Welcome to The Neurostimulation Podcast — a deep dive into the expanding frontier of interventional mental health.
Hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore, a psychiatrist specializing in neurostimulation and geriatric mental health, this show explores how cutting-edge interventions — from non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS, and beyond) to ketamine-assisted psychotherapy — are reshaping the landscape of modern psychiatry and neuroscience.
Each episode bridges science, clinical experience, and human insight, featuring thought leaders and innovators who are redefining how we understand and treat the mind.
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, student, or simply fascinated by the brain, you’ll discover practical knowledge, fresh ideas, and inspiring conversations that illuminate the evolving art and science of mental health care.
Subscribe for episodes that stimulate your mind, deepen your understanding, and connect you to the future of brain-based healing.
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From Molecules to Meaning: A Scientist's Journey Through Neuroscience and Ancient Wisdom with Dr. José Ángel Moreno Cabezuelo - #42 - Feb 28, 2026
Saison 1 · Épisode 42
dimanche 1 mars 2026 • Durée 49:12
From Molecules to Meaning: A Scientist's Journey Through Neuroscience and Ancient Wisdom with Dr. José Ángel Moreno Cabezuelo - #42Episode Summary
In this fascinating episode, Dr. José Ángel Moreno Cabezuelo—molecular biologist, genetic engineering lead at CyanoCapture, and author of "Heartbeats of Consciousness"—shares his unique journey from studying cyanobacteria to exploring the intersection of neuroscience, ancient philosophy, and human consciousness. This conversation bridges hardcore science with timeless wisdom, offering practical insights for living with greater presence, purpose, and meaning.
Show Notes with Timestamps
[00:00 - 10:04] Opening & Pre-show conversation (can be trimmed)
[10:04 - 01:41] Introduction to the Neurostimulation Podcast
Welcome and podcast mission
Information about educational purposes and medical disclaimer
[01:51 - 03:25] Introducing Dr. José Moreno
Background in molecular biology and genetic engineering at CyanoCapture, Oxford
Published work in Plant Physiology, Microbiology Spectrum, Current Opinion in Microbiology
Introduction to his book "Heartbeats of Consciousness"
[03:25 - 08:11] Dr. Moreno's Scientific Journey
Working with cyanobacteria since 2016
The surprising fact: half of Earth's oxygen comes from ocean organisms, not forests
Moving from Spain to the UK to develop genetic engineering toolbox
Current work producing insulin and other compounds in cyanobacteria
[08:11 - 13:27] The Birth of "Heartbeats of Consciousness"
The gap between knowing how life works and knowing how to live well
Why current books force a choice between rigorous science and engaging storytelling
Creating a hybrid: fiction with scientific rigor
The heartbeat exercise: feeling the invisible protagonist of life
[13:27 - 16:31] The Characters: Fania and Paula
Fania's story: trauma, resilience, and becoming "antifragile"
Connect: Links to Dr. Moreno's social media and content in episode description
The Neurostimulation Podcast explores the fascinating world of neuroscience, clinical neurostimulation, and evidence-based interventional mental health. Hosted by Dr. Michael Passmore.
Living Life on Hard Mode: Understanding ADHD and Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum - #41- Feb 14, 2026
Saison 1 · Épisode 41
samedi 14 février 2026 • Durée 49:54
Title:
"Thriving with ADHD: Understanding Neurodivergence with Kit Slocum"
Show Notes:
In this episode, I sit down with Kit Slocum, Neurodiversity Lead and Learning Experience Designer at FLOWN, to explore ADHD, neurodivergence, and what it really means to design work and lives that support attention rather than assault it.
Kit brings a unique combination of academic training in behavioral neuroscience, lived experience with ADHD, and years of coaching neurodivergent professionals worldwide. We discuss why distraction isn't a moral failing, how our nervous systems respond to modern overstimulation, and practical tools for regulation and focus.
