In this episode, Dr Jess meets Chuck McGee III, also known as Iced Viking, a traumatic brain injury survivor, breathwork coach, and ACT therapist based in California.
Chuck opens up about his remarkable and at times raw journey: surviving approximately 24 brain injuries across car and motorcycle accidents and years of working as a bartender in high-conflict environments, where violence became both an occupational hazard and, for a time, an addiction.
He shares how a chance encounter with the Wim Hof method transformed his health, eventually leading him to retrain as a breathwork instructor and ACT practitioner.
Dr Jess and Chuck explore the science behind the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, why so many of us are unknowingly overdriving our stress response through habitual mouth breathing and poor posture, and why breathwork can be a particularly accessible and powerful tool for people living with brain injury.
This is part one of a two-part conversation. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss part two which will be released in a fortnight.
Links:
Chuck's website: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com
Instagram: @icedvikingbreathworks
Free weekly Zoom breathwork sessions: https://www.icedvikingbreathworks.com
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Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton
Produced by Anthony Zahra
Music Credit: SigmaMusicArt
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.
UK Resources Include:
• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999
• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123
• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111
• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.
• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.
Limitation of Liability
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.
Please see full disclaimer in the show description.
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