Brianna Approved

If you’ve ever felt stuck, indecisive, or like you’re waiting for clarity before making a big life decision, this episode is for you! In this episode, we will cover: Why you feel stuck: your brain prioritizes certainty over happiness Predictive processing: your brain runs mostly on internal predictions—not reality Why you choose what’s familiar (even when it’s wrong for you) How loss aversion + do...

In episode 89 of the podcast, we discuss why grief isn’t just emotional….it’s neurological. In this episode, we discuss: Why grief can feel physically painful and what’s happening in the brain when we experience loss in any form ( Nerd Alert Segment ) Why grief tends to come in waves rather than a predictable timeline Why the traditional stages of grief are often misunderstood 4 types of unexpecte...

In Episode 88, we’re talking about how to stop letting feelings hijack your choices, and how to start using evidence — not impulse — as your compass. In this episode, we break down: Why emotional intensity is not the same thing as truth Nerd Alert : The brain systems behind emotions vs feelings The difference between emotions, feelings, and evidence (and why it matters) How two people can experien...

In episode 87, we are going over all things habits! Bad habits aren’t a willpower issue — they’re a brain wiring issue. In this episode, we break down why your brain automates patterns that don’t serve you, why trying harder doesn’t work, and how to actually rewire habits using neuroscience (not motivation). In this episode, we cover: Why your brain runs so much of your day on autopilot Where habi...

In this episode, we break down the real neuroscience behind anxiety, avoidance, procrastination, and the Sunday Scaries — and give you practical tools to interrupt the patterns your brain keeps running on autopilot. You’ll finally understand what your brain is doing, why it’s doing it, and how to retrain it. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away knowing: Why your brain predicts the worst Ho...

We talk about dating breakups all the time — but almost no one talks about the heartbreak of losing a friend. In this episode, we unpacks the hidden grief of friendship endings, the roles we unconsciously play, and how to know when a friendship has simply expired. You’ll learn: • Why friendship breakups can feel more painful than romantic ones • The hidden “roles” we play — fixer, caretaker, hype-...

Have you ever known something was bad for you—a relationship, a job, a habit—but kept going back anyway? In this episode, we unpack the hidden psychology and brain science that keep you stuck in cycles you know aren’t serving you. By the end, you’ll not only understand why you cling to what hurts—you’ll leave with practical tools to start loosening that grip. In this episode, we explore: The Psych...

Your brain is running the show… but it’s using outdated software. In this episode, I break down 10 cognitive biases — the mental shortcuts that once kept us safe but now quietly sabotage your choices in relationships, careers, and everyday life. In this episode: 10 mental biases quietly sabotaging your choices The traps that keep you stuck in jobs, relationships & indecision Nerd Alert: How yo...

Everything costs something. The real question is—what are you actually paying for? The price is usually your peace, your energy, your time... and your future clarity. In this episode, we explore: -Why your “free time” isn’t really free—and the hidden ways you leak energy -You’re not tired. You’re uninspired. -NERD ALERT- The neuroscience of why you feel drained even when you're “not doing much...

In Episode 81, we are diving into Post Traumatic Growth (aka pain as a portal), the Region Beta Trap, and the Neuropsychology of Thriving After Rupture. We’ll break down why hitting rock bottom can be more motivating than staying “fine,” how trauma rewires your brain, and why you need 3-5 positives to outweigh one negative. Plus, we’ll explore the Region Beta Paradox—why tolerable pain keeps you s...

In the 80th episode of the podcast we are diving into something I know many of us wrestle with: cognitive loops. In the episode, I discuss: What a cognitive loop actually is and why your brain gets hooked on them  The role your ego plays in keeping you stuck in loops like the validation loop, justice loop, and control loop  Why these loops feel addictive — and what’s happening neurochemically when...

In episode 79 of the podcast, we will explore the high achiever’s baseline effect and the neuroscience behind why high performers struggle to rest (and why burnout ensues). We'll break down the trap of tying self-worth to productivity, how to rewire the subconscious belief that rest is unproductive, and the shift from identifying as a "hard worker" to an "effective thinker.&quot...

In episode 78 we are getting into the science (and neuroscience) of change aka self-directed neuroplasticity! I discuss how change actually happens in the brain, why discipline is more important than motivation, how to create and stick to habits, and why systems and processes are more important than goals! Nerd Alert - Parts of the brain that deal with and resist change; orbitofrontal cortex &...

