Dr. Caroline Leaf Podcast

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-

Handling your finances can be challenging at the best of times, but what happens when you are in the midst of a pandemic? How do you keep your money safe when the world around you is in a state of flux? In this podcast, I speak with financial expert Chris Hogan on strategies to manage your finances and reduce money anxieties during this crisis, as well as helpful tips on how to save, budget, and plan for a recession or a layoff. Podcast Time Highlights-2:05 Is the economy being quarantined?-2:32 The stock market is a living thing-3:26 How to control the controllables-4:08 Are the banks safe? -5:06 401Ks and the investment rollercoaster-6:18 Why you shouldn’t have all your eggs in one basket-6:41 What can we do if there is a recession?-7:58 Why is everyone talking about interest rates?-8:57 Is there any hope for small business owners?-12:00 Debt is always a threat-15:12 How can I support small business owners?-16:14 What can you do if you have been laid off?-19:57 How do you deal with market volatility?-23:22

Many of us are spending a lot more time at home these days (and dealing with a lot more stress!), so there is no better time to look at how we can make our living spaces happier and healthier. In this week’s blog and podcast, I speak with bestselling author, journalist, podcast host and filmmaker Max Lugavere on how we can get rid of toxins in our home that may be contributing to our anxiety, and how we can all make simple and easy changes to our lifestyle that can boost our mood and improve our wellbeing.To get Max's new book The Genius Life visit: https://geniuslifebook.com For more info on Max visit his website: https://www.maxlugavere.com  Podcast Time Highlights-2:20 How Max went from pre-med to telling people’s stories-7:54 Why nutrition is just one part of the health story-12:35 Why exercise is medicine for the brain-18:28 Why we should take more cold showers & the power of thermal exercise-23:55 Environmental toxins and the game of chemical whack-a-mole-30:40 How to de-stress and manage anxiety at

This calming audio guide will help you pre-, during, and post-panic attack. It is taken from my new brain detox app SWITCH. In this app you will learn how to identify the root of whatever is causing you mental distress, how to eliminate the toxic thinking habit and patter, and rebuild a healthy new neural network. It's 5 step 21 day program that takes 15-30mins each day.To download the app today visit: https://theswitch.appWith all the stress, anxiety, social distancing and isolation stemming from the coronavirus, the need to connect with each other is more critical than ever. Join our dedicated Facebook group to stay connected with others and share your challenges and best tips for dealing with our new normal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870578619744226/?ref=shareVisit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health! And be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get even more mental self-care tips delivered to your inbox week

We all know that exercise is good for us, but did you know that movement changes us from the inside out, improving both our mental and physical health? In this episode I discuss the power of movement with bestselling author, research psychologist and lecturer at Stanford Dr. Kelly Mcgonigal, and how exercise can help defeat depression, anxiety, loneliness and shame, making us feel more connected with ourselves and with others. PLUS Kelly shares some great tips on how to get more movement and exercise at home and in your daily routine so you don't even have to go to a gym! Podcast Time Highlights-2:39 What Kelly wants written on her tombstone-4:25 How exercise helps heal depression and anxiety  -9:11 Your brain on exercise-13:20 How exercise makes you a nicer person -16:45 How movement connects us -21:00 Why all movement is good movement -25:00 How exercise helps us deal with toxic stress-32:18 Hope molecules -37:44 Exercise and the gut microbiome-44:00 How movement can help you love yourself -48:13 Exercise a

The world is currently riveted in fear of what is known as COVID-19, a new type of coronavirus that has put a lot of people at risk of getting ill or potentially dying. I understand that this situation can be frightening, and we should take all necessary precautions, following the WHO and CDC guidelines. We need to bring balance to the fear, because the fear can be more dangerous than the virus. In fact, fear-based stress and anxiety can and will weaken your immune system, the very thing that needs to be strong during a health crisis! In this special podcast episode I cover tips, techniques, and simple strategies to help protect and boost your mental and physical health during this pandemic. WHO website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happenCDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html Additional resources:

Life can be tough. You will fail at certain things. You will be stressed. Bad things will happen to you. People will disappoint you. But did you know that, despite all these things, life can be awesome? Yes, it is true! In this week’s blog and podcast, I talk with bestselling author and speaker Neil Pasricha about how we can all learn to be more stress-resilient and failure-proof, how life is still awesome even when things don’t go our way, and how we can teach our children to thrive in a world where change is inevitable. Neil is no stranger to bad news. A number of years ago his first wife left him and his best friend committed suicide. To cope with his grief, he decided to start a blog called 1000 Awesome Things to cheer himself up, which focused on life’s simple pleasures. This blog soon became viral, was voted one of the best blogs in the world and led to Neil’s his first bestseller, The Book of Awesome, which focuses on how, despite the ups and downs of life, there is so much to be thankful for and amaze

In this podcast I interview the incredible creator and founder of Whole30 and bestselling author, Melissa Urban, on her health journey, dealing with trauma, how to recover from addiction, how to help someone who is battling with depression and much more! Melissa didn’t just wake up on day and decide to found the Whole30 movement. Her journey to health was a long one: even though she grew up in a good home, she was sexually abused by a family member as a teenager. To suppress the trauma, she turned to drugs, and what started off as a distraction soon became an addiction. She tried to hold in her pain, and started self-destructing internally—trauma and pain cannot be suppressed, and will manifest in other areas of our lives if we do not embrace, acknowledge and deal with the hard stuff in life.  Podcast Time Highlights: 2:34 What inspired the Whole30 movement? 4:08, 43:00 How community lays the foundation for true success 6:00, 8:08 How Melissa overcame her drug addiction 19:08 How we are not defined by any one