The Best Biohack For Stress & Sleep (Simulates A Full Sleep Cycle In 20 Minutes While Blasting Away Stress & Giving You A Deep Meditative Experience).

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I'm constantly playing and experimenting with new devices for biohacking sleep and cognition. One of my favorites of late is a very handy device called the NuCalm, which I've been using to simulate an entire 120-minute sleep cycle with just a 20-minute daily power nap—and also (especially during these troubling times) to get myself a quick extra sleep cycle when I wake up early in the morning (4 am-ish) with thoughts racing through my head.

There aren't many items I own that I consider to be so-called “non-negotiable” biohacks in my daily routine, but the NuCalm is undoubtedly one of them (you can get a NuCalm here and save 65%  off your first monthly subscription). This thing lets me get in an intense period of relaxation even when I can’t nap, and I’m now ducking away and using it nearly every day, particularly during travel and on airplanes. It’s spendy, but in my opinion, well worth it. 

My guest on this show is Jim Poole, chairman, president, and CEO of Solace Lifesciences, Inc., the maker of NuCalm. Jim is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in the healthcare, biotechnology, dental, market research, and IT industries. He manages the strategic direction and ongoing operations of Solace Lifesciences, Inc., a neuroscience company focused on personalized wellness and performance. In 2015, Solace Lifesciences was granted the world’s sole patent for “Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System.”

Jim has successfully launched global products, managed growth strategies, and effectively optimized business operations for large and small organizations alike. Prior to joining Solace Lifesciences, Jim co-founded Focused Evolution, a premier global management strategy-consulting firm. As a managing partner, he managed mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and growth strategies for venture capital and private equity firms. Under Jim’s leadership, Focused Evolution grew into a multi-million dollar consulting firm, serving a global client portfolio of 49 companies, across a broad range of industries.

Jim serves on the board of directors of several medical device firms around the world. He is a recognized business leader, public speaker, an accomplished author, and has published numerous articles in industry trade journals and lectures all over the world globally on topics including stress, recovery, performance, and business strategy. Jim has published over 30 articles in industry trade journals. A New York state native, he earned a BA in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA in international business & marketing from Babson College.

In my first episode with Jim, entitled “How To Simulate A Full Sleep Cycle In 20 Minutes, The Best Stress Biohack That Exists, Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Much More!,” we go over the history of NuCalm, how exactly it was designed, and how it works—I highly recommend you also listen to that episode! But NuCalm has developed some new protocols and released new technology that I've found to upgrade and simplify the experience even more, so I've got Jim back on today's show.

During this discussion, you'll discover:

-A quick overview of the NuCalm device…9:26

  • Solace LifeSciences focuses on stress management, recovery, sleep, etc.
  • The “zone” a client enters is commensurate with the desired outcome
  • Founded to help people with PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders
  • They possess the only patent in the world for technology of its kind

-New advances in the NuCalm technology since Jim's last appearance on the podcast…12:21

  • “When you give people an excuse not to take care of themselves, they find it.”
  • Trying to present the brain with a variety of stimulants; like a glass of wine minus the buzz
  • Cranial electrical stimulation
  • GABA A and B are the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitters; putting the brakes on the stress response
  • Getting GABA to the brain is very difficult
  • Biosignal processing disc that replaces the cream and stint is 4 years of R&D
    • Creates a signature frequency of the GABA, L-theanine, etc. that was in the cream
    • Circumvents the extensive process by which the body transmits the cream and signals to the brain
    • Frequency combinations are stored in a piece of software
  • Book: Healing is Voltage by Jerry Tennant
  • Book: The Body Electric by Robert Becker
  • Nikola Tesla and Georges Lakhovsky are the originators of “electric medicine”
  • Disc contains the Lakhovsky multi-wave oscillator
  • Activated by magnetism of the skin; on a specific point of the skin
  • Pericardial 6 (on the wrist) is a direct line to the pericardial sac
  • You're literally sucking life out of the disc when you're at the point of exhaustion
  • Faraday static bag protects the disc from EMFs; wrist devices will render the disc useless
  • The disc induces a state of relaxation without the audios
    • GABA A receptor site is anxiolytically related to anything that relaxes the brain (alcohol binds to GABA A)

-Why the NuCalm listening app is more efficacious than other focus music apps…26:10

  • The efficacy of other apps goes down due to the lack of complexity in algorithms; the brain figures it out
  • Physics to trick the brain into hearing a beat that's not audible to the ear
  • Typical song is ~5 mb; one song in the NuCalm is over 700 mb
  • Non-linear oscillating algorithm is the key
  • Reticular activating system (RAS) has two functions: pattern recognition and finding shortcuts

-How the NuCalm is different from a sleep-cycle simulation device…34:30

  • Algorithms are designed to give the brain a pattern of Alpha and Theta waves
  • Theta is the lucid dreaming state
  • Understand the parasympathetic system
    • Healing zone for humans
    • Only time cells do maintenance, cleanup, etc.

