My Favourite Neuroscience Podcasts (2022)

Summary

In this engaging podcast discussion, the host delves into their favorite neuroscience podcasts, offering a curated list for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. They explore a range of topics from neurobiology and self-help to the philosophical underpinnings of consciousness. Podcasts like 'Huberman Lab', 'Lifespan', 'Brain Science', and 'Nause' are highlighted, each bringing unique perspectives on optimizing brain health, understanding aging, and challenging gendered brain myths. The host also touches on related fields, recommending 'Philosophize This' and 'Mindscape' for a broader intellectual journey.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The speaker finds podcasts helpful for staying updated with neuroscience literature due to the vast amount of new knowledge emerging daily.
• 🎧 The first recommended podcast is the 'Uberman Lab Podcast' with Dr. Andrew Huberman, focusing on neurobiology and self-help topics like optimizing sleep and focus.
• 🔍 Dr. Hubermann's approach to popular topics in the media is principled, providing a clear explanation of the neuroscience behind them.
• 👂 The 'Lifespan' podcast by David Sinclair is highlighted for its unique perspective on aging as a disease rather than an inevitable part of life, with a focus on genetic and epigenetic pathways.
• 🧬 Sinclair's view on aging and its relation to Alzheimer's and dementia is presented as a thought-provoking and potentially revolutionary idea in the field of neuroscience.
• 📚 'Brain Science' by Ginger Campbell is recommended for its interviews with prominent researchers, though it might be challenging for those without a background in neuroscience.
• 🤔 The podcast 'Brain Science' delves into controversial topics, such as the origin of consciousness, with notable guests like Antonio Damasio.
• 😄 'The Mind's Brain Body Project' by Paul Taylor is praised for its humorous and easy-to-listen-to format, covering self-help topics with a neuroscience basis.
• 🌟 'NAUSE' by Ian Goodman is commended for its engaging host and discussions on complex topics like the inflamed mind theory of depression and the myth of the gendered brain.
• 📘 The speaker also appreciates podcasts related to philosophy, like 'Philosophized' by Stephen West, for their relevance to understanding neuroscience and its historical roots.
• 🌌 Lastly, 'Mindscape' by Shane Carroll is recommended for its exploration of physics topics that intersect with neuroscience, such as the emergence of information and consciousness.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speaker in sharing their favorite neuroscience podcasts?

The speaker aims to share their favorite neuroscience podcasts to help others stay engaged with the field, learn about new topics, and discover interesting insights that are not typically found in academic papers.

Why does the speaker find it hard to keep up with neuroscience literature?

The speaker finds it challenging to keep up with the literature due to the vast amount of new knowledge being published daily in the field of neuroscience.

What is the first podcast mentioned by the speaker, and who is its host?

The first podcast mentioned is the 'Uberman Lab Podcast,' hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor from Stanford.

What topics does Dr. Hubermann focus on in his podcast?

Dr. Hubermann focuses on neurobiology, including hormones and neural endocrine systems, with a self-help angle such as optimizing sleep, improving focus, and achieving a healthier brain.

Which two episodes of the 'Uberman Lab Podcast' did the speaker particularly enjoy?

The speaker particularly enjoyed episodes on ADHD and how anyone can improve their focus.

What is the connection between the 'Uberman Lab Podcast' and the 'Lifespan' podcast by David Sinclair?

The speaker discovered the 'Lifespan' podcast through the 'Uberman Lab Podcast' and appreciates David Sinclair's perspective on aging as a disease rather than an inevitable part of life.

How does David Sinclair approach the controversial idea of viewing aging as a disease?

David Sinclair approaches the idea by explaining the genetic and epigenetic pathways involved in aging, suggesting that addressing aging could potentially solve related disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.

What is the name of the podcast that the speaker finds a bit more serious and what is its focus?

The podcast is called 'Brain Science' by Ginger Campbell, focusing on interviews with prominent neuroscientists and diving into controversial or interesting topics in neuroscience.

Which guest on the 'Brain Science' podcast did the speaker find particularly interesting and why?

The speaker found the episode with Antonio Damasio particularly interesting because it explored the origin of consciousness and its evolution, a subject the speaker personally loves.

What is unique about the 'Mind's Brain Body Project' podcast by Paul Taylor?

The 'Mind's Brain Body Project' stands out for its humorous host, Paul Taylor, who makes the podcast an easy listen while discussing self-help topics related to neuroscience.

What theory discussed in the 'NAUSE' podcast with Edward Bullmore did the speaker find intriguing?

The speaker found the 'Inflamed Mind' theory of depression intriguing, which suggests that one cause of depression could be an inflamed mind, potentially stemming from sickness or illness.

Why does the speaker recommend the 'Philosophized' podcast by Stephen West?

The speaker recommends 'Philosophized' because philosophy is a key component in understanding neuroscience, and Stephen West makes complex philosophical concepts easy to understand and engaging.

What is the name of the physics podcast that the speaker recently started enjoying and who is its host?

The speaker recently started enjoying 'Mindscape' hosted by Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist and philosopher specializing in quantum theory, gravity, and cosmology.

Which episode of 'Mindscape' did the speaker find particularly neuroscience-related and why?

The speaker found the episode with Anil Seth on 'The Emergence of Information and Consciousness' particularly neuroscience-related because it discusses consciousness, a topic of personal interest.

What is the speaker's final recommendation for those interested in discovering new podcasts?

The speaker encourages listeners to share any podcasts they might have enjoyed that were not mentioned in the video, as they are always keen on discovering new podcasts.