and Maharishi European Research University in Switzerland. 
• Dr. Arenander helped conduct the first research documenting the sustained, high levels of EEG coherence, a primary marker of a four major state of consciousness in 1974-75, and subsequently the first research documenting the EEG criteria of enlightenment published in 2005 with Dr. Fred Travis.
• Dr. Alarik and his wife Cynthia have travel globally teaching and presenting to governments, military, education and medical institutions in South America Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
• In the past 25 years Dr. Arenander has focused on programs to enhance human potential, and to reverse and prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

In this episode, certified trauma therapist, chemical dependency specialist and licensed EMDR therapist Lynn Turner talks to us about the neurology of the addictive paradigm and the transformative power of Transcendental Meditation. We take a deep dive into how TM can help regulate the nervous system, rewire neural pathways and support recovery from complex trauma and addictive behaviors.

What to listen for:

• The addictive paradigm and its impact on neurology and psycho-emotional states
• How neural pathways are built and how they can be rewired through therapy and meditation
• The role of EMDR and IFS in trauma healing and neural reprocessing
• The concept of prediction error in trauma and addiction
• The importance of self-energy and self-regulation in recovery
• How transcendental meditation helps regulate the nervous system and build resilience
• The relationship between inner child work, parts work, and self-energy
• The spiritual dimension of TM and its connection to inner peace and trust
• The prediction error model in trauma and attachment wounds
• Practical tools for healing from addiction and trauma, including TM, EMDR, and parts work

Lynn Bio: 

Lynn has almost 30 years of experience in the mental health field working in a range of settings from residential treatment centers, schools and detention centers, and for the last 16 years in private practice with adults, teens and youth.  She earned her Master of Arts degree from Saint Edward's University in Austin, TX in 1997 and became trained in EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization) in 1999.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor as well as a Certified EMDR Therapist.  She specializes in working with people with PTSD, CPTSD, Substance Abuse and Addictions, Depression, Anxiety, Phobias, Dissociative Disorders, Grief and Loss as well as Self-Esteem issues.  Lynn also utilizes IFS (Internal Family Systems) and Ego State Therapy.  Her website is LibertyHillCounseling.com and can be reached through email at [email protected].

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

Dive into this informative and guidance-rich episode on brain health, anti-aging, nervous system regulation and physiological optimization with Yes to Success coach, author and international motivational speaker Debra Poneman. Debra has been an international pioneer in helping others manifest a life of joy, with TM being the foundational pillar when it comes to manifesting a genuinely successful, enjoyable and impactful existence.

In this episode:

• How does your foundation in silence and peace manifest as a line on water?
• What is meant by “Your Word is Your Wand?”
• What frequency are you vibrating at and how does that influence what you attract?
• Does what you plant in your mind really grow in your life?
• What is cortical thickness?
• And how does the average cortical thickness of a 40-50 year old meditator compare to a 20-30 year old non-meditator?
• What part of our brain is responsible for high-order thinking, memory, attention and many other aspects of our perception?
• How did Debra achieve international success almost right away?
• How can we push back any decline in cognitive functioning that would impact our quality of life?
• What is CRH and how does it impact your brain?
• How does TM reduce brain cell retraction?
• How can you release the impressions in the nervous system?
• How does TM deliver the result Mindfulness is wanting to achieve?
• How to reverse, stop and slow the aging of the brain?

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

For those of us that suffer with anxiety, we understand what a debilitating experience it can be. And this contraction bleeds into all your other relationships – including your relationship with yourself. What if there was a way to sustain a level of space and expansion in your life even when you feel completely overshadowed and overwhelmed. Join us in this week’s episode as full-time film film worker, artist and nature enthusiast Mia Turner takes us through her healing journey from anxiety, grief and the darkest parts of the human experience to calm, acceptance and dancing around her living room. 

In this episode: 

• Healing and creativity through TM
• How can grief condemn the human experience without help?
• Just how debilitating can anxiety be?
• How can our lowest points serve to transform and inspire us?
• How does TM support the healing journey through anxiety?
• How can TM help with grief and the darkest moments of the human experience?
• What does it feel like to finally get expansion after such a long period of contraction?
• What is the journey of the empath?
• How does TM support you in supporting others?
• Where does creativity come from?

Mia Turner Bio:

Mia Turner is a full-time film worker, artist and nature enthusiast who came to TM to help her deal with the immense grief of losing her brother to suicide. Her capacity to heal after such a challenging and overshadowing loss is a true testament to the power of TM and the resiliency of the human spirit.

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

In today’s dopamine addicted society, pleasure and reward seeking indulgence has become a nervous system dysregulator that has now reached a critical mass. What’s worse? The lack of satisfaction from that which we seek outside of ourselves has now diminished the satisfaction that used to come from the “little things” in life. In short, the human condition is suffering and the technology companies are taking advantage of it. So, how can we combat it and pull ourselves out of that reward-seeking loop? Dive in to find out!

