Brain Inspired
Paul Middlebrooks
Neuroscience and artificial intelligence work better together. Brain inspired is a celebration and exploration of the ideas driving our progress to understand intelligence. I interview experts about their work at the interface of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, and more: the symbiosis of these overlapping fields, how they inform each other, where they differ, what the past brought us, and what the future brings. Topics include computational neuroscience, supervised machine learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, deep learning, convolutional and recurrent neural networks, decision-making science, AI agents, backpropagation, credit assignment, neuroengineering, neuromorphics, emergence, philosophy of mind, consciousness, general AI, spiking neural networks, data science, and a lot more. The podcast is not produced for a general audience. Instead, it aims to educate, challenge, inspire, and hopefully entertain those interested in learning more about neuroscience and AI.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 44min
BI 221 Ann Kennedy: Theory Beneath the Cortical Surface
Ann Kennedy, Associate Professor at Scripps Research and head of the Laboratory for Theoretical Neuroscience and Behavior, dives into the intriguing world of subcortical brain systems. She discusses how survival, threat response, and motivation are managed by these ancient circuits, even without cortical input. Ann emphasizes the importance of neural diversity for effective computation and explores how neuromodulatory signals shape behavior. Highlighting her innovative Kaggle competition, she also bridges behavioral analysis with theoretical neuroscience, connecting fundamental biology to advanced AI.
14 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 25min
BI 220 Michael Breakspear and Mac Shine: Dynamic Systems from Neurons to Brains
Michael Breakspear is a Professor of Systems Neuroscience in Australia, and Mac Shine runs the Shine Lab at the University of Sydney. They explore the dynamic systems from neurons to entire brains. The duo discusses how scaling from single neurons to networks impacts cognitive functions. They delve into the complexities of cerebellar neurons, emphasizing innovative technologies like deep learning and optogenetics. Their conversation highlights the interplay between arousal and performance through the Yerkes-Dodson law, revealing fascinating insights into neural dynamics and collaboration in neuroscience.
4 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 47min
BI 219 Xaq Pitkow: Principles and Constraints of Cognition
Xaq Pitkow, director of the Lab for the Algorithmic Brain at Carnegie Mellon University, dives into the principles of cognition and their applications. He shares insights on 'inverse rational control,' illustrating how organisms tackle tasks using strategies that often diverge from optimal solutions. The conversation covers the role of probabilistic graph networks in brain computations and introduces a new ecological neuroscience project with collaborative efforts. Xaq emphasizes the intersection of neuroscience and AI, advocating for a diverse range of models to understand cognitive processes.
20 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 47min
BI 218 Chris Rozell: Brain Stimulation and AI for Mental Disorders
Chris Rozell leads the Structured Information for Precision Neuroengineering Lab at Georgia Tech and is the inaugural director of the Institute for Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society. He discusses groundbreaking methods using deep brain stimulation and AI to treat treatment-resistant depression. Chris highlights how neural signals can predict treatment effectiveness and the importance of personalized care in mental health. Their conversation delves into the evolving techniques in neuromodulation and the necessity of interdisciplinary research to enhance future therapies.
16 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 49min
BI 217 Jennifer Prendki: Consciousness, Life, AI, and Quantum Physics
In this engaging conversation, Jennifer Prendki, a former particle physicist and AI expert, discusses the crucial link between consciousness and artificial intelligence. She argues that to advance AI meaningfully, we must draw inspiration from biology and consciousness. The chat delves into ethical data governance, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the idea of ‘super alignment’ in AI systems. Jennifer also explores the intriguing concept of quantum consciousness and its philosophical implications, pushing the boundaries of how we think about AI and our future.
15 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 34min
BI 216 Woodrow Shew and Keith Hengen: The Nature of Brain Criticality
In this engaging discussion, Woodrow Shew, a professor at the University of Arkansas, and Keith Hengen, an associate professor at Washington University, dive into the fascinating world of brain criticality. They explore how criticality influences brain function, learning, and adaptability, shedding light on its potential as a homeostatic goal for neural activity. The duo also discusses their collaborative research, challenges of measuring brain activity, and intriguing connections between brain dynamics and behaviors in both humans and simple organisms like E. coli.
8 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 52min
BI 215 Xiao-Jing Wang: Theoretical Neuroscience Comes of Age
Xiao-Jing Wang, a Distinguished Global Professor of Neuroscience at NYU, dives into the fascinating world of theoretical neuroscience. He discusses the integration of technology and behavioral psychology in understanding cognitive functions like working memory. The conversation covers the role of the prefrontal cortex in mental health, innovative research methods for studying neural activity, and the parallels between neural networks and AI. Wang even sheds light on the significance of neuronal structures and the intricacies of cognition in decision-making and psychiatric disorders.
32 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 33min
BI 214 Nicole Rust: How To Actually Fix Brains and Minds
Nicole Rust, director of the Visual Memory laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Elusive Cures', shares her insights on transforming neuroscience to address brain and mental disorders. She discusses the need for a holistic approach, emphasizing how environmental factors shape moods and mental health. Rust also explores the shift in research methodologies, advocating for a view of the brain as a complex, adaptive system. Additionally, she touches upon innovative treatments, including the fascinating role of psychedelics in therapy.
25 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 2h 7min
BI 213 Representations in Minds and Brains
Luis Favela, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, joins Edouard Machery, a philosophy expert, along with neuroscientists John Krakauer and Rosa Cao, and philosopher Frances Egan. They dive into the murky waters of the term 'representation,' revealing its varied interpretations in cognitive science. The guests debate the implications of vague terminology on our understanding of mental processes and argue for clearer definitions to enhance interdisciplinary communication. They also touch on the complexities of linking neuroscience to concepts of consciousness and intelligence.
19 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 34min
BI 212 John Beggs: Why Brains Seek the Edge of Chaos
John Beggs, director of the Beggs Lab at Indiana University and author of 'The Cortex and the Critical Point,' dives deep into the fascinating world of brain criticality. He explains how our brains thrive at the edge of chaos, balancing order and disorder for optimal processing. Beggs discusses its implications for understanding consciousness, computational capacity, and even links to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. He reflects on the evolving nature of scientific debate around criticality, emphasizing its significance in both neuroscience and physics.
