Connect My Brain
Why is this happening to my kid and what can I do about it? If you're the parent of a developmentally delayed child, you've probably asked this question more than once. That's where I come in! I'm Dr. Laura Hanson and I specialize in identifying the "why" and telling you the "what." Join me every Thursday for a deeper look at how our brains are wired and how to get the most out of your mind. Are you looking to break negative patterns, overcome mood disorders, or optimize your potential? Maybe your child struggles with ADHD, OCD or other learning difficulties. Tune in to Connect My Brain, where I explain concepts like biofeedback and neurofeedback, brainwave frequencies, and much more. Let me help you change your life by changing your mind!
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165. The Summer Break Problem: How Shorter Summers Are Hurting Our Kids | Truth Bombs
08/21/2025
165. The Summer Break Problem: How Shorter Summers Are Hurting Our Kids | Truth Bombs
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) As kids start school this week, I wanted to share something that worries me. Our kids only get 7-8 weeks of summer break now. Way less than the 3+ months we had growing up. That's not enough time for them to truly rest and recharge. After working with kids for over 30 years, I see how stressed they are. They're always rushing from one thing to the next, never getting a break. Without realizing it, we're teaching our kids that being busy all the time is normal. But it's not healthy! This school year, let's try something different. Your child doesn't need to be signed up for an activity every single day. Sometimes the best thing we can do is give them space to just be kids and let their minds rest. If your child is struggling in school, maybe it's time to figure out what's really going on instead of adding more tutoring. At Connect My Brain, we help get to the root of learning struggles so kids can actually succeed. SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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164. How Hidden Infections Impact Kids' Brain Development
08/14/2025
164. How Hidden Infections Impact Kids' Brain Development
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Today we are talking about the connection between strep infections, autoimmunity, and your child's developing brain. Many parents dismiss strep as something "every kid gets," but I want to change that perspective. What starts as a simple bacterial imbalance (dysbiosis) in your child's gut can cascade into chronic inflammation, stress chemistry, and eventually autoimmunity. All of which directly impact brain health and development. While reviewing lab work and we see dysbiosis in stool tests, we're looking at an imbalance in gut bacteria that should contain many different species. This imbalance doesn't just affect digestion – it's the beginning of a chain reaction that can alter how your child's immune system responds and how their brain functions. SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode164 Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 **** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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163. The Recent FDA Approval of Moderna’s Spikevax COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 11 | Truth Bombs
08/07/2025
163. The Recent FDA Approval of Moderna’s Spikevax COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 11 | Truth Bombs
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) In this quick session, we talked about the recent FDA approval for the Moderna COVID vaccine in kids 6 months to 11 years old, and why it’s so crucial to consider the risks—especially for little ones under four as their brains, immune systems, and guts are still developing. I encourage you to dig into resources like Children’s Health Defense and experts like James Roguski and Dr. Peter McCullough. SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode163 Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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162. How a Single Strep Infection Could Affect Your Child's Focus
07/31/2025
162. How a Single Strep Infection Could Affect Your Child's Focus
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) As a mom concerned about your child's development, I want you to understand how your amazing brain handles change and what happens when things go off track. I'm seeing more children missing crucial developmental milestones, and I'm concerned that we've normalized developmental delays. Your child's ability to crawl, walk, and move through proper developmental stages literally wires their brain. These movement patterns create the foundation for attention, learning, and social skills later on in life. Ready to connect the dots for your child? Visit to learn more about our comprehensive approach to child development. SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode162 Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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161. Is Your Stress Response Stuck "On"? Signs Your Nervous System Needs Help | Truth Bombs
07/24/2025
161. Is Your Stress Response Stuck "On"? Signs Your Nervous System Needs Help | Truth Bombs
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) I'm talking about stress today and why you actually need some in your life! Things like exercise and handling daily challenges are good stress, but when you feel completely wiped out after a workout, that's your body waving a red flag that it's overwhelmed. Picture your stress response like a thermostat - it should kick in when needed, fix the problem, then turn off. But when it's stuck "on" all the time, it eventually breaks down. That's what happens with chronic stress - blood flow gets redirected away from your digestion and the thinking part of your brain, sending everything to your arms and legs for fight-or-flight mode. And this can actually start at birth! The stress reflex that helps babies through delivery can get stuck if there's birth trauma or stress during pregnancy. Those babies who won't sleep, have reflux, or seem constantly worked up? They might be stuck in this pattern from day one. The scary part is if no one helps reset this, kids can carry these patterns through childhood and even into adulthood. SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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160. Neuroplasticity Explained: The Brain’s Power to Heal, Grow, and Break Negative Patterns with Meaghan & Michael Longyear
