We slip into communication patterns when we fail to develop a variety of responses to people’s comments, we become predictable and we aren’t prepared for conversations where we’re caught off guard. We often go silent when someone says something we don't like, hurts our feelings or we disagree with. You can handle a political environment if you understand how the conversation works and how to turn it around.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Don't abdicate your responsibility of how people treat you."
"Increase what your responses can be so you can opt-out of the predictable patterns."

FAN FAVORITE: EPISODE 246 The Wisdom to Handle Difficult Conversations

Your life, your brain, and your nervous system are more connected than you might think. In today’s episode, Dr. Bray provides insight into how the nervous system and its five functions impact and influence your daily life. Do you want to make a change in your life? You need to understand the nervous system and its functions. Dr. Bray brings the neuroscience and biology of the nervous system to life and will change the way you think about CHANGE! 

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY 
“The language of the nervous system is electricity.” 
“You can choose your behavior, it requires effort.” 
“What you pay attention to affects your perception.”

EPISODE 419 Your Brain, Your Nervous System, and Your Life - Part 1

We often focus on our failures and shortcomings and not on attributes and abilities that help us successfully navigate through life. During this episode, Dr. Bray discusses the eight abilities you already possess that are helping you be successful. Combining experiences and research Dr. Bray will share the latest findings from human behavior experts and researchers on each of these topics and how you can use these attributes to not only be more successful but happier and satisfied with your current life. 

*Psychology Today April 2022. “Your Hidden Superpowers!” 

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY 
“Connection has always been a basic human need.” 
“Perfection isn’t something that people find endearing.” 
“People who stagnate become more and more self-focused.” 
“Be happy with who you are, where you are, and what you have!” 
“Try new things in your area, try new hobbies!”

EPISODE 444 Eight Abilities You Already Have That Make You Successful

Career advice is fatally flawed, especially now. With so many changes occurring, different industries, and new jobs being created, it is practically impossible to provide sound advice to everyone. It has been nearly seven years since I wrote my first book, the USA Today best-seller, Best Job Ever. I’m glad that most of that advice still stands, but I’m upgrading a few thoughts on your career. Don’t miss this updated and upgraded career advice you will need for 2023. 

*Derek Thompson, Your Career is Just One-Eighth of Your Life.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY 
“Look for jobs at least once a week!” 
“Explore then exploit.”

Episode 447 Current Career Advice Part 1

I am amazed by how many brilliant people there are in the world; there is so much we can learn from others. In a recent article by Ryan Holiday (the host of the Daily Stoic Podcast), he shared life lessons he has learned from guests on his podcast. I liked the article so much I wanted to share some of the highlights with you and add my thoughts. As you listen to the 12 Life Lessons, choose one or two that you want to implement in 2023 to make this year better than last year. I hope the lessons spark your thinking and self-reflection. I also hope you are smarter and wiser than before you listened to the podcast! 

** Dailystoic.com 

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY 
“If you want to have sustained excellence, you have to be able to rejuvenate.” 
“We need to know how to show up and how to solve problems when things are going well, when conditions aren’t perfect.” 
“Reading will change your life, and you DO have time!” 
“Life will never be fair.” 
“Your choices have meaning.”

Episode 462 12 Life Lessons You Should Implement in 2023

Conversations are a lot like art. It is one of those uniquely human experiences of infinite variety, depending on who we are interacting with. Conversations are events where we share what we know, get to know others, find friends, and discover our place in the world. Conversations have an extraordinary power to excite, our neurons being so sensitive to face-to-face engagement that they rapidly activate our brain reward systems. Yet surveys show that it is losing ground to texting and other forms of communication that, at best, only provide pale illusions of satisfaction. 

In today’s episode, learn more about conversations, the difference between small talk and deep conversations, as well as the six conversation habits that you may need to break. Lots of great information about how you communicate this week.

To learn more about this topic, check out the May/June edition of Psychology Today Magazine, which has several articles on Communication. 

