
Nikolay Kukushkin
Neuroscientist and author of One Hand Clapping, known for research on memory, cellular memory hypotheses, and evolutionary perspectives on intelligence.
Top 10 podcasts with Nikolay Kukushkin
Ranked by the Snipd community

31 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 28min
BI 222 Nikolay Kukushkin: Minds and Meaning from Nature’s Ideas
In this engaging discussion, Nikolay Kukushkin, an associate professor at NYU and senior scientist, delves into his book, *One Hand Clapping*, exploring the essences of nature and cognition. He shares the origins of his doodles as teaching tools that clarify complex ideas. The conversation touches on cellular memory, the evolution of brains, and the philosophical implications of AI as an extension of human thought. Kukushkin provocatively argues that meaning emerges from nature's patterns and urges a reevaluation of how we define memory and consciousness.

7 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Dr. Niko Kukushkin - One Hand Clapping: Rethinking the Human Mind
Dr. Niko Kukushkin, a renowned neuroscientist and writer, dives deep into the mysteries of the human mind. He explores the brain's role as a prediction machine and how its complexity shapes consciousness. The conversation probes the neurobiology of psychedelics, linking them to enhanced sensory experiences. Kukushkin also discusses the impacts of loneliness on intelligence and emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty for long-term happiness. Through these insights, he challenges conventional beliefs about memory, motivation, and what it means to live authentically.

5 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Our Body Keeps the Score, Our Cells ‘Remember’ with Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a molecular biologist and neuroscientist at NYU, dives into the fascinating concept of cellular memory—how our bodies retain experiences beyond the brain. He discusses his journey from Leningrad to leading research on memory, emphasizing the intersection of biology and philosophy. The conversation reveals how non-neural cells contribute to memory and behavior, insights into learning through cellular adaptations, and the profound implications for health and personal experiences. Kukushkin challenges conventional views on memory, opening a door to new understandings of life.

Nov 26, 2025 • 57min
Part Two: Your Brain Might Be Lying. The Scientific Explanation for Cellular Memory, Why Universal Intelligence Can Be Found In Nature and How Past Memory Is Actually Changeable | Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist and author of *One Hand Clapping*, challenges what we think we know about memory. He explores the revolutionary idea that every cell in our body could store memories, transforming our understanding of trauma and healing. Through fascinating insights, he reveals dopamine's true role as a 'figure-it-out' signal and discusses how social media exploits unpredictability to keep us hooked. Kukushkin also raises thought-provoking questions about the interplay between AI, human evolution, and the importance of meaningful experiences.

Nov 25, 2025 • 56min
Your Brain Might Be Lying. The Scientific Explanation for Cellular Memory, Why Universal Intelligence Can Be Found In Nature and How Past Memory Is Actually Changeable | Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a Harvard- and Oxford-trained neuroscientist specializing in memory and consciousness, joins to explore groundbreaking ideas about cellular memory. He reveals that every cell may store memories, reshaping our understanding of trauma and healing. Discussion delves into how memory isn't reality, the evolutionary creativity of natural selection, and insights from sea slugs on memory mechanisms. Kukushkin also debunks myths about dopamine's role, offering strategies to enhance well-being and challenge the addictive nature of social media.

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 39min
#71 Meet the Neuroscientist Who Proved Every Cell in Your Body Has a Memory!
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist and molecular biologist at NYU, challenges our understanding of memory, revealing that every cell in our body can learn and adapt like neurons. He discusses how consciousness might emerge from cellular interactions, arguing that this memory is foundational to life itself. Nikolay explores the links between emotions and cellular behavior, the mysterious 'obelisks' within cells, and the potential of synthetic biology in understanding consciousness. The implications for mental health and AI ethics add a thought-provoking twist to this fascinating conversation.

Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
How human consciousness emerged from the fundamental processes of nature
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist and author of *One Hand Clapping*, explores the emergence of human consciousness from the fundamental processes of nature. He discusses how atoms interactively evolved into complex thought and self-awareness. Using a bottom-up approach, he argues for understanding consciousness through molecular principles rather than traditional psychology. Kukushkin also delves into how simpler organisms reveal brain functions, the ancient nature of memory, and speculates on how AI could influence our evolutionary trajectory.

Sep 15, 2025 • 38min
Why Humans Have Such Big Brains (No, it's not Because of our Intelligence)
Nikolay Kukushkin, an NYU neuroscientist and author of "One Hand Clapping," explores the origin of our large brains, emphasizing their connection to language rather than intelligence. He discusses how our mammalian ancestors spent 150 million years evading dinosaurs, which shaped social behaviors. Kukushkin argues that while our big brains foster social interactions, they also contribute to division and conflict. He highlights humanity's unique awareness of our global impact, celebrating our responsibility in today's complex age.

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
#104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a neuroscientist researching cellular cognition and memory, dives into groundbreaking discoveries about non-neuronal cells. He discusses how these cells can recognize patterns and store information, expanding our understanding of memory beyond the brain. The conversation touches on lessons from sea slugs that illuminate human cognition and the potential impacts of trauma being stored in cells. Dr. Kukushkin also explores the fascinating parallels between AI and biological intelligence, challenging traditional views of consciousness and memory.

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Our Body Keeps the Score, Our Cells ‘Remember’ with Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin
Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin, a molecular and cell biologist, dives deep into the fascinating intersection of memory and cellular biology. He discusses how memories are encoded not only in the brain but throughout our body's cells, challenging traditional notions of memory. Kukushkin shares insights on how pancreatic cells adapt similar to neurons, the complex communication systems in our bodies, and how non-neural cells can exhibit memory-like behaviors. He also touches on the implications for cancer treatment and the philosophical dimensions of existence and memory.