My favorite solo episode to date! In this episode I will introduce the concept of transformational vocabulary and dive into how the words you chose shape your emotions, behaviors, perceptions and ultimately quality of life.  We will explore practical tools for elevating emotional vocabulary, working on cognitive reframing, and transforming life through intentional language. I discuss the power of...

It is the first episode of 2025, of course we are talking about mental health! In episode 76 I sit down with John Scafiddi Jr, founder & creative director At War World Wide & host on The Journey Podcast. We talk about being at war with yourself and how they can be a catalyst for personal growth, we discuss how to pour back into your own cup (and figuring out what that looks like for you),...

In episode 75 of the podcast, we are talking all things Positive Psychology, which is the scientific study of optimal human functioning. In this epsiode I disucss: Positive Psychology 101 (5 Core Pillars) Improving the Quality of Your Life Happiness Is A Skill Redefining Failure  ___ Be sure to follow my Instagram  @briannadiorio  for all the Brianna Approved educational content! You can visit my...

In episode 74 I am talking all things menstrual cycle! I discuss: The 4 Phases Of Your Menstrual Cycle The Connection Between Your Skin Health & Period Hormones Impacting Your Mood Menstrual Cycle Hormones 101   ___ Be sure to follow my Instagram  @briannadiorio  for all the Brianna Approved educational content! You can visit my website www.briannadiorio.com to learn more. Production Manager a...

In episode 73 we are talking all things optimizing sleep, circadian rhythm & sleep cycles. In this episode, I discuss: -Circadian Rhythm 101 -The Importance of Slow Wave Sleep / Deep Sleep -Science Behind The Importance Of An Early Bedtime -Why All Blue Light Isn't Bad -Hormonal Peaks During Sleep __ Be sure to follow my Instagram  @briannadiorio  for all the Brianna Approved educational conte...

In episode 72 I sit down with Steven Kahn, Product Development Scientist at Onnit, a supplement company focusing on total human optimization and scientifically proven ingredients. We discuss: -Supplement Formulation Basics -Standardized Ingredients Vs Proprietary Blends -Avoiding Supplement Marketing -Melatonin Myths Watch our conversation on YouTube here ! Follow Steven on IG ---- Be sure to foll...

On episode 71 of the podcast, I sit down with Daryl Nault, a researcher at Examine.com , the largest database of nutrition and supplement research on the internet. In this episode, we discuss: Hierarchy of scientific evidence  Research literacy  How to reduce research biases  Cherry-picking scientific data Daryl is a dedicated researcher, accomplished data analyst, and passionate research educator...

In episode 70 I break down the actual science of vibes! I discuss co-regulation of the nervous system, limbic resonance, emotional residue and the heart-brain connection. I also get into why we rise to the occasion when we are surrounded by the right people (The Pygmalion Effect), how to increase heart coherence, and how to raise those vibes! You can watch the YouTube video here ! Nerd Alert: Nerv...

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine, and has been teaching Ayurvedic wisdom for 40 years. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, where ancient Ayurvedic wisdom meets modern science. LifeSpa.com is one of the leading Ayurvedic health and wellness resources on the web with over 11 million views on YouTube and over 130...

In episode 68 I sit down with Gena Bradshaw, a holistic health and energy coach, two-time cancer survivor, and author of A Survivors Story, A Holistic Healing Journey Through Cancer. In this episode, we discuss: -Understanding your “energy bucket” -Chakra System Basics -Prioritizing Healing Modalities -Evolving Your Holistic Healing Journey Watch the YouTube conversation here ! Follow Gena on IG a...

In this episode I discuss all things Berberine and why I love it as a plant compound! I discuss Berberine's MOA, benefits, GLP1 basiscs/ how that relates to Ozempic, cellular, and molecular targets for Berberine (such as AMPK + Sirtuins) how it works on dosage and contraindications.  -Berberine Mechanism of Action  -GLP-1 Overview -Molecular Targets for Berberine (AMPK + Sirtuins +NFKB) -Dosage &...

In episode 66 I have a return guest and one of my favorite homies for life, Isaiah Frizzelle. In this episode, we talk about: -Embracing Being By Yourself -Communication Vs Comprehension   -Friendship Breakups  -Transparency vs Vulnerability You can watch the full YouTube video here and watch our first episode together (episode 32) here ! Follow all things Isaiah at the below links: Website IG Pod...