THINK SHIFT with Mantazh

When Dr. Kevin Tran learned he carried two copies of the APOE4 gene — putting him in the top 1% of Alzheimer’s risk — he refused to accept his genetic fate. Instead, he made it his mission to help others rewrite their brain health story.In this episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Tran about:• The science behind APOE testing and what genetic risk really means• Lifestyle interventions that can protect your brain — even with high-risk genes• The role of sleep, movement, and gut health in cognitive longevity• How mindset and stress reframe our relationship with aging and disease• The power of community in prevention and healingActionable Takeaways:– Understand your risk, but don’t let it define you– Prioritize restorative sleep and anti-inflammatory nutrition– Move daily: aerobic + coordination exercises build brain reserve– Practice mindfulness to reduce fear and improve cognitive resilience– Build a community of support — connection protects cognitionGuest: Dr. Kevin Tran — Founder, The Phoenix CommunityHost: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS👉 If this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share to support more meaningful conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living.#Brain #ThinkShift #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Genetics #APOE4 #CognitiveHealth #Longevity #Neuroplasticity #MindsetMatters #LifestyleMedicine #Neuroscience #MentalResilience #DementiaPrevention #BrainLongevity #healthoptimization

What does mindfulness really mean—beyond the buzzwords and meditation apps?In this episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Tsewang Norbu Vivek, a former monk from Ladakh and founder of Dama House, to rediscover mindfulness through its original purpose—awareness, compassion, and presence. Drawing from years of monastic practice, Vivek reveals how mindfulness isn’t about escaping thought or “emptying the mind,” but about being fully awake in every moment. Together, they explore how to live mindfully in the modern world, manage emotions through awareness, and reconnect with a sense of calm that comes from clarity, not control.You’ll learn:What true mindfulness means (and how it differs from relaxation)Simple ways to practice mindfulness in daily lifeHow to manage anxiety, anger, or sadness through awarenessThe one principle that keeps mindfulness grounded in compassion👉 If this conversation sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share the podcast to support more meaningful content on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living.#thinkShift #mindfulness #Meditation #Compassion #Awareness #Presence #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #EmotionalHealth #Consciousness #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #brain #braintraining

What does your brain say about you?In this special episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, as they walk through a live qEEG brain scan and discuss what it really reveals.Santiago explains how brain mapping exposes hidden patterns in focus, mood, and stress — and how neurofeedback trains the brain to rebalance itself. Together, they unpack the promise and misconceptions of this growing field and explore how self-awareness is still the most powerful tool for change.Actionable Takeaways– Consider qEEG mapping if you want personalized insight into your brain health.– Use neurofeedback as a training method, not a quick fix.– Monitor your progress through focus, sleep, and energy changes.– Reinforce results with sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness.– Technology can guide you — but your awareness creates lasting change.Guest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied NeuroscienceHost: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS👉 If this episode made you rethink what your brain can do, follow, rate, and share to support more science-based conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance.#thinkShift #BrainMapping #Neurofeedback #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #Focus #Stress #Neuroplasticity #CognitivePerformance #Mindfulness #Neurotech #SelfAwareness #EEG #qEEG #MindLab

Your thoughts, emotions, and focus are all shaped by your brain’s invisible electrical rhythms — your brainwaves.In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, to decode what brainwaves really are and how they shape our daily lives.From creativity to anxiety, Santiago reveals how we can train our own brainwave patterns for better focus, emotional balance, and mental performance.Actionable Takeaways:– Use mindful breathing to slow down overactive beta waves– Prioritize sleep to restore delta and theta rhythms– Create mental “recovery” moments during busy days– Experiment with meditation or sound to reach alpha flow– Think of brainwave training as fitness for your mindGuest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied NeuroscienceHost: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS👉 Follow, rate, and share to support more science-backed insights on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance.Hashtags#ThinkShift #Brainwaves #Neuroscience #Focus #Mindfulness #PeakPerformance #CognitiveHealth #Neuroplasticity #StressResilience #Neurofeedback

Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar was among the first to prove that mindfulness changes the brain. Her research shows meditation can increase grey matter, strengthen memory & attention, and even shrink the amygdala, the stress center.In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna explores how mindfulness boosts emotional regulation, resilience, and cognitive health—with real insights on what works, what’s hype, and how to start.Takeaways:8 weeks of practice can create measurable brain changesMindfulness helps you react less, recover faster, and think more clearlyMeditation may slow age-related brain declineGuest: Dr. Sara Lazar (Harvard Medical School, MGH)Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain & Wellness Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MSIf you enjoyed this podcast, please follow, rate, and share to support the show!#ThinkShift #Mindfulness #Meditation #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #StressRelief #AnxietySupport #CognitivePerformance #Longevity #HarvardResearch

