Wired for Hope

In this episode, Dr Jess is joined by George Evans, commissioner of supported housing and homelessness at Lewisham Council in South East London.They explore the intertwined relationship between brain injury, alcohol-related brain damage, and homelessness - a topic that remains under-recognised in both clinical and policy settings.George describes what homelessness really looks like, from the stark statistics on rough sleeping in London to the wide variety of hostel environments, and explains why the assumptions people bring to the sector can be so damaging.The discussion turns to why alcohol-related brain damage is so prominent, and yet under-diagnosed, in the homeless population, as well as touching on the reality of services that exclude people with substance misuse from neurological rehabilitation.George’s career give him a unique perspective. It has taken him from acting, to detective work with the Metropolitan Police, to the front line of homelessness services. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight.Links: StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local servicesHomeless LinkExpert‑led Online Training for Health, Social Care & Frontline Workers | AneemoSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Jess meets Chuck McGee III, also known as Iced Viking, a traumatic brain injury survivor, breathwork coach, and ACT therapist based in California. Chuck opens up about his remarkable and at times raw journey: surviving approximately 24 brain injuries across car and motorcycle accidents and years of working as a bartender in high-conflict environments, where violence became both an occupational hazard and, for a time, an addiction. He shares how a chance encounter with the Wim Hof method transformed his health, eventually leading him to retrain as a breathwork instructor and ACT practitioner. Dr Jess and Chuck explore the science behind the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, why so many of us are unknowingly overdriving our stress response through habitual mouth breathing and poor posture, and why breathwork can be a particularly accessible and powerful tool for people living with brain injury.This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight.Links: Chuck's website: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com Instagram: @icedvikingbreathworks Free weekly Zoom breathwork sessions: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.comSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psychedelic Afterglow Neuroplasticity is emerging as an exciting discovery in modern neuroscience. Research suggests that after a psychedelic experience, the brain may enter a powerful period of increased flexibility, coinciding with what is experienced as a felt afterglow effect. During this time, neuroplasticity may remain elevated, creating a unique opportunity for emotional healing, personal growth, and long-term psychological change.In this episode of Wired for Hope, Dr. Jess speaks with Henry Whitfield, a psychedelic therapist and PhD researcher at the Department of Psychopharmacology at Maastricht University, about the implications of Psychedelic Therapy Afterglow and Neuroplasticity.They explore how this window of psilocybin neuroplasticity can combine with psychotherapy for lasting effects.A key focus of this conversation is the integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a reexperiencing of psychedelic experiences. Henry explains how principles like psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and imaginal exposure (reliving with imagery) can support the therapeutic process.The discussion also dives into findings from Henry’s psychedelic mental health research, where he studied how psilocybin therapy benefits may continue for months after the initial experience, when followed by such processes.You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy may support emotional processing, trauma recovery, and long-term behavioral change.Topics explored in this episode:• The science of Neuroplasticity after psychedelics• Understanding the psychedelic afterglow effect• The role of psychedelic assisted therapy in modern mental health care• Insights from psychedelic neuroscience study findings• The benefits of psychedelic integration therapy after the experience• Psychedelic trauma therapy may stabilise emotional healing• The relationship between psychedelics and mindfulness experience• How these therapies may influence psychedelic depression treatment• The future of psychedelic psychotherapy researchHenry also shares his personal journey into the field—from discovering hypnosis at age 14 to training over 1,500 therapists worldwide.The episode explores the idea that “feeling is healing”, and how allowing emotional experiences to unfold can support deep psychological transformation.Learn more about Henry’s work and retreats:http://www.psychflex.co.ukSubscribe to Wired for Hope for more conversations about neuroscience, cognition, mental health, and psychological recovery.Hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Psychedelic Afterglow Neuroplasticity02:45 – Meet Henry Whitfield & His Research