The Neuroscience of Black Joy

In this episode of 'Coffee with a Neuroscientist,' Shonté Jovan Taylor delves into the concept of intentional joy, particularly Black joy, as a form of resistance and a power strategy. She explains how experiencing joy can heal hijacked nervous systems and become a tool for individual and collective well-being.

Emphasizing the difference between joy, pleasure, and happiness, Taylor frames joy as an intentional, engaging practice rather than a passive state. She discusses the historical roots of black joy, its role during the civil rights movement, the neuroscience behind the benefits of collective singing, and the importance of maintaining joy in the face of systemic oppression.

Taylor argues that joy is a revolutionary act that enhances resilience and creativity, spreading through mirror neurons and influencing entire communities. The episode calls listeners to intentionally cultivate joy, use it to reclaim attention from societal distractions, and frame it as a practice for healing and empowerment.

The Neuroscience of Wicked The Movie (Part1): Musical Theatre & Storytelling

In this episode of "Coffee with a Neuroscientist," host Shonté Jovan Taylor delves into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and musical theater, using the Broadway show and now movie "Wicked" as a focal point. With her new OZ vibes Starbucks coffee mug in hand, Shonté explores how the storytelling and music of "Wicked" impact the brain, fostering empathy, connection and compassion.

Shonté discusses how watching Elphaba’s journey in "Wicked"—from being labeled as the Wicked Witch to understanding her struggles and humanity—challenges viewers to question preconceived narratives and consider multiple perspectives. She explains the role of mirror neurons in creating empathy, how oxytocin helps deepen trust and social bonds, and how music activates the limbic system (aka emotional brain) for emotional engagement.

Additionally, Shonté highlights how engaging the prefrontal cortex during such performances helps in perspective-taking and understanding complex social situations. She also underscores the broader societal lessons we can derive from musical theater:

- questioning divisive narratives, 

-bridging divides through shared emotional experiences, and 

-embracing self-worth and resilience.

Listeners are encouraged to apply these insights in their own lives to build empathy and strengthen connections. Shonté concludes by inviting listeners to continue the conversation and share their own experiences with musical theater and its impact on their lives.

This episode is a blend of personal reflection, scientific explanation and practical application, making it a thought-provoking exploration of how the arts can enrich our understanding of ourselves and others. 

Coffee with a Neuroscientist RSS

Is Your Brain Drowning in ”Productivity”?

In the busy times that we live in, it’s easy to feel like we’re drowning in all the things that we feel we have to get done each day. In what areas of your life are you feeling this way, and you don’t even know it? 

Today I want to throw you the lifesaver so that you don’t drown. I’m giving you permission to do what I did, by taking time off intentionally and not feeling guilty about it. 

You are in control of your calendar and how you show up each day, and I want you to be your best self, operating at the highest level of your mental potential! 

How One Coach is Using Neuroscience to Build (and Boost) His Business & Change Organizational Cultures

Today I’m welcoming a very special guest to the podcast, our own OptiMind graduate, Paddy Moran. 

Paddy is a NeuroCulture Coach and NeuroLeader whose passion is people development, and he specializes in team development, leadership development, company culture, and organizational change, bringing out the best in the teams he works with. Of course, he’s using neuroscience to do this! 

Would you like to gain exclusive access to the most advanced brain-based personal and professional development strategies on the planet? Shonté’s signature program, Optimind, starts February 22nd, 2022!  OptiMind is an ICF accredited program designed specifically for novice or reputable coaches, trainers and leaders to show you how to effectively utilize the principles of neuroscience to help your clients, your profession and your business reach the highest levels of their human potential. To enroll now and to learn more about this exciting opportunity, go to http://optimindtraining.com. Hurry, the final day for enrollment is February 27th, 2022!  To apply and schedule a brainstorming session with Shonté, you can visit   https://shontejtaylor.lpages.co/apply/ now! 

Joyful (Fearless) Marketing and The Key to Being Your True Self, with Simone Seol (Copy)

What if I told you that marketing doesn’t have to be dull, boring, and a chore, but it can actually be joyful and fun? Today’s guest works with life coaches and shows them how to do just that, all while being their true, authentic selves. 

