Latest news with #KevinWoods
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm Ireland's last leprechaun whisperer – they gave me 4 gifts & wife's reaction surprised me, now I've found successor
AFTER spending decades talking to Ireland's last remaining 236 leprechauns, Kevin Woods is preparing for succession - and says he has finally ended his hunt to pass on his gifts. Kevin, who is known locally as McCoillte, says he has spent more than 30 years chatting to the tiny folks living in the Cooley Mountains in Co 4 Kevin Woods is Ireland's last leprechaun whisperer Credit: conor mccaughley1@ 4 For more than 30 years, Kevin has claimed to speak with Ireland's last 236 leprechauns 4 Kevin outside the Carlingford Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern But the Carlingford native feared that he would be Ireland's last ever leprechaun whisperer when his eldest of seven sons showed no interest in taking over the pot of gold. However, the 81-year-old is now FAIRY convinced that there is light at the end of the rainbow after finding people to whom he can pass on his four gifts. The retired salesman explained: "I have seven sons and the eldest doesn't want the gifts. He feels that he doesn't want me to go to heaven. "So I asked the leprechauns, and then they told me that I could give a test to anyone that comes down into the cavern that's doing the tour." There are currently 236 leprechauns living in a cavern which lies hidden beneath the Carlingford Folklore Park on Ghan Road, according to Kevin - who offers tours of the location. During his time as Ireland's last leprechaun whisperer, Kevin has successfully lobbied the EU to have leprechauns recognised as a protected species, which was granted in 2009 under the European Habitats Directive. He also hosted numerous hunts in aid of But in recent years he has been on the lookout for successors for his gifts when he passes, by carrying out a test on strangers who visit him. Kevin's test involves placing what he claims to be a real leprechaun hat on the head of a visitor and asking whether they can feel heat. If they do, they're in luck and they have the gift. Over the years, Kevin says he has found a number of people who have passed his test. However, there's a catch. NO GIFTS UNTIL GONE He explains: "They don't get the gifts until I'm gone to heaven or hell." Kevin also insisted that they need to remain patient for the gifts to transfer, adding: "If they're in the valley, or wherever else they are, they're not to be ringing my wife and asking her, am I gone yet. "They will hear the word draíocht, which is the Irish word for magic, in their heads, and when that happens, then they become whispers and protectors of the last 236 leprechauns." What are these leprechaun gifts, you might ask? Kevin said: "The leprechauns gave me four gifts. One, I'm always happy. Two, I'm always healthy. Three, I can talk to leprechauns anytime I want, and the fourth one's the best one, and I can't tell you that, or I lose the other three." HOW IT BEGAN While now well established and recognised, Kevin wasn't always the last leprechaun whisperer. In fact, there was a time when he called such claims "rubbish". The story goes that 37 years ago, PJ O'Hare, a publican and friend of Kevin, discovered "some bones and four pieces of gold in a leprechaun suit on the mountain". In an attempt to prove to his friend that the wee people didn't live there, Kevin hosted a huge leprechaun hunt. Thousands showed up on the day, many hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythical creatures, while many more were enticed by the fact that Kevin had hidden £4,000 worth of coins across the mountain. The story at the time was reported in newspapers all over the world. "I asked the leprechauns, and then they told me that I could give a test to anyone that comes down into the cavern that's doing the tour." Kevin Woods leprechaun whisper Kevin said: "I presented the usual press releases and whatever, in relation to PJ's story, that made the New York Times. I think it made the Boston Globe and the Chicago Herald, so it was big news at the time." In the end, no leprechauns were found, bar "four toy leprechauns" set out by Kevin at the start of the day. PJ sadly died a few years after the hunt, and for a time, things returned to normal. About ten years after his death, however, Kevin would find the four supposed leprechaun coins while working on a wall outside of PJ's pub. After bringing these coins back up the mountain, Kevin claims he saw a leprechaun. 'I WAS COMATOSE' He said: "I went up there for the first time in my life. I saw three leprechauns initially and I couldn't talk to them. I was stuck to the spot. "I was comatose, I imagine, and they disappeared under a rock. I came down and told the wife I saw three leprechauns, and she told me not to tell anyone, I'd be locked up. Yeah, I told everybody, and no one believed me." ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEPRECHAUNS AS Ireland's last leprechaun whisperer, Kevin offers a unique insight into all things regarding the tiny mythical creatures. According to him, for food they eat a mixture of wild berries, wild herbs, a flower called meadowsweet - found in Irish boglands - and the sap of blackthorn trees. For work many leprechauns dig for gold, some gather plants and wildflowers for food, while others prepare meals. Many are also cobblers and shoemakers. Leprechauns, like people, have names, Kevin says. Kevin explained that the current clan chieftain is called Carraig, which means Rock. There is also Tadgh, Peadar, Stevo and Dara to name a few. Leprechauns love singing and dancing, in fact it is no coincidence that many are cobblers. The need for repairing shoes, worn out after long nights of dancing has become a necessity. They hate being depicted as drunks, mainly because they never drink alcohol, They also hate the notion that they are evil as nothing could be further from the truth. Leprechauns use underground portals to travel to various parts of the world. Child leprechauns are called Carlichauns and can only be found in Carlingford, Kevin says. He added: "I went back up to secretly see them again, and when I went up this time, I saw one that I was able to talk to. He told me his name was Carrick, the Gaelic word for rock. "He told me that there used to be millions of leprechauns in Ireland, and that they had all disappeared or vanished, except for 236 of them." It was these encounters that would lead Kevin to dedicate his life to leprechaun awareness and protection. A POT OF GOLD With dozens of TV appearances and popular annual hunts, he has since attracted thousands of people to the town in search of the mythical creature. Now Kevin continues to share his "gifts" by offering talks and guided tours of the Carlingford Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern, as well as the Folklore Park. "The leprechauns gave me four gifts. One, I'm always happy. Two, I'm always healthy. Three, I can talk to leprechauns anytime I want, and the fourth one's the best one, and I can't tell you that, or I lose the other three." Kevin Woods leprechaun whisper His story has since also inspired the launch of a family entertainment brand, Carlichauns. The brand boasts "a CG-animated series, YouTube 2D shorts, immersive Alternate Reality experiences, and enchanting books". Kevin said: "So we're flying. We've raised the first lot of money that we put out there, while we were at it, we created an augmented reality app, and we did a trailer of the Carlichauns." He added: "We're adding to the story of the leprechauns, and we're building a global brand." Kevin previously blasted his critics and said: "You get every reaction. I don't mind. "If people say, 'That's a load of rubbish', I say, 'Fine, that's OK, you believe in God, have you ever seen him?'" 4 According to Kevin, the Cooley Mountains in Co Louth is where the leprechauns live Credit: Alamy
Economic Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Harvard neuroscientist's bizarre brain hacks might be your key to peak mental health
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chew Gum—But Not Just Any Kind Chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. (Image: iStock) Walk Backward to Move Forward Walking backwards (Image: iStock) Hum Like Your Brain Depends on It Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. (Image: iStock) Brains, Meet Your New Routine In a world where brain health advice often revolves around leafy greens, crossword puzzles, and hitting the gym, Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods is offering something a little more… unconventional. According to Woods, who serves as Director of Science at music platform designed to enhance brainwave activity—there are three offbeat yet powerful habits you can incorporate to boost your cognitive performance. And no, none of them involve tells The New York Post that chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. The repetitive motion of chewing is believed to increase oxygen and glucose supply to these parts of the brain, which in turn improves alertness and reduces stress. But it's not just about grabbing any gum off the shelf. Woods advises opting for one with lasting flavor and a stable gums are a safer bet for your teeth, but if you're really up for a challenge, one recent study found chewing on hard objects like wooden pencils could elevate levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in brain health. Though, for obvious dental and digestive reasons, you might want to skip the pencils and leave that to the as retro walking, taking a stroll in reverse might just rewire your brain. Woods explains that walking backwards increases cognitive control, memory recall, and mental focus by engaging neural pathways that aren't activated during forward walking. Studies cited in the Post report gains in balance, coordination, and even calorie burn. The trick, Woods says, is to start slowly and safely—flat paths only, head up, core engaged, and eyes (or at least awareness) on your surroundings. It may look strange, but your brain won't isn't just soothing—it's neuroscience. Woods highlights research showing that humming activates the vagus nerve, a key player in managing mood and relaxation. The vibration also boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal cavity, enhancing blood flow and possibly lifting your spirits. Choir singers, in particular, have been found to enjoy better heart rate variability and improved cognitive performance. Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. The best part? You can hum anytime, anywhere—no fancy equipment the usual health prescriptions like nutritious food, exercise, and sleep remain vital, Woods emphasizes that integrating these quirky habits can help maintain cognitive sharpness in a uniquely effective way. 'Find a consistent routine that works for you,' he advises. Whether it's chewing gum during deep work, retro-walking around the park, or humming your stress away, these hacks are proof that brain care doesn't always have to be conventional. Sometimes, a little weird goes a long way.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3 weird ways to keep your brain healthy — one you can do in the shower
No need to overthink brain health! Our noggins take a floggin' with age, leading to reduced brain volume, less effective communication between neurons and decreased blood flow. These changes can affect learning, memory, processing speed and other cognitive functions. Now, you probably already know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and staying socially connected can help keep brains young. There are also some offbeat strategies to engage your brain — you can learn an instrument, use your non-dominant hand for tasks and take a different route home. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods — director of science at a music streaming service designed to influence brainwave activity — has three other simple suggestions to complement healthy routines. No brainstorm required. Chewing gum can feed the brain in a number of ways, though the exact mechanisms are unclear. Some studies propose that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and glucose for the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for memory and learning. This increased blood flow can also enhance focus and attention and reduce stress and anxiety. As for types of gum, Woods told The Post that 'it should be a gum with decent flavor that doesn't fade too quickly — and one that doesn't fall apart over time.' A dentist might recommend a sugar-free gum that doesn't harm teeth. There could be an even better, if not unconventional, option. A recent study found that chewing hard substances like a wood pencil can boost levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the brain — chewing gum did not provide the same effect. If you're worried about splinters, tooth damage and digestive issues with wooden material, leave it to beavers. 'Backward walking enhances brain health by challenging the brain, focusing attention and strengthening neural connections while potentially forming new pathways,' Woods said. 'Studies have found that backward walking increases cognitive control and even memory recall,' he added. Also known as retro walking, this practice can improve balance, coordination and posture, strengthen certain muscles, reduce lower back pain and burn more calories than walking forward. Experts recommend starting slowly, choosing a path free of obstacles and uneven pavement, keeping the head and torso upright, engaging the core, stepping toes first and being mindful of surroundings. Humming can ease stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, a complex network of over 200,000 fibers that connects the brain and major organs. Research indicates that humming can also increase nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, potentially improving blood flow to the brain and elevating mood. 'Studies on choir singers show enhanced heart rate variability and cognitive function,' Woods explained. 'Plus, the breath control required for sustained notes exercises the same neural networks involved in attention regulation.' Woods recommends doing these three activities often, finding a consistent routine that works for you. Since the brain is the control center for thinking, feeling and acting, taking care of it is crucial for overall health and well-being. 'While science can tell us useful things to try, to some extent, different brains need different things to focus best,' Woods said. 'What you find helpful, someone else may find distracting,' he added. 'So don't be afraid to test what works best for you!'
