Finding Genius Podcast

In this conversation, we dive into Irlen Syndrome with Laura Ward Woelfel, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor and fourth-generation Austinite. As someone who was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome herself in 1991, there’s no one better to explain this topic — and to help others who may also have it… Irlen Syndrome, a visual processing issue distinct from other vision problems, had a profound impact on Laura's life. Initially misdiagnosed as dyslexic or ADD, her life took a turn for the better when she discovered Irlen Syndrome and sought the necessary support. This newfound understanding and intervention transformed her academic performance, propelling her from a 'C' student in undergrad to a stellar 4.0 student in graduate school.  Now, Laura uses her knowledge and passion to help students with learning disabilities. Whether it be learning difficulties or reading issues, she uses integrative counseling and a series of cognitive behavior methods to bring awarenes...

Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of cognitive enhancement and holistic wellness with Dr. Gregory Kelly, the director of product development at Neurohacker Collective. Dr. Kelly, a naturopathic physician and author of Shapeshift: The Shape Intelligence Solution , shares profound insights and practical wisdom to help you unlock your full potential. Discover more about Neurohacker Collective's mission to revolutionize human performance by enhancing cognitive function, fostering empathy, and nurturing emotional resilience. Offer: NAD+ is one of the most important molecules in the human body to age well. With groundbreaking advancements in science, Neurohacker Collective introduces Qualia NAD+, a revolutionary supplement designed to elevate NAD+ levels by up to 50%. Qualia NAD+ is a supplement rich in NAD+ precursors like niacin, niacinamide, and NIAGEN, elevating NAD+ levels by up to 50%. Clinically tested and formulated by naturopathic doctors, it's a trusted ...

Grief is a painful journey that can feel isolating and endless. So what tools can we use to process grief, experience its pain, and ultimately learn how to live fully again? Claudia Coenen, a creative grief counselor and certified thanatologist, joins the podcast to discuss her unique perspective on this sensitive topic. Claudia has a private practice at The Karuna Project and is a consultant and grief specialist at The REACH Center for Crime Victims. She is also the author of Shattered by Grief: Picking Up the Pieces to Become WHOLE Again , a book that helps readers work through their grief via expressive therapies and activities.  Tune in now to learn about: How to deal with different types of grief. Factors that help and hinder the process of grief. The most impactful ways to manage grief. The ways that journaling can help people externalize their pain. By encouraging others to explore their pain through storytelling, self-care and ritual, and honest reflection, Claudia...

Dive into the captivating world of archaeology with Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism. From her childhood fascination with the ancient world and fossils to her current groundbreaking excavations, Magness's journey unfolds with discoveries and a wealth of knowledge.  Tune in to unearth: Insights from her latest excavation in an ancient Jewish village Understanding archaeology as a blend of science and interpretation The most common find on archaeological excavations in Israel from the Neolithic period onward How cultural memory shapes Judaism and Christianity and the relations between followers of the two religions An exploration of Rabbinic literature: its origins, creators, and relevance today Press play and embark on a journey through time and discovery with Jodi Magness as your guide, and learn more about her work by visiting Jodi Magness, Archaeologist . Take advantage of a  5% discount  on Ekster accessori...

Dr. Deborah Vinall joins the podcast today to discuss schizophrenia, trauma, mental health, and her two most recent books, Gaslighting and Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens . Dr. Vinall is a trauma expert and author who holds a Doctor of Psychology and works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She currently runs a private practice in Los Angeles where she specializes in helping individuals heal from traumatic life experiences and painful relationship dynamics. In this conversation, we cover: When and how gaslighting occurs. The importance of recognizing mental health issues in gaslighters. Different types of cognitive distortions and how to treat them. How trauma typically manifests in people’s lives.  How does Dr. Vinall help people heal, cultivate self-compassion, and build meaningful connections in holistic and sustainable ways? Join us now to explore her transformative approach – and gain valuable insights into reclaiming empowerment and fostering resilience ...

In this episode, we connect with Annie Chen, an author, therapist, consultant, and coach who uses neuroscience research to help clients navigate the complexities of relationships and emotional safety. Annie has been studying the mind, nervous systems, and relationships for over 17 years – empowering her to help others in unique and productive ways…  Annie recently wrote I Want to Connect: Rewire Your Nervous System for Stress Resilience and Secure Attachment , a book that demystifies what it takes to have better relationships. By transcending surface-level advice and digging into the fundamentals of stress resilience, Annie provides readers with the resources to practice self-awareness, reflection, and skills to improve daily life. Join us now to find out: What inspired Annie to write her latest book. Why relationships are so critical to our well-being. How mental health issues have changed since the pandemic. Factors that determine our mental and physical health. How has ...

