Change Your Brain Every Day

Elizabeth Smart shares her powerful journey after being kidnapped at age 14 in 2002, revealing how she turned unimaginable adversity into hope and posttraumatic growth. Join Dr. Amen and Elizabeth as they review her brain scans and discuss the brain’s response to trauma, the resilience factors that foster growth, and the actionable steps you can take to heal and thrive after life’s toughest challenges. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Sponsor 02:38 Elizabeth 05:39 Before the Kidnapping 07:07 The Kidnapping 13:18 The First Days 19:46 The Kidnappers 32:25 Mental State During Captivity  39:10 Rescue 53:15 The Aftermath/Panic Attacks 58:45 Processing the Trauma 1:04:24 Post-Traumatic Growth 1:09:50 The 4 Circles/BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors 1:16:00 Elizabeth’s SPECT Brain Scans 1:23:12 Final Impressions 1:24:36 Sponsor 1:26:02 Wrap Up

Psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—is being hailed as a game-changer for mental health. But what’s the truth behind the buzz? In this must-see episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen share brain imaging insights, discuss the potential benefits for depression, and raise important questions about safety and long-term risks. Is this psychedelic drug the breakthrough people hope for—or another psychiatric misstep? 00:00 Intro 00:43 Psilocybin 05:00 Why Take Mushrooms? 8:44 Transcendental Experiences 11:15 The Negative Effects of Psilocybin 15:06 Sponsor 16:20 The Neuropsychological Effects of Nicotine 21:19 What are the Drawbacks? 23:23 Second Hand Smoke 27:33 Quitting Smoking 29:09 Wrap Up

Cannabis is often hailed as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and chronic pain. But is it the miracle cure it’s made out to be? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Amen and Tana Amen reveal the darker side of marijuana no one’s talking about. Discover what SPECT scans show about its effects on brain health, mental well-being, and mood regulation—and learn why it’s important to know the full story before you decide if it’s right for you. 00:00 Intro 00:48 Cannabis 02:03 Why Do People Use? 10:41 Sponsor 12:00 The Trouble with Marijuana 18:48 The Psychological Consequences 22:53 The Risk Factors Associated with Cannabis 24:42 Taking Action 25:16 Dr. Amen’s 12 Steps 28:11 Your Why 29:31 Supplements 31:20 Habit Replacement 36:30 Wrap Up

You lied to me! Dr. Daniel and Tana Amen introduce a new miniseries of podcasts with a focus on misinformation. In this episode, the Amens discuss some of the truths (and misconceptions) of alcohol, including how it affects the brain. 00:00 Intro 00:40 You Lied to Me 02:53 Society Programming  8:46 Alcohol 11:10 Why Do People Drink? 14:19 Sponsor 14:42 How Alcohol Works 22:36 The Social Factor 25:37 Spiritual Connection 26:23 What’s the Trouble with Alcohol? 34:26 Alcohol Risk Factors 40:13 Alcohol Effects in SPECT Scans 42:08 Wrap Up