84: Flow States: The neuroscience of healing, performance and burnout recovery with Josh Dickson

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, trauma and addiction specialist Josh Dickson—founder of Resurface, a pioneering integration of flow science and therapy—explains how harnessing flow states can accelerate healing, boost performance, and counter burnout. Drawing on years of clinical experience, Josh describes how taking clients surfing led him to observe transformative shifts beyond talk therapy, sparking his exploration into the neuroscience of flow. He defines flow as an optimal state of consciousness where we feel and perform at our best – marked by total absorption, timelessness, and effortless action— and outlines how its neurochemical cycle can be intentionally applied in therapeutic settings. From the stress-driven struggle phase (cortisol and norepinephrine) through release and deep flow (dopamine, endorphins, anandamide), to the recovery phase (serotonin and oxytocin), Josh reveals how this natural sequence supports creativity, connection, and emotional resilience. He also discusses how flow can help counter burnout, depression, and anxiety by restoring agency, balance, and meaning – both for clients and practitioners alike. In this episode, you'll learn: What flow states are and why they enhance both performance and wellbeing. The four stages of the flow cycle – struggle, release, flow and recovery – and their brainwave and neurochemical signatures. How flow and meditation overlap yet differ in depth and brain activity. Why recovery (sleep, rest, nutrition and boundaries) is essential for sustained performance and preventing burnout. How brief experiences of flow can help re-establish agency and counter depression and helplessness. Why burnout often stems from codependency and compulsive helping, and how flow restores balance and vitality. How group-based flow experiences can amplify connection, oxytocin and healing, even for those struggling to access flow individually.

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, Dr. Daniel Amen – psychiatrist, researcher, bestselling author, and founder of Amen Clinics – joins me to share his groundbreaking work on brain health and psychiatry. With over 260,000 brain SPECT scans across patients from 155 countries, Dr. Amen has built the world's largest database of brain imaging for mental health, transforming how we understand conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD and dementia. Dr. Amen explains why mental health symptoms should be reframed as brain health issues, and how improving brain function through lifestyle, targeted treatments and integrative medicine can dramatically improve mood, focus and resilience. He introduces his BRIGHT MINDS framework – 11 risk factors that drive brain decline – and shares practical steps to prevent Alzheimer's, treat depression and optimize brain performance. This episode also explores the metabolic roots of mental health, the overlooked role of head trauma, how toxins like mold and anesthesia affect cognition, and why prevention is the future of psychiatry. From nutritional strategies and supplements like saffron to the promise of a global brain health revolution, Dr. Amen provides a hopeful, science-based roadmap for healing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why psychiatry is the only medical specialty that doesn't look at the organ it treats – and how SPECT imaging changes that. How Dr. Amen's BRIGHT MINDS framework addresses 11 key risk factors for brain health – Blood flow, Retirement/aging, Inflammation, Genetics, Head trauma, Toxins, Mental health, Immunity/infections, Neurohormone issues, Diabesity, and Sleep The strong connection between metabolic health, obesity and psychiatric symptoms. How brain reserve determines resilience to trauma and stress, and why prevention is critical. The role of environmental toxins like mold and pesticides in damaging cognition. Why traumatic brain injuries are a hidden but major cause of psychiatric illness. How supplements such as saffron, ginkgo and curcumin can support mood, memory, and overall brain health. Dr. Amen's vision for ending the stigma of "mental illness" and replacing it with a brain health revolution.

