You know what’s good for you. Better sleep. Less scrolling. More movement. Healthier food. More calm.

So why is it still so hard to choose it?

In this episode, Dr. Juna Bobby M.D., Ed.M, explains why this is not a laziness problem or a character flaw. It is a brain-under-stress problem. When your nervous system is overloaded, your brain defaults to old habits, quick rewards, and familiar coping patterns. That is why stress can make healthy choices feel harder, even when you know exactly what to do.

You will learn how the Relaxation Response helps calm the nervous system, interrupt stress-driven habit loops, and create the conditions for real behavior change. Dr. Juna also walks you through simple practices to help you reset and rewire your brain for better habits, more self-awareness, and greater resilience.

If you are a high-achieving parent, professional, or anyone trying to feel better without relying on more willpower, this episode will help you understand what your brain needs first.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• why stress makes healthy choices harder
• how the brain defaults to quick fixes under pressure
• what the Relaxation Response is
• how stress affects habits, self-control, and behavior change
• how to start rewiring the brain through small repeated practices
• how to build healthier habits with less shame and more self-awareness

Dr. Juna is a mom, medical doctor, double board-certified in diagnostic radiology and lifestyle medicine, and a Harvard-trained educator. Juna has taught resilience and peak performance tools to students, professionals, performers, and families, and her goal is to help you understand your brain so you can work with it instead of against it.

Comment RELAX if you want a free download and more episodes on the RELAX TO SOAR™ method.

RELAX TO SOAR™ planner with limited bonus offerings here: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/store

This is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor for individual care.

#StressManagement #HealthyHabits #BrainHealth #Neuroplasticity #RelaxationResponse #LifestyleMedicine #NervousSystem #BehaviorChange #MindBodyMedicine #MindBodySpace

Why does your brain feel tired, but still refuse to shut off at night?

In this episode, Dr. Juna Bobby MD, Harvard trained educator, breaks down the benefits of sleep including how the brain clears waste during deep sleep, affects on mood, memory, and long-term brain health.

You’ll learn why sleep is not passive rest, but an active brain state that helps with cleanup, repair, memory, and emotional regulation. Dr. Juna walks you through the science of the glymphatic system and practical ways to help you stop blaming yourself and start understanding what your brain is doing.

This episode is especially for:

• parents dealing with bedtime battles
• adults whose minds race at night
• high achievers who push through exhaustion
• anyone who wants better sleep, better focus, and more resilience

You’ll also hear the child-friendly Brain Bun version of the same idea, so you can explain sleep to a child using memorable, gentle language like think-dust, day mode, night mode, and the Sleep Cave.

In this episode:

• what your brain is doing during sleep
• why poor sleep affects mood, memory, and cognition
• how the glymphatic system helps clear metabolic waste
• why sleep matters for long-term brain health
• what meditation may do for brain states during the day
• how to build your Sleep Cave routine
• how to explain sleep to a child using Brain Talk™️ and Brain Bun

This is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor for individual care.

Explore the Sleep Cave here: Dr. Juna shows you how to use Brain Talk™️ and the Sleep Cave to help adults and kids wind down more skillfully.
https://www.mindbodyspace.com/sleeptips

If this episode helps you, please share it with a parent, student, caregiver, or stressed-out adult who could use a little more Brain Talk™️ around sleep.

What helps kids stay engaged in learning—and why do some lose focus?In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna Bobby speaks with Tanya Wright—author and actress known for her role on the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black—about how curiosity, imagination, and engagement shape the way children learn.Tanya shares how her journey from acting to education led her to create Hairiette of Harlem, a character designed to captivate attention and help kids stay engaged—especially during a time when many children felt disconnected from learning.🧠 Brain Talk™️:Everyone learns best when their brain is engaged.From a BrainTalk™️ perspective, curiosity helps keep the brain open, attentive, and ready to learn.When kids are curious, their brain stays engaged.When curiosity is missing, learning can feel overwhelming or difficult.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN✔️ How curiosity and engagement help kids stay focused on learning✔️ How imagination supports attention and motivation✔️ Why kids need engagement—not just instruction✔️ How Tanya transitioned from acting to education✔️ Why unconventional paths can be a strengthRELAX TO SOAR™️ method:In RELAX TO SOAR™️, the “A” stands for Adaptability.Curiosity supports adaptability by helping kids stay open, engaged, and willing to learn.BrainTalk™️ tool (for Parents)Try this tonight:👉 “What made your brain curious today?”👉 “What part of this feels interesting to your brain?”The Brain Bun plush doll, books and videos help kids learn BrainTalk™️ in a simple and engaging way, so they can build the skills and habits to manage stress and prevent overwhelm.RELAX TO SOAR™️ method & planner helps teens and adults reduce stress, overcome procrastination, and build the mental and physical resilience needed to reach their highest potential.👉 Find out more: mindbodyspace.com/shopSubscribe for more BrainTalk™️ tools to help your family go from stress to focus.0:00 Intro0:44 Meet Tanya Wright - Creator of Hairiette of Harlem Actress from Netflix "Orange is the New Black"2:08 What is Hairiette of Harlem?2:38 Hairiette - A 7-Year-Old with Galactic Hair2:49 How the Idea for Hairiette Was Born10:42 Why Kids Need to Read by 3rd Grade11:22 What's Next for Hairiette16:05 Going Back to School as an Older Student18:38 How a Literacy Class Changed Everything19:55 Where to Find Tanya20:40 Outro

Did you know that laughing triggers feel-good chemicals and has real health benefits? 😄

In this episode of MindBody Space, Dr. Juna breaks down the real, peer-reviewed science behind why humor and laughter are essential for your health, your relationships, and your resilience — and gives you 5 practical ways to get more of it in your life today.

