Ellis and Dr. Melillo go deep on COLOR & LIGHT—how different wavelengths (red/orange/yellow vs. blue/indigo/violet) nudge left/right brain networks, impact reading, focus, anxiety, and even motion sensitivity. We cover practical tools (tinted & hemifield lenses, flashing-light glasses) and why some lights (hello, flickery fluorescents) can make you feel off. Plus: what 40 Hz “gamma” is and why meditators love it, and where laser/photobiomodulation fits in—without the woo.
What you’ll learn
- Right vs. left brain: why warm colors often lift left-brain functions; cool colors often lean right-brain
- Irlen-style tinting & hemifield tricks: when colored overlays/lenses help reading and tracking
- Flicker matters: why certain room lights spike anxiety or fatigue
- 40 Hz basics: how rhythmic light can entrain brainwaves (pros/cons, safety notes)
- Photobiomodulation (laser/red light): what it is, what it isn’t, and where the science is headed
- Easy self-checks: color in your room/wardrobe, quick one-eye/half-field experiment, safer swaps you can try today
Try this (safe, simple)
- Swap one environment to earth/neutral or warmer tones for a week; note mood/focus.
- Reading issues? Test a colored overlay or tinted display (warm vs. cool) and see if line-skipping eases.
- Sensitive to lighting? Replace harsh fluorescents with full-spectrum, low-flicker bulbs.
- Quick visual-field check: briefly cover one eye and the inner half of the other while looking straight ahead—notice if calm/focus changes. If it does, you might benefit from targeted visual work.
- Curious about devices (tinted/flash glasses or light therapy)? Work with a qualified clinician—wrong settings can feel worse even if they’re not harmful.
Chapters 00:00 Nashville dinner + setup
02:00 Color frequencies & brain networks
06:40 Irlen lenses, reading & eye tracking
12:50 Hemifields and mood/anxiety
19:40 Fluorescent flicker & sensitivity
24:30 40 Hz gamma & entrainment
29:50 Photobiomodulation (laser/red light)
40:30 What to try at home (safely)
44:50 Wrap & next episode teaser
Listen on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • iHeartRadio • YouTube
Follow: @thewritebrainpodcast | @ellismelillo | @drrobertmelillo
Booking/partners: thewritebrainpodcast@gmail.com
Educational only; not medical advice. If symptoms are significant or new, see a clinician.
Hashtags: #RightBrain #ColorTherapy #Irlen #Photobiomodulation #BrainWaves #40Hz #ADHD #Anxiety #Reading #Wellness #Nashville
What is The Write Brain?
The Write Brain is a podcast that explores the intersection of mental health and the music industry. Hosted by singer/songwriter Ellis Melillo and functional neurologist Dr. Robert Melillo, each episode features intimate conversations with musical artists about their mental health journeys. With insights from Dr. Melillo on brain health and Ellis' personal experiences, the show uncovers the challenges musicians face in balancing creativity, performance, and well-being. Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, healing, and creative expression.