The Brain Warrior's Way Podcast

In this powerful episode, Dr. Daniel Amen sits down with two inspiring brain health coaches whose personal journeys prove that healing the brain can transform your life. From inherited trauma and destructive choices to purpose, peace, and passion—they discovered how understanding the brain was the key to lasting change. Now these Amen University brain health coaches on a mission to help others move from emotional pain to resilience, and from scattered focus to extraordinary success. You’ll hear brain health strategies anyone can use, along with real stories of people who’ve overcome ADHD, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and more—and are now sharing the message of hope and healing around the world. 00:00 Intro 01:03 Sponsor 01:25 Barbara’s Story 05:32 Laura’s Story 10:56 Elite Brain Health Training 12:20 Why We Need a Revolution 14:25 Katie’s Brain Health Discovery 17:35 You Need to Care About Your Brain 19:14 The Aftermath of Tragedy 23:00 Different Expressions of the Same Lifestyle 26:03 The Amen Whole 4 Blueprint 28:44 Galileo’s Psychiatrist 30:55 Winning Over Skepticism 34:17 Creating Brain Health Leaders 36:04 The Younger Generation of  44:27 New Studies on Hope 45:55 Spreading the Message 54:46 First Steps for Aspiring Brain Health Leaders 1:06:39 Sponsor 1:07:22 Wrap Up   For more on becoming a voice in the Brain Health Revolution, visit www.amenuniversity.com  

What if the pain in your marriage isn’t from fights, cheating, or resentment—but from a hidden condition you’ve never heard of? In this powerful episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen sit down with renowned sex therapist Dr. Doug Weiss to explore Intimacy Anorexia—a silent relationship killer that affects more couples than you might think. Discover the subtle signs, the root causes (including trauma and neglect), and how healing is possible. If you feel more like roommates than soulmates, don’t miss this provocative conversation. 00:00 Intro 01:07 Sponsor 03:37 Intimacy Anorexia in Relationships 05:55 How Pain Manifests in Relationships 09:28 Married & Alone 11:31 Research on Relationship Traumas 13:30 Narcissism: Paying the Bill 16:22 Paradigm for Change  18:32 Origins of Intimacy Anorexics 21:45 Neglect & Spirituality 23:31 Clues to Intimacy Anorexia 25:15 Examining Gender Differences 28:40 Sponsor 29:40 Wrap Up   Dr. Weiss’ new book, Forgiveness for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Everyone-Dr-Doug-Weiss/dp/1881292592  

Sex addiction isn’t just about bad behavior—it’s destroying relationships, hijacking brains, and feeding a cycle of guilt and secrecy. In this powerful episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen sit down with leading expert Dr. Doug Weiss to expose what’s really driving unhealthy sexual behavior—from childhood trauma to modern porn culture. Discover the six types of sex addicts, how to know if you or someone you love is in trouble, and what real recovery looks like. Whether you’re struggling, in a relationship with a sex addict, or just want to understand the growing crisis no one talks about—this conversation is for you. 00:00 Intro 01:27 Sponsor 01:50 Doug Weiss 05:27 What is Sexual Addiction? 07:27 The Evolution of Sexual Addiction 09:59 The Arousal Template 13:37 The Battle for Sexuality 15:22 The 6 Types of Addicts 18:04 The Effects of Sexual Trauma 21:29 Recovery 25:40 Help for the Partners 27:41 Bordeline Personality Disorder 31:27 Finding Support 33:28 Infidelity vs Sexual Addiction 35:26 Intimacy Anorexia 28:12 More About Dr. Weiss 39:13 Sponsor 40:01 Wrap Up   drdougweiss.com sexaddict.com   Dr. Weiss’ new book, Forgiveness for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Everyone-Dr-Doug-Weiss/dp/1881292592  

“Flip or Flop” star Tarek El Moussa seemed to have it all—hit TV shows, fame, fortune—but behind the scenes, his life was falling apart. In this deeply revealing episode, Tarek opens up to Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen about the hidden brain struggles that shaped his life: birth trauma, multiple mental health diagnoses, alcoholism, cancer, toxic self-talk, and a near breakdown at the height of his career. After a revealing brain scan and emotional conversation, he begins to understand why he’s struggled for so long—and what he can do to finally heal. This is a relatable story of turning pain into passion and rebuilding from within. 00:00 Intro 00:44 Sponsor 01:08 Chance Encounter 05:45 Why I Am the Way I Am 08:13 Your Brain is Hurt 13:23 Coming Off of Meds 16:09 Turning Pain into Fuel 18:03 The Birth of the “Flip” Empire 24:04 The Brain’s Rejection of Success 26:06 The Last Day as a Family 31:46 Self-Medication 34:32 Tarek’s Brain SPECT Scan (Surface) 36:30 Neuropsychological Testing 42:04 Mental Hygiene 48:48 Parents/Self-Talk 51:33 The Plan 57:48 Sponsor 58:36 Wrap Up

Heather Rae El Moussa has spent years in the public eye—from her battle with anorexia at 17 to becoming a star on Selling Sunset and launching a successful beauty brand. But after giving birth to her son, Heather faced a new set of challenges: crashing energy, mood swings, and a worsening thyroid condition that left her feeling like she was dying. In this deeply personal episode, Heather joins Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen to share how motherhood reshaped her body, brain, and priorities. She opens up about being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, the toll stress and hormones took on her mental health, and why she turned to brain imaging to understand what was really going on inside. Find out what her brain reveals and what she’s doing to stay sharp, centered, and thriving. If you’ve ever felt off after a major life shift, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Sponsor 03:06 Beautiful on the Inside 06:31 Falling in Love with Your Brain 07:12 The Thyroid 11:55 Active Brain/Mood Cycle 14:16 Total Brain 17:57 Heather’s Brain 19:57 Concussion 23:29 The Emotional Brain/Coordination 26:00 Early Stress & Trauma 35:53 Addressing Past Traumas 38:53 Brain Makeover 49:14 Sponsor 50:28 Wrap Up

