The Create and Grow Your Brain Capital Podcast

Episode #152 Cooking, Creativity and the Power of Spices on Your Mind with Chef Taylor Brown

In this nourishing episode, Chef Taylor Brown invites us into her world of culinary artistry, resilience, and holistic wellness. From her Louisiana roots to her journey through French and Creole cuisine, Taylor reveals how food acts as both a universal language and a catalyst for creativity. Listeners will discover how her passion for flavor led to the founding of 582 Farms, a venture born from personal adversity and a desire to create healing, brain-boosting seasonings and teas. Taylor opens up about her recovery from a traumatic brain injury, her deepened connection to farming, and her mission to empower others through mindful eating, gardening, and simple yet powerful nutritional practices. ✨ Main Takeaways 1. Food as Connection & Creativity – Cooking is both a universal language and an art form that fosters cultural connection and innovation. 2. Brain & Gut Health Through Nutrition – Herbs, spices, and mindful choices like turmeric, teas, and reduced sugar intake can enhance mental clarity and gut diversity. 3. Resilience Through Adversity – Taylor’s journey from brain injury to entrepreneurship demonstrates how challenges can lead to new creative ventures. 4. Empowerment Through Gardening – Growing your own herbs, microgreens, or teas empowers small, intentional steps toward brain, body, and environmental wellness. Meet Taylor Wisdom-Alexus Brown, a culinary star from Folsom, Louisiana, whose artistry is rooted in French and Creole traditions. A graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Taylor was honored with the James Beard Foundation Scholars Scholarship during her studies—recognition of her talent and promise in the culinary world. Today, Taylor is the founder of 582 Farms in Phoenix, AZ, where she crafts zero-sodium seasonings and teas made with herbs and vegetables she grows herself. Beyond the kitchen, she is a passionate advocate for the connection between food, brain health, and creativity, proving that what we eat has the power to protect, fuel, and inspire our minds. This episode blends storytelling, science, and soul—reminding us that food is more than sustenance. It is memory, medicine, and a pathway to resilience and creativity. Check out more about Chef Taylor Brown: 582farms.square.site [https://582farms.square.site/] www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-brown-9635a6378 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-brown-9635a6378/] Book Mentions: Dr. Anne Fenn The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ [https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/] To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com [https://geneinletford.com] Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com [https://caffestrategies.com] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/ [http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/]

Episode #151 Building Brilliant Minds and Brave Hearts with “Kat” Hughes

From Disney’s stage to Marvel stunt shows, from aerial silks to real estate ventures, Katrina “Kat” Hughes has lived a life of artistry, entrepreneurship, and fearless reinvention. In this episode, Genein sits down with Kat to explore how her career in dance, stunts, and music shaped her philosophy on leadership, self-expression, and resilience—and why she believes the arts are not just entertainment, but essential brain capital for both kids and adults. Kat shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to sold-out U.S. arenas, and how her artistry evolved into building after-school programs for thousands of students and, most recently, launching Brilliant Minds, Brave Hearts—a program that blends stories, music, and movement to teach children 27 powerful life skills including resilience, self-worth, and emotional awareness. This episode dives into the intersections of dance, music, embodied cognition, leadership, and creativity—with practical takeaways for parents, educators, and leaders who want to foster resilience and creative intelligence in the next generation. Katrina “Kat” Dingcong Hughes is a lifelong dancer, aerialist, and stunt performer who has worked on some of the world’s biggest stages, including Disney productions and Marvel Universe Live. Beyond the stage, she is an entrepreneur and educator, having built after-school programs that reached over 2,000 students across 60 schools. Kat is the founder of Brilliant Minds, Brave Hearts, a groundbreaking program that integrates stories, music, and movement to teach children 27 life skills around self-esteem, resilience, and leadership. She is also a licensed Simply Music piano educator, blending immersive, play-based methods with her belief that music is for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * 🎭 How dance, aerial arts, and stunt work build self-awareness, confidence, and leadership skills * 🧠 Why embodied cognition—learning through the body—is essential for thinking and problem-solving * 🎹 The power of immersive music education and why “playing before reading” can unlock musicality for everyone * 💡 Kat’s framework for Brilliant Minds, Brave Hearts: stories, movement, art, music → applied to real-life transformation * 👧 Why kids need life skills like resilience, self-worth, and confidence—and how the arts can teach them * 🌍 The justice issue of access to the arts as a foundation for creativity, adaptability, and thriving For more info check out: Brilliant Minds, Brave Hearts – catskeys.com/bmbh [http://catskeys.com/bmbh] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ [https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/] To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com [https://geneinletford.com] Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com [https://caffestrategies.com] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/ [http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/]