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, Dr. Kristine Burke – triple board-certified precision medicine physician, educator and co-founder of TruNeura – joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on functional medicine, prevention and the future of brain health. Drawing from her background as a family physician, sports doctor and functional medicine pioneer, Dr. Burke explains how chronic disease, cognitive decline and even conditions like Alzheimer's can be prevented or reversed by addressing root causes such as inflammation, cardiovascular dysfunction, metabolic imbalance, toxins and hormone changes. She highlights her clinical work in mold-related illness and its profound effects on cognition and shares how her integrative systems-based approach empowers patients to reclaim both health and hope. We discuss Dr. Burke's excitement about TruNeura, the AI-driven platform she co-founded, designed to support both patients and practitioners in managing the overwhelming complexity of precision medicine. With AI-powered coaching and decision support, TruNeura helps scale prevention and treatment of cognitive decline worldwide. This episode blends deep clinical insight with cutting-edge innovation, offering practical strategies to protect the brain and body, and a hopeful vision of how technology and root-cause medicine together may transform the future of mental health care. In this episode, you'll learn: How Dr. Burke's journey from sports medicine to functional medicine reshaped her approach to chronic illness and prevention. Why root causes such as metabolic health, hormones, cardiovascular function, gut/oral microbiome, toxins and mold play a critical role in cognitive decline. The surprising links between mold exposure, biotoxins and brain health. How mindfulness, stress resilience, community and connection are essential pillars of brain health. The role of diet in prevention vs. therapy – from the Mediterranean diet to targeted ketogenic interventions. How TruNeura uses AI to empower patients, streamline clinical decision-making and scale precision medicine worldwide. Why prevention offers the greatest opportunity for preserving cognitive health and reducing the burden of neurodegenerative disease.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the latest breakthroughs in integrative mental health and wellness with special guest Kirkland Newman, founder of the Mind Health 360. Kirkland is an Anglo-American journalist, philanthropist, and Founder of MindHealth360, a global platform dedicated to integrative mental health and functional medicine psychiatry.   Get full transcript, audio, video & downloads of this episode here: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/kirkland...    SIGN UP NOW FOR IMMH! Link: https://www.immh.org/immh-2025/?ref=1265 Discount code for $50 off registration: CARNAHAN50   Key Topics You'll Discover: ① The surprising link between mitochondria and mental health – and why morning light and movement are your brain's best friends. ② How childhood trauma impacts your body's immune response and can drive chronic illnesses like mold sensitivity and Lyme disease. ③ The real talk on functional medicine: what's working, what's not, and the simple daily habits that make a powerful difference. ④ Insights from thought leaders like Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Emran Meyer, and Dr. Dale Bredesen.   💡 What You'll Take Away: 📌 Morning Routine: Incorporating light exposure and exercise in the morning can significantly enhance mitochondrial function and overall mental health. 📌 Trauma Awareness: Healthcare providers should integrate trauma inquiry into their practice to better address underlying health issues. 📌 Functional Medicine: While it can be resource-intensive, focusing on foundational health practices like sleep and light exposure can offer significant benefits. 📌 Educational Resources: The podcast encourages listeners to explore further through the Mind Health 360 Show and related resources.    🔗 Explore More: 🎧 Mind Health 360 Show: https://www.mindhealth360.com/ 📅 IMMH Conference - Sept 11–14, San Diego: https://www.immh.org/immh-2025/ (with virtual attendance options)   ✨ Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share – let's build a more resilient, trauma-informed world together.   This episode provides a comprehensive look at how integrating functional medicine and addressing trauma can lead to better mental health outcomes. Kirkland Newman - https://www.mindhealth360.com/ Kirkland Newman is an anglo-american journalist and philanthropist. She is the Founder and Editor of MindHealth360, a free, global resource for integrative mental health and functional medicine psychiatry, and is the Host of The MindHealth360 Show.,,She created MindHealth360 after her own postpartum depression to address the epidemic of mental health issues and the lack of sustainable, root-cause based solutions for mental health in mainstream medicine. She launched the MindHealth360 Show in 2020 to give a voice to the leading practitioners of integrative mental health from around the world.,,She has worked for Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Ogilvy & Mather in New York, and for Musiclegal and The Prince's Trust in London. She is a Co-Founder and Trustee of The Horizon Foundation which provides support for young refugees from the Middle East and Asia.,,Kirkland has a first class BA/MA from Oxford University in Modern Languages and Literature; an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in European Studies; and an MA from The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in Near and Middle Eastern Studies. Her dissertation "The Battle for Victimhood, Roles and Narratives of Suffering in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" was published in "Narrating Conflict in the Middle East: Discourse, Image and Communications Practices in Lebanon and Palestine".

