The Better Brain Podcast

Breathing Explained: Wim Hof, Nasal vs. Mouth, Sighs & Stress Control Techniques | Jack Feldman, PhD

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: Instagram: @betterbrainpod | @adel.neuro X: @betterbrainpod 🌐 BetterBrainPodcast.com  for exclusive content and the Better Brain Health newsletter. 💡 Visit Our Sponsor: ContactMedicalServices.com 👉 If this episode gave you new insights on breathing, stress, or brain health, hit like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 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 [https://betterbrainpodcast.com/] Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/adel.neuro] Podcast - @BetterBrainPod [https://www.instagram.com/betterbrainpod/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Twitter: @ahdelneuro [https://twitter.com/ahdelneuro] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

The REAL Cost of UFC Glory: A Champion's Mindset, Brain Injuries & Finding Fulfillment l Miesha Tate

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! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Hashtags: #MieshaTate [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mieshatate] #UFC [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ufc] #Mindset [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mindset] #BrainHealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brainhealth] #BetterBrainPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/betterbrainpodcast] #MMA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mma] #PeakPerformance [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/peakperformance] #SportsNeurology [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sportsneurology] #MindsetMatters [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mindsetmatters] #AthleteMindset [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/athletemindset] #BrainInjury [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/braininjury] #Nutrition [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/nutrition] #Supplements [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/supplements] #Psychedelics [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/psychedelics] #PerformanceMindset [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/performancemindset] #Neuroscience [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/neuroscience] #RecoveryJourney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/recoveryjourney] #MentalResilience [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentalresilience] #BetterBrain [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/betterbrain] #concussion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/concussion] #cte [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/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 [https://betterbrainpodcast.com/] Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/adel.neuro] Podcast - @BetterBrainPod [https://www.instagram.com/betterbrainpod/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Twitter: @ahdelneuro [https://twitter.com/ahdelneuro] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

You've Been Thinking About Pain All Wrong l Brandon Yarns, MD

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 [https://betterbrainpodcast.com/] Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/adel.neuro] Podcast - @BetterBrainPod [https://www.instagram.com/betterbrainpod/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Twitter: @ahdelneuro [https://twitter.com/ahdelneuro] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Anatomy of a Big Wave Surfer: The Hidden Concussion Crisis and the Surfing Brain Health Paradox l Jibreel Cader

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 Visit Our Sponsor: ContactMedicalServices.com   👉 If this episode made you think differently, hit like, subscribe for more expert interviews, and drop your thoughts in the comments! #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 [https://betterbrainpodcast.com/] Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/adel.neuro] Podcast - @BetterBrainPod [https://www.instagram.com/betterbrainpod/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Twitter: @ahdelneuro [https://twitter.com/ahdelneuro] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!

Hidden Factors Destroying Your Sleep (Trauma, SSRI, Light, Alcohol) & How to Fix It l Gina Poe, PhD

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 [https://betterbrainpodcast.com/] Connect with us on social media: Instagram: Host - @adel.neuro [https://www.instagram.com/adel.neuro] Podcast - @BetterBrainPod [https://www.instagram.com/betterbrainpod/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==] Twitter: @ahdelneuro [https://twitter.com/ahdelneuro] Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Better Brain Podcast!