Emonthebrain
Emily McDonald
Planet Em is where science meets spirit. Hosted by neuroscientist-turned-mindset coach Emily McDonald (Em on the Brain), each episode explores how your brain, body, and beliefs shape the reality you live in. Through simple, research-backed tools, Emily helps you understand your mind, regulate your emotions, and rewire the subconscious patterns that keep you stuck—so you can manifest from awareness, not autopilot.
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
May 11, 2026 • 14min
Neuroscience shows: taking everything too seriously is making you dumber | how to fix it
A dive into how chronic seriousness dulls your thinking and hijacks brain circuits. Research-backed reasons why play boosts creativity, dopamine, and learning. Practical hacks to make play your default, schedule curiosity, and treat life like a game. Real-life examples of whimsy unlocking bolder action.
34 snips
May 4, 2026 • 15min
Neuroscience of Manifestation: 4 Step Science-Backed Formula
A four-step science-backed formula for manifestation is laid out in short, practical segments. The conversation explores how self-belief shapes reality and how mental and physical evidence can boost confidence. It covers how vivid belief drives action and how detaching from outcomes widens possibilities. The role of values and nervous-system alignment in true motivation is highlighted.
39 snips
Apr 27, 2026 • 16min
Neuroscience shows: Desperately wanting something blocks you from getting it | What to do instead
They explore why constant craving can paradoxically block achievement. Neuroscience ideas about dopamine spikes, stress narrowing attention, and chasing feelings rather than things are discussed. Practical remedies include cultivating present-moment satisfaction, uncovering fear that fuels urgency, and learning to detach and trust subconscious processes.
46 snips
Apr 20, 2026 • 31min
Science Shows Lack of Discipline Makes You Unattractive | How to Fix
The conversation reframes discipline as a nervous system state, not just willpower. It explores how reliable follow-through builds self-trust, confidence, and attraction. Practical routines, small consistent actions, and underpromising are highlighted. The talk also reframes rest as a form of discipline and encourages imperfection and momentum.
40 snips
Apr 13, 2026 • 25min
Neuroscience Shows Your Identity Is Your Destiny In This Life
A lively dive into how your brain's predictive model locks in identity and steers choices. Clear examples show why goals fail without identity change. Neuroscience topics include the default mode network, meditation, hypnosis, and psychedelic approaches to loosening ego patterns. Practical identity-shifting steps, mindset mapping, and a guided visualization are explained for rapid personal change.
33 snips
Apr 6, 2026 • 23min
The State of Your Nervous System Determines Your Frequency - Here’s How To Raise It
They explore how your nervous system tunes what you notice and attracts outcomes. Listeners learn why stress biases the brain toward threat and how regulation shifts perception toward opportunity. Practical tools include nervous system regulation practices, identity and belief reframing, and a weekly "wonders" exercise to retrain attention and notice evidence of desired change.
32 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 26min
A Dysregulated Nervous System Makes You Dumber - Here’s How to Fix It
Neuroscience of why stress makes your brain less sharp and how an overactive amygdala sidelines the thinking brain. The difference between automatic reacting and mindful responding is explored. How stress warps perception and drives threat-scanning. Practical micro-habits to restore calm, from slowing down and boundary-setting to vagus-nerve humming, presence practice, and joy-driven play.
51 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 27min
How To Get Anything Done With an ADHD Brain
The show explores why focus is a nervous-system state rather than just a productivity skill. It explains effort discounting and the hesitation before starting tasks. Three practical tactics are highlighted: start with tiny steps, make tasks more fun with body doubling and aesthetics, and boost the reward to increase motivation. Tips on deadlines and sprints round out the strategies.
34 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 31min
Don’t React, Regulate: How to Stop Overthinking While You Wait
A candid dive into the anxiety of waiting and why the brain amplifies past threats. Stories about dating and a road-trip revelation illustrate impatience and trust. Practical focus on nervous system regulation, surrendering the how and when, and choosing grounded responses over reactivity.
25 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 25min
How to Get on Go Mode: Start Small, Take the Next Right Step
Practical tools for moving from stuck to action are broken down into short, doable moves. Learn the 'mountain goal' idea: pick a meaningful direction without needing the whole roadmap. A whiteboard tactic helps list every possible next step, then choose what excites you to build momentum. Tips cover starting tiny, running experiments long enough to learn, and trusting the process while keeping barriers low.