07/17/2025
160. Neuroplasticity Explained: The Brain’s Power to Heal, Grow, and Break Negative Patterns with Meaghan & Michael Longyear
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) In this episode, Dr. Laura sits down with two special guests—Dr. Michael Longyear and Dr. Meg Longyear, renowned for their innovative approach to brain and emotional health. Together, they explore the groundbreaking concept of neuroplasticity, debunking the myth that brain change only happens in childhood and sharing real-life stories of transformation at any age. You’ll hear Dr. Michael’s incredible personal journey from paralysis to recovery after a football injury and learn how chiropractic care and neuroplasticity played a pivotal role in his healing. Dr. Meg opens up about her lifelong battle with depression, self-esteem struggles, and addiction—and the transformative power of neuro emotional technique (NET) in reclaiming her true self. They’ll unpack complex topics like limbic loops, chronic pain, and why the stories we tell ourselves matter for our brains, and our lives. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development or someone searching for new tools to rewrite your own narrative, this episode is packed with scientific insights, heartfelt stories, and practical ways to support emotional and neurological wellbeing. Tune in as Dr. Laura, Dr. Michael, and Dr. Meg show you just how connected and capable your brain really is. SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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159. Your Brain on AI: The Hidden Cognitive Cost of Using ChatGPT | Truth Bombs
07/10/2025
159. Your Brain on AI: The Hidden Cognitive Cost of Using ChatGPT | Truth Bombs
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Today, I share how AI is reshaping our minds. And not necessarily for the better. Did you know that AI companies want a 10-year window where they can use all our online content without giving us credit? Congress is finally fighting back with a 99-to-1 vote for AI boundaries! But here's what really concerns me. We're losing essential cognitive abilities. Just like kids today can't tie shoes because of Velcro and Crocs, we're losing fine motor skills that directly impact brain development. I also explain the connection between handwriting, the sensory motor cortex, and your parietal lobe. Recent research on ChatGPT users reveals alarming cognitive debt, weakened connections between your frontal and parietal lobes, affecting memory encoding and recall. When we let AI do our thinking, we lose the ability to think for ourselves. SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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158. Integration: The Missing Link In Your Child's Development
07/03/2025
158. Integration: The Missing Link In Your Child's Development
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Hey parents! 👋 I'm Dr. Laura Hansen, and today I want to share with you the importance of integration in your child’s development. Think of their child's body like an orchestra. The brain is the conductor, and every system (eyes, ears, muscles, digestion) are the instruments. In our healthcare system, we often treat each "instrument" separately. But at Connect My Brain we understand that everything is connected. When one system is off, it affects the others. At Connect My Brain we use a three-tier integrative approach to address the root causes of developmental delay. Mechanical – How does your child's body move and coordinate? Body Chemistry – What fuel does their brain need to function optimally? Brain – How are the neural pathways developing? If you're concerned about your child's development, remember that early intervention makes a difference. Check out our CMB membership for resources, or explore our coaching programs. You can also download our Connect My Brain app to track developmental milestones. SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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157. The REAL Education Behind Chiropractic (It's Not Just About Pain) | Truth Bombs
06/26/2025
157. The REAL Education Behind Chiropractic (It's Not Just About Pain) | Truth Bombs
Hey everyone! I'm Dr. Laura, and in this Truth Bombs episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what chiropractors ACTUALLY study. Did you know our education covers everything from anatomy and physiology (how your body is built and works) to nutrition, neuroanatomy (your nervous system), and even pharmatoxicology (how drugs and toxins affect your body)? I've been noticing more healthcare providers talking about the body's natural ability to heal itself lately - but chiropractors have been studying this concept since 1895! We call it "innate intelligence," and it's basically your body's built-in wisdom to heal cuts, digest food, and keep you healthy. With 30 years in practice and seven credentials, I've seen firsthand how amazing this natural healing really is. Unfortunately, many people only think of chiropractors for pain relief, but we're trained SO much deeper than that. I want to change how you see our profession! Whether it's through nutrition, lab testing, or collaborating with other providers, we're here to help orchestrate your body's natural healing. Ready to explore chiropractic from a new perspective? Let's connect! SHOW NOTES: Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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156. My Three-Tier Approach To Addressing The Root Causes Of Learning And Behavioral Challenges
06/19/2025
156. My Three-Tier Approach To Addressing The Root Causes Of Learning And Behavioral Challenges
