Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Lisa Feldman Barrett, a pioneering psychologist and author of 'How Emotions Are Made,' joins the discussion on the nuanced world of emotions. She challenges the idea of universal emotional expressions, emphasizing how culture and context shape our feelings. The conversation explores how emotions are constructed rather than fixed biological responses. Barrett also delves into the links between emotions, cognition, and mental health, offering insights into managing our emotional experiences and reconsidering how we interpret feelings.

Curious about love and AI? Dive into the fascinating ways our brains crave connection and how bots could shake up relationships. Explore whether a slight upgrade in a partner could lead to greater satisfaction. Discover how AI companions might change our emotional landscapes, offering both allure and concern. Reflect on the paradox of technology allowing loved ones to persist digitally, while also questioning the remaining human touch in our lives. This thought-provoking discussion unveils the future of intimacy and companionship like never before.

Adam Savage, the special effects expert and former co-host of Mythbusters, joins the conversation to explore the intricacies of human perception and deception. They dive into why we struggle to identify counterfeit currency and how our brains can overlook significant changes in our surroundings. With fascinating insights, they discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement in detecting forgeries and innovative banknote security measures. Savage also touches on the importance of designing more intuitive currency to aid recognition.

Discover the intricate world of thoughts and how they shape our behavior! Dive into the evolution of cognitive abilities and the remarkable transition from simple navigation to complex internal landscapes. Unravel the biological basis of thoughts, questioning their physical nature while exploring the role of internal dialogue in our decision-making. Learn how our minds create vivid, nonverbal images and the surprising connection between movement and brain function. Plus, find out how neurons adapt to navigate both mathematical and everyday challenges!

Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist, musician, and author, dives into the fascinating connection between music and the brain. He explores how sound can evoke deep emotions and memories, even helping those with dementia. The conversation touches on music’s potential to aid conditions like Parkinson's disease, highlighting its universal appeal while considering cultural influences. Levitin also discusses the evolution of music's role in language development and the interplay of novelty and familiarity in our musical experiences.

Joining David Eagleman is Michael Levin, a developmental biologist renowned for his work on bioelectricity and regeneration. They explore the emergence of self from the brain's categorization abilities. Levin shares insights from observing metamorphosis in caterpillars and ant colonies, challenging conventional ideas of identity. They delve into the rubber hand illusion, showcasing the brain's adaptability. The discussion reveals how memories are fluid constructs, evolving over time and shaping our understanding of who we are.

Explore the intriguing connection between personal identity and cellular change. Discover how philosophical concepts like the Ship of Theseus illuminate our sense of self. Delve into the end-of-history illusion and how it affects our decisions about our future selves. Learn about the transient nature of memory and the evolving relationships that shape who we are. Contemplate the mysteries of the afterlife and what it might mean for our eternal selves. Join the discussion about the complexities of existence and the fluidity of identity.

In this discussion, longevity expert Martin Borch Jensen, co-founder of Gordian Biotechnology, delves into the intricacies of extending human life. He addresses why it's easier to prolong lifespan in simpler organisms than in humans. Jensen also explores how societal norms around aging might change if lifespans increase dramatically. The conversation highlights innovative research in aging mechanisms and the potential ethical challenges we face as we seek to live longer lives. Prepare to rethink aging and the future of longevity!

Why do our brains conjure such bizarre dreams? The show dives into the mechanics of dreaming, exploring why our phones rarely make an appearance. Discover universal dream themes that resonate across cultures, like falling or being chased, highlighting our shared biology. The link between mental health and dreaming is examined, alongside intriguing facts about the color of dreams. Plus, insights into how childhood experiences shape adult dreamscapes, and a nod to the impact of black and white media on dream perception.

Jonathan Downar, a psychiatrist and neuroscience expert who co-authored the textbook 'Brain and Behavior,' joins the discussion on depression's complexity. He delves into how depression can be an evolutionary survival mechanism and the intriguing connections between brain function, emotional resilience, and societal influences. The conversation also covers innovative treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), challenging traditional views on serotonin, and the need for a holistic approach to mental health, much like addressing social issues linked to tuberculosis.