-How the NuCalm has performed compared to sleep studies…37:19

  • 20 minutes on the NuCalm is equivalent to 2 hours of restorative sleep
  • When your brain is focused in theta brain wave function, the body is in full recovery mode
  • Oxygenating the entire body
    • This is due to the breath (6 breaths per minute)
    • Allows the body to get into homeostasis
  • Book: The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

-Times to avoid using the NuCalm…41:43

  • Tendency to wake up “too energized”; not what research has shown however
  • 15-minute rule: if you can't sleep after 15 minutes, use the NuCalm
  • You can't move the brain from Beta into Theta without creating “relaxation-induced anxiety”
  • People can “stack” the tracks (ex. Recovery 1 and 2)
  • Sleep specific tracks are in the works
  • Entrainment: creating a vibrational pattern in the brain

-How to stack the NuCalm with your favorite biohacks…49:28

  • NuCalm began in the medical field; slowed stress response increases the body's permeability
  • Compression boots for recovery
  • Great facilitator for other biohacks
  • Negates stress related to medical procedures
  • Can use in tandem with meditation apps
  • Get bone conduction headphones for meditation app; noise-canceling headphones for NuCalm
  • Used with plant medicine with exceptional results
    • Use NuCalm first; you'll need less plant medicine
    • It will interrupt the journey if you use it during the session

-About the “Ignite” feature on the NuCalm…55:34

  • Ignite Warrior Brain
  • Upregulates the pre-motor strip; elicits dopamine
  • Five senses, peripheral vision is enhanced
  • Designed for elite military and athletes; recently commercialized
  • Last 3 minutes of the track is pure warrior brain
  • Modulator in it to keep the listener balanced

-An affordable way to purchase the NuCalm system…1:02:47

-And much more…

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.

Resources from this episode:

NuCalm: You can get it here and save 65% off your first month of any new monthly subscription.

Compression boots

Bone conduction headphones

Noise-canceling headphones

– Podcast: How To Simulate A Full Sleep Cycle In 20 Minutes, The Best Stress Biohack That Exists, Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Much More!

– PDFs:

– Books:

Episode sponsors:

Kion: My personal playground for new supplement formulations, Kion blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order when you use discount code BEN10.

Paleo Valley Beef Sticks: 100% grass-fed AND grass-finished. Keto friendly and higher levels of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Receive a 15% discount off your order when you go to paleovalley.com/ben.

JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive my brand new book, Boundless absolutely free!

Comrad Socks: Seriously comfortable compression socks designed to support your every move. Receive 20% off your Comrad purchase when you use discount code BEN20

Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for Jim or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

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58 thoughts on “The Best Biohack For Stress & Sleep (Simulates A Full Sleep Cycle In 20 Minutes While Blasting Away Stress & Giving You A Deep Meditative Experience).

  1. Corinne says:

    Ben, thanks for your incredible work! Big fan!

    Regarding the usage of discs, is this a single use as in 1 session, 1 disc? If yes, am I not going to need a HUGE amount of discs if I intend using this on a daily basis, maybe even 2 or 3 times a day?
    At $400 a set of 100 discs, that’s going to be quite an expense which needs to be factored in, not only the purchase of the neuroacoustic software.

    Thanks for any tips on disc usage.

  2. TJ says:

    Ben – For getting back to sleep when waking up in the middle of the night, which is more effective, the NuCalm or the Somniresonance SR1?

  3. Rosie says:

    I purchased the NuCalm system for 2000 dollars after listening to this programme, and participated in testing.
    I’m happy with the product but VERY disappointed that the NuCalm discs I now buy are slightly more expensive than those on the open market (two dollars per disc, as opposed to a little under two dollars for a NuCalm 30 annual subscriber).
    This means that I have effectively thrown 2k away.
    It makes more sense for me to resubscribe as a NuCalm 30 annual than to use my lifetime subscriber offer code.
    This can’t be right!
    Can’t you make the discs significantly cheaper for lifetime subscribers, to acknowledge that we paid out 2k only a few months ago and so therefore should not be paying more than other customers who have not made this advance payment?
    Many thanks for anything you can do to resolve this imbalance.

  4. Andy says:

    For those that love using the Nucalm, does it train your autonomic nervous system so you become resilient to stress and then use it less or are you always dependent on it? Real success is no longer being dependent on a device. Also, I recall Ben has used Lief Technologies wearable. That device is supposed to train up your HRV in order to make you resilient to stress. It is cheaper and wonder if it is more effective?

  5. Jane says:

    Hi Jim
    Why are the discs necessary when you could just use liposomal GABA? I use Quicksilver Scientific liposomal GABA/L Theanine and it’s very powerful, wouldn’t that work with NuCalm.

    I’m also curious why you mention that the packet protects the discs from EMFs but then you told Luke Storey on his podcast that the discs in the packet are inert and can be left for 10 yrs , and they only become active when applied to the skin?

