Schauer Thoughts

You know what they say, fall down seven times, pursue a class action lawsuit against the establishment. Just kidding but not really (see sources linked below) this week we’re learning about the neuroscience, psychology, and *personal* philosophy of rejection to manufacture some good ol’ fashion luck. This is not a guide on gambling nor a get rich quick scheme, this is a reframe to get you all to take a chance on some weird opportunities to flourish or at least establish a sizable amount of lore. As always, thank you for joining me in the communal Schauer, please know that I am not perceiving any of you. When I step into the weekly STEAM I can’t see anything beyond the computer in front of me. Wishing you all the best. Check out Gabbies1000nos aka the woman who inspired this episode!   https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThRthGxf/ Gabbie, if you see this, you’ve inspired me and I’m wishing you nothing but luck on your journey! Resources:  Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst - Robert M. Sapolsky  Squares & Sharps, Suckers & Sharks: The Science, Psychology & Philosophy of Gambling - Joseph Buchdahl  Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi  What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change - Emily Falk Your brain learns from rejection – here’s how it becomes your compass for connection https://theconversation.com/your-brain-learns-from-rejection-heres-how-it-becomes-your-compass-for-connection-249124 Neural responses to social rejection reflect dissociable learning about relational value and reward https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2400022121 The Psychological Health Benefits of Accepting Negative Emotions and Thoughts: Laboratory, Diary, and Longitudinal Evidence https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5767148/ Strengthen Your Mind the Way You Strengthen Your Body https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/building-resilient-minds/202601/strengthen-your-mind-the-way-you-strengthen-your-body#:~:text=The%20Window%20of%20Tolerance:%20Whereand%20even%20grow%20from%20it. The Neuroplasticity of First Attempts https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-from-a-neuroscience-perspective/202509/the-neuroplasticity-of-first-attempts The Luck Field Manual - “How to Manufacture Luck” https://substack.com/@polymathinvestor/note/c-194112619 The Spirit of Hope - Byung Chul Han https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=2YMgEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT2&ots=l4PW6LyQQ8&sig=bGGFu0gUVQv3hqfvSS0d0ZyBjP4#v=onepage&q&f=false — My Resources to Help You All Get Lucky! — On the Art and Craft of Doing Science - Kenneth Catania How to Find a Research Gap - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThrD8Q8L/  Nightshade - https://nightshade.cs.uchicago.edu/whatis.html Tool for artists :) Learn More About Adaptive Yoga - Mindbodysolutions.org Learn More About Class Action Lawsuits - ClassAction.org  Job Posting Websites to Check Out Hiring.cafe - https://hiring.cafe/ Welcome to the Jungle - https://us.welcometothejungle.com/?utm_source=foundation&utm_campaign=redirect_modal&utm_content=en  especially great if you work in tech! LinkedIn Job Search Hacks - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThryKvGR/  Check Out Audrey Gidman’s Substack On Art Residencies  A non-exhaustive list of writing (and art) residencies in the so-called US https://substack.com/home/post/p-162701566  Another non-exhaustive list of writing (and art) residencies in the so-called US https://audreygidman.substack.com/p/another-non-exhaustive-list-of-writing?r=1cyxix  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well howdy my curious crew, today we’re taking somewhat of an insightful detour on our discussion of the rest and digest system! Our mode of transportation? Metaphor! We’re using figurative language to figure out what should already be widely known.  For anyone new here, we’ll be discussing neuroscience, math, fluid dynamics, lateral learning and inhibition - we cover a lot of ground. Feel free to trilateral my position on information silos and receive a high five when you get here. Apologies to those who aren’t mathematically inclined, sometimes you have to “take it there” to prove a point, coordinate frustration.  Also, please feel free to leave your favorite marching band performance! They’re so hypnotic and incredibly impressive, I’d be honored to have them in the communal Schauer. Make sure to rate my 5 stars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, any place you get your podcasts! Resources: ‘Next Albert Einstein’ is 32-year-old woman who turned down $1.1m offer from university https://www.ladbible.com/news/science/next-albert-einstein-sabrina-gonzalez-pasterski-327566-20260112 I know, I never thought I’d cite LadBible either… Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders and How We Can Change That - Nicole C. Rust  This Is What It Sounds Like - Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas On the Art and Craft of Doing Science - Kenneth Catania  The Meaning of Proofs: Mathematics as Storytelling - Gabriele Lolli Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement - Ashley Shew  Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters - Gordon Shepherd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the intriguing world of neuroscience and gastroenterology! Explore how sleep cleanses the brain through the glymphatic system and its ties to gut health. Discover the significance of acetylcholine across various fields, and unpack the connection between sleep cycles and digestive rhythms. Sarah's personal journey through sobriety and self-education adds a unique flavor to the mix. Plus, get ready for surprising insights on the interplay of music, neurochemistry, and internal bodily cues!

