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The Dr. Leaf Show
Dr. Caroline Leaf
686 episodes
5 days ago
Hi! I’m Dr. Caroline Leaf. I’m a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Mental Health
Health & Fitness
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All content for The Dr. Leaf Show is the property of Dr. Caroline Leaf and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Hi! I’m Dr. Caroline Leaf. I’m a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Mental Health
Health & Fitness
Episodes (20/686)
The Dr. Leaf Show
This is Why You're Afraid of Being Happy

Why do we sometimes panic when things finally get better? Why can rest, safety, or even joy register as unpredictable or unsafe?


In this episode, I walk you through what happens when a trauma-trained brain reacts to peace like it’s danger—and how your mind can gently redirect that response. You’ll learn what joy-triggered anxiety actually reflects, why the brain loops it so quickly, and how to retrain the pattern in a way that doesn’t rely on guilt or pressure.


If you're tired of waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under you, this video is for you.


📘 My new book Help in a Hurry is out now!

✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com  

Inside the book and course, I walk you through:

• How to interrupt trauma-trained reactions using the 5-step Neurocycle

• Tools for building joy tolerance gradually and intentionally

• Why your brain loops protective responses—and how your mind can step in

• Real language to redirect thought patterns in the moment


🧠 Explore the Neurocycle app: https://neurocycle.app

📨 Subscribe to Mental Mess Monday: https://drleaf.com/pages/newsletter

🎙️ Listen to all podcast episodes: https://drleaf.com/pages/podcast

🌐 Visit my website: https://www.drleaf.com


GET IN TOUCH:

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drcarolineleaf


SPONSORS:


Nature's Sunshine: Nature's Sunshine is offering 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Go to naturessunshine.com and use the code DRLEAF at checkout. 


MENO by O Positiv: Get 25% off your first purchase with code DRLEAF at checkout or visit opositiv.com/drleaf


Nurture Life: Head to NurtureLife.com/DRLEAF and use code DRLEAF for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. 


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.

#JoyAfterTrauma #TraumaHealing #DrCarolineLeaf #Neurocycle #HelpInAHurry #MindAndBrain #PostTraumaAnxiety #EmotionalSafety #BrainRewiring #HabitRecovery #MentalHealthTools #PsychologyPodcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5 days ago
21 minutes 44 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Staying Together for the Kids Isn’t the Safety Net You Think

You think you’re staying together for the kids. But are they truly safe—or just absorbing tension they can’t name?


In this solo episode, I explore the neuroscience of “silent divorce,” where parents remain physically together but emotionally disconnected. Research shows this doesn’t protect children—it rewires their developing brains to expect instability, even when everything looks “fine.”


You’ll learn:

✅ Why kids internalize emotional misalignment even without visible conflict

✅ How chronic tension changes identity and self-regulation

✅ Simple steps to create congruence and emotional safety at home


This episode isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. And when you shift what your nervous system broadcasts, you change what your child inherits.


📒 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Don’t just cope—thrive: enroll in the Help in a Hurry Course now for $50 off and a signed book, only at www.helpinahurrycourse.com


📫 Join 250,000+ readers: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ Watch on YouTube: / @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My Website

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drcarolineleaf


Ad Partners:


BiOptimizers: Get 15% off bioptimizers.com/drleaf with code DRLEAF.


CreaTone Brickhouse: Get 20% off your first order at ToneToday.com and use my code DRLEAF for your discount. 


Veracity: Head to VeracitySelfCare.com and use code DRLEAF for up to 45% off your order. 


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#ParentingTruths #SilentDivorce #ChildhoodStress #EmotionalSafety #ParentingNeuroscience #HelpInAHurry #MindManagement #BrainHealth #AttachmentPatterns #FamilyDynamics #Neurocycle #TraumaAwareness #ParentingPodcast #MentalHealthForParents #DrCarolineLeaf #EmotionalAttunement #ParentingWithScience


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
28 minutes 3 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Your Outrage is Being Monetized and Your Mind is Paying the Price

Algorithms don’t just track what you like—they profit from how often you spiral. In this episode, I break down what happens to your brain when you stay stuck in outrage cycles.


