The Hidden 20% What We Get Wrong About the Brain: Neurobiologist Gina Rippon on Myths, Gender & Neurodiversity
In part one of this two-part conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Gendered Brain and The Lost Girls of Autism - recently awarded the British Psychological Society’s Popular Science Book Prize - Gina Rippon joins Ben to unpack what we really know, and don’t know, about the human brain.
From left-brain/right-brain myths to the rise of gendered brain science, Gina explains why many of the ideas we’ve grown up with simply don’t stand up to scrutiny. Drawing on decades of research, she explores how brains change across the lifespan, how experience actively shapes neural pathways, and why no two brains - neurodivergent or not - are ever the same.
They dive into alpha rhythms, brain plasticity, ageing, and the cultural bias baked into neuroscience, including why the idea of distinctly “male” and “female” brains has caused more confusion than clarity.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Why Gina Rippon Became Obsessed With the Brain
2:54 What Science Really Knows About the Neurodivergent Brain
7:18 Brain Waves Explained: Alpha Rhythms & Neurodivergence
10:24 Debunking Common Myths About the Neurodivergent Brain
12:00 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Does It Actually Exist?
17:14 The Best Analogy for How Brains Really Work
18:17 Why London Taxi Drivers’ Brains Change
19:30 How the Brain Changes With Age
21:46 Brain Plasticity, Careers & Learning Over Time
23:27 Why Every Brain Is Different And Neurodiversity
26:45 Gender Bias in Neuroscience: “Neuro Trash” Research
27:53 Is There Such a Thing as a Male or Female Brain?
35:18 The Real Impact of Gendered Brain Science
40:56 Neurodivergence, Gender & Brain Differences Explained
44:07 Moving Beyond Gendered Brains to Human Brains
45:22 What Are Thoughts, Really?
48:40 Why Gina Decided To Write “The Lost Girls of Autism”
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
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