In this episode, we talk about what really drives teenage behavior, from synaptic pruning and myelination to dopamine’s role in risk-taking, the clash between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex, the power of peers, and how shifting circadian rhythms explain teenage sleep struggles. We cover how these brain processes shape impulsivity, mood swings, and learning, and why understanding the teenage brain helps make sense of everything from school start times to social media addiction.

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