

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

Feb 14, 2022 • 45min
Podcast 356: Why You Don’t Need to Stress About Sleep
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I will give you my favorite, neuroscience-based tips to sleep better.Before I go into depth on this topic, I want to emphasize that everyone is different. Some people may need more sleep than others. Some people may find that certain tips to improve sleep quality don’t work for them—this is perfectly okay AND normal.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-you-don-t-need-to-stress-about-sleepOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Best Fiends: Download Best Fiends FREE today on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the R – Best Fiends!-NED’s CBD products: If you’d like to give Ned a try, Cleaning Up The Mental Mess listeners get 15% off Ned products with code: DRLEAF. Just visit helloned.com/DRLEAF to get access!EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:03 Don’t fear not sleeping3:15 The messier our mind is, the messier our sleeping patterns will be6:00, 34:00 Why we need to manage our mind to sleep better10:00 We all need different amounts of sleep12:00 Why we need to prepare the mind & body to sleep well13:00 Techniques to sleep better18:00 How light affects sleep quality21:20 How temperature affects sleep quality25:12 Exercise & sleep27:50 Why sleeping pills should only be used as a last resortGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf*DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only and is 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.

Feb 10, 2022 • 39min
Podcast 355: How Long COVID affects our brains & minds + how to use directed neuroplasticity to wire out COVID damage
Sign up to Patreon to get access to the full session video & audio + additional exclusive bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast you will get a chance to listen to the second session I did at my recent Mental Health Retreat in Dallas, Texas.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:🧠How the COVID pandemic has affect our minds, brains, and bodies🧠How to use directed neuroplasticity (the Neurocycle) to wire out harmful COVID PTSD effects 🧠How Long COVID affects the brain + How to heal from long COVID 🧠How social interaction & cognitive stimulation can heal our brains, minds, and bodies 🧠How to help our children rewire any negative COVID effects Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Athletic Greens: To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/leaf to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!-BetterHelp: I am proud to say that this podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp, and Cleaning Up the Mental Mess listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/drleaf.-Catalina Crunch: See why Catalina Crunch Cereal is the fastest growing cereal brand in America. Just go to catalinacrunch.com/DRLEAF for 15% off your first order—plus FREE shipping.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 2022 • 38min
Podcast 354: Trauma Bonding- What it is & how to break free
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleaf*Content/trigger warning: the following discussion contains talk about abuse and trauma bonding*EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about trauma bonding, and how to start healing from the trauma of an abusive relationship.Trauma bonding generally occurs in abusive relationships. It is a psychological and emotional response to abuse, when the person experiencing the abuse can develop certain attachments or sympathies for the abuser.If you are someone who has or is suffering from abuse and trauma bonding, this content may be triggering. If you are in an abusive relationship, you can call this hotline 1.800.799.7233 or visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline website for help and immediate support. For more hotlines, including international hotlines, see https://drkimmyramotar.com/list-of-hotlines/.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/trauma-bonding-what-it-is-how-to-break-freeOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Ritual’s Essential for Kids: Get 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit ritual.com/DRLEAF to start Ritual or add Essential for Kids today.-Chime: Get started at chime.com/drleaf.-Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to www.magbreakthrough.com/leaf and use DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10% and get free shipping.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:15 What trauma bonding is3:30 What happens when human attachment becomes toxic6:38 The cycle of abuse that can lead to trauma bonding12:05 How a trauma bond can develop13:00 Why people often find it hard to leave an abusive relationship20:00 The mind, brain, toxic stress & trauma bonds24:30 You are not to blame!26:00 Cognitive dissonance & trauma bonds29:50 How to start healing from a trauma bondGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 2022 • 1h 13min
Podcast 353: Why you can't pay attention + how to think deeply again (with Johann Hari)
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak to journalist and best-selling author Johann Hari about his incredible new book Stolen Focus, why our inability to focus, think deeply and pay attention has dramatically decreased, and what we can do about this as individuals and as a society.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-you-cant-pay-attention-how-to-think-deeply-again-with-johann-hariGet Johann's book here: stolenfocusbook.comOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-immi: Visit immieats.com/drleaf to try immi’s delicious, low carb, plant-based and fiber-rich ramen!-Splendid Spoon: Get started and save $35 on your first order of delicious plant-based meals at SplendidSpoon.com/DRLEAF—that's only $6.66 per meal!EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:3:10 Johann Hari’s fascinating history4:40 The power of curiosity6:05 What is happening to our attention spans & why it is becoming harder and harder to focus6:50 The different factors affecting our ability to pay attention in the modern world12:38 Why Johann decided to write Stolen Focus21:00 Pathologizing the individual versus dealing with social problems21:30 How the business model behind modern technology & social media is designed to steal our attention36:00 The power of working together to change society40:30 Why we all need to read more49:00 What is happening to children’s attention & focus51:50 Why children need to playGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 31, 2022 • 48min
Podcast 352: How to express intense emotions in a healthy way
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about how our emotions can affect our relationships, and how we can learn how to express our emotions while being mindful of the other people in our lives.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-express-intense-emotions-in-a-healthy-wayEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:3:30, 19:00 What an emotion is & what it isn't14:30 What happens when we express emotions15:30 How unmanaged emotions affect our health & quality of life16:20 Emotions are not illnesses17:00 How to express emotions in a healthy way23:00, 31:15 How our emotions can impact other people & how to manage this impact34:30 How to develop your emotional intelligence41:20 The power of listening43:00 Why we all need forgivenessGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Athletic Greens: To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/leaf to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!-The Jordan Harbinger Show: You can’t go wrong with adding The Jordan Harbinger Show to your rotation. It’s incredibly interesting, there’s never a dull show. Search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit jordanharbinger.com/start.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 2022 • 1h
