

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.
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 25, 2021 • 54min
How to optimize mental clarity, focus, memory, & mood by monitoring your glucose + how stress affects glucose levels, and how I used a Neurocycle to lower a stress-induced glucose spike!
**Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747Register for my FREE NeuroCycle workshop (Feb 27th!): https://neurocycle.eventbrite.comSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak with Josh Clemente, one of Levels a company that developed a smart tracker that monitors your blood glucose in real time, so you can maximize your diet, exercise, mental health and overall wellbeing. Josh and I discuss the importance of tracking your glucose levels, how to know what changes to make based on the data, techniques to balance glucose levels and increase metabolic flexibility, how sleep affects glucose levels, how to use a glucose monitor to improve mental health and decrease the risk for neurodegenerative diseases, and so much more! Plus, I share how I used a Neurocycle to lower a stress-induced glucose spike! Read the show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-optimize-mental-clarity-focus-memory-mood-by-monitoring-your-glucose-how-stress-affects-glucose-levels-how-the-neurocycle-can-improve-metabolic-flexibilityVisit levels.link/drleaf to skip the 75,000+ person waitlist and join Levels today!Follow Levels on social media for more tips and info: @levels on Instagram & TwitterSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Thrive Market, which is a great way to shop and save money without leaving your house! Thrive Market makes shopping easier, enjoyable and sustainable! Try Thrive Market today and become a member risk-free! Go to https://thrivemarket.com/drleaf and you’ll get up to 25% off your first order and a FREE gift!NED, a company that makes the highest quality, organic, full spectrum CBD based on the latest science. To get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit https://helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:7:53 What is Levels, and how can it help you?11:00 Why it is important to prevent major health issues by monitoring our health BEFORE we get sick17:00 How toxic stress impacts our glucose levels and health23:11 How controlling your glucose levels can give you more energy28:46 How our glucose levels can affect memory and brain health, and its relationship to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s33:50 How sleep is affected by irregular glucose levels, and how sleep affects our blood sugar40:00 How “diseases of abundance” have affected our health as a species, and why self-regulation is so important when it comes to our health43:53 Mental health, mood and glucose monitoring45:00 The relationship between mind management, stress and metabolismADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2021 • 43min
The difference between being patient vs. enabling toxic behavior + how to become a super self-regulator
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I discuss the difference between enabling and empowering someone. I also discuss how learning to self-regulate your emotions and thinking can help you enforce and enact effective boundaries, and how my 5 step NeuroCycle can help you become a super self-regulator!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-being-patient-vs-enabling-toxic-behavior-how-to-become-a-super-self-regulatorSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Huzzah (The most delicious, low sugar seltzers that are filled with probiotics for optimal gut and brain health!). Get 20% off your order with the code DRLEAF at https://drinkhuzzah.com.Ritual (My favorite multivitamin—simple, clean, and backed by science!): To get 10% off your first three months of Ritual multivitamins see: https://ritual.com/drleafPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:5:03 What is the difference between enabling and empowering?9:40 What is empowerment, and how can you empower a loved one and help them on their healing journey?10:00 Why compassion can lead to empowerment OR enablement, if we are not careful10:53 Why emotions are complicated and can lead to “messy” relationships11:33 How do you say “no”?12:00 How to mind manage your relationships with the Neurocycle13:30 How the Neurocycle can help you make wiser choices and recognize the difference between enabling and empowering18:50 Why we need to listen to and learn from our emotions and feelings, even the uncomfortable ones!33:39 Why you cannot fix other people’s problems for them35:10 How to empower those you loveADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 18, 2021 • 26min
How I used my 5 step Neurocycle to manage my mental health during and after a family argument + my favorite breathing technique to help calm intense emotions
