Advertise on podcast: THINK SHIFT with Mantazh

In this Season 2 episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Dr. Patrick Porter - hypnotherapist with 30+ years of clinical experience and founder of BrainTap, the brain entrainment technology used in more than 3,000 clinics worldwide - to separate the science of hypnosis from the Hollywood myth. Together, they explore what really happens in the brain during hypnosis, why it's about gaining access to your subconscious mind rather than losing control of it, and how brainwave states shape the way we form habits, handle stress, and sleep. Mantazh also brings the BrainTap headset into the studio, and Dr. Porter explains how light, sound, and binaural beats guide the brain into deep relaxation. You'll Learn 1. The biggest myths about hypnosis, and why you stay in control 2. What brain states (beta, alpha, theta) are and how they affect change 3. Why the "21 days to form a habit" idea doesn't hold up 4. What hypnotherapy works best for: stress-driven habits, cravings, and sleep 5. How light, sound, and binaural beats train the brain 6. Where brain health technology is heading next Actionable Takeaways 1. Relax first, change second: no technique works while your nervous system is in fear mode. 2. Notice your triggers: if a habit gets worse under stress, that stress is the place to work. 3. Stop saying "I am" about a behaviour: you are not your habits, and your brain listens to the label. 4. Focus on the outcome you want, not the problem you're trying to escape. 5. Treat sleep as a necessity, not a luxury, and wake to music instead of a jarring alarm. 6. Practise self-hypnosis or guided relaxation regularly: consistency is what rewires the brain. Chapters 0:00 Episode highlights 3:49 Can hypnosis make you do things against your will? 8:37 What is a brain state, really? 11:20 The 21-day habit myth 16:05 What hypnotherapy works best for 18:05 Who can actually be hypnotized? 23:15 Inside BrainTap: how light trains the brain 32:43 Binaural beats & the two-voice technique 38:14 Can a headset help you sleep better? 40:46 The future of brain health technology Guest: Dr. Patrick Porter — Hypnotherapist, Founder of BrainTap Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode gave you a new perspective on your brain, subscribe, rate, and share to support more evidence-based insights into neuroscience, performance, and self-awareness. 📩 For speaking, coaching, or partnerships: [email protected] ⚠️This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to a qualified professional before starting any new therapy. #brainhealth #neuroscience #hypnosis #neuroplasticity #subconsciousmind

In this Season 2 episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Dr. Anupriya Agarwal — award-winning senior gynecologist with 25+ years of experience guiding women through menopause, for a deeply personal and practical conversation about what perimenopause and menopause really do to the female brain. Together, they unpack why menopause isn't just a reproductive transition; it's a brain transition. Dr. Anu explains how fluctuating estrogen leaves the brain short of fuel, why brain fog, anxiety, and 3 AM wake-ups are so common in your 40s, and what the science on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) actually says today. Both speak from lived experience: Dr. Anu has been through menopause, and Mantazh is navigating perimenopause right now. You'll Learn: 1. The difference between perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause 2. How estrogen fuels the brain, and why its decline causes brain fog 3. Why cortisol, thyroid, and sleep disruption hit women hardest in midlife 4. The surprising symptoms beyond hot flashes that most women miss 5. The truth about HRT: what the WHI study got wrong and who it can help 6. The diet, sleep, and strength-training strategies that support the menopausal brain Actionable Takeaways: 1. Track your symptoms: a simple symptom score makes the invisible visible and shows what's working. 2. Make sleep non-negotiable: early dinner, a 30-minute walk, a cool room, and 5 minutes of slow breathing in bed. 3. Lift weights 3-4 times a week: start slow, ideally with a trainer. Muscle stabilises blood sugar and feeds the brain. 4. Give your brain alternative fuel: good fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty fish), more protein, and don't skip the egg yolk. 5. If you're always tired, foggy, or losing hair, ask your doctor to check Free T3, T4, and TSH. 6. If symptoms are disrupting your life, talk to your doctor about HRT. Timing matters. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 3:53 "You are not imagining it" 6:35 Perimenopause vs. menopause vs. post-menopause 10:35 How menopause changes the brain 13:13 The real cause of brain fog 17:37 The hidden thyroid connection 22:47 Why you wake up at 3 AM 31:39 The perimenopause sleep protocol 33:39 Why strength training is non-negotiable 47:26 Can HRT protect the brain from dementia? Guest: Dr. Anupriya Agarwal — Award-Winning Senior Gynecologist, Menopause Specialist Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode gave you a new perspective on your brain, subscribe, rate, and share — especially with a woman in your life who needs to hear it. 📩 For speaking, coaching, or partnerships: [email protected] —-------------------------------------- OR SIMPLY CONNECT WITH MANTAZH: 🌐 mantazhkhanna.com 📧 [email protected] 🔗 linkedin.com/in/mantazhkhanna ⚠️ This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor before starting any treatment, including HRT. #neuroscience #brainhealth #menopause #perimenopause #brainfog #womenshealth