You’ll learn:

✅ The dopamine-cortisol loop fueling reactive scrolling

✅ How non-conscious thought patterns rehearse chaos into identity

✅ Why emotional volatility gets monetized—and how to reclaim your mind


This isn’t about deleting your apps. It’s about updating the mental architecture that keeps you in a loop you didn’t consent to.


📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com 


📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


☀️ Nature's Sunshine: Nature's Sunshine is offering 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Go to naturessunshine.com and use the code DRLEAF at checkout.

🌿 MENO by O Positiv: Get 25% off your first purchase with code DRLEAF at checkout or visit opositiv.com/drleaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#OutrageEconomy #MindManagement #MentalHealthTools #Neuroplasticity #SocialMediaBrain #AlgorithmicAddiction #EmotionalRegulation #HelpInAHurry #StressReset #CognitiveReframe #BrainHealth #DigitalWellness #Neurocycle #AttentionHijack #HealingInChaos #NeuroscienceInsights #MindBrainConnection #MentalSelfCare #PatternInterruption #MentalHealthPodcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
26 minutes 9 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Why So Many Women Feel They're Never Enough — Elise Loehnen on Breaking Cultural Conditioning

Why do so many women feel an unspoken pressure to “be good”—to perform endless selflessness at the cost of their own identity?


In this conversation, I sit down with Elise Loehnen, author of On Our Best Behavior, to unpack the centuries-old scripts that bind women to ideals of goodness rooted in the Seven Deadly Sins. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind identity formation, why reputation feels like survival, and how to break free without burning bridges.


What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ The hidden cost of cultural conditioning on women’s mental health

✅ Why “being good” often comes at the expense of authenticity

✅ The neuroscience of identity and how to rewrite old scripts

✅ Practical steps for reframing self-worth and reclaiming agency


Visit Elise Loehnen’s Website: https://www.eliseloehnen.com/

Follow Elise on Instagram: @eliseloehnen

Get Elise's New Book "Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness: A Process for Reclaiming Your Full Self:"

https://www.eliseloehnen.com/onourbestbehavior


📒 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com


📫 Join 250,000+ readers: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ Watch on YouTube: / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My Website

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drcarolineleaf


Fatty15: Get 15% off their 90-day

subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/DRLEAF and using code DRLEAF at checkout.


UPLIFT: Go to upliftdesk.com/DRLEAF and use code DRLEAF to get four free accessories, free same-day shipping, free returns, and an industry-leading 15-year warranty—plus an extra discount off your entire order.


Veracity: For up to 45% off your order, head to VeracitySelfCare.com, and use code DRLEAF.


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#EliseLoehnen #OnOurBestBehavior #WomenAndIdentity #CulturalConditioning #MentalHealthForWomen #SevenDeadlySinsMyth #MindManagement #IdentityAndAgency #Neuroplasticity #HelpInAHurry #DrCarolineLeaf #SelfWorthReset #BreakingCulturalScripts #PerformancePressure #FeminineConditioning #ResilienceTools #BehaviorChange


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
47 minutes 55 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Parenthood Is Beautiful—But the Mental Load Can Break You

Being a parent doesn’t just ask for your time—it asks for your mind, your brain, and your body. The planning, predicting, soothing, deciding, remembering… it adds up. And the longer you carry the invisible weight, the more it rewires your mind to expect pressure instead of peace.


In this episode, I’ll show you the neuroscience behind mental load, why emotional regulation often falls to one person in the home, and how to use small brain-based strategies to reduce burnout without guilt.


📒 Order my new book Help in a Hurry at www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com  


📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: /@drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: /drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: /drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: /drcarolineleaf


Fatty15: Get 15% off their 90-day

subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/DRLEAF and using code DRLEAF at checkout.


UPLIFT: Go to upliftdesk.com/DRLEAF and use code DRLEAF to get four free accessories, free same-day shipping, free returns, and an industry-leading 15-year warranty—plus an extra discount off your entire order.


Veracity: Head to VeracitySelfCare.com and use code DRLEAF for up to 45% off your order.