Episode #150 Music as Brain Capital with Mindy Peterson

What if music isn’t just entertainment—but a pathway to health, resilience, creativity, and human flourishing? In this inspiring episode, Genein sits down with Mindy Peterson, longtime music educator and host of the Enhance Life with Music podcast, to explore the transformative role music plays in shaping our brains, our communities, and our lives. Mindy shares her journey from growing up in a home where piano practice was a family affair to building a career at the intersections of music, business, education, and wellness. Together, they discuss why music education is not a luxury but a life-enhancing tool for children, adults, and aging populations alike. From the neuroscience of music therapy to the grit kids develop at the piano, from the justice issue of access to the power of live performance, this episode is a reminder: music is brain capital. Mindy Peterson is the host of the Enhance Life with Music podcast, an exploration of the many ways music can make our lives better. The show spotlights practical ways music impacts our health, happiness, and wholeness across science & health, sports & entertainment, business, and education. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Mindy has been a music educator since 1991 and currently serves as Arts Advocacy Chair of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA). Her career has long intersected business, music, and education, and she is also deeply passionate about health and wellness. Mindy works with music educators through her role at Minneapolis-based music retailer Schmitt Music, continuing her mission of making music an essential part of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * 🎵 Why music is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural, neurological, and social necessity. * 👩‍👧 The role parents play in inspiring children’s persistence with music, and why parental involvement matters. * 🧠 How music reshapes the brain—boosting executive function, decision-making, and creativity. * 💡 Why music training is a justice issue, as crucial as reading and math for child development. * 🎹 The lifelong benefits of making music—not just listening—including neuroplasticity and dementia prevention. * 🎤 Transferable leadership and life skills gained through performance: confidence, empathy, frustration tolerance, and resilience. * 🌍 How music reconnects us to its original cultural role: healing, bonding, thriving, and human flourishing. Check out Mindy's Social: * Website: mpetersonmusic.com [https://mpetersonmusic.com/],  * Podcast mpetersonmusic.com/podcast [https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast] * Instagram www.instagram.com/enhancelifemusic [https://www.instagram.com/enhancelifemusic] * FaceBook www.facebook.com/EnhanceLifeMusic [https://www.facebook.com/EnhanceLifeMusic] * LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/mpetersonpiano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpetersonpiano], * X x.com/musicenhances [https://x.com/musicenhances],  * YouTube www.youtube.com/@enhancelifemusic [https://www.youtube.com/@enhancelifemusic] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ [https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/] To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com [https://geneinletford.com] Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com [https://caffestrategies.com] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/ [http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/]

Episode #149 Creative Intelligence (CQ), Curiosity & Leading Through Disruption with Veronica Scarpellino

