Armed with a PhD in Neuroscience and plenty of personal experience, I'm breaking down mental health so you don't have to.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Welcome to my breakdown!

Personal note lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque pretium id interdum mauris pharetra aliquet. Sed proin tellus donec tincidunt est convallis ipsum pharet.

Latest Episodes

More Episodes

Latest Episodes

I Was Enmeshed with My Mom

This week we're sitting down with the fearless, hilarious, and thoughtful Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, Fleabag) as he opens up about the challenges that have shaped him, from his early battles with OCD and questioning his identity, to intense enmeshment with his mother and overcoming those tendencies as he navigates adult relationships. Brett opens up about: - The ways he felt different growing up - His early experiences with drug use - His OCD around numbers and fear of the future - Why questioning his sexuality as a kid led him to have a breakdown He also shares insights on method acting, the importance of creating space for men to challenge toxic masculinity, and the importance of infusing all of your endeavors with a little bit of yourself. PLUS Mayim explains why self-centeredness may actually be at the root of our attempts at caring for others! This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dance between our past experiences and our present selves. TUNE IN to find out how facing your past can dramatically reshape your future!

Ask Mayim Anything #6: Earworms, Love’s Effects on the Brain, Outgrowing Your Therapist, ADHD & Age, The Breastfeeding Bond

What are the effects of love on the brain? Can ADHD worsen as we age? Why do we crave certain foods at certain times? How do I know when I've outgrown my relationship with my therapist? Mayim answers these questions and MORE on another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! SHE BREAKS DOWN: - "Stuck Song" Syndrome, AKA "Earworms" - The correlation between head injuries and mental illness (including treatments to help!) - Sensory Processing Disorder and when to seek support for it - The differences between hyper- and hyposensitivity - Why oxytocin can lead to attachment - The effects of low levels of serotonin PLUS we have a SPECIAL GUEST this episode..... Nurture Neuroscientist, Infant Sleep Educator, & Doula Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum joins us to explain how breastfeeding promotes the bond between parent and child, and her TOP 5 REASONS your baby isn’t sleeping! Mayim also tackles your ADHD questions, from why more women are being diagnosed with ADHD to the causes of exacerbated ADHD symptoms. She also reflects on her animated voiceover roles and the risks of being friends with your therapist. TUNE IN to see if your question was answered this episode!!

Why Bad Boys Feel Good

Vagus Nerve Secrets REVEALED: Discover how to feel safe with the groundbreaking creator of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges! Dr. Porges helps us answer all of the important questions, like: - Why are we attracted to "BAD" people? - How can trauma prevent us from accessing the body’s healing resources, AND what is the link between TRAUMA & OBESITY? - Why do certain sounds instantly calm us down? - Why might neurodivergent individuals have a hard time connecting with others? - How can vagus findings be used to improve institutions like prisons, hospitals, and schools? PLUS find out what signals you're sending without even realizing it and how to create a safer, more connected world around us. WE ALSO BREAK DOWN: - Dr. Porges' journey of discovering the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory - Scientific evidence for why the dating process should be slowed - Good vs Bad stress - Why dissociation is an adaptation - How speech patterns can affect our anxiety levels - How Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is connected to our mindset and well-being - "Freezing" as an alternative to "Fight" & "Flight" - The importance of creating a safe space for others - The traits of a well-attuned therapist - Why hypersensitivity (especially auditory) affects everything - The dangers of labels without accounting for individual history Whether you're a neuroscience enthusiast, seeking self-improvement tips, or just curious about the hidden powers within us, this episode is packed with intriguing insights and practical advice. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the wonders of the human body and mind. TUNE IN to discover the SECRET to EMOTIONAL SAFETY!

Grow Your Love Muscle, with Dan Harris!

