Your Brain On

This podcast explores the science of humor, discussing evolutionary origins and therapeutic benefits. Topics include the benign violation theory, using humor for therapy, involuntary laughter disorders, and comedy as a tool for communication and growth. Guests discuss the role of comedy in finding shared understanding, coping with life's challenges, breaking repression, and pushing societal boundaries.

Space travel goes against a million years of human evolution. So how does it affect our brains? In just six decades of manned space flights, we’ve discovered a remarkable amount about the neurological effects of venturing to the stars. In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’ we discuss: • How low gravity changes your brain structure, impacts your balance, and... actually might improve your sleep • The cognitive dangers of space travel, from the mania of isolation to the destructive forces of cosmic radiation • Why we’re evolutionary drawn to explore other worlds and believe in aliens • What spaceflight can teach us about neuroplasticity and cogntive decline This episode, we’re joined by: DR. JAY BUCKEY, astronaut and space physiologist, who, in 1998, was part of the Neurolab mission, going to space for 16 days to study the effects of spaceflight on the brain and nervous system. DR. SHEYNA GIFFORD, aerospace medic, who famously spent a year in a simulation of Mars on a volcano in Hawaii, to study the psychological impacts of long-term space travel. DR. RACHAEL SEIDLER, Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida, and an expert on spaceflight’s affects on neuroplasticity. EMILY CALANDRELLI, renowned science educator and engineer, who highlights how what we learn while exploring space greatly benefits our lives down here on Earth. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... SPACE TRAVEL’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 1   👉 LINKS Dr. Jay Buckey at Dartmouth: https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/faculty/facultydb/view.php/?uid=426 Dr. Sheyna Gifford’s website: https://sheynagifford.com/ Dr. Rachael Seidler at University of Florida: https://hhp.ufl.edu/about/faculty-staff/seidler_rachael/ Dr. Rachael Seidler on Twitter (AKA ‘X’): https://twitter.com/SeidlerRachael Emily Calandrelli’s website, ‘The Space Gal’: https://www.thespacegal.com/ Emily Calandrelli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacegal Emily Calandrelli on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespacegal   👉 FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath challenges the notion of age as a barrier to effective leadership. Discussions cover various memory types, cognitive resilience in older age, historic figures' contributions, and the power of cognitive reserve. Longevity expert Dan Buettner joins to explore the benefits of having older leaders. The podcast delves into memory complexities, strategies for maintaining cognitive health, and the future of memory research.

Discover the neuroscience behind the benefits of cardio workouts - from improving mood and reducing stress to enhancing memory and immunity. Hear from experts like Dr. John Ratey and Dr. Art Kramer on the cognitive benefits of exercise. Learn how cardio can reverse aging effects, boost brain function, and integrate more fitness into your daily life.

Explore the power of stories and community in facing Alzheimer’s. Learn about preventing cognitive decline through brain-healthy living. Understand the neurochemistry of how Alzheimer’s changes the brain. Discover genetic predispositions and why women have a higher risk. Approach brain health like heart health for a better future without Alzheimer’s.

Are there differences between the brains of women and men? In this episode of Your Brain On, we explore the unique aspects of the female brain, and how the male-biased history of medical science has left us with enormous gaps in our knowledge of women’s distinctive neurology. We discuss: • The striking uniformity in the structure of the female and male brain • The possible physiological and sociological reasons why women have a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s • The recent progress that’s been made in making neuroscientific studies more inclusive • What current research says about Hormone Replacement Therapy, a common treatment for postmenopausal drops in neuroprotective hormones We’re joined by Dr. Margaret McCarthy, James & Carolyn Frenkil Endowed Dean's Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she is also Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, renowned for her research into the neuroscience of sex differences, and Dr. Lise Eliot, Professor of Neuroscience at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates, Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Being A Woman • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 7 ——— LINKS Dr. Margaret McCarthy’s website: https://www.mccarthylab.com/ Dr. Lise Eliot at Rosalind Franklin University: https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/faculty/lise-eliot/  ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

This podcast discusses the history and diagnosis of ADHD, the impact of social media on mental health, and the challenges of comorbidities. Experts explore the intersection of ADHD with other disorders, the influence of online communities, and treatment options like medications and lifestyle changes.

Exploring the dark history of lobotomies, from their origins to ethical considerations. Discussing the misuse of lobotomies on minorities and veterans post-WWII. Delving into historical and contemporary perspectives on brain surgeries, including deep brain stimulation. Highlighting ethical considerations in neurosurgery and advancements in brain stimulation devices, as well as the importance of ethics in rapidly developing fields like AI and neurology.

Explore the neuroscience of dreams and REM sleep. Learn why dreams might stop non-visual senses from taking over. Discover the link between recurring dreams and trauma. Listen to experts discuss lucid dreaming, dream therapy, and the difficulty of studying dreams. Take a journey through time with inventions inspired by dreams.

Discover the neuroscience behind football fandom, from shared love of a team to the joy of wins and pain of losses. Explore how our empathy systems connect us to players and the physiological effects of watching sports with others. Join neuroscientists Ayesha and Dean Sherzai as they delve into the cultural and psychological intersections of football fandom, including concerns around sports betting and the power of community.