Podcast
Brain Health Hook-up
Hosted by Laurel Myers Hurst · EN
If you feel like you need a total mental wellness overhaul, you're not alone. Join Laurel Myers Hurst, a seasoned mental health nurse practitioner and music professor, as we explore science-backed strategies that can transform your mental wellness. From understanding the physical and emotional needs of your body to building stronger relationships, we'll provide you with actionable tips and insights to help you flourish.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Burnout to Breakthrough: A New Revenue Model for Psychiatric Practice Owners
Mar 11, 202500:08:06Tap to summarizeEpisode 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/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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The Vagus Nerve, Trauma, and Your Health: A New Approach to Lasting Relief
Mar 4, 202500:09:54Tap to summarizeEpisode 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/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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From Rhythm to Resilience: Kevin Aries on Music, Healing & Artistic Growth
Feb 18, 202500:37:01Tap to summarizeCan 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/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.comFollow 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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Post-Surgery Depression? How Antibiotics Impact Your Gut & Brain
Feb 11, 202500:11:17Tap to summarizeFeeling 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/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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Oh Happy Day & the Power of Groove: Music Therapy for Mental Health
Feb 4, 202500:21:09Tap to summarizeWhat'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=ATVPDKIKX0DERJoin the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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Stop Settling for "Normal": Rebecca Paciorek on Taking Control of Your Health & Author Career
Jan 28, 202500:24:33Tap to summarizeAre you a woman who feels like something in your body is off, even when doctors say everything's "normal?" Do you dream of making a bigger impact but feel held back by internal or external obstacles? In this episode of the Brain Health Hook-up podcast, Laurel interviews Rebecca Paciorek, a successful entrepreneur who helps authors bring their books to the world.Rebecca shares her personal journey of navigating health challenges, including weight loss surgery and type 2 diabetes, and how the WellTuned Woman program provided unique support and insights that traditional healthcare couldn't. She highlights the importance of female camaraderie, especially for entrepreneurs facing perimenopause and menopause, and discusses the transformative power of group drumming.Rebecca also talks about her work with authors, sharing strategies for achieving bestseller status and building a successful author platform. This conversation emphasizes the importance of community, self-advocacy, and pursuing your passions, regardless of the challenges you face.Key Takeaways:The Power of Community: Connecting with other women who understand your experiences, especially during perimenopause/menopause and as an entrepreneur, can be incredibly validating and empowering.Beyond "Normal": Don't settle for feeling less than your best. If you feel something is off, even if medical tests say otherwise, continue to seek answers and advocate for your health.Root Cause Focus: Explore the root causes of health issues like inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and cortisol levels, which can significantly impact overall well-being.Drumming for Wellness: Group drumming can be a powerful tool for stress relief, connection, and self-expression, offering a tangible experience of interconnectedness.Author Empowerment: Strategies like promo stacking, targeted advertising, and building a strong author platform can help authors achieve bestseller status and reach a wider audience.Overcoming Obstacles: Don't let past setbacks or perceived limitations hold you back from pursuing your dreams. With the right support and strategies, you can achieve your goals.Strategic Marketing for Authors: Building a book marketing plan with a focus on strategy, patience, and testing can enable authors to achieve full-time author status.Action Items:Ready to take the next step in your author journey? Download Rebecca's free ebook, "10 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan," and consider joining her Author's Allies Roundtable for ongoing support and strategies. Visit https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook to get started. Join the WellTuned Woman program(Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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Beyond 20/20: The Surprising Link Between Vision and Emotional Health