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“There are few things that are more delightful than effortless conversation.” 
“The trick is to be skilled at small talk and big talk.”

Episode 483 The Art and Science of Conversations

Every human has a longing to connect with others and build relationships. This seems especially difficult in the workplace as workload increases, hybrid work environments decrease in-person contact, and connection activities rarely occur. In this type of setting, we may feel confused about when to open up or how to ask the right kind of questions that help us get to know those we work with better. We often get stuck in the shallows of small talk.

In today’s episode, Dr. Bray shares five skills for authentic communication. These five skills help you build and maintain relationships in the workplace. Research shows you are happier and more productive at work if you have friends.

To learn more go to: 
**5 Skills for Authentic Communication by Elizabeth Millard. Experience Life Magazine, November/December 2023 Edition.

Episode 509 Creating Authentic Communication

Today we’re dealing with a more somber topic. Some clients who have been dealing with some really tough things lately inspired this episode. 


033 Thoughts on When It All Goes Wrong

Welcome to a brand-new year—and with it, the perfect opportunity to set the tone for your most calm, focused and productive year yet! But let’s face it: January doesn’t just bring optimism and resolutions; it also delivers a big dose of stress. From tackling new goals to navigating the demands of work and life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even hit February. That’s why Dr. Bray focuses today’s episode on equipping you with the tools you need to not only survive, but thrive in the midst of chaos. 

In this episode, he will dive into 10 science-backed techniques, curated from the fields of neuroscience and behavioral psychology, to help you find calm, focus, and resilience no matter what challenges the year throws your way. These aren’t time-consuming hacks or complex routines—they’re practical, actionable, and incredibly effective. 

But here’s the twist—your brain may try to convince you that these techniques are too simple to be impactful. Don’t fall for it! These small habits pack a big punch when practiced consistently. As we explore and try the tools you’ll discover how just a few minutes can transform not only how you manage stress but how you show up in every aspect of your life. So, grab your mental toolkit, hit play, and let’s make 2025 the year you reclaim calm, focus, and balance.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Stress doesn’t have to control you. You have the power to reset your brain, refocus your emotions, and recharge your motivation right in the middle of your most busy and most stressful moments!”
“Have a cold moment!”

Episode 561 How to Stress Less, Remain Calm, and Achieve More in 2025

The world of work has changed forever. Disruption isn’t an event anymore—it’s a constant state. McKinsey calls this the "Era of Perpetual Upheaval," where uncertainty is the new normal. And yet, most leaders and organizations still rely on outdated change management strategies that simply don’t work. The old way of adapting is dead.

So what do we do? We rewire our brains. In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into the neuroscience of uncertainty, uncovering why change triggers survival mode in the brain, and—most importantly—how we can train ourselves to think, respond, and lead differently. We’ll break down the cognitive traps that hold us back, the psychological tools that give us an edge, and the brain-based strategies that separate those who thrive from those who just survive.

If you’re tired of waiting for things to "settle down," this episode is for you. The future belongs to those who master uncertainty—not fear it.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Change just isn't something that we react to anymore. It's something that we must be built for.”
“In a world where uncertainty is the only certainty, we must go beyond survival and learn to thrive.”
"The brain learns best from action—small, rapid experiments retrain the brain to be comfortable with uncertainty."
"The future belongs to those who train their minds to lead in crisis, not just react to it."


Episode 568 The Era of Perpetual Upheaval – Why We’re All Crisis Managers Now

Science, Skepticism, and the Future of Mind-to-Mind Communication:
 
Is telepathy real, or is it just a fantasy fueled by sci-fi movies and wishful thinking? In this episode, Dr. Bray goes to the edges of science and dives into the science, the skepticism, and the surprising research that suggests telepathic communication might not be as impossible as we once thought. From groundbreaking neuroscience studies using brain-to-brain communication technology to Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell’s fascinating work with autistic savants who seem to transmit thoughts without words, we’re uncovering the truth about telepathy—what's myth, what’s real, and what the future could hold.

Neuroscientists are beginning to explore the brain’s electromagnetic activity and the role of mirror neurons, which may provide a scientific basis for telepathic-like experiences. Meanwhile, technology is making what was once science fiction a reality, with researchers successfully transmitting thoughts between human brains using neural interfaces. Could telepathy simply be an untapped human ability? Could meditation, deep focus, or brain training enhance it? And if it’s real, how could it change the way we connect, communicate, and understand one another?

Join Dr. Bray as he breaks down the science, examines the skeptics' arguments, and explores the mind-blowing potential of thought-to-thought communication. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about the limits of the human mind. Tune in now and decide for yourself!

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"The brain’s capacity to internalize and reflect the mental state of others demonstrates how deeply we are wired for connection."
"Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and visualization are believed to strengthen the mind-body connection, unlocking hidden potentials."

Episode 574: Does Telepathy Really Exist?

What got you here… won’t get you there. In the boardrooms of the early 2000s, executive presence was a well-guarded formula: confidence, a polished suit, a commanding voice, and just the right amount of detachment. You knew it when you saw it—and if you didn’t look the part, you probably didn’t get it. But in 2024, everything has changed. The pandemic, social movements, hybrid work, generational shifts, and the rise of authenticity have completely rewritten the rules. And if you're still playing by the old ones, you will get left behind. In this episode, Dr. Bray takes you inside the new world of executive presence—what it looks like now, why it's changing, and how to master it without losing who you are. 

We’ll explore:  

Why inclusiveness and emotional intelligence have overtaken pedigree and polish. 

How leaders like Thasunda Brown Duckett and Bill Hornbuckle are leading with presence by leading with heart. 

What the research says about appearance, confidence, communication, and what matters now. 

Why authenticity, adaptability, and listening are the power tools of today’s most effective leaders.  

Whether you’re aiming for the C-suite, coaching emerging leaders, or simply navigating how to show up more powerfully in your role, this episode is your blueprint for presence that works in the modern workplace. This isn’t about fitting into the mold. It’s about breaking it with purpose. 
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY 

"Being real is the win." 

"Respect for others... involves acquiring a body of knowledge that allows you to understand the lived experience of those whose identity or heritage is different from your own." 

"People now gravitate more towards leaders who listen and learn from others before they make decisions."

Episode 576: Executive Presence Redefined

What if you could have a world-class career coach in your pocket available 24/7, endlessly patient, and shockingly insightful?

In this episode with Dr. Bray, he explores how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity transform how we navigate careers from writing resumes and preparing for interviews to plotting promotions and managing toxic coworkers. Whether you're just starting out, pivoting mid-career, or climbing the executive ladder, this episode shows you how AI can become your smartest (and cheapest) ally.

Dr. Bray breaks down 7 powerful ways to use AI for career clarity, job search strategy, salary negotiations, leadership growth, and even workplace dilemmas with real prompts you can try today.

• Want to stand out in your next job application?
• Struggling with imposter syndrome or career uncertainty?
• Need help crafting that perfect LinkedIn summary?
• Curious how AI can help you grow as a leader?

This is your episode.

The best part? You don’t have to be tech-savvy to start. You just need curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Establishing yourself as a thought leader always makes you appear as a leader. It opens new doors to new opportunities."
"If something is on your mind for more than an hour, it's time to take action and fix it."


Episode 586: How to Use AI as Your Career Coach

You crossed the finish line. Got the promotion. Hit the goal. Everyone’s congratulating you...
So why does it feel so underwhelming?

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Bray dives into the neuroscience behind one of the most surprising emotional twists of modern life: why achievement often leaves us feeling flat and how to reclaim lasting meaning.

You'll learn:
• Why your brain is wired to crave the chase, not the finish line and what to do when the dopamine drops
• The difference between achievement and meaning and why one lights you up longer.  
• How to build a life that aligns with who you are, not just what you do
• 5 powerful, science-backed tools to help you rewire your brain for purpose, connection, and fulfillment

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is this all there is?” After a win, or if you’ve quietly moved the goalpost before even celebrating the one you just reached, this episode is for you.

