Neuroscience of Coaching

• Why Journaling Works: Brain Science Behind a Transformational Practice (Lynda Monk)

  Mirasee FM Special Free Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakDr. Irena and Lynda Monk explore the benefits of journaling and its role in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. They discuss Lynda’s Life Source Writing method, which provides a structured approach to journaling that can be a transformative practice for coaches and clients alike.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews a coach to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.Key insights that Dr. Irena and Lynda discuss in this episode:Journaling activates brain regions involved in emotional processing.Reflective writing enhances self-awareness and decision-making.Regular journaling can lower cortisol levels and improve health.Journaling helps individuals cope with change and transition.It fosters self-compassion and acceptance of life’s ebbs and flows.Journaling can improve relationships through self-reflection.Journaling for joy can cultivate optimism and hope.Resistance to journaling is normal and can be addressed.The Life Source Writing method provides a structured approach.Journaling can be a powerful tool in coaching practices.             “Journaling helps us notice our needs.”  — Lynda MonkGuest Bio:Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC, is Director of The International Association of Journal Writing (IAJW.org), an inspiring community for journal writers worldwide. She is known for her profound insights into the therapeutic and life-changing power of journaling. Through her dynamic speaking engagements and educational sessions, she inspires individuals to harness the power of writing to heal and transform their lives. Lynda is the co-editor and co-author of several books including Affirmations for Self-Love – a guided journal; The Great Book of Journaling; Transformation Journaling for Coaches, Therapists and Clients; and Writing Alone Together. She is also the author of Life Source Writing™️. Lynda is Registered Social Worker and Certified Professional Life Coach, with 30+ years’ experience teaching, speaking, and coaching in the areas of burnout prevention, self-care, wellness, and writing to heal.Host Bio:Dr. Irena O'Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O'Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolLynda’s website: LyndaMonk.comInternational Association of Journal Writing: IAJW.orgSpecial Free Mirasee FM Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakCredits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer and Editor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: Why Journaling Works: Brain Science Behind a Transformational Practice (Lynda Monk) coming soon.

  --------  

  37:47

  --------

  37:47
• Managing Emotions and Listening Better: Neuroscience Tools for Conflict Resolution (Julia Menard)

  Mirasee FM Special Free Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakConflict leadership specialist Julia Menard and host Dr. Irena share insights on how our brains interpret and control conversations to shape our understanding. They discuss the role of the predictive brain and how neuroscience can help coaches manage difficult communications and conflict resolution.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews a coach to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.“Understanding that we don’t just hear what’s being said, but what we expect to hear, is a crucial step in managing conflict more effectively.”— Julia MenardGuest Bio:Julia Menard is a conflict leadership specialist with more than 30 years of experience in mediation, coaching, and training. She began her career mediating neighborhood and court disputes, and for the past two decades has focused on helping leaders navigate workplace conflict with clarity and compassion. Julia is co-author of Hold On to Yourself: How to Stay Cool in Hot Conversations, a TEDx speaker, and co-founder of the On Conflict Leadership Institute, which equips leaders with the mindset and tools of a mediator. She also teaches at the Centre for Conflict Resolution and co-developed a practical field-tested course on how to have difficult conversations.Host Bio:Dr. Irena ‘Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O’Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolJulia’s website: JuliaMenard.comJulia’s On Conflict Leadership Institute: OnConflict.comJulia’s On Conflict podcast: OnConflictPodcast.comRaven & French’s “Forms of Power”John & Julie Gottman InstituteGetting to Yes (book)Interpersonal Gap (John Wallen)Ladder of Inference (Chris Argyris)Johari windowThomas-Kilmann Inventory (Conflict Mode Instrument)Kraybill Conflict Style InventoryCredits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer and Editor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: Managing Emotions and Listening Better: Neuroscience Tools for Conflict Resolution (Julia Menard) coming soon.

  --------  

  40:05

  --------

  40:05
• How Kindness Builds Resilience, Confidence, and Creativity (Emma-Louise Elsey)

  Mirasee FM Special Free Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakEmma-Louise Elsey challenges the idea that kindness is weakness, reframing self-compassion as a powerful tool for growth and resilience. Drawing from neuroscience and her unique coaching methodology, she offers tips in “Fierce Kindness” to help us thrive, reduce stress, and inspire positive change.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews a coach to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.“I want to make kindness a power move to reframe kindness not as being nice, but as this courageous force that helps us show up for ourselves.” — Emma-Louise ElseyGuest Bio:Emma-Louise Elsey has been a professional life coach since 2004. She is the founder and former CEO of The Coaching Tools Company, and the founder and current CEO of FierceKindness.com.Over the last two decades, Emma-Louise has developed powerful, practical tools and techniques to overcome anxiety and a vicious inner critic — when nothing else worked. This journey gave rise to Fierce Kindness.Her mission now is to spark a kindness revolution, which starts with the person who matters most: you. She believes Fierce Kindness — the combination of kindness and courage — can together create the change our world deeply needs.Host Bio:Dr. Irena O’Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O’Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolEmma-Louise’s website and special offer: FierceKindness.comCredits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer and Editor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: How Kindness Builds Resilience, Confidence, and Creativity (Emma-Louise Elsey) coming soon.