    Jane

  6. Lloyd says:

    Thank you Ben and Jim. I’ve been at it for a few weeks and thoroughly enjoying the NuCalm system. I’d love some advice on the use of audio meditations along with NuCalm as mentioned in the podcast please. Does it need to be narrative only – will any additional music interfere or detract from the NuCalm acoustic tracks? Any tips for great tracks please, for guided breathing as well. Any NuCalm tracks less suited to this concept of stacking the audio? I have the additional bone conducting headphones

  7. Bernadette says:

    Hi. Thanks for this interview. I am a Nucalm user and you’re right that you have to “suspend your disbelief” and “take a leap of faith” about the discs. I have never used the patented electrodes and cream so cannot compare. I understand the idea of biosignal and how it’s designed to be transmitted into the body. One thing I could not find an answer to is – how do you actually embed a biosignal on a sticker ? Related question – I would love if there could be some studies to be shared on the efficacy of the sticker ? It is very hard to share about the NuCalm system with other people when you don’t have science to back-up the stickers claims. People reaction is usually that I “got got”… Thank you.

  8. John Salvini says:

    Thanks for all of the great info. Love it! I am strongly considering buying NuCalm, but am also trying to understand the difference between it and the Apollo. I get that the Apollo is wearable…but respectfully asking if there are any other differences?

    1. Jim Poole says:

      John,
      I can’t speak to the virtues or efficacy of the Apollo, but our scientists and myself have reviewed their research. What I can tell is what I know about NuCalm, and the simple fact that Apollo is a wearable device vs. NuCalm, which is a three component system, that is patented and clinically proven. The patent approval process was a herculean effort that took over 4 1/2 years and independent research from some of the world’s top academicians and research scientists. In 2015, NuCalm was awarded the world’s first and only patent for “balancing and maintaining the health of the human autonomic nervous system.” The human autonomic nervous system governs human fear, stress, anxiety, and depression. I don’t know your familiarity with patent law, but the USPTO puts the accountability on the company to established without any doubt, irrefutable quantified evidence of novelty and efficacy of the product in question. Therefore, you can assume that the NuCalm product is unlike any other product in the world and does what it claims to do.
      NuCalm was invented over a 20-year process to manage the stress and anxiety of people suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) co-morbid with addiction. The desired physiological outcome resulting from NuCalm is not to simply activate the vagus nerve and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. NuCalm is expressly designed to dramatically reduce the sympathetic nervous system while raising the parasympathetic nervous system using biochemistry and physics. There are many, many, many devices on the market that use stimulation, or vibration, or binaural beats to illicit a physiological response, but they aren’t predictable, or reliable. The human body is an exceptionally complex closed ecosystem with a central nervous system that protects the body from external stimulation and has tremendous compensatory mechanisms, many of which science still doesn’t understand. To create a technology that quickly, safely, predictably, and reliably puts the brakes on the stress response while raising the rest response, takes more than one tool. For NuCalm, we are going to entrain brainwave function into alpha and theta, thus allowing the body to cycle through the natural healing zone. To accomplish this, we negate the body’s ability to resist by shutting down the adrenal cortex through a biosignal processing disc that activates your body’s GABAergic system (the body’s natural inhibitory neurotransmitters that interrupt the secretion of adrenaline). Then you wear an eye mask to mitigate brain stimulation via the visual cortex. Then comes the power of NuCalm – using over $4M of patented physics and mathematics that lay underneath specifically architected music, we pace your brainwave function into alpha and theta, much like a cup of coffee paces your brainwaves into higher beta and greater alertness. When you want to trick the brain and help put your body into the healing zone, you can’t just use vibration and expect a predictable and reliable outcome, simply because your adrenaline will resist and override the stimulation. You have to understand how the body will react to a specific stimulation, then counter its compensatory actions before they even occur.
      It has taken Solace Lifesciences, the neuroscience company that makes NuCalm, 19 years and $23M to get here and we have invested all our time, money, and resources into continuously improving the biochemistry, physics, and ease of use for NuCalm, which has been serving humans across the globe for over 10 years.
      What we have observed from thousands and thousands of users, what we know from over 1.5M surgical procedures, and what we’ve learned from our 52-member medical advisory board, is that NuCalm works every time you use it. You can expect a predictable and rapid descent into parasympathetic nervous system dominance, and you will stay in the healing zone until your body is restored (typically 25 – 45 minutes). Then, you will take off NuCalm, feel balanced, energized, focused, yet calm and relaxed.
      If effective stress management and improved sleep quality without drugs is what you are looking for, NuCalm will take great care of you. We look forward to welcoming you to the NuCalm family!
      Stay safe and be well,

      Jim

      1. Paul Horne says:

        I’m so confused – what is this $2000 product everyone is talking about? I bought NuCalm and it’s just a monthly subscription service for disk stickers you use with a free app and an eye mask. Did the product change?