In this Season 2 premiere of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Dr. Mazda Turel, one of India's leading neurosurgeons and author of Bheja Fry: Heartfelt Stories from a Neurosurgeon's Clinic, to go inside the operating theatre and inside the surgeon's mind. Together, they explore what modern neurosurgery can do today that most people don't even realise is possible, from deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's and depression to tumours removed through the nose. Dr. Turel shares how he makes life-or-death decisions under extreme pressure, how he avoids burnout, why brain surgery is now safer than most people think, and why no AI will ever replace the human connection between a doctor and a patient. You'll Learn What's possible in neurosurgery today: deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and minimally invasive brain surgeryWhy modern brain surgery is far safer than its reputation suggestsHow a neurosurgeon prepares, stays calm, and leads a team in high-stakes momentsWhere the brain ends and the mind begins: identity, memory, and consciousnessThe brain health myths you can stop believing (the 10% myth, left-brain vs. right-brain)How AI and robotics will change neurosurgery, and what they can never replace Actionable Takeaways Prepare before the pressure hits: rehearse the plan, have a Plan B, and know everyone's role.Under stress, control yourself first, then give short, clear, calm instructions.Protect your brain with the basics: exercise, 7-8 hours of sleep, hydration, unprocessed food, community, and purpose.Give your brain "good stress": learn something new and step slightly outside your comfort zone.Consistency beats intensity: your brain loves patterns, so keep the simple habits going.Track less, live more: data is useful, but presence is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 4:18 Meet Dr. Mazda Turel 5:24 The one thing everyone should know about neurosurgery 12:37 Is brain surgery really 99.9% safe? 14:14 How a neurosurgeon handles life-or-death pressure 18:22 How a neurosurgeon avoids burnout 20:18 Mind vs. brain: identity, memory & consciousness 31:23 India's doctor-patient trust deficit 34:48 Brain health myths busted 35:50 The real pillars of brain health 38:38 AI, robotics & the future of neurosurgery 42:37 Final reflections Guest: Dr. Mazda Turel — Neurosurgeon, Author of Bheja Fry: Heartfelt Stories from a Neurosurgeon's Clinic Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 📖 Read the book: Bheja Fry by Dr. Mazda Turel 👉 If this episode gave you a new perspective on your brain, subscribe, rate, and share to support more evidence-based insights into neuroscience, performance, and self-awareness. 📩 For speaking, coaching, or partnerships: [email protected] OR SIMPLY CONNECT WITH MANTAZH: 🌐 mantazhkhanna.com 📧 [email protected] 🔗 linkedin.com/in/mantazhkhanna #neurosurgery #brainhealth #neuroscience #parkinsons #brainsurgery #neurosurgeon #decisionmaking #burnout #bhejafry