Dr. Bray blends neuroscience, personal reflection, and practical strategies to help you shift from achievement chasing to meaning making without losing your ambition.

Be sure and  Listen in — because what your brain’s really hungry for might surprise you.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Accomplishment and fulfillment are not the same thing."
"Achievement is about doing. Meaning is about becoming."
"Five to ten minutes of reflecting on your values each week can change how you feel about yourself, your work, and the people around you."


Episode 588 Why Success Often Feels Empty - and What to Do About It

Leading today is not for the faint of heart. Between generative AI, market instability, rising employee expectations, and the pressure to make fast, high-stakes decisions with limited data, leaders are being tested like never before.

So, how do the best ones not only survive but thrive?

In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience of leadership under pressure and explore the powerful idea of the leadership factory, a system for growing future-ready leaders at scale. Inspired by a recent McKinsey article and backed by the science of how the brain responds to uncertainty, we unpack what the best organizations are doing to grow resilience, agility, and innovation deep into their culture.

You’ll learn:
• Why grit, balance, and servant leadership are now essential traits—not nice-to-haves
• How to create psychological safety that unlocks creative thinking and decision-making
• What neuroscience says about how humans lead under threat—and how to override it
• How executive leadership, HR, and organizational leaders are turning leadership development into a strategic engine

Whether you're a CEO, a first-line leader, or someone who wants to lead better in uncertain times, this episode will give you practical insights and inspiration to build your leadership factory and why now is the time to do it.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"If you can approach periods of disquiet, of change with calm, clarity, confidence and a focus on future needs... you're going to be a great leader."

"Whether you manage people or not... you for sure influence other people."

"Such growth cannot be left to chance."


Episode 589 Building a Leadership Factory: Why It's Your Best Strategy in an Unpredictable and Changing World

Ready to upgrade your beach towel brain food? In this episode, Dr. Bray is providing your official summer reading passport from courtroom drama in the Deep South to alien friendships in deep space. Whether you are a hammock philosopher, poolside thrill-seeker, or someone who likes to feel smart in flip-flops, I’ve got you covered.

We’re talking true crime that reads like a Netflix docuseries (The Devil at His Elbow), celestial DIY survival (Project Hail Mary), and soul-searching journeys in the desert (The Alchemist). Plus, I’ll tell you why sleeping more and specializing less might be your next big life hack.

This is not your grandma’s book club, unless she’s really into neuroscience, wrongful convictions, and the psychological effects of TikTok. So plug in, power down your notifications, and prepare for page-turners that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even rethink your life choices.

Books you’ll meet in this episode:
True crime, biography, brain science, and a little desert mysticism with insights that blend storytelling, wit, and actual smart stuff.

Perfect for road trips, sunbathing, or hiding from your in-laws on vacation
Press play and pack your beach bag, the books are that good.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Pick up a book, start reading or listening today."
"All of these books are great reads… they will blow your mind."
"You’ll question your life choices… and maybe even start listening to your soul a little bit."


Episode 590 Summer Reads for the Dr. Bray Beach Brain Book Club

Have you ever stopped and looked at your life and thought, Why do I feel poorer than I am?

I know I have. On paper, things are going well. I've written books, worked with big companies, and my little company continues to grow. I’ve built a career that I’m proud of, and I work hard to live within my means, especially with six kids who are always wanting lessons in everything! From the outside, it looks like it is all going really well.. But when I pause to reflect, there’s still this feeling of being... poorer than I’d like to be.

And no, I’m not talking about the literal kind of poverty, the kind that keeps people awake at night, wondering how they’re going to make ends meet. I’m not talking about the kind of struggle that comes with scarcity. What I’m talking about is something deeper. A kind of poverty that can’t be solved with money, no matter how much you have in the bank.

