How does your brain really work—and what can you do to feel more focused, emotionally balanced, and present in your daily life?
In a powerful new episode of Hacked to Health, host Joe Steele sits down with Dr. Rebecca Jackson, Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance and author of Back on Track, to explore exactly that. This interview dives deep into how our brain development influences mood, attention, habits, and behavior—and why it's never too late to make changes that improve how you function.
Whether you're a parent trying to help your child with focus or emotional regulation, or an adult looking to boost your own performance, this episode is for you. Dr. Jackson offers a science-backed but practical look at how brain function shapes everyday life and how we can take small steps to create meaningful change.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify.
Understanding Brain Health Beyond IQ or Mental Illness
Most people think of “brain health” as something related to memory, IQ, or possibly mental illness. But as Dr. Jackson explains, brain health is much broader—it’s how we process the world, manage emotions, sustain attention, regulate behavior, and even relate to others.
She shares how her journey began as a new mom craving deeper insight into child development. Frustrated by surface-level parenting advice, Dr. Jackson dove into the neurology behind learning and behavior. What started as a personal passion quickly became a professional mission to bring brain-based solutions into real-life settings.
“Your brain dictates your mood, your emotions, your actions—everything,” she says. “Brain health is really the state of being across your entire lifespan.”
Key Takeaways from the Interview
Behavior Is a Reflection of Brain Function
When kids (or adults) struggle with focus, impulse control, or emotional outbursts, those behaviors often stem from immature or underdeveloped brain networks—not laziness or defiance. Dr. Jackson challenges the idea that repeated behaviors are always “choices,” pointing instead to underlying developmental gaps that impact control, attention, and emotional regulation.
“If you’re always saying, ‘Can’t you just…?’ to your child, chances are you’re frustrated with a behavior that’s rooted in development,” she explains.
The Brain Can Change at Any Age
Thanks to neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—we’re never stuck. From children with ADHD or autism to adults experiencing anxiety, brain fog, or low energy, there are actionable ways to rewire brain function.
“Think of it like working out,” Dr. Jackson says. “You can build strength at any age—you just have to target the right areas with the right strategies.”
Nutrition, Movement, and Lifestyle Matter
Our modern world—full of processed foods, digital distractions, and disrupted sleep—is taxing our brains more than ever. Dr. Jackson highlights how what we eat and how we move can either help or hinder brain function.
“Your brain is fueled by what you eat. If your breakfast is soda and a Pop-Tart, don’t expect strong focus or emotional regulation,” she says.
Movement is especially important. Just a few minutes of physical activity can re-engage the brain, boost mood, and sharpen focus. “Muscle engagement wakes up the brain,” she notes. “It’s a back-pocket strategy you can use anytime.”
Screen Time and Dopamine Balance
Dr. Jackson dives into the neuroscience of screen use and explains why our brains are drawn to the instant gratification of devices. While not anti-tech, she emphasizes the importance of balance, especially during key developmental windows.
“If your child melts down when you take away the device, that’s a sign to reassess the balance. We want to prioritize movement, interaction, and sensory experiences.”
What Is the Brain Balance Program?
Toward the end of the interview, Dr. Jackson explains how the Brain Balance Program combines physical, cognitive, sensory, and lifestyle interventions into a personalized plan to close developmental gaps and improve brain performance.
Each program begins with an in-depth assessment, identifying where a child, teen, or adult might be lagging behind in areas like balance, visual tracking, auditory processing, and more. The goal is not to “fix” anyone—but to unlock the brain’s potential so they can function at their best.
“We’re not focused on diagnosis. We’re focused on development. Where are you now, and what can we do to help you move forward?”
Brain Balance serves both in-center and at-home clients across the U.S. and internationally, offering families support wherever they live.
Final Thoughts: Empower Your Brain, Empower Your Life
One of the most empowering messages from this episode is that change is possible—and often, the first step is just knowing what to look for. Whether it’s helping your child regulate emotions or improving your own focus and energy, small shifts in movement, nutrition, and daily habits can make a measurable difference.
“I don’t want my kids to just ‘turn out fine,’” Dr. Jackson says. “If we can make things easier, why wouldn’t we?”
Learn More
Explore how the Brain Balance Program can help you or your child unlock better focus, behavior, and emotional regulation. Fill out the form above to take the next step.
Want to dive deeper? Check out Dr. Jackson’s book Back on Track for parent-friendly insights into development and at-home strategies.
Listen to the full interview: Hacked to Health Podcast – Rewired
