CLEANING UP YOUR MENTAL MESS with Dr. Caroline Leaf

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3D AGO

    Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things (with Jeff Krasnos)

    Pre-order my new book here and get over $400 worth of amazing bonuses (and a chance to work 1:1 with me!): https://a.co/d/484tmSe In this insightful episode I sit down with Jeff Krasno, author of Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things. Jeff shares his personal journey from a diabetes diagnosis to reclaiming health through embracing life's challenges. We delve into the concept of 'good stress'—how practices like fasting, cold exposure, and engaging in difficult conversations can enhance physiological, psychological, and social well-being. Jeff also discusses the evolutionary mismatch between our ancestors' stressors and today's comforts, offering practical strategies to harness stress for growth and resilience. Tune in to discover how doing hard things can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life! Get Jeff's book here: https://onecommune.mykajabi.com/goodstressbook?preview_theme_id=2159005940 Sponsors making this episode possible:  ZOCDOC: Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/LEAF to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You'll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/mentalmess to get this offer! 📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    49 min
  2. MAR 19

    Do you suffer from FOBO (Fear of Better Options)?

    Pre-order my new book here: https://a.co/d/484tmSe Are FOBO (Fear of Better Options) and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) running your life? The constant chase for the “best” choice can leave you mentally drained, stuck in decision paralysis, and dissatisfied—even when you do decide. In this episode, we break down Barry Schwartz’s Paradox of Choice and uncover the hidden mental costs of overchoice. Learn four powerful strategies—including pre-deciding, setting digital boundaries, and using the Neurocycle—to clear the chaos, simplify decisions, and take back control of your mind. Tune in and start thinking deeply, living intentionally, and hacking your brain for a better life! Sponsors making this episode possible: PUORI: Right now you get an amazing 20% off their health products, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAFand use my promo code DRLEAF, or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase. BiOPTIMIZERS: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to BiOptimizers.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10%. The great thing about BlOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee! HERO: Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code DRLEAF at checkout.  📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    24 min
  3. MAR 12

    7 Life-Changing Truths I Wish I Knew Sooner

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 What if a few mindset shifts could change everything? In this episode, I’m sharing 7 life-changing truths that can transform the way you think, feel, and interact with the world. From managing expectations without resentment to setting healthy boundaries, embracing rest, and making kindness your superpower—these insights will help you rewire your mind for more peace, wisdom, and resilience. Sponsors making this episode possible: AG1: AG1 is offering new subscribers a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You'll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. So make sure to check out DrinkAG1.com/mentalmess to get this offer! Ancient Nutrition: Ancient Nutrition is offering 25% off your first order when you go to AncientNutrition.com/DRLEAFOllie Dog Food: Give your pup a fresh start this new year by letting them taste test a personalized meal plan with Ollie! Head to Ollie.com/DRLEAF, tell them all about your dog, and use code DRLEAF to get 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! Plus, they offer a Clean Bowl Guarantee on the first box, so if you're not completely satisfied, you'll get your money back. 📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    26 min
  4. MAR 5

    5 Neuroscientific And Slightly Hilarious Cheat Codes To Hack Life

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 Want to hack your brain for a better life? In this episode, we’re diving into five science-backed psychological "cheat codes" that can help you build better connections, stop overthinking, and boost confidence—all with the power of neuroscience. From the magic of asking for favors to the game-changing 3-second eye contact rule, these simple tricks are backed by your brain’s wiring. Tune in to learn how to make your mind work for you instead of against you! Sponsors making this episode possible: PUORI: Right now you get an amazing 20% off their health products, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAFand use my promo code DRLEAF, or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase. BIOPTIMIZERS MUSHROOM BREAKTHROUGH: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to BiOptimizers.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10%. The great thing about BlOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee! 📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    18 min
  5. FEB 26

