

Mind & Matter
Nick Jikomes
Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers alive today about how your mind-body reacts to what you feed it.The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today.Not medical advice.At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer consulting primary rather than secondary sources and independent rather than institutional voices. If we encounter uncomfortable truths or the evidence suggests unfashionable ideas may be valid, so be it.As the host, my aim is to help you better understand how the body & mind work by curating & synthesizing information in a way that yields science-based insights that you can choose to use or disregard in your own life. Taking ownership of your health starts with taking ownership of your information diet.I am motivated to connect the dots and distill general principles from what I learn, preferring to ask questions and play devil’s advocate to debating or incessantly pushing my own viewpoint.My beliefs:Taking ownership of your health starts with taking ownership of your information diet.All knowledge is provisional and we must work hard to prevent ourselves from becoming attached to our favorite ideas & preferred conclusions.Wisdom comes from an iterative, trial-and-error process of learning and unlearning. Letting go of pre-conceived notions can be painful, but pain is information.Sometimes modern discoveries teach us we must unlearn received wisdom. Other times, modern information overload & historical chauvinism cause us to forget ancient wisdom which stills applies. The framework for learning that I embody is inspired by three Ancient Greek maxims inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi:“Γνῶθι σεαυτόν” (Know thyself)“Μηδὲν ἄγαν” (Nothing in excess)“Ἐγγύα πάρα δ Ἄτα” (Certainty brings insanity)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2023 • 1h 48min
Biological Sex, Sexual Selection, Sex Behavior, Mating Strategies, Sexual Orientation, Monogamy & Polygyny | David Puts | 129
Send us Fan MailDr. David Puts is a biological anthropologist at the Penn State University. His research focuses on the evolution and development of human sexuality and sex differences. They discuss: the biological basis of sex; gametes, sex chromosomes & sex hormones; the development of sexual orientation; the evolution of sexual dimorphism & behavior in primates; monogamy & polygyny; and more.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 13min
Peripheral Nervous System in Health & Disease, Gut Health & Enteric Nervous System, Exercise & Neuroplasticity | Moses Chao | 128
Send us Fan MailDr. Moses Chao is a professor at the New York University School of Medicine. His lab studies how the environment, neuronal activity, inflammation, injury and disease affect the nervous system. They discuss topics related to his new book, "Peripheral: How Your Nervous System Predicts and Protects Against Disease." Topics include: how the peripheral nervous system differs from the central nervous system; the enteric nervous system & gut health; pain sensation; exercise & neuroplasticity; neurodegenerative disease; and more.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

Oct 11, 2023 • 59min
Psychedelics, Microdosing Psilocybin, Stress Resilience, Anxiety & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Mikael Palner | 127
Send us Fan MailMikael Palner, PhD is a neuroscientist at the University of Souther Denmark. His lab studies the neuronal circuits involved in obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety . They investigate the effects of serotonergic psychedelic and non-psychedelic drugs that increase neuronal plasticity. They discuss: psychedelics & the brain; the neuroscience of stress, anxiety & compulsive behavior; microdosing psilocybin; and more.More psychedelic science content.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

Aug 28, 2023 • 2h 4min
Evolution of Human Behavior, Anatomy & Diet, Homo naledi & the Cave of Bones | John Hawks | 126
Send us Fan MailDr. John Hawks is a paleoanthropologist and professor of anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They discuss: the evolution of human behavior, diet, anatomy, and culture; Neanderthals, Denisovans, Homo erectus, and other species; the latest discoveries related to Homo naledi, which was the subject of the Netflix documentary, "Cave of Bones."To learn more about evolution, check out these episodes.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 42min
Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Microglia, From Being a WWII Orphan to the Nobel Prize | Mario Capecchi | 125
Dr. Mario Capecchi, Nobel laureate and genetics professor, discusses studying microglia in anxiety & OCD, his Nobel Prize-winning work, childhood experiences as a WWII orphan in Italy, immigrating to the US, exercise & diet, and advice for aspiring scientists.

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 29min
Hormonal Contraception, Sex Hormones, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Puberty, Estrogens, Androgens, Effects of Birth Control on Cognition | Adriene Beltz | 124
Send us Fan MailDr. Adriene Beltz is an associated professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who studies the effects of sex hormones & hormonal contraception on human cognition and the brain. They discuss: sex hormones (androgens & estrogens); hormonal regulation of menstruation, puberty, and pregnancy; common forms of hormonal birth control & how they work; effects of sex hormones & hormonal birth control on cognition & the brain; and more.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 30min
Endocannabinoids, Stress, Exercise, Cortisol, Anxiety, Cannabis & Effects of Marijuana on Brain Development | Matthew Hill | Ep. 123
Dr. Matthew Hill, a neuroscientist at the University of Calgary, dives into the fascinating world of the endocannabinoid system. He discusses how these cannabinoids regulate stress and anxiety and the surprising connections between exercise and endocannabinoids. Hill also explores the impact of THC on brain development and the significant differences in cannabis responses between genders. The episode further unveils the delicate balance of benefits and risks associated with THC exposure during pregnancy, offering thought-provoking insights on mental health and physical well-being.

Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 16min
Cellular Aging, Taurine, Nutrition, Senescence, Longevity, Mitochondria, Metabolism | Vijay Yadav | Ep 122
Send us Fan MailNick talks to molecular physiologist Dr. Vijay Yadav, an assistant professor at Columbia University whose lab studies the molecular & cell biology of aging, nutrition, and longevity. They discuss: the cell biology of aging; how nutrients affect aging & disease; the atypical amino acid taurine & its effects on aging; taurine clinical trials & supplementation; diet, nutrition & anti-aging effects; and more.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts

64 snips
Jul 19, 2023 • 1h 43min
Psychedelics, Metaplasticity, Critical Periods & Social Learning | Gül Dölen | 121
In a captivating discussion, Gül Dölen, a pioneering neuroscientist from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their impact on mental health. She explains how substances like LSD and psilocybin open critical periods in brain development, enhancing social learning and plasticity. Gül contrasts these non-addictive drugs with traditional addictions, emphasizing their potential for therapeutic applications. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of psychiatry and the need for context in psychedelic treatments.

Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 7min
Psychedelics, Depression, Psychotherapy, SSRIs, Human Clinical Experience of Psychedelic Medicine | Alan Davis | 120
Send us Fan MailNick talks to Dr. Alan Davis, a clinical psychologist and Director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research & Education at Ohio State University. They discuss: the effectiveness of mainstream forms of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications (SSRIs) for depression; psychedelic medicine & psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy; the relevance of the subjective effects of psychedelics for their therapeutic effects; FDA approval for MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the coming years; and more.*Not medical advice.Support the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they’re hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app.SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.Lumen device: Optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts


