Career Revolution With Dr. Ck Bray | A Place To Fix, Change Or Create Your Best Career

Depression is the most common mental health problem in the world. According to surveys, about 1 in 10 American adults will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. What is often not discussed is the effects of depression on relationships, both personal and professional. In today’s episode, Dr. Bray unpacks research-backed approaches for maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and family who struggle with depression. ** Thanks to Brett and Kate McKay for their article “How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Someone Who’s Depressed published on February 20, 2024 on the “Art of Manliness Website” **To learn more get the book “When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself.” By Laura Rosen and Xavier Francisco Amador. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “Learn all you can about depression.” “They need to know you’re there with them during the hard times.” “There isn’t a cure for depression.”

In the realm of mental health, the importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. Recent research sheds light on the vital connection between our sleep habits, the natural rhythms of our bodies, and our psychological state. The study brings to the forefront evidence that disruptions in sleep patterns and the body's internal clock — known as circadian rhythms — are not just a result of mental health challenges but may, in fact, play a role in causing and worsening these conditions. Dr. Bray, a leading expert in the field, will delve into the implications of this groundbreaking study and explore the emerging narratives from the research and how these findings may revolutionize the approach to mental health treatments going forward. In addition to the implications for mental health, Dr. Bray discusses another pressing issue in the modern workforce: the identification of future leaders in a remote work setting. As the corporate world continues to shift towards remote operations, traditional methods of e

It seems like we are more tired and less motivated than ever before. We often want to “just get through the day” rather than transcend it and seek out excellence in all we do. What’s behind this ebb in energy and the increase in feeling of overwhelm and overload? In today’s podcast, Dr. Bray shares insights into your mental bandwidth. Based on an article from Brett and Kate McKay called “What Happened to Our Mental Bandwidth?” Dr. Bray discusses the changes that have occurred over the last decade that have had a large impact on your mental bandwidth and the implications to energy, behavior, and performance. He will also share ideas (both old-school and new-fangled) to help you increase your bandwidth and understand the brain bandwidth of others. *To read the article by Brett and Kate McKay go to https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/what-happened-to-our-mental-bandwidth/ QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “I highly recommend reading The Shallows” “Our phones are energy vampires.” “Start saying NO to things; anyt

In this podcast episode, Dr. CK Bray discusses the phenomenon of "Zoom fatigue" and its impact on our brains. ​ He explains that the visual nature of video conferences taxes our brain's resources, as almost half of our brain is devoted to processing visual information. ​ Additionally, the constant staring at screens and prolonged eye contact during video chats can be uncomfortable and lead to misunderstandings. ​ Dr. Bray offers suggestions to combat Zoom fatigue, such as incorporating regular phone calls instead of video conferences, modifying on-camera air time, and improving social dynamics within video conferences. ​ He also emphasizes the importance of taking regular breaks and changing environments to reset our brains. If you want more information, Dr. Bray highly recommends “Brain Rules for Work: The Science of Thinking Smarter in the Home and in the Office.” By John Medina QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “Video meetings are an energy suck. Sprinkle in some phone calls!” “When you’re giving feedback, make sure you’

Dr. CK Bray shares insights into the dynamics of group interactions, emphasizing the challenges within teams, citing factors such as in-fighting, asymmetric job distribution, and confusion about goals that hinder their effectiveness. He delves into the neuroscience behind team dynamics, highlighting the critical role of trust, which can be measured through oxytocin levels in the brain. Learn how an experiment involving oxytocin nasal spray revealed its power to foster trust among strangers, shedding light on its impact on team cohesion. Dr. Bray explores Google's Project Aristotle, underscoring the significance of psychological safety and trust in fostering high-functioning teams. **Read John Medina’s “Brain Rules for Work: The Science of Thinking Smarter in the Office and at Home.” It is an excellent resource into learning more about today’s topic. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY  “Go make your team better!”

Dr. Bray’s “Take Your Brain to Work” offers an enlightening journey into the intricacies of our brains and how understanding their workings can revolutionize our professional lives. Dr. Bray delves into the latest neuroscientific research to uncover practical insights that can improve productivity, creativity, and communication in the workplace. Dr. Bray provides evidence-based strategies to enhance individual and team effectiveness. Whether you're a leader looking to foster a more innovative team culture or an individual striving to achieve peak performance, Dr. Bray serves as a guide to harnessing the power of the brain for professional success. **Read John Medina’s “Brain Rules for Work: The Science of Thinking Smarter in the Office and at Home.” It is an excellent resource into learning more about today’s topic. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “What you choose to expose yourself to will profoundly affect how your brain is going to function.” “Your brain doesn’t know the difference between good and bad.”

