
The Armen Show
Science + Technology Podcast for the Lifelong Learner
Latest episodes

Jun 19, 2024 • 57min
429: Camilla Nord | Exploring Neuroscience And Mental Health In “The Balanced Brain”
In this episode with host Armen Shirvanian, the show is joined by Professor Camilla Nord, who leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge, and is the author of “The Balanced Brain”, published by Princeton University Press. They discuss various topics related to mental health, neuroscience, and the brain. Camilla shares her experience giving public talks and the discomfort that comes with speaking to non-experts.
They also explore the factors that contribute to depression and the need for a more nuanced understanding of mental health conditions. They discuss the importance of matching treatments to individuals and the challenges in differentiating between psychological and biological treatments. They also touch on the impact of screen time on the brain’s reward pathways and the role of predictive models in mental well-being.
In this conversation, neuroscientist Camilla Nord discusses various topics related to mental health and neuroscience. She talks about the importance of social experiments in understanding human behavior and growth. Nord also explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how the brain can change and adapt throughout adulthood. She shares personal experiences of how certain individuals and events have shaped her life.
The conversation touches on the topic of autism and the importance of embracing neurodiversity. Nord also discusses the use of antidepressants and the potential for combining biological and psychological treatments. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the elements of a mentally healthy lifestyle and the future of mental health research.
Camilla Nord leads the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge. Her research has been featured in the New Statesman, the Daily Mail and the British Journal of Psychiatry, and on the BBC.

Jun 4, 2024 • 0sec
428: Amorina Kingdon | The World Of Underwater Sound In “Sing Like Fish”
Amorina Kingdon, author of “Sing Like Fish”, joins us to discuss the impact of sound on underwater life, the differences in sound transmission in air and water, and the effects of man-made noise on marine organisms. She also explores the unique communication methods of dolphins and the challenges of studying the impact of noise on sea life.
The conversation delves into the impact of noise on marine life, the significance of sound in animal societies, and the efforts to mitigate noise pollution in the ocean. It also explores the interconnectedness of different species and the importance of understanding their relationships and ecosystems. The conversation highlights the need for detailed research on the effects of noise on non-mammal marine animals and the challenges of regulating shipping noise in ecologically sensitive areas.
Until 2021, Amorina was the staff writer for Hakai Magazine. Her work at Hakai has been anthologized in Best Canadian Essays 2020 (Biblioasis) and received honours including a Digital Publishing Award, a Jack Webster Award, and Best New Magazine Writer from the National Magazine Awards.
Previously, she was a science writer for the University of Victoria and the Science Media Center of Canada. You can read her fiction in PRISM Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, and forthcoming in Speculative North. She has a diploma in journalism from Concordia University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Carleton University.
You can get “Sing Like Fish” here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704875/sing-like-fish-by-amorina-kingdon/

Jun 1, 2024 • 0sec
427: Kyla Scanlon | Finances And Global Markets “In This Economy?”
In this conversation, Kyla Scanlon, author of the book “In This Economy?”, is joined by host Armen Shirvanian, and discusses the direction of society, the importance of understanding the economy, the impact of different generations on change, the role of AI, wealth inequality, financial wherewithal, the vibe economy, and the vulnerability of supply chains. She emphasizes the need to understand the economy as it affects every aspect of our lives and the importance of financial education.
Kyla also encourages individuals to pursue their passions while recognizing the value of talent and taking risks on themselves. She highlights the impact of consumer sentiment on the economy and the vulnerability of supply chains. The conversation explores various themes related to the economy, housing, private equity, labor market, and personal growth.
It discusses the wage price spiral, the impact of housing affordability on other areas of life, the role of private equity in buying up homes and businesses, the importance of community and taking action, and the process of writing a book. The main takeaway is the need for individuals to have a basic understanding of the economy and how it affects their daily lives.
Kyla Scanlon is an economic commentator and Bloomberg contributor who specializes in human-centric analysis that demystifies the complex. She started her career as a car salesperson before becoming an associate at Capital Group, conducting macroeconomic analysis and modeling investment strategies.
Get “In This Economy?” on Amazon here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737854/in-this-economy-by-kyla-scanlon/