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) I'm Dr. Laura Hansen, and after 30 years in this field, I realized I might be taking for granted that people truly understand what we do here at Connect My Brain. So let me share my story and explain how we help children reach their full potential. At Connect My Brain, we take a unique three-tier approach: mechanical (like primitive reflexes), chemical (through functional lab work), and neurological (using brain mapping). We understand that everything is connected – your child's development, nutrition, brain function, and overall health all work together. SHOW NOTES: Want us to answer your questions on the podcast? Ask Dr. Laura here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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155. Why So Many Kids Think They're Not Good Enough | Truth Bombs
06/12/2025
155. Why So Many Kids Think They're Not Good Enough | Truth Bombs
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Hi everyone! In this Truth Bomb episode, I'm sharing something that breaks my heart - after 30 years of practice and assessing hundreds of kids, I've noticed a troubling pattern. So many children come into my office thinking they don't do anything right. From ages 2 through college, kids are constantly comparing themselves to their peers. If they don't look or perform exactly like other children, they assume something's wrong with them. This negative self-image is holding our kids back in ways we might not even realize. At Connect My Brain, we focus on creating a safe space where children can practice and develop without that harsh inner critic. Remember, development starts with movement - even in the womb! When we support our children's physical development, we're building the foundation for everything else. If your child seems less enthusiastic than they should be, that's a red flag worth addressing. Subscribe to the SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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154. Root Cause Medicine: One Doctor's Wake-Up Call with Dr Ben Edwards
06/05/2025
154. Root Cause Medicine: One Doctor's Wake-Up Call with Dr Ben Edwards
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) I had the most incredible conversation with Dr. Ben Edwards on this week's Connect My Brain podcast, and I'm still buzzing from everything we discussed! As a chiropractor, I've always believed in the body's innate wisdom to heal itself, but hearing Dr. Edwards' transformation from conventional MD to holistic practitioner was absolutely fascinating. Dr. Edwards shared his eye-opening journey – how he went from seeing 50 patients a day in seven-minute visits, treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals, to discovering that the body can actually heal itself when given the right inputs. His story started with a simple question from an elderly patient: "Why are you just treating my symptoms instead of fixing the root cause?" That question changed everything. Enroll in the Parent Membership SHOW NOTES: https://connectmybrain.com/episode154 What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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153. Child Struggling? Tasks, Homework & Planning Issues | Truth Bombs
05/29/2025
153. Child Struggling? Tasks, Homework & Planning Issues | Truth Bombs
Today I'm breaking down one of the most important concepts in brain development – executive function. Ever wondered what executive function actually means? I'll take you on a quick journey through your brain, from the visual cortex in the back to the frontal lobe up front. This is where the magic happens – where your brain develops the ability to make good decisions, plan for the future, regulate emotions, and "read the room." I explain how executive function is a process that builds over time, starting from the back of your brain and working forward. When everything flows smoothly, you develop into a powerful young person who can execute tasks, turn in homework, and make solid life plans. Don't miss our upcoming parental webinars starting May 14th! I'll teach you how to understand your child's unique "blueprint" and help their brain develop with the right intensity and frequency. Sign up at Grab our free milestone app at Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: Download the Connect My Brain app here: Request a virtual assessment here: Find us on Instagram: Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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152. Spotting the Signs of Executive Function Delays in Your Child's Daily Life
05/22/2025
152. Spotting the Signs of Executive Function Delays in Your Child's Daily Life
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) In this episode of Connect My Brain, I answer a listener's question: "What is executive function and where is it in the brain?" Executive function isn't just about following directions—it's the brain's ability to plan, reason, organize, and make good choices. As I explain, these skills develop sequentially as your child grows, starting with the back of the brain and eventually reaching the frontal lobe. I break down the warning signs at different ages, from toddlers who can't follow simple instructions to college students who struggle to create schedules. I also share why understanding your child's developmental "blueprint" is crucial for addressing these challenges. The good news? No one is stuck with these patterns! With proper brain retraining, nutrition, and appropriate expectations, we can improve executive function at any age. Want more resources? Visit to access our executive function webinars and join our parent membership community for ongoing support! Enroll in the Parent Membership SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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151. Why Telling Kids to Focus Never Works (And What Does) | Truth Bombs
05/15/2025
151. Why Telling Kids to Focus Never Works (And What Does) | Truth Bombs
