On this episode of The Brain Factor in recognitions of Mental Health Awareness month Joy and Laura discuss ways in which you can support people who are struggling. 

Joy and Laura take a deeper look at the impact from various physical traumas.

This episode features special guest, who transformed her mental health by committing to physical fitness, connecting with nature, and other protective factors. She has completed a couple of marathons on her journey, highlighting motivation, discipline, and the cyclical nature of progress and setbacks.

This episode focuses on making a shift from self-criticism to self-compassion—treating ourselves the way we would treat a close friend. Instead of saying “I’m sorry,” we can say “Thank you” and give ourselves the grace to take up space without constant apology.

This episode explores the journey to recovery from addiction through the lens of a married couple who have both experienced and overcome substance use challenges. Now in sustained recovery, they serve as Peer Specialists, helping others. They share their story of resilience in additction recovery.

In this episode, Joy and Laura discuss finding purpose and fulfillment beyond traditional success, showing how it evolves through life stages. They address challenges like comparison and share tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey and Ikigai to inspire self-reflection, exploration, and openness to new possibilities.

This episode explores the neuroscience behind adolescent behavior, focusing on how brain development affects decision-making, risk-taking, and emotional regulation. It also dives into how social influences, peer pressure, and generational differences shape teenage experiences and resilience.

Joy and Laura take a deep look at a subject that anyone in the world can relate to: Finding Purpose. 

In this episode Joy and Laura take a deep dive into feelings - using a tool called the "Feelings Wheel", which catagorizes our feelings into groups and levels. 

To see more about The Feelings Wheel visit: https://feelingswheel.com/ 

In this Episode Joy and Laura discuss the ways you can stay grounded.