Episodes

Your brain is not working against you. It is working for you — the best way it knows how. But sometimes that wiring gets in the way. In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with Dr. Diego Salinas — pediatrician, neuroscientist, and board-certified health and wellness coach — for a rich, practical, and deeply human conversation about two things that are more connected than most people realize: your brain's built-in negativity bias and the science of ...

When was the last time you stepped outside and just looked up? Not at your phone. Not at a screen. Just up — at the sky, the light, the world around you. If it has been a while, your brain has noticed. And this week's guest is going to tell you exactly why that matters. In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with Dr. Marion Van Horn — neuroscientist, science communicator, and mother of three — for a conversation that will change the way you think ...

What if one of the most powerful tools for your brain health has been sitting on the shelf since childhood — and you just forgot to pick it back up? In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA sits down with Rachael Renae— artist, play enthusiast, creative educator, and debut author of Prioritize Play: Express Your Creativity, Boost Your Confidence, and Foster Deeper Connection — for a conversation that will change the way you think about play, creativity...

**This special podcast episode was recorded live as part of the Virtual Brain Health Center’s Neuro Nook book club, where readers explored The Art Cure together before welcoming Dr. Fancourt for this live discussion. What if one of the most powerful tools for supporting brain health has been hiding in plain sight? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health! Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler and Heather Elwell, co-host of the Neuro Nook brain health book club, sit down with internationally recogni...

What happens when young people move beyond awareness and start taking action on brain health in their schools and communities? In this special episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler sits down with youth leaders–Shawn, Mansavi, and Nandita– who are not waiting for change. They are creating it. Through advocacy, education, and peer engagement, these young changemakers are putting brain health into action and showing what prevention can look like in real life. This conv...

Pets are part of millions of households. For many people, they are companions, family members, and daily sources of connection. Research shows these relationships also influence physical health, mental health, social well-being, and brain health. In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, sits down with Dr. Etana Berger, Ph.D., behavior scientist and applied behavior analyst, to explore the science behind the human-animal bond. This conversation explore...

Brain science does not stand still. New research continues to reshape how we think about memory, prevention, nutrition, and lifelong cognitive health. In this special Brain Week 2026 episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health! Podcast, your hosts brought together a panel of experts across neurology, neuropsychology, nutrition, sensory therapies, and aging science to discuss what is new, what is promising, and what still needs more evidence. This conversation focuses on separating hype from sci...

Gaslighting does not only affect your emotions. It affects your brain. In this episode, Dr. Krystal Culler and Heather Elwell sit down with Dr. Jennifer Fraser, author of The Gaslit Brain, to examine what happens in the brain when someone experiences chronic gaslighting, bullying, and psychological harm. *Please note that this conversation was recorded live during a live Neuro Nook book club discussion and featured as part of the Virtual Brain Health Center’s annual Brain Week series.* Thi...

Episode Summary Why is it so difficult to change habits even when you deeply care about the goal? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast, Dr. Krystal Culler, DBH, MA, sits down with returning guest Trish Turo, NBC-HWC, health educator/researcher & brain health coach, to explore habits and behavior change through a brain-based lens. Together, they unpack how habits form, why resistance shows up, and what is happening inside the brain when we try to change routines. This convers...

Music reaches your brain fast! It activates memory, movement, emotion, and connection in seconds. In this episode, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA, sat down with Shannon Wallace, CDP, CDC, creator of Musical Memory Care to explore how music functions as a whole-brain and body workout. We focus on one powerful idea—the “time of your life” effect. Research shows the music you loved between roughly ages 13 and 27 leaves a lasting imprint. Those songs shape identity. They anchor memory. Th...

In this episode, Dr. Amber Deckard, a neuropsychologist and leader in neurocognitive assessments at Caron's neuropsychological services, shares insights into the brain-first approach to addiction treatment. She explains how viewing addiction as a brain-based disorder rather than a moral failing changes the treatment paradigm. We delve into the latest brain science, revealing how substances physically alter brain areas responsible for reward, motivation, memory, decision-making, and self-contr...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, we were joined by Professor Adrian Owen, a globally recognized neuroscientist, author, and Chief Scientific Officer of Creyos. The conversation delves into Professor Owen's extensive career in cognitive neuroscience, his groundbreaking research on brain function and dementia, and the innovative digital tools his team has developed to make cognitive assessment more accessible to the public. Key topics include the importance of brain healt...

