The Neurostimulation Podcast

Title:

"Thriving with ADHD: Understanding Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum"

Show Notes:

In this episode, I sit down with Kit Slocum, Neurodiversity Lead and Learning Experience Designer at FLOWN, to explore ADHD, neurodivergence, and what it really means to design work and lives that support attention rather than assault it.

Kit brings a unique combination of academic training in behavioral neuroscience, lived experience with ADHD, and years of coaching neurodivergent professionals worldwide. We discuss why distraction isn't a moral failing, how our nervous systems respond to modern overstimulation, and practical tools for regulation and focus.

Key Topics:

1. The "life on hard mode" experience of neurodivergence
2. Why focus is a nervous system issue, not a willpower problem
3. The Energy Regulation Matrix tool for managing burnout
4. Shame, masking, and late-stage ADHD diagnosis
5. Finding vocational alignment with neurodivergent traits
6. The neurodiversity paradigm vs. the pathology paradigm
7. Parallels between ADHD coaching and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
8. The power of community in neurodivergent spaces

Resources Mentioned:

1. FLOWN body doubling platform: flown.com
2. Kit's ADHD Mastery Program (6-week gamified course) https://flown.com/adhd-focus-program
3. Energy Regulation Matrix tool https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIiYB9Nd-LXi-eoMyRxApsRC594MPqwD/view?usp=sharing
4. Energy Regulation How-To https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjX6yTaC9ZbBhFW3burM5cu6wwoLeWSQ/view?usp=sharing
5. Ikigai diagram for career alignment https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V2FxreSqzYrAYpBr2lM-UKg3xcGkfYOA/view?usp=sharing
6. Book: Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain https://a.co/d/fRHtUAh
7. Psychedelic Science Conference (Denver) https://www.psycon.org/event/denver-colorado-2026/

Connect with Kit:

1. LinkedIn: Kit Slocum
2. FLOWN: flown.com
3. Next ADHD Mastery Program: March 2026

Key Takeaway:

Attention isn't about forcing yourself to become something you're not—it's about understanding your nervous system and designing your life accordingly.

Episode Title

Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life

Guest

Dr. Dana Cowles - Board-certified emergency medicine physician with dual academic background in biology and philosophy

Episode Summary

Dr. Dana Cowles shares his unique perspective on fear, trauma, and finding purpose through his experiences in emergency medicine and philosophy. From surviving a traumatic car accident at age 12 to working the front lines in emergency rooms, Dr. Cowles challenges conventional wisdom about happiness and offers a compelling framework for building resilience through purpose rather than comfort.

Key Topics Discussed

Personal Trauma & Transformation

1. Surviving a serious car accident at age 12 that shaped his worldview
2. How trauma taught him that helplessness, not fear, is the real enemy
3. The importance of building skillsets throughout life to face uncertainty

Three Types of Fear

1. Anticipatory Fear (the "what ifs") - Requires making a plan and trusting it
2. Contemporary Fear (immediate crisis) - Demands slowing down and paying attention
3. Retrospective Fear (PTSD) - Needs reframing into prospective planning

Emergency Medicine Insights

1. The reality of ER work vs. TV portrayals
2. Risk stratification over definitive diagnosis
3. The mantra: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" (borrowed from aviation)
4. Why the only unforgivable mistake is telling someone they're safe when they're not

The Happiness Myth

1. How Freud, Bernays, and modern marketing created the "happiness on demand" culture
2. Why the opposite of depression is purpose, not happiness
3. The historical shift from "worthy life" to "euphoric happiness"
4. How consumer culture exploits our pursuit of happiness

What People Really Need

1. Security (knowing everything will be okay)
2. Affirmation (knowing you're a good person)
3. Purpose over comfort

Philosophy & Meaning

1. Energy transformation as life's purpose (potential to kinetic energy)
2. Why building, growing, and developing matters more than tearing down
3. The importance of having plans for life's uncertainties
4. Why "the only thing to fear is fear itself" is wrong

Healthcare & Society

1. How medicine has wrongly treated fear and anxiety as diseases
2. The unintended consequences of COVID lockdowns (telling 90% of people they weren't "essential")
3. Concerns about AI replacing human purpose
4. The importance of maintaining purpose regardless of automation

Memorable Quotes

"The real enemy is helplessness. We need to build a skillset throughout our lifetime to be able to face helplessness."

