The Better Brain Podcast
Welcome to the Better Brain Podcast, your source on all things brain health and how to make it better.
We're your hosts, Drs. Rafie and Bickart, and we are Neurologists specializing in Neuropsychiatry, Dementia, Sports, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Our mission at the Better Brain Podcast is to provide you with the information and tools you need to improve your brain health and overall well being. We do this by combining the latest evidence-based practices with practical tools to better your brain. Our episodes feature experts and high level performers that will help us navigate this complex and nuanced field, with a goal of attaining a firm grasp on these topics.
Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to expand your knowledge, a individual concerned about your risk of dementia, a creative looking for inspiration, or simply a curious soul eager to learn more about the brain, the Better Brain Podcast is your trusted companion.
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The Better Brain Podcast
Breathing Explained: Wim Hof, Nasal vs. Mouth, Sighs & Stress Control Techniques | Jack Feldman, PhD
Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives—but few realize how deeply it shapes our brain, emotions, and health.
In this Better Brain Podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Jack Feldman, Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at UCLA, whose groundbreaking research revealed how specific neurons in the brainstem generate and regulate breathing. His work has transformed our understanding of breathing’s role in consciousness, emotional regulation, and even survival.
We cover:
The biological fingerprint of breathing and what “healthy” breathing looks like
How breathing interacts with consciousness and brain activity
Surprising insights from sighs, yawns, and physiologic breathing patterns
The science behind nasal vs. mouth breathing
Techniques like Wim Hof breathing and how they affect stress, pain, and sleep
Real-time demonstrations of how breath changes heart rate and emotional state
The overlap between breathwork and psychedelics
From obstructive sleep apnea to free divers pushing human limits, we explore breathing in every dimension—and even try breathing techniques live to see their effect on our own physiology.
🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel Rafie & Dr. Kevin Bickart | The Better Brain Podcast
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