Super Brain

pisodic-like memory• How dog ageing helps us understand human dementia• Why your dog is a genuine co-regulator of your nervous systemTools in ThreeMicro-moments matter — a glance, a rub, a kind wordStress buffer — swap doom-scrolling for a dog cuddleShared routines — walk, play, repeatTakeaway:Every pat, cuddle, and walk is brain medicine — for both of you.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary (short version): Why does winter feel heavier for some of us? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of Seasonal Affective Disorder — from circadian rhythms and serotonin pathways to evolutionary quirks and the strange possibility that humans may still carry traces of ancient hibernation biology. Learn why your brain struggles with short days, how morning light acts as a natural antidepressant, and practical strategies to help your winter self thrive.I share my own experience with winter mood shifts, what the science says about why they happen, and — most importantly — the tools we can use to reclaim our energy and wellbeing during darker months.Three Tools for Your Super Brain Kit:Light before screens — Get bright light within 30 minutes of waking (10–20 minutes outdoors or a 10,000-lux lamp).Anchor your day — Keep wake and sleep times consistent to stabilise your circadian rhythm.Reverse-winter habits — Add small dopamine-rich rewards before difficult tasks, not after, to counter low motivation.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are we so much harsher on ourselves than we are on others? In this episode of Super Brain, I explore the neuroscience of self-compassion — what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s the antidote to self-criticism.Drawing on the work of Dr Kristin Neff and Buddhist philosophy, we’ll look at self-compassion as a three-part skill: self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connection. I’ll share research showing how self-compassion reduces stress, quiets the amygdala, and activates brain regions linked to empathy and emotional regulation.I’ll also explain why self-criticism is a form of self-harm, and why self-compassion is a foundation for flourishing and manifesting happiness, resilience, and contentment.As always, I’ll wrap up with my Tools in Three — simple ways you can start turning up your brain’s kindness switch today.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called “magic mushrooms” — has exploded into headlines and social media feeds. Some call it a miracle cure for depression, others dismiss it as hype. In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at what the science really says.I’ll start with Sarah’s story — a young scientist whose life was turned upside down by a cycling accident and who found hope again through a psilocybin clinical trial at Johns Hopkins. Her words: “This trial changed my life.”From there, I explore:The history of psilocybin, from ancient rituals to 1960s psychiatry to today’s “psychedelic renaissance.”The online buzz, where psilocybin is hyped as everything from a creativity booster to a trauma cure.The scientific evidence, from small pilot trials to the largest modern RCTs.The neuroscience, showing how psilocybin may “reset” rigid brain networks, boost plasticity, and even dampen inflammation.The risks, including panic, paranoia, and psychosis in vulnerable people.Finally, I’ll share my Tools in Three so you can separate the real promise from the hype.Featured ResearchCarhart-Harris RL, et al. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30065-Carhart-Harris RL, et al. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032994Davis AK, et al. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285Goodwin GM, et al. S 10.1056/NEJMoa2206443Additional insights from Nature Medicine (Carhart-Harris, 2021) and New Scientist on brain plasticity and inflammation.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxFollow Sabina Brennan on InstagramSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we put off the very things that matter most? In this episode of Super Brain, I explore procrastination — the irrational gap between what we want to do and what we actually do. From ancient Greek philosophy to modern neuroscience, we’ll unpack why our brains resist long-term goals in favour of short-term mood fixes.I’ll share two leading theories that explain procrastination, what’s happening in the brain when we delay, and why the closer the deadline, the more motivated we become.And of course, my Three tools for your Super Brain kit will give you practical strategies to shrink tasks, hack your “future you”, and harness the magic of deadlines.Procrastination is deeply human — but it doesn’t have to rule your life.References:📖 The Neuroscience of Manifesting (Dr Sabina Brennan) – on making your goals personal and vivid so they feel worth acting on today.📚 Research on procrastination from psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxFollow Sabina Brennan on InstagramSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever wondered why you do the things you do, you’re going to love Season Six of Super Brain. In each episode, psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan takes you inside your brain to explore what’s really going on when you laugh, cry, procrastinate, or connect. You’ll discover how understanding your brain helps you understand yourself — and unlock your true potential. This season, Sabina introduces a new format: each episode explores one fascinating aspect of human behaviour, and ends with Three Tools for Your Super Brain Kit — practical, science-based strategies to help you do it better, do it less, or not do it at all.