Delve into effective strategies for making New Year’s resolutions stick! Explore how integrating insights from the peripheral nervous system can enhance your approach. Discover the crucial roles of self-care, reparenting, and nurturing your inner child in achieving lasting change. Emphasize building trust with yourself through consistency and boundaries. Learn the power of playfulness, positive emotions, and movement in driving motivation. Plus, find out how to craft clear goals and curate supportive networks for a successful journey!

Delve into the intriguing history of New Year's resolutions and discover how phrasing can impact goal achievement. Learn about the neuroscience behind motivation and the importance of positively framing your intentions. Explore how social structures can enhance commitment and why specific and clear goals lead to better outcomes. Sarah shares personal insights and past successes while emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and realistic expectations. This conversation sets the stage for meaningful behavior change in the upcoming year!

Bring your waders, this week we’re wandering into the stagnant swamp of Earth’s abject “elite.” Feel free to breathe through your mouth as we discuss AI brain rot, the “culture” of the 1%, and the longstanding tradition of offloading labor no matter the cost. Don’t worry, before we lock eyes with the ethically bankrupt and cognitively forlorn, we’ll also be discussing neuroscience, psychology, and art across cultures! So fun! I hope you enjoy these Schauer Thoughts. Links to Substack:  Research Wrapped 2025: https://substack.com/home/post/p-181291076  My 2025 Reading List: https://substack.com/home/post/p-181265928  Resources: StudyTogether & Study Stream These are the apps I was talking about when wanting to find someone else to study abstract concepts with Generative AI: the risk of cognitive atrophy https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/columns/neuroscience/generative-ai-the-risk-of-cognitive-atrophy/ Art Across Cultures: A Tapestry of Diverse Expressions Exploring the impact of culture on artistic perception and creation. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/non-weird-science/202406/art-across-cultures-a-tapestry-of-diverse-expressions The language of absence. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18558956/#:~:text=The%20paper%20%22The%20language%20of%20absence%22%20by,tantalizing%20*%20Mental%2C%20physical%2C%20and%20sexual%20abuse ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT study https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready for a strange mix of holiday cheer and fear, this week we’re serving up the science and psychology of generosity with a side of lore (my lore.) Don’t worry, things will be merry and bright… eventually. I’m just joshing, but make sure to check out the links below for sources, ideas, and much more. Hope to see you in the communal shower! Link to my substack: https://substack.com/@sarahschauer Full reading list will be posted tomorrow, Dec. 10, around noon PST - it is simply too long for this caption lol. Resources: Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction Is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addition - Maia Szalavitz Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature’s Toxins - from Spices to Vices - Noah Whiteman What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice & Change - Emily Falk Give Well, Feel Great: The Science of Gift Giving and Receiving https://www.templeton.org/news/give-well-feel-great-the-science-of-gift-giving-and-receiving The Psychology Behind Perfect Gift-Giving https://swipegifts.com/blog/gift-psychology Gift Resources & Links: Scientific American’s Best Nonfiction of 2025 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientific-americans-best-nonfiction-of-2025/ The Scientific American Staff’s Favorite Books of 2025 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-scientific-american-staffs-favorite-books-of-2025/ Gifts for every kind of nerd https://www.morningbrew.com/stories/2025/10/24/gift-guide-nerd Craft Club https://www.craftclubco.com/pages/gift-guide?srsltid=AfmBOorxPL2GQZwm70XO8bEjQWQ03oM2MFEh4jgRFMYXqaJrtxXNtnbp Customer Stained Glass Piece https://www.etsy.com/market/custom_stained_glass Custom Vinyl Records https://www.freestyle-vinyl.com/collections Canva Magazines https://www.canva.com/magazines/ Custom Lego Figure https://www.lego.com/en-us/minifigure-factory Fibonacci Wall and Desk Clock https://www.etsy.com/listing/1576771073/fibonacci-wall-and-desk-clock-unusual Gifts for math lovers https://www.mathnasium.com/blog/great-gifts-math-lovers-2024 Educational Subscription Boxes for Kids https://www.cratejoy.com/collections/educational-subscription-boxes STEM Build Boxes https://coolsciencefinds.com/articles/stem-build-boxes Lighting for Lego Sets https://www.lightmybricks.com/blogs/learning-centre Science Art - Scientific Illustration Artworks and Wall Art https://cognitive-surplus.com/collections/wall-art Planet Bath bombs https://www.kiwico.com/us/store/dp/planet-bath-bombs/3205 Custom Star Map from special nights - jewelry, art, etc https://www.thenightsky.com/ They have star map lockets! Library Check Out Card Bookmark - Vintage https://www.etsy.com/listing/1081591959/library-check-out-card-bookmark-vintage Custom Book Embosser https://www.etsy.com/listing/840508076/book-embosser-personalized-custom-ex?