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, psychiatrist and trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, joins Kirkland Newman for a powerful exploration of how trauma affects the brain, body and sense of self – and how healing can emerge through somatic, relational and neurobiological interventions.  Drawing from decades of clinical and research experience, Dr. van der Kolk discusses how trauma disrupts core brain functions, creates enduring physiological patterns, and limits a person's ability to feel connected or safe. He emphasises the limitations of top-down, cognitive talk therapies alone, and highlights the critical role of bottom-up, body-based approaches to healing.  Bessel illustrates the value of experiential practices – including EMDR, neurofeedback, yoga, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychedelic-assisted therapy – as ways to improve self-regulation, brain integration, and emotional processing. He also reflects on the essential role of human connection, joy, rhythm, and relational safety in recovery.  This conversation will be especially valuable for clinicians, researchers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of trauma and the integrative, whole-person approaches that can support healing.  In this episode, you will learn:  How trauma can create automatic patterns in brain and behavior, rooted in disrupted regulatory systems and rigid neural habits  Why bottom-up therapies (movement, rhythm, body awareness) are often necessary to complement verbal psychotherapy  How relational safety, rhythmic engagement, and movement can calm the nervous system and support healing  The significance of EMDR, neurofeedback, and IFS in reconnecting different brain regions and improving emotional regulation  Why trauma recovery is about restoring agency, self-awareness, and connection – not simply revisiting traumatic memories  How early neglect and lack of secure attachment affect development, social engagement, and physiological resilience  Why psychedelics (such as MDMA) show strong potential in expanding neuroplasticity and opening up new therapeutic possibilities  How creativity, play, and joy are central – not optional – to sustainable healing and growth  The importance of broadening trauma treatment beyond medication and talk therapy to include embodied, relational, and community-based approaches

In this episode of the MindHealth360 show, Dr. Sundeep Dugar – pharmaceutical scientist, inventor, and co-founder of Blue Oak NX – explores the foundational role of mitochondria in brain function, psychiatric and neurological health, aging, and chronic disease. With over 35 years of drug discovery expertise, Dr. Dugar breaks down the science behind how mitochondrial dysfunction may be a key root cause of many modern health conditions, as well as mental health symptoms – including anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and fatigue. He shares how mitochondria generate ATP, the body's essential energy currency, and how their decline over time and through lifestyle "insults" such as  pollution, poor diet, stress, and inactivity, and how their loss of function and resilience can impair everything from gene expression to inflammation, immunity, energy and brain health. Dr. Dugar also introduces the mission-driven work of his company Blue Oak NX, dedicated to affordable and unique therapies that support mitochondrial health and overall wellness. Deeply scientific yet accessible, this conversation explores how optimizing mitochondrial function through exercise, fat-based nutrition, and lifestyle changes may hold the key to longevity, mental clarity, and true cellular healing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why mitochondria are essential to life – and produce 90% of the body's energy (ATP), but also perform dozens of other key functions essential to health and longevity. How mitochondrial decline begins around age 21 and accelerates with age. Why exercise is the most powerful intervention for mitochondrial health – and what happens on a cellular level when we move. The fundamental link between mitochondrial function and mental and neurological health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, poor focus and poor memory. Why diet is "fuel" for your mitochondria – and how fats (not sugar) provide more sustainable energy. Why pollution, stress, ultra-processed food, and sedentary living create "insults" that impair mitochondrial function and overall health. How mitochondrial dysfunction may drive inflammation and underlie conditions like diabetes, cancer, and psychiatric and neurological illness. Why some people are more vulnerable to disease due to genotype and epigenetic responses to environmental insults. What "hormesis" and the "cell danger response" mean – and how they relate to mitochondrial resilience. How supporting your mitochondria can help shift the body from chronic illness to healing (salutogenesis). The groundbreaking molecule developed by Blue Oak NX which has been found to boost mitochondrial function in a way that only exercise can do, and its profound implications for people who cannot exercise.  

