Our ability to think, lead and live well depends on the health of our brains. These conversations explore cognitive capacity, stress, confidence, recovery and the everyday choices that help our brains remain healthy, adaptable and resilient.
Dive in and enjoy...
Brain Health & Resilience Episodes
THE BUSINESS OF SHAPING FUTURE MINDS
Setting Your Brain Free to Create, Innovate & Critically Think.
Episode 26
EPISODE 26 - The Dark Side Of The Brain
Because you don’t have to believe every story your brain tells you.
Have you ever convinced yourself something terrible was about to happen, only to discover everything was absolutely fine? An unanswered email, a request for “a quick word” or someone arriving home late can be all it takes for the brain to fill in the gaps before the facts have arrived.
In this episode, Soraya and Tracy explore one of the brain’s fascinating contradictions: the very system designed to protect us can also create fear, worry and catastrophic thinking. They look at why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable and how our experiences, childhood environments, language and repeated patterns shape the stories we tell ourselves.
They also challenge the idea that some people simply have a “negative brain”. We don’t have positive brains and negative brains; we have brains that have learnt patterns. And through neuroplasticity, curiosity and greater awareness, those patterns can change.
From understanding why one criticism can outweigh ten compliments to recognising the difference between healthy preparation and predicting disaster, this conversation offers practical ways to question the story your brain is creating.
Because your brain may be trying to protect you.
But that doesn’t mean its prediction is true.
Episode 24
EPISODE 24 - You Can't Lead Or Live On An Empty Brain
You're doing more... but thinking less.
You can’t run a life, a team or a business on an empty brain.
More decisions.
More pressure.
More noise.
More people needing something from us.
On the surface, life keeps moving.
But underneath, thinking gets harder, patience gets shorter, and creativity starts to disappear.
In this episode of Brainy Podcasts, we explore what really happens when the brain is under sustained pressure, why your “social battery” matters more than people think, and why brain health is becoming essential for leadership, work and life in the 5.0 era.
Because when your brain has space, everything changes.
Listen now and give your brain a break.
Episode 20
EPISODE 20 - Brains, Burnout and Bullsh*t: What Are You Still Pretending Is Working?
In this powerful episode, Soraya and Tracy take a brutally honest look at modern work and leadership - what’s thriving, what’s breaking, and what we’re still pretending is working.
From the neuroscience of burnout and decision fatigue to the role of trust, reflection, and psychological safety, they explore how to stop the burnout cycle before it starts.
Soraya and Tracy discuss why brain capital is now an economic asset, how hybrid intelligence (human + AI) can fuel creativity rather than drain it, and why joy, curiosity, and emotional awareness are essential to sustainable performance.
Episode 13
EPISODE 13 Bonus Episode Myth Busting the Menopause
Did you know that 70% of women in the workforce are navigating peri-menopause? It’s a stage of life that impacts millions
Joining us is Rachel Curry, Creative Services Director at Designate a fearlessly independent Advertising Agency. Rachel brings a powerful and deeply personal story about her sudden introduction to menopause while thriving in a vibrant industry surrounded by and leading young talent. Her journey has inspired her to become a mentor and advocate, offering vital support to colleagues and beyond.
Rachel’s experience and insights have helped shape menopause policies for her own company and other organisations, ensuring better support for women and greater understanding across the workplace and we think her “hot tips” (not hot flushes!) deserves to be heard.
Episode 12
EPISODE 12 The Business of Brain Health & Wealth
Setting Your Brain Free to Create, Innovate and Critically Think
Can you imagine how powerful it would be if you could set your brain free to wander, imagine and use its full potential?
We chat about...
Why nurturing a healthy mindset is so important to drive our brains natural creativity and innovation.
From their experience reflection, reframing and self-awareness unlocks our human potential and fuels organisational success.
To age and live well looking after our brain health through diet, movement and relationships is so important.
And techniques that can be adopted to keep your brains super highways healthy so the glass remains half full supporting you to protect your wellbeing.
Episode 11
EPISODE 11 Our Genius As Human Beings
The Human Self
In this episode, we explore the concept of "The Human Self" and its pivotal role in fostering creativity and innovation. We discuss why self-development, self-awareness, and self-belief are essential for unlocking human potential and driving organisational success. Joined by Miriam Boote, Managing Director at creative agency, Designate, we examine the role of leaders and organisations in cultivating a culture of self-awareness and continuous improvement.
What stayed with you? What challenged your thinking, confirmed something you already believed or helped you see things differently?
Join us on LinkedIn and tell us what you took from the episode. Then, when you’re ready for another Brainy conversation, discover where your curiosity takes you next.