👉 Did you know attention is a skill that must be developed? Today, I share why children struggle to focus and introduce my concept of "brain currency" - how your brain evaluates what actions to take based on past patterns. Everything your child practices becomes their neural pathway! If they've practiced avoidance or device dependence, that becomes their default mode. The good news? We can reshape these patterns! Join me for a FREE webinar on May 14th at 7PM where I'll expand on these concepts and provide practical strategies. Visit my website to register! Remember parents - you're the role model. What are YOU practicing daily? Your habits shape your child's brain development! Grab our free milestone app at Download the Connect My Brain app here: Request a virtual assessment here: Find us on Instagram: ****** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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150. Why Some Kids Can't Think, Plan, and Focus
05/08/2025
150. Why Some Kids Can't Think, Plan, and Focus
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) As a neurodevelopmental doctor with three decades of experience, I've seen firsthand how parents struggle with children who can't focus, plan ahead, or stay motivated. The most important thing I want you to understand is this: executive function doesn't just magically appear - it develops through specific stages from the very beginning of life. In today's episode, I explore the fascinating journey of how your child's brain develops the ability to think, plan, and focus. So many parents ask me, "Why can't my child just sit still and concentrate?" The answer lies in understanding their developmental blueprint. -> Ready to learn more? Join my FREE webinar on May 14th at 7PM where I'll dive deeper into practical strategies for supporting executive function development. Visit to register! Enroll in the Parent Membership SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ------ Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else! Visit
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149. C-Section or Natural? How Your Baby's Birth Affects Development | Truth Bombs
05/01/2025
149. C-Section or Natural? How Your Baby's Birth Affects Development | Truth Bombs
Welcome to Connect the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today I'm talking about how your baby's birth experience can affect their development. I explain why babies born vaginally get important immune benefits from mom's bacteria and how squeezing through the birth canal helps shape their head properly. As a mom who had a C-section, I share what I wish I'd known then about birth choices. I also talk about what to do if you need a C-section, forceps, or vacuum during delivery. I give simple tips for making a birth plan and why having a midwife or doula can be so helpful. Remember, being pregnant is natural, not a disease! This quick 5-minute video might completely change how you think about giving birth. Grab our free milestone app at Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: Download the Connect My Brain app here: Request a virtual assessment here: Find us on Instagram: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 **** Want help starting or managing your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. She helps coaches and course creators create shows that grow their business and connect with listeners. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else. Visit
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148. The Unseen Risks of Food Dyes and Generic Medications
04/24/2025
148. The Unseen Risks of Food Dyes and Generic Medications
Did you know that 90% of generic medications in America primarily come from China? In 2019, government advisor Rosemary Gibson revealed shocking information about medication quality and safety. Research found that 13% of generic medications coming into the US were defectively manufactured, containing carcinogens, lead, arsenic, and other toxins. As a parent or patient, you deserve to know what's going into your body. I also explore the concerning impact of food dyes on our health - especially for children. Red Dye #40 has been linked to allergies, migraines, and immune dysfunction, while Yellow #5 can damage DNA and white blood cells. These synthetic dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems in children and have already been banned in places like California and the UK. Food companies are getting sneaky too - rebranding dyes with innocent-sounding names like "allura red" or "brilliant blue" to make them seem natural. You'll find these harmful ingredients hiding in popular snacks like M&Ms, Doritos, and many children's cereals. SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172 ****** Dreaming of starting your own podcast? Talk to my producer, Marcie Paige. She helps coaches and course creators launch shows that grow their business and connect with listeners. You focus on delivering great content—she'll take care of everything else. Visit
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147. Why Treating Mama Like a Queen During Pregnancy is Essential | Truth Bombs
04/17/2025
147. Why Treating Mama Like a Queen During Pregnancy is Essential | Truth Bombs
Welcome to Episode 2 of Connect the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today, I'm talking about why pregnancy health matters so much for your baby's growth. I'll show you why treating mama like a queen isn't just a nice thought—it's truly needed for your baby to develop well! I'll explain how ongoing stress can change mom's brain and even take stress hormones from your baby through the umbilical cord. Did you know your baby's balance system forms first, then eyes (4-10 weeks), and finally hearing (18 weeks)? These early senses in the womb shape how your child will grow after birth. Movement is so important! Your baby needs to move in the womb to grow properly, and this movement helps their brain develop too. Babies are fully formed at birth but still learning how to use their bodies—and movement is the key! Join me as we learn how to give our babies the best possible start!
