12 JAN 2023 · Have you ever wondered how you can be more compassionate toward your mind and body? In this episode, Dr. Barbara Branca brings a kind awareness of what Self-compassion is. During today’s meditation, you will be guided to bring focus to various parts of your body while cultivating kindness and an appreciation for your physical being. Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat. This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury. Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose. Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

12 JAN 2023 · Learn about the LoveYourBrain Foundation with host, Courtney Wang and LoveYourBrain Training and Clinical Affiliate Manager, https://loveyourbrain.com. The LoveYourBrain foundation is on a mission to improve the quality of life of people affected by traumatic brain injury through programs that build community and foster resilience. They believe that mindfulness, yoga, and community are essential to transforming the wellbeing of people impacted by TBI. That’s why they pioneered their programs to empower their community with new tools, resources, and connections. - Love Your Brain (LYB) Website https://www.loveyourbrain.com/ - ‘The Crash Reel,’ a film by Lucy Walker. https://www.loveyourbrain.com/our-story - LYB Programs https://www.loveyourbrain.com/programs - LYB Meditation Library https://www.loveyourbrain.com/meditation-library LYB Mindfulness Series https://www.loveyourbrain.com/mindfulness-series Show Notes BrainthropologyNoun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ -the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat. This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury. Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose. Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes:Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: https://gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. https://www.GalaxyBrainCenter.com: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

29 DEC 2022 · Join Dr. Branca in this calming meditation, designed to show you two tools for dealing with a moderate level of stress—the breath and the imagining of a natural setting. Breathing is not just for oxygen but it’s linked to brain function and behavior. Slow deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and can change your stress level! Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat. This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury. Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose. Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

29 DEC 2022 · Did you know that every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall, resulting in approximately 34,000 preventable deaths a year? In today’s episode, host Debbie Loftus talks with PT experts Shelly Roller (PT, MPT, CPPS) and Amanda Kelch (PT, DPT, MHS, NCS) to explore topics that range from identifying the risk factors of falls to discussing the importance that balance plays in our everyday lives. Most importantly, you will learn the most effective fall prevention strategies to keep you safe and fall-free! Episode Links - CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html - National Council of Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health/prevention/falls-prevention Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat. This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury. Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose. Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

15 DEC 2022 · In this mindfulness meditation episode, Dr. Branca outlines the impact of stress, especially chronic and severe stress, on various brain structures and our behavior. The practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to significantly reduce stress, including physical signs of stress such as high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and rapid breathing. Join us to experience these benefits and more! Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

15 DEC 2022 · Have you ever been dizzy or had vertigo? On today’s podcast, you will learn what the vestibular system is and what happens when there is a problem with this system. Host Debbie Loftus sits down with Shelly Roller (PT, MPT, CPPS) and Amanda Kelch (PT, DPT, MHS, NCS) to talk about what Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is and what a typical VRT treatment session looks like.  Show Links:  Vestibular.org Dizziness-and-balance.com BPPV Aging and Dizziness: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/aging-and-dizziness2ca035a5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=e0a35343_0 BPPV: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/bppv.pdf?sfvrsn=94e15343_2 Common Vestibular Function Tests: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/common-vestibular-function-testsa2b735a5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=5ab45343_0 Why See a PT for dizziness: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/why-see-a-pt-for-dizziness56b035a5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=96b35343_0 Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

1 DEC 2022 · One important piece of meditation is the space that you’re in. A great idea is to make a calming corner in your house full of your favorite calming items and a place to feel safe. Join Laney Wang and Zoe Wang as they discuss how calming corners help them and demonstrate a breathing and calming technique that can help with relaxation or decreasing anger or anxiety. Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

1 DEC 2022 · Vision is our dominant sense and one of the main ways that we interact with our world. When the vision system isn’t working as intended after an injury, illness, or even for development reasons, it can lead to many challenges such as difficulty with driving, difficulty going into stores, anxiety, headaches, difficulty reading, and decreased balance. On this episode, host Courtney Wang interviews Dr. Erica Carder and Alison Makarewich about the different challenges that can arise with the visual system and where to go to find solutions to help. Show Links Saline Optometry: https://www.salineoptometry.com/ Brain Injury Vision Symptom Survey: https://www.brainthropology.com/_files/ugd/df071c_64a4f7fc27bf421d80f760a44b3221b2.pdf Convergence Symptom Survey: https://www.brainthropology.com/_files/ugd/df071c_a995d908aa4f4ef0a99250f2e6d1f34f.pdf Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

24 NOV 2022 · Do you struggle to bring compassion to yourself? It is essential to cultivate self-care and self-compassion and then you can extend that to others. Dr. Barbaranne Branca invites you to use your breath to reconnect with the present moment and guides you through loving and nurturing yourself in order to extend it to others. A great listen for the holiday season coming up! Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/

24 NOV 2022 · Sex, sexuality, and intimacy during the rehabilitation journey are something rarely discussed. Erin Fishman, a board-certified occupational therapist, and certified brain injury specialist shares her knowledge and experience in this area to make sure not only clients after injury or illness have resources and information, but also healthcare providers have resources to start addressing this with their clients. Erin also shares a bit of what she is researching as she pursues her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy to bring awareness and research to neurosexuality as well! This is a great listen for any client looking to advocate for themselves or any caregiver interested in helping those they love to explore this area of rehabilitation. SHOW RESOURCES: Group for supporting women with concussion, PCS, TBI (Pink Concussions) OT After Dark (free podcast) The Hook Up (free podcast) The Institute for Sex, Intimacy, and Occupational Therapy (continuing education, https://www.sexintimacyot.com/) The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (continuing education, https://www.aasect.org/continuing-education) The American Sexual Health Association (continuing education, free resources for taking a sexual health history, www.ashasexualhealth.org/healthcare-providers/) The SLP Role in Supporting Clients’ Communication on Intimacy (continuing education, https://www.speechtherapypd.com/) Link to an article by Erin: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol10/iss2/14/ Show Notes Brainthropology Noun /brānTHrəˈpäləjē/ - the study of optimizing brain health for peak performance in life -the science of the human brain, especially the study of its influence over sensations, emotions, mental abilities, and function in daily life You carry around a three-pound, wrinkly mass of tissue in your head that is the control center, enabling you to simultaneously think, move, feel emotions, and sense the world around you. It controls every single thing you will ever do including every breath, thought, emotion, and heartbeat.  This amazing supercomputer is your brain and you have the ability to improve its functioning no matter your age or condition. On this podcast, we educate our listeners on the potential of the human brain, how to optimize its abilities, and equip you to find solutions when it has been altered by life, illness, or an injury.  Our unique programming offers practical applications, exercises, expert interviews, and therapist feedback on issues we have been tackling together as a team for the last 20+years. We hope to share our knowledge and experience to empower and encourage you to live a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.   Brainthropolgy Team: Courtney Wang, MHS, OTRL Dr. Jessica Smith, OTD, OTRL Meg Scaling, OTRL Debbie Loftus, MOT, OTRL Mindfulness Episodes: Dr. Barbaranne Branca Show Links For more information about the show visit the links below. Website: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainthropology Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brainthropology/ Email: brainthropology@gmail.com Sponsors Special thanks to our Sponsor. Galaxy Brain Center: https://www.galaxybraincenter.com/