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Let’s face it, we all argue, so we may as well learn how to argue well, and learn how to turn arguments into experiences that improve, not harm, mental health & relationships! In this podcast I discuss the best ways to manage arguments and intense emotions like frustration and anger, based on my personal and professional experience, and I walk you through how to use my 5 step Neurocycle for dealing with arguments. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-i-used-my-5-step-neurocycle-to-manage-my-mental-health-during-and-after-a-family-argumentSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Public Goods (My preferred online goods store, which has everything you need, from natural cleaning products and foods to sustainable house goods). Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. Just go to https://www.publicgoods.com and use code DRLEAF at checkout.NOOM (A great way to develop healthier habits, reduce your risk of chronic health problems, reverse disease, and foster a healthier relationship with yourself and others! I love using NOOM to keep track of my exercise routine and make sure I am eating well every day): For your special offer see: noom.com/DRLEAFPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:40 How to argue better5:30 How I handled a recent argument with my daughter7:35 Why exercise and deep breathing are great tools to calm down the mind10:15 How mind-management helped me turn the argument into a constructive experience20:00 You too can learn how to clean up your mental mess!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2021 • 57min
How to biohack your body to improve your mood & mind, how fasting can make you more mentally & emotionally strong + why you need to drink more coffee for optimal mental health (with Dave Asprey)
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Did you know coffee is a superfood? That fasting doesn’t just mean drinking water? Or that you have the power to change and control your biology? In this podcast I speak with founder of Bulletproof and NY Times bestselling author Dave Asprey about common dangerous wellness myths, how coffee is amazing for your brain, what biohacking is and how it can help you, how to navigate the many wellness trends and find the ones that are best for you, how to fast correctly, the benefits of going without and putting your body under good stress, and more!Read the show blog here:Order Dave's new book here:SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Kettle & Fire (My favorite organic bone broths, which are full of nutrients that can improve brain and mental health!): To get up to 25% off your Kettle & Fire bone broth order and free shipping see: Kettleandfire.com/drleaf or use code DRLEAF at checkout.NED (A company that makes the highest quality, organic, full spectrum CBD based on the latest science. I take NED’s CBD daily, and have honestly seen a difference in my sleep quality and mental health!). To get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:3:07 Why Dave loves coffee and biohacking4:47 Is coffee good for us?7:43 How coffee can improve our mental health9:17 What is biohacking and how can it help us?11:17 Can biohacking be dangerous?13:17 How fasting can increase brain power28:26 Tips to fast better44:33 Why not all stress is bad for usADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 2021 • 42min
Are new years resolutions just another form of toxic positivity? + Why positive affirmations don't work in the long run
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: New Year’s resolutions may seem great on the surface, but they can also be a form of toxic positivity. As I discuss in detail in this podcast when we fail to keep a resolution (which often happens!), we can feel really bad about it. We often experience shame because we often think that there must be something wrong with us, or we think that we always fail and are so bad at all this “life” stuff. But that’s not the case at all! So in this episode I share how to correctly rewire your brain to create sustainable habits, why positive affirmations are not sustainable solutions, why giving up on goals may actually be a good thing, and more!Show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/are-new-year-s-resolutions-just-another-form-of-toxic-positivity-why-positive-affirmations-dont-work-in-the-long-runBlinkist, one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!: To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-messBiOptimizers’s Leaky Gut Guardian, which is a great way to heal your gut and improve your immune health! Use code DRLEAF10 for 10% off any order at https://www.bioptimizers.com/drleafJenni Kayne, my favorite online store with a a beautiful selection of clothes and home goods. Get 15% off your first order when you use code DRLEAF at checkout: https://www.jennikayne.comPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:49 How New Year’s resolutions can be a form of toxic positivity2:46 It is okay to change or even not make a New Year’s resolution!4:12 Why it can be difficult to build a new mental habit and change your lifestyle5:02 How much time it really takes to change your mind14:52 Why shaming yourself for not keeping a resolution will damage your mental health16:30 Why failure is good for us and how we can learn from our experiences19:47 Keeping a resolution won’t make you happy all the time or take away all your issues22:00 Why negative emotions and feelings are telling us something about ourselves23:10 Why “bad” emotions are a normal part of life, and why it is okay to be unhappy26:00 How to change your mind and keep your resolutions-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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 2021 • 41min
How to heal from sexual abuse, childhood neglect, disordered eating & depression with Tana Amen