  9. Matteo says:

    Nucalm is really amazing, a kind of dream, for sure, but unapproachable for the price…. even with the big discount of Ben the price is high. It’s only for very rich people. In alternative to improve yourself like biohack Circadia could be a good sostitute?
    I know that are really different but just to stimulate the vagus nerve :)

  10. Trent Baker says:

    I am looking to buy some more discs here and am debating whether it is worth the extra cost to go with the pro vs the regular. Anybody have any experience with both and have any views as to the incremental benefit of pro? I bought my original nucalm this summer right after the discs came out and not sure if it came with the pro version or the regular. Whatever it was has worked well for me.

    1. Jim Poole says:

      Trent,
      The NuCalm biosignal processing disc is a molecular copy of the NuCalm cream. Essentially, this disc contains a signature of frequencies (recipe) of effective inhibitory neurotransmitters to slow down the body’s secretion of adrenaline. The NuCalm PRO disc was created over a couple year period of invention and alchemy. The NuCalm PRO disc is stronger, faster acting, and provides deeper recovery, by taking the NuCalm disc and adding the frequencies of the hypothalamus and the vagus nerve. The difference is not insignificant, nor incremental. When you use the NuCalm PRO discs, you will feel the impact. My recommendation is simple – if you are feeling balanced, sleeping well, and performing well, stay with the NuCalm discs. If you would like greater recovery, balance, and improved sleep beyond your current experience, go with the NuCalm PRO discs.
      Stay safe and be well Trent,
      Jim

  11. Matt Amsden says:

    Would this replace the Apollo wearable that you podcasted about?

  12. Susie L says:

    Both the NuCalm podcasts were fascinating and I’ve been extremely interested. However before I plop down the $2k, I’m curious as to now NuCalm compares to the Apollo device than Ben has also covered in a previous podcast (Jan 2020 I believe). Both are targeted toward the Vagus nerve and balancing the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system. Apollo seems simpler to use and it definitely less expensive than NuCalm, with possibly less time commitment…any comments Ben or others who have tried them both in time and effectiveness? Thanks!

    1. Well the Apollo is for everything from focus to calm to sleep to relaxation to partying. And it’s a wearable. The NuCalm is really NAPS and SLEEPING and is a real sledgehammer for that. But the two are apples and oranges. I use both personally but haven’t experimented with using them at the same time yet…

      1. Ashley E. says:

        The BEN500 code doesn’t work. It looks like they have changed their offerings and programs since this podcast. Do you have a new affiliate code for your community?

    2. Jim Poole says:

      Hi Susie L,
      I just responded to John from May 21st – a similar question to yours, please see below. I understand that $2,000 is a big investment. When NuCalm launched into the medical community in September 2010, the technology was $5,995. In February 2017, the price was reduced for the first time, to $4,695. Now the company is selling access to the Mastermind Project for $1,995, which gets you lifetime access to the NuCalm neuroacoustic software. Customers aren’t paying only for the cost of goods, customers are paying for lifetime access to a technology that has taken 19 years and $23M to create and get to this point. From pure research and development to the patent process to regulatory with the FDA, Health Canada, the U.S. Military, and NSF Certified for Sport. We wish the price could be lower, but a bankrupt company can’t change the world, so we have to balance scientific invention with business. I do expect, however, to continuously see the price come down, even without direct competition as we try to help as many people as possible.