In this very personal and insightful episode of The MindHealth360 Show, Ashok Gupta – internationally renowned health practitioner and creator of the Gupta Program – joins us to discuss how brain retraining can reverse chronic illness and heal the nervous system. Gupta shares the powerful story behind the creation of his program, which he developed after suffering from ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) as a student at Cambridge University. Through his own neurological research and treatment plans, Gupta achieved full recovery and has since helped thousands of others do the same.  Kirkland Newman shares her own journey through mould toxicity, nervous system dysregulation, and severe neurological symptoms, and how the Gupta Program – recommended to her by Dr. Neil Nathan – was instrumental in her recovery. Together, they explore how chronic stress, trauma, and environmental triggers can lead to maladaptive brain responses that keep the body stuck in illness, and how brain retraining offers a path to healing.  In this compelling episode, Gupta explains the science behind his program, its origins, and how it helps people with conditions such as ME/CFS, CIRS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, long COVID, mould illness, anxiety, and other neurological and mental health conditions. He also reflects on the broader implications of neuroplasticity and the mind-body connection in the treatment of chronic disease.  In this episode you will learn about:  How Ashok Gupta developed the Gupta Program after healing from chronic fatigue syndrome during his time at Cambridge University.  The role of brain retraining in reversing neurological and mental health symptoms caused by an inflammatory and immune response driven initially by toxins and pathogens, and leading to a dysregulated nervous system and chronic symptoms Why chronic illness is often rooted in a "trauma loop" within the brain's limbic system.  How the Gupta Program uses neuroplasticity to interrupt maladaptive patterns and rewire the brain toward healing.  Why environmental triggers like mould can activate a dysfunctional threat response in the brain.  How Ashok Gupta's recovery journey led to the creation of a structured, evidence-based program that has helped thousands of people globally.  A firsthand account from host Kirkland Newman on how the Gupta Program helped relieve her symptoms of tremors, anxiety, fasciculations, and more.  The importance of viewing chronic illness through the lens of the brain-body connection, and the role of hope and empowerment in recovery.   

In this captivating online presentation from the IMMH 2023 conference, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Achina Stein reveals how the intersection of functional medicine, gut restoration, and psychiatry can lead to lasting healing for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. She explains why the journey takes dedication and time, why psychiatry provides an ideal setting, and why it's worth the effort. She also delves into very concrete clinical advice on the basics of how to implement functional medicine psychiatry.    Dr. Achina Stein is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience and serves as the Clinical Director of the Healing Depression Project. Also a certified practitioner with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFMCP) and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Stein was awarded the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Author of the best-seller What If It's Not Depression, she explains how diet and lifestyle changes - including gut restoration and the 5R protocol - can significantly improve depression, anxiety, and mental health. In this comprehensive presentation, Dr. Stein reveals why standard psychiatric care often falls short by relying on a "silver bullet" approach, the limitations of medications, and why functional medicine offers a revolutionary path forward in psychiatry and mental health treatment.   In this episode, discover: Who benefits most from functional medicine and why it's ideal for patients open to diet and lifestyle changes. Why functional medicine analyses food diaries, bowel movements, sleep patterns, exercise, toxin and mould exposure and physical exam/gait analysis in evaluations alongside more conventional  psychiatric care. Why a diagnosis isn't always needed for treatment, and why changes to diet and lifestyle can treat conditions before they fully manifest. The link between complex chronic illness and mental health symptoms. The intrinsic connection between depression and inflammation. Other often overlooked root causes of depression and anxiety, including certain medications (e.g., Chantix, Accutane), low cholesterol, low Omega-3, low Vitamin D, thyroid issues, lupus and other autoimmune conditions, and hypoglycemia. Why antidepressants may not always improve symptoms and the potential downsides of their use. The importance of addressing infections, toxins, oxidative stress, hormone imbalances, digestive issues, blood sugar levels, and circadian rhythm in treatment. The 5R protocol (Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance) and its role in restoring gut health for better mental health. Insights from the Dr. Hyman Questionnaire on how chronic toxicity impacts mental health. Why the gut-brain axis is a crucial missing link in treating depression, the mental health risks of gut permeability (leaky gut), and the critical role of diet in maintaining gut and brain health. Ways to strengthen the gut-brain connection and increase BDNF levels through HIIT, fasting, and cold exposure for mental health benefits. The crucial role of exercise in detoxification. Top dietary recommendations for improving depression, anxiety and mental health, including foods to add (vegetables, eggs, beef, fish, quinoa, nuts, seeds, fermented foods) and foods to avoid (caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten).  

