The Art of Being Alive: Creative Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 9)

Ask Me Anything Ep. 1 - Gut Health, Unproven vs. Untrue, and Meditation

Show Notes Jeff Taekman, M.D. (Professor Emeritus at Duke University and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine) introduces the first HealthHippieMD “Ask Me Anything” episode: a periodic, no-guest, no-agenda format where he responds to listener questions, clarifies what evidence does and doesn’t support, and emphasizes this is not individualized medical advice. Question 1, Probiotics: “I keep hearing that gut health is connected basically to everything. Mood, immunity, skin. How much of that is real and how much is just marketing?” Question 2, Unproven vs. Untrue: “What’s the difference between something being unproven and something being disproven? Because my doctor talks about both, like they’re the same thing.” Question 3, Meditation Practice: “I want to start a meditation practice, but I can’t sit still for five minutes. At what point should I just accept it’s not for me?” 00:00 Gut Health, Evidence, and Meditation AMA01:11 Question One: Probiotics03:30 Question Two: Unproven vs. Untrue06:10 Question Three: Meditation Practice Links * Unproven ≠ Untrue [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/unproven-untrue] * Why Trying Tai Chi Felt Like Learning to Walk Again [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/why-trying-tai-chi-felt-like-learning] Submit Questions * Record it — https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD [https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD] (just hit record and talk — no need to polish) * Write it — https://forms.gle/8uGLXwWq8YBkc7vr5 [https://forms.gle/8uGLXwWq8YBkc7vr5] (takes about 30 seconds) Please comment, like, and/or share if you enjoyed this episode. A recommendation or restack helps new readers find HealthHippieMD. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Art of Being Alive: Creative Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 9)

This episode is dedicated to Charisse, the artist who helped me see that creativity isn’t something we do, it’s how we live. You didn’t just change the way I make things. You changed the way I move through the world. Show Notes In this final episode of the Nine Dimensions of Wellness Series, Jeff Taekman, a physician and Professor Emeritus at Duke University, explores the often-overlooked yet vital concept of creative wellness. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical microdoses, Dr. Taekman explains how creativity isn’t just about art but about adaptation, meaning-making, and personal growth. Emphasizing that the value of creativity lies in the process rather than the product, Dr. Taekman encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and presence as pathways to actual wellbeing. Discover how integrating creativity into your life can make you feel fully alive and why imagination is essential medicine for both mind and body. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and empowering conclusion to his special series on the Nine Dimensions of Wellness. Show Notes 00:12 OPENING SCENE – THE HOME STUDIO (SINGING) 01:28 CONTEXT – THE FINAL DIMENSION 02:39 FRAME + CREDENTIALS 03:13 DEFINING CREATIVE WELLNESS 04:08 THE SCIENCE OF FLOW — AND WHY TIME STOPS THERE 06:12 EXPERIMENT – THE TWO-MINUTE IMPROV 06:37 PERSONAL REFLECTION – RECONNECTING THROUGH SOUND 07:12 INTERCONNECTION – HOW CREATIVITY TOUCHES EVERYTHING 07:57 MICRODOSES FOR CREATIVE WELLNESS 08:57 PERSONAL REFLECTION – PERFECTIONISM AND THE ART OF “ENOUGH” 10:11 CLOSING 11:39 OUTRO References * American Psychological Association. APA Dictionary of Psychology. Definition of Creativity. APA; 2022. * Jung RE. The neurobiology of creativity. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2015;3:108–114. * Csikszentmihalyi M. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row; 1990. * Ulrich M, Keller J, Grön G. Neural correlates of flow experience: A combination of fMRI and psychological data. NeuroImage. 2016;142:507–516. * Kaimal G et al. Reduction of cortisol levels after art making. Art Therapy. 2016;33(2):74–80. * Thayer JF, Lane RD. A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and health. J Affect Disord. 2000;61(3):201–216. * Gruber MJ et al. States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning. Neuron. 2014;84(2):486–496. * Cameron J. The Artist’s Way. Tarcher Perigee; 1992. * Rubin R. The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Penguin Press; 2023. Links Flow States and Brain Health - by Jeff Taekman, M.D. [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/flow-states-and-brain-health?utm_source=publication-search] The Elastic Mind - by Jeff Taekman, M.D. [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/the-elastic-mind?utm_source=publication-search] The Creative Act: A Way of Being [https://amzn.to/4ql3nSt] - Rick Rubin The Artist’s Way: 30th Anniversary Edition [https://amzn.to/4oEztXV] - Julia Cameron Send a voicemail to HealthHippieMD [https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD] Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark] | podcast [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping]) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment [https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment] HealthHippieMD Ecosystem [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree] -- Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