      I can’t speak to the virtues or efficacy of the Apollo, but our scientists and myself have reviewed their research. What I can tell is what I know about NuCalm, and the simple fact that Apollo is a wearable device vs. NuCalm, which is a three component system, that is patented and clinically proven. The patent approval process was a herculean effort that took over 4 1/2 years and independent research from some of the world’s top academicians and research scientists. In 2015, NuCalm was awarded the world’s first and only patent for “balancing and maintaining the health of the human autonomic nervous system.” The human autonomic nervous system governs human fear, stress, anxiety, and depression. I don’t know your familiarity with patent law, but the USPTO puts the accountability on the company to established without any doubt, irrefutable quantified evidence of novelty and efficacy of the product in question. Therefore, you can assume that the NuCalm product is unlike any other product in the world and does what it claims to do.
      NuCalm was invented over a 20-year process to manage the stress and anxiety of people suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) co-morbid with addiction. The desired physiological outcome resulting from NuCalm is not to simply activate the vagus nerve and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. NuCalm is expressly designed to dramatically reduce the sympathetic nervous system while raising the parasympathetic nervous system using biochemistry and physics. There are many, many, many devices on the market that use stimulation, or vibration, or binaural beats to illicit a physiological response, but they aren’t predictable, or reliable. The human body is an exceptionally complex closed ecosystem with a central nervous system that protects the body from external stimulation and has tremendous compensatory mechanisms, many of which science still doesn’t understand. To create a technology that quickly, safely, predictably, and reliably puts the brakes on the stress response while raising the rest response, takes more than one tool. For NuCalm, we are going to entrain brainwave function into alpha and theta, thus allowing the body to cycle through the natural healing zone. To accomplish this, we negate the body’s ability to resist by shutting down the adrenal cortex through a biosignal processing disc that activates your body’s GABAergic system (the body’s natural inhibitory neurotransmitters that interrupt the secretion of adrenaline). Then you wear an eye mask to mitigate brain stimulation via the visual cortex. Then comes the power of NuCalm – using over $4M of patented physics and mathematics that lay underneath specifically architected music, we pace your brainwave function into alpha and theta, much like a cup of coffee paces your brainwaves into higher beta and greater alertness. When you want to trick the brain and help put your body into the healing zone, you can’t just use vibration and expect a predictable and reliable outcome, simply because your adrenaline will resist and override the stimulation. You have to understand how the body will react to a specific stimulation, then counter its compensatory actions before they even occur.
      It has taken Solace Lifesciences, the neuroscience company that makes NuCalm, 19 years and $23M to get here and we have invested all our time, money, and resources into continuously improving the biochemistry, physics, and ease of use for NuCalm, which has been serving humans across the globe for over 10 years.
      What we have observed from thousands and thousands of users, what we know from over 1.5M surgical procedures, and what we’ve learned from our 52-member medical advisory board, is that NuCalm works every time you use it. You can expect a predictable and rapid descent into parasympathetic nervous system dominance, and you will stay in the healing zone until your body is restored (typically 25 – 45 minutes). Then, you will take off NuCalm, feel balanced, energized, focused, yet calm and relaxed.
      If effective stress management and improved sleep quality without drugs is what you are looking for, NuCalm will take great care of you. We look forward to welcoming you to the NuCalm family!
      Stay safe and be well,

      Jim

  13. Tyler says:

    Hey Ben, Been a long time supporter and love the podcast. How does Nucalm compare to Appllo Neuro? They both claim to reduce stress, improve sleep, etc but one is much less expensive than the other. Can anyone speak to the efficacy of each? I have a high stress career and I exercise, meditate, etc. to manage stress but these both seem like a tool that can be beneficial.

    1. Brian says:

      I too would like to see Ben’s reply. However, am not holding my breath. Ben’s brand is great for promoting/influencing. From this perspective, what is his upside vs downside in differentiating between two competing systems- probably gifted to him in exchange for promotion- that act to balance the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system? I see only down side from that perspective, hence avoidance. Prove this concept wrong Ben!

      1. Well the Apollo is for everything from focus to calm to sleep to relaxation to partying. And it’s a wearable. The NuCalm is really NAPS and SLEEPING and is a real sledgehammer for that. But the two are apples and oranges. I use both personally but haven’t experimented with using them at the same time yet…

  14. Phillip says:

    Hello

    I just purchased Nucalm and im very excited to start using it. I practice Transcendental Meditation regularly twice a day for months now. Im seeking advice on how I should integrate Nucalm into my routine. I was taught not not to use music and such when doing TM so if the company or anyone else has any advise I would love to hear it. Thank you!

    1. Jim Poole says:

      Phillip,
      Welcome to the NuCalm family! Good for you, a habitual meditation practice will serve you well. I will defer my recommendation to the NuCalm habits we’ve learned from working with monks for the past several years. They use NuCalm before they engage in meditation stating that NuCalm cleans the slate and prepares them for deep meditation. They claim that, although they are experts in meditation and have meditated for thousands and thousands of hours, they are still Human and face the challenges of boredom, isolation, and checklisting intrinsic of the human brain. It’s good to know that the human condition is the same in many respects across humanity, from type A intense adrenaline junkies to monks – when meditating, the process is similar. At your convenience, I recommend that you check out this case study on Brother Craig Marshall, a practicing monk for 35 years, and his NuCalm practice: https://www.nucalm.com/brother-craig/
      Good luck Phillip! Stay safe and be well,
      Jim

  15. Doug says:

    Ben,

    Love your podcast, thanks. Have you tried NuCalm without the Disc / Sticker? Seems the least likely to be true feature of the product and the company is incentivized to have recurring sticker sales?

  16. Margaret says:

    Holy moly….I just dropped the $$ for this. After 2 years of minimal deep sleep I hope this bad boy is the answer. Won’t be able to afford any more of Ben’s nifty gadgets for a while. If you have used this keep posting your comments. PLEASE

    1. W says:

      I’m in the same boat, low amounts of deep sleep no matter what I do so I am hoping this will help. The other thing I would love to see would be an increase in hrv which also remains stubbornly low no matter what I do. Good Luck!

      1. Margaret says:

        Keep me posted on your progress

    2. Shannon says:

      Please do tell if it works and you find it worth the incredible price tag.

  17. Shannon says:

    But the price though! C’mon! Sell it for $500 and I think you’d have better sales and still be very profitable. This has to be marked up by 10,000% or more.

