Episode Details

When it comes to losing weight or overcoming addiction, which is more powerful: the ancient wisdom of mindfulness or the strength of your willpower? The answer may surprise you. 

In this episode, we hear from author and researcher Dr. Judson Brewer, a pioneer in the science of mindfulness-based habit change. Dr. Jud explains the neurological mechanisms behind habit formation and why losing weight is unsuccessful when we try to force change.

Dr. Jud Brewer is a psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author who studies the intersection between mindfulness and addiction. He has written two New York Times best-sellers, The Craving Mind and Unwinding Anxiety. His 2015 TED Talk, “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit” has been viewed over 20 million times.

This talk is a brief excerpt from Dr. Judson Brewer’s guest teacher presentation to those enrolled in the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. This unique, online, self-paced certification program balances pre-recorded webinars with live mentorship. Students in the program learn directly from Sean Fargo, his team, and some of the world’s most respected mindfulness and meditation experts. 

Train to share mindfulness with confidence, compassion and skill within a supportive online community. Learn more at mindfulnessexercises.com/certify or schedule a 15-minute call with Sean to see if this program is right for you at https://calendly.com/sean-108/application

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Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix of:

• Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings
• Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers
• Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers
• Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change

If you’re interested in:

• Mindfulness meditation for everyday life
• Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices
• Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way
• Deepening your own practice while supporting others

…you’re in the right place.

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