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#ParentingNeuroscience #MentalLoad #DecisionFatigue #DrCarolineLeaf #HelpInAHurry #ParentBurnout #CognitiveLoad #EmotionalLabor #Neuroplasticity #ParentingSupport #MindManagement #InvisibleLabor #MentalHealthForParents #ParentingPressure #BrainHealth #ParentingPodcast #OverthinkingFatigue #StableParentStress #FamilyDynamics #DailyStress


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
32 minutes 25 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
When Success Creates Distance in Your Relationships

Success is supposed to feel good. But what if it also feels… lonely? 


What if your growth created distance from the people you love most?

In this episode, I’ll explain the neuroscience of relational disconnection after personal growth—why self-comparison, status shifts, and unspoken shame rewire the brain and fracture emotional safety. Whether it’s family, friends, or your partner, I’ll show you how to recognize when distance is caused by trauma patterns—not truth—and how to rebuild closeness without shrinking yourself.


📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Don’t just cope—thrive: enroll in Help in a Hurry now for $50 off and a signed book, only at www.helpinahurrycourse.com 


📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


WONDERFEEL: Visit www.getwonderfeel.com and use code DRLEAF to save $15 now, get $20 for later, and start investing in your cellular health today.


MENO by O Positiv: Get 25% off your first purchase with code DRLEAF at checkout or visit www.opositiv.com/drleaf 


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#SuccessAndRelationships #EmotionalDistance #NeurocycleHealing #OutgrowingPeople #HelpInAHurry #BrainHealth #DrCarolineLeaf #MentalSelfCare #MindManagement #SuccessGrief #FamilyDynamics #ComparisonWiring #AttachmentInAdulthood #HealingWithoutShrinking #RelationshipNeuroscience #PersonalGrowth #TraumaResponse #GrowthGuilt #InvisibleGrief #RelationalSafety


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
35 minutes 51 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
How Political Division Trains Your Mind to Fear People

Why does political division feel so personal—and so addictive?


In this episode, I unpack the neuroscience of ideological entrenchment, how tribal identity shapes our threat response, and why outrage keeps getting rewarded by your brain’s own chemistry.


You’ll learn:

✅ How repeated exposure to conflict rewires your brain (ideological neuroplasticity)

✅ Why your nervous system confuses disagreement with danger

✅ The real cost of certainty—and how dopamine drives polarization

✅ A 5-minute micro-tool to break the loop and reclaim mental clarity


This isn’t about silencing your values. It’s about staying present in a world designed to keep you outraged—and helping your brain feel safe without rigidity.


📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com


📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


BiOptimizers: Get 15% off www.bioptimizers.com/drleaf with code DRLEAF


Creatone Brickhouse: Get 20% off your first order at www.ToneToday.com and use my code DRLEAF for your discount.


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#PoliticalDivision #OutrageAddiction #Neuroscience #TribalBrain #NeurocycleHealing #CognitiveResilience #DrCarolineLeaf #MindManagement #ThreatResponse #HelpInAHurry #BrainHealth #ConflictFatigue #Polarization #EmotionalWellness #SocialStress #HealingThroughPresence #Neuroplasticity #MentalHealthPodcast #StressReset #MindBrainConnection


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
32 minutes 2 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Dream Big, Wire Bigger: Mark Pentecost on Mindset That Rewires Your Brain

Why do some people turn vision into reality—again and again?


In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Pentecost, founder of It Works! and author of Life of Your Dreams. Mark went from high school teacher and coach to building a global business—and now teaches others how to “train” vision like a muscle.

We’ll map his practical steps onto the neuroscience of behavior change, so you can learn how environment, micro-habits, and meaning rewire your brain for sustainable success.


What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How to “train” vision like a muscle (and pick the right rooms)

✅ A tiny daily rehearsal that locks in momentum

✅ How to reconceptualize failure so it upgrades your wiring

✅ Why purpose & generosity improve mental regulation


Follow Mark on Instagram: @themarkpentecost

Order Mark’s New Book “The Life of Your Dreams” https://www.amazon.com/Life-Your-Dreams-Financial-Freedom/dp/1637634234#:~:text=Review,action%20can%20create%20extraordinary%20results.