Simone Seol is creating a revolution in how life coaches market online. She teaches coaches how to become profitable by putting love first, leaning into their messy genius, and not being afraid to get a little weird. In the past 2 years, Simone has created millions of dollars in her own business and helped countless life coaches scale their businesses with joy and sovereignty. She is the host of the top-rated Joyful Marketing podcast, and author of The Fearless Marketing Bible for Life Coaches.

In this episode, Shonté and Simone go deep into a wide range of topics not business related, including why the concept of not doing your best is actually great for your brain (and overall!) health, how to shift your perspectives so you’re not always people pleasing, tips for navigating the relationship with ourselves and our loved ones, and so much more. 

Would you like to gain exclusive access to the most advanced brain-based personal and professional development strategies on the planet? Shonté’s signature program, Optimind, starts February 22nd, 2022!  OptiMind is an accredited program designed specifically for novice or reputable coaches, trainers and leaders to show you how to effectively utilize the principles of neuroscience to help your clients, your profession and your business reach the highest levels of their human potential. To enroll now and to learn more about this exciting opportunity, go to https://optimindtraining.com/. Hurry, the final day for enrollment is February 27th, 2022! 

What We Cover In This Episode:

• Why the concept of not doing your best can be good for your own mental health [2:51]

• The reasons that entrepreneurship can be considered the ultimate personal development journey [6:27]

• The ways that having a baby has shifted Simone’s perspective on life and business [7:27]

• What challenges she has faced in navigating who she wants to be versus what her family expects of her [10:05]

• A look at how owning a business really differs from having a “normal” job [18:27]

• Shonté’s tips for managing her emotions and conveying them to her family [20:54]

• The reasons that Simone works specifically with life coaches, and how she helps bring them joy in their marketing [25:23]

• Why being polished isn’t the most important factor for effective content creation and marketing [27:47]

Quotes:

“Although everyone in my family has been incredibly supportive, sometimes navigating who I think they want me to be versus who I want to be, that has been tough.” [12:06] 

“As an entrepreneur, we wear 25 different hats all the time. This is why work boundaries with yourself is so important, but there’s never a point where you did all the things [you need to do] and you’re done.” [18:32]

“I just love coaches so much, and I think the highest things about the industry and every single coach I know. I think coaches are going to save the world!” [26:12] 

“The benefit of only serving one type of client is that you can go really deep into thinking about their specific brains and how they’re experiencing problems.” [26:27] 

“I think the greatest gift that I can give someone who is a life coach is to let them see me feeling joy in my work and in my marketing. Let them see me being authentic, being messy, being imperfect, and having fun.” [27:06] 

Links: 

Simone’s Website & Podcast

Her Instagram

Get Simone’s Books

Demystifying Neuroscience By Connecting The Dots Between Science and Leadership Coaching

Teach the brain to serve you, Omozua says as she explains her coaching techniques in neuroscience and creating a new mindset for her clients. Omozua Ameze Isiramen went through years of schooling to learn about her craft, when she found the OptiMind program. Originally skeptical if she was a good fit in a program designed around neuroscience, she decided to take the leap and use her skill set combined with the OptiMind program to help change the lives of leaders. Omozua helps people to super fuel their emotions and stress on their own terms. Be it the way they relate to people or how they perform, Omozua looks to improve every aspect of your life. With a teaching background, Omozua is driven to help you find that ‘lightbulb’ moment as she transitioned into coaching. 

Omozua then went to understand how leaders learn from their point of view and what their needs are with coaching through John Mattone, a former executive coach for Steve Jobs. She has learned through communicating with someone you must learn how to step back to actually see the situation in front of you. 

Omozua starts her day with a cup of ‘DOS’; Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin. She expresses that if you want to establish trust with someone, you need to know which of the three you need to deliver to them. This mindset makes communication with leaders smooth and easier to address. Talking about inclusion and diversity, often looked at as a problem, but should be looked at as human. We are different people, and need different things as humans. 

Neuroscience is the missing link in communication, and helps you make decisions of who you like or dislike, how to judge situations, and how to identify what is going on. Helping her clients to exercise their power to choose is something Omozua uses to educate and show people how they can be resourceful. She is currently working on an emotional mastery session, teaching people how to re-assign roles for themselves in light of the COVID-19 lockdowns and leaders having to re-learn how to take on more work as they are away from the office, and spending more time at home.

