The Neurostimulation Podcast

Who Heals the Healer? Burnout, Shame & the Psychology of High Achievement: Dr. Stacey Elliott

Show Notes — Neurostimulation Podcast Episode: Who Heals the Healer? Burnout, Shame & the Psychology of High Achievement Guest: Dr. Stacey Elliott, DO In this deeply insightful episode, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Stacey Elliott — board-certified psychiatrist, addiction medicine physician, and founder of CNY Integrative Psychiatry — to explore the hidden psychology behind burnout, high achievement, and the often-overlooked emotional lives of high-functioning professionals. What we cover: * Why burnout is best understood as a loss of connection with the self, not a personal failure * How early attachment patterns and subtle childhood adaptations can drive overachievement in adult life * The surprising overlap between addiction and workaholism — and why both are attempts to manage the same core wound * The concept of therapeutic prescribing: why the relationship around medication matters as much as the medication itself * The nocebo effect in psychiatry and what "difficult" patients are often really communicating * Shame vs. guilt: how shame accumulates in high performers and what it takes to heal it * The importance of peer consultation, supervision, and Balint groups for clinicians and caregivers * What it actually means to be authentically well — not just high-functioning Guest resources: * Dr. Stacey Elliott's website: www.cnyintegrativepsych.com [http://www.cnyintegrativepsych.com/] * Peer consultation services for clinicians: https://www.cnyintegrativepsych.com/peer-consultation [https://www.cnyintegrativepsych.com/peer-consultation] Key concepts mentioned: * Internal Family Systems (IFS) * Balint groups * Vicarious stress and compassion fatigue * Ikigai (the four quadrants of meaningful work) * Nocebo effect in psychiatric medication

Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation: The Promise of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Samuel Pichardo - #46

Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation: The Promise of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Samuel Pichardo In this episode, Dr. Michael Passmore sits down with Dr. Samuel Pichardo, biomedical engineer and researcher at the University of Calgary and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in neuromodulation: transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (TUS/tFUS). Dr. Pichardo's lab is at the cutting edge of ultrasound neuromodulation — investigating how low-intensity pulsed ultrasound can precisely target deep brain structures non-invasively, with lasting effects on neural activity. What We Cover: * What is transcranial focused ultrasound (TUS)? How it differs from TMS and tDCS, and why its ability to penetrate to deep brain structures makes it uniquely powerful * The physics of neuromodulation: How pulsed ultrasound bursts at low frequencies (e.g., ~250 kHz) can produce neuromodulatory effects lasting 30–60 minutes after a single session — and why the underlying mechanism is still an active area of research * Pulse repetition frequency (PRF): Key findings from Dr. Pichardo's lab comparing 10 Hz, 100 Hz, and 1000 Hz PRF — and why 100 Hz produced the strongest and most sustained inhibitory effect * The skull barrier: Why lower ultrasound frequencies are used to overcome skull attenuation, and the challenges this creates for precision targeting * Pilot clinical study — essential tremor and Parkinson's disease: Targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus non-invasively, and what the results showed: significant tremor reduction in essential tremor patients, and a promising but less robust trend in Parkinson's patients * The multi-focus targeting strategy: How Dr. Pichardo's team addressed the precision-vs.-accuracy tradeoff using phased array transducers to enlarge the treatment envelope * BabelBrain: The open-source, cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux) software tool developed by Dr. Pichardo's lab that integrates MRI/CT imaging data to model acoustic intensity, thermal effects, and safety parameters — a turnkey solution for TUS researchers worldwide * The future of the field: Which neuropsychiatric conditions are most likely to benefit first — including refractory depression, OCD, PTSD, and addiction — and why Dr. Pichardo believes depression may become the "poster child" indication for TUS in the next few years * Nomenclature: Why the field still hasn't settled on a consistent acronym (TUS, tFUS, LIFU, FUS) — and why that's okay Key Takeaways: * Focused ultrasound can reach deep brain targets non-invasively with millimeter precision — something no other non-invasive technology can currently match * The neuromodulatory effects are real, reproducible, and growing in clinical promise, but replication studies and sham-controlled trials are still essential * BabelBrain is freely available as an open-source tool for research labs worldwide * The field is at an inflection point, with rapid growth in FDA applications and commercial investment Links & Resources: * Dr. Pichardo's lab at the University of Calgary / Hotchkiss Brain Institute https://www.neurofus.ca/ * BabelBrain (open-source TUS planning software) https://proteusmrighifu.github.io/BabelBrain/ * Pulse repetition frequency study (PRF paper from the Pichardo lab) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38621645/ * VIM thalamic TUS pilot study (essential tremor & Parkinson's) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8109299/ * Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation Symposium, Paris (July) https://www.itrusst.com/fun26 The Neurostimulation Podcast is hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore, clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. The content shared is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific health needs. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with anyone who might find it valuable. Drop your questions and comments below — and tune in next time for another journey into the cutting edge of neuroscience and clinical neurostimulation.

Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation: CES Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma with Tauna Young & Cara Maxfield - #45

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Michael Passmore is joined by two guests who bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to the topic of nervous system dysregulation. Together, they explore why anxiety is far more body-based than most people realize, and how a lesser-known technology called Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) may offer real relief for anxiety, insomnia, trauma, and chronic pain. Guests Tauna Young, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and founder of NeuroVana Calm — a company focused on expanding access to CES therapy. Tauna has years of clinical experience helping patients struggling with anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and nervous system dysregulation. Cara Maxfield, entrepreneur and content creator who speaks openly about navigating trauma recovery, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain, and the real-world challenges of managing mental health while parenting and running a business. Topics Covered What nervous system dysregulation actually is and how it shows up in the body Why anxiety is a physical, physiological experience — not a character flaw or weakness The fight-or-flight response: when a protective mechanism becomes miscalibrated The connection between trauma, body memory, and emotional triggers What Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is and how it works How CES stimulates the thalamus and vagus nerve to induce a calm brain state Research comparing CES to experienced meditators' brainwave states CES FDA clearance (since 1979) and its safety profile vs. medications Clinical applications: anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, chronic pain, fibromyalgia Why CES remains largely unknown in mainstream medicine How to use CES: loading phase, daily use, and situational use Combining CES with CBT, psychotherapy, exposure therapy, and medication Cara's first-hand account of using CES during a panic attack Practical tips for regulating your nervous system Key Takeaways Anxiety is a nervous system state, not a personal weakness The body and brain are deeply interconnected — what affects one affects the other CES is portable, discreet, safe, and can be used anywhere — even the dentist CES has a 67% success rate (≥50% improvement) vs. ~45–55% for SSRIs, with far fewer side effects Tools like CES work best as part of a broader toolkit alongside therapy and lifestyle strategies Everyone has trauma to some extent — normalizing that conversation is key to healing Resources & Links 🌐 NeuroVana Calm: NeuroVanaCalm.com 📖 Free eBook from Tauna Young: A deeper dive into the science of CES — available at NeuroVanaCalm.com 📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (referenced in episode) https://a.co/d/0bkbVqsp Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Drop your questions and topic ideas in the comments — your feedback shapes future episodes. The Neurostimulation Podcast is an independent educational project by Dr. Michael Passmore. All content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Beyond Rest: Rethinking Concussion Recovery with Dr. Ayla Wolf - #44

EPISODE SHOW NOTES Guest: Dr. Ayla Wolf Duration: ~48 minutes EPISODE DESCRIPTION Dr. Ayla Wolf shares her personal journey from sustaining multiple concussions to becoming a leading expert in concussion recovery. She challenges the outdated "rest in a dark room" advice and explains why persistent post-concussion syndrome requires an individualized, integrative approach combining neuroscience, functional neurology, and holistic therapies. TIMESTAMPS 0:10 - Introduction Welcome and episode overview 1:00 - Guest Introduction Meet Dr. Ayla Wolf - clinician, researcher, and author 2:51 - Dr. Wolf's Personal Story How multiple concussions changed her career path 7:31 - The Turning Point Making the radical decision to return to school and study brain injuries 8:41 - What Happens After a Concussion Understanding the brain's metabolic crisis and energy deficit 19:32 - Understanding Functional Neurology How this approach differs from traditional assessments 25:23 - Acupuncture and Cerebral Blood Flow The role of holistic therapies in concussion recovery 28:34 - Why Rest Isn't Always Best Debunking the "dark room" myth and understanding gradual return to activity 31:56 - Dysautonomia Explained The autonomic nervous system and its role in persistent symptoms 43:35 - The Concussion Breakthrough Book A comprehensive guide for those feeling stuck in recovery 47:14 - Closing Thoughts & Resources How to learn more and connect with Dr. Wolf KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Most concussions heal within weeks, but 30% of people develop persistent symptoms 2. Prolonged rest beyond 48-72 hours can create maladaptive neuroplasticity 3. Functional neurology provides individualized treatment based on comprehensive testing 4. Dysautonomia (autonomic nervous system dysfunction) is common after concussion 5. Recovery requires integrative approaches addressing multiple brain systems simultaneously 6. Acupuncture can improve cerebral blood flow through the trigeminovascular system RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Wolf's website: https://www.lifeafterimpact.com/ Book: The Concussion Breakthrough: Discover The Missing Pieces to Recovery https://a.co/d/0bCKi38b Podcast: Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-impact-the-concussion-recovery-podcast/id1790456849 Organization: Healing Response Acupuncture and Functional Neurology https://www.healingresponseneuro.com/ GUEST BIO Dr. Ayla Wolf is an associate professor at the Carrick Institute and founder of Healing Response Acupuncture and Functional Neurology. With over 20 years of experience working with complex neurological cases, she specializes in traumatic brain injury, chronic migraine, dysautonomia, and vestibular disorders. Her work combines neuroscience, functional neurology, and holistic therapies to help patients with persistent post-concussion syndrome.