When the World Around You Becomes the Medicine - Environmental Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 8)

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman explores the concept of environmental wellness, illustrating how our surroundings profoundly affect our mental and physical health. Sharing personal experiences and scientific research, Taekman highlights the subtle impacts of environmental cues on our nervous system and stress levels. He offers practical ‘microdoses’ to enhance environmental wellness, such as attention resets, awe pauses, and incorporating greenery into living spaces. Taekman invites listeners to reflect on how their environments shape their wellbeing and encourages participation in a broader wellness community. 00:11 OPENING SCENE -DILLON BEACH 00:49 TRANSITION – MUIR WOODS 01:41 FRAMING 02:22 DEFINING ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS 03:07 THE SCIENCE OF NATURE AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS 04:25 PERSONAL REFLECTION – THE CLUTTERED OFFICE 05:04 INTERCONNECTION – HOW ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS TOUCHES THE OTHER DIMENSIONS 05:35 THE PARADOX OF MODERN COMFORT 06:15 MICRODOSES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS 08:23 REFLECTION – RECONNECTING TO PLACE 08:54 CLOSING 09:35 OUTRO References * National Institutes of Health. Environmental Wellness Overview. NIH Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2023. * Li Q et al. Forest bathing enhances human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2007;20(2):3–8. * Bratman GN et al. Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(28):8567–8572. * Lederbogen F et al. City living and urban upbringing affect neural social stress processing in humans. Nature. 2011;474(7352):498–501. * Stothard ER, McHill AW et al. Circadian entrainment to the natural light-dark cycle across seasons. Curr Biol. 2023;33(2):295–304. * Pessoa L, Adolphs R. Emotion and the brain: multiple levels of processing. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2010;11(9):773–783. * van Elk M, et al. Neural correlates of awe: reduced self-focus and increased salience network coupling. Hum Brain Mapp. 2021;42(13):4144–4156. * Piff PK, et al. Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2015;108(6):883–899. * Shiota MN, et al. Beyond happiness: Building a science of awe. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2017;12(1):27–53. * Bringslimark T, Hartig T, Patil GG. Psychological benefits of indoor plants in workplaces: a review. J Environ Psychol. 2009;29(4):422–433. Links Send a voicemail to HealthHippieMD [https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD] (response to episode prompt) Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark] | podcast [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping]) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment [https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment] HealthHippieMD Ecosystem [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree] Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Price of Peace: Rethinking Financial Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 7)

Dr. Jeff Taekman, an integrative physician and professor emeritus at Duke University, explores the vital connection between financial wellness and overall health, emphasizing that wellness is multifaceted, including physical, emotional, social, and financial dimensions. In this episode, he shares a personal anecdote to highlight how financial stress can impact relationships and well-being. Dr. Taekman defines financial wellness as a state of financial security and confidence, and not merely a number on a spreadsheet. He delves into the psychological and physiological impacts of financial stress, citing various studies that link financial insecurity to cognitive reduction, chronic stress, and deteriorating health. The episode further elaborates on how financial wellness intersects and influences other dimensions of wellness. Dr. Taekman concludes with practical tips for improving financial wellness through aligned spending and mindfulness, reinforcing that true financial wellness is the alignment of one’s resources, goals, and values. He ends with a challenge for viewers to assess their financial wellness and make money serve what truly matters in their lives. 00:00 OPEN 00:40 OPENING SCENE – THE GROCERY LIST MOMENT 03:02 DEFINING FINANCIAL WELLNESS 04:02 THE SCIENCE OF FINANCIAL STRESS 05:26 THE HIDDEN EMOTIONS OF MONEY 06:36 HOW IT INTERCONNECTS 08:04 THE PARADOX OF MORE 09:04 MONEY AS ENERGY FLOW 09:45 MICRODOSES FOR FINANCIAL WELLNESS 11:12 REFLECTION – REDEFINING “ENOUGH” 11:54 CLOSING 12:34 OUTRO References * Dew J, Dakin J. Financial disagreements and marital conflict tactics. Fam Relat. 2011;60(5):644–656. * American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beset by Inflation. Washington, DC: APA; 2022. * Steptoe A, Brydon L, Kunz-Ebrecht S. Changes in financial strain over three years, ambulatory blood pressure, and cortisol responses to waking in middle-aged men and women. Psychosom Med. 2005;67(2):281-287. * Mani A, Mullainathan S, Shafir E, Zhao J. Poverty impedes cognitive function. Science. 2013;341(6149):976-980. * Newcomb S. Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2016. * Gallup. State of the Global Workplace 2021 Report. Washington, DC: Gallup; 2021. * Kahneman D, Deaton A. High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107(38):16489-16493. * Killingsworth MA. Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(4):e2016976118. * Dunn EW, Gilbert DT, Wilson TD. If money doesn’t make you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right. J Consum Psychol. 2011;21(2):115-125. * University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. Self-Control and Delayed Spending Decisions. Vancouver, BC: UBC; 2020. * National Endowment for Financial Education. Financial Wellness Defined. Denver, CO: NEFE; 2023. * World Health Organization. Social Determinants of Health: Stress and Inequality. Geneva: WHO; 2022. Links Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark] | podcast [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping]) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment [https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment] HealthHippieMD Substack [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/] HealthHippieMD Ecosystem [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree] Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

