Dr Caroline Leaf is an author and communication pathologist whose work focuses on thinking, behaviour and the relationship between psychological experiences and the brain.

In this conversation, we explore the relationship between our thoughts, behaviour and mental health, and ask a broader question: to what extent can deliberately changing the way we think influence how we feel and behave? We discuss neuroplasticity, habits, stress, metacognition and approaches to managing difficult patterns of thinking.

Caroline also explains her own theoretical framework and how she believes people can become more deliberate in the way they respond to their thoughts and experiences.

Some of the ideas and interpretations discussed in this episode are debated, and Caroline's theoretical framework should not be taken to represent scientific consensus. This conversation explores her perspective alongside broader questions concerning psychology and neuroscience.

All of Dr Leaf's books & her app can be found at this link: https://drleaf.com/collections/allWatch all of our podcasts, including this one in video format: https://www.youtube.com/freedompactJoin our 'Healthy, Wealthy & Wise' Newsletter: https://freedompact.co.uk/newsletter

Disclaimer: The Freedom Pact Podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to constitute, nor should it be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. Listeners should not disregard, delay, or substitute professional medical advice because of information discussed on the podcast or associated materials.

Dr Emeran Mayer is a gastroenterologist, lecturer, author, neuroscientist, filmmaker and a professor in the Departments of Medicine, Physiology and Psychiatry at the School of medicine at UCLA. Dr Mayer is a pioneer of medical research into brain gut interactions.We discuss:

What the gut microbiome is

How the gut and brain communicate

Why the gut is sometimes described as a “second brain”

The relationship between diet and the gut microbiome

Stress, the brain and gastrointestinal function

What research suggests about the microbiome and mental health

How lifestyle and dietary patterns can influence gut health

What we still don't understand about the gut–brain connection

We also examine where enthusiasm about the microbiome may have moved ahead of the evidence, and what scientists can, and cannot, currently conclude about its implications for physical and psychological health.

Links:https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomPact (video interviews)https://freedompact.co.uk/newsletter​​​​ (Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Newsletter)https://instagram.com/freedompact​​​​

https://emeranmayer.com

Disclaimer: The Freedom Pact Podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to constitute, nor should it be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. Listeners should not disregard, delay, or substitute professional medical advice because of information discussed on the podcast or associated materials.