"The opposite of depression is purpose, and purpose is what keeps you up and going."

"Everything in life comes at a cost. You need to know that cost and be willing to pay it, or you're gonna accrue interest."

"The only people who are truly fearless are thoughtless or careless."

"Stop talking to me about what you're against. I want to know what you're for."

"I don't believe in good people or bad people. I believe people do good things and people do bad things."

Trigger Warning

This episode contains discussions of trauma, death, violence, and graphic medical situations that some listeners may find disturbing.

Resources & Links

Dr. Dana Cowles's Website https://cowlesemergencyservices.com/

For Healthcare Professionals

If you're a healthcare worker, first responder, or caregiver struggling with unresolved trauma, please reach out for support. You're not alone, and help is available.

Guest: Ben Couch, Founder of ElumenEd and Eastern Ergonomics

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

Episode Length: ~1 hour

In this fascinating conversation, martial artist and healthcare educator Ben Couch shares how 40+ years of martial arts training is transforming dementia care and caregiver safety. Ben discusses his innovative Eastern Ergonomics program, which applies ancient martial arts principles—balance, efficiency, breath, and mindful presence—to patient transfers and caregiving. He also opens up about his personal journey after his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and how it deepened his understanding of care.

Ben's Background

1. 40+ years in martial arts (black belts in 8 disciplines, 7th degree in karate)
2. 20+ years as National Director of Training at Watermark Retirement Communities
3. Founded ElumenEd to bring Eastern Ergonomics to healthcare facilities nationwide
4. Personal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022

The Problem with Traditional Ergonomics Training

1. Patient transfers have been the #1 cause of healthcare worker injuries for decades
2. Traditional training focuses on "dots" without connecting the transitional movements
3. Annual compliance training often fails to create meaningful change
4. Injuries cost $40,000-$120,000 per nurse to replace

Martial Arts Principles Applied to Caregiving

Mental Preparation:

1. Posture and breathing as foundation for presence and safety
2. Taking a pause before each transfer to be fully present
3. "New heart every day" mindset to avoid autopilot mode
4. Connection between body posture and mental state

Physical Techniques:

1. Moving from center of gravity rather than arm strength
2. "Hands always push" principle (using triceps/lats instead of biceps/deltoids)
3. Triangulation of balance—avoiding weak points in stance
4. Softness, flow, and minimal effort from Tai Chi and Japanese Jujitsu
5. Principle-based rather than position-based training

Communication and Dignity

1. Shifting from doing something "to" someone → "for" someone → "with" someone
2. The person receiving care is the teacher, guiding the caregiver
3. Maintaining presence and listening, even with advanced dementia
4. Treating every transfer as a mutual, collaborative experience

Personal Insights

1. Ben's mother's musical awakening after moving to exceptional memory care
2. The importance of not accepting that "life is over" after an Alzheimer's diagnosis
3. How martial arts practice helped Ben manage depression
4. The parallel between martial arts training and caregiving excellence

Vision for the Future

1. Goal: Remove transfer injuries from the #1 spot for the first time ever
2. Reduce turnover and burnout among caregivers
3. Free up budget resources for meaningful resident programs
4. Challenge healthcare assumptions about what's possible
5. Bring more presence and continuous improvement to all aspects of care

"Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face." — Mike Tyson (referenced by Ben about his mother's diagnosis)

"In the beginner's mind, there are endless possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are very few." — Shunryu Suzuki

"You're not ever gonna be good, but you're gonna be better." — Ben on continuous improvement

"The person who we are assisting...is the one who should be teaching us. They teach us their movement and then we respond to that."

"It's not over when you get this diagnosis...do we act that way?"

1. ElumenEd — Ben's company offering Eastern Ergonomics training
2. Eastern Ergonomics — Ben's innovative caregiver training program
3. Book: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord by Daniel Levitin (on music and brain health)

1. Nurses, CNAs, and direct care staff
2. Healthcare administrators and risk managers
3. Dementia care professionals
4. Physical therapists and occupational therapists
5. Family caregivers
6. Anyone interested in innovative approaches to healthcare and injury prevention

https://easternergonomics.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@elumenEd

Get Ben's free eBook that covers some fundamentals of the Eastern Ergonomics program. You can also book a time to talk about the benefits of bringing Eastern Ergonomics to your facility.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Neurostimulation Podcast and share it with colleagues in healthcare, caregiving, or anyone interested in innovative approaches to dementia care.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance.

