New Books in Psychology How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend
12 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Rachel Barr, a dedicated neuroscientist and author, shares her journey from personal loss to discovering the power of neuroplasticity. She emphasizes that our brains are always evolving and can adapt at any stage of life. Rachel discusses the importance of self-compassion, the role of delight in reducing stress, and offers insights on identity in a social media age. She encourages listeners to experiment with personal interventions in mental health and treats brain care with kindness rather than optimization, advocating for creativity as a path to well-being.
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Discovery That Changed Her Path
- Rachel Barr describes discovering neuroplasticity after reading The Brain That Changes Itself and how it reframed her self-belief.
- That book convinced her her brain could change and led her toward molecular neuroscience.
Brains Have Their Own Agenda
- Rachel Barr explains the brain often runs outside conscious control and has its own agenda.
- What we control is the input and conditions we expose the brain to, shaping its responses.
Identity Signals Vs. Purchased Signals
- Social identity signaling evolved from doing real tasks, not buying symbols.
- Social media and commerce let us purchase identity signals, causing identity vertigo and estrangement.