In this episode:

• What is the dopamine disaster really? The reward or the chase?
• How are technology companies exploiting our addictive tendencies with this?
• How does it show up in real life examples of this seek-to-reward addiction?
• How can we combat this addictive tendency with access to our own inner well?
• What are techniques we can employ to redirect our focus inward in a way that naturally and consciously breaks the loop?
• How does this show up for your hosts in their own personal lives?
• What do they do to combat the dopamine drive?
• What does freedom from that addictive loop look and feel like?

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

When it comes to addiction, recovery and the profundity of the healing journey, Kyle Ellison’s story is one of inspiration, hope and a true testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Tune in this week as Kyle and Meghan talk all things about the human struggle and how hope appears out of some of our darkest moments. And, of course, how meditation supports this transformation.

In this episode:

• Kyle's journey through grief and recovery
• The role of music as catharsis and self-expression
• The impact of Transcendental Meditation on healing
• Experiences of deep meditation and visions
• The significance of nature and self-love in recovery
• The story behind the band Night Glitter
• Kyle's personal healing journey post-brother's death
• The importance of hope and community in recovery

Kyle Ellison Bio:

Kyle is a musician and producer living deep within the fabric of the local Austin music scene. He’s played with several notable bands including Pariah, Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers and Roky Erickson. He finds his peace in nature, taking care of his elderly rock star mom and meditating regularly to experience the deeper, more expanded expressions of himself. You can follow Kyle on Instagram at @blizard-of-oz.

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

Brandon Weinstock found sobriety and then found Transcendental Meditation. And his experience of both has been nothing short of life changing. Brandon talks about his journey and not only how the 12 steps led him down a path of physical and emotional sobriety, but also how his own Inner Well provides the unshakeable foundation of support for it.

In this Episode:

• Brandon's personal journey with TM and recovery
• Physical versus emotional sobriety
• The physiological effects of TM on the nervous system
• The role of meditation in addiction recovery
• The connection between TM and spiritual consciousness
• Stress reduction and emotional resilience through TM
• The importance of consistent meditation practice
• The ocean analogy for understanding meditation's impact
• The integration of TM into 12-step programs
• Overcoming mental chatter and achieving stillness
• The concept of the inner well and divine consciousness

Brandon Weinstock Bio:

Brandon Weinstock is an LA native who spent a decade in commercial real estate before moving to Israel in 2008, where he earned a BA and MA in Political Science from Reichman University (formerly IDC Herzliya). He came home twelve and a half years later and started his own communications firm, Allison Lane, in 2022. He has been meditating for over 20 years, mostly various forms of mindfulness before finding TM in December 2023. He's single, has no kids yet, keeps a home in Colorado, and can usually be found at Dodger Stadium. 

Dive in each week for real talk on meditation, meaning and modern life. And let us know what resonates with you. After all, this podcast was created with you in mind –  to support the human condition by optimizing the human experience.

Watch, listen, and connect here: tm.org/theinnerwellpodcast

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email: [email protected]

Find your local TM Teacher: www.tm.org

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Follow us on social and send us your questions, stories, and topic ideas — this podcast exists because of you.

Show Notes:

Every so often, a story comes along that inspires the masses. This is true to the story and life of AA Co-founder Bill Wilson. Having struggled with addiction for a large part of his life, it took one conscious moment to flip the script and rewrite his narrative. Dive into this episode to hear Bill W Conscious Contact producer Jay Stinnett describe the life of Bill W, his evolution through consciousness and what part TM played in the later years of his life.

In this episode:

• Who is Bill W and what is his story?
• What was the conscious moment that changed his life forever?
• What role did TM play in his healing journey?
• How did meditation and self awareness support his journey through sobriety?
• What’s the difference between a spiritual awakening and a spiritual experience?
• And why does it matter?
• Why is meditation the 11th step?
• How did TM support Bill W’s understanding of the 11th step?
• What inspired Bill to write the 12 steps?
• Why does conscious contact play such a pivotal role in sobriety?

*NOTE* This episode includes a story that mentions an hour long TM practice. Please note, this was a special circumstance and Transcendental Meditation is only practiced for 20 minutes twice a day.

Bio: Jay Stinnett is an independent scholar, biographer, and author. His book award-winning book, "Bill W. Conscious Contact: The Award-Winning Film on Paper," is the culmination of over three decades of writing and presenting on Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) history, offering groundbreaking new perspectives on Bill Wilson's spiritual evolution. An expert on the Oxford Group, Bill Wilson, and Carl Jung, Stinnett has spent years working with the major archives of A.A. history, delving into Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson's mystical practices, and has conducted pioneering research into Wilson's role investigating psychedelics.

An engaging keynote speaker, Jay has lectured and led retreats in 18 countries, gaining insights into A.A.'s effectiveness across nations, cultures, and religions. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Stepping Stones Foundation® — the Historic Home of Bill and Lois Wilson® in Katonah, N.Y. — and was instrumental in creating its digital archive. He is also the author of "Loving Sober: A Field Guide to Spiritual Intimacy" and a longtime member of Initiatives of Change. Jay is a meditation enthusiast living in the "4th Dimension" in Sedona, Arizona.