Dr. Michael Merzenich, PhD, is one of the scientists responsible for our current understanding of brain plasticity--the notion that the brain can change itself at any age. He is also the author of the upcoming book Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life. (soft-wired.com) In this talk, Alex and his guest will explore these main points:

How you can improve your auditory listening abilities with neuroplasticity-based training to sharply improve your conversational, cognitive, speech and music abilities.

How training your brain as a master listener also refines your attentive powers and amplifies your baseline level of arousal-your "brightness."

Evidence that these gains are attributable to strong, positive, enduring physical changes in your brain. The trained brain is a stronger, better brain.

How combining auditory training and brain training in the other great perceptual and action-control domains, you can rejuvenate a struggling brain-and if taken seriously, can assure a more effective, happier, and more secure adult life.