Brian Pennie shares his journey from a 15-year heroin addiction to becoming a neuroscientist and speaker. He explains how childhood trauma, particularly an unmedicated surgery as an infant, played a role in his struggles with anxiety and addiction. Through deep self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience, he was able to break free from his addiction and dedicate his life to studying neuroscience and helping others.
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00:00:20 - Growing Up in a Tough NeighboUrhood00:01:37 - First Encounter with Drugs00:02:22 - Falling into Addiction00:03:56 - Living as a Functional Addict00:10:38 - The Deception of Addiction00:12:40 - The Power of Acceptance00:14:01 - Realisation and Acceptance00:16:59 - Previous Attempts to Change00:17:52 - The Turning Point00:19:02 - Finding a New Direction00:20:28 - Discovering Spirituality00:21:48 - The Power of Belief and Support00:23:02 - Journey into Neuroscience00:24:29 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience00:24:51 - Changing the System00:30:00 - The Power of Breathwork00:32:42 - The Need for Meditation and Breathwork in Schools00:37:23 - Understanding and Regulating Emotions00:37:58 - The Importance of Action and Practice00:45:03 - The Power of Self-Talk00:45:44 - Understanding Self-Talk and Inner Critic00:47:09 - Challenging Negative Self-Talk and Limiting Beliefs00:49:20 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Imperfection00:55:00 - The Impact of Mindfulness and Meditation00:55:48 - Different Approaches to Mindfulness and Meditation00:56:34 - The Role of Trauma in Meditation Practice00:59:50 - The Power of Mindfulness and Breath work01:00:57 - Finding Inner Peace Through Meditation01:01:01 - Returning to Spirituality and Mindfulness01:02:05 - Future Projects and Where to Find Brian
Links & Resources Mentioned • “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk (mentioned at [00:02:52]) – A book explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.
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