Dr. Caroline Leaf Podcast

We all know that our hormones are important, but did you know that they can impact our mood and mental health as well? In this podcast, I spoke to Dr. Anna Cabeca, an OB-GYN, bestselling author and hormone expert, about the neuroendocrine system, how our hormones affect our mood and mental wellbeing, how the keto diet boosts brain energy and can help us lose weight and what our urine says about our stress levels.  Dr. Anna’s desire to help others was inspired by her own life story. After the traumatic death of her young son, Anna’s health started declining as she went through PTSD-induced early menopause. Even though she was a highly-qualified doctor who trained at one of the best schools in the country, she was at a loss: nothing was working, so she went around the world looking for answers.  During her healing journey, Dr. Anna began to realize the importance of lifestyle choices and habits, and the impact they have on our hormonal health and mental and physical wellbeing. She recognized the importance of a

Join my text group for more tips, notifications of sales, and more! Just text DRLEAF to 80519  Fighting injustice and fighting for what you believe often sounds exciting, but it can come at a great cost. Yet the cost of being inauthentic, of denying who you are and what you believe in, is often greater, and can keep you in bondage, as I discuss in this week’s blog and podcast with speaker, NY Times best-selling author and top podcast host Jen Hatmaker. As Jen discusses in her amazing new book Fierce, Free and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Gloriously You, even though standing up for what you believe is right and embracing who you are and what you want in life can be challenging, the struggle is worth it. On the other side you will find beauty, fulfillment and true freedom.  This week's podcast is made possible by our sponsor BiOptimizers (my favorite supplement company)! BiOptimizers is giving away a FREE bottle of their patented proteolytic probiotic P3-OM until the end of this month. Go to www.p3om.com/le

Learning can be challenging, but did you know it can also be fun and empowering, taking you places you have never been before and helping you achieve your goals and dreams? In this podcast, I spoke with master brain coach, top podcast host and NY Times bestselling author Jim Kwik about how learning how to learn is one of the best things we can do for our mental and brain health, why our ability to use knowledge is our superpower, and how the brain is truly limitless, allowing us to be as intelligent as we want to be! As a child, Jim suffered from several traumatic brain injuries, when affected his ability to perform in school. Eventually, his desperation led to his inspiration: Jim set out to understand how the brain and memory work, and how to learn how to learn. As he notes, this is something that is not often taught in schools, where we are given lots of knowledge to learn, but are not taught how to make the most of this knowledge. Indeed, many of us incorrectly assume that intelligence is something that w

We all know fiber is good for us, but did you also know that it can help with your mental health? In this week’s blog and podcast, I speak with GI specialist and epidemiologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz about how a high-fiber diet can help boost mental and brain health, heal food sensitivities and reduce inflammation in the brain and body! In his amazing new book, Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome, Dr. B notes how even though he was very successful as a medical doctor, his processed food diet was making him miserable, tired and anxious. When he met his wife, he began to understand how real, healthy whole foods could transform his life, which led him on the path he is on today: meeting people where they are in their journey and helping them live their best and healthiest lives. As Dr. B points out, although the current healthcare system is really good at treating acute illnesses, it falls short when it comes to preventative medic

Science is science, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially when it comes to women’s health. Our understanding of the human brain and body has been clouded by years of gender bias—for decades many scientists and doctors have assumed that men and women are really the same, except for the bits and bobs that can be covered by a bikini. Yet, as this podcast guest and renowned researcher Dr. Lisa Mosconi points out, this kind of “bikini science” has dramatic implications for women’s mental and physical health that go beyond our reproductive organs, affecting every part of the brain and body.  Dr. Lisa Mosconi, PhD, is the Director of the Women’s Brain Initiative and Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC)/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she serves as an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in Neurology and Radiology. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Psychiatry at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine,

