

The Dr. Jud Podcast
Dr. Jud Brewer
Welcome to the Dr. Jud podcast. I am an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. My lab first at Yale and now at Brown University has been researching how our brains form negative behavior patterns, bad habits and addictions, and the specific techniques needed to create lasting change. My aim with this podcast, is to use every day issues that we all struggle with from anxiety to emotional eating to self judgment to help us understand how our minds work so that we can put them to work for us. I'll show you how you can use your brain to overcome the habits and “everyday addictions” that are holding you back. And along the way, you'll learn how helping yourself can help create a kinder and more compassionate world. Thank you for your interest in learning how to work with your mind.-Dr. Jud Brewer
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2020 • 5min
5 mental habits to build during uncertain times (Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update 6)
During this time of panic and uncertainty, it's critical to build good mental habits and practice mental hygiene.In this podcast, you'll learn:-What to do whenever you notice stress or anxiety, and how to nip it in the bud. All you need is your breath and your awareness.-How to respond to urges to check social media or to call someone-The power of this question: "What do I need right now?" and why that's more important than "what do I want?" -How to connect with your spouse or kids, and why that is important during these times-How to set limits with regards to checking the news, and the best times to check the news-The importance of taking it one day at a time, and why that is critically important for your brain -The effects of uncertainty, how much information you need to plan, and how this affects anxiety-How to avoid unhealthy weight gain or loss, and how to replace weight gain with kindnessTo ask questions or suggest future topics, please comment below or connect with me on Twitter @judbrewer Click here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6b... Build your body awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... For even more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit my website: https://www.drjud.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/judbrewerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.judLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 9min
How to avoid a news-driven fear and anxiety spiral (Daily Update 20)
When you read the news, do you find yourself getting more afraid? Do you tend to read the headlines and articles that confirm your worst fears? Our brains are not set up to think critically in an environment of uncertainty, but there are ways to keep our rational brain in charge and think more clearly about the world around us… even during a crisis. Links to articles I mentioned in the episode:https://www.latimes.com/california/st...https://beachgrit.com/2020/04/fake-ne...Resources: 1. Subscribe to the Dr. Jud channel (click the red SUBSCRIBE button) to be notified of future daily updates, and join a free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) 2. Build your awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de.... For more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit https://www.drjud.com or follow me on Twitter @judbrewer or Instagram @dr.jud.3. The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre is offering weekly mindfulness classes with an associated podcast to support people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further details here: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/online-.... VisLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 9min
How to Overcome Fear Using Curiosity (Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update 22)
Ever wonder why tightness in your jaw and shoulder are linked to stress? Did you know that you can use curiosity to change your relationship to anxiety and fear? The Irish novelist and poet James Stephen’s wrote, “curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” Learn how to do this today.Resources: 1. Subscribe to the Dr. Jud channel (click the red SUBSCRIBE button) to be notified of future daily updates, and join a free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) 2. Build your awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...For more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit https://www.drjud.com or follow me on Twitter @judbrewer or Instagram @dr.jud.3. The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre is offering weekly mindfulness classes with an associated podcast to support people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further details here: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/online-.... Visit the Free Mindfulness Project for a growing library of free talks, videos, online courses and live practice sessions: http://www.freemindfulness.org/covid19. Also, Mindful Leader is providing Free Live & Online daily meditation & support groups: https://www.mindfulleader.org/free-me.... Dr Ron Epstein explores different ways we experience uncertainty, and how cultivating curiosity, presence and connectionLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 7min
3 steps to go from anxiety to curiosity using your eyes (Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update 23)
