Minding the Brain

Are the brains of transgender people different than the brains of cisgender people? Can experiencing racism cause lasting neurological damage? Can a deeper understanding of [...]

Dr. Argel Aguilar-Valles joins Kim to discuss psychedelics. Does microdosing work? Are psychedelics effective for treating depression? How do these substances interact with the brain? [...]

Is dopamine addiction a real phenomenon? The hosts tackle this complex question while exploring the multifaceted role of dopamine in various addictions, including social media. They discuss the safety of psychedelics and their potential link to schizophrenia, considering genetic factors. The conversation shifts to cannabis use, revealing age-related safety concerns. Finally, they unpack myths surrounding bilingualism, highlighting its cognitive benefits and the science behind language acquisition.

Rebecca Merkley, a faculty member in Carleton's Department of Cognitive Science focusing on math cognition and early childhood education, explores how babies grasp early math concepts. Discover how infants already have innate skills related to quantity and sharing. Uncover the link between executive functions like focus and working memory with math learning. The discussion also addresses the impact of math anxiety ignited by parent and teacher interactions, emphasizing the crucial role of everyday experiences in nurturing positive math attitudes in children.

Dive into the fascinating connection between the brain and emotions, focusing on the limbic system's role in our emotional experiences. Discover how the amygdala processes fear and its interaction with memory formation in the hippocampus. Learn about stress responses, survival instincts, and the hypothalamus’s regulatory functions. The prefrontal cortex is highlighted as the brain's control center for decision-making, while emotional responses during intense situations are examined, including the impact of trauma and PTSD on our perception.

Daniel Schacter joins Minding the Brain to talk about memory errors. How and why is memory prone to failure? Do people repress traumatic memories? Does [...]

Jim interviews Matt Coleman of Giving Multiplier, a website that provides evidence-based recommendations to help people give to the most effective charities. They discuss the [...]

Dr. Jodi Pawluski, a distinguished expert in maternal mental health, shares insights on the profound cognitive and emotional shifts that occur in new parents. She discusses the heavy mental load modern mothers bear due to societal expectations and the concept of 'mommy brain.' The conversation tackles the importance of shared parenting roles and societal support. Additionally, it emphasizes the sensitive topic of using antidepressants during pregnancy, advocating for mothers to trust their instincts while prioritizing mental health.

Dr. Pete Kelly, a specialist in personality disorders, dives deep into the complexities of these conditions. He discusses the nuances in diagnosing disorders, particularly the stigma surrounding borderline personality disorder (BPD). The conversation highlights how emotional experiences of emptiness and connection manifest differently between genders. Dr. Kelly also explores the impact of early family dynamics and advocates for accessible mental health resources, emphasizing education as key to understanding and supporting those affected.

Jim talks to Dr. Doug Oman, a scientist and scholar with a special interest in spirituality and health. They discuss the practice of mantra meditation, [...]