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Brettler and Amy-Jill “AJ” Levine to discuss the Jewish faith, Rabbinic Literature, the New Testament, Christianity, Anti-Semitism, and more. How do Judaism and Christianity intersect? These two experts are certainly the people to enlighten us on this intriguing subject… Marc is a biblical scholar and the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University. His research interests include a vast array of topics, including biblical metaphors, the Bible and gender, biblical historical texts, the book of Psalms, and the post-biblical reception of the Hebrew Bible. He is a co-founder of the website thetorah.com and the author of several books, including The Bible With and Without Jesus , which he co-authored with AJ. AJ is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She works in biblical studies – and is a well-known critic of a...

As businesses emerge from tax season, many ask: How can I maximize profits and minimize taxes for next year ? John Scott, an Anders CPAs + Advisors partner, sits down to enlighten us. John has been working with Anders since 1992, leading the firm’s legal industry efforts for the Virtual CFO team. He effectively uses key performance metrics to offer dedicated resources, financial insight, and critical thinking to help law firms address complex issues. John is on a mission to help his clients understand what’s going to happen based on current data. How does he achieve this? By accessing financial records and reconciling cash flows on a weekly basis… In this episode, we cover: How to make data-driven decisions. How to stay in sync with your cash flow curve. Ways to determine your “working capital”, and how to build cash reserves. Key factors that every business owner should know. To learn more about John and his work with Anders CPAs + Advisors, click here now! Take advantage...

In this episode, Avi Kumar, the Founder and CEO of KUWARE Inc., joins us to discuss business marketing, growth, and advertising. KUWARE is a marketing and advertising agency that focuses on growing businesses through organic and paid media. How do they do it, and what makes their methods unique? Avi sits down to explain… KUWARE has been helping businesses since 2008, turning marketing into a science. From strategy to implementation, Avi and his team specialize in providing digital marketing solutions with targeted budgeting options. Dive into the conversation now to learn about: How Avi got into marketing and advertising.  The two distinct groups that KUWARE works with.  How marketing differs between big and small businesses.   The best thing a business can do to achieve growth and exposure. Avi says, “ Some have described marketing as a practice of the arts and the sciences. At KUWARE, we only practice science! ”  Are you ready to find out what this ...

Something had been brewing for years in the heart of the Nightingale household: a fervent desire to chart a course away from reliance on conventional systems and embrace a life of self-sufficiency, health, and well-being. When the perfect property came up for sale, Kelsey Nightingale and her husband Sean seized the opportunity to take a significant step toward their dream: they purchased a small house on acreage in the quiet corners of Scottsburg, Oregon, a literal ghost town with a population of just 350. Building a homestead is a slow process with plenty of challenges, yet their progress only further motivates them with each passing year. No longer tethered to grocery store aisles as they once were, they produce their own bread, milk, eggs, chicken, and turkey. They also have a burgeoning food garden that improves each growing season. Tune in to explore: The timeline of success in small farming and homesteading, understanding the patience and perseverance required The labor of l...

Mark Holtzapple, a chemical engineering professor at Texas A&M University, returns to the podcast to delve into his unique approach to engine efficiency and alternative energy. His passion for scientific exploration drives him to push the boundaries of what is possible. What is his current mission? To revolutionize the efficiency of automobile engines… Mark is the co-author of two engineering textbooks used to teach engineers throughout the world: Foundations of Engineering and Concepts in Engineering . His research interests include biomass conversion to fuels, water desalination, high-efficiency air conditioning, engines, compressors, and more.  In this discussion, we cover: How Mark’s research closes the gap between what an automobile engine can do, and what it is currently doing.  How hot fuel, exhaust, and incoming air interact inside an internal combustion engine. The best engines that are carnot-efficient.  How water evaporation impacts engine performan...