Did you know that your eyes really are the window into your soul? Or at least, a window into your current emotional state? By understanding how your eyes connect to your emotions, you can learn to tap into curiosity to help you let go of anxiety and fear.Resources: 1. Subscribe to the Dr. Jud channel (click the red SUBSCRIBE button) to be notified of future daily updates, and join a free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) 2. Build your awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...For more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit https://www.drjud.com or follow me on Twitter @judbrewer or Instagram @dr.jud.3. The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre is offering weekly mindfulness classes with an associated podcast to support people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further details here: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/online-.... Visit the Free Mindfulness Project for a growing library of free talks, videos, online courses and live practice sessions: http://www.freemindfulness.org/covid19. Also, Mindful Leader is providing Free Live & Online daily meditation & support groups: https://www.mindfulleader.org/free-me.... Dr Ron Epstein explores different ways we experience uncertainty, and how cultivating curiosity, presence and connection can help in his blog: www.ronaldepstein.comLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 8min
How to use curiosity to change habits and feel better (There are 2 types) (Daily Update 21)
Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to stop scrolling Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? That restless itch to see what’s next? Struggling with wanting to get all of the information you need? That itch is curiosity. But not all curiosity is created equal, and by understanding how curiosity works, you can use it to change habits and feel better — at any time. Resources: 1. Subscribe to the Dr. Jud channel (click the red SUBSCRIBE button) to be notified of future daily updates, and join a free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) 2. Build your awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...For more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit https://www.drjud.com or follow me on Twitter @judbrewer or Instagram @dr.jud.3. The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre is offering weekly mindfulness classes with an associated podcast to support people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further details here: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/online-.... Visit the Free Mindfulness Project for a growing library of free talks, videos, online courses and live practice sessions: http://www.freemindfulness.org/covid19. Also, Mindful Leader is providing Free Live & Online daily meditation & support groups: https://www.mindfulleader.org/free-me.... Dr Ron Epstein explores different ways we experience uncertaLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 8min
Are you overeating, or so stressed that you forget to eat? (how to fix it) (Daily Update 16)
Emotions are running high these days, and that can lead to all sorts of negative habits, especially around food. Are you eating more than usual? Or maybe so worried that you’re forgetting to eat? Stress affects our appetite in major ways, but there is a simple approach to identify and change these behaviors so you can stay healthy and less anxious while dealing with the current crisis.Resources: 1. Subscribe to the Dr. Jud channel (click the red SUBSCRIBE button) to be notified of future daily updates, and join a free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) 2. Build your awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de.... For more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit https://www.drjud.com or follow me on Twitter @judbrewer or Instagram @dr.jud.3. The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre is offering weekly mindfulness classes with an associated podcast to support people during the COVID 19 pandemic. Further details here: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/online-.... Visit the Free Mindfulness Project for a growing library of free talks, videos, online courses and live practice sessions: http://www.freemindfulness.org/covid19. Also, Mindful Leader is providing Free Live & Online daily meditation & support groups: https://www.mindfulleader.org/free-me....Jud Brewer MD PhD ("Dr. Let's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 6min
How to use kindness to create connection during crisis (Coronavirus Anxiety Update 5)
This podcast teaches you to leverage your brain’s reward system to use the energy of crisis to replace division and separateness with unity and connection. Inspired by Kitty O’Meara’s poem gone viral (Oprah’s magazine dubbed her the “poet laureate of the pandemic”), Dr. Brewer explains the psychology behind shifting old entrenched mindsets to new ones based in kindness. He gives three actionable tips to practice kindness today, and how doing this “short moments, many times” throughout the day can create new mindsets of kindness and connection. Today, leverage your awareness and pay attention to what it feels like when someone is kind to you. If you can, take a moment to pray or meditate as an act of kindness toward yourself. Notice when you’re short with your spouse or kids, eat your humble pie and immediately apologize as an act of kindness toward them. Think of one act of kindness you can do for someone else. Maybe it’s a phone call, maybe it’s a thank you to a delivery driver or grocery worker, maybe it’s something else. And pay attention to how it feels when you help out, when you connect, so you can lock that reward into your brain. Make kindness your new habit.To ask questions or suggest future topics, please comment below or connect with me on Twitter @judbrewer Click here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6b...Build your body awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... For even more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit my website: https://www.drjud.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/judbrewerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagrLet's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 5min