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146. What Your Child's Food Preferences Reveal About Their Health
04/10/2025
146. What Your Child's Food Preferences Reveal About Their Health
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) In this episode of Connect My Brain, I dive into one of my greatest passions – connecting the dots when it comes to your child's health and development. As a practitioner with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics, I've observed how seemingly separate health issues often share common roots. When we look at mood swings, attention issues, digestive problems, or even chronic infections, conventional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. But I believe in looking at the bigger picture – understanding how your gut health, immune system, brain, and overall body function as an interconnected network. Remember to download our Connect My Brain app to track your child's developmental milestones, and reach out through the website if you have questions about your unique health blueprint! SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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145. Beyond 'Normal' Labs: What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Fertility | Truth Bombs
04/03/2025
145. Beyond 'Normal' Labs: What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Fertility | Truth Bombs
This is the first episode of Connecting the Dots: Truth Bombs! Today I break down why your health before pregnancy matters more than you might think. I explain why just "feeling great" isn't enough to know what's actually happening in your body and how your health directly impacts your baby's brain development. I reveal why traditional lab tests might show "normal" results even when something's wrong, and why I recommend preparing 1-2 years before conception by understanding your body chemistry through functional labs. Whether you're planning for pregnancy or already have children with developmental concerns, it's never too late to make positive changes to your health or your child's. Join Dr. Laura’s parenting membership here: Download the Connect My Brain app here: Request a virtual assessment here:
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144. What I Learned at MAPS: Medical Doctors Who Look for the 'Why' Behind Children's Health Issues
03/27/2025
144. What I Learned at MAPS: Medical Doctors Who Look for the 'Why' Behind Children's Health Issues
👉 Last week, I attended the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS) conference, and I'm excited to share what I learned with all of you passionate moms out there! With over 600 attendees—90-95% of them medical doctors—it was truly inspiring to see healthcare professionals focusing on finding the "why" behind our children's health challenges rather than just treating symptoms. As a chiropractor for 30 years, I've witnessed waves of different diagnoses in children—from autism to oppositional defiance, attention issues, gut problems, and now rising mood disorders. What struck me most at the conference was the emphasis on asking why children struggle with attention, experience anxiety, have gut issues, or show dampened moods—rather than just labeling them. SHOW NOTES: Have a topic you want covered in an upcoming episode? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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143. The Chemistry Connection: How Your Body's Fuel Impacts Brain Development
03/13/2025
143. The Chemistry Connection: How Your Body's Fuel Impacts Brain Development
Today I wanted to focus on something absolutely fundamental to our health and development: chemistry. By chemistry, I mean the fuel that runs the human body. At Connect My Brain, I focus on the mechanical, chemical, and brain aspects of development. While I've talked extensively about mechanics (those developmental milestones children need to accomplish) and the brain (how movement wires up neural pathways), today I'm diving into that crucial third piece—the chemistry that makes it all possible. Without the correct fuel, it's incredibly difficult to make lasting neurological changes. This is one of the biggest challenges I face in my practice: helping families understand why the chemical aspect is so important for bringing everything together. Want to learn more? Visit to explore our summer program and reach out with any questions. I'm here to help your family thrive! Subscribe to the ! SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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142. Your Child's Belly Blueprint: Understanding the gut-brain axis in childhood development
02/27/2025
142. Your Child's Belly Blueprint: Understanding the gut-brain axis in childhood development
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) In today's episode, I dive deep into the fascinating connection between gut health and brain development in children. As a doctor who specializes in developmental health, I've seen firsthand how everything in our bodies is connected, and the belly is no exception to this rule. I begin by emphasizing the importance of parental health before conception. Many young couples tell me they feel great, but few actively prepare their bodies for pregnancy. This preparation is crucial because the state of health at conception directly impacts the quality of what goes into creating new life. Subscribe to the SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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141. The 21-Day Myth: The real timeline for rewiring your child's Brain
02/13/2025
141. The 21-Day Myth: The real timeline for rewiring your child's Brain
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) As a healthcare provider and educator, I've seen firsthand how parental commitment can transform a child's developmental journey. Through my work at Connect My Brain, I've developed what I call the "five-two rule" - where children work with us twice weekly while families manage five days at home. I can't stress enough that success largely depends on parents' dedication to following through with our recommended exercises and lifestyle changes. From my years of experience, I've learned that cellular-level changes require time and consistency. Typically, we see noticeable improvements within 90 days of committed effort. But here's what I want parents to understand - we shouldn't just accept limitations or wait to "see if they grow out of it." I've witnessed remarkable improvements in families who've dedicated themselves to our program, which addresses mechanical, chemical, and brain-based aspects of development. SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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140. The Five-Two Rule: Why parents are the key to success