In this episode, we explore the science of brain fitness and how targeted brain training exercises can strengthen key brain systems with Dr. Henry Mahncke, Ph.D.. Dr. Mahncke shares his journey from studying neuroscience at UCSF to leading brain plasticity-based training at BrainHQ. Learn how BrainHQ’s specific brain training program can improve memory, attention, decision-making, and overall brain resilience across 300+ published research studies. Discover the profound impact of brain pla...

In this episode, we delve into the incredible benefits of reading for brain health with guests Leanne Stuver, a nurse educator and Director of Lifelong Learning, and Heather Elwell, CEO of Brain Health Mentors. Learn how reading stimulates multiple brain areas, enhances social connections, and supports lifelong learning. Discover the advantages of different reading formats, genres, and even how book clubs can enrich your cognitive and social wellbeing. Join us as we discuss the science ...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we delve into perimenopause, a significant yet often misunderstood life transition. Dr. Julie Sharrar, DC, a holistic healthcare practitioner specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture, and functional medicine, shares her expertise on how this phase impacts brain health, mood, memory, and overall well-being. She provides insights into common symptoms, natural support strategies like diet, sleep, and exercise, and the benefits of holistic ...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jin Hyung Lee, Ph.D., a pioneering neuroscientist, Stanford professor, and founder of LVIS Corporation. Dr. Lee introduces NeuroMatch, a groundbreaking technology that creates live digital twins of brain function to revolutionize brain healthcare. She shares her personal journey from electrical engineering to neuroscience, inspired by her grandmother's stroke, and discusses the intersection of technology and brain...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast, returning guest Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Ph.D. delves into the concept of gaslighting and its severe impact on brain health. A renowned educator and author, Dr. Fraser explains how gaslighting can manipulate individuals, causing them to question reality and suffer significant emotional harm. She references her latest book, 'The Gaslit Brain,' and provides practical insights on identifying gaslighting behaviors, advocating for legal chang...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, Dr. Hokehe Eko explores the crucial role of nutrition in supporting children with ADHD and autism. A board-certified pediatrician and specialist in integrative medicine, Dr. Eko discusses the gut-brain connection, blood sugar regulation, essential nutrients for cognitive support, and practical dietary changes. Sharing insights from her personal journey and professional expertise, Dr. Eko emphasizes the importance of addressing food se...

Dive into the world of supplement science for brain health with Dr. Jordan Glenn, PhD. In this episode, we explore the efficacy of various supplements, debunk common myths, and discuss how to make informed, personalized choices for your brain health. Dr. Glenn shares insights from his extensive research in exercise physiology, nutrition, and aging, highlighting key supplements like creatine, omega-3s, and curcumin. Learn about the importance of evidence-based decisions, the role of rigorou...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kellyann Niotis, MD, the world’s first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist, who shares her insights on early detection and risk reduction for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Lewy body dementia. Dr. Niotis discusses the emerging field of preventive neurology, the role of blood biomarkers and genetic testing, and the importance of lifestyle choices in maintaining brai...

In this episode, hosts Krystal and Jon reconvene after a summer brain break to reflect on their journey of hosting the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast over the past two years. They revisit the origins of the podcast, which was initiated by their mutual interest in brain health and a desire to share insights. The episode covers a diverse range of topics, notable guests, and the broad audience they've engaged with to date. Key themes include lifestyle interventions for brain health, the importa...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, co-host Dr. Jonathan Artz, MD, an experienced neurologist, shares his extensive background and insights on cognitive health. Dr. Artz discusses his journey from medical school through various specializations, ultimately focusing on cognitive disorders and dementia. He emphasizes the importance of early conversations about brain health, lifestyle modifications, and the role of primary care providers in initial evaluations. Dr. Artz also ...

🧠 Episode Overview: In this special panel discussion, we explore why brain health matters at every age. Join host Dr. Krystal Culler and three expert guests—LeAnne, Nandita, and Giovanna—for a vibrant, age-inclusive conversation spanning childhood through adulthood. You’ll walk away with fresh insights, surprising truths, and practical strategies to support brain health across the lifespan. 🎧 Tune in to discover: Why brain development and care are critical at every life stage—from kids to adult...

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, we explore how spiritual health supports brain health with guest Christine Turo-Shields. Christine, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions counselor, shares how she integrates spirituality into trauma care and highlights the role of spiritual practices in healing and building resilience. Discover the profound connection between spirituality and brain health as Christine shares her insights ...