

The Dr. Leaf Show
Dr. Caroline Leaf
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2025 • 52min
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/@DrCarolineLeafDISCLAIMER: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 13, 2025 • 59min
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/1250353491Follow 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: / @drcarolineleafGET IN TOUCH:🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf💻 Facebook: / drleafDISCLAIMER: 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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 27min
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: / @drcarolineleafGET IN TOUCH:🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf💻 Facebook: / drleafDISCLAIMER: 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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 36min
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 MethodFollow Sarah on Instagram: Sarah RobbinsOrder my new book Help in a Hurry at www.helpinahurrybook.comTimeline:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Robbins01:12 Sarah's Journey: From Teacher to Entrepreneur04:29 Facing and Overcoming Profound Loss07:09 The Power of Identity and Forgiveness21:46 The Importance of Community26:00 The Role of Systems in Success28:24 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: / @drcarolineleafGET IN TOUCH:🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf💻 Facebook: / drleafDISCLAIMER: 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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 30min
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 HurryMy 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: / @drcarolineleafGET 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.

Jul 16, 2025 • 40min
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.📌 Timestamps00:41 Reclaiming Your Identity After Narcissistic Abuse01:57 The Importance of Taking a Break from Dating04:35 Defining Narcissism10:25 Understanding Narcissistic Relationships14:41 The Healing Process and Radical Acceptance17:45 Challenges of Staying in a Narcissistic Relationship20:39 Understanding Narcissistic Relationships20:57 The Importance of Being Prepared21:44 Challenges of Leaving a Narcissistic Relationship22:26 The Role of Community and Support24:17 The Power of Love Bombing26:46 Navigating Narcissistic Dynamics in Parenting33:44 Programs and Resources for Healing36:44 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: / @drcarolineleafGET 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.

Jul 9, 2025 • 20min
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 HurryRooted 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: / @drcarolineleafGET IN TOUCH:🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf💻 Facebook: / drleaf#MentalHealth #BrainFog #Overstimulation #Neuroscience #InputFatigue #RewireYourBrain #EmotionalOverload #ThoughtClutter #Psychoneurobiology #BurnoutRecoveryDISCLAIMER: 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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 17min
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 HurryMy 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: / @drcarolineleafGET 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.

Jun 25, 2025 • 29min
Mastering the Art of Dating
Dating today feels like emotional gymnastics — and no one knows that better than Talia, a dating expert and podcast host who went on 150 dates in one year. In this episode, I sit down with Talia to unpack what she learned, how she stayed grounded, and why modern dating can be so mentally exhausting.We talk about:
The neuroscience of dating and attachment styles
How to build resilience after rejection
Dating app burnout
What “slow burn chemistry” actually means
The role of neuroplasticity in healing unhealthy patterns
Why self-compassion might be your strongest dating tool
Talia also shares daily practices, mindset shifts, and practical advice that will help anyone — whether you’re new to dating, starting over, or just tired of the same dead-end patterns.This conversation will change how you think about dating, love, and your brain.📌 Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Talia's Journey to Becoming a Dating Expert01:12 Scientific Approach to Dating01:51 Mental Resilience and Podcast Impact03:20 Breaking Free from Dating Patterns05:44 Intentional Thinking and Practical Steps09:55 Overcoming Overthinking in Dating11:30 Identifying Personal Needs vs. Fear-Based Desires14:32 Focusing on Personal Growth15:01 Handling Rejection in Dating16:22 Using Dating Apps Intentionally18:10 The Concept of Slow Burn Chemistry19:33 Aligning Dating Choices with Core Values20:31 Self-Compassion in the Dating Journey23:57 Reentering the Dating Scene with Confidence25:11 Debunking Dating Myths25:40 Daily Practices for Emotional Wellbeing26:05 Defining a Successful Relationship26:41 Final Thoughts and Gratitude📬 Pre-order my new book Help in a Hurry and get $900+ in bonuses:👉 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#ModernDating #DatingExhaustion #DrCarolineLeaf #NeuroscienceOfLove #MentalHealthInDating #DatingApps #AttachmentStyles #DatingBurnout #SelfWorth #RelationshipTips #TaliaDatingExpert #SlowBurnLove #RejectionRecovery #Neuroplasticity #BoundariesInDating #DatingAdvice #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastInterview #BrainHealth #DatingFatigue #EmotionalResilience #DatingWithIntent #HelpInAHurry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2025 • 28min
When It’s Time to Quit: The Neuroscience of Letting Go and Moving On
😩 Feeling stuck in something that used to work—but now just drains you?This episode is for the moment you realize: “I can’t keep doing this.”Dr. Caroline Leaf breaks down the brain science behind why it’s so hard to let go—and how to finally move on with clarity, intention, and real psychological tools. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, a routine, or even an identity, we explore what your brain, mind, and body are really telling you… and how to start over without fear or guilt.🔬 In this episode:Why your amygdala resists change (and how to work with it)The psychoneurobiology of letting go and nervous system safetyWhat co-regulation and unprocessed stress signals really meanWhy goal disengagement isn’t failure—it’s intelligent redirectionHow to use intentional micro-steps to retrain your brain and rebuild resilience🧠 Backed by recent studies in neuroscience and psychology, Dr. Leaf offers a practical, research-based guide to starting fresh, grounded in compassion—not hustle.🎬 Chapters include:00:00 Introduction: The Power of Starting Over00:36 Understanding the Brain-Mind Connection02:31 The Science of Neuroplasticity03:40 Welcome to the Dr. Leaf Show04:48 Recognizing When It's Time to Change11:29 The Concept of Adaptive Goal Disengagement15:27 Practical Steps for Intentional Change18:15 The Importance of Small Changes23:19 Conclusion: Embracing New BeginningsIf you’re at a crossroads or silently burning out, this episode is your permission slip to reset.📫 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: / @drcarolineleafGET IN TOUCH:🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com📸 Instagram: / drcarolineleaf🐦 Twitter: / drcarolineleaf💻 Facebook: / drleaf#StartOver #Neuroscience #LettingGo #BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealthTools #RewireYourBrain #BrainScience #EmotionalReset #PsychologyPodcast #MentalWellbeingDISCLAIMER: 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.