Key Topics:
The "life on hard mode" experience of neurodivergence
Why focus is a nervous system issue, not a willpower problem
The Energy Regulation Matrix tool for managing burnout
Shame, masking, and late-stage ADHD diagnosis
Finding vocational alignment with neurodivergent traits
The neurodiversity paradigm vs. the pathology paradigm
Parallels between ADHD coaching and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
Energy Regulation Matrix tool https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FIiYB9Nd-LXi-eoMyRxApsRC594MPqwD/view?usp=sharing
Energy Regulation How-To https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjX6yTaC9ZbBhFW3burM5cu6wwoLeWSQ/view?usp=sharing
Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life - Dr. Dana Cowles - Feb 7, 2026 - #40
Saison 1 · Épisode 40
samedi 7 février 2026 • Durée 01:02:57
Episode Title
Fear, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Meaning: An Emergency Medicine Physician's Philosophy on Life
Guest
Dr. Dana Cowles - Board-certified emergency medicine physician with dual academic background in biology and philosophy
Episode Summary
Dr. Dana Cowles shares his unique perspective on fear, trauma, and finding purpose through his experiences in emergency medicine and philosophy. From surviving a traumatic car accident at age 12 to working the front lines in emergency rooms, Dr. Cowles challenges conventional wisdom about happiness and offers a compelling framework for building resilience through purpose rather than comfort.
Key Topics Discussed
Personal Trauma & Transformation
Surviving a serious car accident at age 12 that shaped his worldview
How trauma taught him that helplessness, not fear, is the real enemy
The importance of building skillsets throughout life to face uncertainty
Three Types of Fear
Anticipatory Fear (the "what ifs") - Requires making a plan and trusting it
Contemporary Fear (immediate crisis) - Demands slowing down and paying attention
Retrospective Fear (PTSD) - Needs reframing into prospective planning
Emergency Medicine Insights
The reality of ER work vs. TV portrayals
Risk stratification over definitive diagnosis
The mantra: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" (borrowed from aviation)
From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Jan 17, 2026 - #39
Saison 1 · Épisode 39
samedi 17 janvier 2026 • Durée 01:04:14
From the Dojo to the Bedside: How Martial Arts is Revolutionizing Dementia Care with Ben Couch - Episode #39
Guest: Ben Couch, Founder of ElumenEd and Eastern Ergonomics
Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
Episode Length: ~1 hour
Episode Summary
In this fascinating conversation, martial artist and healthcare educator Ben Couch shares how 40+ years of martial arts training is transforming dementia care and caregiver safety. Ben discusses his innovative Eastern Ergonomics program, which applies ancient martial arts principles—balance, efficiency, breath, and mindful presence—to patient transfers and caregiving. He also opens up about his personal journey after his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and how it deepened his understanding of care.
Key Topics Discussed
Ben's Background
40+ years in martial arts (black belts in 8 disciplines, 7th degree in karate)
20+ years as National Director of Training at Watermark Retirement Communities
Founded ElumenEd to bring Eastern Ergonomics to healthcare facilities nationwide
Personal experience with mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022
The Problem with Traditional Ergonomics Training
Patient transfers have been the #1 cause of healthcare worker injuries for decades
Traditional training focuses on "dots" without connecting the transitional movements
Annual compliance training often fails to create meaningful change
Injuries cost $40,000-$120,000 per nurse to replace
Martial Arts Principles Applied to Caregiving
The Cave You Fear to Enter: Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Healing with Dr. Brian Desroches - #38 - Jan 10, 2026
Saison 1 · Épisode 38
samedi 10 janvier 2026 • Durée 01:04:00
The Cave You Fear to Enter - Memory Reconsolidation and Emotional Healing with Dr. Brian Desroches - Episode #38
Guest: Dr. Brian Desroches, PhD - Psychotherapist, Author, Clinical Coach
Release Date: January 10, 2026
Episode Summary
In this transformative conversation, Dr. Brian Desroches shares how a personal breakthrough in 2015 fundamentally changed his understanding of emotional healing after more than 20 years of clinical practice. Moving beyond traditional "overcome and manage" approaches, Brian introduces listeners to the neuroscience of memory reconsolidation - a process that allows us to update emotional learnings at the synaptic level rather than simply coping with symptoms.
Key Topics Discussed
The 2015 Paradigm Shift
Brian's 10-year struggle with writing procrastination despite extensive therapy
His breakthrough experience with memory reconsolidation at a workshop
How shame and inadequacy became neurologically linked to writing in his brain
The immediate and lasting transformation that followed
Understanding Emotional Learning
How the brain acquires implicit emotional knowledge in the first 7 years of life
Why these learnings feel true in the present moment even when formed decades ago
The difference between explicit trauma memories and implicit emotional patterns
How the brain's predictive process creates protective but maladaptive behaviors
Memory Reconsolidation Explained
The brain as a learning, predicting, and adapting process
What prediction errors (or "prediction corrections") are and why they matter
The five-step process for creating lasting change
Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37
Saison 1 · Épisode 37
dimanche 21 décembre 2025 • Durée 38:20
Beyond Chemical Imbalance: New Frontiers in Psychiatry with Dr. Theodore Henderson - #37
In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Mike welcomes Dr. Theodore Henderson, a pioneering psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work is reshaping the field of mental health. Dr. Henderson challenges the traditional "chemical imbalance" model of psychiatric disorders, advocating for a more nuanced understanding rooted in neuroimaging, neuroplasticity, and the biology of inflammation.