What if the key to becoming your best self… is already inside you—waiting to be activated? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen talk with performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman about the proven mental strategies used by Olympic athletes, Super Bowl champions, and top executives to crush self-doubt and perform at the highest level. Drawing on decades of coaching experience and insights from his bestselling book The Alter Ego Effect, Todd shares how stepping into a powerful identity—like Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” or Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce”—can help you overcome fear, unlock confidence, and tap into your hidden strengths. Whether you’re chasing a big goal or trying to heal from past pain, this episode will show you how to bridge the gap between who you are and who you need to be.   00:00 Intro 00:45 Sponsor 02:11 The Alter Ego Effect 04:37 Origin Story 09:09 Olympic Redemption 12:30 Creating an Alter Ego 17:57 Death of a Persona 22:17 The 5 Steps to Create an Alter Ego 26:12 Positive vs Negative Motivation 31:05 Defining the Conditions 41:57 The Uniform 45:30 Todd’s Work 54:38  Sponsor 55:52 Wrap Up   For more on Todd's work: https://alteregoeffect.com

Strength isn’t just for looks—it’s protection for your brain, body, and longevity. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen reveal why building muscle is one of the best ways to prevent dementia, depression, and frailty. Learn how strength training boosts memory, mood, and focus—and why it’s your body’s insurance policy against life’s unexpected setbacks. Tana shares her personal story of trauma and healing through fitness, and the science behind real brain-healthy enhancers like creatine, protein, and sleep. Whether you’re recovering from injury or just want to stay sharp, this episode will inspire you to get stronger—inside and out.   00:00 Intro 01:10 The Connection Between the Physical Strength & the Brain 03:56 Clearing the Cobwebs 06:31 What Robs Your Strength? 08:21 Strength Enhancing Fakers 13:38 Healthy Ways to Build Strength 14:06 Sponsor 14:46 Diet & Lifestyle 16:37 Creatine 23:01 Brain & Body Reserve 27:07 Wrap Up   Smart Creatine, Brain T-Max, and other brain-healthy supplements: https://brainmd.com

Feeling stuck in low moods, negativity, or the never-ending “blahs”? It’s not just in your head—it’s in your brain. Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen expose the hidden biological, psychological, social, and spiritual mood stealers that quietly hijack your happiness. Tana opens up about how a cancer diagnosis—and the wrong antidepressant—sent her spiraling into darkness, and the life-saving strategies that helped her fight her way back. Plus, find out how an everyday spice—saffron—could work as well as antidepressant medication, backed by decades of research. 00:00 Intro 00:57 Mood is a Brain Function 02:45 Your Physical Brain Function Affects Your Mood 05:48 The Physical Causes of Mood Disorders 09:00 Taking the Wrong Medication 11:50 Psychological/Social/Spiritual Factors 13:46 Mood Robbers 17:49 Sponsor 18:30 Mood Enhancing Fakers 24:53 Saffron 31:53 TMG/SAMe 35:16 Wrap Up https://brainmd.com  

If you’re tired of being tired, this episode is for you. Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen break down the three biggest categories that affect your energy: what steals it, what fakes it, and what truly enhances it. From toxic people (known as “energy vampires”) to tech overload, caffeine crashes to clean supplements, you’ll learn what’s draining your spark and the best ways to boost lasting energy—without burning out.   00:00 Intro 00:58 Energy Robbers, Fakers, & Enhancers 03:11 Uncontrolled Thoughts 04:29 Energy Vampires 07:43 Poor Sleep Habits 10:00 Processed Foods & Sugar 13:43 Decision Fatigue 16:09 Sponsor 16:56 Caffeine 18:57 Adrenaline Addiction 19:51 Social Media 20:08 Breakfast/Nutrition 25:08 Sunlight/Movement 25:39 Cold Plunges/Boundaries 27:05 Peak Energy 32:28 Wrap Up   Peak Energy and other brain-healthy supplements: https://brainmd.com

In this mind-expanding episode, Dr. Daniel Amen sits down with biohacker and Heavily Meditated author Dave Asprey to explore how meditation—and a few unexpected brain hacks—can rewire your nervous system in real time. You’ll learn Dave’s go-to “reset process” to calm your brain and body within seconds of being triggered, why most relationship conflicts have nothing to do with your partner, and the two emotional concepts adults dread most. Plus, discover a rapid-fire breathing technique to instantly destress, a controversial one-minute trick to reset your dopamine, and how intimacy can become one of the most transformative meditations of all. https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ 00:00 Intro 00:38 Sponsor 02:03 The Father of Biohacking 05:08 Training Your Brain for Meditation 07:40 Our Inner States Don’t Have Words 10:40 Managing Alerts 12:21 What Meditation Does to the Brain 14:06 The Reset Process 19:19 Compassion 22:24 Joe Rogan Incident 24:52 Building Resilience 27:36 Connections/Removing Friction 32:08 Creating a Meditation Practice 33:47 Breathwork 36:18 Entrainment Methods 38:40 Gaining Control Over Your Nervous System 42:48 Conscious Loving Intimacy 45:21 Sponsor 46:35 Wrap Up

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