Podcast 351: How to fall back in love with yourself & find your identity
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I interview bestselling author, podcast host and holistic meditation and wellness teacher Kimberly Snyder about how to fall back in love with yourself, realize you are more than enough, and create the life you deserve.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-fall-back-in-love-with-yourself-find-your-identityGet Kimberly's book here: https://mysolluna.com/youaremore/ Follow Kimberly on Instagram: @kimberly_snyderEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:8:30 The power of finding yourself9:20 Why you are more than you think you are11:00 What enlightenment means12:00 Love versus fear17:00 What true confidence is23:50 The importance of creating “gaps” in our life34:10 Bridging the divide between who we know we are & our behavior47:30, 50:20 What an abundant life looks likeGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-NED: If you’d like to give Ned a try, Cleaning Up The Mental Mess listeners get 15% off Ned products with code: DRLEAF. Just visit helloned.com/DRLEAF to get access!-Public Goods: Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. Just go to https://www.publicgoods.com/DRLEAF.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 2022 • 27min
Podcast 350: Why it’s so hard to ask for help + life-changing lessons from a rope maze experiment
Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about the importance of asking for help, and why we all need help at times! The Beatles really got it right. There are times when we will cry out “Help, I need somebody!”. We can’t do everything alone, and we shouldn’t be shamed for needing help.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-it-is-so-hard-to-ask-for-helpEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:3:30 Why it can be hard to ask for help5:00 Why we need a lot of self-compassion9:20 Learning to listen to our “wise mind”10:30 What the rope maze can teach you about asking for help17:30 Why we need each other!20:10 Why some people may find it challenging to ask for help21:28 It is not just about you—it is about you in the world22:00 The importance of the default mode network & asking for helpGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Athletic Greens: To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/leaf. -Best Fiends: Download Best Fiends FREE today on the Apple App Store or Google Play. That’s FRIENDS without the R – Best Fiends!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2022 • 1h 9min
Podcast 349: How self-boundaries can help improve self-esteem, overcome self-loathing, and rebuild identity after trauma
Sign up to Patreon to get access to the full session video & audio + additional exclusive bonuses: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast you will get a chance to listen to the first session I did at my recent Mental Health Retreat in Dallas, Texas.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:🧠How to identify, set, and maintain healthy self-boundaries 🧠Different types of self-boundaries 🧠How to avoid common mistakes when setting self-boundaries 🧠How self-boundaries can help rebuild identity after trauma and during healing 🧠How self-boundaries can help restore balance in the brain + the neuroscience of boundaries 🧠A Neurocycle for rebuilding identity & overcoming self-loathing or low self-esteem Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-The Jordan Harbinger Show: ou can’t go wrong with adding The Jordan Harbinger Show to your rotation. It’s incredibly interesting, there’s never a dull show. Search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts or click here: jordanharbinger.com/start-Try Inside Tracker today and get ready to optimize your body from the inside out in 2022! Sign up here and get 25% OFF storewide: InsideTrackerADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 2022 • 35min
Podcast 348: The best mental health lessons from Ted Lasso
Sign up to Patreon to get exclusive bonus content like ad-free podcasts (the most recent one on managing emotional reactivity levels is out now!), digital downloads (like my favorite brain-boosting recipes!), live Q&As with me and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I discuss some of the best mental health lessons from my favorite new TV show Ted Lasso!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/the-best-mental-health-lessons-from-ted-lassoGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast: Visit MelanieAvalon.com for episode lists and transcripts, and search for The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!-NOOM: Sign up for your trial and get psychology-based support and motivation to reach your goals at noom.com/DRLEAF.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:2:38 Why I love the show Ted Lasso!10:00 Toxic versus healthy anger11:25 How the past can impact our present17:20 Why not all confrontation is bad17:35 Kindness does not mean enabling bad behavior18:40 Our choices can change how our experiences impact the brain, body & future21:28 The power of compassion & forgiveness26:30 True healing comes when we can seek out & receive help and love27:30 We are all connected & in relationship with each other!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2022 • 53min
Podcast 347: The unconventional guide to owning your worth, cultivating self-love, and stepping into your power
Sign up to Patreon to get exclusive bonus content like ad-free podcasts (the most recent one on managing emotional reactivity levels is out now!), digital downloads (like my favorite brain-boosting recipes!), live Q&As with me and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafEPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak to bestselling author and founder of Girl Talk Sarah Pendrick about owning your worth, cultivating self-love, and so much more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/the-unconventional-guide-to-owning-your-worth-cultivating-self-love-stepping-into-your-powerGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF toUS: 1 (833) 285 3747UK: +447908679035Canada: 18336032953Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-HoMedics: Right now if you go to HoMedics.com/DRLEAF and use promo code DRLEAF, you’ll receive a FREE PORTABLE PHONE SANITIZER when you buy $100 or more in massage products…that’s a $60 value!-Athletic Greens: To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/leaf. Again, that is athleticgreens.com/leaf to take ownership over your health and pick up the ultimate daily nutritional insurance!-Ritual: My listeners get 10% off during your first 3 months at ritual.com/DRLEAF. Ritual even offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not 100% in love! Just visit ritual.com/DRLEAF today for 10% off your first 3 months.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:6:40 How abuse can impact women10:45 The healing power of community11:20 Why Sarah started Girl Talk15:30 Why Sarah wrote her book Beautifully Brave17:00 The relationship between self-love & confidence17:25 How to become more confident18:20 The power of visualization & intention19:45 Why women supporting women is so important25:30 The power of positive networking26:40 The unique challenges that many women face32:00 Competing versus complementing others33:30 The science of confidence37:00 How to start trusting yourself & building your sense of self-love42:00 How to have better conversations45:00 How to manage criticismADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resourcesFollow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


