Avsnitt

  • 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

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  • 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-attention

    Chapters

    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:10.1177/0146167208317771

    Keywords

    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