In this conversation, we sit down with a member of Doomberg to discuss the mindset of continuous improvement and other thought-provoking ideas that are important for us all to consider.  Doomberg is an anonymous news publication that provides readers with an in-depth analysis of financial and economic trends – underscoring information missing from mainstream media . By utilizing the principles of continuous improvement, it has become the #1 paid finance newsletter on Substack, boasting more than 85,000 email subscribers and 250,000 Twitter followers.  Dive in now to explore:  What continuous improvement is, and the many facets of it. How to turn mistakes into an opportunity to improve.  The difference between perfectionism and continuous improvement.  How to facilitate personal and professional growth. How can you hone your skills over the span of your career? What actionable steps can you take to enhance your productivity and success? Doomberg is here ...

In this episode, we discuss teenage social anxiety with Kyle Mitchell, a Tedx Speaker, author, and the founder of Social Anxiety Kyle. With a passion for solving mental health problems and the impact they have on our communities, Kyle works with teens and youth to help them go from socially anxious to socially confident . Kyle collaborates alongside teens, educators, parents, nonprofits, and other organizations to change the narrative and stigma surrounding social anxiety. Drawing from his own 10-year  mental health battle, he found his calling and purpose – and is eager to share it with the world… Join us now to find out: How anxiety manifests itself in school environments. Why having supportive parents is so important for struggling teens. Programs that can help young people address their mental health issues. The biggest social struggles that students face in class. What practical approaches and strategies can we utilize to make a difference in the lives of struggling t...

In this episode, we are joined by Matthew Moody, the President of Mental Health America of Arizona and a licensed counselor in Arizona. He has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University.  Before his current position, Matthew oversaw over 100 employees in a crisis contact center and provided oversight to 2-1-1 Arizona, an organization that offers information and referral services to the state of Arizona. He also has over fifteen years of experience in the behavioral health field, specializing in police collaboration, 988 and crisis mobile teams.  Matthew is on a mission to help other people better understand mental health and how to get help for it. Through legislative advocacy and alternate response strategies, he has been instrumental in fostering safer and more effective communities – all while reducing costs and liabilities for municipalities… Jump in to now to discover: What it’s like working on a crisis line...

Do pre and probiotics have healing and preventive powers? In an age of pharmaceutical solutions, finding sustainable and holistic health practices is critical. How can we leverage gut health to fight sickness and disease? Noelle Patno, the Chief Science Officer at Bened Life, sits down to explain… Noelle has a Ph.D. and MS from the University of Chicago in molecular metabolism, nutrition, and translational sciences. She also has a BA in chemical engineering from Stanford University. With her work surrounding digestive health, the microbiome, and immune health, Noelle has designed and monitored clinical trials – resulting in publications on probiotics and prebiotics.  In this conversation, we discuss: The top conditions that gut health can impact.  How altering serotonin and dopamine in the brain can impact children with autism. Why our gut microbiome is important to our brain chemistry and behaviors. Essential insights on the probiotic Ps-128 . To learn more about Noe...

John C. A. Manley joins the podcast once again to discuss his daily email newsletter, Blazing Pine Cone Posts, and his work as a writer of fiction, freedom, and philosophy. John is the author of Much Ado About Corona: A Dystopian Love Story , the forthcoming All The Humans Are Sleeping , and other works of speculative fiction… With a background in Eastern philosophy, fine art, and freelance ghostwriting, John’s perspective on the world is varied and analytical. Want to learn more about his worldview and upcoming projects? Tune in now!  Jump into the conversation to find out: What John learned as he wrote his debut novel.  How Much Ado About Corona addresses the 2020 pandemic. What “moral injury” is, and how it is connected to society’s standards of being.  What John is trying to accomplish with his newsletter.  To follow along with John and his writing, click here now! Take advantage of a  5% discount  on Ekster accessories by using the code...

Bees are not alone in their fight to survive. While the backyard beekeeper might start with a pollinator garden, researchers are also busy strengthening and shoring up these vulnerable organisms that are an essential part of our food ecosystem. Jay Evans explains some promising efforts, telling listeners What the main stressors for bees are, from diseases to pests, Why protecting a middle-aged bee from stressors impacts the entire colony, and What exciting new management strategies are in the works, including botanical medicines for bees. Jay Evans is with the USDA ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Maryland. He and his colleagues are approaching bee health from every angle, assessing direct and indirect factors that increase bee health and lessening those that cause habitat harm. The list is long, from increasing nutrition to mitigating pesticide effects, parasites, and the spread of viruses. online pharmacy online pharmacyOften the best solutions provide a path for the bees to he...