Order my new book Help in a Hurry at www.helpinahurrybook.com

📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drcarolineleaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#LifeOfYourDreams #MarkPentecost #MindsetToNeuroplasticity #DreamMuscle #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #BehaviorChange #MindManagement #IdentityHabits #Neurocycle #HelpInAHurry #DrCarolineLeaf #PurposeAndPerformance #DailyReps #MentalHealthPodcast #Resilience #EntrepreneurMindset #EnvironmentDesign #CognitiveFlexibility #NervousSystemRegulation




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
52 minutes 36 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Why do friendship breakups sometimes hurt more than romantic ones?

We talk about breakups all the time—but rarely about the pain of losing a close friend. Yet, the grief can feel even heavier. Why? Because friendships are coded deep into your brain’s identity systems.

In this episode, I’ll explain:


✅ How the brain stores friendship bonds in emotional memory

✅ Why the loss of a friend triggers identity confusion

✅ Why you still replay conversations and crave closure

✅ How to heal without the “final talk” and start feeling whole again


This isn’t about pretending it didn’t matter. It’s about finding coherence inside your mind when the friendship story feels unfinished. 🎧 Watch now to understand why your grief is real—and how to move forward without losing yourself.


📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#FriendshipBreakup #GrievingFriendships #PlatonicLoss #InvisibleGrief #BrainHealth #EmotionalMemory #NeurocycleHealing #ClosureMyth #HealingWithoutContact #MindManagement #MentalSelfCare #HelpInAHurry #DrCarolineLeaf #UnseenLoss #Neuroplasticity #SocialMemory #EmotionalWellness #FriendshipGrief #MindBrainConnection #MentalHealthPodcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
33 minutes 45 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
What if Your Brain Isn’t Broken—It’s Just NAD Depleted? A Deep Dive into NAD Supplements with Guest Dr. Andrew Salzman of Wonderfeel

Brain fog, anxiety, and mental decline are often treated like inevitable parts of aging. But what if that narrative is wrong?


In this episode, I’m joined by Harvard-trained physician and NAD expert Dr. Andrew Salzman, Chief Medical Officer at Wonderfeel, to explore the science of brain aging—and why your brain’s “fuel supply” matters more than you think.


We’ll unpack:

✅ Why cognitive decline isn’t inevitable

✅ How one molecule (NAD+) drives 500+ critical cellular functions

✅ Why NAD levels plunge by 50% by midlife—and what that means for brain health

✅ The surprising role of CD38 in accelerating aging

✅ Real-life benefits of NMN supplementation for energy, focus, and recovery

✅ How the Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN formula is designed to protect NAD and support healthy aging


This conversation is about proactive longevity—not just adding years to life, but life to your years. Whether you’re 25 or 65, your brain needs energy to thrive.


🎧 Tune in now and learn how to keep your brain sharp, your memory strong, and your mind energized for decades to come.


👉 SPECIAL OFFER: Using the code DRLEAF gets you $15 off + $20 credit for your next order at getwonderfeel.com. The code is active for one week.

Wonderfeel Homepage: https://getwonderfeel.com/?utm_source=DrLeaf&utm_medium=podcast

Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN Poduct Page: https://getwonderfeel.com/product/wonderfeel-youngr-nmn/?utm_source=DrLeaf&utm_medium=podcast


📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#BrainHealth #CognitiveClarity #StopBrainFog #AgingScience #LongevityTips #NADPlus #Neuroplasticity #MindManagement #MentalPerformance #HealthyAging #EnergyForYourBrain #DrCarolineLeaf #HelpInAHurry #NeurocycleHealing #BrainAging #BiohackingBrain #NeuroscienceInsights #MindBrainConnection #HealthyMindset #MentalHealthPodcast


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
36 minutes 51 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Parenting Fear Traps the Brain in Chronic Alert Mode

Is fear for your child’s future ruining your life?


Parenting today feels like living in a state of constant alert—climate headlines, tech dangers, school safety, mental health worries. But what if your chronic fear is changing your brain and sabotaging your ability to parent with presence?


In this episode, I break down the neuroscience of parenting fear loops and explain:

✅ Why your brain keeps rehearsing worst-case scenarios

✅ How chronic hypervigilance rewires neural networks

✅ Why vigilance isn’t love—and what protects your child better

✅ Simple, science-backed steps to reset your brain and regain peace


This isn’t about ignoring danger. It’s about breaking free from fear-based parenting so you can lead with calm clarity.


