

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

Apr 17, 2023 • 24min
Podcast 474: Sex, love & your mental health
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about ways to improve your relationship, develop sexual intimacy, and increase your health and longevity. This is part 2 of my series on love, sex, relationships and wellbeing. As mentioned in part 1, safe, consensual sex in a loving relationship can help improve our health and wellbeing and even increase our longevity. But this is not just about sex. How well we interact with and relate to our partner will lay the foundation for a fulfilling and intimate relationship. Of course, this is easier said than done—as I am sure you know, relationships can be complicated! This is why I recommend creating rituals and routines in a relationship to improve sexual intimacy and overall health. Read the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/love-sex-your-mental-healthSign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-BetterHelp: So, if you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try! Discover your potential with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DRLEAF today to get 10% off your first month. -Elo Health Smart Protein: Take out the guesswork and get the right amount of protein after every workout. Go to elo.health and enter code DRLEAF for 50% off your first month.-Air Doctor: AirDoctor comes with a no questions asked, 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping. So head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRLEAF and, depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 40% off. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:1:00 The relationship between sexual intimacy & wellbeing 1:40 How routines & rituals can help improve relationships 2:50, 4:56 The difference between routines & rituals 6:20 The brain science behind connection in a relationship 7:50, 13:57, 17:35 Ways to create routines & rituals in relationships to enhance intimacy and wellbeing ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Apr 13, 2023 • 51min
Podcast 473: The difference between setting boundaries & controlling someone’s actions
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk to speaker and best-selling author Melissa Urban, founder of the Whole30 movement, about her new book on boundaries, learning how to say no, the relationship between boundaries and mental health, ways to establish healthy boundaries, and so much more! Read the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-boundary-setting-controlling-someone-s-actionsSign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-BiOptimizers Sleep Breakthrough: If you're struggling with sleep, I highly recommend giving Sleep Breakthrough a try. It truly is a game-changer! For 10% off your order use the code DRLEAF10 at https://sleepbreakthrough.com/drleaf.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:00 Melissa’s amazing story 9:10 What boundaries are10:20 The difference between a boundary & controlling someone’s actions 11:20, 15:50 Women & boundaries 17:12 Why Melissa wrote The Book of Boundaries 18:50 How to set boundaries22:00 Examples of setting boundaries27:55 Work-life balance & boundaries33:30 Family balance & boundaries 39:45 Romantic relationships & boundariesADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Apr 10, 2023 • 26min
Podcast 472: How sex can improve your mind
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about relationships, communication, sex, and the mind. This is part 1 of a 3-part series. High-quality intimate relationships are good for our health—we all know this! But did you know that sexual intimacy is also good for us? I recently interviewed Dr. Elissa Epel about her work with telomeres and stress, and she mentioned that one of her most interesting and popular studies, published in 2017, was on a correlation she and her team found between longevity and safe and consensual sex. In this study, Dr. Epel and her team observed that couples that are more sexually intimate have longer telomeres, which contribute to our cellular health and longevity. Read the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-sex-can-improve-your-mindSign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-NED’s Shuteye Chai: Discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code DRLEAF. Go to helloned.com/DRLEAF or enter code DRLEAF at checkout. - Noom: Sign up for your trial today at Noom.com/DRLEAF. And check out Noom’s first-ever book, The Noom Mindset, a deep dive into the psychology of behavior change. Available to buy now wherever books are sold. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:0:37 The science behind relationships & the mind 5:48 Sex, relationships & longevity 9:10 How improving our relationships can improve our health 10:33 Why communication is so important in a relationship 11:22, 18:28 Ways to improve your communication so you feel supported in a relationshipADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Apr 6, 2023 • 1h 3min
Podcast 471: How to find your self again after trauma