An adrenaline-fueled war reporter, self-medicated with cocaine. The panic attack on live TV that brought him to meditation. This is a RAW & REVEALING look into how Dan Harris (10% Happier author & podcaster) struggled behind his polished on-screen persona. What's a better way to celebrate MBB's 200TH EPISODE?!!! Dan reveals how his reporting from the frontlines of Iraq led to self-medicating his depression with recreational drugs, and how meditation was the ultimate game-changer. THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION FOR ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY CAN'T MEDITATE! Learn the practical skills to happiness, how to detach from your narrative through metacognition, and create a buffer between stimulus and reaction. Mayim shares her personal struggles with meditation and gets practical tips from Dan that could change your perception of meditation forever. Plus, dive into different forms of meditation that enhance concentration, gratitude, and how a lovingkindness meditation practice can reshape your day-to-day life. Dan also explains how meditation caused him to shift his perception of himself and in relation to others, what our goals with meditation should be, and what his lovingkindness meditation practice looks like today. Curious about MDMA's therapeutic potential for emotional awareness, adrenaline addiction, or what a coke-fueled panic looks like from the inside? This episode is your front-row seat to a MIND-BLOWING conversation that could very well be the nudge you need to start your own meditation journey. TUNE IN to help us celebrate 200 episodes of MBB with Dan Harris!

"We Were The Beatles of HipHop!" RUN DMC - The Band that Changed Culture

Rediscover the band that CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER. RUN D.M.C. were the Beatles of Hip-Hop. Darryl "DMC" McDaniels was a comic book nerd who pretended his way into hip-hop stardom and changed the world forever. We dive into Darryl’s journey from a shy Catholic school boy, being bullied to becoming an icon in the music industry. Darryl shares his struggles with the dark side of stardom, which lead to alcohol abuse and drinking a case of 40-oz bottles per day. Darryl opens up about confronting the realities of adoption trauma after discovering he was adopted at the age of 35, the pressures that lead him to suicidal ideation, and his diagnoses of suppressed emotions & OCD. He also REVEALS the origins of Run D.M.C.'s famous remake of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," their signature fashion style ("Adidas with no laces!"), their close relationship with the Beastie Boys, his rock 'n' roll inspirations, what it was like to be the first rap group on MTV, and grief over losing Jam Master Jay to homicide. PLUS Darryl discusses practicing meditation through his creativity, his exciting upcoming music with Travis Barker, what music he’s listening to these days and what he thinks of hip hop and rap today, and the surprising story of how Sarah McLachlan saved his life! Whether you're a long-time Run D.M.C. fan or new to the hip hop scene, you'll discover something new and inspiring. This episode will leave you feeling like a fly on the wall as you witness MUSIC HISTORY - TUNE IN to MBB!

Stuck Emotions Are Making You Sick

Dive deep into the world of Somatic Experiencing with Dr. Peter A. Levine, the revolutionary developer of this transformative approach designed to help us access the body's stored memories in order to heal trauma. Dr. Levine explains why releasing trauma is so IMPORTANT to our overall health, wealth, and ability to connect with others. He shares how traditional doctors initially didn't understand somatic experiencing and how the alarming prevalence of sexual trauma in our society impacts the way we communicate with one another. DR. LEVINE ALSO BREAKS DOWN: - How the brain compartmentalizes trauma as a survival mechanism - The use of hallucinogens to process death - The dangers of exposure therapy - How the mechanism of dissociation can protect our mind-body from overwhlem - What sexual trauma looks like emotionally & spiritually - The role of creative imagination in determining our true selves - Collective consciousness and his posthumous conversations with Albert Einstein - How the mind-body holds memory of preverbal trauma, such as abandonment - Dissipative & Catastrophe Theories and Premature Cognition - What prevents us from returning to equilibrium after a traumatic event - How play opens creativity - Why we should have compassion for the child within us This episode will change how you view your body's memories and the hidden power they hold in healing. From exploring the brain's survival mechanisms to unlocking the secrets of sexual trauma healing, don't miss this chance to discover the key to healing trauma