  --------  

  38:12

  --------

  38:12
• Boost Focus & Performance with Music & Neuroscience (Hilary DeCesare)

  Mirasee FM Special Free Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakHilary DeCesare joins Dr. Irena to explore the powerful link between music and the brain, revealing how the right tunes can trigger neurochemicals for motivation, healing, and growth. Discover actionable steps and personal stories that illuminate music’s potential to transform mindset and results.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews a coach to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.“There’s something so powerful about the music connection. And I thought, I wonder if I could use this with my own clients. I wonder if this would work across all ages.”  — Hilary DeCesareGuest Bio:Hilary DeCesare is a 3x bestselling author, award-winning peak performance coach with 25 years of experience, and host of the top 1.5% podcast “ReLaunch to a Rich Life.” Named one of Success Magazine's Top 10 Coaches of 2025 alongside Mel Robbins, Hilary masterfully blends neuroscience, ancient wisdom, and business expertise through her signature 3HQ™ framework (aligning your Head, Heart, and Highest Self) and transformational experiential events, empowering leaders to fully unlock their potential. As a former Silicon Valley CEO featured on ABC's hit TV show Secret Millionaire, Hilary is known for her approachable, intuitive, and authentically refreshing style — specializing in helping ambitious professionals shift from feeling stuck to confidently “ReLaunching into their Rich Life.”Host Bio:Dr. Irena O’Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O’Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolHilary’s website: TheRelaunch.comHilary’s Instagram account: @hilarydecesareFree download for podcast listeners: TuneInPowerTool.comCredits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer: Andrew ChapmanAudio Editor: Marvin del RosarioExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: Boost Focus & Performance with Music & Neuroscience (Hilary DeCesare) coming soon.

  --------  

  42:16

  --------

  42:16
• How Can Brain Science Elevate Coaching from Insight to Action?

  Mirasee FM Special Free Offer (Revenue Leak Checklist): www.mrse.co/leakIn this compilation, explore transformative insights from eight previous guests who reveal how neuroscience empowers lasting change, self-awareness, and resilience. If you’re a coach, wellness professional, or simply fascinated by the science of change, this episode is rich with actionable insights.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behind a particular concept and interviews a coach to discuss how these apply in the real world. Just as she does in her professional programs, Irena “un-complicates” neuroscience and teaches practical, evidence-based tools and strategies that listeners can use in their coaching practices.Contents:00:00 — Intro about this special compilation episode01:08 — Lion Goodman on how “the predictive brain” forms our current reality06:15 — Deborah Ross and Kay Adams on the transformative experience of journal therapy12:00 — Ally Machate on the universal fear of rejection when publishing our writing18:51 — Dr. Eugene Choi on the state of flow and how we spend too much time in our survival mind23:10 — Caroline Leroux on coaching for compassion versus coaching for compliance27:55 — Renaye Thornborrow on teaching mindset skills to children through story-based coaching32:32 — Dr. Natalie Green on how childhood trauma manifests in adulthoodGuest Bios:Lion Goodman is a Professional Certified Coach and the CEO of the Clear Beliefs Institute.Deborah Ross and Kay Adams are journal-therapy pioneers and experts and the co-authors of Your Brain on Ink.Ally Machete is a book-publishing coach and  the founder and CEO of The Writer’s Ally.Dr. Eugene Choi is a neuroscience-based coach who teaches executive leaders how to achieve and sustain peak performance in high-stress, high-stakes, and high-change environments.Caroline Leroux is a member of the International Coach Federation and is an instructor with Dr. Irena’s Neuroscience School.Renaye Thornborrow is leading a worldwide mission to bring life coaching and mindset skills training to children through her company, Adventures in Wisdom.Dr. Natalie Green is a trauma-breakthrough coach, bestselling author, and host of the podcast Growing Tall Poppies.Host Bio:Dr. Irena O'Brien teaches coaches and care professionals how to achieve better results for their clients through neuroscience.She is the founder of Neuroscience School, which helps practitioners understand and apply insights from cutting-edge neuroscience research. She loves seeing her students gain confidence in their ability to evaluate neuroscience findings and use them successfully in their own practices. Her Certificate Program in Neuroscience is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coaching Education credit.Dr. O’Brien has studied neuroscience for 25 years and holds a Ph.D. in the field from the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), where she did brain-imaging studies. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Language, Mind, and Brain at McGill University.Resources mentioned in this episode:MiraseeDr. Irena O'Brien’s website: The Neuroscience SchoolCredits:Host: Dr. Irena O’BrienProducer and Editor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Sneaker SmeakerArtist: Avocado JunkieWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: In This LightArtist: Sounds Like SanderWriter: Sander KalmeijerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on Neuroscience of Coaching, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It’s the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: How Can Brain Science Elevate Coaching from Insight to Action? coming soon.

  --------  

  41:15

  --------

  41:15

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Neuroscience of Coaching

Neuroscience of Coaching: Podcasts in Family