Live Wisely: My Favorite Neuroscientists & Psychologists: A Deep Dive Into the Science of the Mind

Neuroscience has fascinated me for years. It’s not just an academic interest—it’s personal. My mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and my father’s mental health challenges ignited a lifelong curiosity about the brain, emotions, and human potential. Over the years, I’ve taken courses and studied extensively, exploring how neuroscience can help us live with more clarity, resilience, and purpose.

While I’m not a doctor or a neuroscience academic, I am deeply passionate about applying these insights in coaching, wellness, and everyday life. Below are some of the neuroscientists and psychologists who have profoundly influenced my understanding of the brain, emotions, and behavior.

Neuroscientists Who Have Shaped My Thinking

Tara Swart – Neuroscience & Leadership

Dr. Tara Swart bridges neuroscience with leadership and performance. Her work on neuroplasticity, mindset shifts, and brain optimization has been instrumental in understanding how we can rewire our thinking for success.

Andrew Huberman – Brain Optimization & Performance

A professor at Stanford, Huberman has made neuroscience accessible to the world. His research on sleep, focus, stress, and neuroplasticity provides actionable tools for improving brain function and well-being.

Sarah McKay – Women’s Brain Health & Neurobiology

Sarah McKay specializes in how neuroscience applies to women's health, stress, and aging. Her research highlights the importance of hormonal influences on the brain, particularly for cognition and mental well-being.

Rick Hanson – Positive Neuroplasticity & Resilience

Hanson’s work explores how we can use neuroscience to cultivate lasting happiness and resilience. His book Hardwiring Happiness explains how to train the brain to focus on positive experiences.

Daniel Siegel – The Mind, Attachment & Emotional Intelligence

A pioneer in interpersonal neurobiology, Siegel has helped bridge neuroscience and psychology, showing how mindfulness and relationships shape the brain. His book Mindsight is a must-read.

Psychologists Who Influence My Work

Carol Dweck – Growth Mindset & Motivation

Dweck’s research on fixed vs. growth mindset has transformed education, coaching, and personal development. Her work is essential for understanding neuroplasticity, resilience, and achievement.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Flow & Peak Performance

Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced cheek-sent-me-high) coined the concept of Flow—the state of being fully immersed in an activity. His work is foundational in understanding motivation, happiness, and optimal experience.

Barbara Fredrickson – Positive Emotions & Well-Being

Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory explains how positive emotions expand our cognitive abilities and help us build lasting resources for happiness and resilience.

Martin Seligman – Positive Psychology & Learned Optimism

As a founder of positive psychology, Seligman’s research has shown that optimism, gratitude, and purpose are essential for well-being. His book Flourish is a must-read.

Sonja Lyubomirsky – Science of Happiness & Habits

Her research focuses on what truly makes people happy and how we can cultivate joy through habits, mindset, and intentional actions.

Ellen Langer – Mindfulness & Perception

Langer’s research shows how mindfulness can alter our biology, improve cognition, and even reverse aging. Her famous Counterclockwise study suggests that changing our perception of age impacts our physical health.

Angela Duckworth – Grit & Perseverance

Duckworth’s research on grit (passion + perseverance) explains why talent isn’t enough—mental resilience and persistence are key to success.

John Gottman – Relationships & Emotional Intelligence

Gottman’s work on relationships, emotional attunement, and communication has reshaped our understanding of emotional intelligence in relationships. His research is backed by decades of data.

Bessel van der Kolk – Trauma & The Body

His book The Body Keeps the Score is a must-read on trauma, neurobiology, and healing. His research shows how trauma rewires the brain and how body-based therapies (like yoga and breathwork) aid recovery.

Stephen Porges – Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Regulation

Porges developed Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our autonomic nervous system shapes our emotions, stress response, and social engagement. His work is foundational for understanding trauma and resilience.

Daniel Kahneman – Thinking & Decision-Making

Kahneman’s book Thinking, Fast and Slow explains the two systems of thinking—intuitive vs. rational—and how biases shape our decisions. He won a Nobel Prize for his work.

Dr. Daniel Amen – Brain Health & Mental Well-Being

Dr. Amen’s pioneering work in SPECT brain imaging has reshaped how we understand mental health, brain function, and neuroplasticity. His research highlights how nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle changes can optimize brain health and prevent cognitive decline.

Why This Matters

I believe that the more we understand how the brain works, the more power we have to change our lives. These thinkers have helped me see how we can shape our thoughts, emotions, and habits to create a life of clarity, love, and purpose. Their research informs The Three Brain Cookbook blog which explores how food, neuroscience, and mindfulness can align our head, heart, and gut brains.

If there’s any new research or corrections based on ever-evolving science, please let me know! I strive to ensure all information on this site is accurate and up-to-date.