
Joel Pearson
Cognitive neuroscientist and director of the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales, known for research on perception, memory, and intuition and for public communication about psychology and AI.
Top 10 podcasts with Joel Pearson
Ranked by the Snipd community

64 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
Aphantasia: Missing the Mind's Eye
In a thought-provoking discussion, producer Sindhu Gnanasambandan explores aphantasia, the inability to visualize mental images, alongside neuroscientist Mark Whitman and cognitive neuroscience professor Joel Pearson. They contrast this with Lulu’s experience of hyperphantasia, where vivid imagery shapes her perceptions. The guests dive into how these differences affect memory and emotional responses, and they even touch on groundbreaking research suggesting ways to induce mental imagery in those who can't visualize. It’s a fascinating journey into the mind's eye!

52 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 29min
"Scarier than killer robots": why your brain isn't ready for AI
Joel Pearson, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, discusses the psychological effects of artificial intelligence. He highlights how AI could redefine human relationships, including the emotional implications of AI companions like chatbots. The conversation touches on the mental health challenges posed by deepfakes and their potential to distort identity, particularly among youth. Pearson encourages collaboration between tech and cognitive science to ethically navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection in an AI-driven world.

48 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 29min
The Ultimate A.I Survival Guide (for Humans)
Joel Pearson, neuroscientist who leads Future Minds Lab and advises on human readiness for AI. He explains why recent AI models feel like a turning point. He outlines agentic AIs that act autonomously and what they can build. He highlights industries facing rapid disruption, psychological impacts, and how education, policy and personal habits must adapt.

45 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 33min
Is AI making our brains lazier?
Joel Pearson, cognitive neuroscientist and director of the Future Minds Lab, explores how AI-driven change is reshaping work, learning and mental habits. He discusses rising graduate-level job losses, student anxiety about career futures, the risk of cognitive atrophy from outsourcing thinking to AI, and the idea of ‘cognitive upsizing’—using AI while seeking harder, more meaningful tasks.

18 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 39min
Ep79 "Does everyone have different mind's eyes, mind's ears, and mind's tongues?"
In this insightful discussion, cognitive neuroscience professor Joel Pearson explores the intriguing spectrum of mind's eye, mind's ear, and mind's tongue. He dives into aphantasia and hyperphantasia, revealing how these conditions uniquely shape perception and creativity. Pearson shares captivating insights on how artists with aphantasia navigate their craft without mental imagery. He also discusses individual memory strategies, the effects of sensory differences on emotional engagement, and the broader implications for understanding consciousness. A fascinating look at our internal worlds!

14 snips
Apr 20, 2024 • 29min
"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI
Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson discusses the psychological impact of AI, exploring deep fakes, memory processing, and human relationships. The podcast delves into the uncertainty of an AI-dominated future and the need to prepare for its consequences.

9 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 58min
JOEL PEARSON: Do we have free will? Is anything our fault?
Joel Pearson, a neuroscientist and cognitive expert from the University of New South Wales, explores the intriguing question of whether free will is merely an illusion. He delves into the implications of AI and social media on our choices, highlighting the risks to personal agency. The conversation also touches on the synchronization in nature, like murmurations, and how compassion can reshape our understanding of responsibility. Ultimately, Pearson challenges us to reconsider our beliefs about autonomy and the impact of external forces on our decision-making.

8 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 7min
Mind Hacks: Joel Pearson
Joel Pearson, cognitive neuroscientist and director of the Future Minds Lab, shares quick mental-health tips and biohacks. He talks about using exercise and saunas for mood, safe sauna practice, managing stress cycles and recovery, caution around trendy biohacks, and when animal research may not translate to people.

4 snips
Oct 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 231: Prof. Joel Pearson - On The Science of When and How to Use Our Intuition
Joel Pearson, a professor at the University of New South Wales and director of the Future Minds Lab, dives into the intriguing science of intuition. He unravels intuition as a learned skill rather than a magical instinct and discusses when to rely on or ignore gut feelings. Pearson introduces 'mis-intuition,' illustrating situations when our instincts mislead us. He shares insights on emotional influences in decision-making, the perception of free will, and practical strategies for enhancing intuitive thinking, especially in high-stakes contexts.

Oct 7, 2024 • 57min
Joel Pearson: How Using Your Intuition Can Save Your Life
In this inspiring conversation, Joel Pearson, a neuroscientist and expert on intuition, illuminates the hidden power of our subconscious. He shares captivating stories, including a mountaineer's life-saving intuition on Everest, and dives into the challenges we face in trusting our gut feelings, especially under emotional stress. The discussion also addresses how intuition interacts with artificial intelligence and offers practical advice for enhancing emotional awareness. Join the journey to uncover the profound wisdom that intuition can bring to decision-making.