Dr. Nicole Cain is a leading expert in resolving anxiety and has helped thousands of patients break free from panic and build lasting mental wellness. In this insightful interview for the MindHealth360Show, she shares the powerful methods behind her revolutionary approach to treating anxiety.     Author of the book Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever, Dr. Cain brings a unique and multidisciplinary perspective to mental health. With a degree in clinical psychology, training in EMDR, and a license as a naturopathic physician, she incorporates medical, psychological, and holistic approaches to healing, and successfully bridges the gap between biochemical and psycho-spiritual factors to address anxiety from multiple angles.   In this compelling and complex conversation, Dr. Cain introduces the 9 distinct types of anxiety (thought anxiety, chest anxiety, gut anxiety, depressive anxiety, nervous system anxiety, anger anxiety, endocrine anxiety, trauma anxiety, and immune system anxiety), emphasising that our different experiences of anxiety require tailored treatments. She highlights the importance of identifying the root-causes of anxiety for sustainable and effective healing and reminds us that anxiety is not caused solely by a stressor, but by how we respond to it in states of sympathetic activation. She outlines her 'panic proof' strategies that focus on mind, body and soul for healing from anxiety and panic attacks, and explains why focusing on our bodies, sensation, touch and connection is so important. With real warmth and optimism, Dr. Cain reassures us that we are designed to heal, offering a message of hope: recovery from anxiety is not only possible – it's within reach.   In this episode you will learn: How anxiety and panic coexist on a spectrum, with panic at one extreme and generalised anxiety at the other. Why a trauma and biology-informed approach is essential, and how addressing both the biochemical and psycho-spiritual aspects of anxiety leads to deeper healing. Why anxiety originates in the body, and how thoughts are attached to those physical sensations – rather than the other way around. How to identify early "canary" warning signals of anxiety and why each person's experience is unique. Why we can't simply "talk" ourselves out of feeling anxious, and ways that trauma is stored in non-verbal parts of our brains, influencing anxiety in ways we might not consciously recognise. Why anxiety becomes maladaptive when it is not proportional to a threat, and ways maladaptive behaviours are those that stop you from adapting to new or difficult circumstances.  The neurophysiology of anxiety – understanding anxiety as a stress response that results from the nervous system getting "stuck" in a heightened state - and why it's rooted in the reaction, rather than in the stressor.  The root-causes of anxiety, including environmental toxins, moulds, infections, hormone, nutritional and neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences - and how these biochemical and psycho-spiritual factors interplay. The 9 types of anxiety – thought anxiety, chest anxiety, gut anxiety, depressive anxiety, nervous system anxiety, anger anxiety, endocrine anxiety, trauma anxiety, immune system anxiety – the typical symptoms of each, and how each type informs targeted treatment strategies. How the brain's salience network contributes to anxiety, and why excessive sensory stimuli (screens, social media, blue light, toxins) can trigger panic. How to shift from asking "how do I make the anxiety stop?" to "what is my body telling me I need" - and why listening to our bodies informs healing strategies.  How experiencing physical touch and building meaningful human connections play a vital role in recovery. Why asking "how can I become more of myself?" rather than "how do I fix myself?" can be a powerful tool reframes how we accept and heal from anxiety. 3 key foundational strategies that build resilience and adaptability; 1: meeting core human needs (prioritising connection, proper nutrition, hydration, warmth) 2: removing obstacles to healing (toxic relationships, unfulfilling jobs, and unhealthy environments) 3: strengthening brain/body health (herbal medicine, detoxification, micro-dosing, targeted nutrition, movement, bodywork, sauna therapy, and massage) A practical demo of the "3 minute hack" ,tips for panic attack prevention, and why self-compassion and care transform our experiences of anxiety.

