The Brain Factor
Is your brain holding you back? The Brain Factor, brought to you by Meridian, where hope, recovery, and wellness has been possible since 1971, is a lighthearted informal podcast that explores, how real people maintain or become resilient through evidence based techniques that increase protective factors. We share stories, tips, skills, and laughs through conversation, occasionally with subject matter experts. Don’t let your brain hold you back. Episodes drop once a month on the second Wednesday of the month, to help you get through hump day, and are always less than 30 minutes, because we know you are busy.
- Update frequency
- every 29 days
- Average duration
- 24 minutes
- Episodes
- 50
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
Episode 30: The one about stress relief from laughter
Laughter relieves stress, it's no joke. Whether you're laughing at a sitcom or giggling at a cartoon, laughing does your health a favor. Believe it or not, laughter has short term benefits for you…
Episode 29: The one about the eight dimensions of wellness
Health vs. Perfection. Joy and Laura dive into the eight dimension of wellness and discuss a model that extends wellbeing beyond physical health.
Episode 28: The One About Being Happy
What did you say? There are levels of happiness? Join Laura and Joy as they unpack how you can discover your character strengths and use those strengths to level up on happiness.
Episode 27: The one about crushing stigma
Are you faking your illness? It's your own fault you must be lazy. The weather is crazy! You must be seeking attention. We are crushing stigma and talking about all things stigma this month. Where it…
Episode 26: The one about being resilient
Are you going to cry about it or are you going to boss up? Maybe do both. On this episode of The Brain Factor Joy and Laura rewind and do a refresher on resilience and evidence based protective facto…
Episode 25: The one about the work family
Mentor, nemisis, frenemy? Work-life relationships can be just as important as our personal relationships, and they can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and success. Joy and Laura …
Episode 24: The One About Talking To Yourself
On this episode of The Brain Factor, the one about talking to yourself, Joy and Laura discuss positive self talk. Do you talk to yourself? If not, maybe you should, there just might be something go…
Episode 23: The one about how to deal
This episode of The Brain Factor, the one about how to deal, addresses the protective factor coping skills. Laura and Joy discuss minimizing chronic stress and its importance for overall health. Is s…
Episode 22: The one about control
In this episode, Joy & Laura discuss the difference between the things that are within our contol and things that are out of our control.
Episode 21: The one about emotional clutter
This episode of The Brain Factor, the one about emotional clutter, addresses the protective factor good problem solving and coping skills. Laura and Joy discuss built environment, how we set up our s…
Episode 20: The one about Sleep
On this episode of The Brain Factor, Joy and Laura talk about healthy diet, exercise, and development/ national sleep awareness.
Episode 19: The One About Loving Yourself
In this episode of The Brain Factor, Joy Riddle is joined by a special guest and friend, Dr. Maggie Labarta! They discuss the importance of loving yourself in order to love others, and how you can do…
Episode 18: The One About Fun at Work
On this episode of The Brain Factor, Joy and Laura talk about having fun at work while still following the rules at home school, and work.
Episode 17: The One About New Year, New You
What do new year's resolutions look like in a way that is emotionally healthy? In this episode, Laura and Joy are going to discuss permission to not participate at all. Motivation to do it? What is…
Episode 16: The One About the Hustle and Bustle
In this episode of the brain factor Joy and Laura address the protective factors of good coping skills and problem-solving skills. It’s a busy time of year and it's easy to get caught up in the hustl…
Episode 15: The One About Your Head
This episode of the brain factor addresses the protective factor of emotional and physical health. It’s important to focus on your healthy and preventative care. Laura and Joy discuss topics like Men…
The One About the Money
This episode of The Brain Factor addresses economic and financial responsibility: paying off debt, funding retirement, discussing the best ways to save, and staying on track!
Episode 13: The one about coping and problem-solving.
This episode of The Brain Factor addresses the protective factor: good coping and problem-solving skills. Laura and Joy discuss self-care in the workplace. Are you communicating effectively with your…
The one about self-care as a lifestyle.
Episode 12: The one about self-care as a lifestyle. This episode of the brain factor addresses the protective factor: good coping skills and problem-solving skills. Laura and Joy discuss self-care a…
The one about men’s mental health with Alan Paulin, LCSW.
Episode 11 of the Brain Factor addresses the protective factors: good coping skills, problem-solving skills, and connection to others. June is Men’s Mental Month and Alan Paulin LCSW joins in the co…