Ryan Holiday recently wrote about this in an article titled “These Are All the Ways I Feel Poorer Than I Am.” In it, he talks about a conversation he had with Sahil Bloom about the different kinds of wealth, wealth that doesn’t show up on your paycheck. Time wealth, emotional wealth, social wealth, mental wealth, and physical wealth. These are the kinds of wealth we often overlook, even though they shape our happiness far more than any amount of money ever will.

Today, I want to dive into this idea. I want to explore how, even though my life is going well, I still deal with anxiety and stress, worrying about things that haven’t happened, missing out on present moments because my mind is too busy. I want to talk about how I’ve neglected my social wealth and how I don’t have enough close friends anymore because I’m too wrapped up in work and family.

But here’s the thing: The more I think about it, the more I realize that true wealth isn’t about the size of your bank account, it’s about the balance in your life. It's about the freedom to live on your terms, the relationships you build, and the moments you enjoy, fully present.

So, if you’ve ever felt like you have everything, but still feel like something’s missing, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how to stop chasing the wrong kinds of wealth and start focusing on the ones that really matter. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll discover that you’ve had everything you need all along.

**From Ryan Holiday's website:  "These Are All The Ways I Feel Poorer Than I Am."  (It is a great read!)

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"Worry and stress are a real cost—they have stolen hours of sleep, moments of joy, and precious time with family."
"We spend so much time worrying about imaginary problems that we create real ones."
"True wealth is measured not by the balance of your bank account, but by the balance in your life."


Episode 591 The True Wealth That’s Not Found In Your Bank Account

What if the key to unlocking your potential isn’t talent but timing, effort, and the way your brain rewires itself? In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into the science of how learning happens, real, lasting, brain-changing learning, with insights from world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Kilgard. You’ll learn why your brain doesn’t change without discomfort, why sleep might be the most powerful learning tool you’re ignoring, and how tools like visualization, self-testing, and even a tiny implant in your neck are helping people recover from strokes and transform their performance.

Dr. Bray breaks down the four essential ingredients for rewiring your brain: focus, friction, reflection, and rest.  Dr. Bray explores real-life stories and tools you can use today to learn faster, retain more, and adapt better. Whether you're trying to pick up a new skill, overcome a setback, or simply want to sharpen your brain, this episode will shift how you think about change. This one’s made to be bookmarked, shared, and revisited.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Your brain isn’t a hard drive. It’s a living, changing, messy miracle.”
“One of the most underutilized productivity tools is a great nap.”
“No discomfort, no change. Learning shouldn’t feel easy.”


Episode 592 How to Rewire Your Brain (Without Burning It Out)

If you’ve ever hit a wall at 2:47 PM and wondered, “Why can’t I think straight?” This episode is for you. Spoiler alert: It’s not a willpower problem. It’s biology.

In this episode, Dr. Bray breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in workplace performance: your brain has a limited energy budget. From decision fatigue to task switching to why your focus crashes mid-afternoon, you’ll discover the hidden forces behind mental burnout and how to fight back.

We’ll explore:

-Why your brain burns through more energy than any other organ

-How your “mental bank account” gets drained without you even noticing

-The real cost of multitasking (hint: it’s not just lost time)

-What top performers, neuroscience researchers, and companies like Google are doing to protect brain power

-Simple ways to refuel your focus using strategic breaks, movement, and even social interaction

You’ll also learn how to spot the moments when you’re cognitively bankrupt and what to do to recharge fast.

Bonus: Dr. Bray shares a simple method to track your “brain budget” for one day so you can identify your personal energy leaks and high-focus windows. You’ll walk away with actionable tools you can start using today to work smarter, feel better, and lead with more clarity.
If you're in leadership, juggling too many tabs, or constantly battling decision overload, this episode might change how you manage your most valuable asset: your brain.
Listen now and get ready to stop blaming yourself and start working with your biology.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"The brain doesn't store fuel. Once the tank is low, the first thing to go is your ability to think clearly and resist distractions."