For many of us, trauma is something with a capital “T”, a big event or situation, such as a car accident or pandemic, that impacts us in dramatic and unforeseen ways. Yet, as I discuss in this week’s blog and podcast with licensed clinical social worker and therapist Alyssa Mancao, trauma with a lowercase “t” is something many people have to deal with on a daily basis. This kind of trauma, institutional or otherwise, is often normalised and suppressed, which can have a lasting impact on someone’s mental and physical health, compelling them to fight for survival in the face of persistent stressors in their environment. Thankfully, as Alyssa has seen in her social work and her private practice, many people, given the right help, can and do recover from trauma and learn how to reconnect to themselves and their communities in deep and meaningful ways. How? Alyssa focuses on bringing back the human element in therapy, going beyond evidence-based practices and focusing on the individual’s unique story and experienc

We know that our gut affects our mental health, but did you know that the fungi in our gut is especially important when it comes to our mental and physical wellbeing? In this podcast, I discuss how to identify fungal issues in the gut, how gut fungi can affect our mood and mental health, and simple changes we can all make to heal the gut microbiome with Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is one of the world’s leading microbiome researchers and the scientist who named the mycobiome, our body’s fungal community. He lectures at many institutions globally, including the National Institutes of Health, on the microbiome and his breakthrough research on probiotics. He’s published over 400 papers on his research and has been cited over 20,000 times by other scientists!  This episode is made possible by our sponsors:Kettle & Fire (the most delicious bone broths): To get 15% off your Kettle & Fire bone broth order see: Kettleandfire.com/drleaf or use code DRLEAF at checkout.​ KiwiCo (the best way to kee

Harvard professor David Sinclair believes that not only can we slow aging down, we can actually reverse it. In this episode, David Sinclair explains the three levels of aging, and what can be done on each level. He describes the lifestyle changes that slow aging down, the drug treatments that begin to stop aging, and experimental new procedures that may actually reverse aging once they are fully developed.David, who has spent decades researching longevity and ageing notes how 80% of how we age is up to us. Although many of us view ageing means a decline in function over time leading to disease and death, we don’t just have to accept that as we get old we will get sick!  Podcast Time Stamps1:50 Why David does what he does 3:54 Is aging a disease? And what can we do about this?8:13 Why 80% of health in old age is up to you10:13 How we can change our epigenome23:07 How David’s father uses his son’s research26:00 The current pandemic36:20 Covid-19 treatments​39:20: How David overcame major life setbacks​ like rej

Yes, we are in the midst of a global crisis. For many people, life is incredibly challenging right now. It is easy to lose hope, and fear what will happen in the future. But did you know that you can also use this time to grow as a person, learn how to make the most of living in the moment and discover the opportunities that present themselves? It is often the case in life that something good is birthed out of something bad. Crises can be watershed moments, compelling us to get out of our comfort zone, teaching us to embrace our fears and helping us make the most of living in the moment, as I discuss in this podcast with leadership expert and best-selling author John Maxwell. Even though events like the current COVID-19 pandemic can disrupt our schedules and plans, we can still find clarity in the present, and make the most of the only time we know we have: right now.  Podcast Time Stamps7:29 Why leaders have to lead differently in times of crisis9:00 The power of living in the moment 14:10 The scientific val

I am sure you have seen the joke floating around social media about “finishing” Netflix. Truth is, many people suddenly have a lot more time on their hands, and are not quite sure what to do or how to make their most of their self-quarantine. While I am not supportive of making this pandemic a productivity contest, I do believe there are ways we can use our timely wisely which will help reduce anxiety and stress! It's vital to remember that productivity does not determine your worth BUT it is helpful to know how to do productivity well so it becomes a good habit. In this podcast, I talk about how to make staying at home more productive, how to get more things done in less time, and how to organize your commitments and make the most of your life with world-renown productivity expert David Allen.  This episode was recorded before the crisis and quarantine but the lessons and tips are so relevant for now. Podcast Time Stamps2:38 How David stays on top of his game6:15 What is the greatest barrier to productivity?

