Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

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

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained neurosurgeon and bestselling author, takes listeners on an intriguing journey through the science of dreaming. He discusses how dreams might predict neurological disorders and explores the eerie phenomenon of precognitive dreams. Lucid dreaming is presented as a tool for enhancing creativity and emotional well-being. Jandial also dives into the brain’s fascinating activity before death and how trauma shapes our dreams, offering expert tips for improving dream recall. It's a captivating look at what our minds do while we sleep!

Dr. Rahul Jandial, a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, dives into the fascinating world of dreams. He reveals how dreams can forecast diseases like Parkinson's and the links between childhood trauma and nightmares. Jandial also discusses lucid dreaming techniques, the brain's behavior before death, and the surprising impacts of sleep paralysis. He explores the profound connections between dreams and creativity, offering insights on enhancing dream recall and managing nightmares. Prepare to see your sleep in a whole new light!

Coleman Hughes, a writer and podcaster known for his insights on race and identity, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue. He challenges traditional views on race relations, arguing for true colorblindness and questioning the impact of DEI initiatives. Hughes delves into how social media algorithms fuel polarization and examines the rise of identity politics since 2013. He also tackles controversial concepts like inherited trauma and the dichotomy of neo-racism vs. old-school racism, advocating for a nuanced approach to race discussions.

Angela Ford, a former U.S. Army remote viewer and psychic spy, unveils her remarkable journey from childhood experiences to her role in Project Stargate. She discusses using ESP and automatic writing to track targets, likening psychic intelligence to AI in defense. Ford shares haunting encounters with dark entities, her live aura reading, and even how meditation can unlock psychic gifts. The conversation challenges societal stigmas around psychic abilities, revealing a fascinating interplay between consciousness and national security.

Angela Ford, a former U.S. Army remote viewer and psychic spy, shares her remarkable journey in psychic espionage with the Defense Intelligence Agency. She discusses how automatic writing and ESP helped locate high-value targets and the potential of psychic intelligence rivaling AI in national defense. Ford recounts encounters with dark entities, childhood UFO sightings, and offers tips on unlocking one’s own psychic abilities through meditation. This mind-bending conversation challenges perceptions of consciousness and military intelligence.

Dive into the world of Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and discover the traits that define them. Learn about the emotional complexities HSPs face in a noisy world, from sensory overload to personal relationships. The discussion includes insights on navigating life as a highly sensitive person, especially during pregnancy. Uncover strategies to harness sensitivity as a superpower, while exploring the brain's role in emotional processing. With engaging quizzes and personal stories, this conversation empowers listeners to embrace their unique sensitivities.