Listen "The Depression Cure in Action with Dr. Stephen Ilardi (Part Two)"
Episode Synopsis
"We know what the human brain needs to thrive."In Part One, Dr. Stephen Ilardi helped us understand why depression has become so common in modern life and what it means to meet it with presence and grounded hope. In Part Two, we go deeper into the practical, lifestyle-based steps that can help lift depression and protect mental health over the long haul.Dr. Ilardi walks us through the six components of his Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) protocol: omega-3 fatty acids, engaging activity to combat rumination, physical exercise, exposure to sunlight or bright light, social support, and healthy sleep habits. We also talk about why habit change is hard, what makes it easier, and how small shifts in daily life can create measurable changes in the brain.We explore:→ The six evidence-based TLC components and how to start using them→ Why our ancestors’ environment matters for mental health today→ How inflammation, the gut–brain axis, and modern habits impact mood→ Ways to make lifestyle changes sustainable and realisticAbout Dr. Stephen IlardiStephen S. Ilardi, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, and associate professor at the University of Kansas. He’s best known for creating the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) protocol—a six-part, drug-free treatment for depression grounded in evolutionary psychology and supported by clinical trials showing 70–75% of participants experience significant symptom reduction. His bestselling book The Depression Cure has been translated into multiple languages and updated for 2025, and his TEDx talks have been viewed more than five million times.If you missed Part One of our conversation with Dr. Stephen Ilardi, you can listen here: The Depression Cure: Why Modern Life Fuels Depression (Part One)✨ Subscribe, comment, or share with someone who’d connect with this conversation. We’re so grateful you’re here. And if you’d like more ways to keep exploring, we’ve linked our free mini-course and YouTube series below.Episode Links & ResourcesThe Depression Cure by Dr. Stephen IlardiFree Mini-Course – 5 Foundations for Healthier RelationshipsYouTube Series – Conversations We Needed With Our Parents Growing UpJoin us in the 10 Essential Skills to Build Stronger and Healthier Relationships courseConnect with My Inner Knowing!Watch the episode on YouTubeMy Inner Knowing Full episode linkMy Inner Knowing websiteMy Inner Knowing FacebookMy Inner Knowing InstagramMy Inner Knowing LinkedInSign up for the My Inner Knowing newsletter and receive a free 30 minute meditation!Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome back + recap of Part One02:18 Why lifestyle changes matter for depression06:10 Omega-3 fats and brain health14:27 Bright light exposure and mood regulation21:56 The role of restorative sleep27:45 Anti-rumination strategies36:18 Exercise and the brain43:09 Social connection as medicine50:22 The challenge of habit change56:30 Making lifestyle shifts sustainable01:02:41 Closing thoughts and what’s next
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