Ever felt like your brain is working against you? You're not alone. Today's conversation with Jocelyn Pepe opens a fascinating window into how we can reclaim control of our mental wellbeing by understanding the powerful connection between science and soul.

Jocelyn takes us on her personal journey from experiencing compounding psychological stress to discovering how to claim her brain through both evidence-based practices and intuitive wisdom. After suffering a traumatic brain injury that completely disrupted her life as an endurance athlete, she found herself forced to slow down and completely reimagine her approach to wellbeing. The insights gained through this challenging experience now form the foundation of her work helping others navigate their own mental health challenges.

At the heart of our discussion is the revolutionary concept that mental health operates both "above the neck" (in our thoughts and perspectives) and "below the neck" (in our somatic responses and nervous system). Through simple yet powerful practices like breathwork and body scanning, Jocelyn demonstrates how we can interrupt anxiety and negative thought patterns in real-time. She introduces her framework of five essential wellbeing elements—social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—that together create a complete approach to claiming our brains.

For women especially, this conversation offers validating insights about how hormonal transitions and energy cycles affect mental health. Jocelyn challenges conventional workplace expectations built around male energy patterns and offers practical wisdom for women navigating perimenopause, caregiving responsibilities, and career demands simultaneously. Her message is empowering: we can have it all, just not all at once, and working with our natural rhythms rather than against them is key to sustainable wellbeing.

What makes this episode particularly special is Jocelyn's blend of scientific understanding with soulful practices. Whether you're struggling with burnout, seeking to understand your body's signals better, or simply curious about the ripple effect your mental health has on those around you, you'll find actionable wisdom here. Listen now to discover how claiming your brain might be the most important step toward creating the life and impact you desire.

You can find out more about Jocelyn by checking out her profile in our Guest Directory 

If you know a midlife rebel who might enjoy this content, please share the podcast with them!