Relationships can be challenging at the best of times, but what do you do when you are stuck in self-quarantine with a difficult person? How do you set boundaries and deal with challenging roommates, partners or family members? In this podcast, I talk about what we can do if it is not safe to go outdoors or stay inside, how to set firm boundaries during this period of self-quarantine and how to navigate difficult relationships with relationship therapist and clinical social worker Nedra Tawwab.  Podcast Time Stamps1:50 Why Nedra loves helps helping people create healthy relationships2:32 What happens if there is a toxic environment at home?3:50 If you are uncomfortable at home, set boundaries! 5:33 What do you do if your relationship was in trouble before the crisis? 7:00 How to handle emotional or verbal abuse?10:55 Triggers are indicators that boundaries need to be put in place. 15:18 What if the people you live with don’t respect boundaries?16:52 Living with someone who doesn’t respect the quarantine19:26

It is widely understood that the mind-body connection is important, but did you know that it has the power to change your life? In this podcast (one of my personal favorites!) I speak to the incredible “Iceman” Wim Hof about the incredible capacity we all have to control our thinking and change our biology, overcome toxic stress and stay strong amidst major crises like the current pandemic.  Wim Hof got his nickname by breaking a number of records related to cold exposure. His feats include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle on his bare feet, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes!  Having embraced the majestic force of nature, Wim became convinced that everyone can tap into this potential without having to invest the same decades worth of study, travel and daring, so he developed the Wim Hof Method: a natural path to an optimal state of body and mind.  Podcast Highlights & Time Stamps6:20 Why we are easily over

We all know we should try our best and strive for excellence in everything we do, but what happens when this desire to do well turns toxic? In this podcast, I speak to clinical psychologist Dr. Margaret Rutherford about how perfectionism can be another manifestation of depression, what to do when our desire to succeed becomes destructive, why we need to learn, rather than fear, our failures and useful techniques to overcome perfectionist tendencies.In her new book, Perfectly-Hidden Depression, Margaret notes how many perfectionists often don’t acknowledge or know that they are depressed, or that their desire to succeed in every area of their lives is a coping strategy to deal with past hurts and trauma. Many do not have what are considered “normal” traits of depression, that is feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Indeed, in a number of cases they do not know how to express uncomfortable or painful feelings and emotions, and tend to talk about what they have gone through in a very detached way.This type

Life expectancy and living well seems to be on everyone’s minds these days, but did you know that around 85% of our longevity is based on our lifestyle choices and environment? In this week’s blog and podcast, I spoke with NYT Bestselling author, explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist and producer Dan Buettner about the world’s healthiest and longest living communities (known as the blue zones), the power of purpose, how healthy eating is affordable and how you too can live to be a 100! Podcast Highlights & Time Stamps-3:17 What are the blue zones?-4:45 How does a blue zone diet help with mental health?-5:50 The most common denominators of longevity-9:00 What’s wrong with the self-help industry?-13:20 How to make the healthiest decision the easiest decision-14:14 The power of purpose-17:14 The power of downshifting-20:57 Why there is no magic bullet that will help you live longer-24:20 Is eating healthy really more expensive?-28:08 How to turn your city into a blue zone Podcast tra

In this podcast I answer some of the questions you have sent in regarding handling COVID-19 anxiety, and coping with social distancing and staying at home. I want to try to help you as much as I can, giving you tools to help you manage your mind in this crisis and stay strong, mentally and physically. Read the podcast blog and transcript here:https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-deal-with-the-pain-of-uncertainty-and-insecurity-during-the-current-crisis-more-tips-and-mental-health-strategies-to-help-you-find-peace-during-the-pandemic Podcast Time Highlights:02:26 How to talk to your children about the current crisis08:37 How to handle angry outbreaks from your children14:23 What if you know someone who has COVID-19?20:26 How do I deal with social distancing and loneliness?28:00 How do you not let anxiety ruin your sleep?32:00 What if you feel guilty leaving your child in care while you work?34:52 What to do if you are struggling to concentrate or sleep38:17 How to speak to a teenager or young adult about the c