"Don't use your brain's best hours on low-leverage tasks."

"Performance problems may not be due to poor skills, but poor fuel. Invest in good nutrition and rest."


Episode 593 The Brain’s Energy Budget: Why You’re Not Lazy, You’re Overdrawn

Think you know why employees quit? Think again. It’s not about money, perks, or a flashy job offer. In this episode, Dr. Bray uncovers the surprising truth about why top talent leaves your organization.
You’ll learn what neuroscience tells us about motivation and progress, why our brains rebel when work feels stagnant, and the four “quests for progress” that push people to make career moves. Additionally, Dr. Bray will share real-world stories, research-based strategies, and practical steps you can implement today to keep your top talent engaged and thriving.
If you’re a leader, HR professional, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is your wake-up call. Don’t just ask how to retain employees, discover how to create a culture where people want to stay. Tune in and rethink everything you thought you knew about turnover.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
"People rarely leave for just money. They leave when their work stops feeling rewarding, when progress feels impossible, or when every day becomes an energy drain."

"The real question is: how do I make staying feel like progress and not stagnation?"

"People don’t quit companies — they quit environments where their brain feels stressed, stuck, and underutilized."


Episode 594: Why People Are Quitting and How Neuroscience Sheds Light on the Answer

Why do good employees walk away? You might think you know, but most exit interviews never uncover the real story. People rarely say, “I left because I felt stuck” or “I couldn’t see a future here.” Yet, those are often the true reasons behind turnover.
In this episode, Dr. Bray breaks down a powerful interview framework that goes beyond surface answers and gets to the heart of why employees quit. These aren’t ordinary exit questions; they’re conversation starters that uncover what employees were searching for, what pushed them away, and what might have convinced them to stay.

You’ll discover:

The four “quests for progress” that drive almost every job change

The exact questions that reveal whether someone left for alignment, control, growth, or just to get out

How to turn exit interviews into learning tools that reshape your culture

Why stay interviews matter more than exit interviews and how to run them effectively

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or business owner, this episode gives you actionable insights and ready-to-use tools for reducing turnover. Understanding why people leave is the first step in creating a workplace where they want to stay.  You don't want to miss this episode!
For more information on this topic, read the HBR article spotlight on "Why did They Leave?  An Interview Guide,"  in the November-December 2024 Issue for exact questions to use in your next exit interview.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

"People rarely say, 'I left because I felt stuck' or 'I couldn’t see a future here.' Yet, those are often the true reasons behind turnover."

"Turn exit interviews into learning tools that reshape your culture."

"Whether someone left for alignment, control, growth, or just to get out — the right questions will reveal it."


Episode 595 Why Did They Leave? Reinventing and Revitalizing the Exit Interview

Ever feel like you’re carrying bricks in your backpack that no one asked you to carry? Or turning a five-minute task into a half-hour saga of overthinking? You’re not alone, and your brain might actually be the culprit.

In this episode, Dr. Bray pulls back the curtain on why we over complicate simple things and what neuroscience reveals about it. (Hint: it’s not just about dopamine,  it’s about the way our brain’s prediction systems and default mode network keep us stuck in loops of worry and “what ifs.”)

You’ll learn:

Why your brain makes simple things feel hard, and how it thinks it’s helping.

The hidden costs of overthinking on your energy, creativity, and well-being.

Practical tools to stop adding “extra screws” to life and start living with more clarity and ease.

If you’re ready to stop over-engineering your days and start creating space for simplicity, joy, and focus, this episode is for you.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

"The mind is designed for survival, not for peace. To find peace, we must practice it intentionally."

"Overcomplicating things gives us the illusion of control, but real control comes from simplicity."

"Multitasking is the art of doing everything poorly at once."


Episode 596 Stop Making Life Harder Than It Is

Retiring Without Regrets

For decades, we’ve been told the same story: work hard, save well, and one day retirement will be the reward. But what if stepping away from work feels harder than the job itself? What if freedom comes with a side of restlessness?

