Change Your Brain Every Day

In this mind-expanding episode, Dr. Daniel Amen sits down with biohacker and Heavily Meditated author Dave Asprey to explore how meditation—and a few unexpected brain hacks—can rewire your nervous system in real time. You’ll learn Dave’s go-to “reset process” to calm your brain and body within seconds of being triggered, why most relationship conflicts have nothing to do with your partner, and the two emotional concepts adults dread most. Plus, discover a rapid-fire breathing technique to instantly destress, a controversial one-minute trick to reset your dopamine, and how intimacy can become one of the most transformative meditations of all. https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ 00:00 Intro 00:38 Sponsor 02:03 The Father of Biohacking 05:08 Training Your Brain for Meditation 07:40 Our Inner States Don’t Have Words 10:40 Managing Alerts 12:21 What Meditation Does to the Brain 14:06 The Reset Process 19:19 Compassion 22:24 Joe Rogan Incident 24:52 Building Resilience 27:36 Connections/Removing Friction 32:08 Creating a Meditation Practice 33:47 Breathwork 36:18 Entrainment Methods 38:40 Gaining Control Over Your Nervous System 42:48 Conscious Loving Intimacy 45:21 Sponsor 46:35 Wrap Up

In this engaging discussion, Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, reveals the secrets behind effective communication. He explains how brain scans show our minds sync during engaging conversations. Duhigg categorizes communication into three types, emphasizing the power of asking meaningful questions to deepen connections. They tackle myths about communication and delve into how digital interactions are reshaping our relationships. Finally, he offers insights on navigating the complexities of conversation in an AI-driven world.

In this powerful episode, singer and former American Idol finalist Daniel Gokey reveals what he calls his “deep, dark secret”—scrupulous OCD. For the first time publicly, he shares how obsessive religious thoughts convinced him he was beyond forgiveness. Dr. Amen explains this misunderstood OCD subtype and how Gokey’s brain scans uncovered the root of his terrifying thoughts—and helped chart a path to overcoming scrupulosity. 00:00 Intro 01:17 Sponsor 02:26 Daniel/Scrupulous OCD 05:22 OCD and Sin 08:36 Fear of Damnation 12:41 Compulsive Behaviors 16:14 Thought Discipline 20:40 The Concept of “Normal” 22:10 Medication & Supplements 23:55 Trauma 26:59 First Wife’s Death 30:16 ADD 31:21 The 4 Circles 37:56 Daniel’s SPECT Scan (Surface) 39:55 Daniel’s SPECT Scan (Active Interior) 44:47 Improving Daniel’s Brain 48:23 Sponsor 49:49 Wrap Up

Brandon Salawich, President and CEO of Starkey, leads the conversation on the intricate connection between hearing and brain health. He highlights how untreated hearing loss can increase the risks of dementia and depression, while also shedding light on surprising factors causing it—like the alarming rise of hearing loss in teens. The discussion delves into the stigma surrounding hearing aids, the revolutionary technology behind modern devices, and the profound emotional impact of hearing sounds for the first time, making a compelling case for prioritizing hearing health.

ADHD doesn’t have to come between you and your partner. In this practical and eye-opening episode, Dr. Amen and Tana reveal why people with ADHD may feel rejection more intensely and might be more likely to cheat on their partners. They share proven strategies to rebuild connection, improve communication, and reignite passion—both in and out of the bedroom. Plus, you’ll learn that medication isn’t the only answer for ADHD—there are powerful, natural ways to heal, reconnect, and create deeper intimacy. 00:00 Intro 00:53 Tana’s Thyroid Cancer/ADD 02:04 Serotonin & Dopamine Levels in ADD 07:00 Rejection Sensitivity Syndrome 08:45 Cheating 11:18 When the Medication Wears Off 13:18 Sponsor 14:38 The Most Important Thing to Remember 18:29 The Link Between Teenage Pregnancy & ADD 21:25 The 7 Types of ADD 26:17 What Do You Want? 27:33 Wrap Up

