Change Your Brain Every Day

Why do some conversations feel electric while others fall flat? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg (The Power of Habit, Supercommunicators) to explore what really makes people connect. You'll learn how brain scans reveal that during powerful conversations, people's brains literally sync up. Duhigg breaks down the three types of conversations everyone has—and why knowing which one you're in can instantly improve your communication. Discover the surprising myths we believe about connection, and why asking deep, meaningful questions is the real secret to becoming a "supercommunicator." 00:00 Intro 01:24 Sponsor 01:47 Common Myths of Communication 03:38 The 3 Categories of Communication 08:04 Communication Skills 10:22 Alignment 15:03 Mismatched Conversations 18:02 Listening/Looking for Understanding 21:11 The Goals of Each Type of Communication 25:13 Connection When You Don't Agree 32:19 Close Relationships 35:29 Digital Communication 39:50 Artificial Intelligence 40:48 Where to Start? 46:28 Sponsor 47:36 Wrap Up Super Communicators, by Charles Duhigg: https://charlesduhigg.com/supercommunicators/

In this powerful episode, singer and former American Idol finalist Daniel Gokey reveals what he calls his "deep, dark secret"—scrupulous OCD. For the first time publicly, he shares how obsessive religious thoughts convinced him he was beyond forgiveness. Dr. Amen explains this misunderstood OCD subtype and how Gokey's brain scans uncovered the root of his terrifying thoughts—and helped chart a path to overcoming scrupulosity. 00:00 Intro 01:17 Sponsor 02:26 Daniel/Scrupulous OCD 05:22 OCD and Sin 08:36 Fear of Damnation 12:41 Compulsive Behaviors 16:14 Thought Discipline 20:40 The Concept of "Normal" 22:10 Medication & Supplements 23:55 Trauma 26:59 First Wife's Death 30:16 ADD 31:21 The 4 Circles 37:56 Daniel's SPECT Scan (Surface) 39:55 Daniel's SPECT Scan (Active Interior) 44:47 Improving Daniel's Brain 48:23 Sponsor 49:49 Wrap Up

In this must-listen episode, Dr. Amen and Tana Amen sit down with Brandon Salawich, President and CEO of Starkey, the largest U.S.-based hearing aid manufacturer, to explore the critical link between hearing and brain health. They uncover how hearing loss isn't just about missing sounds—it's a major risk factor for dementia, depression, and relationship struggles. You'll also discover surprising causes of hearing issues, including why 1 in 6 teenagers are already experiencing hearing loss. If you want to protect your brain, start by protecting your hearing—tune in to learn how. 00:00 Intro 01:01 Hearing & The Brain 01:45 Sponsor 03:03 Hearing is One of the Major Functions of the Brain 06:26 Hearing & Stigma 08:23 Can Your Brain Forget Sounds? 09:16 Overstimulation 10:08 Brandon's Story 13:31 The Impact of Hearing Loss on the Brain 14:56 Overcoming Vulnerability 17:43 The Causes of Memory Loss 19:41 Damage Elimination 21:56 The Future of Hearing Augmentation/Automatic Translation 25:30 Brands 27:05 Hearing & AI Technology 28:45 Comfort 29:57 Hearing Sound for the First Time 40:16 Superpowered Hearing 46:31 Sponsor 46:54 Wrap Up Starkey.com Listencarefully.com

ADHD doesn't have to come between you and your partner. In this practical and eye-opening episode, Dr. Amen and Tana reveal why people with ADHD may feel rejection more intensely and might be more likely to cheat on their partners. They share proven strategies to rebuild connection, improve communication, and reignite passion—both in and out of the bedroom. Plus, you'll learn that medication isn't the only answer for ADHD—there are powerful, natural ways to heal, reconnect, and create deeper intimacy. 00:00 Intro 00:53 Tana's Thyroid Cancer/ADD 02:04 Serotonin & Dopamine Levels in ADD 07:00 Rejection Sensitivity Syndrome 08:45 Cheating 11:18 When the Medication Wears Off 13:18 Sponsor 14:38 The Most Important Thing to Remember 18:29 The Link Between Teenage Pregnancy & ADD 21:25 The 7 Types of ADD 26:17 What Do You Want? 27:33 Wrap Up

ADHD doesn't just impact focus—it can wreak havoc on relationships and intimacy. In this revealing episode, Dr. Amen and Tana expose the little-known ways undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can sabotage your love life, from saying hurtful things to emotional outbursts to struggles with connection and sexual satisfaction. If you or your partner have ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected in the bedroom, this episode is a must-listen. Understanding how ADHD affects intimacy is the first step to rebuilding passion and trust. 00:00 Intro 00:52 ADHD & Sex 01:54 ADHD vs ADD 04:38 How Does ADHD Impact Relationships? 11:33 ADHD in the Bedroom 15:28 The "New Love" Addiction Cycle 16:50 Sponsor 18:05 Novelty Patterns 19:04 ADHD Symptoms in Sex 24:34 Dopamine 28:30 Conflict Seeking Behavior 30:59 Guilt vs Shame 33:00 Practical Tips to Manage ADHD & Sex 41:35 Wrap Up

