PODCAST · health
The Write Brain
by Ellis Melillo
The Write Brain is a podcast that explores the intersection of mental health and the music industry. Hosted by singer/songwriter Ellis Melillo and functional neurologist Dr. Robert Melillo, each episode features intimate conversations with musical artists about their mental health journeys. With insights from Dr. Melillo on brain health and Ellis' personal experiences, the show uncovers the challenges musicians face in balancing creativity, performance, and well-being. Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, healing, and creative expression.
Episodes
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Mod Sun: Why Believing in Yourself Changes Everything
Welcome back to The Write Brain podcast. This week we're joined by musician, author, and creative visionary Mod Sun for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. From growing up on a farm in Minnesota to becoming a platinum-selling artist, Mod Sun shares the mindset that helped him overcome...
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Red Light Therapy Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
In this episode, we’re talking about red light therapy, lasers, brain stimulation, autism research, and why it matters so much to understand how these tools are actually being used. Dr. Robert Melillo discusses research from his lab involving low-level laser therapy and autism, and explains why...
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Cassidy Daniels on The Road, Resilience & Country Music
This week we have our friend Cassidy Daniels on the pod, and we are so excited for you to hear this one. Cassidy is an incredible singer-songwriter who you may recognize from Dutton Ranch, where she performed her song “Heartshaped Necklace.” We talk about that experience, the power of music...
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Movement Is Medicine for the Brain
After a little break, we’re back — and this week we’re talking about the connection between movement, mental health, brain development, and overall wellness. In this episode, Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo discuss why physical activity is so important for the brain, especially in childhood, and how...
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Pathological Demand Avoidance Explained
In this episode, we’re talking about pathological demand avoidance and task avoidance — what they look like, why they get confused, and what may actually be happening in the brain. A lot of people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not always the same thing. We get into: What...
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (Why Everything Feels So Personal)
In this episode, we’re talking about something so many people struggle with but don’t fully understand: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). If you’ve ever: Taken criticism really hard Felt like one comment ruined your entire week Constantly worried people are mad at you Needed reassurance in...
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Sydnee Washington on Comedy, Confidence & Chaos
This week we have our friend Sydnee Washington on the pod, and this episode is everything we hoped it would be: hilarious, honest, chaotic, vulnerable, and completely unforgettable. Sydnee is currently on tour with her show My Black Barbie Story, and while she was in Nashville, we got to sit down...
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Autism, the Right Brain & Neurodivergence Explained
Welcome back to The Write Brain podcast. With Autism Awareness Month approaching in April — and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd — we wanted to create an episode that gives a clear, big-picture understanding of autism and neurodivergence. There is so much confusion around autism today.…
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Sadie Bass on ADHD, Creativity & the Right Brain
In this episode, we sit down with country artist Sadie Bass to talk about her new single “F You, I’m ADHD” — and the deeper reality behind what ADHD actually feels like. This conversation goes way beyond the label. We get into: • The difference between ADD vs ADHD (and why it matters) • Right…
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The Technology Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About
In this episode we talk about a growing concern researchers are starting to notice around the world: For the first time in recorded history, a generation may be declining on certain cognitive measures compared to their parents. Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath has pointed to a...
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Assume Competence: The Truth About Non-Speaking Autism
In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we dive into one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in autism: What if non-speaking autistic individuals understand everything? Dr. Robert Melillo shares 35 years of neuroscience research and clinical experience working with children and...
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Are Psychic Abilities Genetic? The Science Behind Intuition
This episode starts with a birthday month conversation… and somehow ends with chromosome 7, universal consciousness, autism, astral projection, and mushroom chocolate. We’re diving into something that sounds “woo” — but may actually have scientific grounding. In this episode, we explore: •...
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Abby Anderson: Why Creative People Feel Everything So Deeply
Abby Anderson joins The Write Brain podcast for a raw, honest conversation about creativity, anxiety, control, and what it really means to be gifted. In this episode, Abby opens up about: Growing up feeling “too sensitive” Why creative people struggle with anxiety and self-doubt The neuroscience...