We want a high-paying job, but we don’t want to work long hours or get the education or training needed to get that job. We want to start a new company or write a book, but we aren’t willing to put in the evening hours to begin to accomplish those goals. In today’s podcast, Dr. Bray discusses two important topics. What are you willing to trade off for the goals you want to accomplish or the type of person you want to be? And what is your story or narrative about money? Dr. Bray dives into these two topics, the impact both have in our daily lives, and how our brain perceives our goals, ambition, and definition of success. This podcast will create some discussions around the dinner table.  References: *Sunday Firesides: There are No Trade-Off-Free Options. Brett & Kate McKay. Art of Manliness podcast. 1/20/2024 *Richard Rohr Daily Meditations. The Story of Accumulation 2/6/2024  QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “Sometimes we think we have more when we actually have less.”

“There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen—to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” In working with clients, they often wonder why they: - Didn't get promoted - Don't have friends at work - Have bad relationships at work and at home - Don't feel understood or heard by others In today's podcast, Dr. Bray discusses how to engage with others, which we, as humans, don’t do well. All around us are people who feel invisible, unseen, and misunderstood. Dr. Bray recently read How to Know a Person, by David Brooks and wanted to share insights, tools, and knowledge to help us do better at connecting with others. The act of seeing and understanding another person, Brooks argues, is profoundly creative: How can we look somebody in the eye and see something large in them and, in turn, see something larger in ourselves? Dr. Bray highly recommend

In today's episode of "Dr. CK Bray Show," we delve into the emotional intricacies of the workplace, a space where drama often unfolds in the form of power struggles, ego clashes, and the all-too-common practice of throwing colleagues under the bus. This episode tackles a question that resonates with many: Why do we take work so personally? The discussion explores whether our jobs are simply a means to an economic end, a yardstick for societal status, a cornerstone of identity, or perhaps all three. Dr. Bray aims to dissect the reasons behind our emotional investment in our jobs and offers strategies and tools to navigate the workplace with less emotional turmoil and more resilience. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “When we entangle our self-worth with our work performance, every piece of feedback, everything that goes wrong feels like a personal attack.” “Remind yourself that ‘This feeling is not who I am’. Emotions come and go.” “Treat yourself like you treat other people.”

It is an amazing experience when you witness excellence. It doesn't matter whether it is in sports, music, theater, medicine, innovation or your workplace, to name a few. Recently, I attended a community concert featuring a 200-member choir, all under the direction of Juilliard-trained conductors. The performance exceeded all my expectations and was a lesson in brilliance and excellence. This encounter prompted a self-reflective question: how often do people, driven by speed over quality, miss the opportunity to create excellence? Today's podcast delves into the neuroscience behind why we default to mediocrity, citing our brain's energy. We will also discuss how challenging our comfort zones releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and enhance learning, suggesting a weekly practice of boundary-pushing activities. The psychological concept of cognitive dissonance is also explored as a force that drives us from complacency to aspiration, alongside the habit loop's role in forming new patterns of excelle

Hello, fellow strollers, saunterers, and speed-walkers! Have you ever considered that your daily walk is not just a journey for your feet but also a gala for your brain? Neuroscience and cognitive psychology have teamed up to reveal why putting one foot in front of the other is a smart move, literally! In today's episode, Dr. Bray will share information and examples from a neuroscience and cognitive psychology lens of the top six reasons you should be walking more. A Stroll for Your Soul, A Jaunt for Your Brain Unleashing the Creativity Kraken Strolling Away the Stress The Social Stride Memory Lane is an Actual Path The Sleepy Time Connection Remember that walking is not just about reaching your destination; it's about enriching your mind, sparking creativity, busting stress, and enjoying friends and family. It can even help you improve at work! Your brain is begging for you to take a walk today. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “We should have walking meetings!” “When you walk with friends, you’re less likely to not sho

The beginning of the year is always an exciting time to think about who we are and what we want to accomplish. During the holiday season, a tragic event occurred to a member of the Adaption family that completely changed how I viewed my life and who I wanted to be in 2024. In this episode, I get a bit more personal on my goals for 2024 and how I am focusing more on “Who I Want to Be” versus “What I Want to Accomplish.” I am hoping it will motivate you to rethink and revise your goals this year. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “When we focus on who we want to be, personal development goals are crucial for your happiness.” “Knowing our values helps us navigate life more effectively and form and maintain relationships.” “When we’re intrinsically motivated we’re more likely to persist in the face of obstacles.”

In today’s episode, Dr. Bray shares the latest and greatest neuroscience in the news. He has searched the latest research to bring you recently published research on the brain. Dr. Bray will discuss new findings on depression and how to reduce your risk of depression. He will also discuss dopamine and how researchers are finding more roles dopamine plays in the brain. Dr. Bray will close out the podcast by discussing new napping research! Who doesn’t love a nap, especially when science backs you up on all the good reasons to nap. You don’t want to miss this episode!