From Paycheck to Purpose: Rethinking Work and Wellbeing - Occupational Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 6)

Dr. Jeff Taekman recounts crucial moments in his career where simulation in clinical trials and game-based medical education revealed gaps and improved processes. Drawing on these experiences, he explores the importance of occupational wellness, emphasizing the need to align work with personal purpose to enhance overall well-being. Dr. Taekman continues this through line in his current work with HealthHippieMD, offering practical advice on making small changes to improve work life. Research insights on job strain and burnout highlight occupational wellness as a physiological and psychological necessity. He encourages listeners to find their own connections and alignments for a more meaningful career. 00:00 What is Occupational Wellness? 01:59 Why Occupational Wellness Matters 02:54 The Science of Work and Wellbeing 04:09 The Through Line in My Work 04:40 How Occupational Connects with Other Dimensions 05:21 Microdoses for Occupational Wellness 06:15 A Personal Reflection 07:04 Three Practices for the Week 07:29 Living the Occupational Dimension 08:06 Resources and Next Episode 09:04 Outro Links Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment [https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment] Seven-Day Sleep Challenge [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/7day-sleep-challenge] Microdose+ Sleep Waitlist [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/microdose-plus-sleep] More HealthHippieMD [https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree] Clinical Trials Simulation * The Hidden Hurdle - Video Overview - Notebook LM [https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ca9d856a-fb16-4757-8a87-38bba6d6b432?artifactId=06585edd-3dfc-4d79-864c-a54f6447241a]* * Learning Curves in Clinical Trials - Studio - NotebookLM [https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ca9d856a-fb16-4757-8a87-38bba6d6b432] *Notebook LM has limited editing capabilities, so while the core ideas are accurate, this video should be seen as an early exploration rather than a definitive account of our work. In places, it goes further in its claims and projected impact than is appropriate. References * Marmot MG, Smith GD, Stansfeld S, Patel C, North F, Head J, White I, Brunner E, Feeney A. Health inequalities among British civil servants: the Whitehall II study. Lancet. 1991;337(8754):1387-1393. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(91)93068-k * World Health Organization. Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. World Health Organization. Published May 28, 2019. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases. [https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases] * Salvagioni DAJ, Melanda FN, Mesas AE, et al. Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0185781. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185781 * Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(5):e194270. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.4270 . * Hill PL, Turiano NA. Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Psychol Sci. 2014;25(7):1482–1486. * Wright MC, Taekman JM, Barber L, Hobbs G, Newman MF, Stafford-Smith M. The use of high-fidelity human patient simulation as an evaluative tool in the development of clinical research protocols and procedures. Contemp Clin Trials. 2005;26(6):646–59. * Taekman JM, Stafford-Smith M, Velazquez EJ, Wright MC, Phillips-Bute BG, Pfeffer MA, Sellers MA, Pieper KS, Newman MF, Van de Werf F, Diaz R, Leimberger J, Califf RM. Departures from the protocol during conduct of a clinical trial: a pattern from the data record consistent with a learning curve. Qual Saf Health Care. 2010;19(5):405–410. HealthHippieMD. Wellness, Rewired. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe [https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]