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The Truth About Memory, Anxiety & Forgetting
Memory isn’t what most people think it is. In this episode of The Write Brain podcast, Ellis and her dad dive into how memory actually works — and why so many creative, right-brained people feel like they “don’t remember anything.” We talk about: The difference between right brain and left brain...
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Steve Astephen | Entrepreneurship, Identity, and the Right Brain Mind
In this episode of The Write Brain podcast, we sit down with Stephen Astephen, founder of The Familie, a sports and music management agency, to talk about right brain entrepreneurship, dyslexia, insecurity, and vision. Steve shares his story — struggling in school, growing up with instability,...
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Why Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and “Bad Students” Think the Same Way
In this first episode of the year, we’re talking about manifestation, identity, and the right brain way of creating a life. We dive into why so many creatives, entrepreneurs, and big-picture thinkers struggled in traditional school systems — and how those same traits often become their greatest...
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Creativity, Shame, and Telling the Truth Anyway
This week on The Write Brain, we sit down with for a real, unfiltered conversation about creativity, childhood, and what it means to be honest in your work. We talk about growing up, school, family dynamics, and the early signs of feeling different — long before there was language for it. The...
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Dallas Alexander: Country Music, Combat & Consciousness
In this episode of The Write Brain podcast, we sit down with Dallas Alexander — world-record-holding sniper, country music artist, and devoted father. Dallas opens up about his military career, losing his brother to cancer, and the unexpected healing he experienced through music and psilocybin.…
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Johnathon Schaech: What Healing Actually Looks Like
This might be one of the most vulnerable episodes we’ve ever done. Today on The Write Brain podcast, we sit down with actor Johnathon Schaech to talk about dyslexia, shame, Hollywood, sexual abuse, addiction, and what real healing has looked like for him. Johnathon opens up about growing up as a...
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Not Just ‘In Your Head’: Real Tools to Rewire Your Brain
We finally did it — after 50 episodes, we’re revealing The Right Brain Box. This is the kit we’ve spent years talking about, experimenting with, and using in real life… and now we’re putting it into one place so anyone can start balancing their brain at home. In this episode, Ellis and Dr. Robert...
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Inside Consciousness: Brain Waves, Memories & Alternate Realities
What is consciousness, really — and how does your brain build your reality? In this episode of The Write Brain podcast, Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo dive into the trippy but practical side of consciousness: how your brain stitches together sight, sound, memory, and emotion into a “movie” of your...
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Tune Your Brain: The Science of Sound & Mood
Can sound actually balance your brain? In this episode, Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo break down the science of sound: high vs. low frequencies, why one ear can stimulate the opposite hemisphere, bone-conduction hacks, and how music choice (yes, even Mozart vs. jazz) can shift mood, focus…
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Bonner Black: Brain Balancing & Bird Watching
In this episode of The Write Brain podcast, Ellis and Dr. Melillo sit down with singer-songwriter and viral bird-watcher Bonner Black to talk about ADHD, maladaptive daydreaming, and the brutal emotional comedown after big performances and life wins. Bonner opens up about panic attacks…
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Color, Light & Your Brain: What Really Works
Ellis and Dr. Melillo go deep on COLOR & LIGHT—how different wavelengths (red/orange/yellow vs. blue/indigo/violet) nudge left/right brain networks, impact reading, focus, anxiety, and even motion sensitivity. We cover practical tools (tinted & hemifield lenses, flashing-light glasses) and why…
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Brain–Gut Truths (No Fads, Just Facts)
From Nashville writer rounds to the science of the brain–gut loop, Ellis and Dr. Melillo unpack why there’s no one-size-fits-all diet—and how to tell what YOUR body actually needs. We dig into food sensitivities (what blood tests really measure), “leaky gut” (and why it actually begins in…
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Understanding Vertigo, Motion Sickness & Balance
Ever felt the room spin, gotten car sick, or had that wobbly “boat” feeling out of nowhere? In this episode, we break down the three different kinds of dizziness — and why it matters. Vertigo, motion sickness, and lightheadedness come from different systems in the brain, and knowing which one...