Being the CEO of your brain is Omozua’s method to connect your decisions and your inner mind. Tune into this week’s episode to connect the dots between science and leadership!

Quotes: 

• “You need to understand you are a brain, talking to a brain, and at any given time, every brain needs something different.”

• “What I have learned from the OptiMind Neuroscience training, is how do you empower people in such a way that they are able to learn sustainable, long term strategies within their control.”

• “What neuroscience coaching allows me to do, is to tell people to allow themselves to operate on their own terms. And I want you to know that the best state of your brain is when you can put the ego aside, and you can create a win win for everybody, because that is what influence is about.”

Links: 

www.omozua.com

Link to speak with Shonté Taylor--> https://shontejtaylor.lpages.co/apply-copy/

Using The Neurocycle Process To Clean Up Your Mental Mess

Today, we are having coffee with TWO neuroscientists. On this episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist, Shonté Jovan Taylor is talking with one of her favorite authors, Dr. Caroline Leaf, about her mission to “shift the paradigms and stigmas” around mental health diagnoses like anxiety and depression. Dr. Leaf is passionate about the fact that all humans struggle with their minds, and need to find ways to “clean up their mental mess” by learning more effective ways to deal with hard experiences like trauma, depression, and fear. Her solution? A process called neuro cycling. 

Dr. Leaf says in her book that “anxiety and depression are signals.” Just like hunger, or exhaustion, we get signaled to experience these feelings by existing in our chaotic world. It’s not abnormal, or strange - it’s just how we live today. So how do we deal with these signals? By understanding the difference between the mind and the brain. Using neuro cycling and “mind management” techniques, we can become less afraid of our anxiety and depression, and more intentional about how we respond to it. 

Tune in this week to hear Shonté and Dr. Leaf go deep into our cultural ideas about mind, brain, and body, and how to use Neuro cycling to start managing your mind and feeling calmer and happier today. 

Quotes:

• “All humans since the beginning of time have battled with their mind.”

• “I’m always neuro cycling, it’s a lifestyle. Because your mind is a lifestyle. You can’t get away from your mind.”

• “Our past that’s traumatic and our toxic habits don’t have to control us. We can actually identify them, embrace processes and re-conceptualize them into a healthy version, so we can change how the past plays out into the future.” (13:26-13:42)

Links:

To learn more about The OptiMind Program--> www.OptiMindInstitute.com

https://drleaf.com/

https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShonteJTaylor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuroscientist_coach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shontejtaylor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shonte_taylor

Change Your Brain, Change the World

How can changing your brain change the world? How can small moments of kindness create ripple effects that echo far into the universe? Shonté Jovan Taylor discusses how compassionate acts, no matter how small, can change both our own and others’ brains in powerful ways. When we witness others acting with kindness or altruism, mirror neurons fire in our brains that help us experience empathy ourselves.

From Malala Yousafzai to Greta Thunberg to Oprah to Jane Goodall, Shonté describes countless individuals who have channeled their compassionate brains to mobilize action across the globe. Importantly, Shonté notes that you don’t need to experience trauma or violence in order to make an impact. In fact, all you really need is some deeper knowledge about the most powerful technology on the planet: your brain. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist to learn more about how you can generate lasting change in only a moment.

 Quotes:

• “You have trillions and trillions of connections in your brain. You have enough wiring in your brain to stretch from where you’re sitting all the way to the sun. That’s about 90 million miles. And these brain cells are communicating at 200 miles per hour.” (02:42-03:03)

• “We have the power to engage other people’s brains, to activate other people’s brains in a moment.” (04:18-04:26)

• “So from that day, I started making the daily shifts, the daily decisions that would ensure that my brain, body, and spirit showed up in a more powerful way. So now my kids, my family, my community, my clients are able to get the best of me instead of the rest of me. They’re able to get the more powerful me instead of the burnt out me.” (08:19 -08:48)

