Social media has changed the way we interact with the world. While it is entertaining to watch funny dog videos or get inspiration for tasty recipes, social media can be harmful to our mental health. Whether through likes, followers, looks, or comments, it is easier than ever before to compare ourselves to others. At no other time in history have we been able to easily view images of people from across the globe. This can lead us to minimize our worth as people to mere likes or followers. Tun...
Fear controls us like a puppeteer, causing us to act irrationally and rashly. In the past, fear was a vital ingredient in the recipe for procreation, in fact fear is what propels the theory of Darwinism (the survival of the fittest). Those who were fearful of threats were more likely to survive, which is why we experience fear today, but over time a lot has changed... No longer do we need to worry about hunting and gathering or defending ourselves from predators all the time. However, i...
Today's topic is one that is unfortunately all too common: addiction. Addiction can take many forms, from substance abuse to gambling, and it affects millions of people worldwide. In this episode, we'll be exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and addictive tendencies, and how understanding this can help us find ways to overcome these destructive behaviors. The Neurobiology of Substance Use, Misuse, and Addiction
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions that need to be completed. It is a common behavior that many people experience in their daily lives, and it can have a negative impact on their productivity, mental health, and overall well-being. Procrastination can manifest in different ways, such as avoiding difficult or unpleasant tasks, prioritizing low-value activities over more important ones, or simply not getting started on a task at all. Despite its negative effec...
In this episode, I approach the topic of optimism through an authentic lens. It feels like, despite our best efforts, we are constantly being pushed backwards in life. It is ironic, consequently, that we are expected to, in some settings, remain optimistic at all times - smiling and laughing through adversity. I argue that this isn't always the best way to approach negativity and pessimism, but rather that the transition from pessimism to optimism is vital in giving us hope and sparking self-...
Neuroplasticity is defined as our brain's ability to adapt, change, and mold itself in response to external events or stimuli. In today's episode, we use our understanding of brain mechanisms underlying memory, cognition, and learning to craft ourselves protocols suitable to our lifestyles. Of course, when one thinks of learning, they think about school and classrooms, but there is so much more to it than just this. While we will cover content today that is catered to students, we will also d...
Sleep is super weird. Why the heck do we dream? What's the deal with sleepwalking? Can I drink coffee and still sleep well? There are a myriad of questions that can be asked about the intricacies of sleep, and in today's episode I do my best to answer them. To some, sleep is cherished and sought after, but to others it is resented for its difficulty and challenges. Join me in this episode to explore the science behind sleep, how sleep can impact our health, and how we can master the art of sl...
In this episode, we will discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining healthy relationships. From communication and conflict resolution to building trust and intimacy, we will explore the tools and strategies needed to create and sustain meaningful connections with our loved ones. Whether you are in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a family dynamic, this episode will provide valuable insights and advice for navigating the ups and downs of relationships. Tune in to learn how to s...
In this podcast, we will delve into the psychological and sociological factors that drive our need for control, and how it can manifest in both positive and negative ways. We'll discuss how the search for control can lead to feelings of empowerment and accomplishment, but also how it can lead to anxiety, stress, and even manipulation and abuse. Join us as we unravel the complex and often conflicting emotions that come with the pursuit of control. Born to Choose: The Origins and Value of th...
In this episode, I get to speak with Dave Thompson. Dave has been an educator, innovator, and advocate in the field of Neurodiversity Employment since 2010. As a self-advocate with ADHD and Dyslexia, he got his start working with teens in the New York City Foster Care system. During his later time at The Nicholas Center and Spectrum Designs Foundation, he helped to create, manage, scale and effectively replicate systems of support which help dozens of neurodivergent individuals in the workpla...
In this podcast, we explore the world of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a common mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. We cover the ways in which OCD manifests itself in our lives and breakdown OCD into easy-to-understand concepts in order to know how to better understand and support those who struggle with it. Whether you are dealing with OCD yourself, or know someone who is, this podcast offers valuable insights and resources to help cop...
This episode is, to say the least, a special one. I am joined by content creator Cold Plunge Cam to discuss the benefits of cold exposure and overall mental health. Cam is well-known for his niche approach to cold exposure, showing that ice bathes can benefit mental health just as much as physical health. Cam offers unique insights into how he has leveraged deliberate cold exposure to improve his quality of life, shares with us some beginner's tips for cold exposure, and a much needed reminde...
Grief is complicated. Is it sadness? Is it distress? Is it longing? It might just be all of them... In this episode we navigate the stages of grief as it pertains to our wellbeing. We go over the causes and effects, the definition of grief, as well as how we can improve our ability to cope with grief. Grief is normal. Grief isn't just sadness. "Craving Love? Enduring grief activates brain's reward center" - NeuroImaging Study
We've all been there... It's 3 a.m. and you are lying wide awake in bed thinking about the day's conversations, interactions, and whatever else your crazy brain wants. Times like these can be extremely frustrating; overthinking can often be very debilitating. In this episode, we cover overthinking's causes, effects, and look into solutions for this weird phenomenon. Gosh, I hope they enjoy this episode... Did I mess up when I was recording? Is anyone really gonna listen to this? Questions lik...
In this episode, we acknowledge a current unseen epidemic: the identity crisis. No, this isn't your common mid-life crisis companion, but rather the destruction of diversity within identity that is facilitated by technology and increased communications. Slowly but surely, people around the world are beginning to conform to a single identity. How is this relevant? Well, we all need to stay true to ourselves in order to be the happiest version of ourselves. Why do our brains do this crazy thing...
It can drastically alter our perception of the world around us, we all know how this feels. You either 'feel it' or you don't. In this episode, we uncover what confidence really means and what it consists of. Because it can often prevent us from achieving our idealized version of ourselves, it is vital that we explore just how we can foster a positive relationship with confidence to help us live our best lives.
Motivation is tricky... It ebbs and flows, often preventing us from doing even the simplest of things. In this episode, we delve into what both an abundance of motivation as well as a lack of it can look like. By the end of this episode, you will gain a better understanding of your own brain's desires and motivating factors.
We all fall victim to it... We compare ourselves to other people whenever we get the chance. This can engender feelings of inadequacy in us even when we have accomplishments to be proud of. Our value is too often determined by our success relative to others rather than our own individual progress, which can make us view ourselves poorly. Join me in this episode to discuss how we can address these thoughts and how we can live happier lives.
Anxiety is a weird thing! It is often misrepresented and consequently, misunderstood by many. In this episode, I hope to clear up the definition of anxiety as well as just how it can affect us as people. From sleep to appetite, I aim to illustrate the potential destruction caused by anxiety and how we can prevent it by viewing our relationship with anxiety differently.
In this episode, we discuss the practical uses of mindfulness and so-called "metacognition" in our daily lives as well as how to overcome our self-destructive tendencies by practicing mindfulness. We also delve into how we can practice mindfulness to improve our quality of life. I share a few stories about how I have employed mindfulness in my personal and social life for overall improvement and how you can too. I hope that by the end of this episode you have a better understanding of w...