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Kylie Frey on Music, Motherhood & Nerves
Country artist Kylie Frey joins us to talk rodeo roots, panic attacks, songwriting as therapy, and her new duet with Randall King—plus the upcoming EP Half a Mind (out Oct 23). We get into right- vs left-brain creativity, mom life, and why a horse can be the best therapist. 🎵 Kylie Frey – “Half…
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What Autism Really Is (and Isn’t): A Functional Neurology Deep Dive
In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo unpack one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in the world of child development and mental health: autism. With headlines circulating about Tylenol use during pregnancy, they dive deep into the real science...
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Stuttering, Tourette’s & OCD: What Your Brain Is Trying to Tell You
Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo explore the neurological roots of stuttering, Tourette’s, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and what it really means to have a “right-brain imbalance.” In this episode: The real reason why some people stutter — and why singing can stop it Left vs. right-brain OCD (yes, there’s…
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Danae Hays on OCD, Identity, and the Healing Power of Humor
In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we sit down with comedian and artist Danae Hays for a vulnerable, insightful, and unforgettable conversation about brain health, trauma, and identity. Danae opens up about her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder, childhood trauma, and coming…
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Why Chiropractic Works (and Why It’s So Misunderstood)
In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we explore the deeper science and philosophy behind chiropractic care and its foundational role in brain development and functional neurology. After Ellis receives a live chiropractic adjustment from her father, Dr. Robert Melillo, the two delve into…
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Jenn Cooke: Hypothyroidism, Acting, and Healing
Actress and singer Jen Cooke opens up about her decade-long health spiral—weight changes, fatigue, anxiety, “ADHD” labels, liver enzyme scares, stopping meds—and how a hypothyroidism diagnosis (and the right support) helped her rebuild energy, creativity, and life. Dr. Robert breaks down the...
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Tune Your Brain: QEEG, Neurofeedback, and Real-World Calm
We get nerdy—in a good way. What is QEEG? How does neurofeedback actually work? Dr. Rob shares the history (from Hans Berger to hospital EEGs), why brain rhythms (delta → gamma) matter, and how timing/synchrony between networks shapes attention, anxiety, creativity, and sleep. Ellis adds lived...
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Callum Kerr: Music, TV, and the Art of Starting
Callum Kerr joins Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo to jam on creativity, anxiety, and growth—from Scottish roots to Nashville stages and TV sets. We get into why “fast glasses” are a personality trait, how acting taught him to handle rejection, singing American country with a Scottish heart, playing...
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The Hidden Roots of Procrastination: Fear, Avoidance & Finding Motivation
In this candid and vulnerable episode of The Write Brain, Ellis and Dr. Melillo dive deep into the often misunderstood world of procrastination and task avoidance. Through personal stories, neuroscience insights, and compassionate accountability, they explore why starting something — no matter…
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Neurotransmitters and The Truth About Chemical Imbalances
In this episode of The Write Brain podcast we explore the myths surrounding chemical imbalances in the brain and discover the reality of neurotransmitters, brain function, and effective mental health solutions. Learn about dopamine, serotonin, and the impact of medication on brain activity versus...
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Chasing Dreams and Overcoming Dyslexia with Roman Alexander
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, Roman Alexander joins to discuss his latest music releases, overcoming personal challenges, and the impact of right-brain dominance. We touch upon Roman's musical beginnings, his struggle with dyslexia, the effects of concussions, and how he deals with...
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Overcoming Anxiety and Right Brain Dominance
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we explore Ellis' personal battle with anxiety, the impacts of an imbalanced right-brain dominance, and the importance of creating mental routines. Dr. Melillo provides scientific insights on neurological imbalances. The conversation also dives into the...
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From Stage Fright to Spotlight: Emma Zinck's Musical Journey
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we have Emma Zinck, acclaimed as one of the world's best female guitarists, we delve into Emma's background, her musical inspirations, and personal struggles. We explore her upbringing in Virginia, experiences with anxiety, overcoming stage fright, and...
