Science of Perception Box

Can psychedelics under anesthesia heal trauma? What is the latest research around ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin? That’s part of what we explore this week on Science of Perception Box. Stanford anesthesiologist Dr. Boris Heifets joins Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christoph Koch to discuss the latest research on the first double-blind study on Ketamine, the placebo effect, and the therapeutic value of anesthesia-induced dreams.Dr. Boris Heifets, MD, PhD, is a board certified anesthesiologist who specializes in providing anesthesia for neurological surgery. He has practiced at Stanford since 2010. After completing residency training at Stanford, Dr. Heifets completed fellowship training in neuroanesthesiology, also at Stanford. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Heifets directs both clinical research and basic neuroscience. His research group studies how new rapid-acting psychiatric therapies like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin produce lasting changes in nervous system function, behavior, and therapeutic outcomes.Dr. Heather Berlin is a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Christof Koch is Chief Scientist for the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation and the current Meritorious Investigator and former President of the Allen Institute for Brain Science.Join us for new episodes every Thursday. Follow the show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever podcasts are found. Love the show? Write us a review on your podcast app, or tell a friend about the show. Visit unlikelycollaborators.com for more information. Episode Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (01:34) - Exploring Psychedelics and Anesthesiology(02:53) - Dr. Boris Heifetz's Background(04:32) - Understanding Anesthesia and Consciousness(07:56) - The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics(10:48) - Challenges in Psychedelic Research(18:00) - Innovative Approaches in Psychedelic Medicine(24:35) - Introduction to the Study and Consent Process(24:50) - Patient Interviews and Priming for Ketamine(25:33) - Surgical Anesthesia and Placebo Effect(26:28) - Unexpected Placebo Findings(26:45) - Implications for Psychedelic Studies(27:32) - Harnessing the Placebo Effect(31:47) - Dream States and Anesthesia(38:22) - Transformative Experiences in Clinical Care(42:53) - Personal Reflections and Gratitude(47:07) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In a fascinating discussion, Dr. Lila Davachi, a leading neuroscientist from Columbia University, delves into the intriguing relationship between time, memory, and perception. She reveals how emotions significantly shape our memories and our understanding of the past. The conversation explores how we can control memories, the therapeutic potential of memory reappraisal, and how monotony affects our time perception. Listeners will be captivated by the psychological implications of altered time experiences and personal anecdotes that shed light on the quest for meaning.

When was the last time you felt absolutely mesmerized by something beautiful? Whether it’s seeing a breathtaking vista, losing yourself in a piece of music, or being in a crowd cheering for the same team, the feeling of awe can be all-encompassing and expansive. This week on Science of Perception Box, Dr. Dacher Keltner, one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists and a scientific advisor behind Pixar’s Inside Out, shares how we can cultivate more awe in our life and why we need this sometimes overlooked emotion. Dr. Keltner is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center. He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, and The Power Paradox. Dr. Keltner is involved with the education of health care providers and judges and has consulted extensively for Google, Apple, and Pinterest on issues related to emotion and well-being.Dr. Heather Berlin is a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School Of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Christof Koch is Chief Scientist for The Tiny Blue Dot Foundation as well as the current Meritorious investigator and Former President of the Allen Institute For Brain Science.Join us for new episodes every Thursday. Follow the show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever podcasts are found. Love the show? Write us a review on your podcast app or tell a friend about the show. Visit unlikelycollaborators.com for more information. Episode Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction(01:35) - Exploring the Concept of Awe(02:33) - Personal Experiences of Awe(04:05) - Defining and Studying Awe(05:00) - Awe Across Cultures(07:02) - Physiological and Emotional Aspects of Awe(12:34) - Awe in Animals and Evolution(16:34) - Awe and Mental Health(20:31) - Babies in Tunnels: A Surprising Reaction(21:10) - The Role of Novelty in Experiencing Awe(22:29) - Cynicism vs. Awe: A Battle of Perspectives(23:29) - Digital Technology and Artificial Awe(24:27) - Awe and PTSD: Healing Through Nature(27:16) - The Complexity of Awe: Positive and Negative Emotions(31:30) - Finding Awe in Everyday Life(34:37) - The Power of Awe in Difficult Times(37:38) - Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Alison Gopnik, a professor at UC Berkeley and renowned expert in cognitive science, shares insights on nurturing childhood wonder. She likens caregiving to gardening, emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences for cognitive growth. Gopnik discusses how children's unique perception fosters curiosity and resilience, contrasting it with adult cognitive limitations. The conversation also highlights modern parenting's evolution and the need for emotional connections over transactional relationships, enriching our understanding of childhood development.

Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and Chief Science Advisor to Match.com, dives deep into the neurological roots of romantic love. She discusses how love transforms our perception and influences behavior, shedding light on emotions tied to breakups and attachment. The conversation explores the effects of technology on modern dating, revealing how online connections may enhance relationship stability. Fisher's research also unveils the evolutionary purpose of love and its complex impact on human behavior.

Dr. Daphna Oyserman, a prominent psychologist from USC, discusses how our cultural identity shapes our perceptions and choices. She explains how small contextual changes can significantly alter mindsets, affecting everything from health to academic performance. The conversation dives into the balance between individualism and collectivism, exploring how these cultural influences drive consumer behavior and personal expression. Dr. Oyserman also highlights the importance of perseverance and how cultural narratives can redefine our approach to challenges.

Dr. Dan Siegel, a leading mind expert and award-winning author, joins renowned neuropsychologist Dr. Heather Berlin and scientist Dr. Christof Koch to explore the depths of human consciousness. They delve into the concept of 'mindsight' and its crucial role in fostering empathy in healthcare. Siegel shares insights on how implicit memories shape our identities and impact trauma healing. The discussion also touches on the balance between empathy and self-care for caregivers, emphasizing the transformative potential of expanding our 'perception boxes'.

Humans have a symbiotic relationship with plants. Plants coevolved to suit our desires for nourishment, beauty, and altering consciousness. Journalist Michael Pollan has investigated the human connection to plants. This week on Science of Perception Box, Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch ask Pollan about modern trends like ultra-processed foods, industrialized agriculture, and consciousness-altering drugs from plants including caffeine, cannabis, and psychedelics. For more than 30 years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds. Pollan is the author of eight books, six of which have been New York Times bestsellers. In 2003, Pollan was appointed the John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and the director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism. In 2020, along with Dacher Keltner and others, he cofounded the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. Dr. Heather Berlin is a neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Christof Koch is Chief Scientist for the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation and the current Meritorious Investigator and former President of the Allen Institute for Brain Science.Join us for new episodes every Thursday. Follow the show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever podcasts are found. Love the show? Write us a review on your podcast app, or tell a friend about the show. Visit unlikelycollaborators.com for more information. Episode Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction(02:26) - The Profound Impact of Food on Mood and Perception(04:17) - Exploring Ultra-Processed Foods and Their Effects(06:45) - The Psychological and Physiological Effects of Food(10:29) - The Connection Between Food, Culture, and Education(17:46) - Michael Pollan's Journey into Food and Agriculture(21:42) - The Symbiotic Relationship Between Humans and Plants(22:55) - The Human Desire to Alter Consciousness(25:15) - The Transparent Experience of Coffee(25:47) - Caffeine's Benefits and Drawbacks(26:38) - Exploring Consciousness-Altering Substances(27:18) - Psychedelics and Cultural Evolution(29:02) - Creativity and Psychedelics(32:52) - The Nature of Ego and Consciousness(41:11) - Public vs. Private Self(45:31) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Judson Brewer, a mindfulness expert and Associate Professor at Brown University, dives deep into the habit loops that fuel anxiety. He explores how curiosity can act as a powerful antidote, transforming our relationship with anxious thoughts. Brewer shares insights on breaking harmful patterns through mindfulness techniques, emphasizing the evolutionary benefits of anxiety. Personal anecdotes illuminate how awareness can lead to healthier choices, making complex neuroscience accessible and relatable.

Join renowned scientists Dr. Heather Berlin and Dr. Christof Koch on the Science of Perception Box, where they delve into the Perception Box—a groundbreaking concept developed by Elizabeth R. Koch, that reveals how our beliefs, biases, and neural wiring shape our reality and define how we experience the world.Through captivating conversations with expert guests like psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer, anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, and journalist Michael Pollan, the show explores how the Perception Box expands in states of awe, curiosity, and love, and contracts during fear, anxiety, or anger.From mindfulness and romantic relationships to psychedelics and human connection, each episode uncovers transformative insights into unlocking greater awareness, fostering curiosity, and reshaping how we perceive the world.New episodes drop every Thursday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow the journey and redefine your reality.