    1. Amy Song says:

      Thanks for commenting. We understand that it’s expensive. The price is representative of the years of research and product development we’ve invested. Thanks for reading.

  18. Gabe A. says:

    Hi Ben & Amy,

    I just bought the Fisher Wallace Stimulator. I’m looking for something to wear when I take 20-30 minute power naps. I have trouble falling asleep for them (even when tired) and don’t feel very refreshed after.

    Should I return that and go with the Nucalm instead?

    Thanks!

    1. Mary says:

      Definitely return if you can. This thing is on-point. The discs seem to be the game changer.

    2. Amy Song says:

      Hi Gabe. Thanks for reaching out. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator applies electrical stimulus to the brain (it’s my understanding that you feel either nothing or mild tingling at the contact points during the experience) via electrodes placed on sponges near the temples, secured with a headband. I haven’t personally used it (I’m a NuCalm user and also work for the makers of NuCalm to be transparent), but NuCalm has a different delivery system and experience. NuCalm headphones deliver the brain entraining binaural beats that work in conjunction with the NuCalm Biosignal Processing Disc while wearing an eye mask/covering during a session. During a session, you will feel like you are in the in between stages of falling asleep or you may become unaware of the passage of time while listening to the audio. If you’d like to learn more, we are happy to connect in a way that’s convenient. We have a chat function on our site or you can call us at 877-NUCALM. Thanks!

  19. Brandon says:

    I have been using NuCalm for a couple of weeks now. So far (for me, anyway), it’s been incredible.

    I understand the skepticism, especially considering the price, but it’s always entertaining to read comments about products from people who haven’t even tried that product yet. It’s equally entertaining to read comments that make it clear they didn’t even listen or weren’t paying attention.

  20. Matt says:

    If it’s so good, why no return policy? Challenge: name one top-flight retailer (like Costco, Apple, Amazon) who has no return policy…I’ll wait….still waiting.

    1. Amy Song says:

      Thanks for commenting. Due to NuCalm’s efficacy when used on a regular basis, in the last several years, we have had less than 0.5% buyers ask if it was possible to return their system. This may be inconsistent with other brands, but this policy continues to work for us. Thanks for reading.

      1. Doug says:

        The logic seems backwards. Any company with a 0.5% return rate would have no problem offering returns. Assuming: 1) they are confident in the product 2) they care about delighting customers 3) They care about their brand over the long term. A no return policy is very unusual and seems to suggest a lack of confidence in the product without concern for the customer.

        1. Walter says:

          Just buy it. It’s WORTH IT. I use it.

        2. Brian says:

          Use the NuCalm locator directory to find a local practitioner to try the product first, that is what I did. I found a dental office with NuCalm and negotiated with them to pay cash for a session (no dental work). After one session I felt the difference.

          To see about cumulative effects I booked a few more sessions. I made sure one session was mid morning with no work outs to eliminate if I was just tired. (Versus working 0530-1500 with a lunch time workout and then going for a session at 1700. Of course I’d be relaxed like if I lied down and listened to any music, probably fall asleep). Even had coffee before hand, to which caffeine has a strong effect on me. NuCalm session worked great!

          I did not use any devices to collect data, HRV, BPM. I love data. I just listened to my body. All my experiences were positive so I purchased a system. Prior to receiving my order I was informed by the company that the next generation version (the bio disc) was available. I was skeptic given I test drove the previous generation. I was assured the efficacy was the same. And it is.

          For all others asking about just using the app, the main R&D technology are the audio tracks and bio disc. (Any one can get a black out mask and audio player). Any data that is transmitted can be recorded. The data stream could be encrypted yet the output has to be analog. A basic DAC could rip the output (which any PC with an audio jack has). Or a phone can be rooted to gain access to secure areas. A SDK and USB cable with some choice software tools could yield the audio files on the device. Our find a software program that can record a wireless stream. You think Walmart or Amazon or Apple would let someone return a hypothetical $4500 music CD? I don’t think so. Replace, maybe. Refund? Ha!

          Combine that with this site is for bio hackers, and it is not far fetched that someone would figure out how to get more GABA friendly compounds into their system. Even then the experience would not be a true replica for the NuCalm system

          So go find a local provider, try a few sessions. Initial cost is high, reoccuring expenses are low (less or same as a $4 cup of coffee a day), yet the experience is bar none. You pay for what you get in this world.

        3. Jeremy says:

          Doug I agree on this 100%. HUGE red flag to me there is no return policy. If returns are so low what’s the big deal offering a return? It’s not like it’s a lot of work and would give buyers much more confidence – never heard of this before. Also I’ve had trouble finding any independent reviews online from anyone who is not partnering with them. Another red flag. I may try what Brian did below and get sessions at a local practitioner first. Also it’s possible if you buy with Visa card they may have return protection ( https://www.creditcardinsider.com/blog/credit-card-return-protection-benefits-how-to-use-them-to-get-a-refund/ )?