May 7, 2024 • 46min
426: Scott H. Young | 12 Maxims For Mastery in “Get Better at Anything”
Returning guest Scott H. Young is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. In this episode, Scott discusses his new book, “Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery”, which focuses on the process of learning and getting better at various skills. He shares the story of Tetris as an example of how the environment can enable or inhibit learning and progress. Young also explores the connection between creativity and learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding and copying successful examples.
He challenges the notion that failure is the best teacher and highlights the significance of building a foundation of success. Young advises starting with what you’re most interested in learning and gradually expanding your interests as you gain confidence and skills. He discusses the balance between consumption and creation in learning and the importance of both. Young also touches on the difficulty of predicting learning outcomes and the need for focused and constrained learning projects.
In this conversation, Scott H. Young discusses the importance of breaking down big goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. He emphasizes that big projects are just a collection of smaller goals stacked together. Young also explores the concept of quantity leading to great things, highlighting that the more work you produce, the more likely you are to have successful outcomes.
He references the work of psychologist Dean Simonton, who found that once individuals reach a certain level of proficiency, their trajectory of success becomes relatively flat. Young also delves into the role of fear in learning and how exposure can help reduce fear responses over time. He concludes by discussing the connection between imagination and learning, emphasizing the importance of mental models in acquiring knowledge.
You can find Get Better at Anything on Amazon here.

May 3, 2024 • 33min
425: Indre Viskontas | The Bridge Between Neuroscience And Art
In this conversation, I speak with Indre Viskontas, a professor of psychology and a bridge between the worlds of art and neuroscience. We discuss the importance of creativity, the role of improvisation in opera, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and the connection between music and emotions. We also touch on the challenges of podcasting and the need for society to address climate change and prioritize mental health.
Indre is an opera singer-turned-director who came of age during the decade of the brain. She’s always been pulled both by art and by science and has found ways to integrate the two in my work. She finished a Masters of Music degree in Voice Performance and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and currently is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, with a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Indre is passionate about communicating ideas to the public, by directing operas that illustrate the richness of the human experience, creating compelling lectures and podcasts about the brain, and conducting research on the neuroscience of creativity.

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
424: Democratizing Good Health: The Vision of Thumos Care | Shan Rizvi & Dr. Maryam Baqir
Shan Rizvi and Dr. Maryam Baqir discuss their new venture, Thumos Care, an AI-powered health optimization platform. They aim to bridge the gap between the healthcare industry and the wellness industry by providing individuals with a clear understanding of their current health status and future trajectory. The platform offers personalized health analysis and recommendations based on medical expertise and scientific evidence. The goal is to democratize good health and help individuals maximize their potential in all aspects of life.
The conversation explores the potential of using AI and personalized health data to improve longevity and overall well-being. Shan and Maryam discuss the concept of ‘aging well’ and the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life. They highlight the role of technology, such as smart contact lenses and Neuralink, in enhancing human capabilities and optimizing health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in developing the Thumos Care platform and the need for creativity, determination, and self-confidence. The speakers outline their plans for marketing and improving the product in the coming months.
Keywords: Thumos Care, AI-powered health optimization platform, healthcare industry, wellness industry, health analysis, personalized recommendations, preventive medicine, aging, comorbidities, scaling the unscalable, maximizing potential, AI, personalized health data, longevity, aging well, purpose, meaning, technology, smart contact lenses, Neuralink, challenges, creativity, determination, self-confidence, marketing, improvement
Thumos Care is an AI-powered health optimization platform that provides individuals with a clear understanding of their current health status and future trajectory.
The platform offers personalized health analysis and recommendations based on medical expertise and scientific evidence.
The goal of Thumos Care is to democratize good health and help individuals maximize their potential in all aspects of life.
By addressing root causes and focusing on preventive measures, individuals can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of comorbidities. AI and personalized health data have the potential to improve longevity and overall well-being.
Finding purpose and meaning in life is crucial for aging well.
Technology, such as smart contact lenses and Neuralink, can enhance human capabilities and optimize health.
Developing the most care platform requires creativity, determination, and self-confidence.
Marketing and continuous improvement are key to the success of the product.

