Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo explore the neurological roots of stuttering, Tourette’s, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and what it really means to have a “right-brain imbalance.”

In this episode:

• The real reason why some people stutter — and why singing can stop it
• Left vs. right-brain OCD (yes, there’s a difference)
• How concussion, trauma, and poor therapy protocols can trigger regression
• Why Botox can interfere with reading emotions
• Tools that help balance the brain (Brain Driver, red light lenses, vestibular therapy)

Ellis also shares a candid sobriety update (41 days) and how committing to brain-based tools has helped reduce her anxiety, improved her sleep, and changed her mornings for the better.

A brilliant mix of science, vulnerability, and dry humor as always.
TheBrainDriver.com

In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we sit down with comedian and artist Danae Hays for a vulnerable, insightful, and unforgettable conversation about brain health, trauma, and identity.

Danae opens up about her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder, childhood trauma, and coming out later in life, while Dr. Robert Melillo breaks down the neurological science behind what she’s experienced. Together, they explore how brain imbalance, shame, and concussions can contribute to obsessive thought patterns, and how tools like the Brain Driver ( thebraindriver.com) can support long-term healing.

Ellis and Danae also discuss the emotional cost of performance, the spiritual toll of suppressing your truth, and how creative intuition can become your compass once you learn to regulate your nervous system.

This episode blends science, story, and sensitivity—offering a grounded, compassionate look at what healing really means.

In this episode of The Write Brain Podcast, we explore the deeper science and philosophy behind chiropractic care and its foundational role in brain development and functional neurology. After Ellis receives a live chiropractic adjustment from her father, Dr. Robert Melillo, the two delve into the origins of chiropractic, its long-standing ties to natural medicine, and how spinal alignment directly influences nervous system function. They also discuss the Brain Driver — a tool used to help regulate and balance brain activity — and how modalities like this can be integrated with other natural approaches to support both physical and mental health. Whether you're familiar with chiropractic or questioning its role in modern wellness, this conversation offers an evidence-based perspective that challenges mainstream narratives and connects the dots between movement, brain health, and holistic healing.

Actress and singer Jen Cooke opens up about her decade-long health spiral—weight changes, fatigue, anxiety, “ADHD” labels, liver enzyme scares, stopping meds—and how a hypothyroidism diagnosis (and the right support) helped her rebuild energy, creativity, and life.
Dr. Robert breaks down the brain–hormone–immune loop (HPA axis, sympathetic/parasympathetic balance, blood sugar, HRV) and why many creatives feel great on stimulants…until they don’t.

We get nerdy—in a good way. What is QEEG? How does neurofeedback actually work? Dr. Rob shares the history (from Hans Berger to hospital EEGs), why brain rhythms (delta → gamma) matter, and how timing/synchrony between networks shapes attention, anxiety, creativity, and sleep. Ellis adds lived moments—racing thoughts at night, meditations that stick, and the infamous EEG cap glam fail—while Dr. Rob explains why developmental basics (primitive reflexes, hemispheric balance) often need tuning before neurofeedback truly lasts.

Callum Kerr joins Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo to jam on creativity, anxiety, and growth—from Scottish roots to Nashville stages and TV sets. We get into why “fast glasses” are a personality trait, how acting taught him to handle rejection, singing American country with a Scottish heart, playing sober, and the difference between being naturally good and becoming truly great. Plus: lessons for 14-year-old creatives, parenting for resilience, and what’s next for Callum’s music and screen career (including Virgin River updates) and tour dates for Roots Under Me.

In this candid and vulnerable episode of The Write Brain, Ellis and Dr. Melillo dive deep into the often misunderstood world of procrastination and task avoidance. Through personal stories, neuroscience insights, and compassionate accountability, they explore why starting something — no matter how small — can feel impossible for those with right-brain dominance, ADHD, anxiety, or trauma histories.

Ellis opens up about her experiences with paralyzing fear, shame, and self-criticism, from unopened emails to piles of unpacked boxes — and how red light glasses, support systems, and a little tough love are helping her take the first step. Dr. Melillo explains the neurological underpinnings of procrastination and how parents, creatives, and clinicians alike can reframe task avoidance as a brain-based challenge — not a moral failing.

This episode is a powerful reminder that small steps matter, accountability heals, and you are not alone in the struggle.

In this episode of The Write Brain podcast we explore the myths surrounding chemical imbalances in the brain and discover the reality of neurotransmitters, brain function, and effective mental health solutions. Learn about dopamine, serotonin, and the impact of medication on brain activity versus long-term functional changes. Understand the vital differences between right and left brain functions and how they influence overall well-being.