Dr. Judson Brewer on Using Mindfulness to Break Bad Habits for Good

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo sits down with Dr. Judson Brewer—New York Times bestselling author, neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and Director of Research at Brown University's Mindfulness Center. Widely known as “Dr. Jud,” he’s one of the most influential voices in the science of mindfulness-based habit change and anxiety relief.

Together, they explore the personal and clinical applications of mindfulness, from Dr. Judd’s early struggles with stress and his first meditation retreat, to groundbreaking research on how informal mindfulness practices can help break cycles of addiction and anxiety.

With warmth and insight, Dr. Judd shares real stories from his patients and how practices like breath awareness, RAIN, and noting can rewire the brain toward greater ease and self-regulation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔ The role of informal vs. formal meditation in healing addiction and anxiety

✔ Why “short moments, many times” is more effective than long, infrequent practice

✔ How noting practice interrupts cravings and fosters non-identification

✔ The neuroscience behind habit loops and mindfulness-based behavior change

✔ Ways to bring mindfulness into clinical, secular, and real-life settings

Dr. Judd brings both scientific rigor and compassionate wisdom to this conversation, making it a must-listen for mindfulness teachers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to understand how mindfulness rewires the brain for freedom.

🌿 Tune in for an inspiring journey from stress and skepticism to clarity and change.

Connect with Dr. Judson Brewer:

🔗 Website: drjud.com📘 Books: Unwinding Anxiety, The Craving Mind, The Hunger Habit

🎥 TED Talk: A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit

📱 Instagram: @dr.jud

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About the Podcast Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: • Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings • Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers • Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers • Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive. If you’re interested in: • Mindfulness meditation for everyday life • Trauma-sensitive and co...