This week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are revisiting our episode with the one and only Matthew McConaughey (Dazed and Confused, Dallas Buyers Club)! Matthew helps us break down the science behind feeling and expressing gratitude, something especially important to focus on this time of year.

He also takes us on an electrifying journey through his intriguing life, from his intense childhood in which his parents divorced and remarried each other three times, to surviving off a head of lettuce with ketchup in Australia, to his current ambitions considering a run for political office. Matthew details his life-changing quests sparked by having the same wet dream twice and how he puts himself in positions to receive divine, prophetic messages from the universe. He explains why his dad was proud of him for getting into a bar fight, why he cries during births and not deaths, and why his son creates Powerpoint presentations to illustrate why Matthew is wrong. Mayim and Matthew discuss parenthood, and Matthew opens up about the sense of immortality he felt at the birth of his first child. Mayim also breaks down binding anxiety!

From the entire Mayim Bialik's Breakdown team, we want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Are Your Memories Lying to You? Neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin—NYU clinical associate professor, research fellow, and author of One Hand Clapping—joins Mayim Bialik's Breakdown to BREAK OPEN everything we thought we knew about memory, consciousness, evolution, and the future of humanity.

Dr. Kukushkin might be the first to scientifically prove that “the body keeps the score," and he's here to share his groundbreaking research revealing that every cell in the body may have the potential to store memory. What this means for trauma, healing, and everyday life will blow your mind!

We explore how human memory evolved, why we remember the way we do, and the hidden purpose memory plays in meaning-making, identity, and human experience. You’ll learn how memory is stored, changed, and distorted, why memory is NOT reality, what makes the human experience truly special, and what sea slugs can teach us about being human. We also discuss whether it’s more accurate (or useful) to view reality through a materialist vs spiritual lens, how natural selection is far more creative and intelligent than we ever imagined, and whether Artificial Intelligence is humanity’s evolutionary path.

Dr. Kukushkin reveals what we've been getting wrong about dopamine: its real evolutionary purpose, how to harness this new science to boost motivation, productivity, and well-being, and why social media “dopamine hits” are so addictive - and so damaging.

Dr. Kukushkin also breaks down:

- Overlooked implications of being a carbon-based species

- Sinister effects of sleep deprivation

- Can the human brain ever reach its memory capacity?

- What happens when we’re downloading too much information from our environment

- What happens when we outsource our language abilities to technology?

- What are the consequences of forming human-like emotional connections with chatbots?

- Is there hope that we will return to using our brain’s full cognitive power?

PLUS...the spiritual experiences technology can never replicate, and why real life will always give us what machines can’t!

If you care about human potential, the future of consciousness, or understanding the truth about your own mind, this is the episode of MBB you CANNOT miss.

Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin’s book, One Hand Clapping: Unraveling the Mystery of the Human Mind: ⁠https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/press-1⁠

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Are Your Memories Lying to You? Neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin—NYU clinical associate professor, research fellow, and author of One Hand Clapping—joins Mayim Bialik's Breakdown to BREAK OPEN everything we thought we knew about memory, consciousness, evolution, and the future of humanity.

Dr. Kukushkin might be the first to scientifically prove that “the body keeps the score," and he's here to share his groundbreaking research revealing that every cell in the body may have the potential to store memory. What this means for trauma, healing, and everyday life will blow your mind!

We explore how human memory evolved, why we remember the way we do, and the hidden purpose memory plays in meaning-making, identity, and human experience. You’ll learn how memory is stored, changed, and distorted, why memory is NOT reality, what makes the human experience truly special, and what sea slugs can teach us about being human. We also discuss whether it’s more accurate (or useful) to view reality through a materialist vs spiritual lens, how natural selection is far more creative and intelligent than we ever imagined, and whether Artificial Intelligence is humanity’s evolutionary path.

Dr. Kukushkin reveals what we've been getting wrong about dopamine: its real evolutionary purpose, how to harness this new science to boost motivation, productivity, and well-being, and why social media “dopamine hits” are so addictive - and so damaging.

Dr. Kukushkin also breaks down:

- Overlooked implications of being a carbon-based species

- Sinister effects of sleep deprivation

- Can the human brain ever reach its memory capacity?

- What happens when we’re downloading too much information from our environment

- What happens when we outsource our language abilities to technology?

- What are the consequences of forming human-like emotional connections with chatbots?

- Is there hope that we will return to using our brain’s full cognitive power?

PLUS...the spiritual experiences technology can never replicate, and why real life will always give us what machines can’t!

If you care about human potential, the future of consciousness, or understanding the truth about your own mind, this is the episode of MBB you CANNOT miss.

Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin’s book, One Hand Clapping: Unraveling the Mystery of the Human Mind: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/press-1

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Are You Really Neurodivergent — or Just Relating to the Traits? In this mind-opening episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Mayim and Jonathan dive deep into the fascinating, complicated, and sometimes confusing world of neurodivergence — from self-diagnosis pitfalls to the superpowers hiding inside neurodivergent brains.

Discover what’s actually happening physically in neurodivergent brains, and explore the wide range of traits and disorders that fall under the neurodivergent umbrella — from ADHD, autism, and dyslexia to sensory sensitivities and beyond. Mayim and Jonathan unpack the potential superpowers that come with neurodivergence, including empathy, intuition, creativity, pattern recognition, and even enhanced extrasensory perception. Are neurodivergent minds wired for deeper insight?

Why has neurodivergence become such a massive topic on social media? Is there really a rise in neurodivergent diagnoses, or just a rise in awareness? We're exploring the difference between validation and pathologizing, the challenges of navigating such a broad spectrum, and the surprising benefits of having a label.

They also break down the exhausting nature of masking, share practical tips to combat social anxiety, and explore how to best support neurodivergent young minds in a world built for neurotypicals. From overlapping symptoms to proper diagnosis, treatment options, and environments best suited to manage sensory overwhelm, this episode is packed with insight, empathy, and real-world strategies.

PLUS...Mayim and Jonathan take a neurodivergence self-assessment live, Mayim shares her personal coping tips for living with neurodivergence, and Jonathan opens up about how he manages his dyslexia with creativity and humor.

TUNE IN to MBB today to learn why neurodivergent people can feel more overwhelmed by external stimuli, how complex life experiences shape neurodivergent identities, why everyone’s talking about being ‘Neurospicy’, and how it’s changing the way society sees neurodiversity!

Check out LELO at https://lelo.to/MBBxLELOBF25 and use MAYIM20 for a 20% off STACKABLE with current discounts and for ALL products!

Neurodivergent Self-Assessment: https://www.rula.com/blog/am-i-neurodivergent-test/

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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A single shift in your morning routine could change your energy, your mood, and even how you age!! And…your sex drive will improve too!

Are you struggling with menopausal weight gain, endless food cravings, or feeling like your body just isn’t working the way it used to? You’re not alone.

In this groundbreaking episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Mindy Pelz — leading expert in women’s health, hormone science, and fasting, and author of Age Like a Girl — exposes the truth about why women age differently, what’s really behind weight gain during menopause, and how to train your fat-burning metabolism to finally work with you, not against you. She reveals why everyone should care about women and how they age (it affects more than just women’s health!), the real causes of menopausal weight gain and how it differs from regular weight gain (and yes, it’s fixable!), how to train your metabolic system to burn fat efficiently (even after 40!), the mental health and chronic disease benefits of fasting, (especially for women in menopause), and the dangers of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement (what they’re getting wrong about your health!).

Dr. Mindy Pelz also breaks down:

- Fasting 101: When to fast, for how long, & how to break your fast safely

- The truth about detoxing: Common toxin buildups & how to activate your natural detox pathways

- Proven solutions to reverse menopausal weight gain naturally

- The surprising reason older men also gain weight

- How much protein & fiber you really need

- Why fasting is not starving, and how to do it safely for your body type

- The shocking origins of the “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” myth

- Who should and shouldn’t fast, and why it isn't isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach

- How processed foods are destroying your hormones (and why they’re even worse for women)

- The real reason men lose weight faster than women, and how to level the playing field

- Why we’re living in the most toxic time in human history, and what you can do to protect yourself

- How fasting can ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes & brain fog

- Why endometriosis diagnoses are rising

- 3 things everyone should add to their diet right now for longevity & energy

- The powerful role women are designed for after menopause (your brain actually rewires itself during this time!)

- The real truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Who should consider it, its risks, and why it only works with key lifestyle changes

- How to finally beat food cravings once and for all, without feeling deprived

- Why most people are getting aging completely wrong...and how to truly age like a girl!

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is the information that can literally change how you age, think, and feel. TUNE IN to MBB now and learn how to reset your body, balance your hormones, and reclaim your energy, naturally!

Dr. Mindy Pelz’ latest book, Age Like a Girl, is available for pre-order: ⁠https://www.discover.hayhouse.com/agelikeagirl/⁠

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A single shift in your morning routine could change your energy, your mood, and even how you age!! And…your sex drive will improve too!

Are you struggling with menopausal weight gain, endless food cravings, or feeling like your body just isn’t working the way it used to? You’re not alone.

