Judson Brewer author photo
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Judson Brewer

Judson Brewer is an American psychiatrist and neuroscientist whose work centers on addiction, anxiety, habit change, and mindfulness training. He is the author of The Craving Mind and Unwinding Anxiety, books that translate clinical and brain research for broad audiences and have helped popularize evidence-based approaches to breaking compulsive behaviors.

Biography & Author's Journey

Judson Brewer built his career at the intersection of science, medicine, and contemplative practice. He studied chemistry at Princeton, where he also completed a certificate in music performance, then entered the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis, earning a Ph.D. in immunology and an M.D. After psychiatry residency, chief residency, and additional research training at Yale, he moved through a sequence of academic roles that linked lab science to clinical work: assistant professor and clinic leader at Yale, research leadership at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness, a research affiliation with MIT, and, from 2018 onward, Brown University, where he serves as director of research and innovation at the Mindfulness Center and a professor in public health and psychiatry. ((https://vivo.brown.edu/docs/j/jbrewer2_cv.pdf?dt=295011251))

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Quotes

quote
Curiosity comes in two flavors: pleasant and unpleasant
-Curiosity: Our Superpower for Just About Everything
quote
Mindfulness is really about paying careful attention to our thoughts and behaviors, not trying to suppress them
-Before You Dismiss Mindfulness
quote
In other words, curiosity — our drive for information — can induce a state that is either aversive or pleasant
-Did you know curiosity comes in different forms?
quote
So here’s a little exercise to use to reboot that RAM in your brain: It’s called five finger breathing
-Mind going a million miles a minute?
quote
My goal is to translate these insights into effective behavior change therapeutics
-Researchers@Brown profile
quote
Worry as a mental behavior can be fed by feelings of anxiety and make anxiety worse as the two feed off of each other
-Finding calm amid chaos

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Master Mind, Habits & Behavioral Science
LEARNING PLAN

Master Mind, Habits & Behavioral Science

This plan bridges the gap between neurological theory and practical application for anyone seeking total self-mastery. It is ideal for professionals, leaders, and individuals looking to optimize their performance by understanding the science of how they think and act.

2 h 9 m4 Sections
Habits, Self-Improvement & Mindfulness
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Habits, Self-Improvement & Mindfulness

In an era of constant distraction, mastering the intersection of neurological habit formation and mindfulness is essential for sustainable growth. This plan is designed for professionals and individuals seeking to replace burnout with intentional, evidence-based systems for personal transformation.

1 h 59 m4 Sections
Mindfulness, Habits & Human Psychology
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Mindfulness, Habits & Human Psychology

This learning plan bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness practices and modern behavioral science to help individuals reclaim control over their daily lives. It is ideal for professionals and lifelong learners seeking to optimize their mental performance, break unproductive cycles, and build a life rooted in conscious choice.

2 h 19 m4 Sections
Psychology, Mindfulness & Habit Growth
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Psychology, Mindfulness & Habit Growth

This plan bridges the gap between clinical psychology and daily self-improvement by focusing on the mechanics of the mind. It is ideal for individuals seeking to regain control over their habits and mental well-being through evidence-based practices.

3 h 10 m4 Sections
Mind, Body & Habit Optimization
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Mind, Body & Habit Optimization

In an era of constant distraction, mastering the intersection of biological health and cognitive focus is essential for sustained success. This plan is designed for high-performers and professionals who want to replace burnout with a science-backed system for physical and mental excellence.

2 h 47 m4 Sections
Break addiction
LEARNING PLAN

Break addiction

This plan is essential for anyone seeking to reclaim their life from dependency by addressing both the biological and psychological roots of behavior. It is designed for individuals ready to move beyond temporary fixes toward a holistic, science-based approach to lasting recovery.

2 h 26 m4 Sections

Community Voices

"Judson Brewer has given us a breakthrough program with great tips and hacks that anyone can use to feel better"

B. J. Fogg

"In Unwinding Anxiety neuroscientist Judson Brewer offers a brilliant breakthrough, brain-based methods for lessening our anxiety-driven habits"

Daniel Goleman

"Judson Brewer has written a relatable, introspective guide to overcoming anxiety"

Sharon Salzberg

"Unwinding Anxiety provides a step-by-step guide to Judson Brewer’s personally designed, clinically proven path"

Daniel J. Siegel

"Judson Brewer offers a potent recipe for healing unhealthy eating habits"

Tara Brach

"Judson Brewer’s research has contributed greatly to our understanding of why anxiety is so hard to shake"

Kelly McGonigal

"Judson Brewer’s revolutionary approach challenges all of us to look again and really see what gets us stuck in self-destructive habits"

Mark Williams

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