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Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny (Secrets of Epigenetics)
In this conversation, Ellis and Dr. Melillo dive into the fascinating world of epigenetics, discussing how genes are not fixed determinants of our health and behavior. They explore common misconceptions about genetics, the significant role of environmental factors in gene expression, and the...
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Inside the Creative Mind: Taylor John Smith on Acting and Growth
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, actor Taylor John Smith shares his journey from growing up with dreams of being a soldier to becoming a Hollywood actor. He discusses his childhood in Virginia, the moment he discovered acting, and the challenges he faced along the way. Taylor also…
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The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) on Mental and Physical Health
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we delve into the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on brain development, mental health, and physical health. We discuss the history of ACEs research, the ten identified childhood experiences, and their long-term effects on...
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Voices of Resilience: A Musical Journey with Thunderstorm Artis
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast we dive deep into the extraordinary life of Thunderstorm Artis, a talented musician known from American Idol. From growing up in Hawaii with 10 siblings, facing homelessness, to nearly taking his own life, Thunderstorm opens up about his struggles,...
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Exploring Primitive Reflexes: The Key to Addressing Mental Health Challenges
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of primitive reflexes and their vital role in human brain development. Learn about the various reflexes, their significance, and how they can affect mental health from childhood to adulthood. We also touch on the...
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Overcoming Creative Blocks with Tyler Ward
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, Tyler Ward, YouTuber and creator of Song House, discusses his life journey, including insights from his unique childhood, his experience at the Air Force Academy, and his success on YouTube. The conversation delves into the differences between right and...
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Eating Disorders and Self-Perception
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we engage in a heartfelt and open discussion about eating disorders and body image issues, inspired by a friend's story. The conversation delves into the challenges of being vulnerable, the impact of being highly in tune with one's body, and the...
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Finding Freedom Through Music with Emmy Russell
On this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we welcome Emmy Russell, a former American Idol contestant, and talented singer-songwriter. Emmy shares her personal journey from childhood to her music career, discussing her struggles with eating disorders, the impact of family, and the challenges and...
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Interoception Insights: Feelings From Within
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we delve into the concept of interoception—the ability to sense internal body signals. We discuss its developmental importance, how it influences emotional and physical sensations, and its relation to right brain dominance. Key insights include how...
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Balancing the Brain: Overcoming Neurodivergent Challenges
In this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we discuss personal experiences with neurodivergence, including anxiety and OCD. We explore how these conditions impact daily life and the importance of recognizing and addressing imbalances in the brain. Practical solutions like red light therapy and...
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The Power of Manifestation: Creating Your Reality
On this episode of the Write Brain Podcast, we delve into the powerful concept of manifestation. Broadcasting amidst the excitement of a tornado, we explore personal stories and scientific insights into how you can create your desired reality through focused intention, writing, and visualization....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Write Brain is a podcast that explores the intersection of mental health and the music industry. Hosted by singer/songwriter Ellis Melillo and functional neurologist Dr. Robert Melillo, each episode features intimate conversations with musical artists about their mental health journeys. With insights from Dr. Melillo on brain health and Ellis' personal experiences, the show uncovers the challenges musicians face in balancing creativity, performance, and well-being. Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, healing, and creative expression.
HOSTED BY
Ellis Melillo
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Write Brain have?
The Write Brain currently has 67 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Write Brain about?
The Write Brain is a podcast that explores the intersection of mental health and the music industry. Hosted by singer/songwriter Ellis Melillo and functional neurologist Dr. Robert Melillo, each episode features intimate conversations with musical artists about their mental health journeys. With...
How often does The Write Brain release new episodes?
The Write Brain is no longer actively publishing new episodes, but the existing catalog remains available.
Where can I listen to The Write Brain?
You can listen to The Write Brain on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening.
Who hosts The Write Brain?
The Write Brain is created and hosted by Ellis Melillo.
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