Jan 21, 202500:23:21Tap to summarizeImagine seeing the world in vibrant detail for the first time. This episode explores how vision therapy can improve not just your eyesight, but also your mental well-being.Patti Andrich, a vision specialist, reveals the connection between vision and mental health. She explains how poor vision processing can lead to social withdrawal, difficulty focusing, and even feelings of depression. Vision therapy can address these issues by improving visual skills like depth perception, eye movement, and processing speed. The episode also explores the impact of vision on trauma and how vision therapy can be used as part of a holistic healing process.Key Takeaways:Vision is more than just seeing clearly. It also plays a crucial role in how we interact with the world and process information.Vision problems can have a significant impact on mental health.Vision therapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to improving vision and mental well-being.Action Items:Join the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: podcast.welltunedwellness.comLearn more about vision therapy and how it can help you. Get a discount for a consultation with the The Vision Development Team and Patti Andrich: https://www.sensoryfocus.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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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Beyond "Normal" Labs: Finding Real Solutions for Women's Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog
Jan 14, 202500:10:05Tap to summarizeAre you a woman juggling a demanding career and family life, but constantly battling fatigue, brain fog, and frustration? Do you feel like you're dragging through each day, despite your best efforts? This episode reveals how you can reclaim your energy, mood, and mental clarity in just 90 days.Key Takeaways:Many women experience fatigue, frustration, and brain fog despite "normal" lab results, indicating a need for a more comprehensive approach.The WellTuned Woman program addresses the root causes of these issues through evidence-based strategies, including anti-inflammatory nutrition, brain training, and addressing the mind-body connection.The program offers a customized, actionable plan to reclaim wellness in just 90 days, a process that could take years through traditional healthcare.The host's personal experience of overcoming chronic illness and her extensive professional background provide unique insights and compassion to the program.The program focuses on achieving lasting wellness and creating a legacy of vitality.Action Items:Ready to ditch the fatigue, brain fog, and frustration and reclaim your vitality? 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/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-up website: 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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The Reboot Weekend: A Gut Reset for Enhanced Well-being
Jan 7, 202500:13:22Tap to summarizeFeeling sluggish, fatigued, or struggling with digestive issues? This episode introduces the Reboot Weekend, a 2.5-day protocol designed to reset your gut health and enhance your overall well-being. Discover how this program, combined with the Reboot+ supplement and a gut-supportive diet, can optimize your digestion, mood, and energy levels.Key Takeaways:Gut health is crucial for overall well-being, impacting digestion, energy, mood, and mental clarity.The Reboot Weekend offers a gentle and effective way to reset your gut and improve digestion.The Reboot+ supplement from Amare Global supports gut health by soothing the intestinal lining, promoting probiotic growth, and optimizing gut function.Proper hydration is crucial for optimal gut function.The gut and brain are intricately connected, and gut health can significantly impact mental wellness.A healthy gut promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety by sending signals via the vagus nerve to the brain, increasing GABA production.A well-functioning gut helps eliminate toxins from the body, supporting overall health.Action Items:Try the Reboot Weekend: Purchase the supplement at amare.com/en-us/g10/25917 (use promo code 25917 for $10 off) and follow the program guidelines.Take the Amare Happiness Quiz: https://www.amare.com/25917/en-us/quizJoin the WellTuned Woman program (Get Reboot Weekend as a BONUS): https://groove-for-health.myflodesk.com/texasq12025Visit the Brain Health Hook-Up website: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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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More Than Just Hours: The 4 Pillars of a Good Night's Sleep
Dec 31, 202400:11:43Tap to summarizeEpisode Description:Struggling with sleep? This episode explores the critical connection between sleep and mental wellness. Discover the 4 key measures of restorative sleep – latency, awakenings, duration, and restfulness – and learn how optimizing your sleep can improve your mood, focus, and overall well-being.Key Takeaways:Sleep has a profound impact on brain health, mood regulation, and emotional well-being.The 4 pillars of restorative sleep are latency (time to fall asleep), awakenings, duration, and restfulness.During sleep, your brain clears out toxins and supports cognitive function.Laurel's Well-Tuned Woman program offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing sleep and enhancing well-being.Action Items:Track your sleep using a tracker or journal.Identify factors disrupting your sleep.Prioritize sleep by adjusting your schedule and routines.Seek support from your healthcare provider or consider The Well-Tuned Woman program. 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" CapersYou can subscribe to podcast.welltunedwellness.com for weekly updates, breaking research, and the opportunity to work with Laurel to unlock the path to flourishing!
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