Ep 71. Dr Lara Boyd - Neuroplasticity

Is it ever too late to learn? What is the science behind how to change your brain? And what if the key to reshaping our brains and altering our perspectives lies within our grasp, regardless of our years?

This is the fascinating life’s work of today’s esteemed guest, Dr. Lara Boyd.

Dr. Lara Boyd, a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia, is an expert in mapping how our behaviours, environments, and experiences shape our brain health and learning capabilities.

During this episode, Dr. Boyd guides us through the science behind neuroplasticity, highlighting the brain's inherent ability to rewire itself and learn new skills at any age. She emphasises that everything we do and encounter is continuously shaping our brains.

Her work focuses on the impact of exercise and learning on our neurobiology, showcasing the profound effects these activities have on optimising our brain function. Dr. Boyd's research sheds light on how we can leverage our physical bodies to access and enhance different states of mind.

In a world where stress, anxiety, and burnout are prevalent, Dr. Boyd's insights offer a beacon of hope for better self-regulation and human evolution. She shows us that we have the power to shape our brains in ways that align with our desires and aspirations.

"We only have one brain. We can shape it however we choose. So go out and build the brain you want." - Dr Lara Boyd

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:50 - Background To Dr Boyd

00:01:27 - What drove Dr Boyd’s focus on Neuroplasticity & Human Physiology

00:03:53 - How do we learn?

00:05:25 - Misconceptions about Neuroplasticity?

00:07:56 - White Matter, Human Critical Physiology and Anatomy

00:13:00 - Can a Vaccine for The Epstein–Barr Virus Prevent Multiple Sclerosis?

00:14:27 - Short vs. Long Term Memory Loss & Damage

00:17:04 - Why Some People Find Learning Easier Than Others?

00:23:44 - Trauma & Priming The Brain To Drive Neuroplasticity

00:27:10 - Lessons from Post Stroke Trauma Studies, Neuroplasticity and Wider Society Learnings

00:30:33 - The Study of Biomarkers & Remarkable Results

00:35:37 - A Modern Epidemic (Stress, Anxiety, Burnout & Mental Health) & Relievers (Exercise, Cortisol, Growth Factors & The Bluezones).

00:41:41 - A Study Between Runners and Yogi’s & The Results

00:45:47 - A Study on Burnout (Teachers, the NHS and beyond).

00:48:00 - Personalised Medicine & Personalised Learning

00:49:50 - AI, Concerns & The Evolution of Healthcare

00:51:39 - The Broader Implications of Findings on Neuroplasticity in terms of Life Long Learning, Addiction & Behavioural Change?

00:55:06 - Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways

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