Dr. Jud Brewer: Fear, Fredom, and his book The Craving Mind. Ep. 50 of the INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast
I have benefited directly from Dr. Jud Brewer’s research into overcoming bad habits so it was an honor to have him on this episode of INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE. This was essentially a free therapy session for me 😂 and hopefully will be for the viewer as well.
Dr. Jud (as he is known) uses a science-based approach to prove the positive effects mindfulness can have on our personal and professional lives. Being stuck in cycles of addiction and anxiety can influence essentially every part of our relationships to ourselves and others. His book, videos, and apps have helped me and so many others make lasting changes because it is supported and constantly tested through research.
My journey has mostly been about healthier eating and weight loss. Sometimes it seems as if there’s so much guess work in diet culture, and there is a lot of misinformation and corporate interests complicating things. Jud’s teachings are all backed up by experiments and peer-reviewed data — this isn’t just another celebrity or internet personality hawking their beliefs.
Jud’s belief that human curiosity is stronger than cravings is encouraging for those of us with scientific minds. Though we didn’t get the quote quite right during our conversation, Einstein’s insight is applicable. “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious,” he said. To which Jud adds, “Never lose that holy curiosity. Let’s train everyone to get addicted to curiosity.”
Jud recently wrote about how curiosity is a superpower. How it evolved in humans over time, that we’re all born with it, and how it is disappearing in this modern world. And of course, how to redevelop the skill and improve your life by realizing the power you have.
Science is essentially professional curiosity. Of course, here at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination we know the power that comes from combining research with wonder. But in academia, there is a prevalent cycle of anxiety leading to imposter syndrome, which then leads to more anxiety. Jud’s research shows that can be overcome with curiosity, figuring out how your brain works and trying new tools to help it work differently.
We also talked about the idea that one can be addicted to the idea of glory and obsessed with attribution and the H index. I know a few people who could benefit from confronting this…
I’m a gadget guy so of course we talked about the role technology has in Jud’s mindfulness tactics. As with everything, there are positives and negatives. Many people regulate their meditation using smartphone apps, not to mention tracking other habits, both healthy and unhealthy. If we outsource these tasks to technology, what can we take credit for? Where is there room for individual merit?
At the same time, those smartphones can undermine our sense of free will. The addictiveness of scrolling through social media can have disastrous effects on some people’s well-being. Employees of Facebook probably believe they’re connecting the world, not crushing teenage girls’ self-esteem. We must all find the balance for ourselves.
I hope this episode of INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE motivates you towards further curiosity and mindfulness. Jud is providing an immeasurable service by providing “office hours” videos on YouTube during the pandemic. Thanks so much to Jud for giving so generously of his time!
Buy his book “The Craving Mind.”
Download MindScience’s apps on iTunes and Google Play.
Watch as Brewer puts Anderson Cooper’s mindfulness to the test on 60 Minutes.
Read Brewer’s article in The New York Times about reducing stress during the pandemic.
Watch Brewer’s TED Talk.
Read The New York Times article about addictive junk food that Jud mentioned during our interview.
Find Jud Brewer on the web https://drjud.com Twitter @judbrewer and YouTube.
Find Brian Keating on Twitter @DrBrianKeating and YouTube
Please subscribe, rate, and review the INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast on iTunes for a chance to win a copy of Brewer’s book: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-impossible/id1169885840?mt=2
Jud Brewer, M.D. Ph.D. is the Director of Research and Innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center, as well as an associate professor in psychiatry. His company MindSciences develops mindfulness apps, including Eat Right Now, Craving to Quit, Breathe, and Unwinding Anxiety.