This is the follow-up to our conversation with comedian Alyce Chan (@momcomnyc) — if you haven't listened to that one yet, go back and start there!

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Why laughter is this episode's topic01:05 — What happens to your body when you laugh (the physiology)02:20 — Laughter and your immune system03:30 — Why laughter is social glue — and why that matters for your health04:55 — Humor as a resilience tool (even Viktor Frankl used it)06:10 — 5 ways to get more laughter in your life08:30 — The 4 humor styles (and which ones to avoid)09:15 — Takeaways + close

📌 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN✔ The cortisol-busting, immunity-boosting effects of genuine laughter✔ Why live comedy hits different than watching alone✔ How to build a "laughter culture" in your home for your kids✔ The difference between healthy humor and the kind that actually hurts you✔ Why your funniest friend is one of your most important health assets

📲 FOLLOW USInstagram: @mindbodyspaceofficialKids content: @brainbunofficialResilience courses + kids programs: www.mindbodyspace.com

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of MindBody Space — where building resilience is the goal, and small habits make a big difference.

#MindBodySpace #DrJuna #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #ResiliencePodcast #LifestyleMedicine #HumorAndHealth #WellnessPodcast #MentalHealthTips #StressRelief #HealthyHabits #MomWellness #Resilience

The Healing Power of Comedy with Alyce Chan @MomComNY Instagram | MindBodySpace Podcast

Trigger warning: Mentions Suicide

In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, host Dr. Juna engages in a candid and uplifting conversation with beloved mom and comedian Alyce Chan, known on Instagram as @momcomnyc.

They explore the transformative power of humor, its health benefits like boosting immunity and releasing endorphins, and discuss the art of crafting jokes, even from dark topics such as grief and loss.

Alyce shares her journey from a career in banking to becoming a full-time comedian, highlighting the therapeutic nature of comedy and the importance of connecting with audiences.

They also touch on the challenges of balancing family life, work ethics, and the fine line between anger and humor. Tune in for laughter, insights, and the incredible story of Alyce Chan.🌿 👉 Website: https://www.mindbodyspace.com👉 Stan Store: https://stan.store/mindbodyspaceDr. Juna Bobby is a Harvard-trained educator and board-certified physician who translates neuroscience and lifestyle medicine into practical tools for real life. She hosts the MindBodySpace Podcast, where science-backed insights meet parenting, performance, resilience, and mind-body health.🎧 Listen & Follow👉 Spotify: 👉 Apple Podcasts: 00:00 The Power of Live Comedy00:38 Introducing Alyce Chan01:06 Trigger Warnings and Sound Quality01:20 Meet Dr. Juna02:02 Alyce's Comedy Journey05:28 Marketing and Comedy06:58 Family and Comedy13:21 Grief and Comedy16:14 Comedy Classes and Public Speaking16:45 Medical Humor18:18 Fascination with Prisons19:02 Dark Humor and Personal Tragedy20:00 Crafting Comedy from Pain22:16 Comedy and Family Life25:34 The Therapeutic Power of Comedy29:56 The Art of Joke Writing31:37 Comedy Inspirations and Processes35:11 Conclusion and Future Plans

Avoid environmental toxins with smarter, practical knowledge to protect your family.

🎧 Listen for age-specific tips for grade-schoolers, middle-schoolers, and teens.

In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna Bobby speaks with Dr. Aly Cohen, board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and author of Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them.

This conversation breaks down environmental health in a way that’s practical, science-based, and not fear-driven.

We cover:

• How everyday toxins affect the brain, immune system, and hormones

• Why children are more vulnerable to environmental exposures

• The 4 A’s of Detoxify: Assess, Avoid/Swap, Add, Allow

• Air quality, water filtration, gas stoves, EMFs, and personal care products

• How to talk to kids about toxins without scaring them

This episode is about prevention, nervous-system protection, and realistic change—not extreme detoxes or product marketing.

#environmentaltoxins

#children #environmentalhealth

#detoxify #alycohen

#lifestylemedicine #parenting

#preventative #brainhealth

#toxins #immunesystem

#airquality #home #health

#EMF

What if the habits your child builds in middle school could shape their entire future?

In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna reconnects with Noelle Naito—now a Juilliard-trained violinist and marathon runner—who began her brain training journey as a homeschooled middle schooler. With just a few simple tools like daily logging, mindfulness, movement, and mental training techniques like cognitive reappraisal, Noelle learned how to manage stress, build focus, and become the boss of her own brain.