Journey05:30 – Early Interest in Psychology & Consciousness08:20 – What is Psychedelic Assisted Therapy?11:05 – Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Spectrum of Selves model14:10 – The “Feeling is Healing” Principle Explained17:00 – The Psychedelic Afterglow Effect & Brain Changes20:15 – How Psilocybin Neuroplasticity Works in the Brain23:30 – Psychological Flexibility vs Rigidity27:05 – A Naturalistic Study on Psychedelic Therapy31:20 – Preparation Before a Psychedelic Therapy Session36:10 – Integration: Why Post-Experience Therapy Matters40:25 – Psychedelic Therapy Revisiting Past Aversive Events & Emotional Processing45:10 – Long-Term Results: Depression, Anxiety & Valued Living50:00 – The Future of Psychedelic Psychotherapy Research56:33 – Final Thoughts & Closing#PsychedelicTherapy #PsilocybinTherapy #Neuroplasticity #PsychedelicAfterglow #MentalHealthResearch #PsychedelicScience #BrainHealing #PsychedelicResearch #ACTTherapy #ConsciousnessResearch #PsychedelicIntegration #MindfulnessHealing #DepressionTreatment #AnxietyRelief #NeurosciencePlease see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Jess speaks with Lucy Traynor, who was 31 when she first experienced symptoms of multiple sclerosis - a diagnosis that would take three years to confirm. Lucy shares the emotional weight of seeing her brain scan for the first time, the frustration of navigating medical systems not designed with women in mind, and how negative media portrayals of MS fuelled her initial fears about the future. She discusses the challenge of balancing fertility plans with treatment decisions, the isolation of invisible disability, and how panic attacks became worse than physical symptoms. Lucy also reveals what helped her thrive: mindfulness, running marathons, painting, and consciously choosing positivity. Useful links:MS-UK: https://ms-uk.org/Professor G’s blog: https://ms-selfie.blog/Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by ⁠Anthony Zahra⁠Music Credit: ⁠SigmaMusicArt⁠DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• ⁠Headway⁠ – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Jess explores mild traumatic brain injury and sports-related concussion with world-renowned neuropsychologist Dr Nigel King. Although most people recover from mild brain injury within weeks, a small percentage develop persistent post-concussion symptoms that can last months or years. Nigel explains the complex interplay between subtle brain injury and psychological factors like anxiety, PTSD, and stress that can mimic or exacerbate symptoms. The conversation traces the history of concussion research, from dismissing persistent symptoms as "purely psychological" to the current landscape shaped by CTE discoveries in professional athletes. Nigel shares insights on return-to-play protocols, the importance of metabolic recovery beyond symptom resolution, and how public perception of concussion has shifted dramatically.Links:Overcoming Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussion Symptoms: https://overcoming.co.uk/614/Overcoming-Mild-Traumatic-Brain-Injury-And-Post-Concussion-Symptoms---KingHead injury, concussion and return to activity and sport – adults: https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/ny0b5exs/head-injury-concussion-and-return-to-activity-and-sport-adult-_jun24.pdfSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Wired for Hope podcast, Dr Jess speaks with Dr Phil Butler, a social worker and researcher who completed her PhD on the lived experiences of mothers with acquired brain injury. Phil discusses her groundbreaking research using feminist disability theory to explore why parents with ABI, particularly mothers, have been largely overlooked in the literature, with most studies focusing on child protection rather than parental wellbeing. She shares powerful insights from her cooperative inquiry group, where mothers moved from guilt and shame to self-compassion and advocacy. The conversation explores concepts such as interdependence, the "misfit" identity, and practical recommendations for healthcare services. In 'What's New in Neuroscience', we examine research on nature-based interventions for brain injury recovery and reflect on the complex ethics of VR nature simulations.Links:Mothers with Acquired Brain Injury (Including Stroke) - Best practice considerations for the health serviceNature-based interventions and nature interaction for people with acquired brain injury: A systematic scoping reviewHeadwaySubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Wired for Hope, where we explore the brain, behaviour, and mental health with people who have lived with brain injury and those who have studied it.I'm Dr. Jess, an NHS clinical psychologist in the UK, university lecturer, and published author, passionate about making neuroscience more accessible.We’ll explore a range of topics from sports related concussion, to feminist perspectives on disability, and mental health and identity.We’ll also shine a light on some of the latest research from around the world, in our regular feature ‘what’s new in neuroscience’.Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.