In this groundbreaking episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Mindy Pelz — leading expert in women’s health, hormone science, and fasting, and author of Age Like a Girl — exposes the truth about why women age differently, what’s really behind weight gain during menopause, and how to train your fat-burning metabolism to finally work with you, not against you. She reveals why everyone should care about women and how they age (it affects more than just women’s health!), the real causes of menopausal weight gain and how it differs from regular weight gain (and yes, it’s fixable!), how to train your metabolic system to burn fat efficiently (even after 40!), the mental health and chronic disease benefits of fasting, (especially for women in menopause), and the dangers of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement (what they’re getting wrong about your health!).

Dr. Mindy Pelz also breaks down:

- Fasting 101: When to fast, for how long, & how to break your fast safely

- The truth about detoxing: Common toxin buildups & how to activate your natural detox pathways

- Proven solutions to reverse menopausal weight gain naturally

- The surprising reason older men also gain weight

- How much protein & fiber you really need

- Why fasting is not starving, and how to do it safely for your body type

- The shocking origins of the “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” myth

- Who should and shouldn’t fast, and why it isn't isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach

- How processed foods are destroying your hormones (and why they’re even worse for women)

- The real reason men lose weight faster than women, and how to level the playing field

- Why we’re living in the most toxic time in human history, and what you can do to protect yourself

- How fasting can ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes & brain fog

- Why endometriosis diagnoses are rising

- 3 things everyone should add to their diet right now for longevity & energy

- The powerful role women are designed for after menopause (your brain actually rewires itself during this time!)

- The real truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Who should consider it, its risks, and why it only works with key lifestyle changes

- How to finally beat food cravings once and for all, without feeling deprived

- Why most people are getting aging completely wrong...and how to truly age like a girl!

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, this is the information that can literally change how you age, think, and feel. TUNE IN to MBB now and learn how to reset your body, balance your hormones, and reclaim your energy, naturally!

Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at https://notion.com/break

That’s all lower-case letters — notion.com/break — to try your new AI teammate, Notion Agent, today. And when you use our link, you’re supporting our show!

https://notion.com/break

Dr. Mindy Pelz’ latest book, Age Like a Girl, is available for pre-order: https://www.discover.hayhouse.com/agelikeagirl/

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We Almost Ended Our Friendship Over THIS?! | Exclusive Episode (Previously Substack-Only!)

You won’t believe how close Mayim and Jonathan came to never speaking again - and all because of something ridiculously simple. In this exclusive episode of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown (once only available to our Substack community), they open up about the hilarious moment that nearly ended years of friendship, collaboration, and love…and what it taught them about checking the “simple fixes” before assuming the universe is against you.

Mayim and Jonathan also explore the line between mediums and channelers, the role of creativity in expanding consciousness, and how spiritual practices can calm the body and open the mind, diving into insights from our hit episode with Lee Harris (channeler of “The Z’s”) where we unpack the tension between skepticism and open-mindedness and how altered states might help us perceive more of our reality.

They also break down:

- Do mediums and channelers access more of their brain…or the entire consciousness system?

- How creativity (and even trauma) can open the doorway to altered states

- Why spiritual practices ground us when life feels chaotic

- How to reimagine your life when your current path stops working (whether that means changing cities, careers, or your whole perspective)

If you love exploring how metaphysics meets real life, or just need a reminder that the universe might be on your side, this one’s for you.

Come hang out with us on Substack for more exclusive episodes and behind-the-scenes stories like this one!

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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What if secret societies have been controlling the world from the shadows since the dawn of civilization?

In this explosive interview of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Richard B. Spence — Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Idaho, expert on espionage, secret societies, and occultism, and co-host of the hit podcast Strange As It Seems — pulls back the curtain on the hidden organizations that may have shaped history, politics, and even the founding of the United States itself.

Dr. Spence breaks down the benefits of being in a secret society (and why you should care, even if you’d never join one), whether ancient secret orders have influenced the rise and fall of empires, how modern politics is subtly manipulated by groups we don’t even realize exist, and the psychological and mystical appeal that keeps these societies alive. He discusses whether secret societies help dangerous leaders rise to power, including shocking theories around Hitler’s rise, the true definition of "the occult", why many secret orders are accused of Satan worship or dark rituals, the most active and influential secret societies today, and how new ones are forming online in the digital age.

Dr. Richard B. Spence also reveals:

- Surprising parallels between ancient orders and modern Greek life (fraternities and sororities)

- Origins and influence of the Freemasons: were the Founding Fathers truly Freemasons, and what ideals did they embed into this country’s DNA?