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: We have stuff we have to deal with, even if everything looks “perfect” on the surface. But what happens when we can’t pretend that everything is all right anymore? Is true healing possible? In this podcast I speak with NY Times best-selling author, ICU trauma nurse and vice president of Amen Clinics Tana Amen about overcoming abuse, cancer and an eating disorder, finding the courage to face your past and find true healing, how to help others recover from trauma, and so much more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-heal-from-sexual-abuse-childhood-neglect-disordered-eating-depression-with-tana-amenGet Tana's amazing book here: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/relentless-courage-of-a-scared-child/Follow Tana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/tanaamen/?hl=enSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:NOOM (A great way to develop healthier habits, reduce your risk of chronic health problems, reverse disease, and foster a healthier relationship with yourself and others! I love using NOOM to keep track of my exercise routine and make sure I am eating well every day): For your special offer see: https://noom.com/drleafThirdLove Bras (If you are like me, you know how hard it is to find a bra that looks and feels good, which is why I love ThirdLove, the most comfortable bra company around!): To get up to 20% off your ThirdLove Bra order see: https://thirdlove.com/drleafPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:49 Tana’s amazing new book, Relentless Courage4:30 Why we often minimize or hide our pain to survive6:33 Healing trauma takes time and effort7:51 Why there is power in telling your story9:52 What happened toTana, and how she overcame sexual abuse, trauma, an eating disorder and cancer17:00 Why you never know if someone is struggling or what they are going through, even when their life looks “perfect”28:45 When we struggle, we often learn and grow the mostADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, 2021 • 39min
My top lessons from 2020 + Strategies for dealing with anticipation anxiety, general anxiety disorder (GAD) & difficult family members
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this bonus episode I replay the Instagram Live I did Dec 31 2020 where I share my top lessons learned from 2020 and what I am working on in 2021. I also answer listener questions on how to deal with anxiety while waiting to get test results back and just anticipation anxiety in general, how to deal with general anxiety disorder (GAD), how to manage burnout as a medical professional, how to protect your mental health while living with "annoying" family, how to avoid giving into provocations & triggers, and more! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 2020 • 1h 16min
Your 2020 Tragedies, Triumphs, Breakups, & Breakthroughs + Valuable Lessons Learned from a Tough Year
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Happy New Year!! In this episode I replay some of the amazing, inspiring, and courageous stories you shared with me about what you struggled with and overcame in 2020, what you are working on in 2021, and who inspired you the most during one of the toughest years.To send a voice message you can use the anchor app or email me at info@drleaf.comThank you for all your support & love over this past year!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 2020 • 42min
BONUS EPISODE: Managing anxiety, loneliness, grief, & depression during the holidays + how to set & enforce boundaries with family, and listener Q&A
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I discuss how to navigate feelings of grief, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression during the holidays, how to set boundaries with family, and more! I also answer some questions from viewers. This episode was originally an Instagram Live. Follow me on social media to join in my weekly live Q&As! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2020 • 27min
A 5 step Neurocycle to heal burnout & toxic stress + tips to help you deal with feelings of overwhelm & always being "on"
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I will walk you through one of the best ways to deal with toxic stress and burnout, which is something I think we all need as 2020 comes to an end!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/newsSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Huzzah (The most delicious, low sugar seltzers that are filled with probiotics for optimal gut and brain health!). Get 20% off your order with the code DRLEAF at https://drinkhuzzah.com.-Thrive Market (Hands down, a great way to shop and save money without leaving your house! Thrive Market makes shopping easier, enjoyable and sustainable!): try Thrive Market today and become a member risk-free! Go to thrivemarket.com/DRLEAF. Join today and you’ll get a FREE gift of your choosing, up to $24 dollars in value!PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:3:00 Why is mind management so important for our mental health?4:10 The best way to manage stress & prevent burnout7:00 How toxic stress affects the brain & body8:47 Why we need to embrace our negative feelings & emotions, not ignore or suppress them12:20 How self-regulation can help us control our stress levels14:40 How writing helps organize our thinking16:33 Steps you can take today to deal with stress & prevent burnout20:42 The importance of mental & physical boundaries and why saying “no” is a good thing!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


