In Your Head with Leigh Richardson

• Episode #269: Dopamine, Decision-Making & Meaning with Mike Long and Dr. Leigh Richardson

  On the latest episode of In Your Head Radio, I sat down with Mike Long, co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More and sole author of the powerful sequel Taming the Molecule of More. We dove into the science and psychology of dopamine—that feel-good neurotransmitter tied to the brain’s reward circuit and pleasure center. But as Mike explains, dopamine isn’t just about experiencing pleasure—it’s also about chasing it. There are two ways we encounter dopamine: The pleasure of the moment and the anticipation of what might happen. When it comes to decision-making, this dual nature can cloud our judgment. Are we making choices based on present satisfaction—or are we hooked on future possibilities that may never come? Mike also raised a powerful point: when we’re always chasing dopamine, we risk overlooking meaning and purpose in our lives. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about how brain chemistry shapes motivation, behavior, and fulfillment. This episode and more are available on Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, and Podcast Addict.

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• Episode #268: Dr. Leigh Richardson on Brain Capital® and Managing Financial Stress During Economic Uncertainty

  Dr. Leigh Richardson was recently interviewed on the topic of Brain Capital® and how economic uncertainty affects the brain, especially when it comes to managing financial stress. On this episode of In Your Head with Dr. Leigh Richardson, she shares insights on how prolonged financial worry impacts cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and decision-making. When the brain is under constant stress, it shifts into survival mode—limiting our ability to think clearly, solve problems, and plan for the future. She discusses strategies to build resilience, strengthen brain health, and increase brain capital so individuals and organizations can better navigate financial challenges. Investing in your brain is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. This episode and more are available on Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, and Podcast Addict.

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• Episode #267: The Neuro Protective Diet with Sarah Hoit, Mindi Manuel and Dr. Leigh Richardson

  In this episode, Dr. Leigh speaks with two extraordinary leaders driving change at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and nutrition. Mindi Manuel, MS, RD, CSG, LDN, CDP brings a powerful combination of business acumen and nutritional expertise to her role as Senior Manager of Area Clinical Support at Sodexo. Sarah Hoit is a healthcare and technology CEO and entrepreneur focused on the health and longevity space, with a passion for driving global collaboration and innovation. Together, they explore the power of partnership in developing a novel neuroprotective diet and the global implications, costs, and opportunities that come with advancing brain health on a broad scale. The conversation delves into key risk factors for dementia and the transformative role nutrition can play in prevention, highlighting evidence-based diets that have shown promise in supporting cognitive function. They also introduce new dietary recommendations tailored for older adult communities through the Vibrant Minds program, and discuss the importance of pragmatic clinical trials, including opportunities for involvement in the upcoming 2025 SIP Brain Health Innovation Olympics.This conversation is packed with insight, science, and action steps for supporting cognitive health through food, lifestyle, and innovation. A must-listen for anyone passionate about aging well and thinking ahead. Download the white paper at www.socialimpact.partners/vibrantminds.Learn more about the Vibrant Minds program Sodexo developed to support bringing this type of diet to life in your community by visiting www.sodexo.com/industry/senior-living-services/assisted-dining-solutions. Listen now: https://bit.ly/SarahHoitMindiManuelDrLeighRichardson

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• Episode #266: The Power of Human Behavior with Dr. Leigh Richardson and Christopher Hadnagy

  Social engineering is often associated with cyber threats, but it can also be a force for good. In this episode of In Your Head Radio, I speak with Christopher Hadnagy, a leading expert in social engineering, ethical hacking, and human behavior. As the CEO of Social-Engineer, LLC and founder of The Innocent Lives Foundation, Christopher has spent decades applying his expertise to protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats while also working to identify and stop those who exploit children online. Listen here: https://bit.ly/DrLeighChrisHadnagy Our conversation explores how understanding human behavior can be leveraged for ethical purposes, from safeguarding digital environments to using social engineering for positive change. Christopher shares insights from his extensive experience in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and advocacy, offering practical steps individuals and organizations can take to enhance online safety. Social engineering is part of everyday interactions and can be used to protect rather than exploit. The psychological toll of combating child exploitation and the importance of resilience in advocacy work. How individuals and businesses can proactively create safer digital environments through education and awareness. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in cybersecurity, ethics, and the impact of human behavior on digital safety. This episode and more are available on Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, and Podcast Addict.

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• Episode #265: The Business Case for Brain Capital® with Dr. Leigh Richardson and Dr. Steven Noeldner

  Brain health is not just a personal priority—it’s a business imperative. A healthy brain enhances productivity, problem-solving, and innovation, making it a key driver of individual well-being and organizational success. Listen Here: https://bit.ly/DrLeighDrNoeldner. On this In Your Head Radio episode, Dr. Leigh Richardson sat down with Dr. Steven Noeldner, Sr. Consultant at MercerWell and Well-being Vertical Leader at Mercer, to discuss why brain health should be a cornerstone of workplace well-being initiatives. With over 30 years of experience in health management and a deep understanding of well-being strategy, Steven shares insights on how organizations can foster cognitive resilience and employee well-being by utilizing the HERO scorecard. The scorecard identifies best practices to benchmark against to see the strengths and opportunities organizations of all sizes face to engage employees and stay connected to creativity and innovation. To learn more about Steve, visit his blog: https://bit.ly/DrSteveNBlog. Brain health encompasses physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Achieving optimal brain health requires attention to exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection. Companies that invest in brain health see improved creativity, performance, and business outcomes. As Steven says, recognizing the importance of brain health can be the “jet fuel” for your organization. Listen and learn how prioritizing brain health can transform both individual lives and workplace culture. This episode and more are available on Audible, Amazon Music, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Stitcher, Player FM, and Podcast Addict.

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