The Dr. Jud Podcast

Dr. Jud Brewer

Welcome to the Dr. Jud podcast. I am an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. My lab first at Yale and now at Brown University has been researching how our brains form negative behavior patterns, bad habits and addictions, and the specific techniques needed to create lasting change. My aim with this podcast, is to use every day issues that we all struggle with from anxiety to emotional eating to self judgment to help us understand how our minds work so that we can put them to work for us. I'll show you how you can use your brain to overcome the habits and “everyday addictions” that are holding you back. And along the way, you'll learn how helping yourself can help create a kinder and more compassionate world. Thank you for your interest in learning how to work with your mind.-Dr. Jud Brewer

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February 7 · 15 min
Habit Change Addiction - Can a Smartphone App Help You Eat Mindfully?
Evaluating the Quality of Smartphone Apps for Overeating, Stress, and Craving-Related Eating Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale In this episode, Dr. Jud dives into the realm of mobile health apps targeting overeating, stress-related eating, and cravings, based on the paper Evaluating the Quality of Smartphone Apps for Overeating, Stress, and Craving-Related Eating Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale by Isabelle Moseley, Alexandra Roy, Alana Deluty, and Judson Brewer. The study reveals a significant variation in app quality and underscores the importance of evidence-based design for health outcomes. Dr. Jud discusses how the lack of regulation and clinical validation for many apps leaves consumers vulnerable, while apps like Eat Right Now, backed by clinical research, show promising results in addressing maladaptive eating behaviors through mindfulness. Learn about the future of digital therapeutics and how to choose apps that can genuinely impact behavior change. Reference: Moseley, I., Roy, A., Deluty, A., & Brewer, J. A. Evaluating the Quality of Smartphone Apps for Overeating, Stress, and Craving-Related Eating Using the Mobile Application Rating Scale. Current Addiction Reports, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-020-00319-7 Let's connect on Instagram
January 31 · 13 min
Habit Change Addiction - HRV as a Predictor of Smoking Cessation Success
Meditation-Induced Changes in High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability Predict Smoking Outcomes Dr. Jud explores a pivotal study linking mindfulness meditation and heart rate variability (HRV) to smoking cessation success. This episode delves into how acute changes in high-frequency HRV during meditation correlate with reduced cigarette consumption over time. By examining the physiological underpinnings of self-regulation and addiction, Dr. Jud highlights how HRV may serve as a biomarker to tailor interventions. Tune in to uncover how meditation can reshape the body's stress response and support lasting behavioral change. Reference: Libby DJ, Worhunsky PD, Pilver CE, Brewer JA. Meditation-induced changes in high-frequency heart rate variability predict smoking outcomes. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2012;6:54. DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00054 Let's connect on Instagram
January 24 · 15 min
Habit Change Addiction - Wearables and Mindfulness: A Smarter Approach to Quitting Smoking
Smartband-Based Smoking Detection and Real-Time Brief Mindfulness Intervention: Findings from a Feasibility Clinical Trial In this episode, Dr. Jud examines the groundbreaking results from a feasibility trial exploring the use of smartbands for smoking cessation. This innovative study showcases how wearable technology can detect smoking events in real time and deliver brief mindfulness interventions to address cravings. Dr. Jud discusses the study's design, key findings, and their implications for the future of digital health interventions. Learn how the integration of real-time behavioral data with mindfulness-based techniques holds the potential to transform smoking cessation efforts globally. Reference: Horvath M, Pittman B, O’Malley SS, Grutman A, Khan N, Gueorguieva R, Brewer JA, Garrison KA. Smartband-Based Smoking Detection and Real-Time Brief Mindfulness Intervention: Findings from a Feasibility Clinical Trial. Annals of Medicine. 2024;56(1):2352803. DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2352803 Let's connect on Instagram
January 17 · 13 min
Habit Change Addiction - Real-Time Mindfulness: The Future of Smoking Cessation
Smartband-Based Automatic Smoking Detection and Real-Time Mindfulness Intervention: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial Join Dr. Jud in this episode as he dives into the innovative intersection of wearable technology, mindfulness, and smoking cessation. This episode explores a cutting-edge study protocol designed to evaluate the feasibility of using a smartband and smartphone app for real-time smoking detection and intervention. Learn how mindfulness exercises like "RAIN" are being tailored to moments of craving, leveraging data-driven insights to support smokers on their journey to quit. Dr. Jud discusses the potential implications of this technology for public health and addiction treatment, emphasizing how behavioral science and technology can converge to create impactful solutions. Reference: Horvath M, Grutman A, O'Malley SS, Gueorguieva R, Khan N, Brewer JA, Garrison KA. Smartband-Based Automatic Smoking Detection and Real-Time Mindfulness Intervention: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial. JMIR Research Protocols. 2021;10(10):e32521. DOI: 10.2196/32521 Let's connect on Instagram
