Goal-directed behaviour as the brain's core function

To kick off this new season, I’m speaking with Dr Paul Goldsmith, a neuroscientist and practising neurologist with a background in founding and building life sciences companies across both the drug and digital therapeutics space, in addition to NHS systems and strategic experience, clinical networks, vanguard and clinical senate roles.

Having studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge and gained a clinical scholarship from the University of Oxford, Paul undertook postgraduate medical training in Oxford, at the National Hospital for Neurology in London, and in Cambridge, and went on to take a Ph.D. in developmental neuroscience at Cambridge, which lead to an interest in evolutionary medicine. A visiting professor at Imperial College London in the Institute of Global Health Innovation, he is also the author of a new book, “The Evolving Brain: How to thrive in a world we weren’t meant for”, a guide that draws from his clinical to offer compassionate, practical insights on the evolutionary origins of our brain and how we can best use it to thrive in our daily lives.

Given the increasing complexity and turbulence we face today, this felt like a poignant place from which to open this series of conversations, and I hope you find this episode as uplifting, companionate and insightful as I did.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Paul Goldsmith and Nathalie Nahai explore the intricate connections between the human psyche, the evolving brain, and the challenges of modern life. They discuss the importance of understanding our place within a larger system, the role of social goals in happiness, and the impact of meaningful relationships on well-being. They examine the complexities of modern existence, including the decline in fertility rates, the influence of social media on loneliness, and the significance of community and shared experiences. Finally, Paul and Nathalie emphasise the need for self-compassion, the power of physical activity, and the potential for finding beauty in adversity.

WEBSITE

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-goldsmith-624241/

BOOKS

The Evolving Brain: How to thrive in a world we weren’t meant for (https://www.hachette.co.uk/contributor/dr-paul-goldsmith/)

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Global Human Psyche

02:39 Understanding the Evolving Brain

05:40 The Complexity of Modern Goals

08:29 Navigating Social Dynamics and Relationships

11:40 The Role of Melancholy in Goal Pursuit

14:38 The Impact of Modern Society on Fertility and Loneliness

17:35 Finding Meaning and Belonging in Life

33:16 The Quest for Validation in Modern Life

36:21 Understanding Neurodivergence and Focus

40:50 Auditing Personal Goals and Life Purpose

44:40 The Power of Connection and Community

56:25 The Role of Ego in Our Perception of Reality