The Neurology of Thanksgiving – When Triggers Override Gratitude (And How to Win the Brain Battle)

Unplugging from News Addiction: Brain Science & Faith-Based Coping | EP 30

In this powerful episode of the Brain Lady Podcast, neurotherapist Karen D. Wood is joined by co-host Jermaine Jackson and special guest Jarus Jackson (from Washington, DC) for a raw conversation on managing stress and anxiety in high-pressure environments like politics and news. Jarus shares his faith-first approach to peace, lowering expectations for unreliable systems, and unplugging from constant news cycles. Explore the neurology behind news addiction (why constant exposure "cooks your brain" like Vietnam-era TV overload), the amygdala's role in scanning for danger, and how the 4-step Clear Thinking process (Notice, Look, Look, Notice) helps break tension. Practical tips include tension boxes, body awareness (neck/heart tension), acceptance without approval, and the importance of unplugging for family time. Faith insights on Philippians 4:7 peace and accepting reality ground the episode. Perfect for anyone overwhelmed by politics, work, or screens. Subscribe for weekly brain-expanding episodes on mental health, neuroscience, and faith. Like, share, and comment your stress triggers! Check out Karen's book Brain Prayers for illustrated brain tools and prayers. #BrainLadyPodcast #ClearThinking #StressManagement #FaithAndNeuroscience #NewsAddiction

Clear Thinking Explained by an 11-Year-Old: Brain Tools for Stress, Anger & Big Changes | Brain Lady Podcast Ep. 29

Join neurotherapist Karen D. Wood on this special family episode of the Brain Lady Podcast as 11-year-old Noah Jackson takes over as host! Alongside his dad Jermaine and Karen ("Grandma Wood"), Noah shares how he uses "clear thinking" to handle big moves, school stress, annoying brothers, and tough emotions. Discover the brain's key players—amygdala (alert system), hippocampus (memory storage), and prefrontal cortex (wise decision-making)—and why we go from 0 to 10 so fast (hint: set point of reactivity). Learn the powerful 4-step clear thinking process: Notice tension in your body, picture outcomes without/with acceptance, and notice the change. Noah explains acceptance in kid-friendly terms—you don't have to like or agree with something to accept it—and shares real examples from junior high, tests, and sibling drama. Packed with practical tips like deep breathing, sitting up straight, and using pretend pictures to rewire reactions. Perfect for parents, kids, and anyone wanting simple neuroscience tools for emotional balance. Faith touches included, like serving Jesus brings joy. Subscribe for more brain-expanding episodes on mental health and neuroscience. Like, share, and comment your family's clear thinking wins! Grab Karen's illustrated book Brain Prayers for deeper brain insights and prayers. New episodes weekly—don't miss Noah's return! #BrainLadyPodcast #ClearThinking #KidsMentalHealth #BrainScience Connect with Brain Lady Karen D. Wood📕 Learn More About Karen's Mission: Discover how she's helping people balance Brain, Body, Behavior, and Belief through neuroeducation and trauma healing.⁠karendwood.com⁠ [https://karendwood.com] 📖 Get the Book: Brain PrayersExplore 10 brain parts with prayers for healing yourself and others. * 2014 Edition (90 pages): ⁠Amazon⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/1490833625] * 2024 Edition (35 pages): ⁠Amazon⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/196284899X?ref_=ast_author_mpb]More info: ⁠brainprayers.com⁠ [http://brainprayers.com/] 🎙️ The Brain Lady Podcast – Notes from the CouchUnravel brain mysteries with practical tools for growth. All episodes: ⁠brainladypodcast.com⁠ [https://www.brainladypodcast.com/] * 🍎 Apple Podcasts: ⁠apple.co/3Yp2vjP⁠ [https://apple.co/3Yp2vjP] * 🟢 Spotify: ⁠open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA] 📺 Watch on YouTube: Video episodes and clips.⁠youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcast⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcast] 📱 Follow on Social Media: * Instagram (Podcast): ⁠instagram.com/brainladypodcast⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/brainladypodcast/] * Instagram (Karen): ⁠instagram.com/karen.d.wood⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/karen.d.wood/] * Facebook (Podcast): ⁠facebook.com/brainladypodcast⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/brainladypodcast] * Facebook (Karen): ⁠facebook.com/karendwoodbraintraining⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/karendwoodbraintraining] * X/Twitter (Karen): ⁠x.com/KWoodbrainlady⁠ [https://x.com/KWoodbrainlady] 📧 Contact Karen: ⁠brainlady@karendwood.com⁠ [brainlady@karendwood.com] Clear Thinking Solutions, Inc. (Non-Profit for Trauma Recovery)🌐 Website: ⁠clearthinkingsolutions.org⁠ [https://clearthinkingsolutions.org]📱 Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/clear_thinking_it⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/clear_thinking_it/]📘 Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutions⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutions]📧 Email: ⁠karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com⁠ [karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com] 🚨 Disclaimer: The Brain Lady Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Karen shares personal stories and knowledge for insights and growth. It's not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult qualified professionals for mental health needs. References to sessions protect client privacy