Rewiring the Dyslexic Brain: How Neuroplasticity Can Transform Reading Struggles with Dr. Rebecca Troy - #43 - Mar 21, 2026

Episode #43: Rewiring the Dyslexic Brain: How Neuroplasticity Can Transform Reading Struggles with Dr. Rebecca Troy Guest: Dr. Rebecca Troy, EdD Educational neuroscientist, dyslexia expert, and national board certified teacher Episode Summary: Dyslexia affects millions of children and adults worldwide, but modern neuroscience reveals something hopeful: the brain is remarkably plastic and capable of reorganizing itself when given the right training. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Troy shares over 20 years of expertise helping struggling readers through neuroplasticity-based interventions. Timestamp Highlights: 1. 0:10 2. Introduction to the episode 3. 2:16 4. Dr. Troy's personal story and background 5. 2:30 6. Family history with dyslexia 7. 4:01 8. Overview of Dr. Troy's program for parents 9. 4:19 10. Redefining dyslexia: Not a permanent deficit 11. 7:03 12. The power of daily 10-15 minute practice at home 13. 8:15 14. Shortcomings in traditional reading instruction 15. 12:42 16. Early warning signs for parents (ages 3-5) 17. 15:08 18. How neuroplasticity rewires the dyslexic brain 19. 17:35 20. The emotional impact of reading struggles 21. 23:55 22. Next steps for concerned parents 23. 25:42 24. Understanding phonemic awareness 25. 34:39 26. Final message of hope for struggling readers Key Topics Discussed: 1. What dyslexia really is: an underdevelopment in brain connectivity, not a permanent deficit 2. How neuroplasticity research shows the brain can rewire itself to read like typical readers 3. Early warning signs parents should watch for (ages 3-5) 4. Why phonemic awareness is the foundation for reading success 5. The critical importance of early identification and intervention 6. How daily 10-15 minute structured practice at home can transform outcomes 7. The emotional impact of unrecognized reading struggles 8. Dyslexia's common overlap with ADHD (40% of cases) and other conditions 9. Hidden strengths in dyslexic brains: spatial reasoning, creativity, and entrepreneurship 10. Why the traditional education system needs to shift its approach Key Takeaways: 1. Dyslexia is not permanent 2. Brain imaging studies show that with targeted training, struggling readers can develop the same neural pathways as typical readers 3. Parent-led intervention works 4. Daily practice at home is more effective than weekly clinical sessions due to increased repetition and lower stress 5. Early intervention is critical 6. Screening at ages 3-5 can prevent years of academic struggle and emotional trauma 7. The crawl-walk-run approach 8. Executive function and phonemic awareness must be developed before phonics-based reading instruction Resources Mentioned: 1. Dr. Troy's dyslexia discovery workshops (monthly screenings) 2. PTO Reconnect Therapy program 3. Visualize - New company using playcraft to develop spatial reasoning and creativity strengths in dyslexic children (launching at South by Southwest) 4. Book mentioned: "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Troy is an educational neuroscientist with a doctorate in education and a neuroscience research focus on reading disabilities. As a national board certified teacher in early and middle literacy, she's spent over 20 years developing practical, neuroplasticity-based interventions that help struggling readers. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, Women's Journal, and Voyage New York. Dr. Troy is passionate about equipping parents with tools to support children with learning differences and is currently involved in launching Visualize, a company focused on developing dyslexic strengths through play. Connect with Dr. Rebecca Troy: https://www.drrebeccatroy.com/https://www.drrebeccatroy.com [https://www.drrebeccatroy.com/] About This Podcast: The Neurostimulation Podcast explores the science of the brain, innovative treatments, and practical tools to help people unlock their cognitive and emotional potential. Hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore, psychiatrist and clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia.