In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the intricate topic of how growing up in poverty affects brain development. With statistics showing that 40% of children in the U.S. grow up in poverty, the hosts dive deep into the impact of chronic stress on key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and areas related to language. The discussion expands on how these neurodevelopmental changes influence cognitive function, emotional regulation, and learning capabilities. Phil and Cole also offer practical strategies for educators, parents, and community leaders to better support children and adults who have experienced poverty. The episode underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and tailored educational approaches to help bridge the gaps caused by socio-economic disparities.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:25 Episode Overview: The Neuroscience of Poverty

03:21 Understanding Poverty's Impact on the Brain

04:17 Major Brain Regions Affected by Poverty

13:41 Early Development and Epigenetics

19:00 Strategies for Empathy and Support

28:51 Final Thoughts and BrainWise Moments

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon dive into recent research on the cognitive benefits of cursive writing. They discuss a recent article from Nature Magazine, exploring studies that show how handwriting, particularly cursive, activates broader brain regions compared to typing. The conversation highlights the potential benefits of reintroducing cursive writing in educational curricula and its importance for memory retention and cognitive processing. They also offer practical advice for parents to encourage cursive writing at home. Overall, the episode underscores the deeper cognitive engagement offered by handwriting over typing, backed by recent neuroscience research.

00:00 Introduction to Neuroscience Digest

00:37 The Science Behind Handwriting

02:04 Cursive Writing in Education

03:50 Handwriting vs. Typing: Cognitive Benefits

08:02 Practical Applications and Recommendations

13:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the intricate world of political neuroscience. They discuss how the brain processes political information and the emotional triggers involved, emphasizing a non-partisan, scientific approach. The conversation explores the amygdala's role in threat detection, biases like confirmation bias, and the impact of framing and metaphors on our political views. Key takeaways include practical tips for managing discussions, staying curious, and reducing stress related to political conversations. Listeners are encouraged to comment, share, subscribe, and review the podcast.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Phil's Health Update

01:10 This Week's Topic: The Neuroscience of Politics

03:43 Understanding Political Neuroscience

04:33 Key Contributors in Political Neuroscience

07:18 The Threat System in Political Cognition

10:06 The Role of the Executive System

15:36 Metaphors and Mental Models in Politics

23:22 The Five P Model and Political Discussions

24:38 Understanding Protection and Uncertainty

25:40 The Role of Participation and Agreement

26:35 The Five P Model and Group Identity

27:09 The Rise of Absolutes in Modern Discourse

28:47 The Ladder of Inference and Certainty

31:34 Biases in Political Thinking

32:15 Common Cognitive Biases Explained

33:48 Ingroup and Outgroup Dynamics

35:02 Attribution Error and Loss Aversion

40:14 Managing Political Discussions

44:56 The Importance of Curiosity and Respect

47:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon are joined by Ryan, founder of BetterOn, an organization focused on helping professionals improve their presence and authenticity through video-based, asynchronous communication training. Ryan shares insights into BetterOn's approach, discussing the impact of self-reflection, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of confidence in professional development. The conversation explores how observing oneself on video can lead to a deeper connection with one's authentic self and offers practical tips for those seeking to enhance their self-awareness and communication skills. The discussion is enriched with neuroscience and behavioral science principles, providing listeners with actionable steps to begin their journey of self-improvement.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:46 Ryan's Background and BetterOn's Mission

03:46 The Neuroscience Behind BetterOn

04:30 The Spark of BetterOn

08:42 The Journey of Self-Reflection

19:14 Patterns and Client Stories

35:09 Practical Tips for Self-Improvement

42:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, host Cole Bastian, filling in solo for Phil Dixon, delves into the emotional and mental challenges of job searching, using his recent personal experiences as a case study. Cole explains how the brain perceives job searching as a potential threat and activates both stress and reward centers. He offers practical tips for managing this process through maintaining routine, leveraging AI tools, and separating personal identity from the search process. Bastian encourages listeners to stay grounded, compassionate, and connected to their sense of purpose during this uncertain phase.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 Personal Journey and Career Transition

01:03 The Neuroscience of Job Searching

02:28 Emotional and Cognitive Challenges

07:51 Practical Tips for Job Searching

12:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon dive into a proprietary model called the 5P Model, or Personal Threat Profile (PTP). They explore how neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science can help decode and improve our lives. Focusing on the five key dimensions of protection, participation, prediction, purpose, and pleasure, they explain how understanding these aspects of the brain can reduce stress and enhance decision-making. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness and the practical applications of the 5P Model in both personal and professional contexts. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for more information and consider taking the PTP assessment for a deeper understanding of their own brain dynamics.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:23 Introducing the 5P Model

01:08 Engagement and Audience Interaction

02:47 Diving into the 5P Model

06:47 Understanding the Brain's Structure

13:27 Protection: The First P

17:54 Participation: The Second P

23:09 Understanding Fear-Based Reactions

23:51 Exploring the Five Driving Forces

24:36 The Brain's Obsession with Prediction

29:24 Purpose and Meaning in Life

30:33 The Pursuit of Pleasure and Joy

32:09 Interconnectedness of Brain Functions

36:55 Practical Applications and Real-Life Stories

43:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon discuss the concept of 'fatal flaws' in leadership. They explore why some leaders are remembered for their one major flaw rather than their achievements and how strengths can become weaknesses when overplayed. Using examples like Margaret Thatcher's leadership and personal experiences, they delve into the neuroscience behind these behaviors and offer practical advice for mitigating these flaws through self-awareness, stress management, and seeking external feedback. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, empathy, and effective communication in leadership and provides actionable insights for personal and professional growth.

00:00 Introduction to Neuroscience Digest

00:36 Understanding Fatal Flaws in Leadership

01:25 The Neuroscience Behind Fatal Flaws

03:13 Historical Examples of Fatal Flaws

04:04 The Predictability of Fatal Flaws

05:28 Personal Experiences with Overplayed Strengths

09:56 Strategies for Mitigating Fatal Flaws

11:22 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Feedback

12:47 Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses

25:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon dive into the science of life transitions. They discuss the importance of having a clear future vision and understanding one's current state by identifying strengths, weaknesses, values, and past experiences. The conversation extends to building the resolve and determination necessary for change, tackling obstacles, and preparing a transition map. They emphasize the importance of external support such as networking, mentoring, AI tools, and therapy, and the value of celebrating small successes. Key advice includes creating a 'BrainWise elevator speech,' setting clear goals, and seeking trusted feedback. The episode wraps up by encouraging listeners to apply these strategies to navigate their life changes effectively and thoughtfully.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:39 Promoting the Podcast

01:40 Recap of the Transition Map

04:22 Understanding Resolve and Determination

13:07 Making Decisions and Justifying Them

22:44 Communicating Changes Effectively

29:07 Formal Networking Strategies

29:20 Introduction to Networking

29:44 Formal Networking Process

31:10 Elevator Speech and Its Importance

32:46 Expanding Your Network

36:44 Leveraging AI for Networking

43:44 The Role of Coaches and Therapists

49:01 Summarizing the Journey

58:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the neuroscience underlying strange addictions, inspired by the TV show 'My Strange Addiction.' They discuss how unusual behaviors can be understood through the lens of neurocircuits related to dopamine pathways and other brain mechanisms. Using the 'Five P Model'—Protection, Participation, Prediction, Pleasure, and Purpose—they delve into the reasons why people develop such bizarre addictions. The episode aims to foster curiosity and compassion rather than judgment, encouraging viewers to understand and possibly help those with unusual addictions.

00:00 Welcome to Neuroscience Digest

00:46 Exploring Strange Addictions

01:49 The Neuroscience Behind Addictions

12:17 Understanding the Five P Model

17:30 Encouraging Compassion and Curiosity

20:43 Conclusion and Call to Action