Key Topics Discussed:
Dr. Henderson’s Journey: From a background in neurobiology and radiology to psychiatry, and how questioning the status quo led him to innovative treatments.
Moving Beyond Chemical Imbalance: Why the serotonin hypothesis is outdated, and how new research points to neuroplasticity and mitochondrial health as central to mental wellness.
Neuroimaging and Diagnosis: The role of SPECT scans in identifying brain dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, and differentiating between psychiatric conditions.
Infrared Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation): How Dr. Henderson’s research has advanced the use of infrared light to stimulate brain repair, neuroplasticity, and recovery from conditions like depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and traumatic brain injury.
Ketamine and Synergistic Treatments: The science behind ketamine’s effects on neuroplasticity, and how combining it with infrared therapy can yield powerful results.
Neuroinflammation and Viral Triggers: Insights into how chronic fatigue, depression, and even some cases of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may be linked to viral infections and neuroinflammation.
Long COVID: Dr. Henderson’s approach to treating long COVID symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog, with antiviral therapies and infrared light.
Personalized Psychiatry: The importance of moving away from a “cookbook” approach to mental health, and embracing individualized, biomarker-driven diagnostics and treatments.
How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies: Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research - #36 - Nov 11, 2025
Saison 1 · Épisode 36
mercredi 12 novembre 2025 • Durée 24:25
The Neurostimulation Podcast #36: How Adenosine Bridges Rapid Antidepressant Therapies – Insights from Ketamine and ECT Research
Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Psychiatry
Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Passmore explores groundbreaking research revealing how adenosine—a natural brain chemical—may be the key link between two of the fastest-acting antidepressant treatments: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The discussion covers:
The science behind adenosine’s role in mood regulation and how both ketamine and ECT trigger rapid antidepressant effects via adenosine pathways.
Key findings from a recent Nature study using mouse models, including the necessity and sufficiency of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors for treatment response.
The implications for clinical practice, including the potential impact of caffeine (which blocks adenosine) on treatment outcomes.
Why standardizing caffeine intake may be important for patients undergoing ketamine or ECT therapy.
The importance of translating preclinical findings into human studies and the need for further research.
Key Takeaways:
Adenosine may act as a “common language” for rapid antidepressant effects in both ketamine and ECT.
Caffeine could potentially interfere with these treatments by blocking adenosine receptors—patients and clinicians should be aware of this variable.
The research is preclinical (in mice), but it lays the groundwork for future human studies and smarter, more targeted therapies.
Resources & Links:
Extended data, figures, and the full research paper are linked in the show notes.
For more information, check the episode’s resource section.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
Turning Trauma into Purpose: Sam Peterson's Journey from Battlefield to Healing - #34 - Oct 18, 2025
Saison 1 · Épisode 34
vendredi 7 novembre 2025 • Durée 40:30
Transforming Mental Health: The Power of Neurostimulation and Innovative Therapies with Sam Peterson
In this episode of the Neurostimulation podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore interviews Sam Peterson, a former army bomb technician and co-founder of Patriot Power Up, who now leads Mind Spa Denver. Sam shares his personal journey from battling PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) to pioneering innovative mental health therapies. He explains the neurobiology of trauma, the impact of neuroinflammation, and the effectiveness of treatments like Ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in providing rapid relief and promoting neuroplasticity. The discussion highlights the importance of innovative, individualized approaches to mental health care for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, aiming to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve lives.