  21. PRATEEK MATHUR says:

    Great stuff. Is there NuCalm trial track that we can use without the purchase yet? I understand the discs wouldn’t be there but just to check the efficacy of the app?

    1. Amy Song says:

      Unfortunately no, as we don’t recommend using the app without the NuCalm Biosignal Processing Discs. We would love to have everyone interested be able to try it, but we don’t have that capability yet. Thanks for commenting.

      1. Brian says:

        I’ve done it different times of the day. When I am up the tracks are nice to listen to yet it is no where near the restorative level of the complete system experience. Few times I woke up in middle of night to take a piss and could not fall back to sleep right away, I’ve listened to the tracks and drifted off again. However, could also listen to almost any music and drift off, even Nine Inch Nails heavy shit. I have not collected data sets to compare.

  22. osmat says:

    Great interview! Been using the NuCalm for the past few weeks and it really saves the day when your sleep isn’t optimal.
    Jim mentioned posting a link to the Ignite app. Is it possible to get access to that?
    Thanks :)

  23. Lindsay says:

    Great podcast episode! It covered a lot of complex topics but was easy to follow along. Very cool technology and its something everyone needs – especially in the current state of the world.

  24. Gray Z. says:

    I found NuCalm about five years ago. And I, too, was skeptical. Sounded too good to be true.

    Well, it’s not. It’s saved my relationships… my body… and my life.

    It’s accompanied me on all seven continents. I use it for jet lag, general fatigue, sleep loss, fighting illness, and even the occasional hangover. Yes, I’m human.

    Jim Poole’s not kidding when he says it’ll change your life.

    While it’s not inexpensive, it does wonders… And it’s hard to put a price on that.

  25. Phillip James says:

    This podcast definitely answered my questions and reservations about the science of this product. By nature, I’m a skeptical person so I loved hearing Jim and Ben really get into how this works and the many years of research that went into the NuCalm program. The price point is definitely more attractive and worth exploring for the stress and restorative benefits. Excited to get my order!

  26. Anthony Pitts says:

    I just bought NuCalm and not only does the product work, it works better than I thought it would. After my first use, I could fell the difference in both my state of calmness. It also helped me sleep better at night. With all the crazy virus going on this will be a life saver

  27. Salim says:

    Thanks for sharing this Ben! As a fellow biohacker/energy chaser NuCalm has also been a non-negotiable for me since I first got introduced to the technology in the summer of 2018. Since July 2018, I’ve used NuCalm a minimum of twice per day (first thing when I wake up and following any run/workout/bikram class) EVERYDAY. The reduction of stress/anxiety and quieting of my “monkey mind” during/post NuCalm sessions are undeniable, and it never gets old because my mind never want to stay quiet.

    I could feel all the positive effects from Nucalm but, having an analytical mind, I wanted to see exactly how my body was reacting so I purchased an Oura ring to monitor my heart rate and HRV. It’s so cool to see my heart rate start drastically decreasing while HRV drastically increases around 15 minutes into every NuCalm session. Jim mentioned in this podcast that in the first 16 minutes the track takes our brain for a dance and then dives us down into theta which makes sense and totally aligns with what my Oura ring was showing!

    It was great to learn more of the science from Jim during this podcast, especially in regards to the bio-processing discs as I started off with the cream and CES machine! I really cannot speak highly enough of NuCalm and the impact it’s hand on my life. I share your sentiments Ben, and thank Jim and the entire NuCalm team for creating this!

  28. Michael says:

    Ben, I absolutely loved this conversation with Jim Poole about how to help manage stress and improve our sleep, especially in these turbulent times. I was first introduced to Nu Calm by my wife who is an integrative physician. While I have been an avid user of Nu Calm for over four years and have personally seen the incredibly positive impact it has had on my health through the monitoring of my HRV, this podcast helped me understand so much more about the science behind the system. I have shared the link to this podcast with all of my friends and family, as I am confident they will find it valuable and will appreciate being exposed to your extensive body of work in health and wellness.

  29. GregI says:

    They want us to pay $2000 USD to beta-test their wares (not knowing what they contain and they of course are not liable for any issues) and keep paying hundreds of dollars for the privilege to use the bought and paid for system (in the form of pads, creams, supplements, patches and whatnot).

