What if the key to becoming your best self… is already inside you—waiting to be activated? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen talk with performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman about the proven mental strategies used by Olympic athletes, Super Bowl champions, and top executives to crush self-doubt and perform at the highest level. Drawing on decades of coaching experience and insights from his bestselling book The Alter Ego Effect, Todd shares how stepping into a powerful identity—like Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” or Beyoncé’s “Sasha Fierce”—can help you overcome fear, unlock confidence, and tap into your hidden strengths. Whether you’re chasing a big goal or trying to heal from past pain, this episode will show you how to bridge the gap between who you are and who you need to be.

00:00 Intro

00:45 Sponsor

02:11 The Alter Ego Effect

04:37 Origin Story

09:09 Olympic Redemption

12:30 Creating an Alter Ego

17:57 Death of a Persona

22:17 The 5 Steps to Create an Alter Ego

26:12 Positive vs Negative Motivation

31:05 Defining the Conditions

41:57 The Uniform

45:30 Todd’s Work

54:38  Sponsor

55:52 Wrap Up

For more on Todd's work:

https://alteregoeffect.com

Strength isn’t just for looks—it’s protection for your brain, body, and longevity. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen reveal why building muscle is one of the best ways to prevent dementia, depression, and frailty. Learn how strength training boosts memory, mood, and focus—and why it’s your body’s insurance policy against life’s unexpected setbacks. Tana shares her personal story of trauma and healing through fitness, and the science behind real brain-healthy enhancers like creatine, protein, and sleep. Whether you’re recovering from injury or just want to stay sharp, this episode will inspire you to get stronger—inside and out.

00:00 Intro

01:10 The Connection Between the Physical Strength & the Brain

03:56 Clearing the Cobwebs

06:31 What Robs Your Strength?

08:21 Strength Enhancing Fakers

13:38 Healthy Ways to Build Strength

14:06 Sponsor

14:46 Diet & Lifestyle

16:37 Creatine

23:01 Brain & Body Reserve

27:07 Wrap Up

Smart Creatine, Brain T-Max, and other brain-healthy supplements:

https://brainmd.com