In this episode of the Tea Time Podcast, Sharissa Bradley continues the Journey Back to Health series by working through Chapter Three, Wired This Way. This chapter explores how the brain is designed to follow familiar pathways and why changing habits requires so much mental energy, patience, and grace.

Sharissa explains how repeated behaviors become automatic, using everyday examples like driving home without remembering the trip. She reflects on how long-standing patterns around food — formed in early childhood — are not easily changed because the brain naturally seeks the fastest, least energy-intensive route.

The episode includes a powerful illustration using rat maze research to show how new habits light up the brain and require significant effort, while repeated behaviors become more efficient over time. Sharissa connects this science to her own current healing work, including rebuilding consistent eating habits and navigating the mental exhaustion that comes with change.

She encourages listeners to recognize that exhaustion, headaches, and the need for more rest can be normal when building new habits. The episode closes with Chapter Three action steps, inviting listeners to track daily routines, identify where space exists for change, and practice grace while laying the foundation for healthier patterns.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome & Chapter 3 introduction
• 01:00 – Habitual brain pathways explained
• 02:00 – Grace with long-standing patterns
• 02:40 – Brain hemispheres & internal conflict
• 03:00 – Rat maze research & habit formation
• 04:30 – Mental energy required for new habits
• 05:40 – Personal healing goals & exhaustion
• 07:00 – Going against old pathways
• 08:00 – Current healing update
• 09:00 – Chapter 3 action steps
• 11:00 – Tracking routines & finding space
• 13:00 – Boundaries, priorities & grace
• 14:30 – Closing & next chapter preview

Links & Resources

• Download the Journey Back to Health Workbook (free):
  https://sharissabradley.com/extras
• Join the Tea Time Podcast Facebook Group:
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2034745363989749/
• Follow along on instagram: @sharissabradley_author