Show more

Latest Episodes

I Was Enmeshed with My Mom

This week we're sitting down with the fearless, hilarious, and thoughtful Brett Gelman (Stranger Things, Fleabag) as he opens up about the challenges that have shaped him, from his early battles with OCD and questioning his identity, to intense enmeshment with his mother and overcoming those tendencies as he navigates adult relationships. Brett opens up about: - The ways he felt different growing up - His early experiences with drug use - His OCD around numbers and fear of the future - Why questioning his sexuality as a kid led him to have a breakdown He also shares insights on method acting, the importance of creating space for men to challenge toxic masculinity, and the importance of infusing all of your endeavors with a little bit of yourself. PLUS Mayim explains why self-centeredness may actually be at the root of our attempts at caring for others! This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dance between our past experiences and our present selves. TUNE IN to find out how facing your past can dramatically reshape your future!

Ask Mayim Anything #6: Earworms, Love’s Effects on the Brain, Outgrowing Your Therapist, ADHD & Age, The Breastfeeding Bond

What are the effects of love on the brain? Can ADHD worsen as we age? Why do we crave certain foods at certain times? How do I know when I've outgrown my relationship with my therapist? Mayim answers these questions and MORE on another episode of Ask Mayim Anything! SHE BREAKS DOWN: - "Stuck Song" Syndrome, AKA "Earworms" - The correlation between head injuries and mental illness (including treatments to help!) - Sensory Processing Disorder and when to seek support for it - The differences between hyper- and hyposensitivity - Why oxytocin can lead to attachment - The effects of low levels of serotonin PLUS we have a SPECIAL GUEST this episode..... Nurture Neuroscientist, Infant Sleep Educator, & Doula Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum joins us to explain how breastfeeding promotes the bond between parent and child, and her TOP 5 REASONS your baby isn’t sleeping! Mayim also tackles your ADHD questions, from why more women are being diagnosed with ADHD to the causes of exacerbated ADHD symptoms. She also reflects on her animated voiceover roles and the risks of being friends with your therapist. TUNE IN to see if your question was answered this episode!!

Why Bad Boys Feel Good

Vagus Nerve Secrets REVEALED: Discover how to feel safe with the groundbreaking creator of the Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges! Dr. Porges helps us answer all of the important questions, like: - Why are we attracted to "BAD" people? - How can trauma prevent us from accessing the body’s healing resources, AND what is the link between TRAUMA & OBESITY? - Why do certain sounds instantly calm us down? - Why might neurodivergent individuals have a hard time connecting with others? - How can vagus findings be used to improve institutions like prisons, hospitals, and schools? PLUS find out what signals you're sending without even realizing it and how to create a safer, more connected world around us. WE ALSO BREAK DOWN: - Dr. Porges' journey of discovering the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory - Scientific evidence for why the dating process should be slowed - Good vs Bad stress - Why dissociation is an adaptation - How speech patterns can affect our anxiety levels - How Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is connected to our mindset and well-being - "Freezing" as an alternative to "Fight" & "Flight" - The importance of creating a safe space for others - The traits of a well-attuned therapist - Why hypersensitivity (especially auditory) affects everything - The dangers of labels without accounting for individual history Whether you're a neuroscience enthusiast, seeking self-improvement tips, or just curious about the hidden powers within us, this episode is packed with intriguing insights and practical advice. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the wonders of the human body and mind. TUNE IN to discover the SECRET to EMOTIONAL SAFETY!

Grow Your Love Muscle, with Dan Harris!

