Career Revolution With Dr. Ck Bray | A Place To Fix, Change Or Create Your Best Career

You crossed the finish line. Got the promotion. Hit the goal. Everyone’s congratulating you... So why does it feel so underwhelming? In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Bray dives into the neuroscience behind one of the most surprising emotional twists of modern life: why achievement often leaves us feeling flat and how to reclaim lasting meaning. You'll learn: Why your brain is wired to crave the chase, not the finish line and what to do when the dopamine drops The difference between achievement and meaning and why one lights you up longer.   How to build a life that aligns with who you are, not just what you do 5 powerful, science-backed tools to help you rewire your brain for purpose, connection, and fulfillment If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is this all there is?” After a win, or if you’ve quietly moved the goalpost before even celebrating the one you just reached, this episode is for you. Dr. Bray blends neuroscience, personal reflection, and practical strategies to help you shift from achievem

“Laid Off, Not Laid Down. Reinventing Yourself After a Late-Career Layoff” What happens when the career you spent decades building suddenly ends before you’re ready? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you. Dr. Bray dives into the growing phenomenon of late-career layoffs after several friends and clients have experienced a surprise layoff when they least expected it. Dr. Bray discusses what this means for your identity, finances, and future. Whether you’re in your late 40s, 50s, or 60s, staring down an unexpected layoff, or just want to prepare for what’s ahead, this is the conversation no one else is having… but everyone needs to hear. Dr. Bray will explore: Why getting laid off later in life hits harder (hint: your brain chemistry and identity are involved) The emotional fallout no one talks about, and how to start feeling human again What neuroscience tells us about resilience and reinvention (yes, your brain is still wired for growth) Real-world transitions from full-time execs to fractiona

Dr. Bray takes a time-out this week to share some of his favorite summer reads with you. The first category he discusses books you can read in a day that will change your life. Short, quick reads that will have you thinking differently within a day. (For my audiobook friends, you will get just as much out of listening to these books as reading them, so add them to your playlist.) The second list is behavioral psychology books, so if you want to geek out and read up on some human behavior, here are the books Dr. Bray recommends. Enjoy your summer and be sure and read or listen to at least one book a month. Your brain loves it! Books You Can Read In A Day The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho As A Man Thinketh by James Allen A Better Way to Live by Og Mandino Ikigai by Francesc MIralles Game People Play by Eric Berne Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy The Defining Decade: Why 20’s Matter by Meg Jay Any book by Seth Godin. Behavioral Psychology Books From Strength to Strength by Art

What if you could have a world-class career coach in your pocket available 24/7, endlessly patient, and shockingly insightful? In this episode with Dr. Bray, he explores how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity transform how we navigate careers from writing resumes and preparing for interviews to plotting promotions and managing toxic coworkers. Whether you're just starting out, pivoting mid-career, or climbing the executive ladder, this episode shows you how AI can become your smartest (and cheapest) ally. Dr. Bray breaks down 7 powerful ways to use AI for career clarity, job search strategy, salary negotiations, leadership growth, and even workplace dilemmas with real prompts you can try today. Want to stand out in your next job application? Struggling with imposter syndrome or career uncertainty? Need help crafting that perfect LinkedIn summary? Curious how AI can help you grow as a leader? This is your episode. The best part? You don’t have to be tech-savvy to start. You just need curiosit

In this fan favorite episode of the podcast, Dr. Bray answers a listener’s question on loneliness.  Tune in to learn about the neuroscience and psychology of loneliness, what happens in the brain, and specific action steps you can take to combat loneliness.  In a world where loneliness is increasing exponentially, it is important to understand this issue and notice the signs and warning markers of isolation.  If you want to learn more, see below for specific research into the topics Dr. Bray discussed on this episode. “Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies” by Nicole K Valtorta et al. Heart “Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine” by Louise C. Hawkley et al. Annals of Behavioral Medicine “The growing problem of loneliness” by Cacioppo & Cacioppo. The Lancet “Brain structure links loneliness to social perc