January 10 · 31 min
Habit Change Addiction - Rewiring the Brain: Mechanisms of Change in Addiction Treatment
Brain Mechanisms of Change in Addiction Treatment: Models, Methods, and Emerging Findings In this episode, Dr. Jud explores groundbreaking insights into the brain mechanisms underlying addiction treatment. Drawing on models, methods, and findings presented at the 2015 Science of Change meeting, this research bridges neuroscience and psychotherapy to identify brain processes driving behavior change. Topics include the role of neuroimaging in understanding addiction treatments like CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, as well as how these insights pave the way for personalized, neuroscience-informed interventions. Reference: Chung, T., Noronha, A., Carroll, K. M., Potenza, M. N., Hutchison, K., Calhoun, V. D., ... & Brewer, J. A. (2016). Brain Mechanisms of Change in Addiction Treatment: Models, Methods, and Emerging Findings. Current Addiction Reports, 3(4), 332-342. DOI: 10.1007/s40429-016-0113-z Let's connect on Instagram
January 3 · 23 min
Habit Change Addiction - Mindfulness and the Brain: Dual Diagnosis Demystified
Mindfulness-Based Treatments for Co-Occurring Depression and Substance Use Disorders: What Can We Learn from the Brain? In this episode, Dr. Jud discusses the intersection of mindfulness, neuroscience, and treatment for individuals struggling with co-occurring depression and substance use disorders (SUDs). This seminal paper explores the shared neurobiological mechanisms underpinning these conditions and how mindfulness training (MT) addresses them. Discover the evidence behind mindfulness as a dual-diagnosis treatment, its impact on stress and rumination, and the potential for broader applications in mental health. Reference: Brewer, J. A., Bowen, S., Smith, J. T., Marlatt, G. A., & Potenza, M. N. (2010). Mindfulness-based treatments for co-occurring depression and substance use disorders: What can we learn from the brain? Addiction, 105(10), 1698–1706. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02890.x Let's connect on Instagram
Dec 27, 2025 · 23 min
Habit Change Addiction - Mindful Solutions: Smoking Cessation for People Living with HIV
HIV Patients’ Perceptions of a Potential Multi-Component Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Smartphone Application Intervention In this episode, Dr. Jud explores a pivotal study on adapting a mindfulness-based smoking cessation app for people living with HIV (PLWH). This research highlights how a multi-component intervention—combining mindfulness training, contingency management, and adherence tracking for antiretroviral therapy—addresses the unique challenges faced by PLWH smokers. Discover the app's potential to reduce smoking-related health disparities, its innovative features, and participant insights on feasibility, acceptability, and improvement opportunities. Reference: Asfar, T., Alcaide, M. L., Jones, D. L., McClure, L. A., Brewer, J., Lee, D. J., & Carrico, A. (2022). HIV patients’ perceptions of a potential multi-component mindfulness-based smoking cessation smartphone application intervention. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0271946. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271946. Let's connect on Instagram
Dec 20, 2025 · 13 min
Habit Change Addiction - Reinforcement Learning and Addiction: A Digital Mindfulness Solution
App-Based Mindfulness Training Predicts Reductions in Smoking Behavior by Engaging Reinforcement Learning Mechanisms: A Preliminary Naturalistic Single-Arm Study In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and colleagues explore how mindfulness-based smoking cessation tools can target the brain's reinforcement learning mechanisms to disrupt addictive behaviors. The study highlights the use of the "Craving to Quit" app, which combines mindful awareness practices with real-time feedback on cravings and their outcomes. By recalibrating the reward value of smoking through mindfulness, the app achieved significant reductions in smoking frequency among participants. Discover how this research advances our understanding of habit loops and offers scalable, innovative solutions for smoking cessation. Full Reference: Taylor, V. A., Smith, R., & Brewer, J. A. (2022). App-based mindfulness training predicts reductions in smoking behavior by engaging reinforcement learning mechanisms: A preliminary naturalistic single-arm study. Sensors, 22(14), 5131. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22145131 Let's connect on Instagram
Dec 13, 2025 · 13 min
Mindfulness and meditation - Defining Mindfulness Teaching: Can We Agree on What Good Looks Like?