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and have each new episode drop straight into your playlist.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan has a fascinating conversation with Prof John Cryan stress neurobiologist and co-author of the Psychobiotic Revolution about the gut and the brain and how bacteria and the food we eat contribute to and are influenced by stress, anxiety, depression and more.The Psychobiotic RevolutionYou can follow Prof Cryan on Twitter @JFCryanYou can read more about his research and access his publications https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/people/johncryan/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to journalist Marianne Power about the year she spent following the advice of one self-help book per month. -The book is like reading a Bridget Jones script only better, you'll laugh and cry and thanks to Marianne's no hold's barred honesty you will recognise yourself on every page. I loved chatting to Marianne and I know you will love listening to our chat.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to 20 year old Dr Mya-Rose Craig about her memoir Birdgirl. Already a woman if substance this young woman who has achieved so much in such a short period of time describes herself as a British-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist, diversity activist, writer, speaker and broadcaster.Mya-Rose's memoir Birdgirl is available in print, e-book and audiobook online and in stores. You can read about Mya-Rose's work and achievements on www.birdgirluk.comYou can follow her on instagram as @birdgirluk and on twitter as @birdgirlukSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look into secret research.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan explores the psychology and neuroscience of control, impulsivity, self-control, taking control and relinquishing control.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to NHS doctor, Sunday Times best-selling author and host of the The Doctor's Kitchen podcast about how he overcame a life-changing diagnosis and avoided heart surgery by adjusting his lifestyle and changing his diet. In this frank interview Rupi admits that it can be tough to maintain a healthy lifestyle in times of stress and shares the daily habits that help him to get back on trackThe Doctor's Kitchen PodcastDownload the Doctors Kitchen App to get access to personalised recipes, with specific suggestions tailored to your health needs.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super Brain podcast returns with this audio documentary produced and presented by Super Brain host Dr Sabina BrennanDr Edward O'Sullivan, Director of the Migraine Clinic at Cork University Hospital takes us inside the migraine brain offering a medical and scientific perspective and Dr Sabina Brennan shares her own experience of living with chronic migraine. Migraine is the 7th most debilitating condition in the world (WHO) affecting 10-12% of the population. Vox pops threaded through the doc illustrate the misconceptions and misappropriation of migraine. This audio documentary aims to bust the myth that migraine is just a headache and get people to think twice about appropriating this neurological condition to describe a hangover or pull a sickie." Producer/Presenter Sabina BrennanEditor Emily BurkeAssistant Producer Angela MezzettiSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Brain is back. Season 5 kicks off March 21st 2022 with the audio documentary produced and presented by Dr Sabina Brennan.Super Brain Episodes will drop every third Monday in the MonthSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the final episode of Season 4 Dr Sabina Brennan talks about the benefits of talking to strangersSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan and multi-award-winning script writer and actor Mark O'Halloran discuss strength and weakness through the lens of his amazing films, Viva and Adam and Paul.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look at synaesthesia a fascinating neurological phenomenon where certain sensory inputs such as words, letters, numbers or music automatically trigger the additional senses like colour, sound, taste and smell.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to performing artist, activist and sex worker Kate McGrew about her passion for performing, sex work, and the need to make sex work safe.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eureka moments are a specific form of creativity. They don't just materialise from the ether – it’s simply the work of the human brain. In this booster Dr Sabina Brennan shares some scientific insights into this kind of creativity and offers some tips on how to super charge your own creativity.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BP Walter's Sunday Times best seller, The Dinner Guest is one of the best books I've read in quite some time. As soon as I finished it I felt compelled to contact the author to see if he would be a guest on Super Brain because I wanted to get inside the head of such a fabulous author. I must admit I was utterly blown away to discover that BP aka Barnaby is only 29 years old! This episode is all about thriving in life, having dreams and working hard to make them come true. His new book, another excellent read, The Woman on The Pier, comes out 11th November 2021. Check out www.sabinabrennan.ie for links to his four books, full transcripts of the episode and other bits and bobs.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.