The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing.

From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives. 

We discuss:

• How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain
• Breath and body awareness as daily meditation 
• Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness
• Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner “parts”
• Why facing life’s challenges with integrity is the real practice

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to George Thompson

9:58 | Meeting Master Gu

12:56 | Tai Chi Training

15:45 | Healing Knee Pain

20:12 | Breath Awareness Exercise

22:09 | How Taichi Transforms Thought

29:40 | Emptiness Described

34:10 | Taoist Origin Story of the Universe

38:26 | Patterns

41:55 | Daily Practices

47:58 Breathwork Practices

50:04 | Applying Daily Mindfulness

56:10 | Internal Family Systems - Labeling Parts

57:47 | Documentary Message & Inspiration

1:01:02 | Consciousness

1:10:00 | Facing Challenges

1:15:33 | Life of Service & Integrity

1:21:25 | Where to Find More on George

🎥 Watch George’s documentary “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM

🌿 Learn more about George’s retreats and teachings: https://www.balanceispossible.com/ & https://www.taoistwellness.online/

In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy.

Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset.

We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety.

Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance.

Whether you’re new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD

2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment 

18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating

20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation

31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity 

43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation

47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last

52:29 | Floating & Meditation

54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences 

58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating

1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System

1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank

1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention

1:24:17 | Respiration

1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/

This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience.

We discuss the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging misconceptions like the belief that cognitive change is limited to early life.  

Dr. Douyon explains how inherited mindsets shape thought patterns and how intentional habits can rewire the brain for better cognitive function.

Key strategies for brain health, including diet, fasting, exercise, and lifelong learning, are explored, along with neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chronic stress.

Practical approaches to mental fitness and stress management highlight how individuals can enhance cognitive resilience and take control of their brain health.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Philipe Douyon

4:18 | Neuroplasticity Explained

6:00 | Myths About Neuroplasticity

10:01 | Inherited Mindset 

12:13 | Taking Charge of Your Brain

15:21 | Lifestyle Changes for Brain Health

23:50 | Fasting

26:55 | Diet

30:13 | Life-Long Learning 

38:36 | Neurological Disorders: Strokes & Dementia

42:32 | Pseudo-Dementia

46:26 | Flow States

48:47 | Benefit of Learning New Things

53:55 | Role of Emotions

56:22 | Chronic Stress Management

1:06:41 | Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfaction.

The discussion highlights the science behind relationships, the role of vulnerability in building meaningful bonds, and the value of awe in deepening connections. Dr. Dorsay provides practical insights for fostering connection in personal relationships, work, and the natural world, offering strategies to enhance purpose and well-being.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Adam Dorsay

1:45 | 4 Types of Connection

10:02 | Neuroscience of Connection

21:09 | How to “Know Thyself”

25:44 | Vulnerability & Courage

29:24 | Connection to the World

39:50 | Amazement & Awe

49:00 | Connect to Your Work

59:59 | Effective Communication Strategy

In this episode, Dr. Shamil Chandaria, an expert in consciousness, neuroscience, and AI, shares insights from his work on human experience and the intersection of technology and well-being.

He discusses the Bayesian brain theory and the free energy principle, explaining how the brain constructs reality by predicting and updating perceptions to reduce uncertainty and surprise.

Chandaria also explores how meditation helps break habitual thought patterns, offering a deeper awareness of how the brain shapes our experience and revealing profound insights into consciousness.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Introduction to Dr. Shamil Chandaria

3:38 | Spiritual Awakening in Human Flourishing

4:31 | How the Brain Predicts Reality - Bayesian Brain Explained

9:26 | AI & the Human Brain

21:33 | Free Energy Principle in Wellbeing

37:30 | Befriending Difficult Emotions

43:30 | Boundless Awareness

54:00 | Effortless Action

57:17 | Psychedelics & Bayesian Brain

1:07:29 | Default Mode Network & Predictive Processing

1:13:12 | Gamma Brain Waves in Long-Term Meditators Research