How to manage uncertainty and anxiety (Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update 4)
In today's podcast, you'll learn how to balance your need to plan for the future in the midst of massive uncertainty.Here's what you'll learn:-Why our brains are set up to plan for the future-What happens when there isn't enough information to plan (like right now, since the Coronavirus and socioeconomic situation is rapidly changing)-Why your brain is similar to a computer, and what happens when it gets overloaded-What causes the "what if" spinout and what to do when it happens-Examples of the "what if" worry loop amongst students and business owners-How to stop our brains from spinning out into endless worry loops-"One day at a time", and why this saying (from the 12 step recovery program) is simple but effective in this time of uncertainty-Why it's better to stay closer to the here and now-The point at which it's ok to plan in more detail for the future-What to do if you get nervous about planning for later on today, -How to stay grounded in the present moment and out of that worry tailspin. To ask questions or suggest future topics, please comment below or connect with me on Twitter @judbrewer Click here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6b...By subscribing, you’ll be notified of future daily updates and of my free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) Build your body awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... For even more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit my website: https://www.drjud.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/judbrewerFollow me on Instagram Let's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 7min
How to sleep when you are anxious (3 key tips) (Coronavirus Anxiety Daily Update 8)
Anxiety makes it difficult to sleep, and lack of sleep makes you more anxious. This episode will show you how it affects your nervous system, and 3 simple tips to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Here's what you'll learn:-My own journey with interrupted sleep (I and my wife have been experiencing difficulty sleeping)-The two types of interrupted sleep that i see at my clinic-Why anxiety is a "doubly whammy" in terms of hurting your sleep-The questions that the National Institute of Health created to analyze sleep anxiety-The science behind why anxiety interferes with sleep-The first set of questions that I ask patients who come in with difficulty sleeping:- - “when your head hits the pillow, do you have trouble shutting your brain off? - - "Does your brain start spinning with worry thoughts about the future?" - - "When you can’t sleep, does looking at the clock make you more anxious because you start to worry that you won’t get enough sleep?” -The medical definition of anxiety -How anxiety creates nervous feelings and how that impacts your ability to get to sleep-How to practice good sleep hygiene -Why it's important to not check the news before you go to bed- I walk you through a body scan, step by step, which you can perform while you are lying in bed. This will help you fall asleep quickly and enjoy more peaceful sleep, even if you are anxious.-Why a body scan works so well-What happened when I taught the body scan to a women's golf team at Yale Links from video: 1. Research paper on anxiety, worry and autonomic system function: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...2. Downloadable Sleep hygiene tips from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep...3. Guided body scan from Dr. Jud: https://youtu.be/ANZfVnjCmXkTo ask questions or suggest future topics, please comment below or connect with me on Twitter @judbrewer Click here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6b...By subscribing, you’ll be notified of future daily updates and of my free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) Build your body awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe... Android: Let's connect on Instagram

Aug 19, 2020 • 6min
Why everyone is panic buying and 4 things you can do to help (Coronavirus anxiety update 7)
In this podcast, you'll learn the science behind why panic buying spreads, and four things you can do to help. Here is a preview of what's in the video:-Panic is driven by the "old" part of the brain-Why lack of information leads to sudden and uncontrollable anxiety -How to get the "new" part of the brain back online during moments of panic-What somebody can say to you when you are panicked to help you calm down-Why prior experience with an event can help alleviate anxiety-Why panic is never helpful-The perfect vector for spreading more panic-How to talk to someone when they are panicking, and why emotion is superior to logic in such a situation-Why we need to trust the scientists and stay homeTo ask questions or suggest future topics, please comment below or connect with me on Twitter @judbrewer Click here to subscribe to my Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6b...By subscribing, you’ll be notified of future daily updates and of my free weekly "office hours" anxiety Q&A session on Mondays at noon eastern US (12:00 EST) Build your body awareness using mindfulness practices, like those in the free "Breathe by Dr. Jud" app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe... Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... For even more resources on anxiety, including free mindfulness exercises, visit my website: https://www.drjud.comFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/judbrewerFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.judLet's connect on Instagram