Mar 24, 2024 • 18min
423: 8 Takeaways From Completion Of The 2024 LA Marathon
On this episode of the show, I go over 8 takeaways from my completion of the 2024 LA Marathon. It was a wonderful race across the various cities of the Los Angeles area, and involved a lot of people in the race and a lot of people watching the race. All the festivity was great for everyone, and I did enjoy taking part for a first time. It ended in the city of Century City.

Mar 20, 2024 • 56min
422: Bianca Bosker | The Art World And Visual Literacy In “Get The Picture”
In this episode, author Bianca Bosker discusses her book ‘Get the Picture’ and her journey into the art world. She shares her frustration with art and her rediscovery of its importance in her life. Bosker explores the evolution and universality of art, highlighting its essential role in human experience. She also discusses the unique perspective of artists and their ability to see and experience the world differently. Bosker emphasizes the practicality and essentiality of art, challenging the notion that it is a luxury. She also explores the key players in the art world and the individual expression found in artworks.
In this conversation, Bianca Bosker discusses the importance of engaging with work as if it were another living being. She encourages people to slow down and not feel the need to see and like everything. Bianca also emphasizes the value of noticing and appreciating the beauty in everyday life. She explores the concept of glitches and how they can lead to new forms of art and beauty. Bianca concludes by highlighting the transformative power of art and how it can help us live a more rich and meaningful life.
Takeaways
Art is an essential part of human experience, dating back to ancient times and serving as a universal form of communication.
Artists have a unique perspective and ability to see and experience the world differently, allowing them to challenge our expectations and expand our understanding.
Engaging with art can help us develop our visual literacy and see beyond our preconceived notions, leading to a more nuanced and enriched experience of the world.
The art world is composed of various key players, including artists, gallerists, curators, and collectors, who shape our understanding and appreciation of art.
Each artist brings their own individual expression and style to their work, creating a diverse and vibrant art landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Alliterative Names
01:13 The Frustration with Art and Rediscovery
07:12 Artists’ Ability to See and Experience
09:57 Artists’ Unique Perspective and Linking Ideas
13:07 Art as a Glitch in Perception
20:04 Key Players in the Art World
25:29 Individual Expression in Art
29:28 Developing Relationships with Artworks
30:26 Engaging with Work as Another Living Being
33:06 The Importance of Slowing Down and Noticing
37:00 The Joy of Discovering New Perspectives
37:49 Expanding Our Perception of the World
43:56 The Celebration of Glitches and Unexpected Beauty
45:45 The Value and Misunderstanding of Beauty
53:13 Living Life Differently Through Art

Mar 13, 2024 • 53min
421: Cailin O’Connor | Philosophy of Science, Biology, Game Theory, And More
Professor Cailin O’Connor is philosopher of biology and behavioral sciences, philosopher of science, and evolutionary game theorist. She is a Professor in the Department of Logic and Philosophy of Science, and recently finished co-administering the NSF grant “Consensus, Democracy, and the Public Understanding of Science” with philosopher of physics James Owen Weatherall (previous NSF grant Social Dynamics and Diversity in Epistemic Communities).
Their co-authored trade book The Misinformation Age was published with Yale University Press. Her monograph The Origins of Unfairness was published in July 2019 by Oxford University Press, and her books Games in the Philosophy of Biology and Modeling Scientific Communities were published in the CUP elements series. She also writes public philosophy.

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 29min
420: Bo Winegard | Psychology, Social Status, Human Variation, And More
Bo Winegard obtained a PhD in social psychology from Florida State University, under the tutelage of Roy Baumeister. He was a professor at a small college in the midwest. Now, he am an independent scholar.
He is interested in human evolution, human variation, the rise of political order, and political conservatism. He also loves literature, film, sports, and mediocre detective fiction.
He hasve many peer-reviewed publications on motley topics and often writes for Quillette. He is currently working on the first of several books on human nature and political ideology.