00:00 Introduction to Sam Peterson and His Mission
01:48 Sam's Journey from Battlefield to Mental Health Advocate
03:03 Understanding the Neurobiology of Trauma
04:39 The Role of Inflammation in Mental Health
12:36 Innovative Treatments at Mind Spa Denver
22:55 Success Stories and Future Vision
27:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health Care
36:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Brainwaves & Breakthroughs: tACS in Psychiatry - A Conversation with Dr. Elyamani - #35 - Nov 1, 2025
Saison 1 · Épisode 35
jeudi 6 novembre 2025 • Durée 46:12
Exploring tACS: Current Research and Future Potentials in Neuropsychiatry
In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, Dr. Michael Passmore hosts Dr. Osama Elyamani, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. They discuss the emerging applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in psychiatry, including its potential as a research tool and therapeutic intervention. They delve into the science of brain oscillations, the clinical evidence surrounding tACS, and future prospects in the field. Particular attention is given to the distinctions between tACS, TMS, and tDCS, as well as the limitations and safety considerations of these neurostimulation techniques. The conversation also touches on the significance of symptom-based approaches in psychiatric treatment and the potential for tACS to aid in diagnosing and treating disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Elyamani provides insights into ongoing research, future directions, and offers advice for young researchers entering the field.
Dr. Osama Elyamany (PhD) is currently a postdoctoral researcher and resident psychiatrist at the Centre of Psychiatry at Justus Liebig University Giessen.
He is working on research projects investigating brain oscillations in psychiatric disorders using EEG and fMRI, aiming to develop targeted therapies through pharmacological substances and neurostimulation techniques like tACS and TMS.
Neurostimulation Podcast – Chapter 8: Stimulation Parameters and Their Reporting
Host: Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC
Episode Overview: In this episode, Dr. Passmore unpacks Chapter 8 of the "Practical Guide to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)" textbook, focusing on the critical role of stimulation parameters and the importance of transparent reporting in tDCS research and clinical practice.
Key Topics Covered:
What are stimulation parameters in tDCS?
Electrode size, shape, material, and placement (montage)
Current intensity, polarity, and density
Duration and ramping protocol
Contextual factors (e.g., task during stimulation, number of sessions)
Why reporting parameters matters:
Ensures reproducibility and comparability of studies
Prevents misinterpretation of results due to hidden variables
Builds trust and transparency in the field
Challenges in the parameter space:
Vast combinations of settings make standardization difficult
Report all relevant details, including tolerability and side effects
Treat parameter reporting as a checklist for every study or clinical report
The bottom line:
Parameters are the "recipe" for tDCS
Small differences can lead to big changes in outcomes
Transparent, consistent reporting is essential for scientific progress and patient safety
Notable Quotes:
“Without the full recipe, you can’t reproduce the results.”
“The details aren’t just technicalities—they are the science.”
Next Episode Teaser:
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Attention isn't about forcing yourself to become something you're not—it's about understanding your nervous system and designing your life accordingly.
Why the only unforgivable mistake is telling someone they're safe when they're not
The Happiness Myth
How Freud, Bernays, and modern marketing created the "happiness on demand" culture
Why the opposite of depression is purpose, not happiness
The historical shift from "worthy life" to "euphoric happiness"
How consumer culture exploits our pursuit of happiness
What People Really Need
Security (knowing everything will be okay)
Affirmation (knowing you're a good person)
Purpose over comfort
Philosophy & Meaning
Energy transformation as life's purpose (potential to kinetic energy)
Why building, growing, and developing matters more than tearing down
The importance of having plans for life's uncertainties
Why "the only thing to fear is fear itself" is wrong
Healthcare & Society
How medicine has wrongly treated fear and anxiety as diseases
The unintended consequences of COVID lockdowns (telling 90% of people they weren't "essential")
Concerns about AI replacing human purpose
The importance of maintaining purpose regardless of automation
Memorable Quotes
"The real enemy is helplessness. We need to build a skillset throughout our lifetime to be able to face helplessness."
"The opposite of depression is purpose, and purpose is what keeps you up and going."
"Everything in life comes at a cost. You need to know that cost and be willing to pay it, or you're gonna accrue interest."
"The only people who are truly fearless are thoughtless or careless."
"Stop talking to me about what you're against. I want to know what you're for."
"I don't believe in good people or bad people. I believe people do good things and people do bad things."
Trigger Warning
This episode contains discussions of trauma, death, violence, and graphic medical situations that some listeners may find disturbing.
Resources & Links
Dr. Dana Cowles's Website https://cowlesemergencyservices.com/
For Healthcare Professionals
If you're a healthcare worker, first responder, or caregiver struggling with unresolved trauma, please reach out for support. You're not alone, and help is available.