Can We Agree on What Skilled Mindfulness-Based Teaching Looks Like? Lessons from Studying the MBI:TAC In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and Dr. Rebecca Crane explore the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC), a widely used tool for assessing the competence of mindfulness-based program (MBP) teachers. As mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) gain popularity in clinical and workplace settings, ensuring teaching integrity and program fidelity becomes increasingly important. This study tested a training model to help mindfulness teachers reliably assess MBP teaching quality. The findings show that international MBP teachers can align their understanding of teaching competence, paving the way for standardized mindfulness education. Tune in to learn how mindfulness training is evolving to maintain high standards in research and practice. Full Reference: Crane, R. S., Hecht, F. M., Brewer, J. A., Griffith, G. M., Hartogensis, W., Koerbel, L., Moran, P., Sansom, S., Yiangou, A., & Kuyken, W. (2020). Can we agree on what skilled mindfulness-based teaching looks like? Lessons from studying the MBI:TAC. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 0(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956120964733 Let's connect on Instagram
Dec 6, 2025 · 10 min
Habit Change Addiction - Craving Control: The Role of Mindfulness in Smoking Cessation
Baseline Craving Strength as a Prognostic Marker of Benefit from Smartphone App-Based Mindfulness Training for Smoking Cessation In this episode, Dr. Jud explores cutting-edge research into how baseline craving strength influences the effectiveness of smartphone app-based mindfulness training for smoking cessation. Discover how mindfulness-based programs help smokers reduce their reliance on cigarettes by disrupting the association between cravings and smoking. We discuss the role of craving strength as a potential marker for personalized treatment, key findings from the study, and implications for future smoking cessation strategies. Reference: Roos, C. R., Brewer, J. A., O'Malley, S. S., & Garrison, K. A. (2019). Baseline Craving Strength as a Prognostic Marker of Benefit from Smartphone App-Based Mindfulness Training for Smoking Cessation. Mindfulness, 10, 2165–2171. DOI: 10.1007/s12671-019-01188-6. Let's connect on Instagram
Nov 29, 2025 · 21 min
Mindfulness and meditation - The Neuroscience of Awakening: Mapping Meditative States
Mapping Complex Mind States: EEG Neural Substrates of Meditative Unified Compassionate Awareness In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and Dr. Poppy Schoenberg explore the neural mechanisms behind advanced meditative states, specifically those linked to non-duality, emptiness, and awakened awareness. Using EEG, this study mapped brain activity during different stages of Indo-Tibetan essence-of-mind meditation, revealing decreased self-referential processing and increased executive control in regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. The findings suggest that meditative states of deep compassion and awareness involve distinct neural patterns, challenging conventional models of consciousness. Tune in to discover how meditation transforms the brain and fosters selfless awareness. Full Reference: Schoenberg, P. L. A., Rufa, A., Churchill, J., Brown, D. P., & Brewer, J. A. (2018). Mapping complex mind states: EEG neural substrates of meditative unified compassionate awareness. Consciousness and Cognition, 57, 41–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2017.11.003 Let's connect on Instagram
Nov 22, 2025 · 16 min
Habit Change Addiction - Integrated Care for Anxiety and Substance Use: A Game-Changer
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychosocial Interventions for Persons with Comorbid Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders In this episode, Dr. Jud dives into the comprehensive findings of a meta-analysis on psychosocial interventions for individuals facing the dual challenge of anxiety and substance use disorders. This research sheds light on the efficacy of treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and integrated care in addressing anxiety, alcohol consumption, and substance use. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of these interventions, the complexities of treating co-occurring conditions, and the pressing gaps in research for broader substance categories like opioids and methamphetamines. Reference: Nardi, W. R., Kelly, P., Roy, A., Becker, S., Brewer, J., & Sun, S. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions for persons with comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, 165, 209442. DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209442 Let's connect on Instagram
Nov 15, 2025 · 18 min
Mindfulness and meditation - Borderline Personality Disorder and the Brain: A Computational Perspective