What do restaurant specialists, dentists, and delivery drivers all have in common? They're part of a surprising surge reshaping the global job market. In this episode, we dive into the most in-demand jobs of 2025 before tariffs and uncertainty rattled the economy. Based on fresh LinkedIn data, you’ll get a front-row seat to the unexpected rise of healthcare and food service roles, the spike in logistics, and what it all means for hiring leaders, job seekers, and anyone trying to navigate a shifting economy. We’re not just talking numbers, we’re decoding the human behavior behind them. Why are direct-care jobs skyrocketing? What’s pushing truck drivers into the top 10? And how should leaders prepare for the calm before the storm starts to crack? I’m Dr. Bray, a cognitive behavioral researcher, and I’ll walk you through how work is evolving, what’s signaling the next big shift, and how you can stay ahead in a labor market that’s anything but predictable.  If you're hiring, looking, or leading, this episode is y

I was talking to someone who was wildly successful, financially secure, respected, and free to live how he wanted. And yet, he said something that stopped me cold: “I still feel kind of poor.” This episode dives into that unexpected moment and why it hit so hard. It’s not about dollars. It’s about depletion, which doesn’t appear on a balance sheet. We explore the neuroscience behind wealth that isn’t financial: time, connection, mental clarity, physical presence. You’ll hear why the brain craves “more,” how that chase keeps us stuck, and what absolute freedom looks like. Plus, I’ll walk you through: How anxiety makes us spend from the wrong “accounts” What Stoic philosophers and modern neuroscience agree on about true wealth Simple tools that can help you build richness in your relationships, calendar, and mindset This isn’t an anti-money conversation. It’s a pro-wholeness one. If you’ve ever stopped and looked at your life and still felt something is missing, you’re not alone. And there’s a better wa

In 2019, the OECD warned that 14% of global jobs would be eliminated and another 32% would be dramatically transformed by automation. Fast-forward to today, and that prediction feels like an understatement. Generative AI like ChatGPT has accelerated change at a pace no one saw coming. The shelf life of a skill? Less than five years. In tech, sometimes less than three. In this episode with Dr. Bray, we’re digging deep into what this seismic shift means for the future of work and how companies must respond. From CEOs to HR leaders, and from frontline managers to hourly workers, the pressure is on to rethink roles, retrain talent, and rebuild strategy from the ground up. What You’ll Learn: Why upskilling alone isn’t enough in today’s AI-driven workplace The five paradigm shifts that define successful reskilling efforts Real-world examples from Amazon, Vodafone, Ericsson, CVS, and more Why reskilling is more than training—it’s strategic, cultural, and collaborative We’ll also explore how organizations c

“The 5 Regrets Exercise That Could Change Your Life” What if you could look ahead and sidestep the regrets that often surface at life's end? In this new episode, Dr. Bray delves into the profound insights of Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative nurse who spent years caring for patients in their final days. Through heartfelt conversations, she uncovered the top five regrets that people commonly express when reflecting on their lives. But this isn't just about acknowledging regrets, it's about taking proactive steps to live intentionally and authentically. We'll explore a powerful exercise designed to help you identify potential regrets and implement actionable strategies to prevent them. This practice isn't merely reflective; it catalyzes personal growth and fulfillment. What You'll Learn: • The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: Discover the most common regrets people have at the end of their lives and what they reveal about living meaningfully. • The Neuroscience of Regret: Understand how the brain processes r

Are you ready to boost your brainpower and calm your anxiety? In this episode of The Dr. CK Bray Show, Dr. Bray reveals groundbreaking research that shows how something as simple as sitting too long can shrink your brain and increase your risk for Alzheimer’s, even if you exercise. But don’t worry, he’s got practical, science-backed strategies to help you protect your cognitive health, starting today. That’s not all. Dr. Bray also uncovers a powerful new approach to mindfulness that’s tailored to your specific anxiety type. Whether you’re a chronic worrier or someone constantly on edge, you’ll learn which meditation style can help you regain focus, regulate emotions, and take back control of your thoughts. Tune in now to discover two simple, life-changing habits that can dramatically improve your mental clarity and emotional well-being. Your brain will thank you!  QUOTES BY DR. BRAY "Even five minutes of movement every hour can protect your brain for years to come." "Every moment you spend sitting is a choice