The Neurology of Thanksgiving – When Triggers Override Gratitude (And How to Win the Brain Battle)

Feeling the holiday squeeze? You're not alone—65% of people with depression histories report Thanksgiving worsening their symptoms, while 40% battle spiked anxiety from family expectations and old wounds. In this mind-expanding episode of the Brain Lady Podcast, neurotherapist Karen D. Wood (your favorite brainiac) teams up with producer PhillVill to unpack the neurology of gratitude. Discover why your limbic system (that trauma-fueled alarm in your mid-brain) hijacks joy, lighting up the amygdala like a fireworks show gone wrong—and how targeted gratitude rewires it for safety.From prefrontal cortex scans for wise scanning (forehead glow-up!) to vagus nerve hacks (deep swallows to calm your gut-brain axis), we break down somatic tools to counter triggers before they escalate (scale: catch at 5-6, dodge the 8-10 hijack). Phil shares his raw journey from childhood divorce shadows to miracle-child gratitude, proving "count it all joy" (James 1:2-4) isn't fluff—it's brain-healing science. Plus, Bible-backed reminders like Psalm 100:4: Enter His gates with thanksgiving.Key Takeaways:Build a 20-item gratitude list to outfight limbic "complaint creep" (most stall at 4—try it!).Body-first resets: Shoulder rolls + swallows for instant parasympathetic calm. Hit play, then drop a comment: What's your #1 gratitude this holiday season? Connect with Brain Lady Karen D. Wood📕 Learn More About Karen's Mission: Discover how she's helping people balance Brain, Body, Behavior, and Belief through neuroeducation and trauma healing.karendwood.com [https://karendwood.com] 📖 Get the Book: Brain PrayersExplore 10 brain parts with prayers for healing yourself and others. * 2014 Edition (90 pages): Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/1490833625] * 2024 Edition (35 pages): Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/196284899X?ref_=ast_author_mpb]More info: brainprayers.com [http://brainprayers.com/] 🎙️ The Brain Lady Podcast – Notes from the CouchUnravel brain mysteries with practical tools for growth. All episodes: brainladypodcast.com [https://www.brainladypodcast.com/] * 🍎 Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3Yp2vjP [https://apple.co/3Yp2vjP] * 🟢 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA [https://open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA] 📺 Watch on YouTube: Video episodes and clips.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcast] 📱 Follow on Social Media: * Instagram (Podcast): instagram.com/brainladypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/brainladypodcast/] * Instagram (Karen): instagram.com/karen.d.wood [https://www.instagram.com/karen.d.wood/] * Facebook (Podcast): facebook.com/brainladypodcast [https://www.facebook.com/brainladypodcast] * Facebook (Karen): facebook.com/karendwoodbraintraining [https://www.facebook.com/karendwoodbraintraining] * X/Twitter (Karen): x.com/KWoodbrainlady [https://x.com/KWoodbrainlady] 📧 Contact Karen: brainlady@karendwood.com [brainlady@karendwood.com] Clear Thinking Solutions, Inc. (Non-Profit for Trauma Recovery)🌐 Website: clearthinkingsolutions.org [https://clearthinkingsolutions.org]📱 Instagram: instagram.com/clear_thinking_it [https://www.instagram.com/clear_thinking_it/]📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutions [https://www.facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutions]📧 Email: karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com [karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com] 🚨 Disclaimer: The Brain Lady Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Karen shares personal stories and knowledge for insights and growth. It's not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult qualified professionals for mental health needs. References to sessions protect client privacy.

Don't Bite The Apple - Adventures of the Returning Co-Host

“I am trying not to bite the apple“ “In states of tension, we miss when the situation is escalating, and we jump right in ”"Don't bite the apple" is a metaphorical expression warning against making hasty decisions or succumbing to temptation, often referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve. It suggests that one should be cautious and consider the consequences before 📕 Karen D. Wood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker inviting everyone to find a new balance in Brain, Body, Behavior and Belief. Learning about the brain functions, and impact of trauma on brain tissue can be life changing, knowing healing is changing brain tissue. Learn more about her mission and how she is changing lives here: https://karendwood.com She is the author of Brain Prayers: Explore Your Brain, Expand Your Prayers. An exploration of different brain parts, with prayers for each. One for you to pray for you, and one for you to pray for another. For more information: http://brainprayers.com/ To order:first version 2014 (90 pages, black background, 3 pages for each of the 10 brain parts.https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/1490833625second version 2924 (35 pages, white background, 1 page for each of the 10 brain parts)https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/196284899X?ref_=ast_author_mpb For more information on her podcast Brain Lady Notes from the Couch with Karen D. Wood visit: https://www.brainladypodcast.com/, with links to all episodes. 📺 Watch Brain Lady Notes from the Couch podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainladypodcast/ 📱Connect with Karen D. Wood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.d.wood/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karendwoodbraintrainingEmail: brainlady@karendwood.com 🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ” podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Yp2vjP🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ”podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA 📱Connect with Clear Thinking Solutions, Inc.: Website: clearthinkingsolutions.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clear_thinking_it/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutions Email: karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com 🚨 DISCLAIMER: The Brain Lady Podcast Notes From The Couch podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The host Karen D. Wood shares personal stories, experiences, and knowledge aimed at helping listeners gain new insights for personal growth. References made to comments made in sessions may not be reference to a specific client, or another name was used to protect a client. However, the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not use the information as a replacement for consultations with qualified mental health, medical, or other professionals. If you are seeking professional help, please consult with a licensed specialist. Produced by: @PodcastLair @phillvill @Delugence

Looking Back Part 2: Overcome Shock

Looking Back Part 2: Discover the power of the glossopharyngeal nerve! Learn how 3 swallows and 3 inhales can provide 2–4 minutes to calm your body's reaction. Harness the ‘miracle nerve’ to manage stress and regain control. 📕 Karen D. Wood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker inviting everyone to find a new balance in Brain, Body, Behavior and Belief. Learning about the brain functions, and impact of trauma on brain tissue can be life changing, knowing healing is changing brain tissue. Learn more about her mission and how she is changing lives here: https://karendwood.com She is the author of Brain Prayers: Explore Your Brain, Expand Your Prayers. An exploration of different brain parts, with prayers for each. One for you to pray for you, and one for you to pray for another. For more information: http://brainprayers.com/ To order:first version 2014 (90 pages, black background, 3 pages for each of the 10 brain parts.https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/1490833625second version 2924 (35 pages, white background, 1 page for each of the 10 brain parts)https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Prayers-Explore-Your-Expand/dp/196284899X?ref_=ast_author_mpb For more information on her podcast Brain Lady Notes from the Couch with Karen D. Wood visit: https://www.brainladypodcast.com/, with links to all episodes. 📺 Watch Brain Lady Notes from the Couch podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainLadyPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainladypodcast/ 📱Connect with Karen D. Wood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen.d.wood/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karendwoodbraintrainingEmail: brainlady@karendwood.com 🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ” podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Yp2vjP🎙️Download “Brain Lady Notes from the Couch ”podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LrNjXtGDuquCa5bI3FHHA 📱Connect with Clear Thinking Solutions, Inc.: Website: clearthinkingsolutions.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clear_thinking_it/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearThinkingSolutionsEmail: karen@clearthinkingsolutions.com 🚨 DISCLAIMER: The Brain Lady Podcast Notes From The Couch podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The host Karen D. Wood shares personal stories, experiences, and knowledge aimed at helping listeners gain new insights for personal growth. References made to comments made in sessions may not be reference to a specific client, or another name was used to protect a client. However, the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not use the information as a replacement for consultations with qualified mental health, medical, or other professionals. If you are seeking professional help, please consult with a licensed specialist. Produced by: Podcast Lair and PhillVil from the Delugence Podcast and Parabolic Poets Podcast [https://delugence.com/]