ADHD doesn’t just impact focus—it can wreak havoc on relationships and intimacy. In this revealing episode, Dr. Amen and Tana expose the little-known ways undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can sabotage your love life, from saying hurtful things to emotional outbursts to struggles with connection and sexual satisfaction. If you or your partner have ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected in the bedroom, this episode is a must-listen. Understanding how ADHD affects intimacy is the first step to rebuilding passion and trust. 00:00 Intro 00:52 ADHD & Sex 01:54 ADHD vs ADD 04:38 How Does ADHD Impact Relationships? 11:33 ADHD in the Bedroom 15:28 The “New Love” Addiction Cycle 16:50 Sponsor 18:05 Novelty Patterns 19:04 ADHD Symptoms in Sex 24:34 Dopamine 28:30 Conflict Seeking Behavior 30:59 Guilt vs Shame 33:00 Practical Tips to Manage ADHD & Sex 41:35 Wrap Up

Clara Woods is a neurodivergent artist who suffered a prenatal stroke, leaving her unable to speak, read, or write. Despite her challenges, Clara's vibrant artwork has been featured at world-renowned exhibits like Art Basel. In this powerful episode, Dr. Amen and Tana explore Clara’s brain scan, uncovering the remarkable ways her mind adapts. Joined by her mother, Betina, they discuss Clara’s journey, the impact of also having ADHD, and essential strategies for supporting individuals with special needs. 00:00 Intro 01:23 Sponsor 02:30 Clara & Betina 03:57 Prenatal Stroke 10:40 Painting 15:19 Inspiring Others 18:41 ADHD/Conflict Seeking Behavior 21:56 Clara’s SPECT Scans 27:48 How Art Helps the Mind 30:16 Overcoming Communication Challenges 31:41 Navigating Family Issues 35:24 Spreading the Message of Inclusion 37:26 Seizures and the Brain 41:30 The Impact of ADD on the Family 43:42 Your Brain Can Get Better 45:09 Sponsor 45:36 Wrap Up   Clarawoodscollection.com

Brittany Bell, model, beauty pageant titleholder, and psychology doctoral student, candidly shares her journey of navigating co-parenting with Nick Cannon and the complexities of family dynamics. She discusses the profound impact of her father's suicide following police brutality, which has shaped her mental health challenges. Brittany reflects on resilience, emotional healing, and the significance of brain health through SPECT imaging. With insights on reframing negative thoughts, she inspires listeners to confront trauma and foster personal growth.

Reality TV star and wellness advocate Kristin Cavallari joins Dr. Amen on the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast to explore her journey from teenage brain-damaging habits to her current pursuit of optimal health. Kristin opens up about motherhood, experimenting with controversial therapy treatments, and the transformative power of hypnosis. Can past damage to the brain be reversed? Dr. Amen answers this and many more question in this mind-bending episode. 00:00 Intro 01:15 Sponsor 02:34 Kristin/Goals 04:55 Losing Consciousness Intentionally? 07:07 Substance Abuse 10:33 Laguna Beach/Teen Years 15:00 Total Brain Assessment 17:134 Kristin’s SPECT Scan (Surface) 22:09 Kristin’s SPECT Scan (Active Interior) 24:10 Hypnosis/Altered States in Releasing Trauma 26:58 Psilocybin/Alcohol/Marijuana 33:48 Improving Kristin’s Brain 40:15 Football/Head Trauma 44:50 Brother’s Death 46:17 Family Dynamics 49:20 Sponsor 49:43 Wrap Up 

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of negativity bias and its roots in our brain. Learn how chronic stress and trauma can predispose us to focus on the negative. Discover techniques like daily affirmations and mindfulness to cultivate positivity. The power of gratitude journaling is highlighted as a way to transform negativity into resilience. Understand the importance of balance between negative and positive thoughts, especially in high-stress professions, and explore practical strategies to foster a healthier mindset.