🎧 Watch now to learn the tools that protect your peace—because your peace protects your child.

📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com

📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here

🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website

📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#ParentingFear #Hypervigilance #ParentalAnxiety #BrainHealth #MindManagement #ParentingPodcast #FearAndTheBrain #MentalHealth #FutureFear #ParentingScience #AnxietySupport #DigitalParenting #EmotionalHealth #ClimateAnxiety #Neuroplasticity #HelpInAHurry #DrCarolineLeaf #MentalSelfCare #ChildSafety #ParentingTips


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
21 minutes 31 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Hard Truths Not Everyone Is Ready to Hear

😳 “I might be the problem.”


That’s not a trend. That’s a turning point.


In this powerful episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf walks you through 8 psychologically disruptive truths that your brain might resist—but your healing may depend on. Rooted in neuroscience and psychoneurobiology, this is your invitation to reflect deeply, interrupt rehearsed patterns, and get radically honest without shame.


🧠 You’ll learn:

  • Why your brain treats uncomfortable truth like a threat
  • How the anterior cingulate cortex and default mode network resist accountability
  • What happens when shame hijacks healing (and how to stop it)
  • How overidentifying with self-diagnoses can rewire dysfunction
  • Why joy is not a reward—it’s a skill your brain can rehearse
  • How sugar and stillness shrink your brain’s adaptability
  • The neuroscience behind why we push away what we most need to hear


💥 Whether it’s facing your patterns, questioning your comfort, or re-evaluating what you call “coping”—this episode is here to interrupt, not to punish. To clarify, not to condemn.


🎧 Chapters include:

  • 00:00 Facing Your True Self
  • 00:57 The Science of Confronting Hard Truths
  • 01:39 The Power of Neuroplasticity
  • 02:07 Five Hard Truths for Personal Growth
  • 03:46 Acknowledging Your Role in Healing
  • 06:30 The Impact of Labels on Self-Perception
  • 08:58 Happiness as a Practice
  • 12:35 The Effects of Sugar on the Brain
  • 14:09 The Importance of Movement
  • 15:55 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
  • 18:23 Reflective Insight Over Shame
  • 20:57 Conclusion and Next Steps


This is one of the most powerful episodes we’ve ever recorded—and if it stings, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It means it landed.


📘ORDER: Help in a Hurry

My new book, rooted in neuroscience & written for life’s loudest moments.

https://helpinahurrybook.com


📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: / @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


#HardTruths #MentalHealth #SelfAwareness #Neuroscience #Psychoneurobiology #EmotionalGrowth #BrainScience #ShameVsInsight #RadicalHonesty #SelfReflection


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
22 minutes 35 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
The Hidden Link Between Your Gut & Brain

Feeling wired, foggy, or emotionally reactive? Your gut might be the first place to look. 


In this powerful conversation with research microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, founder of Just Thrive, we explore how your microbiome shapes mood, resilience, immunity, and even the way you handle stress. Kiran is a research microbiologist and a health and wellness expert who aims to make complex information understandable to all. He has founded a number of successful health and supplement companies over the last 20 years including co-founding and leading Microbiome Labs, the preeminent, microbiome therapeutics focused brand among healthcare professionals. 


He has also been the driving force behind the scientific development of Just Thrive's line of products. He has conducted and published several research studies in scientific journals, has published chapters in scientific textbooks/reference books, has global patents and is a sought after speaker on human health and the microbiome. Kiran brings his extensive knowledge and practical application of the latest science on the human microbiome as it relates to health and wellness.


You’ll learn why most probiotics don’t survive your stomach acid, the five pillars for protecting your gut-brain connection, and how small shifts can transform your mental clarity. We also cover the surprising science of gut health in pets—and what you can do for them too.


Head to https://justthrivehealth.com/DRLEAF to save 20% and start your 90-Day Just Thrive Challenge today. Because when you fuel your gut, you fuel your life!