Guest: Dr. Brian Desroches, PhD - Psychotherapist, Author, Clinical Coach

Release Date: January 10, 2026

In this transformative conversation, Dr. Brian Desroches shares how a personal breakthrough in 2015 fundamentally changed his understanding of emotional healing after more than 20 years of clinical practice. Moving beyond traditional "overcome and manage" approaches, Brian introduces listeners to the neuroscience of memory reconsolidation - a process that allows us to update emotional learnings at the synaptic level rather than simply coping with symptoms.

The 2015 Paradigm Shift

1. Brian's 10-year struggle with writing procrastination despite extensive therapy
2. His breakthrough experience with memory reconsolidation at a workshop
3. How shame and inadequacy became neurologically linked to writing in his brain
4. The immediate and lasting transformation that followed

Understanding Emotional Learning

1. How the brain acquires implicit emotional knowledge in the first 7 years of life
2. Why these learnings feel true in the present moment even when formed decades ago
3. The difference between explicit trauma memories and implicit emotional patterns
4. How the brain's predictive process creates protective but maladaptive behaviors

Memory Reconsolidation Explained

1. The brain as a learning, predicting, and adapting process
2. What prediction errors (or "prediction corrections") are and why they matter
3. The five-step process for creating lasting change
4. Why insight alone doesn't lead to transformation

Reframing Self-Sabotage

1. Why "getting in your own way" is actually your brain protecting you
2. The car analogy: one foot on gas, one on brake
3. Moving from "what's wrong with me?" to "what did I learn?"
4. Understanding triggers as protective mechanisms, not character flaws

The Role of Compassion

1. Why compassion is the gateway to self-love
2. Holding space for the parts of ourselves that learned to protect us
3. The grief that often accompanies discovering what's really driving our patterns
4. Joseph Campbell's wisdom: "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"

Practical Applications

1. Why you must be in an "activated state" for change to occur
2. How to identify the real threat your brain is predicting
3. The importance of embodied experience vs. intellectual understanding
4. Navigating systemic changes when you transform

"It is not a character flaw. The brain is doing its job that it was designed to do - it just doesn't need to do it anymore because it's doing it based on past history that doesn't exist."

"When you touch into an emotional learning, it feels true. The emotional brain doesn't know time. You may have learned that 40 years ago, but when it gets activated today, it feels true today."

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek. When you land upon an emotional learning, your thinking brain will judge it as irrational, as illogical. But to your emotional brain, it does make sense."

Dr. Brian Desroches has over 30 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist and holds a PhD in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, he now practices in Seattle, Washington. Beyond his therapy practice, Brian consults with dental professionals worldwide, helping them navigate difficult patient interactions and lead complex organizations. His latest book, Living a Trigger Free Life, translates cutting-edge neuroscience into accessible, practical guidance for lasting emotional transformation.

1. Book: Living a Trigger Free Life by Dr. Brian Desroches
2. Website: https://a.co/d/bDgsLtC

Practice Location: Seattle, Washington

1. Memory reconsolidation
2. Implicit vs. explicit memory
3. Emotional learning
4. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
5. Internal Family Systems
6. Neuroplasticity
7. Prediction error/correction
8. Bilateral auditory stimulation

This episode offers valuable insights for mental health professionals looking to move beyond symptom management toward root-cause transformation. Dr. Desroches' approach integrates neuroscience research with clinical practice in a way that honors both the science and the deeply human experience of healing.

Next Episode: Another exciting journey into the cutting edge of neuroscience, neurostimulation, and interventional mental health.