In this episode, Dr. Bray delves into what truly makes retirement fulfilling and why neuroscience reveals that it’s about more than just money or free time. I’ll explore the hidden challenges the brain faces when structure, identity, and daily rewards suddenly disappear. And more importantly, I’ll share the four practices that help people not just retire, but rewire: alignment with your values, rediscovering yourself beyond the job title, taking charge of your time with agency, and embracing adaptability when life doesn’t go as planned.

You’ll hear stories of people who struggled and those who thrived and learn practical tools to shape a retirement that feels rich with meaning and growth.

If you’re approaching retirement, in the midst of it, or simply curious about how to build a life you don’t want to escape, Dr. Bray will provide you with insights that are both eye-opening and actionable.

Please tune in and discover how to retire without regrets and why your brain will thank you for it.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

“Retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s the beginning of a new journey.”

“Your identity is not in your job title; it’s in the lives you touch and the purpose you find.”

“Purpose is the engine that keeps you moving. Without it, even the most luxurious life can feel empty.”


Episode 597 Preparing for Retirement, It is About More Than Money

Work is noisy. Slack pings, endless meetings, emails that never stop. But beneath all that activity, many employees feel something deeper, disconnected.

In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into a powerful article from Harvard Business Review that reveals a hidden truth: nearly one in five employees feel lonely at work. That loneliness is not just a personal struggle; it is an organizational blind spot. When people feel isolated, creativity wanes, performance declines, and engagement wanes.

But here’s the good news: leaders can change this. Connection is not about forcing more meetings or filling calendars with “team building.” It is about designing workplaces where belonging is baked into culture, conversations, and even decision-making.

Join Dr Bray as he explores why traditional fixes are not enough, how leaders can spot the “connection deficit,” and the practical steps any organization can take to turn disconnection into a competitive advantage.  He also shares the top three ways to build connections that don't require a lot of time to plan.

If you lead a team, work in HR, or care about making work a place where people thrive, this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about how belonging is not a nice-to-have; it is the real driver of performance in today’s workplace.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

"Being on a team can make people feel even lonelier when the closeness they expect doesn't come to pass."

"Build socializing into the rhythm of work."

"If employees are constantly working at their maximum capacity... they won’t be able to invest time in pivotal interactions that generate trust."

"Social activities shouldn’t be offered as one-offs — they should be embedded in regular workflows."


Episode 598 The Work Connection Deficit and How To Fix It

Ever noticed that the athlete standing in second place sometimes looks less happy than the one in third? Turns out, it is not just your imagination, it is neuroscience.

In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into thirty years of research showing why bronze medalists often leave the podium smiling while silver medalists are silently stewing. The culprit? The way our brains process expectations, comparisons, and reward prediction errors.

He will explore:

Why your brain is wired to feel loss when you almost win, but joy when you barely make it

How dopamine, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex play tug of war with your emotions

What Olympic medalists can teach you about managing expectations in your career, leadership, and life

So, whether you are chasing your own gold medal or just trying to survive your inbox, don't miss this episode. You will walk away with strategies to feel happier, perform better, and cut yourself some slack the next time you finish in third place.

Quotes by Dr. Bray

"Happiness doesn’t always come from being the best. It often comes from how we frame our situation and what we expect to happen."

"Train the brain to see opportunity rather than loss."

"Silver is coded as loss because the brain expected gold. Bronze is coded as gain because the brain expected nothing or less."


Episode 599 Why Bronze Feels Better Than Silver

Smarter, Stronger, Sharper – How to Measure and Improve Your Brain Health

What if your brain had a dashboard that told you exactly how well it was performing before you hit burnout, before focus fades, and before your memory starts to slip?

In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into the cutting edge science that is reshaping how we understand brain health. You will discover how researchers like Dr. Evelyne Bischof, a Harvard and Columbia trained longevity physician, are using data, AI, and neuroscience to measure brain performance in real time and even predict cognitive decline before it begins.

