logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
36m 11s

The Ecstasy of an Open Brain

Wnyc Studios
About this episode
As we grow up, there are little windows of time when we can learn very, very fast, and very, very deeply. Scientists call these moments, critical periods. Real, neurological, biological states when our brain can soak up information like a sponge. Then, these windows of learning close. Locking us in to certain behaviors and skills for the rest of our lives. B ... Show More
Up next
Oct 23
Octomom
First aired back in 2020, this episode follows the story of an octopus living one mile under the ocean as she performs a heroic act of heart and determination.In 2007, Bruce Robison’s robot submarine stumbled across an octopus settling in to brood her eggs. It seemed like a small ... Show More
34m 17s
Oct 16
The Smell of Hell
Throughout human history, there’s been one element we’ve always associated with death. Just the smell of it is an alarm bell that says, “something here is dangerous.” But what if our noses have been wrong all along?In this episode of our series Viscera: Gripping Tales of the Huma ... Show More
43m 9s
Oct 9
Math Vs Machine
In less than four years, mathematician Steve Strogatz watched AI go from flailing at basic arithmetic to solving problems that baffle the world’s best mathematicians. In September of 2026, Open AI announced it had solved a Millennium Prize Problem, one of math’s highest achieveme ... Show More
31m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
PT452 – Gül Dölen, MD, Ph.D. – Metaplasticity, Reopening Critical Periods, and Octopuses on MDMA
<p>In this episode, Melanie Pincus, Ph.D. and Manesh Girn, Ph.D. once again take over hosting duties, this time interviewing Gül Dölen, MD, Ph.D.: Associate professor of Neuroscience and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, and head of the Dölen lab.</p> ... Show More
1h 27m
Apr 2024
102. MDMA and the Octopus with Dr Gül Dölen
<p>In this episode, Prof Neill and Dr Thurgur meet with Dr Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist known for studying social behaviour and psychedelic drugs. Together, they explore the role of critical periods in trauma and mental health; following the potential of Psychedelics in reopening ... Show More
1h 6m
Oct 2022
When We Change
What’s going on in the brains of teenagers? How does puberty affect the brain? And why might changing the way we talk about teens lead to changes in their brain structure? In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she picks apart the n ... Show More
27m 50s
Feb 2021
Optimize Your Learning & Creativity With Science-Based Tools
In this episode, I describe how to access focused learning bouts, creative states, and the underlying neural circuitry involved. I frame this in the context of our daily 24-hour cycle in order to make it practical, clear and precise about timing. I review the role of fasting, mea ... Show More
1h 25m
Jun 2024
Making the World Sparkle Again
<p>Across every domain of our lives, our minds have a tendency to get accustomed to things. In fact, the brain seems evolutionarily designed to focus on the new and unexpected, on novel threats and opportunities. In our daily lives, this means we take wonderful things for granted ... Show More
50m 31s
Feb 2025
Why Thinking Is Not All In Your Head & Secrets From the Longest Study of Happiness - SYSK Choice
We humans love novelty. We seek it out. While that can be good, it can also get us in trouble. This episode begins by exploring why we seek out new things, places and experiences and what happens after we do. Source: Winifred Gallagher author of the book New (https://amzn.to/3Xs ... Show More
48m 59s
Nov 2014
1: The Science of Growing Smarter
Science writer Annie Murphy Paul's fresh perspectives on intelligence and personality prompt a heart-to-heart about learning, intelligence assessments, growth mindsets and rethinking intelligence Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-psychology-podcast/supportSee omnystudio ... Show More
40m 19s
Feb 2021
How to Focus to Change Your Brain
This episode introduces neuroplasticity—which is how our brain and nervous system learn and acquire new capabilities. I describe the differences between childhood and adult neuroplasticity, the chemicals involved and how anyone can increase their rate and depth of learning by lev ... Show More
1h 25m
Oct 2021
Listen Again: Life Stages Of The Brain (10.8.2021)
Original broadcast date: March 5, 2021. In each stage of life, our brains morph and change. This hour, TED speakers explore pivotal chapters where the brain can either flourish or decline – and what control we might have over brain health. Guests include neuroscientists Kimberly ... Show More
50m 46s