117 - Idiot Brain (rebroadcast)

There are more possible chess moves than atoms in the universe, and chess champion Jennifer Shahade tells us how we can borrow from the best chess players' decision-tree approach to avoid considering every possible option and instead "think sideways" to consider the best choices ... Show More

Northwestern University just launched the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement, a real-world institution devoted to "research-backed approaches to cultivating open-mindedness, identifying one’s own cognitive biases, working collaboratively with others despite disagreement ... Show More

Alex Edmans, a professor of finance at London Business School, tells us how to avoid the Ladder of Misinference by examining how narratives, statistics, and articles can mislead, especially when they align with our preconceived notions and confirm what we believe is true, assume ... Show More

This month's episode is an encore presentation of an interview with neuroscientist Luiz Pessoa discussing his fascinating book "The Cognitive-Emotional Brain: From Interactions to Integration." We explored the surprising role of the amygdala in decision making and learned that co ... Show More

Brain Science 149 is an episode for listeners of all backgrounds. It is an interview with Dr. Dean Burnett, author of Happy Brain: Where Happiness Comes From, and Why. We look beyond the hype about dopamine and consider how our social nature impacts our happiness. Complete show n ... Show More

The Mind V The Brain.It's one of the hardest problems in neuroscience. How do the chemical processes and electric signals produced by our brains result in the complex and varied experiences and sense of self that we might describe as our mind? Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined ... Show More

<p>BS 188 features neuroscientist Anil Seth discussing his new book "Being You: A New Science of Consciousness." We have had many guests talk about consciousness, but Seth represents the newer generation who have actually been able to devote their careers to this fundamental ques ... Show More

<p>This month's episode of <em><strong>Brain Science</strong></em> features an encore playing of my interview with Dr. Frank Amthor, author of <em>Neuroscience for Dummies</em> and <em>Neurobiology for Dummies</em>. It is a great episode for newbies and will be a good review for ... Show More

<p>Optimal cognitive performance starts with looking after your physical health. If you are looking to increase your mental energy, think clearly, and optimize the health of your brain, today’s show is for you. We will give you usable tips to sleep better, help you choose the bes ... Show More