    Soft Life: The Science of Thriving Without the Hustle

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 Is hustle culture crushing your well-being? It’s time to rethink success. In this episode, we dive into the ‘Soft Life’—a movement that isn’t about laziness but radical self-preservation. Learn how rejecting burnout, prioritizing rest, and rewiring your brain can lead to sustainable happiness. I’ll share personal insights, neuroscience-backed strategies, and practical ways to step off the productivity treadmill. Ready to redefine success on your terms? Let’s do it together. Sponsors making this episode possible: Pouri: Right now you get an amazing 20% off their health products, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAF and use my promo code DRLEAF • Or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase - still such great savings. Bioptimizers: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to BiOptimizers.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10%. And the great thing about BlOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. Ollie Dog Food: Give your pup a fresh start this new year by letting them taste test a personalized meal plan with Ollie! Head to Ollie.com/DRLEAF, tell them all about your dog, and use code DRLEAF to get 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! Plus, they offer a Clean Bowl Guarantee on the first box, so if you’re not completely satisfied, you’ll get your money back.  📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    39 min
  6. FEB 19

    The Right Kind of Optimism: Balancing Hope with Realism

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 You’ve probably heard me talk about being *wired for love*, but did you know that optimism isn’t just about being positive all the time? That’s not realistic! In this episode, I dive into the science of optimism—how it shapes our brains, boosts resilience, and even improves our health. But here’s the catch: the *right* kind of optimism isn’t just about seeing the bright side—it’s about balancing hope with realism (and yes, even a little bit of pessimism!). I’ll share practical tips to help you develop a mindset that fuels growth, problem-solving, and real success. Let’s find that *Goldilocks* sweet spot together! Sponsors making this episode possible: -Ancient Nutrition: Ancient Nutrition is offering 25% off your first order when you go to AncientNutrition.com/DRLEAF. -Hero: I love that Hero has monthly small batch drops of indulgent favorites like the popular two gram net carb Hero Croissant and new surprises coming each month this year! And for a limited time Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code DRLEAF at checkout. -Zocdoc:  Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/LEAF to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! 📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    29 min
  7. FEB 12

    Embrace Your Mortality to Truly Live

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 New Year's resolutions? Overdone. Instead, imagine your deathbed. Inspired by a Wall Street Journal article on Panera Bread founder Ron Schaich, this episode explores the power of a premortem—a life audit that ensures you won’t wait until the end to decide if you’re proud of your life. From Buddhist teachings to Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks, I share how this practice reshaped my own priorities after a personal tragedy. What can you do in the next five years that you’ll respect looking back from your deathbed? Tune in for a perspective shift that just might change your life. Sponsors making this episode possible: -PUORI: I have an amazing deal for you: right now you get an amazing 20% off, or if you choose their already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Available when you visit my exclusive URL Puori.com/DRLEAF and use my promo code DRLEAF • Or save 20% off when you make a one-time purchase – still such great savings. -BIOPTIMIZERS MUSHROOM BREAKTHROUGH: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to BiOptimizers.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10%. And the great thing about BlOptimizers is that you can try it risk-free with their 365-day money-back guarantee. 📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    30 min
  8. FEB 5

    Loneliness Isn't the Problem—Your Thoughts Are

    Pre-order my new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Help-Hurry-Finding-Overwhelmed-Stressed/dp/0801093260/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XDyjiWpiM9uAO4e1rDROIg.2fzlEXTA_MwJYfZP5WYga80TJaLfUfl2Z2lXGclynhA&qid=1738788667&sr=8-1 Did you know that ruminating on loneliness is more linked to depression than actual loneliness? In this episode, we dive into the science of QZE—your brain's constant state of growth based on what you focus on—and how to shift your thoughts in the right direction. Learn how a simple "QZE Mindshift" using the Neurocycle can break the rumination-depression cycle and transform loneliness into meaningful connection. Tune in for practical steps and the surprising power of talking to strangers. Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it truly helps the show grow. Sponsors making this episode possible: -APOSTROPHE: Get your first visit for only five dollars at Apostrophe.com/DRLEAF when you use our code: DRLEAF. That’s a savings of fifteen dollars! This code is only available to my listeners.  📫 250,000+ read my free newsletter that breaks down scientific strategies to help you improve your mental health. Sign up here: https://drleaf.com 🖥️WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrCarolineLeaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 My website: https://drleaf.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf 💻 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf *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.

    27 min

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
3,058 Ratings

About

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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