Inside Information About Your Brain with Dr. Jud Brewer

Inside Information About Your Brain with Dr. Jud Brewer

From The Wise Effort Show by Dr. Diana Hill

June 1, 2026 · 54 min · Season 9 · Episode 202

About this episode

Dr. Diana Hill discusses brain mechanisms related to anxiety and mindfulness with Dr. Judson Brewer.

Do you feel stuck in worry loops that drain your energy and pull you out of the present moment? In this episode of The Wise Effort Show, Dr. Diana Hill talks with neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer about “inside information” on the brain—especially the default mode network and how self-focused rumination and worry activate the posterior cingulate cortex. They explore new, encouraging research showing that experienced meditators don’t show the same activation during worry recall, and that even beginners can deactivate this brain region quickly using a simple mindfulness “noting” practice (labeling seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking). Diana and Jud also discuss using technology to interrupt addictive habit loops (like compulsive checking) and how moving beyond anxiety can open the door to integrity, kindness, and flourishing—grounded in the reminder that “your actions are your only belongings.” Listen and learn: Your brain has a “me network” that can drain your energy. Noticing changes your relationship to experience. The goal is not just less anxiety, but more integrity, energy, and flourishing. “My actions are my only belongings.” Suggested Next Episode: Busting…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Diana Hill

Guest: Dr. Judson Brewer

Topics covered

  • brain
  • mindfulness
  • anxiety
  • self-focused rumination
  • meditation
  • addictive habits
  • integrity

Keywords

  • brain
  • mindfulness
  • anxiety
  • meditation
  • self-rumination
  • posterior cingulate cortex
  • addictive habits

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most

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