Clara Woods is a neurodivergent artist who suffered a prenatal stroke, leaving her unable to speak, read, or write. Despite her challenges, Clara's vibrant artwork has been featured at world-renowned exhibits like Art Basel. In this powerful episode, Dr. Amen and Tana explore Clara's brain scan, uncovering the remarkable ways her mind adapts. Joined by her mother, Betina, they discuss Clara's journey, the impact of also having ADHD, and essential strategies for supporting individuals with special needs. 00:00 Intro 01:23 Sponsor 02:30 Clara & Betina 03:57 Prenatal Stroke 10:40 Painting 15:19 Inspiring Others 18:41 ADHD/Conflict Seeking Behavior 21:56 Clara's SPECT Scans 27:48 How Art Helps the Mind 30:16 Overcoming Communication Challenges 31:41 Navigating Family Issues 35:24 Spreading the Message of Inclusion 37:26 Seizures and the Brain 41:30 The Impact of ADD on the Family 43:42 Your Brain Can Get Better 45:09 Sponsor 45:36 Wrap Up Clarawoodscollection.com

In this heartfelt episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, Dr. Amen sits down with model, beauty pageant titleholder, and psychology doctoral student Brittany Bell for an intimate conversation about the realities of co-parenting three children with Nick Cannon. The former Miss Guam and Miss Arizona shares the joys and challenges of their unique family dynamic while navigating her own mental health journey. With expert insights from Dr. Amen, Brittany opens up about the profound impact of her biological father's suicide following a historic incident of police brutality. After reviewing her brain scan—which Dr. Amen calls "stunning"—the discussion shifts to how her past influences her present, offering valuable lessons on resilience and growth. This candid episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on navigating family, healing, and mental wellness. 00:00 Intro 01:39 Sponsor 02:48 Brittany and Nick Cannon 05:15 Brittany's Goals 07:27 Anxiety 10:38 Processing Trauma 12:23 Black Fathering/Multiple Siblings 14:40 Brittany's SPECT Scan (Surface) 15:48 Brittany's SPECT Scan (Active Interior) 22:20 4 Circles 25:25 Challenging Negative Thoughts 34:48 Father's Police Brutality Incident & Suicide 41:10 Supplement Recommendations 42:20 Sponsor 43:46 Wrap Up

Reality TV star and wellness advocate Kristin Cavallari joins Dr. Amen on the Change Your Brain Every Day podcast to explore her journey from teenage brain-damaging habits to her current pursuit of optimal health. Kristin opens up about motherhood, experimenting with controversial therapy treatments, and the transformative power of hypnosis. Can past damage to the brain be reversed? Dr. Amen answers this and many more question in this mind-bending episode. 00:00 Intro 01:15 Sponsor 02:34 Kristin/Goals 04:55 Losing Consciousness Intentionally? 07:07 Substance Abuse 10:33 Laguna Beach/Teen Years 15:00 Total Brain Assessment 17:134 Kristin's SPECT Scan (Surface) 22:09 Kristin's SPECT Scan (Active Interior) 24:10 Hypnosis/Altered States in Releasing Trauma 26:58 Psilocybin/Alcohol/Marijuana 33:48 Improving Kristin's Brain 40:15 Football/Head Trauma 44:50 Brother's Death 46:17 Family Dynamics 49:20 Sponsor 49:43 Wrap Up

Why do we tend to be so much more focused on the negative aspects of life than the positive? What happens in our brain when our minds are predisposed to negativity. In this episode of the podcast, the Amens discuss negativity bias, and why we should be active in transforming our own mindset. 00:00 Intro 01:02 About Negativity 04:34 Negativity vs Positivity Bias 06:53 Chronic Negativity and Cortisol 08:00 Negativity Positivity Bias Questionnaire 09:46 Negativity Effects on the Brain 14:49 Some Negativity is Important 16:21 Sponsor 17:36 Accurate Thinking 19:39 Positivity Bias Training 28:28 Mindset Hacks 31:28 Wrap Up

In this week's episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, Dr. Amen sits down to evaluate actor Paul Wesley. Paul discusses his childhood, start in acting, goals for his mental health and happiness 00:00 Intro 01:47 Sponsor 02:57 Paul 05:24 Growing Up In New Jersey 08:18 Acting in New York City 15:03 Intention/The 18/40/60 Rule 20:30 The Four Circles 22:19 Head Trauma 27:05 Paul's SPECT Brain Scans 31:02 Dr. Amen's Recommendations 34:13 Turn Bad Days into Good Data 35:19 Sponsor 36:44 Wrap Up