The MindWhale Podcast

Nicholas Hundley

The MindWhale Podcast discusses kids' and teens' mental health, mood, and behavior from a holistic perspective. The show is designed for parents, caregivers, and others who are concerned about the mental welfare of their loved ones. We discuss all aspects of mental health in young people, from anxiety and depression to autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders and trauma. We also discuss how to understand and address mental health concerns from all possible angles: from the spiritual, scientific, and social to the technological, biological and psychological factors. We believe that kids are the future and they depend on us to provide the best foundation for life we can give them. The sooner we start implementing generative strategies for our kids, the better the foundation our kids will have to build the rest of their lives upon. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of young people's emotional lives and experiences, we invite you to join us on this important journey. The podcast features interviews with experts in psychology, spirituality, mindfulness, child development, neuroscience, nutrition, wellness, parenting, and more to bring you insight into the causes and contributors to mental health, illness, and wellness. Our aim is to help you, in concert with qualified medical and mental health providers, implement the best strategies for your child’s mental well-being. The MindWhale Podcast is hosted by Nicholas Hundley, a biochemist, mental health nurse, and father of four spectacular children. The mission of MindWhale is inspired by his struggles with emotional wellness growing up and his desire to assist coming generations flourish into confident, resilient, compassionate, happy, and healthy individuals. Carl Jung said “until you make the subconscious conscious, it will control your life and you will call it fate.” So let’s stack the deck of fate in favor of our children. We invite everyone to dive deep—like a whale—into the ocean of the subconscious mind in order to reach new heights of success, happiness, togetherness, and peace. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

The Biological Roots of Aggression in Kids and Teens
Sep 20 2024
The Biological Roots of Aggression in Kids and Teens
In this MindWhale Podcast episode, host Nicholas Hundley delves into the topic of aggression in kids and teens from a biological perspective. The discussion covers the various forms of aggression, both physical and non-physical, and its psychological impacts. Aggression is linked to several psychological conditions such as Autism, ADHD, ODD, and Bipolar Disorder, due to changes in brain anatomy and biochemistry. Key areas of focus include the role of the anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system in aggression, and the influence of neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. Hormones such as testosterone, cortisol, and oxytocin, as well as their balance, also play crucial roles in aggressive behaviors. Connections between diet, nutrients, gut microbiome, inflammation, and hormonal and neurological health are explored, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded, nutritious diet and supportive lifestyle for managing aggression. The episode also mentions the utility of behavioral assessments and workbooks available at MindWhale.com to help parents better understand and address their children’s mood and behavior issues. Show notes and links: Download the ‘Moody Kid Workbook’ at www.MindWhale.com/MoodyKidWorkbook/ for further assessments and practical guidance. Sign up for our podcast newsletter at https://mindwhale.com/subscribe/ for helpful and timely information.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the MindWhale Podcast 00:15 Understanding Aggression in Kids and Teens 03:10 Biological Roots of Aggression 08:28 Neurological Aspects of Aggression 13:43 Hormonal Influences on Aggression 21:43 Nutritional and Biochemical Factors in Aggression 30:31 Inflammation and Aggression 33:31 The Role of the Microbiome in Aggression 40:08 Nutritional Strategies for Managing Aggression 45:47 Possible Pharmaceutical Interventions for Aggression 48:32 Conclusion and Summary