An adrenaline-fueled war reporter, self-medicated with cocaine. The panic attack on live TV that brought him to meditation. This is a RAW & REVEALING look into how Dan Harris (10% Happier author & podcaster) struggled behind his polished on-screen persona. What's a better way to celebrate MBB's 200TH EPISODE?!!! Dan reveals how his reporting from the frontlines of Iraq led to self-medicating his depression with recreational drugs, and how meditation was the ultimate game-changer. THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION FOR ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY CAN'T MEDITATE! Learn the practical skills to happiness, how to detach from your narrative through metacognition, and create a buffer between stimulus and reaction. Mayim shares her personal struggles with meditation and gets practical tips from Dan that could change your perception of meditation forever. Plus, dive into different forms of meditation that enhance concentration, gratitude, and how a lovingkindness meditation practice can reshape your day-to-day life. Dan also explains how meditation caused him to shift his perception of himself and in relation to others, what our goals with meditation should be, and what his lovingkindness meditation practice looks like today. Curious about MDMA's therapeutic potential for emotional awareness, adrenaline addiction, or what a coke-fueled panic looks like from the inside? This episode is your front-row seat to a MIND-BLOWING conversation that could very well be the nudge you need to start your own meditation journey. TUNE IN to help us celebrate 200 episodes of MBB with Dan Harris!

"We Were The Beatles of HipHop!" RUN DMC - The Band that Changed Culture

Rediscover the band that CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER. RUN D.M.C. were the Beatles of Hip-Hop. Darryl "DMC" McDaniels was a comic book nerd who pretended his way into hip-hop stardom and changed the world forever. We dive into Darryl’s journey from a shy Catholic school boy, being bullied to becoming an icon in the music industry. Darryl shares his struggles with the dark side of stardom, which lead to alcohol abuse and drinking a case of 40-oz bottles per day. Darryl opens up about confronting the realities of adoption trauma after discovering he was adopted at the age of 35, the pressures that lead him to suicidal ideation, and his diagnoses of suppressed emotions & OCD. He also REVEALS the origins of Run D.M.C.'s famous remake of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," their signature fashion style ("Adidas with no laces!"), their close relationship with the Beastie Boys, his rock 'n' roll inspirations, what it was like to be the first rap group on MTV, and grief over losing Jam Master Jay to homicide. PLUS Darryl discusses practicing meditation through his creativity, his exciting upcoming music with Travis Barker, what music he’s listening to these days and what he thinks of hip hop and rap today, and the surprising story of how Sarah McLachlan saved his life! Whether you're a long-time Run D.M.C. fan or new to the hip hop scene, you'll discover something new and inspiring. This episode will leave you feeling like a fly on the wall as you witness MUSIC HISTORY - TUNE IN to MBB!

Stuck Emotions Are Making You Sick

Dive deep into the world of Somatic Experiencing with Dr. Peter A. Levine, the revolutionary developer of this transformative approach designed to help us access the body's stored memories in order to heal trauma. Dr. Levine explains why releasing trauma is so IMPORTANT to our overall health, wealth, and ability to connect with others. He shares how traditional doctors initially didn't understand somatic experiencing and how the alarming prevalence of sexual trauma in our society impacts the way we communicate with one another. DR. LEVINE ALSO BREAKS DOWN: - How the brain compartmentalizes trauma as a survival mechanism - The use of hallucinogens to process death - The dangers of exposure therapy - How the mechanism of dissociation can protect our mind-body from overwhlem - What sexual trauma looks like emotionally & spiritually - The role of creative imagination in determining our true selves - Collective consciousness and his posthumous conversations with Albert Einstein - How the mind-body holds memory of preverbal trauma, such as abandonment - Dissipative & Catastrophe Theories and Premature Cognition - What prevents us from returning to equilibrium after a traumatic event - How play opens creativity - Why we should have compassion for the child within us This episode will change how you view your body's memories and the hidden power they hold in healing. From exploring the brain's survival mechanisms to unlocking the secrets of sexual trauma healing, don't miss this chance to discover the key to healing trauma

Show more

Articles

The Brain in Black Out

Addiction

The Brain in Black Out

How does a substance like alcohol have the capacity to strip us of our memories?

SEE MORE

What Do You Want To Know?

Relationships, Sexuality, Family, Work, Stress - it all relates to mental health.

SUBMIT VIDEOWATCH AMA ANSWERS
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.