In this fascinating interview, Dr. Matt Bernstein explains the groundbreaking and fast developing field of metabolic psychiatry, and outlines the ways diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors can radically transform mental health outcomes. He explains why metabolic dysfunction is  common to all manifestations of poor mental health, and why metabolic intervention can have profound benefits to all mental health disorders. Dr. Matt Bernstein is Chief Medical Officer at EllenHorn Clinic, where he pursues alternative ways to help individuals achieve their best levels of functioning and happiness without relying solely on traditional psychiatric approaches, instead focussing on metabolism, nutrition, circadian-rhythm, biology, mind-body and exercise, He is also Chief Executive Officer at Accord, a residential clinic implementing metabolic psychiatry approaches to mental health, and is  one of the leading voices in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry.  Dr. Bernstein received his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He then trained at the MGH McLean Psychiatry Residency Program, where he served as chief resident and psychiatrist-in-charge, and later as assistant medical director of its schizophrenia and bipolar inpatient programme.  In this episode, learn why metabolism and mitochondrial health is at the core of our mental health, why merely reducing symptoms is not the desired outcome, and how Dr. Matt Bernstein helps his patients function at their best and happiest in everyday life. Discover why diet is the most powerful intervention, and why behavioural choices, such as exercise, mind-body practices and circadian-rhythm alignment, deepen healing by improving metabolism.    In this episode learn about: How Dr. Matt Bernstein discovered metabolic psychiatry and why it is so effective  in treating  mental health conditions, including psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, and more. How metabolic psychiatry works without traditional psychiatric approaches, and why mainstream medicine often falls short in addressing the root-causes of mental health issues. Why the treatment goal is for patients to thrive in everyday life, rather than merely reducing symptoms. The link between metabolic dysfunction and mental health: how metabolic imbalances contribute to depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant chronic disorders. How lifestyle interventions can reverse metabolic dysfunction: the role of ketogenic diets, exercise and circadian rhythms in improving metabolic and mental health. Key data and case studies that highlight the potential of metabolic psychiatry to transform mental health, and ways evidence is beginning to reveal that metabolic treatments outperform pharmaceuticals. How improving mitochondrial function boosts neurotransmitter function, BDNF, GABA-glutamate ratio, while reducing neuroinflammation and decreasing oxidative stress. Why mitochondrial health is fuelled by ketosis, and why good mitochondrial health profoundly improves our metabolism and mental health symptoms. Ways a ketogenic diet is a 'miracle drug', and how it can cure treatment-resistant mental health disorders and reduce anxiety and depression. What a 'clean' ketogenic diet looks like: the importance of high-quality whole foods and the targeted roles of fibre, proteins, cholesterol, and fats in optimising brain health. How to reach ketosis as a vegetarian or vegan, and practical guidance for those following plant-based diets. Root causes of poor mitochondrial health: how childhood trauma, toxins, pollutants, nutrient deficiencies, ultra-processed foods, sugar, and circadian rhythm dysregulation impact metabolism and mental health. An overview of Dr. Matt Bernstein's 4-week minimum residential programme Accord, and how the programme uses diet, mind-body practices and circadian rhythm alignment to improve metabolism as the main intervention for improved mental health. Why over testing and over supplementing can become part of the problem, and is avoided in the programme. How treatment strategies are tailored to the individual: why personalised interventions require ongoing support, why the process can be challenging, but why the effort can be incredibly rewarding.