What if prayer isn’t just spiritual—but neurological? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Caroline Leaf sits down with Craig Groeschel—founder of Life.Church and New York Times bestselling author—to explore the science of prayer, the reality of burnout, and the mental health crisis many leaders quietly face. Craig opens up about the moment anxiety hit him like a “40-pound weight” on his chest—and why, after decades of resilience, he suddenly found himself depleted, not just tired. Together, they unpack what neuroscience now confirms: prayer can calm the brain, strengthen emotional regulation, and rewire how we respond to stress. This episode challenges the idea that faith and mental health are separate—and offers a new framework for understanding prayer not as something you do, but as a state of ongoing awareness that transforms your mind. You’ll learn: How prayer impacts the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and amygdala Why “praying without ceasing” is about awareness, not constant words The critical difference between being tired and being truly depleted Why rest alone doesn’t fix burnout—and what actually does How identity becomes fragile when it’s built on performance Why doing something uncomfortable or new can reset your nervous system This is a conversation about faith, science, identity, and what it really takes to heal your mind. Get Craig's new book, Heal Your Hurting Mind, here: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/heal-your-hurting-mind 📚 Resources: 🔗 Dr. Leaf's Website: https://drleaf.com 🔗 1:1 Coaching with Dr. Leaf: https://drleaf.com/coaching-1-1 🔗 Help in a Hurry Course: https://drleaf.com/courses 🔗 Neurocycle App: https://theswitch.app 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss the next one — new episodes every Wednesday. Sponsors making this show possible: BETTERHELP: Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/drleaf. SHOPIFY: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.com/leaf BROOKLYN BEDDING: Get 30% OFF with code DRLEAF at Brooklynbedding.com VERACITY: So make the switch to GLP-1s the natural way. Head to VeracityHealth.co and use code DRLEAF for up to 60% off your order. HELLOFRESH: Go to HelloFresh.com/drleaf10fm to get 10 free meals plus a FREE Zwilling Knife — a $144.99 value — on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.