Order my new book Help in a Hurry at http://www.helpinahurrybook.com


📌 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://drleaf.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to The Dr. Leaf Show: https://drleaf.com/podcast

📲 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#Neuroscience #GutBrainConnection #Probiotics #MicrobiomeHealth #BrainHealth #MentalHealth #DigestiveHealth #MindBrainConnection #GutHealthTips #PetHealth #DrCarolineLeaf #HelpInAHurry #StressRelief #AnxietySupport #Bloating #MindsetAndHealth #ImmunityBoost #MicrobiomeScience #HolisticHealth #ScienceBackedWellness



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2 months ago
50 minutes 25 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Alyson Stoner on Healing Childhood Fame, Identity & Mental Health

What happens when childhood fame shapes your identity, rewires your brain, and leaves no roadmap for healing? 🎬


In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Alyson Stoner—actor, dancer, singer, activist, and founder of Movement Genius—to explore the hidden costs of early success and the science of reclaiming your inner world.


Alyson shares raw insights from their new book Semi Well Adjusted Despite Literally Everything, diving into the pressures of the entertainment industry, the long-term effects of growing up on set, and the neuroscience-backed practices that helped them rebuild.


We unpack:

• Why stability and “boring” routines are essential for brain and body healing

• How fame impacts mental health and identity formation

• The toddler-to-train-wreck pipeline in child stardom—and how to break it

• Tools for reconnecting with yourself after trauma

• The role of community, neuroscience, and intentional practice in real recovery


📖 Pre-order Alyson’s book Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir:

https://www.amazon.com/Semi-Well-Adjusted-Despite-Literally-Everything-Memoir/dp/1250353491


Follow Alyson on instagram: @alysonstoner


📖 Order my new book Help in a Hurry:

https://www.helpinahurrybook.com 


🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes that blend science, story, and strategy to help you take back control of your mental and emotional health.


📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#DrLeaf #AlysonStoner #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #Healing #ChildStar #HelpInAHurry #SemiWellAdjusted


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
57 minutes 57 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
What No One Tells You About Healing in Real Time (Help In a Hurry Launch Special)

It’s launch day!


Help In a Hurry is officially out. And in this episode, I’m reading from the book—directly to you. But this isn’t a sales pitch. This is a neuroscience map for when everything’s blurry and loud and "fixing yourself" feels like another to-do. You’ll hear some of the spiciest truths, most personal reframes, and raw insights that didn’t make it to social media. And you’ll leave with a whole new understanding of how fast and how slow real healing actually works.


Order my new book Help in a Hurry at www.helpinahurrybook.com


📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#HelpInAHurry #DrCarolineLeaf #MentalHealthTools #Neuroplasticity #EmotionalRegulation #HealingInChaos #MessyMind #WiseMind #Neurocycle #BrainHealth #MindManagement #AnxietyTools #StressReset #PersonalGrowth #TraumaRecovery #LaunchDayPodcast #SelfHealingScience #HelpInRealTime #MentalHealthPodcast #DrLeafShow


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
25 minutes 10 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Sarah Robbins: Losing a Billion-Dollar Business Wasn’t the Hardest Part—This Was

When Sarah Robbins lost her billion-dollar sales business overnight, it wasn’t just income she had to grieve—it was identity, leadership, and the thousands of relationships wired into her brain.


In this episode, we talk about how betrayal changes your mental landscape, how forgiveness protects neuroplasticity, and why clarity often comes from knowing who you are when the systems fall away. Sarah shares how she rebuilt her business and emotional stability in just one year—starting not from scratch, but from wisdom.


Order Sarah’s new book The Multiply Method: The Multiply Method

Follow Sarah on Instagram: Sarah Robbins


Order my new book Help in a Hurry at www.helpinahurrybook.com


Timeline:


00:00 Introduction to Sarah Robbins

01:12 Sarah's Journey: From Teacher to Entrepreneur

04:29 Facing and Overcoming Profound Loss

07:09 The Power of Identity and Forgiveness

21:46 The Importance of Community

26:00 The Role of Systems in Success

28:24 Introducing 'The Multiply Method'

31:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com


🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:


🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support.