Mental Preparation:
Posture and breathing as foundation for presence and safety
Taking a pause before each transfer to be fully present
"New heart every day" mindset to avoid autopilot mode
Connection between body posture and mental state
Physical Techniques:
Moving from center of gravity rather than arm strength
"Hands always push" principle (using triceps/lats instead of biceps/deltoids)
Triangulation of balance—avoiding weak points in stance
Softness, flow, and minimal effort from Tai Chi and Japanese Jujitsu
Principle-based rather than position-based training
Get Ben's free eBook that covers some fundamentals of the Eastern Ergonomics program. You can also book a time to talk about the benefits of bringing Eastern Ergonomics to your facility.
Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Neurostimulation Podcast and share it with colleagues in healthcare, caregiving, or anyone interested in innovative approaches to dementia care.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance.
Why insight alone doesn't lead to transformation
Reframing Self-Sabotage
Why "getting in your own way" is actually your brain protecting you
The car analogy: one foot on gas, one on brake
Moving from "what's wrong with me?" to "what did I learn?"
Understanding triggers as protective mechanisms, not character flaws
The Role of Compassion
Why compassion is the gateway to self-love
Holding space for the parts of ourselves that learned to protect us
The grief that often accompanies discovering what's really driving our patterns
Joseph Campbell's wisdom: "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"
Practical Applications
Why you must be in an "activated state" for change to occur
How to identify the real threat your brain is predicting
The importance of embodied experience vs. intellectual understanding
Navigating systemic changes when you transform
Memorable Quotes
"It is not a character flaw. The brain is doing its job that it was designed to do - it just doesn't need to do it anymore because it's doing it based on past history that doesn't exist."
"When you touch into an emotional learning, it feels true. The emotional brain doesn't know time. You may have learned that 40 years ago, but when it gets activated today, it feels true today."
"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek. When you land upon an emotional learning, your thinking brain will judge it as irrational, as illogical. But to your emotional brain, it does make sense."
About Dr. Brian Desroches
Dr. Brian Desroches has over 30 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist and holds a PhD in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, he now practices in Seattle, Washington. Beyond his therapy practice, Brian consults with dental professionals worldwide, helping them navigate difficult patient interactions and lead complex organizations. His latest book, Living a Trigger Free Life, translates cutting-edge neuroscience into accessible, practical guidance for lasting emotional transformation.
Resources
Book:Living a Trigger Free Life by Dr. Brian Desroches
Website: https://a.co/d/bDgsLtC
Practice Location: Seattle, Washington
Related Concepts Mentioned
Memory reconsolidation
Implicit vs. explicit memory
Emotional learning
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Internal Family Systems
Neuroplasticity
Prediction error/correction
Bilateral auditory stimulation
For Clinicians
This episode offers valuable insights for mental health professionals looking to move beyond symptom management toward root-cause transformation. Dr. Desroches' approach integrates neuroscience research with clinical practice in a way that honors both the science and the deeply human experience of healing.
Next Episode: Another exciting journey into the cutting edge of neuroscience, neurostimulation, and interventional mental health.
Subscribe to never miss an episode and help us reach more curious minds!
Future Directions: The promise of next-generation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ongoing research collaborations, and the need for broader access to innovative therapies.
Actionable Insights:
Clinicians: Consider neuroinflammatory and viral contributions to psychiatric symptoms; basic blood tests and antibody panels can be informative.
Patients: There is hope beyond standard medications—emerging therapies may offer new avenues for recovery.
Resources:
Dr. Henderson’s book: Brighter Days Ahead (link in show notes)
Dr. Henderson’s clinic and contact information (link in show notes)
Connect with Dr. Henderson:
https://neuro-luminance.com/about/
https://neuro-luminance.com/brighter-days-ahead/
If you’re interested in the future of mental health treatment, from infrared laser therapy to the role of neuroinflammation, this episode is essential listening.
Connect & Share:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Join the conversation in the comments—your feedback helps shape future episodes!
Stay curious, and tune in next time for more insights into neuroscience, clinical neurostimulation, and interventional mental health.
Contact:
Questions, ideas, or feedback? Leave a comment or reach out via the podcast’s contact channels.
11:12 Potential Therapeutic Applications of tACS
20:42 Challenges and Future Directions in tACS Research
35:20 Safety and Practicality of tACS
41:10 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
A look ahead to Chapter 9: How computational modeling helps make sense of the complex parameter space and moves the field toward personalized dosing.
Call to Action:
Share the episode with colleagues or anyone interested in neurostimulation.
Leave comments, questions, or topic suggestions for future episodes.
Thank you for listening to the Neurostimulation Podcast!
