

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown is a quirky, informative, and interactive podcast breaking down the myths and misunderstandings about mental health and emotional well-being. Neuroscientist Mayim Bialik combines her academic background with vast personal experience to provide listeners with valuable practical advice focusing on removing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging an understanding of the mind-body connection. Nothing is off limits as Mayim breaks it down with an amazing collection of guests.
Episodes
Mentioned books

35 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
Gregg Braden: Are We the Last Generation of Pure Humans? How To Maintain Our Unique Potential
Gregg Braden, a bestselling author and scientist, explores the alarming possibility that we might be the last generation of pure humans. He delves into the risks posed by transhumanism and the integration of technology with our biology, warning against losing our innate humanity. The conversation covers topics like media manipulation and the importance of emotional intelligence amid rising AI influence. Braden also shares his profound personal experiences, urging a return to ancient wisdom and the recognition that love is our strongest connection in a tech-driven world.

26 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 32min
PART TWO: The Science Behind Trauma: The Connection to Inflammation & Depression & How You Can Heal
Dr. Aimie Apigian, a trauma expert and author of The Biology of Trauma, shares her insight on how unresolved trauma can impact physical health, tying it to issues like autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue. She explores the biological effects of trauma, emphasizing the difference between stress and trauma. Aimie highlights the significance of somatic healing practices and the connection between trauma and emotional well-being, offering practical tools for healing. This engaging conversation reveals how recognizing trauma can foster clarity and purpose in life.

28 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 55min
The Science Behind Trauma: The Connection to Inflammation & Depression & How You Can Heal
Dr. Aimie Apigian, trauma expert and author of The Biology of Trauma, delves into how unresolved trauma can affect our biology. She reveals the surprising links between trauma, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and emotional safety. Aimie emphasizes the notion that trauma is held in the body and how somatic healing can reset the nervous system. Listeners will learn how trauma informs physical symptoms, coping mechanisms, and even alcohol use, alongside practical exercises to aid in their healing journey.

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
An Empath’s Guide to Understanding Your Emotions & What It Means for Extra-Sensory Abilities
Are you an empath? Are you too in tune with other people’s emotions? Mayim and Jonathan take the “Are You an Empath?” quiz and reveal how to know if you're truly an empath. They break down the 3 types of empathy (emotional, cognitive, and compassionate) and explain how to spot the telltale signs of being an empath, from absorbing other people’s energy to struggling with emotional boundaries. Whether you're wondering how to know if you're an empath or trying to stop feeling everything all the time, this episode explores the science, psychology, and real-life challenges of being an empath—and how to manage it without burning out.
The "Are You an Empath?" Quiz: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empaths-survival-guide/201812/are-you-empath-take-the-self-assessment-test
The "Empath Type" Quiz: https://www.empathconnection.com/quiz
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Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 5min
PART TWO: Key Supplements & The Science Behind Why They Work | Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical science expert and founder of FoundMyFitness, dives into the science of aging and nutrition. She highlights hidden nutrient deficiencies linked to mental health issues and discusses how creatine can boost cognitive function. Rhonda introduces the concept of 'exercise snacks' to enhance brain health and reveals the surprising effects of alcohol on women's brains. Additionally, she shares insights on protein needs for vegans, the dangers of pesticides near golf courses, and innovative dietary strategies for improved well-being.

Jul 8, 2025 • 53min
Missing Micronutrients, Necessary Supplements & The Science Behind Why They Work | Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical science expert and founder of FoundMyFitness, dives into the transformative impact of micronutrients on health and longevity. She discusses hidden deficiencies that may drive anxiety and cognitive decline, alongside the brain-boosting effects of creatine. Rhonda highlights the importance of omega-3s and vitamin D, explains how short 'exercise snacks' can enhance brain function, and shares intriguing insights on nutrition's role in mental well-being and aging gracefully. Tune in for science-backed tips on upgrading your health!

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 19min
The CIA, MKUltra & The Patty Hearst Case: Protect Yourself From The Mind Control Techniques Today
What if you could be persuaded to confess to a crime you didn’t commit—or believe an identity that was manufactured for you?
Harvard historian and sociologist Dr. Rebecca Lemov (author of The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion) explores how the manipulation of belief has shaped modern society from Cold War psychology to today’s social media. Mayim and Jonathan discuss the case of Leonard Kyle, who claimed the government implanted devices in his brain… and turns out, it was true! They deep dive into the psychological transformation of Patty Hearst and why her brainwashing defense was rejected and how government experiments like MK-Ultra still influence policy today. Plus, understand the rise of hyper-persuasion in the digital age and how social media can manipulate your emotions through harvesting your trauma using targeted algorithms. Learn how to spot the signs of mind control in abusive relationships and why false confessions are more common than you'd think. Whether you’re a fan of cults, psychology, digital ethics or government conspiracy theories, this episode is a mind-bending journey into how belief, identity, and freedom have transformed in ways we barely recognize.
Rebecca Lemov's book, THE INSTABILITY OF TRUTH: Brainwashing, Mind Control and Hyper-Persuasion: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324075264
Follow us on Substack for Exclusive Bonus Content: https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/
BialikBreakdown.com
YouTube.com/mayimbialik
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2025 • 56min
PART TWO: Famous Inorganic Chemist on Why He Believes Aliens Exist, The Revolutionary Experiments That Could Create Life & How AI Companies Are Deceiving Us
Lee Cronin, a pioneering Regis professor of chemistry at the University of Glasgow, dives into intriguing topics like the possibility of non-carbon-based life and the implications of assembly theory on our understanding of biology. He challenges traditional views on alien life and discusses how we might detect extraterrestrial civilizations. The conversation also explores AI's ethical risks, offering a fresh perspective on creativity versus machine intelligence, while sharing innovative ideas about creating life and tackling environmental issues.

8 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 43min
Famous Inorganic Chemist on Why He Believes Aliens Exist, The Revolutionary Experiments That Could Create Life & How AI Companies Are Deceiving Us
Lee Cronin, a visionary chemist and professor at the University of Glasgow, delves into the intriguing possibility of non-carbon-based life forms and the search for extraterrestrial civilizations. He challenges conventional views of the Fermi Paradox, arguing that life may be more prevalent than we think. Cronin discusses how chemical complexity could reveal alien intelligence and critiques the current misunderstandings surrounding artificial intelligence. The conversation offers a thought-provoking look at the boundaries of biology, existence, and our role in the cosmos.

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 22min
Is America For Sale? The Truth Behind Trump’s Meme Coin, Why Social Media Makes Us Feel More Divided Than We Actually Are & How Both Sides of the Aisle Are Wrong About the Deficit
Jon Favreau, former Obama speechwriter and co-host of Pod Save America, delves into the urgent issues shaping U.S. politics. He discusses the dark side of cryptocurrency and the implications of political outsiders on public trust. The conversation touches on the heightened divisiveness fueled by social media and the longing for political unity. Favreau's insights on the 2024 election aftermath shed light on the disconnect between voter priorities and the political narrative, offering both a critique and a glimmer of hope amid turmoil.


