Everyday Neuro: Psychology and Neuroscience Podcast

In this episode, dedicated to the pioneering researcher Professor Eleanor Maguire, I talk about how the hippocampus acts like a time machine, to help us remember events and special moments in our past, navigate the present and travel into the future. I talk about Maguire’s groundbreaking London Taxi Driver study and how it has changed our understanding of memory, spatial navigation and scene construction.

In Part 2 of this episode, I talk about the effects of digital media on younger people and how bans on social media use may be more harmful than beneficial. This notion is explored further with expert Dr Milovan Savic who discusses the relationship between digital media and loneliness, social connection, and his evidence based research about empowering younger people to make informed choices about social media use.  This is Part 2 of a 2 part episode.

In Part 1 of this episode I talk about social connection and the effects of digital media. I also investigate social isolation and loneliness and the effects they have on our cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing. This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode.

In this episode I talk about how engaging the thoughts and ideas of younger people in social decision making through “transcendent thinking”, the practice of looking beyond the immediate situation to understand deeper meanings and implications, can influence brain development and potentially enhance identity formation and self-liking in our future change makers.  

In this episode I talk about Behavioural Activation Therapy and how actions can boost your mental health. I also discuss social prescribing and the approach that promotes activities alongside traditional healthcare. I am joined by guest Nicole R. Smith who provides wonderful insight into the benefits of volunteering and how this can can boost your mental and physical health.For more information about Nicole, please go to nicolersmith.net or @nicolersmith.net on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.You can support Everyday Neuro and get ad-free and exclusive episodes at patreon.com/everydayneuro

In this episode I talk about sleep and the beneficial effects it has on the brain. We are joined by an expert in the field, the amazing Dr Michelle Ni Raghallaigh from The Sleep Sphere (https://thesleepsphere.com), a NHS-trained insomnia specialist and cognitive neuroscientist who helps us to uncover some of the myths about sleep, understand more about the most common sleep disorder insomnia, and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia or (CBTI) is the ‘gold standard’ treatment. A bonus exclusive episode is also available that provides top tips for maintaining healthy sleep habits and how they benefit our mood and performance, available to members of Everyday Neuro Acast+ and Patreon. See the website for more details at everydayneuro.com.au/podcasts.

In Part 1 of this episode, I discuss the topic of nature and how it can enhance our wellbeing, feelings of safety and security and ultimately our health and productivity. In Part 1, I am joined by interior designer Tara Cantwell of Cantwell Interiors (https://www.cantwellinteriors.com), who provides rich insight into how we can bring nature into our homes and workspaces. Part 2 is a bonus exclusive episode that further explores how taking a walk in nature can relax our fight and flight system, lowering stress and promoting productivity thanks to a reduction in activity in the region of the brain called the amygdala. Part 2 is available to members of Everyday Neuro Acast+ and Patreon. See the website for more details at everydayneuro.com.au/podcasts.

In Episode 17, I discuss the topic of relaxation and how we can engage in breath work to help reduce tension and anxiety. I talk with Tessa Hughes, an experienced mindfulness practitioner about the benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to our thinking and wellbeing.