Therapy is something that many people are either ashamed about or joke about. Yet the need to speak to someone about what is going on in your life is neither shameful or funny. For many people, therapy is something that helps them deal with the vagaries of modern life, and may even be a matter of life or death.In this episode I speak with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, world-renown speaker and host of the popular podcast Therapy for Black Girls on why we should all see someone, how to find the right therapist, how to get access if money and location is an issue, how to navigate the stigma of therapy, and more. Dr. Joy also shares some great tips on how to protect your mental health when faced with racism and discrimination.  Podcast Time Stamps-2:11 Why Dr. Joy chose therapy over teaching  -5:30 Why many people fear therapy -12:02 Why therapy is about helping you, not helping the therapist -14:21 We are all “crazy” -16:04 How to find the perfect therapist -20:05 What if you can’t afford a t

When it comes to success in life or business, we know we need to know what we want. But how do we go from a dream to real life? How does an aspiration become a success? In this podcast, I discuss the power of vision with best-selling author and successful businessman Michael Hyatt, and how vision precedes resources, directs alignment and execution, reduces unnecessary stress at work and at home, and leads to long-term success. Podcast Time Highlights2:18 How Michael became a leadership mentor4:25 What is the difference between an opportunity and a distraction?7:07 What do you do when you encounter resistance?10:00 What is a vision script?18:58 How to become a more effective leader27:05 The hustle fallacy31:19 How to create a vision script37:00 Why you need to give yourself permission to rest39:40 The value of play45:00 Don’t let your work become your identity47:55 Why vision is a process, not a statement55:15 How to talk to a boss/manager about mental health Read the full show blog and transcript: https://drl

In this episode I interview epidemiologist and GI specialist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on all things Coronavirus. Dr. Will debunks misinformation, shares some helpful tips on how to protect yourself, what to do if you think you have the virus, how we should be handling the situation, how to boost your immune system, what's the deal on finding a vaccine, and so much more! Podcast Highlights:-4:22 Why knowledge is power-6:28 Where did this all begin?-7:40 Why is COVID-19 spreading so fast?-11:13 Why you can infect people even if you feel fine-12:27 Why this is different to the 2003 SARS epidemic -13:23 What are the symptoms we need to look out for?-14:48 Flattening the curve -16:30 Why social distancing is saving lives -17:11 Our hospitals do not have enough resources -19:43 Why are things so different in South Korea?-24:10 Why we need to test, test, test!-25:32 How is COVID-19 transmitted? -27:38 Why everyone is talking about hand washing -29:40 The best places to find information about COVID-19-30:56 Should we all

Many people around the world are currently stuck at home, which can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Yet what happens if you have young children? What happens when the schools are closed, you have to work and everyone is at home, frustrated, scared and uncertain as to how long this situation will last? In this week’s blog and podcast, I speak to child psychologist, parenting coach, author of The Tantrum Survival Guide: Tune In to Your Toddler's Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again, founder of Little House Calls and mother of two young boys Dr. Rebecca Schrag Hershberg on parenting during the pandemic, tips on how to help your children deal with changes in routines, missed milestones, anxiety and fear, and mental health strategies for parents. Podcast Time Highlights-7:00 Why Rebecca loves children-9:30 Why we need to be the grown-ups in the room-11:18 How do we manage disrupted routines?-12:35 Discipline in context -16:50 Should we still celebrate birthdays?-19:33 P

We are surrounded by information, and many of us know what we need to do to be healthier, so why don’t we do it? Why is there such a disconnect between information and implementation? Can we learn to make better decisions? In this week’s blog and podcast, I discuss why we often make poor choices with doctors David and Austin Perlmutter, and how we can overcome the curse of instant gratification and technology addiction, detox our brains and live happier lives.Podcast Time Highlights-5:19 What is mental hijacking?-8:50 The disconnection syndrome-11:40 Why is empathy so important?-14:05 How do we take back control of our mind?-20:40 How instant gratification damages the brain-33:55 Inflammation and depressive thinking: is there a link?-41:10 Narcissism and the plague of tribalism -54:25 How to work with family-59:00 How to raise successful, smart and healthy children-1:01:37 Current wellness trends: the good, the bad and the ugly Read the full episode transcript and blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-