#Neuroplasticity #Forgiveness #MentalHealthPodcast #Entrepreneurship #GriefAndHealing  

#SarahRobbins #DrCarolineLeaf #MindsetReset #TheMultiplyMethod #BrainScience  

#EmotionalHealth #RebuildYourLife #IdentityWork #CommunityGrief #StartOverStrong  

#TraumaHealing #WomenInLeadership #MindBrainConnection #ResilienceStory #FaithAndNeuroscience


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
34 minutes 20 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
The Myth of Productivity

🚫 You’ve been told more = better.


More hours. More effort. More output.

But here’s the truth: Your brain isn’t built for constant productivity.

It’s built for rhythm. Recovery. Thoughtful flow.


In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf breaks down the neuroscience behind why “pushing through” is breaking you down—and how to finally reclaim clarity, energy, and focus through smarter, rhythm-based strategies.


🧠 You’ll learn:


  • Why your brain maxes out after 90 minutes of focus
  • How ignoring recovery triggers toxic stress and cortisol surges
  • Why your creative insight lives in the Default Mode Network
  • How addition-thinking keeps your brain in overload
  • The Flow Sprint method for regaining control (without burnout)
  • Why willpower is a myth—and rhythm is your real superpower
  • What true rest looks like (hint: it’s not scrolling)


This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who feels fried, foggy, or like nothing is ever enough.

🎧 Chapters:


  • 00:00 The Productivity Myth: More Isn't Better
  • 00:12 The Science of Cognitive Performance
  • 01:39 The Trap of Constant Drive
  • 04:27 Understanding Your Brain's Rhythms
  • 07:34 The Power of Subtraction
  • 11:32 Implementing Effective Work Sprints
  • 22:46 The Importance of True Rest
  • 26:15 Conclusion: Protect Your Rhythm


📘 PRE-ORDER: Help in a Hurry

My new book offers neuroscience-backed tools for clarity when life gets chaotic.

🎁 Get $900 in free bonuses at: https://helpinahurrybook.com


📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter with science-based tools for mental clarity. Subscribe here: https://drleaf.com


🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: / @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


#ProductivityMyth #BrainScience #MentalClarity #NeuroscienceTools #Overwork #ToxicHustle #RhythmNotRushing #Neurocycle #RewireYourBrain #FlowState




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
28 minutes 30 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Reclaiming Your Identity After Narcissistic Abuse

If you've ever felt trapped, confused, or emotionally drained by someone who constantly makes everything about them—this episode is for you.


I'm joined by world-renowned narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula to explore the reality of narcissistic relationships and how to recover from their impact. We talk about:


  • What narcissism really is (and isn’t)
  • The signs of emotional abuse most people overlook
  • Why reclaiming your identity requires radical acceptance
  • What healing actually looks like — with or without going no-contact
  • Why some people stay — and how to survive if you do
  • How parents can navigate narcissistic adult children
  • The role of love bombing, guilt, and control
  • What makes healing harder — and how to make it easier


Dr. Ramani breaks down practical ways to protect your peace, build emotional clarity, and rebuild your self-worth.

📌 Timestamps


00:41 Reclaiming Your Identity After Narcissistic Abuse

01:57 The Importance of Taking a Break from Dating

04:35 Defining Narcissism

10:25 Understanding Narcissistic Relationships

14:41 The Healing Process and Radical Acceptance

17:45 Challenges of Staying in a Narcissistic Relationship

20:39 Understanding Narcissistic Relationships

20:57 The Importance of Being Prepared

21:44 Challenges of Leaving a Narcissistic Relationship

22:26 The Role of Community and Support

24:17 The Power of Love Bombing

26:46 Navigating Narcissistic Dynamics in Parenting

33:44 Programs and Resources for Healing

36:44 Final Thoughts and Advice


📬 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


#Narcissism #EmotionalAbuse #HealingJourney #DrRamani #ReclaimYourIdentity  

#NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #ToxicRelationships #MentalHealthAwareness  

#Gaslighting #Boundaries #RadicalAcceptance #RelationshipHealing  

#BreakTheCycle #TraumaHealing #NarcissisticParent #NarcissisticTraits  

#SelfWorth #EmotionalRecovery #PodcastInterview #DrCarolineLeaf  

#MentalHealthPodcast #SurvivorStories #YouAreNotAlone #SelfDiscovery  




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
38 minutes 10 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Your Brain Is Carrying Too Much

📱 You’re not just tired—you’re carrying too much.