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk to holistic psychologist and best-selling author Nicole LePera about finding your authentic self after trauma, identifying and unlearning harmful habits, and so much more! Read the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-find-your-self-again-after-traumaSign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-ZocDoc: Go to Zocdoc.com/LEAF and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:1:54 Nicole’s amazing work 4:19 Social media & therapy 6:28 Nicole’s new book How to Meet Your Self 8:00 How the past affects our present 10:14 Why it takes time to change past patterns & habits 14:00 The power of the conscious mind19:33 Getting out of “auto-pilot mode” 26:10 Learning habits starts in childhood 35:17 Healing religious trauma36:28 How healing ourselves helps us connect with others 41:50 Why we need to allow ourselves to acknowledge our emotions 45:00 What our need for boundaries tells us about ourselves 50:00 Autonomy versus selfishness ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Apr 3, 2023 • 23min
Podcast 470: How to move on without an apology
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about how to move on without an apology. Unfortunately, there will be times in life when someone hurts you and refuses to apologize, regardless of what you say or do. Here are just a few tips to help you when this happens. Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-move-on-without-an-apologyOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-ButcherBox: Get free Chicken Thighs for a Year and 20 dollars off your first box when you sign up today. That’s 3lbs of Bone-in Chicken Thighs Free in every box for a year plus 20 dollars off your first order when you sign up at butcherbox.com/DRLEAF and use code DRLEAF.-Kion Aminos: So, if you want to naturally boost energy, build lean muscle, and enhance athletic recovery, you need to get Kion Aminos. You can now save 20% on monthly deliveries and 10% on one-time purchases. Just go to getkion.com/drleaf. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:0:50 What happens when someone hurts you & doesn’t apologize2:08 Tips to manage your mental health when someone doesn’t apologize 5:47, 15:57 How to use mind management to heal when someone hurts youADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Mar 30, 2023 • 42min
Podcast 469: What is the vagus nerve and why is it important?
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk to Stefan Chmelik, integrated healthcare expert, physician, inventor of the state-of-the-art sensory device Sensate, founder of BioSelf Technology and New Medicine Group, and a mindfulness mentor and clinical expert in the use of sound technology, about the relationship between our mental health and the vagus nerve, how we can tone our vagus nerve to promote emotional resilience, the science behind vibrations, and so much more! Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/what-the-vagus-nerve-is-how-to-tone-it-to-promote-emotional-resilienceIf you are struggling with stress and anxiety, Sensate is here to help you. You can save 10% off your Sensate order with my code DRLEAF. Just head to the website and enter the code at checkout to start feeling less overwhelmed today! OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:BiOptimizer’s MassEnzymes: If you want freedom from your food, try Masszymes risk-free and experience for yourself the magic of high quality enzymes.For an exclusive offer for my listeners just go to www.masszymes.com/drleaf. And make sure to enter the coupon code DRLEAF10 to receive a 10% discount off your order.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:50 Stefan’s incredible journey 4:30 The importance of an integrated & holistic approach to healthcare 7:13 The science behind vibrations & sounds 12:00, 15:32 The relationship between the vagus nerve, sound & our mental health 23:00 How to use sounds & vibrations to tone the vagus nerve & build stress resilience 32:00 Harnessing modern technology & traditional practices for healing ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Mar 27, 2023 • 26min
Podcast 468: How to recognize and deal with draining people
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In today’s podcast I talk about dealing with draining people while protecting your mental health. Relationships are great and have many benefits, but they can also be challenging, especially when you have to deal with someone who is a drain on your mental energy and resources. Indeed, sometimes the most draining people can be family, friends, co-workers, and even children! It's okay to admit to yourself that you feel drained around someone. You don't have to add guilt to the mental and emotional strain you are already feeling, as this will only make you feel worse. But, once you recognize and honor your feelings, you also need to take steps to help manage the situation so that you can protect your mental health and relationships. We need to acknowledge how we feel to manage how we feel.Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-recognize-deal-with-draining-peopleOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Elo Health: It’s time to start taking supplements that are tailored to YOU. Get your FREE blood biomarker test (a $200 value) by going to elo.health and entering code DRLEAF. -NED’s Shuteye Chai: Discover how Shuteye Chai can revolutionize your sleep and get 15% off with code DRLEAF. Go to helloned.com/DRLEAF or enter code DRLEAF at checkout. -Aquatru: AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee and even makes a great gift. And, for a limited time, my listeners receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “DRLEAF” at checkout. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:41 Why we need to acknowledge how we feel to manage how we feel5:16 How to use mind management to deal with draining people14:56, 20:13 Tips to deal with draining people while protecting your mental health ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Mar 23, 2023 • 55min
Podcast 467: Are you suffering from Shameflammation?
