Brain Health Hook-up

Burnout to Breakthrough: A New Revenue Model for Psychiatric Practice Owners

Episode Description: Feeling burned out? Struggling to make the impact you know you’re capable of? If you’re a psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, or female healthcare executive, you’re not alone. In Season One of the Brain Health Hook-up, we tackled the frustrations of conventional mental health care—overbooked schedules, rushed med checks, and the struggle to provide true quality care. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. So, what’s next? In Season Two, we’re revolutionizing mental health care.  We’re talking about a new model: shared medication management appointments with integrated psychotherapy. Imagine a practice where clients co-regulate, support one another, and experience healing together—while you step into a leadership role that brings more revenue, more impact, and more joy. Key Takeaways: * The biggest challenges in mental health care—and why traditional models are failing both providers and patients. * How shared medication management appointments create better outcomes while reducing clinician burnout. * The power of GROOVE SESSIONS® in routine care to rewire the brain, reducing inflammation, and restoring emotional resilience. * Why female psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychologists are uniquely positioned to lead this movement and build thriving, values-driven practices. * What’s coming in Season Two—practical strategies, expert insights, and a roadmap to transforming your practice. Action Items: * Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss season two! * Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025 [https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025] * Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!

The Vagus Nerve, Trauma, and Your Health: A New Approach to Lasting Relief

Episode Description: Ever feel like your body is betraying you? Strange aches, phantom sensations, and symptoms no doctor can explain? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. In this episode, Laurel Hurst uncovers the missing link between emotional experiences and physical symptoms, revealing why traditional approaches often fall short. You'll learn how your nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, plays a powerful role in your wellbeing, and why emotional trauma can manifest as real, physical pain. If you've been told "nothing is wrong" but still feel off, this conversation will be a game-changer. Key Takeaways: * Emotional trauma can get "stuck" in the nervous system, leading to chronic pain, dizziness, digestive issues, and other unexplained symptoms. * The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in transmitting emotional distress into physical sensations. * Many people suffering from these symptoms have been dismissed by traditional medicine, leaving them feeling unheard and hopeless. * Somatic healing techniques, such as GROOVE THERAPY, EMDR, and movement-based practices, can help retune the nervous system and restore balance. * You are not broken—your body is simply communicating in ways that some healthcare providers may not yet fully recognize. Action Items: If you’ve been searching for answers and want to learn more about how Laurel's GROOVE THERAPY approach and other somatic healing methods can help, join the WellTuned Woman program and experience a transformative 90-day journey to better sleep, mood, and energy.  * Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025 [https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025] * Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!

From Rhythm to Resilience: Kevin Aries on Music, Healing & Artistic Growth

Can music truly heal? Drummer, producer, and worship leader Kevin Aries shares his journey from school band percussion to music production and how rhythm connects to personal and collective healing.  In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Aries, a multi-talented musician, to explore the role of music in personal transformation. Kevin opens up about how drumming shaped his identity, helped him process life’s challenges, and ultimately led to his first EP, Case One: Uncover. We discuss the storytelling and social commentary woven into his music, the creative process behind his upcoming album Invisible Friends, and how groove is more than just rhythm—it’s a force for growth and change. Key Takeaways: * Music as Healing: Kevin shares how music became his refuge during childhood, helping him navigate uncertainty and self-discovery. * Finding Your Groove in Life: Just like in music, life has layers and complexities. Learning to sync different energies can create harmony both on and off the stage. * Creative Process & Finding Your Sound: Kevin talks about the patience required to develop an authentic musical style that resonates deeply. * The Power of Live Performance: The unique energy of live music allows musicians to tap into a higher level of creativity, connection, and improvisation. * Groove as a Common Experience: Whether you're a musician or just a listener, groove speaks to the soul, allowing everyone to find their own rhythm in life. * Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025 [https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025] * Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] * Follow Kevin Aries on social media for updates on his latest music, covers, and live performances. Just search for The Drummer Kevin Aries! DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!

