Episodes
-
Summary
In this conversation, Katie and Holly explore the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain, discussing its functions, importance, and implications for mental health. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with anxiety and mind wandering, and how these relate to the DMN. The discussion delves into the balance between the DMN and attention-focused networks, emphasizing the need for both in maintaining mental well-being. They also touch on the role of fMRI studies in understanding brain activity and the potential for interventions to modulate the DMN.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
06:12 Understanding the Default Mode Network
29:36 The Role of the Default Mode Network in Mental Health
41:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Keywords
Default Mode Network, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Brain Function, Mind Wandering, Creativity, Anxiety, Depression, Social Cognition, fMRI Studies
-
In this episode (originally released on the ETPHD team podcast), Holly talks us through the complex role of dopamine in our lives, debunking common myths surrounding dopamine detoxes and addiction. Katie and Holly discuss how dopamine functions in reward, motivation, and learning, while emphasizing the importance of context and mindfulness in understanding our relationship with food and pleasure. The conversation highlights the nuances of dopamine's role in both healthy habits and addictive behaviours, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace a balanced approach to their mental health and well-being (shock).
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Nervous Moments
09:26 Debunking the Myth of Dopamine Detox
19:23 Understanding Dopamine: Basics and Discovery
21:01 Dopamine's Role in Movement, Reward, and Anticipation
23:24 Dopamine as the Motivation Molecule
24:22 Challenging Popular Notions of Dopamine Addiction
24:49 The Limitations of Understanding Dopamine
33:41 Debunking the Myth of Dopamine Detox
41:10 Understanding Sugar Addiction and Intermittent Reinforcement
45:10 The Influence of Dietary Restraint on Sugar Cravings
54:53 The Importance of Context and Anticipation in Reward Response
Keywords
dopamine, food addiction, neuroscience, mental health, reward system, motivation, habits, mindfulness, sugar addiction, neurotransmitters
-
Missing episodes?
-
Summary
In this episode, Katie and Holly explain what cortisol is, how it works in the body, and its role in the stress response, debunks common myths about cortisol and discuss its impact on weight gain, moon face, and the relationship with caffeine.
References:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4530(00)00058-5
Chapters
05:42 Understanding Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
10:31 Debunking Myths About Cortisol
16:07 The HPA Axis and Stress Regulation
21:55 The Effects of Prolonged Stress on Health
26:38 Exercise as a Stressor and Cortisol Regulation
28:41 Understanding Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
29:44 The Impact of Cortisol on Memory
36:03 Debunking the Myth: Cortisol and Weight Gain
41:03 The Truth About Cortisol Face
49:48 Caffeine and Cortisol: Separating Fact from Fiction
Keywords
cortisol, stress hormone, road work, Vegas, heat, HPA axis, stress response, fight or flight, cortisol regulation, mental health, physical health, cortisol, stress, memory, weight gain, cortisol face, caffeine
-
Summary
In this episode, Holly and Katie explore the role of hormones in the body and their interaction with the nervous system. They explain the differences between neurotransmitters and hormones and discuss two hormones that are often overlooked: melatonin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Chapters
07:56 Understanding the Role of Hormones in the Body
11:50 The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland: Key Players in Hormonal Communication
15:49 Regulating Body Functions: Metabolism, Immune Response, and Stress
19:22 Adrenaline and Cortisol: Hormones in the Stress Response
20:05 Exploring Lesser-Known Hormones
20:34 Introduction to Hormones
22:43 Melatonin: Sleep, Antioxidant, and Weight Management
32:05 Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Urine Production and Blood Pressure
42:40 The Complexity of Hormonal Communication and Ongoing Research
Keywords
nervousness, coping mechanisms, hormones, neurotransmitters, nervous system, endocrine system, melatonin, antidiuretic hormone, sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythm, light sensitivity, antioxidant, weight management, vasopressin, urine production, water reabsorption, social behavior, bonding
-
Summary
In this conversation, Katie and Holly discuss the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Chapters
03:00 The Importance of Myelin Sheaths in Neural Communication
06:11 Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and its Impact on Myelin Sheaths
11:38 The Connection Between the Eyes and the Central Nervous System
15:31 Exploring the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System
16:36 Understanding the Somatic Voluntary Nervous System
27:02 The Crucial Role of the Vagus Nerve
30:12 Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment
35:10 The Complexity of the Nervous System
Keywords
central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, myelin sheaths, multiple sclerosis, optic nerve, somatic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, somatic voluntary nervous system, autonomic involuntary nervous system, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, vagus nerve, nervous system regulation
-
Summary
In this conversation, Katie and Holly discuss the microanatomy of the brain, focusing on neurons and neurotransmitters. They explain how neurons communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals, and how neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play a role in this communication.
