Change Your Brain Every Day – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Jordyn Jones on Challenging Your Automatic Negative Thoughts for a New Mindset
Date: January 6, 2026
Host(s): Dr. Daniel Amen
Guest: Jordyn Jones (actress, singer, dancer, and digital creator)

Overview: Main Theme

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen is joined by multifaceted entertainer Jordyn Jones to dive into the challenges of childhood fame, overcoming trauma, and learning to challenge automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) for a healthier, happier mindset. They discuss Jordyn’s personal journey—including growing up in a family affected by alcoholism, dealing with grief, and recovering from traumatic events—while Dr. Amen provides practical psychological tools for reframing negative beliefs and finding self-acceptance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Childhood Fame and Identity Formation

[00:00 - 05:00]

• Jordyn describes her early drive as a natural entertainer, feeling “destined for Hollywood,” and how she stood out in her Michigan hometown.
• She reflects on her family’s support, especially from her mother, who helped cultivate her career from a young age.
• Quote [00:15]: "I was just doing the most...I wanted to wear what no one else was wearing in my school." – Jordyn

2. Family Dynamics, Alcoholism, and Loss

[05:27 - 07:01]

• Jordyn opens up about growing up with alcoholism in the family and the traumatic passing of her father due to a drunken fall.
• The experience colored her views on sobriety and shaped her strong opposition to alcohol.
• Quote [07:02]: "Alcohol has always been a trigger for me growing up. But I’ve gotten better with it the last three or four years." – Jordyn

3. Moving to Los Angeles and Early Independence

[08:05 - 11:31]

• Jordyn moved from Michigan to LA at age 14 to pursue dance and entertainment, splitting her life between the Midwest and Hollywood.
• Describes her childhood as a "dream," mainly dancing, training, and traveling for auditions.
• Her mother played a central role in supporting her burgeoning career.

4. The Toll of Fame and Therapy

[12:33 - 14:14]

• Fame is discussed as both a blessing and a source of stress and introversion.
• Jordyn notes her recent journey with therapy and the importance of mental health support.
• Quote [12:43]: "Fame will wear out your pleasures, especially, like, early. It can be hard unless you have a good therapist." – Dr. Amen

5. Trauma, Change, and Coping Mechanisms

[16:15 - 21:05]

• Jordyn details the sudden shift in her life after her father's death and her mother's temporary absence for her younger brother.
• Discusses coping by monitoring family members from LA using home cameras out of fear of repeating trauma.
• She mentions finally letting go and starting to focus on her own healing and therapy.

6. The Impact of Negative Thoughts

[22:30 - 31:56]

• Dr. Amen introduces the concept of ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) and their impact on self-worth.
• Jordyn shares struggles with feeling "not good enough," especially after a painful breakup.
• Quote [29:04]: "Probably just feeling like I wasn’t good enough." – Jordyn
• Dr. Amen leads Jordyn through a five-step process:
  1. Is the thought true?
  2. Is it absolutely true?
  3. How does the thought make you feel?
  4. How would you feel without the thought?
  5. Flip the thought to its opposite and find supporting evidence.
• Quote [30:24]: "Is it true I wasn’t good enough?"
• Jordyn realizes many negative beliefs are unfounded.

7. Naming Your Negative Thoughts

[33:52 - 39:31]:

• Dr. Amen suggests giving your mind a name to gain distance from spiraling thoughts.
• Jordyn first picks “Ocean” but lands on “Simba”—her mother’s dog known for incessant barking.
• Quote [38:59]: "Simba, he’s the only thing in this world that I would...say that to. He’s not even a person." – Jordyn
• The exercise helps Jordyn frame her mental chatter as something external and manageable.

8. Dealing With Trauma and Health After Injury

[39:32 - 44:58]:

• Jordyn recounts her car accident and a prior ATV flip, discussing how both might have affected her brain and memory.
• She reflects on periods of memory loss and the possible impact of trauma—noting difficulties with reading and focus.

9. Pursuing Happiness and Giving Permission

[45:24 - 47:42]

• Dr. Amen discusses happiness as a “moral obligation” due to its influence on loved ones.
• Encourages Jordyn, and listeners, to choose self-care, challenge negative beliefs, and accept their right to happiness.

10. Closing Reflections and Actionable Takeaways

[47:42 - End]

• Jordyn expresses gratitude for the insights and vows to continue therapy, try EMDR, and work on self-love.
• Dr. Amen encourages continued self-inquiry and to train the mind lovingly and firmly.
• Ends with practical advice on how to use thought-challenging exercises in daily life.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was just doing the most…I wanted to wear what no one else was wearing in my school.” – Jordyn (00:15)
• “Alcohol has always been a trigger for me…But I’ve gotten better with it the last three or four years.” – Jordyn (07:02)
• “Fame will wear out your pleasures, especially, like, early. It can be hard unless you have a good therapist.” – Dr. Amen (12:43)
• “Probably just feeling like I wasn’t good enough.” – Jordyn (28:51)
• “Thoughts lie. They lie a lot. You don’t have to believe every stupid thing you think.” – Dr. Amen (29:16)
• “Give your mind a name.” – Dr. Amen (33:52)
• “Simba, he’s the only thing in this world that I would…say that to. He’s not even a person.” – Jordyn (38:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – 01:00: Jordyn describes her early drive and uniqueness as a child.
• 07:02 – 08:05: Discussion about alcoholism’s impact and father’s passing.
• 10:12 – 11:31: Early passion for dance and the family’s support.
• 12:33 – 14:14: The pressures of fame and starting therapy.
• 17:11 – 21:05: Coping with family loss and the development of anxious behaviors.
• 29:04 – 31:56: Challenging the "not good enough" thought with Dr. Amen’s process.
• 33:52 – 39:31: Naming negative thoughts; importance of separating identity from negative chatter.
• 39:32 – 44:58: Physical traumas and their impacts on memory and mental health.
• 45:24 – 47:42: Dr. Amen on happiness as an obligation and practical advice for self-care.

Key Takeaways & Tools

• Challenge Automatic Negative Thoughts: Write them down, question their truth, observe the emotional impact, and flip them to positive alternatives.
• Name the Mental Chatter: Assign your negative thinking a name (e.g., “Simba”) to create distance and reframe your inner dialogue.
• Address Trauma with Therapy: Explore treatments like EMDR for recent or childhood trauma.
• Recognize Happiness as Essential: Not just for self, but for the well-being of those you influence.
• Self-Care Is a Priority: Reflect regularly, practice gratitude, and purposefully build patterns of positive self-talk.

This episode is a deep, practical guide to reprogramming your mind for resilience, offering listeners concrete tools, honest personal stories, and permission to challenge the negative thoughts that hold them back.