• “It doesn’t matter your age, and you don’t need all the time in the world. You only need moments because the brain is capable of changing in moments. So I’m going to challenge you in these moments to do those kind things because sometimes we only have brief moments.” (11:04-11:26)

Links:

To learn more about The OptiMind Program--> www.OptiMindInstitute.com

Building Minds of The Future: 5 Brain-Immersive Activities To Become A Thought Leader

What does it take to be a thought leader? Not just to guide your team, but to help them think differently -- to encourage them to reframe how the systems we live in work? In this episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist, host Shonte Jovan Taylor partners with Dr. Ryeal Simms, Neuropsychologist and Relationship Expert, to talk about thought leadership; and, no surprise here, it all starts with your actual thoughts. 

Shonte and Dr. Ryeal take a neuroscience-based approach to thought leadership as they explore the five activities you need to engage in to become a true thought leader: 1) learning about the brain, 2) diversity and inclusion, 3) socialization, 4) collaboration, and 5) attending events. 

With tons of wild neuroscience wisdom (80% of our communication is non-verbal?!), Shonte and Dr. Ryeal dive deep into the magical brain to help you take your industry to the next level. 

Quotes:

• “In order to be an advanced leader in the 21st century, you have to learn about your brain.” (17:53-17:58)

• “Leadership is a whole brain experience.” (28:20-28:23)

Links:

To learn more about The OptiMind Program--> www.OptiMindInstitute.com

Using The Brain To Reinvent Yourself

Do you really know your own brain? In this episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist, host Shonte Jovan Taylor talks with OptiMind Institute graduate, consultant, coach, and successful speaker Alycia Huston about how her time in the OptiMind Institute changed her career, her ability to support her coaching clients, and even her family life. 

For Alycia, OptiMind was about taking a step back and looking at the word at a higher level. During the recession, Alycia was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that lost 40% of its revenue virtually overnight. At that moment she was frazzled, panicked, and living in fear. Now, during another recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, Alycia feels hopeful - and she credits that shift in mindset with her neuro leadership training from OptiMind. By discovering what it feels and looks like to live in fear, Alycia can now step back and make proactive moves, not reactive ones. She can look at her clients and say, “Your amygdala is activated and you are scared right now.” Not only that -- she can respond more patiently and empathetically with her kids when they are triggered. 

Tune in to this episode to hear Alycia’s inspiring journey from scared to self-confident, her “Get Over Yourself Plan” for stepping into the spotlight, and the incredible career moves she’s made since graduating from OptiMind (can you say NASA?!). 

Quotes:

• “I was starting to see things that I’d been doing in my life, and it was all starting to make sense.” (15:17-15:23)

• “Everyone deserves to know about how their beautiful brain works.” (20:22-20:27)

Links:

To learn more about Alycia-->https://leadhershipadventures.ac-page.com/truth-map 

To learn more about The OptiMind Program--> www.OptiMindInstitute.com

Your Brain On Purpose: A Conversation w/Marie Forleo

What if you didn’t have to suppress any part of yourself to succeed? In this episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist, host Shonte Jovan Taylor talks with her inspiration and mentor Marie Forleo, founder of B-School and New York Times bestselling author, about just that. Marie shares her story of starting her own business as a life coach in the early 2000s before anyone even knew what a life coach was. She shares her process of learning how to listen to her intuition, leave high-paying jobs on Wall Street and at Conde Nast, and find the path that would allow her to achieve her true purpose. 

Almost everyone can relate to the experience of coming to a fork in the road, where you realize that your future hinges on one decision. In B-School, Marie teaches students that those forks in the road are moments when you can embrace your full potential, no matter who you are, or what you came from. In the words of Marie Forleo: “Everything is figure-outable.” All you need are the right tools, and the confidence in yourself, and your intuitive power, to follow the road that speaks to you. 

From cleaning toilets to becoming a bestselling author, Marie’s inspiring story is proof that we can bring our whole selves to our work every day. We don’t have to settle. Tune in this week to find out what it takes to get there. 

