Change Your Brain Every Day

Discover how to transform your brain and body in 2025! In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr. Amen and Tana dive into the BRIGHT risk factors behind memory loss, mental health struggles, and physical health issues. Through personal stories and science-backed strategies, they'll show you how to prevent or overcome these risks for a healthier, happier future. 00:00 Intro 00:44 The Foundation of Brain Health 03:13 B is for Blood Flow 09:08 R is for Retirement & Aging 12:20 I is for Inflammation 16:02 Sponsor 17:17 G is for Genetics 21:48 H is for Head Trauma 27:31 T is for Toxins 32:52 BRIGHT Strategies 34:55 Wrap Up

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—the active compound in magic mushrooms—is being hailed as a game-changer for mental health. But what's the truth behind the buzz? In this must-see episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen share brain imaging insights, discuss the potential benefits for depression, and raise important questions about safety and long-term risks. Is this psychedelic drug the breakthrough people hope for—or another psychiatric misstep? 00:00 Intro 00:43 Psilocybin 05:00 Why Take Mushrooms? 8:44 Transcendental Experiences 11:15 The Negative Effects of Psilocybin 15:06 Sponsor 16:20 The Neuropsychological Effects of Nicotine 21:19 What are the Drawbacks? 23:23 Second Hand Smoke 27:33 Quitting Smoking 29:09 Wrap Up

Cannabis is often hailed as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and chronic pain. But is it the miracle cure it's made out to be? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Amen and Tana Amen reveal the darker side of marijuana no one's talking about. Discover what SPECT scans show about its effects on brain health, mental well-being, and mood regulation—and learn why it's important to know the full story before you decide if it's right for you. 00:00 Intro 00:48 Cannabis 02:03 Why Do People Use? 10:41 Sponsor 12:00 The Trouble with Marijuana 18:48 The Psychological Consequences 22:53 The Risk Factors Associated with Cannabis 24:42 Taking Action 25:16 Dr. Amen's 12 Steps 28:11 Your Why 29:31 Supplements 31:20 Habit Replacement 36:30 Wrap Up

You lied to me! Dr. Daniel and Tana Amen introduce a new miniseries of podcasts with a focus on misinformation. In this episode, the Amens discuss some of the truths (and misconceptions) of alcohol, including how it affects the brain. 00:00 Intro 00:40 You Lied to Me 02:53 Society Programming 8:46 Alcohol 11:10 Why Do People Drink? 14:19 Sponsor 14:42 How Alcohol Works 22:36 The Social Factor 25:37 Spiritual Connection 26:23 What's the Trouble with Alcohol? 34:26 Alcohol Risk Factors 40:13 Alcohol Effects in SPECT Scans 42:08 Wrap Up

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain shares the deeply personal story of how he survived a deadly fire at his Catholic school that claimed the lives of 93 classmates and three nuns—a trauma that left an indelible mark on his life and, as Dr. Amen explains, his brain. 00:00 Intro 01:50 Sponsor 03:10 Jonathan's Journey/Goals 06:35 Jonathan's History 08:03 Chicago Fire Tragedy 21:32 BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors 24:39 Head Trauma 27:27 Mold Exposure 28:45 BRIGHT MINDS Continued 30:11 SPECT Scan Analysis (Surface) 37:16 SPECT Scan Analysis (Active) 39:23 The Plan 42:17 Bad Days, Good Data 44:45 Sponsor 46:12 Wrap Up

In this week's episode, the Amens discuss the impact of childhood trauma on the brain and how it can set the stage for long-term physical and mental health problems. Tana also shares deeply personal insights into her own traumatic upbringing and healing journey. 00:00 Intro 00:42 Overcoming the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma 01:48 ACES Study 03:56 The ACES Questionairre 09:44 Overcoming Trauma 11:44 EMDR 16:45 ACES/SPECT Study 19:09 Sponsor 19:32 Face Recognition Study 20:45 Trauma and the 4 Circles 25:58 The Most Important Lessons from Trauma 29:19 Post-Traumatic Growth 30:06 Comparing Traumas 31:51 Resources/Wrap Up EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org

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