    Sounds like a deal of a life-time! :-D

    1. Amy Song says:

      Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’m a regular user (for 6 years) and and also work for the neuroscience company that makes NuCalm (want to be transparent). Quick clarification that we are asking for feedback on the app user experience in the Mastermind program. We’ve spent over 18 years researching and refining the neuroacoustic software, leveraging the collective learning into multiple tracks and evolving the delivery system. We’ve invested our time focused on perfecting the product and are now hoping for feedback to perfect the user experience (hence the Mastermind program). $2,000 is a significant financial investment, I understand that. However, as a regular user for years, I’ve found that NuCalm is the only way I can balance my home life (2 active kids ages 10 and 9, my husband works long hours and typically travels frequently), my work life and my personal life (I like having energy to see my friends and do the things I like to do– not just carpool my kids around!). Admittedly, I’m a bit type A (my husband may chime in here and substitute a different word for “bit”), and I’ve always had an issue managing stress. As I’ve gotten older, I’m even more aware of the long term negative effects of stress. NuCalm makes me immediately feel better after a session– I’m relaxed, calm and focused. Then, I’m able to be a better mother, wife, daughter, friend and just all around person. I know it can sound unbelievable. I was skeptical, and frankly didn’t even want to initially take the time to actually try NuCalm when I first had the opportunity (who has time to meditate, I’m busy!). After one session I was hooked and now build my days around when I can NuCalm. It may sound unbelievable, but I’m a type A (considerably reformed now!) regular user and it’s the real deal. Thanks for reading.

      1. Margaret says:

        Thanks for your post. I am hoping I have the same experience as you have had with the NUcalm.
        My husband as been the on the receiving end of my lack of proper sleep as well. :)

  30. Ken says:

    …”95% of NuCalm users report that they would use it again, and 98%”… all for $1,995.00.

    I messed with all this garbage back in the late 90’s. It’s all placebo and a waste of money.

    Bundle up a bunch of stuff – EEG, QEEG (really?), Neurotransmitter lab panels, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Heart Rate Variability and a bunch of “other useless stuff” with made up terminology. Check. Make up slick marketing campaign and give the impression that third party unbiased research has been performed. Check. Create ridiculously positive reviews and endorsements. Check. Charge 2 grand and keep em coming back for more.

    Endorsed by Tony Robbins? OMG. No. That guy. Nuff said.

    1. Amy Song says:

      Thanks for taking the time to reply. I understand that the $2,000 price is significant and that you may have tried a product in the past that didn’t work the way that was expected. I’m a regular user (for 6 years) and also work for the neuroscience company that makes NuCalm (want to be transparent). There are so many products that incorporate various technology and promise so many things that don’t actually come to reality that it’s tough to believe some things after awhile. The last product that did that for me was a premium priced frying pan that was “nonstick”. It only took a handful of occasions to figure out that “nonstick” on the product’s web site wasn’t the “nonstick” that I experienced. Admittedly the price tag was much lower, but it was still disappointing and over time product expectations vs. product reality disconnect adds up. I don’t know about you, but I’ve become more skeptical as I get older. Regarding NuCalm, the neuroscience that was used to develop it is scientifically proven over 18 years. A NuCalm session provides predictable, reliable results without drugs. NuCalm holds the only patent in the world for “systems and methods for balancing and maintaining the the health of the human autonomic nervous system.” The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the “flight-or-flight” and “rest-and-digest” responses in the body. Only when these are balanced can you feel rested, ready and secure. There’s a lot of scientific research that is available at www.nucalm.com/science-of-nucalm (my reply is already crazy long!) that describes how NuCalm does this. In short, NuCalm disables stress at is source– within the brain– and guides users to their optimal recovery state. Please call us at 877-NU-CALM if you are interested in discussing further. Thank you for reading.

    2. A Different Ken says:

      Ken,

      I am a military officer with 20 years of service and multiple combat tours and a medal of heroism.

      Under no uncertain circumstances do I fool around with my body, mind, and spirit. People in my line of work need to be spot-on when we show up and when we’re chosen to deploy. Sometimes we’re dropped into chaos and have to sort our around us what is life-threatening or non life-threatening. I will tell you the difference a night’s sleep makes can be one of survival.

      I have seen my friends and colleagues succumb to years of being owned by what Jim calls “monkey mind.” I felt compelled to reply to you for the sake of any military member coming across this podcast and reading the reviews and comments. Before I discovered NuCalm my hair was falling out, my testosterone was jacked, and I felt like maiming everyone and everything that irritated me. I could not get into deep sleep. Life was hell.

      Then I had a chance at a 15 minute session and had the greatest rest I could remember. I went from being asked to leave the service and never wear that uniform again to being a high performing officer and athlete. NuCalm helped me take my monkey mind and turn it into “Buddha brain.” If you are reading this and you suffer from being stressed out and when you look at your bed you hate it, do yourself a favor and give it a whirl. Nothing is more lovely than a blissful night of rest, I had no idea.

    3. Nic says:

      That’s impressive considering that much of the technology didn’t yet exist, and the algorithms were very different. HRV is not a “placebo”. Professional sports teams, execs, and the military use it. If you know how to use it, you can too.

      EEG is placebo?

      This all begs the question, what isn’t the placebo to you?

  31. Diane James says:

    Ben, thank you so much for this podcast. I have wanted to get a Nucalm since your first podcast with Jim Poole. Two things kept me from buying:1. price, and 2. how would you like it after a period of use. Just bought one on the Mastermind project, so, while still expensive, was doable, and your continued use for 6 months with enthusiasm gave me the comfort to invest in the Nucalm. Looking forward to trying it out.

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