EPI 269: Harvard Trained Psychiatrist On How Your Mindset And Other Mental Factors Impact Inflammation, Immunity, Healthspan, & Longevity. With Dr. Srini Pillay

September 15, 2026 2 min read

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Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(1:04) Dr. Srini Pillay’s journey from South Africa to Harvard and brain research

(4:50) Why the brain and body should be viewed as one connected system

(9:32) Emotional suppression, vitality, and physical health

(12:35) Why your brain needs periods of unfocused thinking

(15:40) Mindsets linked to inflammation, health, and longevity

(18:24) Burnout, vitality, and discovering your ideal self

(21:06) Autonomy, relationships, motivation, and living longer

(23:16) Growth mindset and training your brain to see possibilities

(25:30) How beliefs and expectations can change the brain

(27:29) Optimism, awe, connection, resilience, and self-transcendence

(29:43) Changing your identity to improve creativity and problem-solving

(31:37) Visualization and the science behind the law of attraction

(35:30) Rewriting the story of your past

(39:02) How hostility and stress may affect the body

(41:50) The CIRCA method for calming stress and anxiety

(46:12) Walking, napping, daydreaming, and doodling for better thinking

(48:09) Why understanding your ideal self may be the most important step

(48:57) Where to follow Dr. Srini Pillay and learn more

(50:48) Outro



Who is Dr. Srini Pillay?

Dr. Srini Pillay is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, brain researcher, author, executive coach, and technology entrepreneur whose work focuses on the connection between mindset, brain health, performance, and longevity. He completed his psychiatry residency at McLean Hospital and spent 17 years conducting brain-imaging research, while also directing programs focused on anxiety and panic disorders. He formerly served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Today, Dr. Pillay is Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Reulay, an AI-driven digital therapeutics company, and Founder and CEO of NeuroBusiness Group. His current work explores psychogenic longevity, including how thoughts, emotions, stress, and mindset may influence healthspan and well-being. He is also the author of Life Unlocked, Your Brain and Business, and Tinker Dabble Doodle Try, and has worked with leaders and organizations around the world.



Connect with Dr. Srini:

Website: https://drsrinipillay.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsrinipillay

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsrinipillay/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SriniPillayMD/

 

 

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