How Political Division Trains Your Mind to Fear People

The Dr. Leaf Show

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.6 • 3.2K Ratings

🗓️ 1 October 2025

⏱️ 35 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Why does political division feel so personal—and so addictive? In this episode, I unpack the neuroscience of ideological entrenchment, how tribal identity shapes our threat response, and why outrage keeps getting rewarded by your brain’s own chemistry. You’ll learn: ✅ How repeated exposure to conflict rewires your brain (ideological neuroplasticity) ✅ Why your nervous system confuses disagreement with danger ✅ The real cost of certainty—and how dopamine drives polarization ✅ A 5-minute micro-tool to break the loop and reclaim mental clarity This isn’t about silencing your values. It’s about staying present in a world designed to keep you outraged—and helping your brain feel safe without rigidity. 📚 Order my new book Help in a Hurry: www.helpinahurrybook.com ✏️ Rewire your mind, reclaim your peace, and save $50 on the new Help in a Hurry course—signed book included at www.helpinahurrycourse.com 📫 Join 250,000+ readers of my free newsletter with science-backed mental health strategies: Sign up here 🖥️ Watch the show on YouTube: @drcarolineleaf GET IN TOUCH: 🌍 Website 📸 Instagram: @drcarolineleaf 🐦 Twitter: @drcarolineleaf 💻 Facebook: Dr Caroline Leaf BiOptimizers: Get 15% off www.bioptimizers.com/drleaf with code DRLEAF Creatone Brickhouse: Get 20% off your first order at www.ToneToday.com and use my code DRLEAF for your discount. DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a professional for personalized support. #PoliticalDivision #OutrageAddiction #Neuroscience #TribalBrain #NeurocycleHealing #CognitiveResilience #DrCarolineLeaf #MindManagement #ThreatResponse #HelpInAHurry #BrainHealth #ConflictFatigue #Polarization #EmotionalWellness #SocialStress #HealingThroughPresence #Neuroplasticity #MentalHealthPodcast #StressReset #MindBrainConnection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript

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1:00.0	There are some things you'll never understand.
1:02.7	Like, why did that person ghost me?
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1:10.8	given its safety record?
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	...

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