Nervous

Summary In this episode, Katie and Holly push the limits of their limited knowledge of the science of migraines, discussing triggers, neurotransmitters, and the importance of learning to listen to the signals of your body. Chapters 00:00 Nervous Bodies and Bodily Dysfunction 11:24 Types of Headaches: Primary vs. Secondary 15:50 The Mechanisms of Headaches 26:45 The Role of Vascular and Neural Mechanisms 35:24 Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Headaches 43:37 Identifying Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Headaches Keywords headaches, migraines, self-perception, personal injuries, neuroscience, pain management, health awareness, body awareness, mental health, injury recovery

Summary Neuronerds reunite! In this episode, Holly and Katie are back after a little break to get nerdy about the complexities of stress, particularly during the holiday season. They discuss the impact of seasonal changes on mental health, the neuroscience behind stress responses, and the importance of understanding cognitive load. Chapters 00:00 Autumnal Reflections and Seasonal Changes 11:54 Understanding Holiday Stress: Cognitive Load and Emotional Judgments 15:05 The Brain's Response to Stress: Allostatic Load and Neuroception 17:55 The Dynamics of Stress and Overwhelm: The Lazarus Model 21:01 Understanding Stress and Coping Mechanisms 25:39 The Role of Memory in Stress Perception 27:01 Predictive Nature of the Brain 28:08 The HPA Axis and Stress Response 33:09 The Insula's Role in Stress Experience 38:47 Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Stress Keywords stress management, neuroscience, holiday stress, mental health, emotional well-being, cognitive load, self-perception, mind-body connection, HPA axis, practical tips

Summary In this conversation, Katie and Holly explore the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain, discussing its functions, importance, and implications for mental health. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with anxiety and mind wandering, and how these relate to the DMN. The discussion delves into the balance between the DMN and attention-focused networks, emphasizing the need for both in maintaining mental well-being. They also touch on the role of fMRI studies in understanding brain activity and the potential for interventions to modulate the DMN. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 06:12 Understanding the Default Mode Network 29:36 The Role of the Default Mode Network in Mental Health 41:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Keywords Default Mode Network, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Brain Function, Mind Wandering, Creativity, Anxiety, Depression, Social Cognition, fMRI Studies

In this episode (originally released on the ⁠⁠ETPHD team podcast⁠⁠), Holly talks us through the complex role of dopamine in our lives, debunking common myths surrounding dopamine detoxes and addiction. Katie and Holly discuss how dopamine functions in reward, motivation, and learning, while emphasizing the importance of context and mindfulness in understanding our relationship with food and pleasure. The conversation highlights the nuances of dopamine's role in both healthy habits and addictive behaviours, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace a balanced approach to their mental health and well-being (shock). Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Nervous Moments 09:26 Debunking the Myth of Dopamine Detox 19:23 Understanding Dopamine: Basics and Discovery 21:01 Dopamine's Role in Movement, Reward, and Anticipation 23:24 Dopamine as the Motivation Molecule 24:22 Challenging Popular Notions of Dopamine Addiction 24:49 The Limitations of Understanding Dopamine 33:41 Debunking the Myth of Dopamine Detox 41:10 Understanding Sugar Addiction and Intermittent Reinforcement 45:10 The Influence of Dietary Restraint on Sugar Cravings 54:53 The Importance of Context and Anticipation in Reward Response Keywords dopamine, food addiction, neuroscience, mental health, reward system, motivation, habits, mindfulness, sugar addiction, neurotransmitters