What if learning was the ultimate workout for your brain?In this episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Teo Wei Peng, Associate Professor and Center Director at Alexandra Hospital, about what really happens in the brain when we learn—and how to use that knowledge to keep our minds sharp for life.They explore the neuroscience of learning, why curiosity boosts memory, and how repetition, feedback, and even moderate stress can accelerate learning. Dr. Teo shares actionable ways to strengthen cognitive resilience and explains why continuous learning is the key to long-term brain health and longevity.Actionable TakeawaysKeep learning new skills to stimulate neuroplasticityAdd variety and novelty to strengthen memory networksWrite by hand to reinforce understandingBalance challenge with rest—too much stress blocks learningReflect and self-evaluate to deepen retentionIf this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share Think Shift to support more conversations on neuroscience, learning, and the mind–body connection.#ThinkShift #Learning #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #Memory #Mindfulness #LifelongLearning #Focus #Curiosity #CognitivePerformance

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s brain maintenance.In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Simon Smith, a clinical psychologist and sleep scientist at the University of Queensland, about what really happens in the brain during sleep and why quality matters more than quantity.They unpack circadian rhythms, blue light, caffeine, alcohol, and sleep trackers — cutting through the noise to share what the latest science actually says about restorative rest.You’ll learn:What your brain does while you sleepWhy 8 hours isn’t enough if the quality is poorThe truth about blue light, caffeine, and alcoholHow consistency builds better sleep hygieneWhen to seek help for chronic sleep issuesActionable takeaways:Keep a consistent routine, get morning light, dim screens before bed, and track how you feel, not just what your device says.Guest: Dr. Simon Smith — Clinical Psychologist & Sleep ScientistHost: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS#ThinkShift #SleepScience #BrainHealth #CircadianRhythm #RestorativeSleep #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #SleepBetter #MindBodyMedicine #HealthyLiving

What if learning was the ultimate workout for your brain's longevity?In this episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Teo Wei Peng, Associate Professor and Center Director at Alexandra Hospital, about what really happens in the brain when we learn—and how to use that knowledge to keep our mind sharp for life.They explore the neuroscience of learning, why curiosity boosts memory, and how repetition, feedback, and even moderate stress can accelerate learning. Dr. Teo shares actionable ways to strengthen cognitive resilience and explains why continuous learning is the key to long-term brain health and longevity.Actionable TakeawaysKeep learning new skills to stimulate neuroplasticityAdd variety and novelty to strengthen memory networksWrite by hand to reinforce understandingBalance challenge with rest—too much stress blocks learningReflect and self-evaluate to deepen retentionIf this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share THINK SHIFT to support more conversations on neuroscience, learning, and the mind–body connection.#ThinkShift #Learning #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #Memory #Mindfulness #LifelongLearning #Focus #Curiosity #CognitivePerformance

Your gut talks to your brain—constantly. In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna and functional medicine coach Jo Brownlow demystify the gut–brain axis and why problems like brain fog, anxiety, low mood, and poor sleep often start in the microbiome. We cover the vagus nerve, serotonin made in the gut, what GI-MAP and SIBO testing reveal, and the practical protocol Jo uses with clients: remove → replace → (re)inoculate → restore → rebalance.Takeaways: eating hygiene, fiber diversity, omega-3s, when to be cautious with fermented foods/histamine, and simple daily habits to reclaim mental clarity.Guest: Jo Brownlow (Functional Medicine Health Coach)Host: Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS)Follow & review to support the show, and share this episode with someone who needs a gut-level reset.#ThinkShift #GutBrainConnection #Microbiome #BrainFog #Anxiety #FunctionalMedicine #VagusNerve #SIBO #GIMap #GutHealth #MentalClarity #Sleep #Stress #Mantazh

We make thousands of choices every day—but science shows our brains have a limited capacity for quality decisions. Enter decision fatigue: the silent saboteur behind poor judgment, procrastination, and burnout.In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Shawn Watson, Neuroscientist and Founder of Senescence Life Sciences, to unpack:1. What decision fatigue really is (and why it’s not just mental tiredness).2. The neuroscience behind why your brain defaults to “safe” or poor choices.3. How stress, emotions, and multitasking accelerate the problem.4. Practical strategies to beat it—decision lists, mindfulness, sleep, and smarter routines.Whether you’re a leader, student, parent, or simply curious about brain health, this episode will give you the tools to make better choices, conserve mental energy, and thrive in a decision-dense world.If you enjoyed this podcast or found this episode useful, please follow, rate, and share to support the show!#ThinkShift #DecisionFatigue #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #MentalPerformance #CognitiveScience #Mindfulness #PeakPerformance #Wellbeing #Leadership #Podcast #season1