01/30/2025
140. The Five-Two Rule: Why parents are the key to success
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Today, I wanted to speak directly to YOU - the parents who are working so hard to help your children thrive. As both a mom and a doctor who has spent 30 years helping families, I truly understand what you're going through when your child faces developmental challenges. Let me share something I call the "five-two rule." While I might see your child twice a week in my practice, you're with them five days a week. This means you, as parents, are the most powerful force in your child's progress. Over my years of practice, I've seen parenting styles change dramatically, and I want to help you understand why certain ages are so crucial for developing good habits. I've seen firsthand how developmental delays affect the whole family, especially our dads. Fathers often feel this intense pressure to "fix" everything, and it can be really hard when they can't. I want to be clear - we shouldn't brush off delayed development as "just normal." Early help makes such a difference in your child's journey. Subscribe to the SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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139. Why can't my kid wait? Understanding the brain science behind impulse control
01/16/2025
139. Why can't my kid wait? Understanding the brain science behind impulse control
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Ever wonder why some kids can resist that tempting cookie while others dive right in? Today we are breaking down the fascinating science behind impulse control in children - and it's not as simple as just saying "no." Whether you're dealing with an impulsive kiddo or just curious about how little brains develop, this episode delivers practical advice backed by solid science, all wrapped up in easy-to-understand examples that make total sense for real-world parenting. SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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138. Why stress, phones, and skipping milestones are changing our children's brains
01/02/2025
138. Why stress, phones, and skipping milestones are changing our children's brains
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Today, I talked about something that's really close to my heart - how our immune system and brain development are connected, especially in kids. You know what's crazy? About one in three kids these days isn't developing quite the way they should, and as a mom and doctor, that really gets me thinking. n this episode, we also talked about stress (because who isn't stressed these days, right?), and how it affects both parents and kids. When we're stressed, it actually changes how blood flows to our brain, which impacts everything from how we handle emotions to how we make decisions. But here's the good news - it's never too late to make changes that can help our brains work better. Whether you're thinking about having kids someday, expecting a little one, or already in the parenting trenches, this episode is packed with practical tips to help create the best environment for your child's brain to thrive. And remember, small changes can make a big difference - we just need to take that first step! The best part? You don't need a medical degree to understand this stuff. It's all about making small, meaningful changes that can help our kids (and us!) feel and function better. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what we all want for our families? CMB Store: ( & ) SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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137. How your health during pregnancy shapes your baby's brain development
12/19/2024
137. How your health during pregnancy shapes your baby's brain development
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Let me share some fascinating insights about how a mother's health during pregnancy affects her baby's brain development. The connection between our immune system and our baby's developing brain is truly remarkable. Think of the immune system during pregnancy as a blueprint for baby's brain development. Whether dealing with a virus like COVID-19, managing an old infection like mono, or experiencing high levels of stress, it all impacts how the brain develops. The fascinating part? The baby doesn't even need to get sick - just the mother's immune response can influence brain development patterns. When explaining brain development to parents, comparing it to gardening helps make it clear. The brain starts with abundant neural connections and naturally trims away the unnecessary ones, keeping the vital pathways. The vestibular system in the inner ear plays a crucial role too, affecting everything from movement to emotional processing. Many parents are surprised to learn just how significant stress during pregnancy can be. High stress levels can affect how a baby's brain develops, potentially impacting movement, thinking, and language skills. This isn't about creating guilt - it's about understanding how to support healthier pregnancies. CMB Store: ( & ) SHOW NOTES: What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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136. Brain Development in the Womb: Critical windows that shape your child's future
12/05/2024
136. Brain Development in the Womb: Critical windows that shape your child's future
👉 Download the Connect My Brain app on or ! (it’s free) Today's discussion delves into the fascinating world of neuroimmune development and its profound impact on children's health, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood. Recent research about "pandemic babies" (children born after March 2020) reveals important findings about how maternal inflammation can affect fetal brain development, even without direct infection. Using a favorite analogy of tiddlywinks, the complex concepts of neural circuit development become clearer, making brain development more understandable for parents and caregivers. The episode emphasizes the critical nature of developmental windows - those key periods when the brain, gut, and immune system are forming. Environmental factors during these times can significantly influence a child's future health. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, the crucial connection between gut health and neurological development becomes evident, leading to practical solutions for parents dealing with picky eaters and nutritional challenges. SHOW NOTES: Enroll in the What do you want to learn more about? Submit your questions here: Phone the office: 678-501-5172
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