- How secret societies evolve, and why some are actually designed as self-improvement programs

- Why these organizations can become “petri dishes for nefarious actions”, sparking revolutions and even government overthrows

- Why these groups have historically been male-dominated, and the surprising stories of female and even child secret societies

- How intelligence agencies may manufacture conspiracy theories as tools of psychological warfare

- Difference between misinformation vs. disinformation, and how each is weaponized

- Are modern day government agencies like the CIA really just secret societies with better branding?

- Fine line between secret societies, cults, and religions, and how they manipulate loyalty and belief

- Why it’s harder than ever to tell truth from deception, especially in the age of AI-generated misinformation

- And finally…could the MAGA movement itself be considered a modern-day cult?

This deep dive will make you question everything you thought you knew about power, control, and truth. TUNE IN to MBB to discover why the line between myth, conspiracy, and history might be thinner than you think…

Dr. Richard B. Spence’s podcast, Strange As It Seems: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StrangeAsItSeemsPodcast⁠

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if secret societies have been controlling the world from the shadows since the dawn of civilization?

In this explosive interview of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, Dr. Richard B. Spence — Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Idaho, expert on espionage, secret societies, and occultism, and co-host of the hit podcast Strange As It Seems — pulls back the curtain on the hidden organizations that may have shaped history, politics, and even the founding of the United States itself.

Dr. Spence breaks down the benefits of being in a secret society (and why you should care, even if you’d never join one), whether ancient secret orders have influenced the rise and fall of empires, how modern politics is subtly manipulated by groups we don’t even realize exist, and the psychological and mystical appeal that keeps these societies alive. He discusses whether secret societies help dangerous leaders rise to power, including shocking theories around Hitler’s rise, the true definition of "the occult", why many secret orders are accused of Satan worship or dark rituals, the most active and influential secret societies today, and how new ones are forming online in the digital age.

Dr. Richard B. Spence also reveals:

- Surprising parallels between ancient orders and modern Greek life (fraternities and sororities)

- Origins and influence of the Freemasons: were the Founding Fathers truly Freemasons, and what ideals did they embed into this country’s DNA?

- How secret societies evolve, and why some are actually designed as self-improvement programs

- Why these organizations can become “petri dishes for nefarious actions”, sparking revolutions and even government overthrows

- Why these groups have historically been male-dominated, and the surprising stories of female and even child secret societies

- How intelligence agencies may manufacture conspiracy theories as tools of psychological warfare

- Difference between misinformation vs. disinformation, and how each is weaponized

- Are modern day government agencies like the CIA really just secret societies with better branding?

- Fine line between secret societies, cults, and religions, and how they manipulate loyalty and belief

- Why it’s harder than ever to tell truth from deception, especially in the age of AI-generated misinformation

- And finally…could the MAGA movement itself be considered a modern-day cult?

This deep dive will make you question everything you thought you knew about power, control, and truth. TUNE IN to MBB to discover why the line between myth, conspiracy, and history might be thinner than you think…

Dr. Richard B. Spence’s podcast, Strange As It Seems: https://www.youtube.com/@StrangeAsItSeemsPodcast

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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She Sees Angels...and Her Spiritual Awakening Showed Her What’s Coming for Humanity

Lorna Byrne has seen angels with her physical eyes since childhood — and in this jaw-dropping episode of Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, the world-renowned spiritual teacher and #1 international bestselling author of Angels in My Hair reveals everything they’ve shown her about our past, present, and extraordinary future.

From speaking to departed souls and her own angelic guides, including her late husband and baby brother, to her face-to-face encounter with Satan, Lorna shares deeply personal and powerful visions that will change the way you see the world. She opens up about how her dyslexia may be linked to her gift, and why epiphanies are actually divine downloads meant to guide all of us.

Lorna Byrne breaks down:

- How she physically sees angels, energy, light spectrums, and the difference between angels and souls

- Why she believes we were cut off from our supernatural nature...and why we're now on the brink of a global spiritual awakening

- The real message from her encounter with Satan & the powerful truth it revealed about our purpose on Earth

- Why forgiveness of ourselves and others is the key to healing the current state of the world

- Practical ways to receive more guidance from your angels and unlock their messages

- Why all religions will eventually unite as one and what that means for the future of spirituality

- Why souls choose to come to Earth and what they’re really here to learn

- Her shocking belief that Jesus has visited Earth more than once

- How we can turn Earth into a glimpse of heaven, right now

Whether you're a skeptic, seeker, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with mind-blowing spiritual truths that challenge everything we think we know. Are you ready to remember what your soul came here to do?

Head to Superpower.com and use code TAKE20 at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

Sanctuary, Lorna Byrne’s spiritual retreat center: https://lornabyrne.com/sanctuary/

Subscribe on Substack for Ad-Free Episodes & Bonus Content: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bialikbreakdown.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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