Before your feet even hit the floor, your brain has already absorbed more emotional input than it can process. From news to reels to distant crises, your nervous system is on high alert… even if nothing’s happening to you directly.


🧠 In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf reveals the neuroscience of input fatigue, the biological cost of constant exposure, and how to reclaim clarity through a science-backed reset.


🔬 You’ll learn:


  • What happens when your amygdala is constantly lit up by scrolling
  • How empathy without resolution leads to mental fog and burnout
  • The link between your messy conscious mind and thought clutter
  • How interoceptive anchoring calms your nervous system in under 2 minutes
  • Why small micro-boundaries can reshape your brain through neuroplasticity


🎯 This episode is your survival guide for overstimulated minds—rooted in real neuroscience and filled with practical tools you can use today.


🎬 Chapters Include:


  • 00:00 The Overload of Constant Input
  • 00:18 The Science Behind Emotional Overload
  • 01:42 The Impact on Your Brain and Body
  • 02:28 Introduction to the Dr. Leaf Show
  • 02:54 Understanding the Mind-Brain-Body Connection
  • 05:44 The Role of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex
  • 11:38 Practical Steps to Rewire Your Brain
  • 14:35 Conclusion and Further Resources


If you wake up feeling foggy, tense, or emotionally “full” before the day even starts—this episode is for you.


📘 PRE-ORDER: Help in a Hurry

Rooted in neuroscience, written for the chaos. Out August 5.

🎁 Get $900 in bonuses at: https://helpinahurrybook.com

📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com


🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: / @drcarolineleaf


GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


#MentalHealth #BrainFog #Overstimulation #Neuroscience #InputFatigue #RewireYourBrain #EmotionalOverload #ThoughtClutter #Psychoneurobiology #BurnoutRecovery


DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
18 minutes 36 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
How to Handle Betrayal

🧠 You trusted them. And they weaponized it.


Betrayal isn’t just emotional. According to neuroscience, it affects your brain the same way physical pain does—and unless you process it, it keeps rewiring how you trust, relate, and show up.

In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf explains the psychoneurobiology of betrayal, what it does to your mind-brain-body network, and how to reclaim your safety without denying your story.


📉 You’ll learn:

  • Why betrayal pain lives in your brain and nervous system long after it’s over
  • What happens when trust becomes a trauma loop
  • The reason "moving on" doesn’t work without meaning-making
  • A 3-part Trust Audit + Interoceptive Reset tool to calm your system
  • How to rewire your brain through intentional micro-moments of safety

This episode is for the quiet grievers. The strong ones still carrying silent weight. The ones healing out loud—on their own terms.


🎧 Chapters include:


  • 00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Betrayal
  • 01:39 Understanding Betrayal and Its Effects
  • 02:24 The Layers and Spread of Betrayal
  • 03:05 The Mind-Body Connection in Betrayal
  • 04:25 Healing and Reconceptualization
  • 08:56 Practical Steps for Reclaiming Safety
  • 12:45 Rebuilding Trust and Resilience
  • 13:52 Conclusion and Resources


If betrayal has ever made you shrink your voice or doubt your worth, this conversation is a step toward remembering who you were before the wound—and rebuilding who you’re becoming after it.


📘 PRE-ORDER: Help in a Hurry

My new book, grounded in neuroscience, built for life’s hardest moments.

🎁 Get $900 in bonuses: https://helpinahurrybook.com (Out August 5)

📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter with science-backed tools for emotional healing. Subscribe here: https://drleaf.com

🖥️ WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: / @drcarolineleaf

GET IN TOUCH:

🌍 Website: https://drleaf.com

📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf

🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf

💻 Facebook: / drleaf


#Betrayal #Neuroscience #EmotionalHealing #RewireYourBrain #TrustIssues #MentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #Psychoneurobiology #Interoception #SelfHealing


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4 months ago
15 minutes 6 seconds

The Dr. Leaf Show
Hi! I’m Dr. Caroline Leaf. I’m a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.