In today's podcast, Dr. Bray answers the question, "Is loyalty dead?" One of the long-lost values we rarely hear of anymore, Dr. Bray explains how loyalty is key to any relationship, whether it be a personal, romantic or a workplace relationship. Loyalty is often considered a foundational element in developing and maintaining loving relationships. In a romantic context, loyalty can be understood as the commitment and fidelity one partner has to another. This includes emotional and physical fidelity and a commitment to supporting and prioritizing the relationship. When individuals feel secure in their partner's loyalty, it can foster feelings of love and deepen their emotional connection. On the other hand, loyalty is not limited to romantic relationships and can also play a significant role in friendships and familial relationships. In these contexts, loyalty may be expressed as standing by a loved one during difficult times, providing support and assistance, and maintaining the relationship despite challenge

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.

Today, Dr. Bray delves into the fascinating realm of social neuroscience, connection and what happens in your brain when you feel isolated or left out. Dr. Bray will share why our brains are inherently designed for social interaction, especially during the holidays. The need to connect with others is a primary driver of human behavior, as vital as our basic needs for food or shelter. This idea is supported by neuroscientific research, showing that social connections are deeply rooted in our neural circuitry. Dr. Bray will also discuss the impact of social pain and pleasure and the parallels between physical and social pain, illustrating how social rejection activates similar neural pathways as physical pain. This finding underscores the intense impact that social experiences can have on our wellbeing. Conversely, positive social interactions trigger pleasure centers in the brain, underlining the joy and satisfaction derived from meaningful connections. Lastly, he will examine the implications of our social na

I love to read! I often get strange looks and questions when I announce I recently finished a book. I also get interesting questions that range from Am I a speed reader? To how do I read books: audio, paperback, or on Kindle? In today’s episode, I wanted to have a book club on the rules of reading. I often think individuals don’t read because of preconceived notions about reading. This podcast will be much different than you think, and you may find a desire to pick up a book, listen to a book or share your favorite book with a friend. Thanks to Ryan Halliday of the Daily Stoic for writing a fantastic article on the rules of reading. I mixed my thoughts with his to develop a strong list of reading rules. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “I don’t believe in speed reading. Why would I want to speed read through an absolutely fantastic book?” “Reading is better, lasts longer, and you can recall it faster, if you take notes.” “Beat those books up!” “Don’t just read books, re-read books!”

Neuroscience in the News! One of our favorite ongoing podcasts, Dr. Bray shares the latest and greatest research in the field of Neuroscience. This week, Dr. Bray will discuss the most recent updates on psilocybin use in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addictions. Published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice, a research review and update were conducted on the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Dr. Bray also shares a new comprehensive study of over 700,000 US veterans on eight lifestyle habits that can extend your life expectancy significantly. Dr Bray reviews the eight lifestyles and also the number of years you can extend your life if you take the advice of this study. Finally, Dr. Bray discusses creativity and how to increase your creativity on a daily basis. Published in the Creativity Research Journal findings on how creative people best use their time. Of course, this outstanding information comes from Dr. Bray's home state of Arizona.

In this week's podcast, Dr. Bray dives into the mind of a hero and answers the question, "What lays the groundwork for acts of selfless altruism?" Dr. Bray will discuss several events where, every day, normal individuals act in heroic ways, often without even having time to think. Dr. Bray also talks about how to move from self-absorption to altruism and the signs of an altruistic individual. In a world filled with thoughts of self, the need to think of others and empathize with them in their struggles and failures is to enlarge your humanity. Learn how to take the steps to become more altruistic. Thanks to Steve Taylor, Ph.D., and his article "The Mind of a Hero" in Psychology Today for his thoughts and research into Heros and altruism.  QUOTES BY DR. BRAY “The less time there is to deliberate, the more likely one is to have altruistic behavior.” “Empathy gives rise to altruism.” “When we have a purpose our lives become less complicated and stressful.”

It is the final podcast on our Insights series of our focus where we dive deep into the fascinating world of self-awareness from Tasha Eurich's groundbreaking book, "Insights." Dr. Bray shares insights, tools, and information to challenge our assumptions about the journey to genuine self-understanding. Dr. Bray discusses the surprising truths about what true self-awareness is, why we often misunderstand it, and how it can transform our lives both personally and professionally. In this last episode, we discuss the cult of self and why narcissism is blocking your insights and gaining insight from others. Dr. Bray discusses how to move from self-absorption to self-awareness. Dr. Bray warns that a few individuals may get their feelings hurt from this episode as self-awareness kicks in high gear from the content that is shared. The need to change may be the insight you get today! This is an episode you don't want to miss.