Forget the old idea that your brain is static or unchangeable. Today, science can track everything from your biological brain age to your daily cognitive resilience and even show you how small lifestyle shifts can rewire your mind for greater clarity, energy, and focus.

If you have ever wondered why some people stay sharp under pressure while others burn out, or how technology is helping us see what is happening inside the brain long before symptoms appear, this episode will change how you think about mental performance and longevity.

Tune in because the future of brain health is not about reacting to problems, it is about measuring, training, and optimizing the most powerful system you have.

Quotes by Dr. Bray

"Brain health should be treated the same way we approach physical fitness or financial well-being: measurable, trackable, and provable."

"Your chronological age is what your driver’s license says. Your biological brain age is how old your brain acts."

"The brain doesn’t know the difference between a good habit and a bad habit — it just knows habit."


Episode 600 Smarter, Stronger, Sharper: The Science of Measuring and Improving Your Brain Health

We have all heard it. Someone looks at you with a smile and says, “Just be yourself.” Nice idea, but have you ever tried it? It turns out being yourself is not nearly as simple as it sounds.
In this episode, Dr. Bray digs into the science of authenticity and why the version of you that shows up at work, at home, or even at dinner with friends is often a carefully constructed blend of performance, prediction, and protection. You will hear how the brain’s prefrontal cortex, default mode network, and even the amygdala shape your sense of self and sometimes keep you from showing up as the real you.

We will explore why decades of cultural conditioning, family expectations, and even old survival strategies can bury your authentic self under layers of habit. More importantly, Dr. Bray shares the practical side of neuroscience: how neuroplasticity allows you to rewire your brain and excavate the parts of you that feel the most genuine.

So whether you are leading a team, building a career, or simply trying to feel at home in your own skin, hit play. Dr. Bray will show you how science can help you do it, and maybe even convince you that the project of becoming yourself is the most worthwhile work you will ever take on.

Quotes by Dr. Bray

"Just be yourself" sounds easy, but your brain is running layers of predictions, protections, and performances that you may not even notice”

“Your sense of self is shaped by repeated neural pathways—the habits of thought and behavior that you practice again and again”

“Sometimes you uncover trauma responses—protective adaptations that once kept you safe but no longer serve you”


Episode 601 Being Yourself Is Terrible Advice: The Neuroscience of Authenticity

The next 15 minutes are so intense it will change the trajectory of your career! What the heck is an autodidact? It's a self-learner and you are going to become one. As you take on new habits & hobbies you'll find that you'll open up your world!

Career Revolution

150 The One Thing To Do Today For Your Career: Become an Autodidact with Dr. CK Bay

Fan Favorite Episode: It is much easier to know what you don’t want versus what you actually do want! The best way to figure out where to start is by learning what you don’t want. Revisit our most popular episode and get ideas on how to kick start your path to overcoming the “I Don’t Know What I Want” syndrome!

I'm Not Where I Want to Be and I Don't Know How To Get There

The World is in turmoil, and your job may soon be affected. While this is not a topic that any of us want to think about, it is essential to be prepared. Understanding the steps of what to do after losing your job can make all the difference in how quickly you secure a new one. Dr. Bray shares questions you need to ask when you are notified you are being laid off. Dr. Bray also reviews the steps you need to take the first few weeks of not working.

*Susan Peppercorn, HBR-online.  Questions to Raise Immediately After You’re Laid Off.  3/2020

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Budget!”
“Grieving is an important part of being human.”
“You are not alone in dealing with this.”

EPISODE 325 What to Do If You Are Laid Off

The Dr. CK Bray Show is a 20-minute science and research-based podcast that aims to provide the information you need to create a better life and career. Dr. Bray shares the latest research findings in the areas of business, personal excellence and achievement, resilience and thriving, career, learning, leadership, change, and health.  He also provides a one-stop resource for actionable advice and tools to cover every aspect of your life. Be prepared to be simultaneously educated and entertained.

The Dr. CK Bray Show

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