In this bold and heartfelt episode, Dr. Z steps away from symptom talk to challenge a deeper issue that prevents people from healing — the emotional trap of familiarity. He pulls back the curtain on how many patients unknowingly sabotage their own recovery by staying in comfortable, familiar systems that don't deliver results. If you've been stuck for years and feel like you've "tried everything," this episode is your call to think differently and reclaim your health.

Key Takeaways:

• 🔁 Familiar ≠ Effective: Sticking with familiar treatments (insurance-based care, medications, standard specialists) may feel safe — but it often keeps people stuck.
• 🧠 Your Brain Is Wired for Safety, Not Progress: The amygdala (fear center) resists unfamiliar paths, even if they hold the key to healing.
• 💡 You Don’t Need to Understand It All: Just like you don’t know how your phone works, you can benefit from treatments you don’t fully understand — as long as they’re logically guided and results-driven.
• 🧾 Insurance Isn’t the Savior You Think It Is: Relying on insurance often leads to delayed or inadequate care — and massive hidden costs in lost time, energy, and life.
• 🛑 Don’t Confuse Effort with Progress: Bouncing between the same types of doctors or treatments might feel productive, but without real change, it’s just motion — not healing.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Spencer Zimmerman welcomes Dr. Michael Trayford, one of the leading experts in QEEG (quantitative EEG) and neurofeedback, to break down what brain mapping is, how it works, and where it's heading. Together, they unpack the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of QEEG, from ADHD and brain injuries to long COVID and dementia. You’ll also hear how advanced providers are using tools like laser therapy, vibration platforms, and metabolic support—not just neurofeedback—to shift brain function in measurable ways. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered, “Is brain mapping worth it?”

Key Takeaways:

• QEEG Explained: Understand what quantitative EEG (brain mapping) is, how it compares to traditional EEGs, and what brainwave patterns reveal about cognitive and emotional function.
• Beyond Neurofeedback: Discover how QEEG guides interventions like laser therapy, vibration platforms, and metabolic strategies—not just brain training alone.
• Red Flags & Misconceptions: Learn how poor-quality equipment and plug-and-play systems may lead people down the wrong path, and what to look for in a trustworthy brain map.
• When Neurofeedback Fails: If you’ve done 10+ sessions with little to no results, this episode helps you know when to pivot versus persevere.
• Hope Through Precision: QEEG opens the door to more personalized brain rehab—especially for patients with concussion, POTS, long COVID, ADHD, and more.

To learn more about Dr. Trayford visit: https://apexbraincenters.com/qeeg-brain-mapping-asheville-nc/

All Things Gut Health with Dr. Buddy Touchinsky

• How a Chiropractor Became the “Gut Guy”: Dr. Buddy shares how his focus shifted from treating pain to addressing root causes like gut health after reading Integrative Orthopedics by Alex Vasquez. This led to his deep dive into chronic illness and functional medicine.
• Understanding Leaky Gut and Dysbiosis: The episode breaks down intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”), what dysbiosis means, and how both can exist even when digestive symptoms are absent—showing up instead as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or skin issues.
• Top Contributors to Leaky Gut: They outline five key factors—chronic stress, poor diet, infections (bacteria, parasites, mold), chemical exposures (like glyphosate), and medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics, acid blockers)—and explain how each damages the gut lining.
• Gut-Brain Axis and LPS: The discussion covers how gut imbalances and bacterial byproducts like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can fuel systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms, including depression, memory loss, and brain fog.
• What Testing Can and Can’t Tell You: Stool tests, bloodwork, and food sensitivity panels are covered with nuance—highlighting what’s worth the investment, what’s often overused, and why customized interpretation (not automated protocols) matters.