Big Brains

The process of understanding who we are is a lifelong journey for many of us. For two decades, that question has been one that University of Chicago scholar Eric Oliver has asked his students in class—and inspired him to write a new book called "How to Know Your Self: The Art & Science of Discovering Who You Really Are."A renowned political scientist, Oliver draws upon science, philosophy, psychology and his personal experiences to better examine the mysteries of the human experience—and explore what it truly means to be “you.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if we could precisely measure a cell at its most fundamental level? In this episode, we talk with the University of Chicago scientist Peter Maurer about how he and his colleagues made the breakthrough discovery of turning a protein found in living cells into the first biological quantum bit, also known as a qubit.Maurer explains how quantum systems—once thought to be too fragile for real-world use—are becoming some of the most powerful sensors ever built, and what they could teach us about the brain, the body and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Doty, a clinical professor of neurosurgery at Stanford and founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, dives into the neuroscience of manifestation. He shares his journey from a difficult childhood, guided by a mentor in mindfulness, to uncovering how our brain networks enable goal realization. Doty explains concepts like the default mode network and the 'green zone'—a state where mental clarity overcomes past limitations. He emphasizes the importance of compassion and altruism in achieving genuine happiness and effective manifestation.

The internet and social media have transformed the way in which we hear and understand music today—and online communities and platforms from YouTube to TikTok have changed how music circulates and ultimately goes viral. Why do some pop stars have more success creating hit songs and building online following than others?In this episode, we speak with Paula Clare Harper, a musicologist and assistant professor at the University of Chicago. Harper co-edited the book Taylor Swift: The Star, The Songs, The Fans, which explores the online musical cultures that produced and propelled the image of megastar Taylor Swift. Harper unpacks how gendered narratives around "the fangirl" continue to influence which musical practices we take seriously—and how studying music on the internet helps us understand contemporary cultural power. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pedro Lopes, an associate professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Human-Computer Integration Lab, dives deep into the future of wearable technology. He explores how devices could reshape human abilities, from teaching musical skills through electrical muscle stimulation to transforming our senses with haptics. Lopes discusses the ethical implications of integrating tech into our bodies and how these innovations might redefine what it means to be human, challenging our perceptions of agency and augmentation.

Peggy O'Donnell Heffington, an Assistant Instructional Professor at the University of Chicago and author of "Without Children," delves into the long history of non-motherhood. She explains how societal factors, economic pressures, and historical events have influenced declining fertility rates. The discussion touches on the political shaming of childless women, the impact of workplace policies, and the importance of supportive family policies in making parenthood viable. Peggy also highlights that many women today simply choose not to have children, reflecting a shift in personal priorities.

In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Sodickson, a leading MRI researcher and professor at NYU, dives into the transformative power of full-body MRIs for predictive health. He explores how these advanced imaging techniques can change medicine from reactive to proactive. Sodickson discusses the intersection of AI and imaging, highlighting its potential to enhance diagnosis while preserving the critical role of radiologists. The conversation also touches on privacy concerns and the ethical implications of widespread imaging technology for health monitoring.

Few ideas have gripped the public imagination quite like the idea of the “psychopath.” From Hollywood thrillers to true-crime podcasts, popular culture has led us to believe that psychopaths are dangerous and biologically distinct from the rest of us. But what if almost everything we think we know about them is wrong?In this episode, we talk with Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen, an Assistant Professor of Forensic Epistemology at the University of Toronto and author of "Psychopathy Unmasked," whose research is challenging the very foundation of psychopathy as a diagnosis. Larsen explains how the term “psychopath” is relatively new, dating to the Ted Bundy trial in the 1970s, and how TVs and movies have skewed our understanding of the “psychopath.” He discusses psychopathy tests, their impact on the criminal justice system—and what the latest science reveals about the minds we’ve long misunderstood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicole Rust, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Elusive Cures, dives deep into the complexities of brain disorders. She critiques the traditional views that have hampered progress, advocating for a model of the brain as a dynamic system rather than a simple machine. Topics such as the limitations of antidepressants, the pitfalls of pharmaceutical strategies, and the promise of new modeling techniques shed light on the future of effective brain treatments. Rust emphasizes a balanced approach, combining innovative models with pragmatic therapies for those in need.

Edwin Kite, a geophysical scientist at the University of Chicago, dives deep into Mars' intriguing past—revealing it was once a vibrant world with rivers and seas. He discusses how evidence of a lost carbon cycle hints at its climate transitions. The conversation shifts to the future, exploring ambitious terraforming ideas like greenhouse aerosols and the ethical dilemmas posed by such endeavors. Kite emphasizes the need for thorough research and exploration missions before humanity can truly consider making Mars livable again.