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Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Mike welcomes Dr. Theodore Henderson, a pioneering psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work is reshaping the field of mental health. Dr. Henderson challenges the traditional "chemical imbalance" model of psychiatric disorders, advocating for a more nuanced understanding rooted in neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, and the biology of inflammation.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Dr. Henderson’s Journey: From a background in neurobiology and radiology to psychiatry, and how questioning the status quo led him to innovative treatments.
2. Moving Beyond Chemical Imbalance: Why the serotonin hypothesis is outdated, and how new research points to neuroplasticity and mitochondrial health as central to mental wellness.
3. Neuroimaging and Diagnosis: The role of SPECT scans in identifying brain dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and differentiating between psychiatric conditions.
4. Infrared Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation): How Dr. Henderson’s research has advanced the use of infrared light to stimulate brain repair, neuroplasticity, and recovery from conditions like depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.
5. Ketamine and Synergistic Treatments: The science behind ketamine’s effects on neuroplasticity, and how combining it with infrared therapy can yield powerful results.
6. Neuroinflammation and Viral Triggers: Insights into how chronic fatigue, depression, and even some cases of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may be linked to viral infections and neuroinflammation.
7. Long COVID: Dr. Henderson’s approach to treating long COVID symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog, with antiviral therapies and infrared light.
8. Personalized Psychiatry: The importance of moving away from a “cookbook” approach to mental health, and embracing individualized, biomarker-driven diagnostics and treatments.
9. Future Directions: The promise of next-generation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ongoing research collaborations, and the need for broader access to innovative therapies.

Actionable Insights:

1. Clinicians: Consider neuroinflammatory and viral contributions to psychiatric symptoms; basic blood tests and antibody panels can be informative.
2. Patients: There is hope beyond standard medications—emerging therapies may offer new avenues for recovery.

Resources:

1. Dr. Henderson’s book: Brighter Days Ahead (link in show notes)
2. Dr. Henderson’s clinic and contact information (link in show notes)

Connect with Dr. Henderson:

1. https://neuro-luminance.com/about/
2. https://neuro-luminance.com/brighter-days-ahead/

If you’re interested in the future of mental health treatment, from infrared laser therapy to the role of neuroinflammation, this episode is essential listening.

The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry

Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepressant treatments: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The discussion covers:

• The science behind adenosine’s role in mood regulation and how both ketamine and ECT trigger rapid antidepressant effects via adenosine pathways.
• Key findings from a recent Nature study using mouse models, including the necessity and sufficiency of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors for treatment response.
• The implications for clinical practice, including the potential impact of caffeine (which blocks adenosine) on treatment outcomes.
• Why standardizing caffeine intake may be important for patients undergoing ketamine or ECT therapy.
• The importance of translating preclinical findings into human studies and the need for further research.

Key Takeaways:

• Adenosine may act as a “common language” for rapid antidepressant effects in both ketamine and ECT.
• Caffeine could potentially interfere with these treatments by blocking adenosine receptors—patients and clinicians should be aware of this variable.
• The research is preclinical (in mice), but it lays the groundwork for future human studies and smarter, more targeted therapies.

Resources & Links:

• Extended data, figures, and the full research paper are linked in the show notes.
• For more information, check the episode’s resource section.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

Connect & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Join the conversation in the comments—your feedback helps shape future episodes!

Stay curious, and tune in next time for more insights into neuroscience, clinical neurostimulation, and interventional mental health.

Contact:

Questions, ideas, or feedback? Leave a comment or reach out via the podcast’s contact channels.

Transforming Mental Health: The Power of Neurostimulation and Innovative Therapies with Sam Peterson

In this episode of the Neurostimulation podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore interviews Sam Peterson, a former army bomb technician and co-founder of Patriot Power Up, who now leads Mind Spa Denver. Sam shares his personal journey from battling PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to pioneering innovative mental health therapies. He explains the neurobiology of trauma, the impact of neuroinflammation, and the effectiveness of treatments like Ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in providing rapid relief and promoting neuroplasticity. The discussion highlights the importance of innovative, individualized approaches to mental health care for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, aiming to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve lives.

https://www.mindspadenver.com/

00:00 Introduction to Sam Peterson and His Mission

01:48 Sam's Journey from Battlefield to Mental Health Advocate

03:03 Understanding the Neurobiology of Trauma

04:39 The Role of Inflammation in Mental Health

12:36 Innovative Treatments at Mind Spa Denver

22:55 Success Stories and Future Vision

27:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health Care

36:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Exploring tACS: Current Research and Future Potentials in Neuropsychiatry

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore hosts Dr. Osama Elyamani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. They discuss the emerging applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in psychiatry, including its potential as a research tool and therapeutic intervention. They delve into the science of brain oscillations, the clinical evidence surrounding tACS, and future prospects in the field. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between tACS, TMS, and tDCS, as well as the limitations and safety considerations of these neurostimulation techniques. The conversation also touches on the significance of symptom-based approaches in psychiatric treatment and the potential for tACS to aid in diagnosing and treating disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Elyamani provides insights into ongoing research, future directions, and offers advice for young researchers entering the field.