When Dr. Kevin Tran learned he carried two copies of the APOE4 gene — putting him in the top 1% of Alzheimer’s risk — he refused to accept his genetic fate. Instead, he made it his mission to help others rewrite their brain health story. In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Tran about: • The science behind APOE testing and what genetic risk really means • Lifestyle interventions that can protect your brain — even with high-risk genes • The role of sleep, movement, and gut health in cognitive longevity • How mindset and stress reframe our relationship with aging and disease • The power of community in prevention and healing Actionable Takeaways: – Understand your risk, but don’t let it define you – Prioritize restorative sleep and anti-inflammatory nutrition – Move daily: aerobic + coordination exercises build brain reserve – Practice mindfulness to reduce fear and improve cognitive resilience – Build a community of support — connection protects cognition Guest: Dr. Kevin Tran — Founder, The Phoenix Community Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share to support more meaningful conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living. #ThinkShiftWithMantazh #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Genetics #APOE4 #CognitiveHealth #Longevity #Neuroplasticity #MindsetMatters #LifestyleMedicine #Neuroscience #MentalResilience #DementiaPrevention #BrainLongevity #HealthOptimization

In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Tsewang Norbu Vivek, a former monk from Ladakh and founder of Dama House, to rediscover mindfulness through its original purpose—awareness, compassion, and presence. Drawing from years of monastic practice, Vivek reveals how mindfulness isn’t about escaping thought or “emptying the mind,” but about being fully awake in every moment. Together, they explore how to live mindfully in the modern world, manage emotions through awareness, and reconnect with a sense of calm that comes from clarity, not control. You’ll learn: ● What true mindfulness means (and how it differs from relaxation) ● Simple ways to practice mindfulness in daily life ● How to manage anxiety, anger, or sadness through awareness ● The one principle that keeps mindfulness grounded in compassion 👉 If this conversation sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share the podcast to support more meaningful content on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living. #ThinkShiftWithMantazh #Mindfulness #Meditation #Compassion #Awareness #Presence #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #EmotionalHealth #Consciousness #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

In this special episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, as they walk through a live qEEG brain scan and discuss what it really reveals Santiago explains how brain mapping exposes hidden patterns in focus, mood, and stress — and how neurofeedback trains the brain to rebalance itself. Together, they unpack the promise and misconceptions of this growing field and explore how self-awareness is still the most powerful tool for change. Actionable Takeaways: – Consider qEEG mapping if you want personalized insight into your brain health. – Use neurofeedback as a training method, not a quick fix. – Monitor your progress through focus, sleep, and energy changes. – Reinforce results with sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness. – Technology can guide you — but your awareness creates lasting change. Guest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode made you rethink what your brain can do, follow, rate, and share to support more science-based conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance. #ThinkShiftWithMantazh #BrainMapping #Neurofeedback #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #Focus #Stress #Neuroplasticity #CognitivePerformance #Mindfulness #Neurotech #SelfAwareness #EEG #qEEG #MindLab

Your thoughts, emotions, and focus are all shaped by your brain’s invisible electrical rhythms — your brainwaves. In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, to decode what brainwaves really are and how they shape our daily lives. From creativity to anxiety, Santiago reveals how we can train our own brainwave patterns for better focus, emotional balance, and mental performance. Actionable Takeaways: – Use mindful breathing to slow down overactive beta waves – Prioritize sleep to restore delta and theta rhythms – Create mental “recovery” moments during busy days – Experiment with meditation or sound to reach alpha flow – Think of brainwave training as fitness for your mind Guest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 Follow, rate, and share to support more science-backed insights on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance. #ThinkShiftWithMantazh #Brainwaves #Neuroscience #Focus #Mindfulness #PeakPerformance #CognitiveHealth #Neuroplasticity #StressResilience #Neurofeedback

Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar was among the first to prove that mindfulness changes the brain. Her research shows meditation can increase grey matter, strengthen memory & attention, and even shrink the amygdala, the stress center. In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna explores how mindfulness boosts emotional regulation, resilience, and cognitive health—with real insights on what works, what’s hype, and how to start. Takeaways: ● 8 weeks of practice can create measurable brain changes ● Mindfulness helps you react less, recover faster, and think more clearly ● Meditation may slow age-related brain decline Guest: Dr. Sara Lazar (Harvard Medical School, MGH) Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain & Wellness Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS If you enjoyed this podcast, please follow, rate, and share to support the show! #ThinkShiftWithMantazh #Mindfulness #Meditation #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #StressRelief #AnxietySupport #CognitivePerformance #Longevity #HarvardResearch

When Dr. Kevin Tran learned he carried two copies of the APOE4 gene — putting him in the top 1% of Alzheimer’s risk — he refused to accept his genetic fate. Instead, he made it his mission to help others rewrite their brain health story. In this episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Tran about: • The science behind APOE testing and what genetic risk really means • Lifestyle interventions that can protect your brain — even with high-risk genes • The role of sleep, movement, and gut health in cognitive longevity • How mindset and stress reframe our relationship with aging and disease • The power of community in prevention and healing Actionable Takeaways: – Understand your risk, but don’t let it define you – Prioritize restorative sleep and anti-inflammatory nutrition – Move daily: aerobic + coordination exercises build brain reserve – Practice mindfulness to reduce fear and improve cognitive resilience – Build a community of support — connection protects cognition Guest: Dr. Kevin Tran — Founder, The Phoenix Community Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share to support more meaningful conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living. #Brain #ThinkShift #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Genetics #APOE4 #CognitiveHealth #Longevity #Neuroplasticity #MindsetMatters #LifestyleMedicine #Neuroscience #MentalResilience #DementiaPrevention #BrainLongevity #healthoptimization

What does mindfulness really mean—beyond the buzzwords and meditation apps? In this episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) sits down with Tsewang Norbu Vivek, a former monk from Ladakh and founder of Dama House, to rediscover mindfulness through its original purpose—awareness, compassion, and presence.  Drawing from years of monastic practice, Vivek reveals how mindfulness isn’t about escaping thought or “emptying the mind,” but about being fully awake in every moment. Together, they explore how to live mindfully in the modern world, manage emotions through awareness, and reconnect with a sense of calm that comes from clarity, not control. You’ll learn: What true mindfulness means (and how it differs from relaxation) Simple ways to practice mindfulness in daily life How to manage anxiety, anger, or sadness through awareness The one principle that keeps mindfulness grounded in compassion 👉 If this conversation sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share the podcast to support more meaningful content on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious living. #thinkShift #mindfulness #Meditation #Compassion #Awareness #Presence #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #EmotionalHealth #Consciousness #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #brain #braintraining

What does your brain say about you? In this special episode of THINK SHIFT with Mantazh, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, as they walk through a live qEEG brain scan and discuss what it really reveals. Santiago explains how brain mapping exposes hidden patterns in focus, mood, and stress — and how neurofeedback trains the brain to rebalance itself. Together, they unpack the promise and misconceptions of this growing field and explore how self-awareness is still the most powerful tool for change. Actionable Takeaways – Consider qEEG mapping if you want personalized insight into your brain health. – Use neurofeedback as a training method, not a quick fix. – Monitor your progress through focus, sleep, and energy changes. – Reinforce results with sleep, movement, nutrition, and mindfulness. – Technology can guide you — but your awareness creates lasting change. Guest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 If this episode made you rethink what your brain can do, follow, rate, and share to support more science-based conversations on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance. #thinkShift #BrainMapping #Neurofeedback #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #Focus #Stress #Neuroplasticity #CognitivePerformance #Mindfulness #Neurotech #SelfAwareness #EEG #qEEG #MindLab

