This Is Your Brain With Dr. Phil Stieg

Alcohol is one of the most ubiquitous and celebrated substances on the planet. It is woven throughout our social lives and culture, often without acknowledgement of its impact on the brain or the impact of addiction. Our guest, Dr. Charles Knowles, is a surgeon and Chief Academic Officer at Cleveland Clinic, London. His new book, "Why We Drink Too Much: The Impact of alcohol on Our Bodies and Culture", is his first popular science work, driven by a deeply personal reason, his own battle with alcohol.

Although memories fade, hearing declines and our bodies suffer aches and pains, there is one benefit to aging that we can actually gain with each passing year. It's called wisdom. But just because someone is older, it doesn't mean they are wiser. It takes a certain type of person to learn important lessons from their life experiences. Dr. Dillip Jeste reveals what he has discovered after studying wisdom for decades, including the neuroscience of the wise brain, emphasizing how cultivating wisdom enhances brain health as well as offering some insights on how to develop and nurture wisdom in yourself, at any age. In a larger view, Dr. Jeste discusses the importance of wisdom for the health of our society. For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Cults and high-control groups influence beliefs and fundamentally reshape identity, decision-making, and autonomy. In this episode, Dr. Phil Stieg sits down with sociologist and cult expert Dr. Janja Lalich, Professor and author of Take Back Your Life, to explore the psychology behind cults. Drawing from decades of research as well as her own personal experience of spending a decade in a political cult, she discusses how indoctrination alters a person's sense of self, why anyone can become vulnerable under the right circumstances, and the road to recovery after leaving. For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Dr. Keith Campbell, psychology professor and leading narcissism researcher, explains what narcissism really is. He contrasts grandiose and vulnerable forms. He covers how narcissism shows up in leadership, relationships, manipulation tactics, parenting, and culture. The conversation weaves myth, science, and practical ways these traits shape lives.

Whether it's rock and roll, classical, hip hop, or rap, most people enjoy music in one form or another. (Even newborn babies respond to it.) But why? What is going on in our brains when we hear our favorite tunes? Dr. Barbara Minton, a psychotherapist and neuroscientist, studies exactly how our brains react to various types of music, to provide targeted music therapy. And she goes one step further. As a musician herself, she is also creating the music, specifically designed for our brains, blending art and science to better harness its power to heal. For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, live, and make choices, but are our brains ready for it? Award-winning tech journalist Jacob Ward joins Dr. Phil Stieg to discuss how AI exploits our ancient decision-making systems, why we're so easily manipulated, and what it means for our future. Drawing from behavioral science and decades of reporting, Ward explains just how predictable we are, the pitfalls of falling into "the loop", and how to stay human in an AI-driven world. For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Dr. Ross Andel, a gerontologist focused on cognitive aging, discusses the often-overlooked mental effects of retirement. He reveals the concept of 'mental retirement' and its link to cognitive decline. Andel emphasizes the importance of maintaining routine and purpose post-retirement. Listeners learn strategies to enhance memory, such as social engagement and hobbies, and the significance of finding fulfilling activities to combat loneliness and depression. Lastly, he introduces the idea of ‘unretirement’ and the need for meaningful engagement as we age.

We all know the importance of a good diet, sufficient exercise and a good night's sleep, but there's one more essential thing we all need to be healthy. Social connection. Simply put, our brains need friends. Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein reveals exactly what is happening in our brains when we interact with friends, family, even strangers, and how exactly this affects our physical and mental health… the many benefits of a good social life and the real risks of isolation and loneliness . He also offers simple tips on how we can be more social and to make better use of one of the most powerful, easiest, and cheapest ways to a healthy, happy life. (Hint: Next time you think you are too busy to call or text that friend…pick up the phone and connect). For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Dr. Michael Banissy, a social neuroscientist and author of "When We Touch," dives into the fascinating realm of touch. He reveals how gestures like hugs and handshakes impact our health, immunity, and emotional bonds. Discussing different types of touch, he explains their unique roles and the brain's perception of pleasant sensations. Michael also addresses the vital connection between touch and well-being, explores the risks of touch deprivation, and emphasizes the importance of consent in tactile interactions. Plus, he considers how technology might assist in fostering emotional connections.

Whether it's our shopping habits, Google searches, or Facebook friends, we are all aware that our personal information is being collected and often sold online. But what about our thoughts, what's going on in our minds? With all the advances in consumer Neurotechnology and AI, stealing data from our brains is no longer science fiction and at least for now, it can collected and used without our consent. Can anything be done to stop this intrusion into our most personal information? Dr. Sean Pauzauski, Medical Director at the Neurorights Foundation, discusses how companies collect our brain data, and whether or not your mind has any right to privacy. Plus - The art of "Mentalists" who make you believe they can read your mind! For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org