Quotes:

• "When women are financially empowered, everyone wins." (28:01-28:04)

• "It is my belief that we need the full spectrum of diversity of talents, gifts, and human perspectives coming together to solve the world's challenges." (38:23-38:33)

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShonteJTaylor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuroscientist_coach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shontejtaylor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shonte_taylor

 http://marieforleobschool.com/

JoinBSchool.com 

Coffee with a Neuroscientist

Neuromarketing: Marketing Your Business & Message with The Brain in Mind

Learn what Fortune 500 & 1000 companies know about how to market your business and brand as well get your message out in a BIGGER by understanding how the brain works. According to leading neuroscientists, 95 percent of all thoughts, emotions, and learning are subconscious patterns first and thus influence our consumer behavior. Learn how to tap into the subconscious mind by understanding the most advanced knowledge in neuroscience and marketing research known as “neuromarketing.”

Podcast guest, Roger Dooley is an author, international keynote speaker, and consultant. He is a recognized expert in the use of brain and behavior research to improve marketing, sales, and customer experience.

Dooley is the author of the best-selling Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing  (John Wiley & Sons), which has been translated into six languages. He writes the popular blog Neuromarketing as well as the Brainy Marketing column at Forbes.com.  He is the founder of Dooley Direct, a marketing consultancy, and co-founded College Confidential, the leading college-bound website. The latter business was acquired by Hobsons, a unit of UK-based DMGT, where Dooley served as Vice President of Digital Marketing and continues in a consulting role.

Dooley’s work focuses on influence and persuasion with an emphasis on highly practical application of brain and behavior research. He brings a well-grounded understanding of how business works to every project. He has worked with companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to entrepreneurial startups to enhance their digital and conventional marketing.

Dooley spent years in direct marketing as the co-founder of a successful catalog firm and was director of corporate planning for a Fortune 1000 company.  He has an engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee.

Roger Dooley – Links

Roger Dooley
Neuromarketing
Brainfluence Podcast
Brainy Marketing at Forbes
Roger Dooley at Entrepreneur

Books
Brainfluence
The Persuasion Slide

Social
Twitter: @rogerdooley
LinkedIn: Roger Dooley
Facebook: Roger Dooley
Google+: +RogerDooley
Instagram: Roger Dooley

How to Practice Shifting Your Mindset For Success Daily

Success is a habit. But first it is a mental habit. Learn 3 ways to develop a mindset of success.

The YMCA: An Organization That Serves Humanity

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YMCA V.P. of Operations, Jim Pacey takes us on a journey and mission of how this phenomenal organization is working to serve communities in mind, brain, and body as well as building stronger communities.

Click to donate to the YMCA>>http://atymca.convio.net/goto/shontejovantaylor

Missions Are More Powerful Than Goals

We have been taught throughout our lives that to be productive and successful we need to create goals and plans.  In particular, we are trained to do so using S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based).  But as a Neuroscientist & Success Trainer, I know that the brain pays attention in a hierarchal way.  At higher brain levels, a mission is seen as more powerful than a goal or task.  A goal or task can be limiting, directionless, or unfulfilling if it does not stem from a HIGHER source, the higher brain cortex...or a higher MISSION.  In this episode, I will discuss the differences between to-do lists, tasks, goals and missions and explain how the various parts of the brain "sees" them differently.  

Boredom is Bad For The Brain

Boredom is detrimental for brain functioning.  In this episode, Neuroscientist and Success Trainer, Shonté Jovan Taylor describes what a "bored" brain looks like, how it changes the brain and how to reverse its negative effects to have a happier, fulfilling and stimulating life and profession.

Gratitude Shapes Your Brain

Gratitude is MORE than saying thank you. It is a CONSTANT state of mental appreciation.  In this episode, Neuroscientist & Success Trainer Shonte Jovan Taylor, discusses why Gratitude is important to shaping our thinking, emotions and ultimately our brain. She also offers strategies on how to enhance the mental habit of gratitude.

3 Reasons Why Oprah Has A Beautiful Brain

Oprah is smart, beautiful and successful.  Her brain is wired for her to be all that she has become.

In this episode, I describe how we can attribute her success literally to her brains and beauty.

Why You Might Be Stuck

In this episode of Coffee with a Neuroscientist you will learn the main reason why you may be stuck and have mental blocks. You will learn the TWO mindsets that you can choose to be successful or not.