A Computational Account of Borderline Personality Disorder: Impaired Predictive Learning About Self and Others Through Bodily Simulation In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer, Dr. Sarah Fineberg, and Dr. Philip Corlett explore an innovative computational psychiatry model of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Social dysfunction is a core feature of BPD, and this study proposes that individuals with BPD struggle with predictive learning about self and others due to deficits in embodied simulation—using one's own bodily experiences to infer the mental states of others. The discussion covers how computational models can help explain emotional dysregulation, attachment disruptions, and the instability of interpersonal relationships in BPD, offering new insights into treatment approaches. Tune in to discover how neuroscience, machine learning, and psychiatry intersect to deepen our understanding of personality disorders. Full Reference: Fineberg, S. K., Steinfeld, M., Brewer, J. A., & Corlett, P. R. (2014). A computational account of borderline personality disorder: Impaired predictive learning about self and others through bodily simulation. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5, 111. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00111 Let's connect on Instagram
Nov 8, 2025 · 16 min
Habit Change Addiction - Mindfulness Training in Addiction Recovery: Insights from a Pilot Study
Mindfulness Training and Stress Reactivity in Substance Abuse: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Stage I Pilot Study In this episode, Dr. Jud delves into groundbreaking research comparing mindfulness training (MT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals with substance use disorders. This pilot study investigates the role of mindfulness in managing stress and addiction, highlighting its potential to reduce psychological and physiological stress responses. Learn how MT could become a viable treatment option alongside traditional therapies, the challenges faced during the study, and what these findings mean for the future of addiction treatment. Reference: Brewer, J. A., Sinha, R., Chen, J. A., Michalsen, R. N., Babuscio, T. A., Nich, C., ... & Rounsaville, B. J. (2009). Mindfulness Training and Stress Reactivity in Substance Abuse: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Stage I Pilot Study. Substance Abuse, 30(4), 306-317. DOI: 10.1080/08897070903250241 Let's connect on Instagram
Nov 1, 2025 · 16 min
Mindfulness and meditation - The Mind-Heart Connection: Can Mindfulness Improve Cardiovascular Health?
Mindfulness and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: State of the Evidence, Plausible Mechanisms, and Theoretical Framework In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and Dr. Eric Loucks explore the growing body of research on mindfulness and its potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. With CVD remaining the leading cause of mortality worldwide, this integrative review examines how mindfulness may impact key risk factors such as smoking, diet, physical activity, obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes regulation. The discussion also unpacks the plausible mechanisms—improved attention control, emotion regulation, and self-awareness—that could explain mindfulness’s effects on heart health. Tune in to discover how mindfulness could be a game-changer for preventive cardiology and overall well-being. Full Reference: Loucks, E. B., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Britton, W. B., Fresco, D. M., Desbordes, G., Brewer, J. A., & Fulwiler, C. (2015). Mindfulness and cardiovascular disease risk: State of the evidence, plausible mechanisms, and theoretical framework. Current Cardiology Reports, 17(112). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-015-0668-7 Let's connect on Instagram
Oct 25, 2025 · 13 min
Habit Change Addiction - Awareness as a Game-Changer for Smoking Cessation
Awareness, Affect, and Craving During Smoking Cessation: An Experience Sampling Study In this episode of the Dr. Jud podcast, we explore the groundbreaking study on how mindfulness impacts smoking cessation. Researchers examined the role of awareness, positive and negative affect, and craving through an experience sampling method. With real-time data from smokers using a mindfulness-based app, the study reveals fascinating insights into how awareness can influence craving, mood, and smoking behavior. Join Dr. Jud and his guests as they unpack the findings and discuss the potential of mindfulness to transform smoking cessation efforts. Reference: Sala, M., Roos, C. R., Brewer, J. A., & Garrison, K. A. (2021). Awareness, Affect, and Craving During Smoking Cessation: An Experience Sampling Study. Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001105 Let's connect on Instagram
Oct 18, 2025 · 25 min