Is it possible to breed a species of bee with total viral immunity? Maybe, and the research being done in Michelle Flenniken’s lab could pave the way for it to happen. Tune in to discover: Whether bees might utilize a form of preventative medicine In what way a honeybee model for insect immunity might be superior to the status quo fruit fly model Why the term “ honeybee viruses ” might be misleading Michelle Flenniken is Assistant Professor in the Plant Sciences Department and Co-Director of the Pollinator Health Center at Montana State University whose primary research is focused not only on understanding the impact of viruses on honeybees, but on the molecular mechanisms that bees have evolved to combat viral infections. Longitudinal monitoring projects looking at the prevalence and abundance of 16 pathogens across several bee colonies over time have led to interesting and useful findings. For instance, Flenniken’s lab has shown that bees that are infected with viruses have p...

Honey bees are one of the most fascinating and complex social organisms on our planet. Scientists like Gene Robinson research how their genomics play a central role in this behavior and how their environment in turn affects their genes. Listen and learn How the honey bee colony is surprisingly flexible and adaptive to changes in numbers and situations, How the genomics discipline altered scientists' one-directional arrow from gene to behavior to a two-directional model, and What developmental milestones a honey bee passes to make it through to full-forager status. Gene Robinson is the director of the Carl R.Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, an institute that practices team science within a multi-disciplinary scheme. He's been studying entomology and different species of bees for over 45 years. In this conversation, he shares some fascinating notes about honey bee behavior with listeners. His group in the institute in particular looks at their social behavior mech...

“…Their society and community is so complicated, that in fact you cannot really have a straight answer for why something is happening. You need to see it from a global perspective, and look at it from different angles…it’s the complexity that makes it fascinating for me,” says Dr. Fani Hatjina of bees, which have been the subject of her work for her entire professional life. She focuses specifically on social honey bees , and joins the show to discuss her current research goals and insights. Press play to discover: What royal jelly is, and how it is used by bees and humans How nectar is converted to honey Why beekeepers and scientists are particularly interested in studying and monitoring beehives during the winter months, and the challenges to doing so How bees carry pollen back to the beehive Dr. Hatjina is Director of the Institute of Animal Science & Department of Apiculture in Greece. After completing her PhD on the pollination behavior of bees, she went on to pursue ...

Bees can generate five pounds of honey a day under prime nectar-gathering conditions. Numerous factors make that possible and researchers like William Meikle work on modeling honey bee populations, keeping track of how different stressors might affect honey bee colony health. Listen and learn What measures are important for beehive modeling and why, How bees are able to keep their brood area at a constant warm temperature, and What bee health productivity stressors are being analyzed and why, such as neonicotinoid exposure.  Willliam G. Meikle is a research entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture. He studies the colony-level behavior of bees through placing sensors on colonies and monitoring them over long periods of time. This can gather evidence for how they might respond to sub lethal pesticides and other stressors. He's therefore constantly measuring things like hive weight, temperature, CO2, and internal humidity. These measures are akin to numb...

Pesticides, poor nutrition, pests, and parasites: these are the four factors influencing bee health around the world, and the amount of information we have about each—how exactly they impact bees, whether each relates to the others, and what can be done about them—is constantly growing. Press play to learn: How a particular fungicide may be altering the bioavailability of a critical micronutrient for bees Where bees are kept during commercial pollination, and how this may be contributing to poor nutrition What indicates health within a bee colony, and what metrics are used to measure the health of a bee colony Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu is a postdoctoral research associate at Oregon State University Honey Bee Lab, and for over a decade now, she’s been studying environmental impacts on bee populations. Basu’s current work focuses on two specific areas within this field of research: pesticides and poor nutrition. She’s not only investigating each individually, but explori...

As we look back on the pandemic, there are clear ways in which our public health strategies failed. From the quarantine to vaccines, understanding the pitfalls in our response will enable us to do better in the future. But who’s brave enough to step forward and identify these issues? Dr. Martin Kulldorff joins the podcast to shed some light on the subject… Dr. Kulldorff is an epidemiologist, a biostatistician, and a founding fellow at Hillsdale College’s Academy for Science and Freedom. He has also been a Professor of Medicine at Harvard University for thirteen years. As the co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration , he advocated for a pandemic strategy of focused protection instead of lockdowns during the 2020 health crisis. Dr. Kulldorff is an expert in infectious disease outbreaks who researches surveillance methods for post-market drug and vaccine safety and early detection and monitoring. How has his perspective shifted the conventional pandemic narrative? Tune in now to fi...