Post-Surgery Depression? How Antibiotics Impact Your Gut & Brain

Feeling anxious or depressed after surgery or a round of antibiotics? You might be surprised at the link between gut health, antibiotics, and mental wellbeing! This episode clarifies the connection between antibiotic use, surgery, and the onset of some symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hear Laurel discuss how antibiotics, while sometimes necessary, can disrupt the gut microbiome, impacting the production of neurotransmitters and leading to mood changes. The episode also touches on the timing of surgeries and their potential link to increased mental health challenges during certain times of the year.  Let's explore the science behind the gut-brain axis and look at practical solutions for restoring gut health and supporting mental wellbeing after antibiotic use or surgery. Key Takeaways: * The Gut-Brain Axis: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for mental health. Gut bacteria produce essential compounds that influence brain function and mood. * Antibiotics and Mental Health: Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to depression and anxiety. Quinolone antibiotics, like Ciprofloxacin, are specifically mentioned as having a higher association. * Post-Surgical Depression and Anxiety: Surgeries, often accompanied by antibiotics, can also trigger or worsen mental health symptoms due to their impact on the gut. * Seasonal Trends: The episode notes a trend of increased depression and anxiety after the holiday season, potentially linked to surgeries performed during this time. * Dietary Solutions: A diet rich in fiber (75% of your plate) from fruits and vegetables is essential for feeding good gut bacteria. * Probiotic Foods: Incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can help replenish beneficial gut bacteria. * Caution with Skin-Targeted Antibiotics: Antibiotics targeting skin infections can also significantly impact the gut microbiome due to the similarity between skin and intestinal lining tissue. * Don't Avoid Necessary Antibiotics: The episode emphasizes the importance of taking prescribed antibiotics when needed but also taking proactive steps to support gut health afterward. Action Steps: * Prioritize Gut Health: Focus on a fiber-rich diet and incorporate probiotic foods into your daily routine. * Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025 [https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025] * Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!

Oh Happy Day & the Power of Groove: Music Therapy for Mental Health

What's the song that give you the irresistible urge to move? In this episode, host Laurel Hurst explores the incredible power of "groove"—that rhythmic magic that makes you tap your feet and feel connected to the beat. Using the iconic song "Oh Happy Day" as a jumping-off point, Laurel dives into how groove can boost your mental health, build community, and unlock your creative side. Laurel takes us back to her childhood, growing up in a time when racial issues were often downplayed. Discovering "Oh Happy Day" sparked a lifelong fascination with the power of rhythm and repetition. She explains how groove isn't just about music—it's a way to find purpose, gain insight, communicate better, feel like you belong, build confidence, get creative, and find a sense of security.  Laurel breaks down the song's key parts and even shows how they can be turned into drum patterns. She talks about how repeating lyrical rhythms, like in "Oh Happy Day," helps us get better at things and feel more confident. She also explains how playing music with others creates a powerful sense of belonging—something we all crave. Key Takeaways: * Groove is more than just a beat: It's a tool for personal growth and feeling good. * Repeating things helps us get better and more confident: Think of it like practicing anything—the more you do it, the better you get! * Playing music with others creates real connections: It's a powerful way to feel like you belong. * Groove lets your creativity shine: There's always room for your own spin, even within a set rhythm. * Feeling competent builds security: Mastering a rhythm can translate to feeling more secure in other areas of life. * "Oh Happy Day" is a perfect example of groove in action: It's got history, soul, and a whole lot of meaning. * Turning songs into drum patterns is a fun way to get into groove: Laurel shows you how it's done! * Music can seriously boost your mood: It's a great way to take care of your mental health. Action Steps:  * Check out Laurel's book, Groove Therapy, to learn more about how groove can help you: https://www.amazon.com/GROOVE-THERAPY-Transformative-Communication-Relationships/dp/1962595536?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER [https://www.amazon.com/GROOVE-THERAPY-Transformative-Communication-Relationships/dp/1962595536?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER] * Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025 [https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025] * Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] DISCLAIMER: Brain Health Hook-up Podcast, GROOVE THERAPY™, GROOVE SESSIONS®, and WellTuned Wellness LLC may benefit health, but are not substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Music for this Podcast is provided by: Kevin "Aries" Lee and Troy "Big Baby" Capers You can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com [http://podcast.welltunedwellness.com/] for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!