Performance Initiative Podcast
The Performance Initiative Podcast was born out of the conviction that we all have room to improve. We all have boundless potential if we have the will and the tools to unlock it. At the Performance Initiative, we are dedicated to finding those tools, sharing them with you, and trying them out for ourselves. A few weeks after each episode, Zinovy and Grant report their experiences trying to put into practice what they have learned from each guest. We invite you to share your experiences -- the good and the bad -- as well. Research and life experience show us that we thrive by sharing our life experiences with each other and learning from them. Each day is a new chance to be better and we welcome you into our community to share and grow with us.
Performance Initiative Podcast
Harnessing Brain Power: Exploring Trauma, Resilience, and MAP Training - Dr. Tracey Shors, PhD
In this episode of the Performance Initiative Podcast, hosts Dr. Grant Cooper and Dr. Zinovy Meyler engage in a conversation with Dr. Tracey Shors, a prominent professor in behavioral and systems neuroscience at Rutgers University. The discussion spans the impact of learning on brain structure, strategies to boost psychological resilience, and sex differences in brain research. Dr. Shors shares knowledge from her book 'Everyday Trauma,' detailing why individuals react differently to traumatic events and the science behind stress response. The episode highlights the detrimental effects of rumination and the mental health benefits of MAP (Mental and Physical) training—a method combining meditation and aerobic exercise, shown to enhance well-being and resilience. Practical advice and scientific insights are provided throughout to help listeners improve their mental health and understand the nuances of trauma response across cultures.
(00:00) Introduction
(02:36) Interview with Dr. Tracey Shors
(03:08) Understanding Individual Responses to Trauma
(04:33) Gender Differences in Trauma Response
(05:30) Historical Bias in Neuroscience Research
(10:07) The Role of Fear in Trauma
(10:55) The Importance of Agency and Purpose
(14:33) Preparing for Trauma and Building Resilience
(19:22) The Neuroscience of Stress Responses
(35:12) The Impact of Rumination on Mental Health
(41:52) Introduction to MAP Training
(42:31) The Science Behind MAP Training
(43:32) Impact of MAP Training on Rumination
(44:25) Brain Imaging and Depression
(46:33) Exercise and Brain Health
(51:40) Meditation and Mental Training
(53:58) Combining Meditation and Exercise
(54:51) Practical Applications and Studies
(01:13:43) Resilience and Long-term Benefits
(01:20:28) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Dr. Tracey Shors is a leading expert in the field of neuroscience, with a particular focus on how the brain processes trauma and stress. She has conducted groundbreaking research on the mechanisms of learning and memory, and her work has significantly advanced our understanding of the biological underpinnings of resilience. Dr. Shors is the author of 'Everyday Trauma,' a book that explores the impact of traumatic experiences on the brain and offers practical strategies for enhancing psychological resilience. She is also known for her development of MAP training, an innovative method that integrates meditation and physical exercise to improve mental health and well-being.
Dr. Tracy Shors Book - Everyday Trauma: Remapping the Brain's Response to Stress, Anxiety, and Painful Memories for a Better Life - https://a.co/d/25v9aBT
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #neuroscience #neuroscienceinsights #resilience #resiliencetips #podcast #podcasts #podcastepisode #brainhealth #traumarecovery #MAPTraining #stressrelief #brainscience #mentalfitness
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