Minding the Brain

Dr. Matt Hill joins Dr. Kim Hellemans to talk about his research on cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. Is there a difference between sativa and [...]

Why are people increasingly turning to AI for therapy and romantic relationships? Kim and Jim break down the pros and cons of our increasing reliance [...]

How do our brains respond to prolonged uncertainty? Is our era unprecedented? Why do we find the unknown simultaneously compelling and frightening? Why do conspiracies [...]

Brendan Conway-Smith, a PhD candidate in Cognitive Science, dives into the world of metacognition, explaining how it helps steer our thoughts and emotions. He reveals its significance in learning and therapy, suggesting that metacognitive skills can be developed through deliberate practice. Brendan discusses the link between technology and rising youth anxiety, offering practical strategies to combat digital overload. He also highlights mindfulness as a key component of metacognition and provides tips for enhancing attention control through simple exercises.

Have you ever wondered how J.R.R. Tolkien invented such evocative names? David M. Sidhu joins Jim Davies to discuss language processing, sound symbolism, and iconicity. [...]

Dive into the intriguing world of behavioral addiction! Discover how everyday actions like eating, gambling, and smartphone use can trigger our brain's reward pathways. Learn the fascinating distinctions between compulsive behaviors and healthy habits, and explore conditions like binge eating disorder and internet gaming disorder. The hosts also highlight the impact of dopamine and the neurobiological shifts that occur with addictive behaviors. Join them in unraveling the complexities of addiction beyond substances!

We’ve all heard that being in nature is good for mental and physical health, but just how good is it? John M. Zelenski and Dan [...]

Jim and Kim take a deep dive into the world of AI and ethics. Are LLMs sentient? Why should we worry about AI rights? Is [...]

What does it feel like to have schizophrenia? What is the history of the schizophrenia diagnosis and are there effective treatments for the condition? Find [...]

The discussion tackles the intricate relationship between social media and youth mental health. Topics include the responsibility of parents and governments, as well as the challenges of regulating phone use in schools. Insights on Australia’s social media age ban raise questions about its effectiveness and enforcement. The podcast also highlights the addictive behaviors associated with social media, emphasizing the importance of family communication. Lastly, the role of AI in social media is explored, revealing both its supportive potential and concerns regarding young users.