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Dr. Brian Pennie joins Abdullah Boulad on Living a Life in Balance to share an inspiring story of recovery, awareness, and transformation.
After more than fifteen years of heroin addiction, Brian reached a point of complete collapse, a moment that marked the beginning of his awakening. In this conversation, he opens up about his childhood trauma, the cycle of addiction, and the neuroscience of change.
Together, they explore the connection between the brain, body, and behavior, touching on the biology of trauma, the power of acceptance, and the science of happiness, resilience, and human connection.
🔗 Tune in for a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, transformation is possible.
About Dr Pennie: Brian is a neuroscientist and resilience specialist, and also works as an advisor and business coach to some of Ireland’s leading CEOs. Through a combination of his own inspiring story alongside the application of proven tools and techniques, he is determined to identify and unleash the hidden potential in others.
00:00:00 – Introduction & Meet Dr Brian Pennie
00:02:25 – Motivation and Lightbulb Moment
00:03:31 – Childhood Trauma and Family Environment
00:06:55 – Progression into Addiction
00:09:41 – Heroin Use and Functionality
00:12:04 – Collapse and Tipping Point
00:13:03 – Detox and Surrender
00:16:10 – Neuroscience of Seizures
00:19:35 – Rock Bottom and Spiritual Shift
00:22:55 – Minor Relapse and Redefining Recovery
00:26:44 – Language, Self-Talk, and Recovery
00:29:12 – Addiction, Motivation, and Visibility
00:31:55 – Substance Use and Brain Development
00:34:37 – Hope and Brain Rewiring
00:36:08 – Support Systems and Ireland’s Addiction Services
00:38:19 – Homelessness and Addiction Cycle
00:39:13 – Societal Change and Hope
00:40:54 – Awareness as Catalyst for Change
00:43:26 – Values-Based Living
00:45:29 – Neuroscience of Happiness
00:48:09 – Balance, Pleasure, and Moderation
00:50:06 – Social Homeostasis and Connection
00:52:28 – Listening to the Body and Inner Voice
00:55:58 – Acceptance as a “Biohack”
00:57:50 – Observer Mindset and Detachment
01:00:52 – Therapies & Biology of Trauma
01:11:34 – Safety, Connection, and Isolation
01:14:44 – Brain Health Fundamentals
01:24:11 – Exercise, Sport, and Longevity
01:37:01 – Language, Self-Talk, and Affirmations
01:50:27 – Media, Social Media, and Children’s Brains
02:00:38 – Daily Balance Practices
02:04:01 – Final Advice: Action Over Knowledge

For further mental health information and support, visit The Balance RehabClinic website: https://balancerehabclinic.com/
Follow Abdullah Boulad:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/
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Follow Dr Brian Pennie:
https://brianpennie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/brianpennie78
You can order Abdullah’s book, ‘Living A Life In Balance’, here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
Follow The Balance RehabClinic:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
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