Podcast #97 - BRMI “State of the Union Address” with Dr. James Odell
Release Date: 01/03/2023
How Stress Rewires the Body — and How to Reverse It
The Science of Self-Healing
Stress isn’t just “in your head”—it’s written in your biology. In this eye-opening episode of The Science of Self-Healing, Dr. James Odell explores how the stress response transforms your body and brain, why modern life keeps our nervous systems on high alert, and how trauma imprints itself into our tissues. Moving from amygdala alarms to the quiet power of the vagus nerve, he uncovers the hidden chemistry of burnout, anxiety, inflammation, and resilience. Most importantly, you'll learn how safety, rest, connection, and mindful practices can literally rewire your physiology. If...
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Can You Really Lower High Blood Pressure Naturally?
The Science of Self-Healing
High blood pressure—often called the “silent killer”—affects one in three adults, yet many don’t even know they have it. In this episode of The Science of Self-Healing, we explore whether it’s truly possible to bring blood pressure down naturally—and the answer might surprise you. Join us as we uncover the root causes of hypertension and discuss proven, bioregulatory ways to restore balance. You’ll learn how nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and targeted herbal and nutrient support all play vital roles in regulating blood pressure. From the DASH and Mediterranean...
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Ten Mushrooms that Heal: Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Science
The Science of Self-Healing
Discover the hidden world beneath your feet — where mushrooms quietly shape life, health, and longevity. In this episode of The Science of Self-Healing, we explore ten of nature’s most powerful medicinal mushrooms — from Reishi and Lion’s Mane to Cordyceps and Chaga — and reveal how their ancient wisdom aligns with modern science. Learn how to safely bring these fungi into your diet and daily rituals for better energy, immunity, and mental clarity.
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The Science of Circadian Rhythms: How to Sync Your Body’s Clock for Better Health
The Science of Self-Healing
Have you ever wondered why you feel alert in the morning, sluggish at night, or completely off after a late flight? In this episode of The Science of Self-Healing, we explore the fascinating world of your circadian rhythm—the 24-hour internal clock that orchestrates your hormones, metabolism, mood, and even cellular repair. Discover how light, meal timing, and sleep habits influence your energy and long-term health, and learn how ancient healing traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have honored these rhythms for centuries. You’ll also hear how modern chronobiology is...
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Is Your Gut Controlling Your Mood? The Science Behind the Gut-Brain Axis
The Science of Self-Healing
Your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s a powerful command center for your mood, immune health, and even how your brain works. In this episode, Dr. Odell discusses the gut-brain connection and explores how this two-way communication system impacts everything from stress resilience to emotional well-being. He’ll uncover the fascinating science of the enteric nervous system (your “second brain”), the vagus nerve superhighway, and the trillions of microbes living inside you that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. You’ll learn how gut health influences...
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The Truth About Detox – What Doctors and Critics Overlook
The Science of Self-Healing
In this episode, we’re unraveling what it means to detox—a term that’s been hijacked by marketing, criticized by mainstream headlines, and misunderstood by nearly everyone in between. While flashy “detox cleanses” and miracle teas deserve skepticism, the dismissal of detox altogether ignores an important truth: detoxification is a real, ongoing biological process essential to health. We’ll explore what detox actually means, how your liver, kidneys, gut, lungs, skin, and lymphatic system work together to keep you resilient, and why modern life challenges these systems more than...
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What 50+ Podcasts Taught Us About Better Health
The Science of Self-Healing
After more than 50 episodes, it’s time to step back and share the biggest health lessons Dr. Odell has covered so far. In this episode, he brings together some of the most powerful nutrition and lifestyle strategies—practical steps you can start using right away. He’ll talk about why fiber is your gut’s best friend, how antioxidants and potassium protect your cells and brain, and why omega-3 fatty acids are essential at every stage of life. You will also hear how probiotics, healthy habits, detox practices, breathing techniques, natural light, and vagus nerve stimulation can completely...
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How Chronic Inflammation Quietly Damages Your Body
The Science of Self-Healing
You know that swelling around a fresh cut or the soreness after twisting your ankle? That’s inflammation doing its job—protecting and healing. But there’s another kind, the kind you can’t see or feel right away, that can quietly chip away at your health for years. In this episode, Dr. Odell discusses chronic inflammation—the “silent fire” that may be behind your fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, mood swings, and even serious diseases. He’ll share how it starts, why it sticks around, and the surprisingly everyday things that keep it burning. More importantly, Dr. Odell will...
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Can Scars Really Block Your Healing?
The Science of Self-Healing
We often think of scars as just faded reminders of past injuries—something cosmetic, maybe annoying, but nothing more. But what if a scar, even one from years ago, is quietly interfering with your body’s ability to heal? In this episode, Dr. Odell discusses a lesser-known concept from bioregulatory medicine: scar interference fields. These aren’t just surface issues. They can create hidden disruptions in your nervous system, block energy flow, and lead to symptoms that seem totally unrelated to where the scar is. He’ll also explain what interference fields are, how they work, and why...
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Why the Vagus Nerve Is Called the Body’s Reset Button
The Science of Self-Healing
Can you really heal your body from within—without medication or expensive treatments? In this powerful episode of The Science of Self-Healing, Dr. Odell explores one of the most overlooked keys to physical and emotional wellness: the vagus nerve. Known as the "wandering nerve," the vagus connects your brain to your heart, gut, lungs, and more—regulating digestion, immune response, inflammation, and even your ability to feel calm and connected. He’ll also explain the anatomy and function of this remarkable nerve, how it influences the autonomic nervous system, and why it's essential to...
info_outlineDr. Stills interviews Medical Director of BRMI, Dr. James Odell on the "State of the Union" of our world, country, and organization in light of the unprecedented events and research that has emerged over the last year. A prolific writer, researcher, and clinician, Dr. Odell takes us on a journey behind the scenes on topics as broad as world news, and as focused as the BRMI website. One of our most informative episodes to date, this is a must-listen!