What if your workout could upgrade your focus, memory, and reaction time—not just your body? In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Anna Milani, founder of SPARKD, to unpack brain–body fitness and why dual-task training (moving + thinking together) is a game-changer for healthy aging, cognitive performance, and everyday resilience.We explore how neurotechnology, reaction lights, balance boards, and adaptive drills train four core cognitive domains (processing speed, memory, executive function, visuospatial skills) while improving strength, cardio (VO₂ max), and coordination. Expect practical ways to start at home, how to build cognitive reserve, and why consistency (2–3 months) matters.#ThinkShift #BrainBodyFitness #DualTaskTraining #CognitiveReserve #Neuroplasticity #Longevity #ReactionTime #ExecutiveFunction #Singapore #SPARKD

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s brain maintenance.In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Simon Smith, a clinical psychologist and sleep scientist at the University of Queensland, about what really happens in the brain during sleep and why quality matters more than quantity.They unpack circadian rhythms, blue light, caffeine, alcohol, and sleep trackers — cutting through the noise to share what the latest science actually says about restorative rest.You’ll learn:What your brain does while you sleepWhy 8 hours isn’t enough if the quality is poorThe truth about blue light, caffeine, and alcoholHow consistency builds better sleep hygieneWhen to seek help for chronic sleep issuesActionable Takeaways:Keep a consistent routine, get morning light, dim screens before bed, and track how you feel, not just what your device says.Guest: Dr. Simon Smith — Clinical Psychologist & Sleep ScientistHost: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS#ThinkShift #SleepScience #BrainHealth #CircadianRhythm #RestorativeSleep #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #SleepBetter #MindBodyMedicine #HealthyLiving #Mantazh

Your gut talks to your brain—constantly. In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna and functional medicine coach Jo Brownlow demystify the gut–brain axis and why problems like brain fog, anxiety, low mood, and poor sleep often start in the microbiome. We cover the vagus nerve, serotonin made in the gut, what GI-MAP and SIBO testing reveal, and the practical protocol Jo uses with clients: remove → replace → (re)inoculate → restore → rebalance.Takeaways: eating hygiene, fiber diversity, omega-3s, when to be cautious with fermented foods/histamine, and simple daily habits to reclaim mental clarity.Guest: Jo Brownlow (Functional Medicine Health Coach)Host: Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS)Follow & review to support the show, and share this episode with someone who needs a gut-level reset.#ThinkShift #GutBrainConnection #Microbiome #BrainFog #Anxiety #FunctionalMedicine #VagusNerve #SIBO #GIMap #GutHealth #MentalClarity #Sleep #Stress #Mantazh

Can a workout sharpen your focus, memory, and reaction time? In this Think Shift episode, Mantazh Khanna talks to Anna Milani, founder of SPARKD, about brain–body fitness—using dual-task training to build neuroplasticity, BDNF, and cognitive reserve. We cover how SPARKD’s assessments and drills target processing speed, memory, executive function, and visuospatial skills—plus simple at-home ways to start (no fancy gear needed).You’ll learn:• Why dual-tasking (move + think) beats multitasking for brain gains• How movement protects the aging brain and boosts everyday performance• What to expect in 2–3 months with consistent trainingGuest: Anna Milani (SPARKD) Host: Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS)Follow, rate, and share if this episode helped you think differently about fitness.Tags/Hashtags:#ThinkShift #BrainBodyFitness #DualTaskTraining #CognitiveReserve #Neuroplasticity #Longevity #ReactionTime #ExecutiveFunction #Singapore #SPARKD

We make thousands of choices every day—but science shows our brains have a limited capacity for quality decisions. Enter decision fatigue: the silent saboteur behind poor judgment, procrastination, and burnout.In this episode of THINK SHIFT, host Mantazh Khanna (Cognitive Trainer, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Shawn Watson, neuroscientist and founder of Senescence Life Sciences, to unpack:What decision fatigue really is (and why it’s not just mental tiredness).The neuroscience behind why your brain defaults to “safe” or poor choices.How stress, emotions, and multitasking accelerate the problem.Practical strategies to beat it—decision lists, mindfulness, sleep, and smarter routines.Whether you’re a leader, student, parent, or simply curious about brain health, this episode will give you the tools to make better choices, conserve mental energy, and thrive in a decision-dense world.If you enjoyed this podcast or found this episode useful, please follow, rate, and share to support the show!#ThinkShift #DecisionFatigue #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #MentalPerformance #CognitiveScience #Mindfulness #PeakPerformance #Wellbeing #Leadership #SEA #Podcast