What happens when an artist��s eye meets executive strategy? In this energizing conversation, Genein and Veronica explore Creative Intelligence (CQ)—the dynamic interplay of creative thinking, emotions, and strategic action—and how it powers adaptability, innovation, and leadership clarity. From inattentional blindness (👋🏽 “invisible gorilla”) to the magic of hands-on making, from journaling to forced metaphors, you’ll hear practical ways to grow your Brain Capital: curiosity, creativity, resilience, and foresight. Veronica shares how her path from sculpture and found-object art to C-suite coaching revealed repeatable patterns anyone can learn. You’ll leave with frameworks for turning strong emotions into strategic action, using serendipity on purpose, and reframing problems by “turning the square just so…until you see the cube.” Veronica Scarpellino is a Creative Thought Partner, leadership strategist, and the developer of the Creative Intelligence (CQ) framework, equipping professionals to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and lead through disruption. A formally trained coach and artist, she integrates creative sensibilities into executive coaching to help leaders, executives, and founders cultivate adaptability and strategic foresight. A Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC) and Board Certified Coach (BCC) with 20+ years of experience, Veronica’s clients experience an average 20% increase in creative thinking skills, directly enhancing problem-solving, leadership agility, and resilience. She’s the author of Second Draft: Rewrite Your Midlife Career with Creative Intelligence, challenging outdated career models and offering a proactive roadmap for reinvention. A recognized thought leader and member of Forefront: Powered by Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches, Veronica is a keynote speaker and trainer on the future of work, Creative Intelligence, and AI-augmented leadership. What you’ll learn * CQ in action: Move from survival mode → curiosity → creative options → strategic action * Attention as a superpower: Why we miss what’s “missing,” inattentional blindness, and how to train observation * Analog > autopilot: The value of tactile making (vinyl records, handwriting, LEGO-style building) for memory & insight * Thinking styles: Internal vs. external processors, dot-connectors vs. analysts—how teams harness each * Little c vs. Big C creativity: Everyday wins that compound into transformation * Opposites & “break it” drills: Unstick problems by flipping assumptions (even “How would we make the customer mad?”) * Metaphor workouts: Seed the default mode network to spark solutions from unexpected places * Curiosity = care: Keep relationships, teams, and ideas vibrant by staying genuinely curious Website home: www.goldfinchleadership.com/# [https://www.goldfinchleadership.com/#/] Book link: www.goldfinchleadership.com/second-draft-book.html# [https://www.goldfinchleadership.com/second-draft-book.html#/] LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/veronicascarpellino [http://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicascarpellino] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ [https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/] To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com [https://geneinletford.com] Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com [https://caffestrategies.com] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/ [http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/]

Episode #148 Beats, Brains, and Health Justice: Stoke Neurosurgeon Transforms Stroke Prevention with the Arts

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Olajide Williams to explore how stroke awareness, prevention, and treatment intersect with culture, equity, and the arts. He shares both personal insights and groundbreaking research that has saved lives in Harlem and beyond. Together, we discuss: * The urgent reality of stroke – why every minute counts (“time is brain”). * Why stroke disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities—and tragically, at younger ages. * The treatment window: from clot-dissolving medications like tenecteplase to advanced clot-removal procedures. * The hidden barriers to timely stroke care—knowledge gaps, delayed responses, and reliance on cabs or waiting rooms instead of calling 911. * The power of health literacy as the first pit stop on the road to health equity. * How the Hip Hop Stroke Program quadrupled treatment rates in Harlem by engaging children, who then educated their parents and grandparents. * Why music, art, and emotional connection are indispensable for learning and transforming community health. Key Insights & Gems 💡 * “Time is brain.” Every minute of untreated stroke equals 1.9 million neurons lost. * Community-driven solutions work. By equipping children with stroke knowledge, entire families became more prepared—and lives were saved. * Stress and emotions are critical. Eight minutes of anger can reduce blood vessel relaxation by 50%, showing how closely our emotional health is tied to physical outcomes. * Health literacy = health equity. Seeing yourself represented in health campaigns creates stronger connections and better outcomes. * The arts as medicine. When logic, credibility, and emotion (logos, ethos, pathos) come together, change becomes possible. Dr. Olajide Williams, MD, MS is the Vice Dean of Community Health at Columbia University and a world-renowned neurologist specializing in stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Known as the “Hip Hop Doc”, he has pioneered the use of music, storytelling, and culture to reduce healthcare disparities and improve health literacy. He is the co-founder of Hip Hop Public Health with legendary artist Doug E. Fresh and has partnered with icons such as Chuck D, DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, and Ashanti to translate lifesaving medical knowledge into accessible, culturally relevant education. With multiple NIH-funded initiatives, Dr. Williams continues to transform how we understand, prevent, and respond to stroke while advancing equity in medicine and inspiring global movements in public health. Memorable Quote from Dr. Williams “Those who are closest to the problem are often closest to the solution.” Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/ [https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/] To learn more about Brain Capital and Intercultural Creativity, visit https://geneinletford.com [https://geneinletford.com] Explore CAFFE Strategies: https://caffestrategies.com [https://caffestrategies.com] Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/ [http://missionmatters.com/author/Genein-Letford/]