What if drumming isn’t just music — but brain training?
In this episode of Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! (AKA “BTMHOOI!”), host Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) and co-host Tony Medeiros (“IndyPocket”) sit down with world-class Australian drummer Chris Brien for a deep, fun, and surprisingly mind-expanding conversation about rhythm, cognition, learning, and what disciplined practice can do for your brain.
Chris is known for next-level independence on the kit (including four-way independence) and he breaks down how rhythm training can improve attention, focus, and learning through repetition that actually means something — not mindless grind. We also talk teaching: how to build practice systems that make students better thinkers, not just better drummers.
Chris shares why he believes drumming boosted his IQ substantially, his thoughts on the current state of drumming, and what separates “flash” from real musicianship. We also go into synesthesia (hearing/feeling music in unusual sensory ways), authentic ASMR vs. internet gimmicks, and how certain sounds and patterns can create real neurological calm.
Chris also shares two near-death experiences that shaped his perspective on religion, meaning, and the world, plus a mix of hilarious and heavy life stories and a few fun facts about Australia. He also has two TED talks, and we discuss the ideas behind them.
In this episode, we talk about:
Guest links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.brien.39?
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@chrisbrien?si=-ky1l5A9LYM4TG81
HEY DRUMMERS: try 5 minutes of steady subdivisions (quarters → 8ths → triplets → 16ths at one tempo). Post your focus rating before/after in our Discord, “The Struggle Bus” — and tell us what made you drift. (link below)
Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! (AKA “BTMHOOI!”) is a candid mental health podcast rooted in lived experience: schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that helps make serious mental illness more understandable and human.
Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros (“IndyPocket”), we cover psych wards, psychiatric medication, disability, religious trauma, good therapy, bad therapy, and practical real-world coping — plus the societal and relationship issues that shape mental health every day. The goal isn’t just “fighting stigma.” It’s education, clarity, and honest conversation.
We interview everyone from everyday people to public figures, clinicians, and professionals, because mental health struggles don’t care who you are. If you’re willing to share your story or expertise, we aim to offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can speak openly — and still have some fun while doing it.
New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am EDT.
Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA
All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI
Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning
