Your Brain is Tough

Resilience isn't just a personality trait—it's something the brain actively builds. In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria speaks with Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, one of the world's foremost neuroscientists, about the remarkable capacity of the brain to adapt in the face of adversity.  Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research into depression, addiction, and stress, Dr. Nestler explains why trauma doesn't affect everyone the same way, how resilience is shaped by both biology and experience, and what science is revealing about the brain's extraordinary ability to recover and change. The episode explores why supportive relationships matter, how chronic stress alters the brain, whether resilience can be cultivated at any age, and the everyday habits that can help strengthen our minds throughout life. Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.If this episode inspired you, please consider supporting the Mount Sinai Health System. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on philanthropy to advance compassionate patient care, groundbreaking research, and medical education. Your generosity helps make conversations like this possible—and fuels the work behind them. To learn more or make a gift, visit give.mountsinai.org.Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System. Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience—as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more—on the Mount Sinai website.