Your thoughts, emotions, and focus are all shaped by your brain’s invisible electrical rhythms — your brainwaves. In this episode of Think Shift, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Santiago Brand, neuropsychologist and founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience, to decode what brainwaves really are and how they shape our daily lives. From creativity to anxiety, Santiago reveals how we can train our own brainwave patterns for better focus, emotional balance, and mental performance. Actionable Takeaways: – Use mindful breathing to slow down overactive beta waves – Prioritize sleep to restore delta and theta rhythms – Create mental “recovery” moments during busy days – Experiment with meditation or sound to reach alpha flow – Think of brainwave training as fitness for your mind Guest: Santiago Brand — Neuropsychologist, Founder of MindLab Applied Neuroscience Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS 👉 Follow, rate, and share to support more science-backed insights on neuroscience, mindfulness, and conscious performance. Hashtags #ThinkShift #Brainwaves #Neuroscience #Focus #Mindfulness #PeakPerformance #CognitiveHealth #Neuroplasticity #StressResilience #Neurofeedback

Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Sara Lazar was among the first to prove that mindfulness changes the brain. Her research shows meditation can increase grey matter, strengthen memory & attention, and even shrink the amygdala, the stress center. In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna explores how mindfulness boosts emotional regulation, resilience, and cognitive health—with real insights on what works, what’s hype, and how to start. Takeaways: 8 weeks of practice can create measurable brain changes Mindfulness helps you react less, recover faster, and think more clearly Meditation may slow age-related brain decline Guest: Dr. Sara Lazar (Harvard Medical School, MGH) Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain & Wellness Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS If you enjoyed this podcast, please follow, rate, and share to support the show! #ThinkShift #Mindfulness #Meditation #Neuroscience #BrainHealth #StressRelief #AnxietySupport #CognitivePerformance #Longevity #HarvardResearch

What if learning was the ultimate workout for your brain? In this episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Teo Wei Peng, Associate Professor and Center Director at Alexandra Hospital, about what really happens in the brain when we learn—and how to use that knowledge to keep our minds sharp for life. They explore the neuroscience of learning, why curiosity boosts memory, and how repetition, feedback, and even moderate stress can accelerate learning. Dr. Teo shares actionable ways to strengthen cognitive resilience and explains why continuous learning is the key to long-term brain health and longevity. Actionable Takeaways Keep learning new skills to stimulate neuroplasticity Add variety and novelty to strengthen memory networks Write by hand to reinforce understanding Balance challenge with rest—too much stress blocks learning Reflect and self-evaluate to deepen retention If this episode sparked reflection, follow, rate, and share Think Shift to support more conversations on neuroscience, learning, and the mind–body connection. #ThinkShift #Learning #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #Memory #Mindfulness #LifelongLearning #Focus #Curiosity #CognitivePerformance

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s brain maintenance. In this Think Shift episode, host Mantazh Khanna (Brain Coach, PhD cand., MBA, MS) speaks with Dr. Simon Smith, a clinical psychologist and sleep scientist at the University of Queensland, about what really happens in the brain during sleep and why quality matters more than quantity. They unpack circadian rhythms, blue light, caffeine, alcohol, and sleep trackers — cutting through the noise to share what the latest science actually says about restorative rest. You’ll learn: What your brain does while you sleep Why 8 hours isn’t enough if the quality is poor The truth about blue light, caffeine, and alcohol How consistency builds better sleep hygiene When to seek help for chronic sleep issues Actionable takeaways: Keep a consistent routine, get morning light, dim screens before bed, and track how you feel, not just what your device says. Guest: Dr. Simon Smith — Clinical Psychologist & Sleep Scientist Host: Mantazh Khanna — Brain Coach, Neuroscience Researcher, Cancer Survivor, PhD cand., MBA, MS #ThinkShift #SleepScience #BrainHealth #CircadianRhythm #RestorativeSleep #Neuroscience #Wellbeing #SleepBetter #MindBodyMedicine #HealthyLiving