You walk into the office or log on to your morning meeting, and something feels off. One of your most reliable team members is distracted, quiet, and not meeting expectations. You wonder if you should say something… but you don’t want to overstep. You’re not a therapist. What if you say the wrong thing? In this episode, Dr. Bray explores what managers should do when they notice signs of emotional distress in an employee. Inspired by the Harvard Business Review article “Helping an Employee in Distress” and grounded in real-world psychology, this conversation will give you the language, mindset, and confidence to lead with both care and clarity. You will learn: How to recognize red flags without becoming intrusive What to say when you notice something is wrong How to respond with empathy while protecting healthy boundaries What research tells us about listening, validation, and psychological safety How one manager’s simple conversation helped turn around a difficult situation You will hear stories s

Your top performer just isn’t themselves. They’re distracted, quiet, and missing minor details. You know something’s off, but you’re not a therapist, and you're not sure what to say. In this episode, Dr. Bray delves into a powerful conversation about how leaders can effectively support employees in distress without crossing boundaries or becoming overwhelmed. Inspired by insights from Harvard Business Review and grounded in the tools of modern psychology, we explore how frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offer surprising and practical ways to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose. You’ll learn: Why your instinct to “fix” things might backfire How to use simple CBT strategies to help people shift stuck thinking Why ACT’s message—that we can move forward even in discomfort is precisely what your team needs What to say (and what not to say) when someone’s having a hard day How to create a culture where emotional well-being and high performan

You know that thing you do; the way you obsessively rearrange pens before a meeting, the random-but-brilliant ideas you toss out mid-conversation, or your love of color-coded spreadsheets? The thing you might’ve been told was “a little much”? Yeah. That might be your superpower. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of quirks, those small, unique traits that often get brushed off as eccentric or awkward. But according to new research in Psychology Today and backed by neuroscience, your quirks are more than harmless habits. They might be the secret to your creativity, resilience, productivity, and leadership. Spoiler alert: Your brain isn’t built to fit in. It’s wired to stand out. Today Dr. Bray dives into Quirks at Work: How quirks drive innovation and problem-solving at work Why high-performing teams need their “oddballs” Simple ways to identify and own your quirks—and help your team do the same Whether you're the quiet notetaker, the idea machine, or the person who can’t not ask “what

What if the biggest thing holding you—or your team—back isn’t lack of skill, clarity, or confidence... but the fear of what other people think? In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful concept that’s quietly shaping how we show up at work: FOPO—Fear of People’s Opinions. Backed by neuroscience and field-tested with everyone from PGA golfers to Fortune 100 CEOs, FOPO is the silent performance killer that keeps leaders from taking risks, teams from speaking up, and cultures from thriving. You'll hear: Why a seasoned golf pro crumbled under pressure, while an amateur thrived How performance-based identity traps us in stress and self-doubt What purpose-based leadership actually looks like—and how to build it A simple mindset shift that top performers use to stay grounded and bold under pressure If you’ve ever second-guessed an idea, softened your voice in a meeting, or let fear of judgment steer your decisions, this one’s for you. QUOTES BY DR. BRAY "In the desire for approval, we give up control o

What got you here… won’t get you there. In the boardrooms of the early 2000s, executive presence was a well-guarded formula: confidence, a polished suit, a commanding voice, and just the right amount of detachment. You knew it when you saw it—and if you didn’t look the part, you probably didn’t get it. But in 2024, everything has changed. The pandemic, social movements, hybrid work, generational shifts, and the rise of authenticity have completely rewritten the rules. And if you're still playing by the old ones, you will get left behind. In this episode, Dr. Bray takes you inside the new world of executive presence—what it looks like now, why it's changing, and how to master it without losing who you are. We’ll explore: Why inclusiveness and emotional intelligence have overtaken pedigree and polish. How leaders like Thasunda Brown Duckett and Bill Hornbuckle are leading with presence by leading with heart. What the research says about appearance, confidence, communication, and what matters now. And why authe

