The Neurostimulation Podcast
The Neurostimulation Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Neurostimulation Podcast, your go-to source for the latest in clinical neurostimulation! Here, we dive deep into the revolutionary techniques that are shaping the future of health care.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or simply passionate about neuroscience, this podcast will keep you informed, inspired, and connected with the evolving world of neurostimulation.
Subscribe for episodes that stimulate your mind and enhance your understanding of brain health and treatment.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on a variety of themes related to neurostimulation and mental health, including the impact of tDCS on conditions like depression and fibromyalgia, strategies for improving addiction recovery, and the intersection of creativity and psychology. For example, episodes explore topics like the biopsychosocial model of addiction and the benefits of breathwork for sleep.
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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Episode Summary
In this episode, Dr. Michael Passmore is joined by two guests who bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to the topic of nervous system dysregulation. Together, they explore why anxiety is far more body-based than most people realize, and how a lesser-known technology called Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) may offer real relief for anxiety, insomnia, trauma, and chronic pain.
Guests
Tauna Young, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and founder of NeuroVana Calm — a company focused on expanding access to CES therapy. Tauna has years of clinical experience helping patients struggling with anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and nervous system dysregulation.
Cara Maxfield, entrepreneur and content creator who speaks openly about navigating trauma recovery, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain, and the real-world challenges of managing mental health while parenting and running a business.
Topics Covered
What nervous system dysregulation actually is and how it shows up in the body
Why anxiety is a physical, physiological experience — not a character flaw or weakness
The fight-or-flight response: when a protective mechanism becomes miscalibrated
The connection between trauma, body memory, and emotional triggers
What Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is and how it works
How CES stimulates the thalamus and vagus nerve to induce a calm brain state
Research comparing CES to experienced meditators’ brainwave states CES
FDA clearance (since 1979) and its safety profile vs. medications
Clinical applications: anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, chronic pain, fibromyalgia
Why CES remains largely unknown in mainstream medicine
How to use CES: loading phase, daily use, and situational use
Combining CES with CBT, psychotherapy, exposure therapy, and medication
Cara’s first-hand account of using CES during a panic attack
Practical tips for regulating your nervous system
Key Takeaways
Anxiety is a nervous system state, not a personal weakness
The body and brain are deeply interconnected — what affects one affects the other
CES is portable, discreet, safe, and can be used anywhere — even the dentist
CES has a 67% success rate (≥50% improvement) vs. ~45–55% for SSRIs, with far fewer side effects
Tools like CES work best as part of a broader toolkit alongside therapy and lifestyle strategies
Everyone has trauma to some extent — normalizing that conversation is key to healing
Resources & Links
🌐 NeuroVana Calm: NeuroVanaCalm.com
📖 Free eBook from Tauna Young: A deeper dive into the science of CES — available at NeuroVanaCalm.com
📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (referenced in episode) https://a.co/d/0bkbVqsp
Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Drop your questions and topic ideas in the comments — your feedback shapes future episodes.
The Neurostimulation Podcast is an independent educational project by Dr. Michael Passmore. All content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer
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