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk with Dr. Will Cole about how shame and trauma impact your gut health and body, how to heal your mind, body and gut, and so much more. Dr. Will is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the world via webcam, having started one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and bestselling author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and the New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting. Dr. Will’s new book, Gut Feelings, continues his amazing work by exploring the relationship between our gut health, physical health and mental health, and what we can do to improve not only the health of our gut but also our lives. As he notes, this book is all about healing the shame-fueled relationship between what we eat and how we feel. Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/are-you-suffering-from-shameflammationGet Dr. Cole's new book here: https://drwillcole.com/gut-feelingsOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Air Doctor: Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRLEAF and, depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 40% off. -BetterHelp: Get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/drleaf. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:00 Why our gut health is so important 3:00 Mental health is physical health4:30 How the gut & brain are connected 7:02, 13:07 The science behind the gut-brain connection16:55 Shameflammation: what is it & how it affects us 21:45, 47:15 Shame & the wellness industry 26:00 Why we need healthy self-boundaries 32:00, 43:56 Practical tips to improve the gut-brain connection ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Mar 20, 2023 • 23min
Podcast 466: How forgiveness changes your brain
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about forgiveness and the mind. Forgiveness is more than just a word or action. It is something that that affects us mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It helps us heal n ways we are only just beginning to understand. This is due to the law of entanglement in quantum physics, which keeps everything in a relationship—toxic or otherwise—entangled, affecting each component. Forgiveness helps us sever the toxic hold someone who hurt us has over us. It helps us disconnect from the source of our pain and find true healing.Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-forgiveness-changes-your-brainOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Chime: Get started at chime.com/drleaf.Qualia Mind: Go to neurohacker.com/DRLEAF for $100 OFF, that’s only $39 a bottle and as a listener of Cleaning Up the Mental Mess use code DRLEAF at checkout for an extra 15% off your first purchase. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:2:11 Why forgiveness is so important 3:10, 8:05 Forgiveness & the law of entanglement 9:11 How forgiveness helps us heal13:02, 17:20 How to forgive using mind managementADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.

Mar 16, 2023 • 49min
Podcast 465: What we are doing wrong when it comes to love
Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk to Kanwer Singh, also known as Humble The Poet, about what most of us are doing wrong when it comes to love, what it means to sit with your pain and experience love, the difference between self-care and self-love, and so much more!Sign up to Patreon to get access to full AD-FREE episodes, exclusive downloads, live Q&As, and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleafRead the blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/what-we-are-doing-wrong-when-it-comes-to-loveGet the book: https://assist331.wixsite.com/website-2OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Calm: For listeners of the show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/DRLEAF.-Noom: Sign up for your trial today at Noom.com/DRLEAF. And check out Noom’s first-ever book, The Noom Mindset, a deep dive into the psychology of behavior change. Available to buy now wherever books are sold.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:1:30 Humble the Poet’s amazing new book on love2:40 Humble the Poet’s life & work11:00 What love is13:50 Different versions of love14:50 Vulnerability is not a weakness16:22 What we are doing wrong when it comes to love18:30 How the world has changed & how this affects our perception of love23:40 The difference between self-care & self-love35:36 Why we need to sit with our pain to experience love43:20 Loving others means loving yourself44:10 Real love is not easy but it is worth it!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com-Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com!- Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-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 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.


