The Giants Shoulder

#2 Neuroscientist Shane O'Mara - Walking, Creativity and Dopamine


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Dr Shane O' Mara is a Neuroscientist and professor of Experimental Brain Research in Trinity College Dublin.


Dr O' Mara's academic research concerns the brain systems supporting learning and memory, and how they are affected by stress and depression; He has also explored the intersection of psychology and neuroscience with policy, evidence-based policy-making and related areas.


  • 04:11 The Under-Walking Epidemic
  • 11:26 The Impact of Standing Desks
  • 13:52 Walking Treadmills vs. Outdoor Walking
  • 30:08 Long-Distance Endurance Walking
  • 32:44 Walking and All-Cause Mortality
  • 34:40 Walking and Mental Health
  • 47:51 The Link Between Walking and Creativity
  • 55:44 The Role of the Default Mode Network in Creative Thinking
  • 59:30 The Importance of Preparation and Incubation in Problem-Solving
  • 01:03:37 The Power of Experimentation in Finding Innovative Solutions
  • 01:08:24 Balancing Task Focus and End-State Focus for Effective Problem-Solving
  • 01:10:32 Creating Space for Creative Thinking
  • 01:13:55 Challenging Attention Span Claims
  • 01:17:33 Adaptability to New Technologies
  • 01:23:44 The Complex Relationship with Social Media
  • 01:36:52 The Power of Walking
  • 01:44:03 Tips for Walking More
...more
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The Giants ShoulderBy Evan McGloughlin