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances, but the story you’ve been telling yourself about them? We all experience setbacks—failure, rejection, trauma, or just plain bad luck. But instead of seeing these moments as chapters in a bigger story, we often let them define us. We replay the past, reinforce limiting beliefs, and convince ourselves that nothing will ever change. The problem isn’t just what happened—it’s the meaning we attach to it. And sometimes, that meaning is completely wrong. In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into the science of learned helplessness, brain predictions, and the power of rewriting our stories. From Martin Seligman’s research on why we stop trying to Viktor Frankl’s powerful insights from the Holocaust, Dr. Bray will explore how adversity shapes our minds—and how we can reshape them. Most importantly, we’ll uncover practical tools to shift from victimhood to resilience, from feeling trapped to taking control. Because while we can’t change the past, we can ch

Is telepathy real, or is it just a fantasy fueled by sci-fi movies and wishful thinking? In this episode, Dr. Bray goes to the edges of science and dives into the science, the skepticism, and the surprising research that suggests telepathic communication might not be as impossible as we once thought. From groundbreaking neuroscience studies using brain-to-brain communication technology to Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell’s fascinating work with autistic savants who seem to transmit thoughts without words, we’re uncovering the truth about telepathy—what's myth, what’s real, and what the future could hold. Neuroscientists are beginning to explore the brain’s electromagnetic activity and the role of mirror neurons, which may provide a scientific basis for telepathic-like experiences. Meanwhile, technology is making what was once science fiction a reality, with researchers successfully transmitting thoughts between human brains using neural interfaces. Could telepathy simply be an untapped human ability? Could meditation

The return-to-office (RTO) debate is no longer just about where people work—it’s about why companies are making this shift. With office attendance jumping from 35% in 2023 to 68% in 2024, businesses claim that in-office work fuels collaboration, innovation, and culture. But is that the driving force behind these mandates? Or is this shift rooted in financial pressures, leadership challenges, and outdated ways of thinking? In this episode, Dr. Bray breaks down both sides of the argument, from the employee’s demand for autonomy and flexibility to the employer’s need to sustain business outcomes and justify office investments. Research shows that employees with a say in their work arrangements are 55% more productive and 40% more likely to stay with their company—yet, forced RTO mandates lead to higher disengagement and turnover. Meanwhile, executives worry that remote work is eroding mentorship, culture, and long-term career development. So, who’s right? And is there a middle ground? Dr. Bray also explores the

Once again, we have new research on the brain and Neuroplasticity.  A  once impossible feat is now proving possible for everyone! For years, we’ve been told that perfect pitch—the rare ability to identify musical notes without a reference—was something you were either born with or not. But groundbreaking new research from the University of Surrey is turning that belief on its head. Scientists found that adults—yes, full-grown, past-their-prime adults—can train their brains to develop near-perfect pitch. What does this mean for musicians, lifelong learners, and anyone who’s ever thought they "missed their chance" to develop a skill? It means your brain is far more adaptable than you think. In this episode, Dr. Bray discusses the science behind perfect pitch, the power of neuroplasticity, and how this study proves that skills once thought impossible to learn in adulthood may be within reach. We’ll explore how training changed participants' brains, what this means for other learning abilities, and how you can ta

Have you ever caught yourself replaying that awkward moment from last week? Or hear that relentless voice in your head whispering, “You’re not good enough. You’ll never get this right”? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Bray dives into the science behind self-doubt, why your brain is wired for negativity, and—most importantly—how to stop letting your inner critic run the show. Here’s what we unpack: -Why your brain is hardwired for self-doubt (hint: it’s an evolutionary survival tool) -The mental traps (cognitive distortions) that trick you into believing false narratives -A simple, research-backed technique to rewrite your self-talk and build confidence -The powerful story of Maya Angelou and how even the most successful people battle self-doubt Your inner critic isn’t reality—it’s just one version of the truth. And you get to decide which voice you listen to.  Listen now and take back control of the conversation in your head! QUOTES BY DR. BRAY "The voice in your head is never going to go completely aw