Deb McNamara, a faculty member at the Neufeld Institute and author of 'Rest, Play, Grow' and 'Nourished', explores the profound impact of attachment in human development. She discusses how attachment is a lifelong necessity, shaping adult relationships through early experiences. The podcast dives into the importance of emotional discomfort in fostering resilience and empathy. McNamara also highlights the therapeutic role of play in emotional understanding and urges for nurturing practices that enhance children's emotional resilience.

Dr. Allan Hamilton, a Harvard-trained brain surgeon and author, shares fascinating insights on how our brains shape our public and private lives. He discusses the impact of intergenerational trauma on mental health and relationship dynamics. The conversation also tackles the potential link between violent video games and anti-social behavior, emphasizing the need for genuine human connections. Additionally, Hamilton highlights the neuroscience of love, bonding, and the importance of nurturing childhood passions in professional life.

Feeling hazy? Dive into the science of brain fog and discover its common causes. Explore how brainwave patterns, particularly theta waves, affect clarity. Learn four key strategies to boost your mental sharpness—with a focus on diet, sleep, cognitive activities, and social connections. Embrace a growth mindset and make holistic lifestyle changes for a sharper mind!

Years ago, while studying with my mentor-professor at NYU, Zoran Josipovic - who was looking at brains scans of monks - I decided to stay for a few months at various monasteries. One of them was Deer Park - under... READ MORE The post The Heart as a Little Brain: the beauty and power of mindful breathing appeared first on StefanieFaye.

Taking things personally can lead to intensified emotions and skewed perceptions. Emotional triggers often distort our relational dynamics, making it essential to understand them. The stimulus-organism-response model sheds light on how our past experiences and neurochemistry influence reactions. By fostering self-awareness and flexible communication, we can improve our relationships and create a more psychologically safe environment.

Caroline Szymanski, a social neuroscientist at the Max Planck Institute, explores the fascinating concept of neural synchrony and its impact on teamwork. She discusses how synchronized brain activity can elevate collaboration and enhance problem-solving in teams. The episode also examines various brain imaging techniques like fMRI and EEG, emphasizing their role in understanding group dynamics. Szymanski highlights the importance of physical engagement in teamwork, revealing how body awareness can deepen connections and drive innovation.

Explore the fascinating link between neuroscience and bravery. Discover the 'fear quadrant' and learn what truly keeps us from taking risks. Gain insight into practical strategies to enhance courage in everyday situations. The discussion emphasizes that courage is rooted in the willingness to face vulnerability, making it an essential skill for personal growth.

When we truly understand the power of the human brain, and we authentically become learners, neuroscience becomes a language of the human spirit - one that empowers and inspires.  Unfortunately, it can also become a language of buzzwords, hype and... READ MORE The post Beware False Growth Mindset: Signals of Inauthenticity and How to Change Them appeared first on StefanieFaye.

As we approach the holidays and important moments in history… are there social or family dynamics that feel like repeats or remnants from the past?   Do you sometimes get the feeling that nothing ever really changes?  Repeating history isn’t... READ MORE The post How to not repeat history: neurochemical identities and self-fulfilling prophecies – mini episode appeared first on StefanieFaye.

Purpose isn't just some grandiose, once-in-a-lifetime discovery. It's not a single "aha" moment where suddenly everything clicks. Instead, we can view a sense of purpose as an ongoing narrative that evolves with our unique sensitivities* and experiences - and the... READ MORE The post How purpose and transcendent thinking affect the brain appeared first on StefanieFaye.