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Can psychedelic experiences help people confront trauma, process painful memories, and discover a deeper understanding of themselves?

In this solo episode of the Broken Brains Podcast, host and retired Green Beret Bruce Parkman shares his personal journey with psychedelic substances, including ketamine, ayahuasca, and psilocybin, and reflects on their psychological, physiological, and spiritual significance in his life.

Drawing from his military background and experiences with trauma, Bruce discusses why he began exploring psychedelic approaches, what he experienced during these sessions, and how concepts such as ego death, forgiveness, gratitude, and self-discovery influenced his understanding of healing.

The conversation examines psychedelic-assisted therapy, veteran mental health, trauma recovery, neuroplasticity, ketamine treatment, ayahuasca, psilocybin, and spiritual growth. Bruce also explores the importance of appropriate guidance, preparation, and continued research into the potential therapeutic applications and risks of these substances.

Throughout the episode, Bruce reflects on the emotional challenges faced by military veterans and athletes and why addressing trauma may require examining both psychological symptoms and deeply personal experiences.

This episode offers an honest, first-person perspective on psychedelic experiences, mental health, forgiveness, and the ongoing search for healing and purpose.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Bruce's background

01:26 Bruce's first experiences with psychedelics

04:04 Ketamine and its healing effects

07:03 Spiritual insights and ego death

12:10 Ayahuasca and DMT experiences

22:59 The impact on trauma and forgiveness

29:58 Bruce's journey to Mexico and deeper healing

32:54 Physiological and spiritual transformation

36:57 The importance of access and research

38:52 Closing thoughts and encouragements for listeners

Support Broken Brains

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

Mac Parkman Foundation

Donate to the Mac Parkman Foundation

Produced by Security Halt Media

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Can the brain recover after a traumatic brain injury, and what role does neuroplasticity play in healing?

In Episode 111 of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman sits down with neuroscientist and brain injury survivor Dr. Daniel Avesar to explore the science of brain injury recovery, neuroplasticity, mental health, and the challenges of rebuilding life after neurological trauma.

Dr. Avesar shares his personal experience with brain injury and the seven-year journey of rebuilding cognitive function, managing symptoms, and understanding the complexities of neurological recovery. Drawing from his experience as both a scientist and a survivor, he discusses gaps in conventional brain injury care, the importance of individualized treatment, and the potential role of holistic approaches in supporting recovery.

The conversation examines traumatic brain injury (TBI), neuroscience, neuroplasticity, mental health, emerging brain therapies, and the need for greater awareness and support for brain injury survivors.

Episode 111 offers an educational perspective on the challenges of living with brain trauma and the importance of continued research, appropriate treatment, and community support.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest

01:21 Dr. Absar's background and what led him to neuroscience

03:07 The impact of his brain injury and initial recovery

06:15 Rebuilding cognition and managing symptoms over seven years

10:59 The state of brain injury treatment and societal gaps

16:03 Modalities and approaches for healing the brain

22:05 Healing the mind and addressing mental health challenges

27:56 The role of neuroplasticity and holistic care

34:14 Emerging therapies and future directions

43:57 Societal change and improving brain health awareness

49:53 Dr. Absar's projects and how to connect

51:34 Closing remarks and key takeaways

Support Broken Brains

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

Mac Parkman Foundation

Donate to the Mac Parkman Foundation

Produced by Security Halt Media

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Can repetitive head impacts and explosive blast exposure affect your mental health even when you don't realize you've suffered a brain injury?

In this solo episode of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman explores the relationship between repetitive brain trauma, concussions, mental health, and the importance of recognizing brain injury before symptoms become more difficult to manage.

Bruce discusses the warning signs of concussion, the neurological effects of repetitive head impacts, and why military veterans exposed to explosive blasts and athletes participating in contact sports should take brain health seriously. He explains how injuries involving the prefrontal cortex may contribute to changes in emotional regulation, behavior, and cognitive functioning.

The conversation also examines concussion evaluation, neuroinflammation, the developing brain, youth sports safety, and why early medical assessment and prevention are essential.

This episode provides practical education for veterans, parents, coaches, athletes, and families concerned about traumatic brain injury, concussion symptoms, repetitive brain trauma, and long-term neurological health.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brain Trauma and Its Impact

00:28 Bruce Parkman’s Mission and the Importance of Awareness

01:23 Veterans and Brain Injury Risks from Explosive Exposure

02:21 Why Feeling Fine Doesn’t Mean You Are Fine

04:14 Warning Signs of Serious Concussion

06:33 Post-Concussion Care and Activity Recommendations

08:24 Repetitive Brain Trauma and Contact Sports

12:13 How Brain Damage Affects Emotions and Behavior

15:30 The Developing Brain and Contact Sports Risks

16:56 Moving Forward: Prevention and Education Strategies

Support Broken Brains

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

Mac Parkman Foundation

Donate to the Mac Parkman Foundation

Produced by Security Halt Media