Chapters
03:27 Shifting Focus to Microanatomy
04:31 The Composition of the Brain
07:11 Understanding Neurons and Their Structure
11:09 Neuronal Communication and Networks
28:02 Debunking Oversimplifications of Neurotransmitters
34:35 Empowering Critical Engagement with Neuroscience
35:01 Preview of the Next Episode
Keywords
microanatomy, neurons, neurotransmitters, communication, electrical signals, chemical signals, dopamine, serotonin, caffeine, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
-
In this episode, Katie and Holly debunk the popular myth of left brain vs. right brain dominance.
Resources mentioned:
3D model of brain https://www.brainfacts.org/3d-brain#intro=true
Image that is not true and perpetuates the separation of left and right brain: https://images.app.goo.gl/wUR6m4h3LGTbGhtz6
Stroke study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3432641/
Evidence against the right brain/left brain myth:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0071275
Keywords
left brain, right brain, myth, debunk, brain areas, corpus callosum, collaboration, fMRI scans
Chapters
00:22 What Made You Nervous This Week?
06:37 Explaining the origin of the Left Brain vs. Right Brain Myth
31:18 Research that debunks the Left Brain vs. Right Brain Myth
-
In this conversation, Katie and Holly discuss the macro anatomy of the brain, including the two hemispheres and the four main lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. They also touch on the hippocampus and amygdala as examples of deeper structures within the brain.
Resources
https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2024/04/researchers-identify-brain-region-involved-control-attentionChapters
00:00 Introduction
03:33 Brain Anatomy: Thinking About the Brain as a System
14:13 Exploring the Lobes of the Brain
29:58 Summary and Key Takeaways
Keywords
brain anatomy, hemispheres, lobes, hippocampus, amygdala, complexity, critical thinking, interconnectedness
-
In this episode, Katie and Holly discuss the brain as a system and introduce the triune model. They explain that while this model is a helpful starting point, it is not anatomically accurate and the brain is actually a network of interconnected systems.
Chapters
00:00 What made you nervous this week?
02:24 The Triune Model
06:09 The Brain's Constant Adaptability
14:08 Understanding the Brain's Communication and Interconnectedness
Resources
MacLean, P.D. (1990) The Triune Brain in Evolution (Role in Paleocerebral Functions). Plenum Press, New York. Williams LE, Bargh JA. Experiencing physical warmth promotes interpersonal warmth. Science. 2008;322(5901):606-607. doi:10.1126/science.1162548 Schnall S, Haidt J, Clore GL, Jordan AH. Disgust as embodied moral judgment. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2008;34(8):1096-1109. doi:10.1177/0146167208317771Keywords
brain, system, triune model, reptilian brain, emotional brain, rational thinking brain, network, interconnectedness, adaptive, emotions, thoughts, behaviours, communication, nervous system
-
In this episode, Katie and Holly introduce themselves and their shared love for neuroscience. They discuss how they met and their mutual interest in Robert Sapolsky's work. They explain their goal of creating a podcast that explores the applied element of neuroscience while highlighting the importance of context and systems in understanding the brain. They plan to cover various topics, drawing from research and their own experiences. Katie and Holly share their personal journeys into neuroscience and psychology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the brain and the importance of understanding both the cellular and psychological aspects. They express their passion for education and their desire to share their knowledge with others.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Cookie Talk
03:05 The Nerd Space
06:07 Exploring Neuroscience Topics
06:49 Katie's Interest in Neuroscience
07:38 Holly's Interest in Neuroscience
10:06 The Complexity of the Brain
13:18 Integrating Neuroscience and Psychology
13:56 The Path to Neuroscience
15:27 The Allure of the Brain
Keywords
neuroscience, podcast, Sapolsky, applied neuroscience, context, systems, research, psychology, brain, nervous system, education
