Wired for Hope

In part two of this conversation, Chuck McGee III, brain injury survivor, breathwork coach, and ACT therapist, picks up where he left off, sharing the deeply personal impact that breathwork has had on his mental health, relationships, and sense of self. He reflects honestly on moving from hyper-vigilance and reactivity to developing what he calls "a pause button," and explains how ACT principles, including defusion, naming his inner critic "Charlie," and psychological flexibility, sit alongside breathwork in his daily practice. Chuck also guides Dr Jess through two practical breathwork exercises live on the podcast, including his own "cognitive reset protocol." If you missed part one of this conversation, find the Wired for Hope podcast on your preferred player to access previous episodes.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.

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.

In this episode we explore a topic that rarely gets discussed in brain injury rehabilitation: sex, intimacy, and disability.Dr Jess is joined by two experts in this area - Bea Meadow is an award-winning somatic sexologist and retired conscious sex worker ,specialising in disability.Dr Giles Yates is a clinical neuropsychologist and couples therapist with more than 20 years' experience in sexuality-focused work after brain injury.Together, they make the case for why sexual wellbeing deserves a central place in rehabilitation, and what gets lost when it stays in the shadows.The conversation covers the complex legal landscape facing people with disabilities who wish to access sexual services in the UK, how brain injury can alter sexual desire, and the crucial topic of consent.Links:Bea Meadow: @beavermeadow_Dr Giles Yates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-giles-yeates-5b3016178/Wheel of Consent: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-wisdom-of-anger/202408/boundaries-and-the-wheel-of-consentAnna Smith Higgs burlesque performance: https://www.google.com/search?q=Anna+Smith+Higgs+burlesque+performance&oq=Anna+Smith+Higgs+burlesque+performance&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBBzY3MGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b159c48e,vid:Ij0RukixRFw,st:0Mencap – healthy and happy relationships article: https://www.mencap.org.uk/blog/consent-important 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 Dr Richard Coates, a clinical neuropsychologist, about the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - both in brain injury rehabilitation and in everyday life. Richard opens up about his own experience of using ACT skills to show up for the things that matter to him, from walking into a podcast studio with a racing heart to queuing for roller coasters with his family. Together, he and Dr Jess explore the crucial difference between acceptance and resignation, the concept of psychological flexibility, and why ACT can be particularly well-suited to people living with the realities of brain injury, where traditional cognitive restructuring can fall short. Richard reflects on the importance of bringing creativity, humour, and genuine human vulnerability into the therapy room, and reveals the founding story of ACT and the human being behind it.LINKS:The Hexaflex explained: https://positivepsychology.com/act-model/ Russ Harris Values List: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Values_Checklist_-_Russ_Harris.pdf 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 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 speaks with Aaron, a PhD researcher and mountain biker who sustained a concussion that left him with persistent symptoms affecting every aspect of his life. Aaron shares his raw experience of struggling with noise sensitivity, motion sickness, debilitating headaches, and concentration difficulties that made completing his PhD feel impossible. He discusses the isolation of having an "invisible" injury, the challenge of explaining his symptoms to friends and family, and how his identity as someone who finds meaning through active sport was completely upended. This conversation explores the intersection of ADHD, mental health, identity, neurodivergence, and mild traumatic brain injury.Aaron also introduces Heady, the app he co-founded with his concussion specialist to democratise access to evidence-based rehabilitation. Find out more about the Heady App: www.headyrehab.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. 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, Dr Jess welcomes Andrew Jenkins to the Wired for Hope podcast.Andrew survived a devastating car accident 25 years ago that left him in a coma for four weeks. He shares his raw and honest journey from silently struggling with shame, identity loss, and toxic masculinity to finding self-compassion and purpose. He discusses the turning point of meeting the surgeon who saved his life, working through 24 years of grief, and ultimately becoming a mental health advocate.Andrew offers powerful insights on the importance of involving family in your recovery, the value of lived experience working alongside professionals, and practical tools for recovery.Before we jump into the conversation with Andrew, Dr Jess explores mental health after brain injury, first examining the biological, social, and psychological factors that contribute to emotional difficulties following a brain injury. In 'What's New in Neuroscience', we examine research on the gut-brain axis and how nutrition impacts neuroinflammation and cognitive function.Links:The Gut-Brain Axis and Neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain InjuryHeadwaySubscribe 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.

In our first episode, Dr Jess speaks with Dr Alan Gray, a consultant clinical psychologist, with a specialism in neuropsychology, about the transformative power of hope in brain injury rehabilitation. We explore why hope matters for both mental and physical recovery, the surprising statistics about brain injury prevalence in the UK, and how goal-setting can foster meaningful progress. Alan explains the two key components of hope - agency and pathways - and discusses the delicate balance between maintaining realistic expectations and nurturing optimism. The conversation also touches on the vital role of family members in the recovery journey and why supporting caregivers is essential for patient wellbeing. In 'What's New in Neuroscience', we examine cutting-edge research on robotic-assisted gait training for brain injury survivors.Links:Effect of robotic-assisted gait training on functional independence measure scores in patients with acquired brain injury: retrospective study: 10.3389/fresc.2025.1575148Mark Holloway: family experience of brain injury – surviving , coping, adjusting: http://bit.ly/4nKrSH3Subscribe 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.