Mindfulness and meditation - Mindfulness at Work: A Game Changer for Performance and Well-Being
Contemplating Mindfulness at Work: An Integrative Review In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and his colleagues explore the growing impact of mindfulness in the workplace. As organizations like Google, Aetna, and the U.S. Army integrate mindfulness programs, research is uncovering how mindfulness enhances attention, emotional regulation, decision-making, and resilience. This study presents a comprehensive framework linking mindfulness to key workplace outcomes, including performance, leadership, teamwork, and employee well-being. Whether you’re a leader, employee, or researcher, tune in to discover how mindfulness is reshaping the way we work, manage stress, and cultivate healthier workplace cultures. Full Reference: Good, D. J., Lyddy, C. J., Glomb, T. M., Bono, J. E., Brown, K. W., Duffy, M. K., Baer, R. A., Brewer, J. A., & Lazar, S. W. (2015). Contemplating Mindfulness at Work: An Integrative Review. Journal of Management, 20(XX), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206315617003 Let's connect on Instagram
Oct 11, 2025 · 17 min
Habit Change Addiction - How Mindfulness Apps Help Teens Kick the Habit
Feasibility of a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Adolescent Smoking Cessation: Craving to Quit (C2Q)-Teen In this episode, Dr. Jud highlights a groundbreaking pilot study that examines the feasibility of a mindfulness-based smoking cessation app tailored for teenagers. Based on the paper Feasibility of a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Adolescent Smoking Cessation: Craving to Quit (C2Q)-Teen by Lori Pbert et al., the episode delves into how mindfulness helps teens recognize and manage cravings. Despite similar abstinence rates across the app, a non-mindfulness app, and written materials, the Craving to Quit app stood out for reducing cigarette consumption in adolescents who continued to smoke. Dr. Jud explores the implications of these findings and the potential of app-based mindfulness interventions to provide accessible and impactful smoking cessation tools for adolescents. Reference: Pbert, L., Druker, S., Crawford, S., Frisard, C., Trivedi, M., Osganian, S. K., & Brewer, J. Feasibility of a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Adolescent Smoking Cessation: Craving to Quit (C2Q)-Teen. Mindfulness. 2019. DOI: 10.1007/s12671-019-01273-w Let's connect on Instagram
Oct 4, 2025 · 14 min
Mindfulness and meditation - Mindfulness-Based Programs: What Works and Why?
What Defines Mindfulness-Based Programs? The Warp and the Weft explores the essential and flexible elements of mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and colleagues discuss their framework for defining MBPs, distinguishing between core components (the “warp”) and adaptable elements (the “weft”). The paper outlines the key characteristics of MBPs, including their scientific and contemplative foundations, structured meditation practices, and the role of the teacher in maintaining program integrity. Tune in to gain clarity on what makes a mindfulness program truly evidence-based and how these programs can be effectively implemented across diverse settings. Reference: Crane RS, Brewer JA, Feldman C, Kabat-Zinn J, Santorelli S, Williams JMG, Kuyken W. What Defines Mindfulness-Based Programs? The Warp and the Weft. Psychological Medicine. 2017;47(6):990–999. doi:10.1017/S0033291716003317 Let's connect on Instagram
Sep 27, 2025 · 15 min
Habit Change Addiction - Mindfulness on the Go: The Craving to Quit App for Smokers
Craving to Quit: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Training for Smoking Cessation In this episode, Dr. Jud discusses the results of a pioneering randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of the Craving to Quit app for mindfulness-based smoking cessation. Drawing from the paper Craving to Quit: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Training for Smoking Cessation, by Kathleen Garrison et al., the episode unpacks the impact of app-based mindfulness training on cravings and smoking behavior. While the app did not outperform controls in long-term abstinence, it demonstrated a promising ability to weaken the association between cravings and smoking. Dr. Jud explores the implications of these findings, emphasizing how leveraging mindfulness through technology offers a scalable, accessible option for tackling smoking addiction. Reference: Garrison, K. A., Pal, P., O’Malley, S. S., Pittman, B. P., Gueorguieva, R., Rojiani, R., Scheinost, D., Dallery, J., Brewer, J. A. Craving to Quit: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smartphone App–Based Mindfulness Training for Smoking Cessation. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/nty126 Let's connect on Instagram

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