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ex%20libris&ref=sr_gallery-1-35&sr_prefetch=1&pro=1&frs=1&pop=1&content_source=5d442138550e8a17059979d09cb92cbabcd17809%3A840508076&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=5d442138550e8a17059979d09cb92cbabcd17809:840508076&source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_content=740219&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=740219&awc=6220_1764911312_c63edd94bc322514623e5c6d663ea839 Jane Eyre Embroidery Kit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1008531760/jane-eyre-embroidery-kit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=jane+eyre+embroidery&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=uk_location_buyer&utm_content=1266099&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=1266099&awc=6091_1764911520_293ebbe0bc58c5494c72236acc01f8ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here we are, the third and final installment on how to be more creative! What a wild and winding journey it’s been, hopefully everyone is forever changed. Just a reminder: the essence (aka timbre - a unique quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds) of a shower thought is a rambling (divergent) musing while in the shower - an environment where sound and heat are taking ego (fixedness) offline and allowing you to make more fluid connections. Water is also a fluid, which is a substance that can flow and take the shape of it’s container aka your body, your brain - which btw are constantly changing so best to keep a lot of things fluid, moving, lest some solids clog flow. Anywho, I hope you enjoy the neuroscience, the lateral movements, the abstractions, the improv, but most of all… I hope you dance. To the beat of your own drum.  Don’t fall in line, or do, it’s up to you! Talk again soon, toodles! Edit: I meant to say “IAF does RC circuits, not currents” - I was speaking so fast that I flubbed that. Also, second edit: for an electrical fire, always disconnect the power source first.  Third edit at the end: Delight is surprise + happiness, not happiness + sadness - I was speaking too fast.  For more information on book club, visit my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-book-for-143088045  Resources: This Is What It Sounds Like - Susan Rogers and Ogi Ogas Scent: A Natural History of Fragrance - Elise Vernon Pearlstine  Plant Lore and Legend - Ruth Binney The Botany of Desire - Michael Pollan  Most Delicious Poison - Noah Whiteman The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life’s Deepest Secrets - Thomas R. Cech The Mind-Gut Connection - Emeran Mayer, MD On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters - Bonnie Tsui The Beauty Molecule - Nicholas Perricone, MD A neurocomputational model of creative processes  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422001452#bbib49 Lateral Thinking: A Textbook of Creativity https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/34623410/Lateral_thinking-libre.pdf?1409804461=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DL_AT_ERAL_T_HINKING.pdf&Expires=1764634187&Signature=gNaugtGh5fV5tq9C76US8IlQFXrqcrkaQ8UfxyvUsb~UM2YhbJJB-9PQOD4gjmHvFVaHfBNuIWsr9a~eVOHZuveFrUdxx-zZJdmh3DDxosekQ2OoHM2trx2ixYlWitsqpWY5CfobdDM0aQVICGCb00--EUfzJJq0-gIrySw388J4EI8MvqHtWJaGEIXWJx7gwpYvhfF3xTJ12GFhUK4pvrmz8qoLYTmLLjs3AwFZ-EWPRRfcCh8M6-eELduwJaTfi05edifhH6duN9qzmVUe7Nc-egIYIxcYWzIbFvwbDqseOpBDa2vD42DEZrU9eL4vW3XiYOobx6RD31QGEEvnpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA Play It As It Lies | What Does This Mean? https://cattailcrossing.ca/blog/play-it-as-it-lies-what-does-this-mean/  Improv Games for Collaboration https://www.theatrefolk.com/blog/improv-games-for-collaboration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating world of divergent thinking and creativity! Discover how the brain's prefrontal cortex plays a vital role in idea generation. Learn about the differences between divergent and convergent thinking and why both are essential. Explore the connection between suppressed expression and the brain’s default mode network. Sarah shares practical tips for enhancing creativity through lateral learning and embracing new experiences. Plus, insights on how AHA moments are tied to brain activity make for an enlightening listen!

Dive into the intricate world of creativity as the host explores neuroscience, movement, and language. Discover how functional movement patterns enhance creative expression. Learn why reclaiming first-person language is crucial for self-identity and agency in learning. The discussion links bodily coordination with cognitive processes, revealing that creativity thrives at the intersection of brain and body. Plus, practical tips are shared for asserting your creative authority and fostering personal growth.