Together, they reflect on how small changes led to major transformation, from running one block at a time to crossing a marathon finish line—and how any young person can learn these same tools to set them up for lifelong resilience!

Whether you're a parent, educator, or high-achiever yourself, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to build the kind of brain that thrives—on stage and in life.Brain Boss is the MindBodySpace program designed especially for tweens to build these exact skills—using neuroscience, visualization, and habit-building to create real, lasting confidence.👩‍🏫 Want your child to learn these tools? Check out our Brain Boss program → https://www.mindbodyspace.com/brainboss💡 What You’ll Learn:The tiny habits that started Noelle’s transformationHow she used visualization before auditions and racesWhy exercise is the ultimate brain training toolThe power of tracking emotions, energy, and focus00:00 - Introduction & Noelle's Experience with Physical Activity00:39 - Welcome to the MINDBODY Space Podcast01:53 - Noelle's Achievements and Background02:11 - Conversation Begins: Dr. Juna & Noelle Reunite03:19 - Noelle's Violin and Musical Journey04:44 - The Importance of Habits in Middle School07:36 - Noelle's Early Exercise and Running Story09:51 - The Impact of Running and Exercise11:08 - Meditation and Mental Health13:07 - Visualization and Performance Preparation14:44 - Building Healthy Habits for Life16:11 - The Let Them Theory & Perspective Shifts18:08 - Daily Routines: Meditation, Exercise, and Gratitude20:01 - Wrapping Up: Noelle's Growth and Final Thoughts25:06 - Outro & Where to Find NoelleHow to teach your middle schooler mental strength, one week at a time🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on parenting, neuroscience, and resilience. 📩 Join the Brain Boss list: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/newsletter 📦 Shop Brain Bun & Brain-Based Tools: https://www.mindbodyspace.com/shop🔖 Tags:#BrainBoss #MindBodySpace #Juilliard #ResilientKids #MiddleSchoolMindset #Neuroplasticity #PeakPerformance #HabitTracking #CognitiveReappraisal #ParentingWithScience

It's simple to calm your nervous system in minutes using a meditation technique taught by Dr. Juna.

In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna, a double board-certified radiologist and lifestyle medicine physician, guides you through a relaxation response method inspired by Dr. Herbert Benson's work at Harvard Medical School on meditation and blood pressure.

You'll learn how to interrupt everyday thoughts, reduce stress, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in a lower heart rate and relaxed muscle tension and a whole host of other benefits.

For more resources, visit mindbodyspace.com00:00 Introduction to Relaxation Response00:33 Understanding Stress and Relaxation Response01:41 Guided Relaxation Exercise09:17 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

What happens when elite music performance meets mindfulness?

In this episode of the MindBodySpace Podcast, Dr. Juna Bobby shares 3 quick science-backed techniques to de-stress—and introduces her former student, composer Pablo Esquivel.

A Juilliard and Berklee-trained musician, Pablo shares his personal story of burnout, healing, and how he now fuses music, meditation, and neuroscience to support mental wellness for high performers.

🎼 In this episode:

• Discover how music can trigger the body’s natural relaxation response

• Learn 3 fast tools to boost resilience in moments of stress

• Hear Pablo’s beautiful original piece “Interlude” designed for deep calm

• Explore the overlap between mindfulness, creativity, and mental health

Whether you're a high-performing student, parent, or artist, this conversation will help you find peace and presence in your daily rhythm.

More from Pablo:

🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pabloesquiveln/?hl=en

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2skKfjRZUhvKdVmnwFZ5I0

📺 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MindBodySpace

📩 Join our parenting resilience list: https://mindbodyspace.com/podcast

🌟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbody_space/

🌟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindbodyspace-llc/

🌟Website: https://mindbodyspace.com/

#mindbody #brainbody #mindbodysoul #mindbodyspace #neuroscience #kidsbrain #mindfulness #wellness #calmkids #parentingtips #education #selfcare #holistichealth #music

Mental Training for Peak Performance with Belief, Recovery & Resilience with Coach Sean Brosnan, Newbury High School Coach Cross Country Track

How do you motivate kids to reach for their highest potential?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Juna interviews elite running coach Sean Brosnan, who led a public high school team from obscurity to national record-breaking success—with his student-athletes winning D1 scholarships and one of his runners, Nico Young reaching the Paris Olympics.

The secret wasn't just talent or grind. It was a belief mindset and a full mind-body-space approach to success.

🧠 Learn how Sean applied belief, recovery, motivation, and habits he learned from top performance coaches to high school athletes!

Tips for raising resilient kids who excel in sports, music, academics

✨ Stick around to the end for Sean’s #1 strategy to immediately shift your child’s mindset and performance.

—
🧠 Free tools: https://mindbodyspace.com/podcast
🎒 Courses: https://mindbodyspace.com/
🎧 Subscribe & follow https://www.youtube.com/@MINDBODYSPACE

Sean Brosnan Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/realseanbrosnan/?hl=en

Buy Sean's Book!

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Beyond-Fast/Sean-Brosnan/9781668204382