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Harvard neuroscientist's bizarre brain hacks might be your key to peak mental health
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chew Gum—But Not Just Any Kind Chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. (Image: iStock) Walk Backward to Move Forward Walking backwards (Image: iStock) Hum Like Your Brain Depends on It Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. (Image: iStock) Brains, Meet Your New Routine In a world where brain health advice often revolves around leafy greens, crossword puzzles, and hitting the gym, Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods is offering something a little more… unconventional. According to Woods, who serves as Director of Science at music platform designed to enhance brainwave activity—there are three offbeat yet powerful habits you can incorporate to boost your cognitive performance. And no, none of them involve tells The New York Post that chewing gum can enhance brain activity by boosting blood flow to critical areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—regions associated with learning, focus, and memory. The repetitive motion of chewing is believed to increase oxygen and glucose supply to these parts of the brain, which in turn improves alertness and reduces stress. But it's not just about grabbing any gum off the shelf. Woods advises opting for one with lasting flavor and a stable gums are a safer bet for your teeth, but if you're really up for a challenge, one recent study found chewing on hard objects like wooden pencils could elevate levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant in brain health. Though, for obvious dental and digestive reasons, you might want to skip the pencils and leave that to the as retro walking, taking a stroll in reverse might just rewire your brain. Woods explains that walking backwards increases cognitive control, memory recall, and mental focus by engaging neural pathways that aren't activated during forward walking. Studies cited in the Post report gains in balance, coordination, and even calorie burn. The trick, Woods says, is to start slowly and safely—flat paths only, head up, core engaged, and eyes (or at least awareness) on your surroundings. It may look strange, but your brain won't isn't just soothing—it's neuroscience. Woods highlights research showing that humming activates the vagus nerve, a key player in managing mood and relaxation. The vibration also boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal cavity, enhancing blood flow and possibly lifting your spirits. Choir singers, in particular, have been found to enjoy better heart rate variability and improved cognitive performance. Breath control while humming also activates neural circuits linked to attention and emotional regulation. The best part? You can hum anytime, anywhere—no fancy equipment the usual health prescriptions like nutritious food, exercise, and sleep remain vital, Woods emphasizes that integrating these quirky habits can help maintain cognitive sharpness in a uniquely effective way. 'Find a consistent routine that works for you,' he advises. Whether it's chewing gum during deep work, retro-walking around the park, or humming your stress away, these hacks are proof that brain care doesn't always have to be conventional. Sometimes, a little weird goes a long way.
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
3 weird ways to keep your brain healthy — one you can do in the shower
No need to overthink brain health! Our noggins take a floggin' with age, leading to reduced brain volume, less effective communication between neurons and decreased blood flow. These changes can affect learning, memory, processing speed and other cognitive functions. Now, you probably already know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and staying socially connected can help keep brains young. Advertisement 4 Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods recommends three easy ways to keep your brain healthy beyond a nutritional diet, good sleep and frequent exercise. Courtesy of Kevin Woods There are also some offbeat strategies to engage your brain — you can learn an instrument, use your non-dominant hand for tasks and take a different route home. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods — director of science at a music streaming service designed to influence brainwave activity — has three other simple suggestions to complement healthy routines. No brainstorm required. Gum chewing Advertisement Chewing gum can feed the brain in a number of ways, though the exact mechanisms are unclear. Some studies propose that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and glucose for the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for memory and learning. 4 Chewing gum has been found to have positive effects on brain function. – This increased blood flow can also enhance focus and attention and reduce stress and anxiety. Advertisement As for types of gum, Woods told The Post that 'it should be a gum with decent flavor that doesn't fade too quickly — and one that doesn't fall apart over time.' A dentist might recommend a sugar-free gum that doesn't harm teeth. There could be an even better, if not unconventional, option. A recent study found that chewing hard substances like a wood pencil can boost levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the brain — chewing gum did not provide the same effect. Advertisement If you're worried about splinters, tooth damage and digestive issues with wooden material, leave it to beavers. Walking backwards 'Backward walking enhances brain health by challenging the brain, focusing attention and strengthening neural connections while potentially forming new pathways,' Woods said. 4 Walking backward can boost memory and problem-solving skills. mantinov – 'Studies have found that backward walking increases cognitive control and even memory recall,' he added. Also known as retro walking, this practice can improve balance, coordination and posture, strengthen certain muscles, reduce lower back pain and burn more calories than walking forward. Experts recommend starting slowly, choosing a path free of obstacles and uneven pavement, keeping the head and torso upright, engaging the core, stepping toes first and being mindful of surroundings. Humming Humming can ease stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, a complex network of over 200,000 fibers that connects the brain and major organs. Advertisement Research indicates that humming can also increase nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, potentially improving blood flow to the brain and elevating mood. 4 Humming may stimulate the vagus nerve, an information superhighway that connects the brain to major organs. LittleSeven – 'Studies on choir singers show enhanced heart rate variability and cognitive function,' Woods explained. 'Plus, the breath control required for sustained notes exercises the same neural networks involved in attention regulation.' Woods recommends doing these three activities often, finding a consistent routine that works for you. Advertisement Since the brain is the control center for thinking, feeling and acting, taking care of it is crucial for overall health and well-being. 'While science can tell us useful things to try, to some extent, different brains need different things to focus best,' Woods said. 'What you find helpful, someone else may find distracting,' he added. 'So don't be afraid to test what works best for you!'
