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Neuroscience of Coaching

Neuroscience of Coaching

Mirasee FM 75 Episodes Oct 8, 2026

Neuroscience of Coaching is a podcast hosted by Dr. Irena O’Brien that explores the science behind coaching concepts. Each episode explains a specific neuroscience idea and then features an interview with a coach about applying it in practice. Irena aims to make neuroscience accessible and offers evidence-based tools and strategies for coaching. The show is designed for coaches and others who want practical, research-informed approaches.

Episodes

Mind Shifting: How Scripts and Stories Shape Behavior (Mitch Weisburgh)
Mind Shifting: How Scripts and Stories Shape Behavior (Mitch Weisburgh) Oct 8, 2026 1942 Our most downloaded episode of 2026 in case you missed it! Mind-shifting expert Mitch Weisburgh discusses how scripts and stories shape our mindset, and how metacognition can lead to meaningful change. Includes practical tools for coaches to help clients shift limiting narratives into new habits.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based
Producer's Pick: Burnout in the Age of Hustle – Finding Balance in a Demanding World (Ana Melikian)
Producer's Pick: Burnout in the Age of Hustle – Finding Balance in a Demanding World (Ana Melikian) Sep 24, 2026 2646 As we head into the busy final quarter of 2026, our Producer's Pick is this replay on burnout. Guest Ana Melikian explores deliberate practice in the face of hustle culture and key strategies for managing energy. You’ll also learn how to balance a productive life with mindfulness and strategic rest.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-ba
From Founder to Leader: The Psychology of Letting Go (Dr. Jena Booher)
From Founder to Leader: The Psychology of Letting Go (Dr. Jena Booher) Sep 10, 2026 2172 The behaviors that make a founder successful can eventually hold them back. Business psychologist Dr. Jena Booher explores why leadership growth can require an identity shift—and how coaches can help clients let go of old patterns, redefine their value, and become the leaders their companies need.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-base
The Third Option: Coaching Beyond Binary Thinking (Beck Sydow)
The Third Option: Coaching Beyond Binary Thinking (Beck Sydow) Aug 27, 2026 2292 Beck Sydow, founder of Humankind Business Leaders, joins Dr. Irena O’Brien to explore how coaches can help leaders who are stuck in binary thinking. They also discuss nervous-system regulation practices that can create space for non-binary “both/and” options that a stressed brain can't reach.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based ins
Special Replay: Inside the Predictive Brain, an Interview with Dr. Irena O'Brien
Special Replay: Inside the Predictive Brain, an Interview with Dr. Irena O'Brien Aug 13, 2026 2349 Show producer Andrew Chapman interviews Dr. Irena O’Brien about her mission in neuroscience. They explore how the predictive brain, emotional contagion, and mind-body connection influence behavior, energy, and change—and how coaches can use these insights for deeper, lasting client transformation.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-base
Can Coaching Create Instant Change? (Josh Hornick)
Can Coaching Create Instant Change? (Josh Hornick) Jul 30, 2026 2243 Can lasting transformation happen in a single conversation? Dr. O’Brien and Josh Hornick explore the neuroscience behind instant change, memory reconsolidation, shifts in perspective, and why some breakthroughs last while others fade – giving coaches practical insights into lasting transformation.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-base
Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to Unlock New Perspectives (Claire Hayek)
Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to Unlock New Perspectives (Claire Hayek) Jul 16, 2026 2242 Claire Hayek joins Dr. Irena O'Brien to explore how LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® helps individuals and teams think differently. They discuss embodied cognition, metaphor, psychological safety, and why building with your hands can unlock deeper insight, creativity, and more meaningful coaching conversations.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-bas
The Hidden Brain Patterns Behind Chronic Pain (Jane Hogan)
The Hidden Brain Patterns Behind Chronic Pain (Jane Hogan) Jul 2, 2026 2101 Jane Hogan joins Dr. Irena O'Brien to explore how chronic pain is shaped by the nervous system, predictive processing, and neuroplasticity. Together they discuss why pain is always real, how the brain learns danger, and how repeated experiences of safety can support lasting healing.In each episode of Neuroscience of Coaching, host Dr. Irena O’Brien explains the science-based insights behi
The Neuroscience of Women’s Leadership: The Mastery Trap
The Neuroscience of Women’s Leadership: The Mastery Trap Jun 18, 2026 1257 Why can expertise feel safer than leadership? In Part 3 of the Women’s Leadership Series, Dr. Irena O’Brien and Silvia Causo explore the mastery trap: the pattern where capable women keep learning, preparing, refining, and becoming more qualified, while still hesitating to step into broader influence.  And how “I’m not ready yet” can become a nervous system strategy when visibility, influ
Menopause Is Not Decline: A Nervous-System Lens for Coaches (Luce Beaulieu)
Menopause Is Not Decline: A Nervous-System Lens for Coaches (Luce Beaulieu) Jun 4, 2026 1793 Perimenopause and menopause can affect more than hormones. Dr. Irena O’Brien speaks with coach Luce Beaulieu about capacity, nervous system regulation, identity, brain fog, shame, leadership, and why old ways of pushing through may stop working.Perimenopause and menopause are often discussed as hormonal or reproductive transitions. But what if they are also capacity transitions?In this ep
The Neuroscience of Women’s Leadership: Why Self-Advocacy Can Feel Wrong
The Neuroscience of Women’s Leadership: Why Self-Advocacy Can Feel Wrong May 21, 2026 1663 Why can self-advocacy feel wrong, even when a woman’s contribution is clear? In Part 2 of the Women’s Leadership Series, Dr. Irena O’Brien and Silvia Causo explore how visibility, praise, and claiming one’s work can register as risk in the nervous system, not just reluctance or lack of confidence. Through a neuroscience- and trauma-informed lens, Irena and Silvia explore why self-advocacy
Vision Is a Brain Process: 20/20 Isn’t the Whole Story
Vision Is a Brain Process: 20/20 Isn’t the Whole Story May 7, 2026 1955 What if some of what looks like distraction, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or low motivation is actually visual load? In this episode, Dr. Irena O’Brien and neurooptometrist Dr. Lisa Chow explore the difference between eyesight and vision, and why 20/20 vision is not the whole story, and how visual strain can quietly affect focus, regulation, and everyday functioning.In each episode of Neu

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