Today, Jay welcomes back world-renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial for a mind-expanding conversation about memory, attention, and the brain’s incredible potential. Dr. Jandial unpacks the different types of memory and explains why we often forget things like where we left our keys or what we had for dinner. He reassures us that not all memory slips are signs of aging or illness, and shows us how understanding memory can help us feel more in control of our minds.

Jay and Dr. Jandial also dive deep into working memory, the kind of memory that helps us juggle tasks, make quick decisions, and stay mentally sharp. They explore how things like stress, distraction, and even poor sleep can weaken our focus, while simple changes like better digital habits, brain-training games, and quality rest can help us stay mentally strong.  

Using relatable examples, from parenting to surgery to driving, Dr. Jandial shares how we can train our brains the same way we train our bodies: with just the right amount of challenge, practice, and consistency.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Strengthen Your Working Memory

How to Train Your Brain Like a Muscle

How to Handle Emotional Memories Without Being Overwhelmed

How to Protect Your Brain as You Age

How to Spot Early Signs of Dementia in Loved Ones

How to Create a Brain-Healthy Daily Routine

How to Stay Mentally Sharp in a Distracting World

If you're looking to improve your memory, support a loved one, or feel more mentally present, this episode offers practical tools and powerful insights to help you live with greater clarity and intention.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:54 Is Your Memory Really Getting Worse?

06:28 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory

10:26 How to Manage Distractions and Stay Focused

13:39 Understanding the 3 Main Types of Memory

19:05 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory

22:43 Why the Right Amount of Stress Helps You Grow

25:22 Yes, Older Adults Can Have Strong Working Memory

29:14 How Memory Is Built Inside the Brain’s Ecosystem

33:16 The Critical Gap Between Thoughts and Actions

35:31 Simple Ways to Train and Improve Your Focus

40:28 Why Negative Memories Stick With Us

48:55 Three Daily Habits That Keep Your Brain Sharp 

51:02 Why Therapy Isn’t One Size Fits All

55:18 Redirecting Your Focus Away From Painful Thoughts

58:30 Debunking the 20 Percent Brain Power Myth

01:00:34 What’s Behind the Rise in Cancer Rates?

01:05:15 A Smarter Way to Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Episode Resources:

Dr. Rahul Jandial | Instagram

Dr. Rahul Jandial | Facebook

This Is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking Life

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.