Unlock the secrets to a healthier brain and body in 2025! Discover how blood flow, genetics, and inflammation impact memory and mental wellness. Learn about the importance of diet in boosting brain health and the significance of self-assessment. Explore how minor head trauma can have lasting effects and the role of environmental toxins in chronic illness. Get inspired by personal stories and science-backed strategies to enhance your cognitive function and safeguard your mental health for a vibrant future!

Elizabeth Smart shares her powerful journey after being kidnapped at age 14 in 2002, revealing how she turned unimaginable adversity into hope and posttraumatic growth. Join Dr. Amen and Elizabeth as they review her brain scans and discuss the brain’s response to trauma, the resilience factors that foster growth, and the actionable steps you can take to heal and thrive after life’s toughest challenges. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Sponsor 02:38 Elizabeth 05:39 Before the Kidnapping 07:07 The Kidnapping 13:18 The First Days 19:46 The Kidnappers 32:25 Mental State During Captivity  39:10 Rescue 53:15 The Aftermath/Panic Attacks 58:45 Processing the Trauma 1:04:24 Post-Traumatic Growth 1:09:50 The 4 Circles/BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors 1:16:00 Elizabeth’s SPECT Brain Scans 1:23:12 Final Impressions 1:24:36 Sponsor 1:26:02 Wrap Up

Psilocybin is making waves as a potential mental health treatment, but is it all just hype? The discussion dives into its benefits for depression versus safety concerns and historical context as a street drug. Don't skip the warnings about treating symptoms without addressing root causes. Plus, hear about nicotine’s impact on cognition and the slippery slope of addiction fueled by social media. This conversation balances hope and skepticism, urging awareness and informed choices in the face of evolving mental health approaches.

Cannabis isn't the miracle cure it's often portrayed to be. It can link to psychosis and pose mental health risks, especially for young users. Personal journeys reveal the potential negative effects and societal views surrounding its use. The psychological factors motivating cannabis consumption are explored, alongside the risks of cognitive impairment. Practical strategies for stress management, healthy alternatives, and habit formation are provided to promote better mental well-being. Discover the full picture before making informed choices.

Dr. Daniel and Tana Amen tackle the myths surrounding alcohol and its real effects on the brain. They dive into how marketing manipulates perceptions, especially among youth, and how society shapes drinking habits. The discussion addresses the fine line between habit and dependency, revealing personal stories that underscore the deep-seated reasons for drinking. They also explore alcohol's dual role in providing temporary relief while risking cognitive abilities and mental health, prompting a critical look at our relationship with alcohol.

Jonathan Cain, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and keyboardist for Journey, shares his gripping tale of survival from a devastating school fire that claimed 93 lives. He explores how this traumatic event shaped his mental health and brain function. The conversation delves into the importance of brain health, resilience, and the connection between creative expression and cognitive well-being. Jonathan also discusses challenges like mold allergies and the role of lifestyle choices in enhancing our mental and emotional resilience.

This discussion delves into how childhood trauma shapes the brain and can lead to lasting mental and physical health issues. Personal stories illustrate the emotional journey of healing, while the ACE scores provide insight into the impact of adverse experiences. The effectiveness of EMDR therapy is highlighted as a powerful tool for recovery. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their unique traumas and explore personal growth, emphasizing the importance of healthy boundaries and seeking support when needed.

In this week's episode, Dr. Amen and Tana share 10 bad parenting habits that hold kids back from being their best. Plus, they reveal the best parenting strategies to help kids become more resilient, respectful, and mentally strong.   00:00 Intro 00:48 10 Things Parents Should Never Do 1:21 Ignore Their Brain 07:55 No Bonding 12:51 Don’t Listen 16:08 Sponsor 17:17 Rescue Your Kids 23:08 Do Too Much for Them 27:39 Fail to Supervise 31:25 Model Unhealthy Behavior 32:57 Forget What You Were Like at That Age 35:31 Tell Kids They’re Smart 39:41 Focus on What They’re Doing Wrong 41:37 Wrap Up

In Part 2 of their series on how to ruin your relationships, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana reveal five additional relationship killers and how they’re often linked to bad habits or unhealthy brain activity. Discover these common relationship issues, as well as simple brain health strategies to overcome them and strengthen your connection with loved ones.   00:00 Intro 00:43 How to Ruin Your Relationships Pt. 2 01:14 Alcohol & Substance Abuse 05:53 Not Dealing With Childhood Trauma 07:55 Untreated Brain Health Problems 12:30 Sponsor 13:56 Hormones 20:59 Say Everything You Think 23:48 Focus/One Page Miracle 29:49 Devices 31:57 Wrap Up

In this week's episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, Dr. Daniel Amen is joined by Olympic bronze medal-winning pole vaulter (and viral sensation) Alysha Newman for a discussion on how she was able to overcome setbacks, break through her mental hurdles, and ultimately achieve her dreams. Dr. Amen and Alysha discuss the role the "Doom Loop" can play in those looking to attain peak performance, and how turning attention to the "Healing Loop" can help to reduce or eliminate both physical and emotional pain, setting the stage for victory. 00:00 Intro 00:52 Alysha’s Olympic Journey/Concussion 04:52 Alysha and Dr. Amen Team Up 09:04 Automatic Negative Thoughts 11:06 Sponsor 11:30 The Doom Loop 14:28 Irlen Syndrome 16:14 The Healing Loop 17:09 Positivity Bias Training 19:35 The Rule of 12 22:15 EMDR/Ankle Injury 27:08 Embracing Brain Health 34:08 Work Highlights 41:31 Proving People Wrong Vs. Proving People Right 46:34 Paris Olympics 49:56 Sponsor 51:15 Bronze Medal 55:46 Courage 56:50 Presence 58:10 Gold Medal Elite Brain Affirmation 1:01:22 One Page Miracle 1:06:15 Alysha’s Brain SPECT Scan 1:09:44 Purpose 1:11:18 Wrap Up