Dr. Osama Elyamany (PhD) is currently a postdoctoral researcher and resident psychiatrist at the Centre of Psychiatry at Justus Liebig University Giessen.

He is working on research projects investigating brain oscillations in psychiatric disorders using EEG and fMRI, aiming to develop targeted therapies through pharmacological substances and neurostimulation techniques like tACS and TMS.

Email Address: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ukgm.de/ugm_2/deu/ugi_psy/ugi_psy_team.php

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-elyamany/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:39 Dr. Elyamani's Background and Research Focus

02:54 Understanding Brain Oscillations and tACS

07:31 Comparing tACS with Other Neurostimulation Techniques

11:12 Potential Therapeutic Applications of tACS

20:42 Challenges and Future Directions in tACS Research

35:20 Safety and Practicality of tACS

41:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 8: Stimulation Parameters and Their Reporting

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC

Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Passmore unpacks Chapter 8 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)" textbook, focusing on the critical role of stimulation parameters and the importance of transparent reporting in tDCS research and clinical practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are stimulation parameters in tDCS?
• Electrode size, shape, material, and placement (montage)
• Current intensity, polarity, and density
• Duration and ramping protocol
• Contextual factors (e.g., task during stimulation, number of sessions)
• Why reporting parameters matters:
• Ensures reproducibility and comparability of studies
• Prevents misinterpretation of results due to hidden variables
• Builds trust and transparency in the field
• Challenges in the parameter space:
• Vast combinations of settings make standardization difficult
• Inter-individual variability (e.g., skull thickness, brain anatomy) affects outcomes
• Practical guidelines for reporting:
• Use standardized coordinate systems for placement
• Report all relevant details, including tolerability and side effects
• Treat parameter reporting as a checklist for every study or clinical report
• The bottom line:
• Parameters are the "recipe" for tDCS
• Small differences can lead to big changes in outcomes
• Transparent, consistent reporting is essential for scientific progress and patient safety

Notable Quotes:

• “Without the full recipe, you can’t reproduce the results.”
• “The details aren’t just technicalities—they are the science.”

Next Episode Teaser:

• A look ahead to Chapter 9: How computational modeling helps make sense of the complex parameter space and moves the field toward personalized dosing.

Call to Action:

• Share the episode with colleagues or anyone interested in neurostimulation.
• Leave comments, questions, or topic suggestions for future episodes.

Thank you for listening to the Neurostimulation Podcast!

Neurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025

Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato

Host: Dr. Michael Passmore

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenidate. The conversation explores the implications of reducing cortical noise, the significance of the aperiodic EEG exponent, and the potential for individualized, biomarker-guided neurostimulation treatments.

Key Topics:

Definition and importance of metacontrol in cognitive function

The spectrum between persistence and flexibility in the brain

Individual variability in cognitive control and its clinical relevance

The study: combining anodal tDCS over the right inferior frontal cortex with methylphenidate

Findings: reduction in cortical noise during task processing, indexed by a rise in the aperiodic EEG exponent (especially at fCZ)

Implications for ADHD, OCD, and other disorders affecting attention and cognitive control

The need for replication and standardization before clinical application

Cultural differences in treatment approaches (pharmacological vs. neurostimulation)

The future of personalized, feedback-driven neurostimulation and neurofeedback

Takeaways:

Metacontrol is a modifiable brain function, not just an abstract concept.

Combined tDCS and methylphenidate can reduce cortical noise during tasks, with the aperiodic exponent as a promising EEG marker.

The path to clinical application will require safety, individualization, and further research.

Links & Resources:

Study in Brain Stimulation Journal:

https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00081-6/fulltext

Additional lab content and resources:

https://www.bernhard-hommel.eu/en

The Metacontrol Lab YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@metacontrol-2024

Disclaimer:

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not attempt brain stimulation or drug-device combinations outside of supervised clinical research.

Connect:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave your questions or comments below. Let us know what topics you’d like to hear about in future episodes!