Dr. Michael Marmor, Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at Stanford University, delves into the captivating realm of the human eye in this thought-provoking podcast episode. Focusing on the profound impact of eyes on various facets of human experience, Dr. Marmor shares his insights and expertise on this intriguing topic — particularly in the realm of art . Dr. Marmor's research interests cover several areas, including the physiology and pathophysiology of retina and pigment epithelium, electrophysiological retinal and RPE function tests, and newer electroretinographic techniques such as multifocal ERG recording. Additionally, he is interested in the relationship between human vision and art, music, history, literature, and sports… Tune in now to uncover: How the human eye and the brain are connected.  What the retina is composed of.  Key facts about how the eye perceives and transmits images.  What is at the core of how the eye sees the world. Whether you’re in...

Bonnie J. Kaplan, Professor Emerita at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada, and author of The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition, expresses bewilderment at the reluctance of people to explore a subject so fundamental to our biology. What she's referring to is the intricate relationship between nutrition and brain function, which significantly impacts mental health and overall well-being. Despite common misconceptions, Dr. Kaplan asserts that nutrition is crucial to brain health, mental stability, and life quality. Throughout her career, she has faced numerous challenges in advocating for the use of nutrients in treating mental health issues, emphasizing the biological underpinnings of behavior, and highlighting the impact of nutrition on brain development and function. Intrigued? Dive deeper into: The prevalence of irritability and mood dysregulation across various mental health conditions The ...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason P. Dworkin to discuss the cosmos in unprecedented ways. Always interested in the origin of life, Jason is a Senior Scientist for Astrobiology at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center who uses meteoritics, astrobiology, and analytical chemistry to observe our universe and uncover its hidden mysteries. Currently, Jason is working on the OSIRIS-REx mission as a project scientist, contamination science lead, and sample analyst. This mission has several major objectives:  To understand how life on Earth formed and evolved within a planetary context.  Return and analyze a sample of Bennu’s surface Map the asteroid Document the sample site Measure the orbit deviation caused by non-gravitational forces   Compare observations at the asteroid to ground-based observations How does Jason’s work explore life's origin and early evolution while also focusing on the extraterrestrial input and the origin of various molecules? From modern ...

Today, we connect with Thomas Licker to discuss his decades of experience managing biohazard investigations and remediations. As a certified bio-environmental infection control remediator and recovery master, Thomas serves as the president of the American Bio-Recovery Association. Here, he has helped create and publish the Bio Recovery Site Risk Assessment (BSRA) guidance document and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Environmental Risk Specialist (ERS) program.  Thomas studied environmental science in college. After researching soil, brown water, air, and industrial hygiene, he found himself working for the US Environmental Protection Agency as a contractor — remediating some of the nation's worst sites . Now, he is in the biohazard response industry full-time, a field of work he has discovered a deep passion for… In this conversation, we cover: What biohazard response is, and why it is a necessary service.  How to properly respond to biohazard scenes. OSHA req...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Erika Kohler, a Research Space Scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. With a Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Science and a BS in Meteorology, Dr. Kohler’s research focuses on providing laboratory data that can inform and validate scientific models and mission observations. She does this by designing innovative experiments that simulate the extreme environments found on other planets –  pushing the boundaries of laboratory research as we know it . Dr. Kohler has always been interested in weather and planets, and she built her career on studying these things in tandem. Setting her sights on our sister planet, Venus, she shares some intriguing insights on its atmosphere, surface, and more… Dive in now to find out:  How data is collected for Venus.  The complicated issues that come with landing a craft on the surface of Venus.  How long it takes for probes to get to Venus, and the orbital mechanics that ...

In this conversation, we sit down with Will Hall, a mental health professional at the forefront of innovative psychosis treatment. He hosts Madness Radio, is the co-founder of Freedom Center, and is a counselor who works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. As a schizophrenia survivor himself, Will is on a mission to uncover new visions of mind – and redefine what it means to be human. In his book, Outside Mental Health: Voices and Visions of Madness , Will presents readers with interviews and essays that reveal the human side of mental illness. By asking, "What does it mean to be called crazy in a crazy world?" he seeks to create a new conversation about empowering the human spirit by transforming society’s perspective as a whole… Dive in now to explore: What it means to challenge the narrative of psychosis. Alternatives to medication for treating mental health issues.  A successful and widely used treatment for schizophrenia and psychosis that has been ove...