In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon continue their exploration into how neuroscience can help us understand and shape our lives. They recap exercises from the last episode designed to identify one's 'sweet spot' and visualize the future. Cole and Phil dive deeper into creating a detailed and descriptive future vision through activities like writing a letter from your future self, identifying fundamental principles, and examining past pleasures. The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next step: understanding the present to bridge the gap to the ideal future. Phil also offers practical advice on addressing 'yeah, but' concerns that may hinder progress.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode

02:30 Mapping Your Future: Purpose and Ikigai

04:19 Letter from the Future Exercise

11:55 Balancing Human Doing and Human Being

14:30 Identifying Core Values and Aspirations

20:03 Addressing Patterns and Behaviors

29:32 Balancing Resources and Happiness

31:11 Live Example of Balancing Career and Life

33:30 Exercises for Future Planning

36:04 Defining an Ideal Future

42:51 Summarizing Future Planning Exercises

46:36 Preview of Next Episode: Focusing on the Present

50:50 BrainWise and Brain Unwise Moments

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the cognitive, emotional, and physiological benefits of singing, particularly in groups during the holiday season. They delve into recent research findings that highlight how group singing can improve heart rate, blood pressure, immune function, and social bonds. They also discuss the potential therapeutic effects of music during surgery and its broader implications. This episode encourages listeners to embrace singing as a joyful and beneficial activity, especially around the Christmas season.

00:00 Introduction to Neuroscience Digest

00:58 The Benefits of Singing Christmas Carols

04:18 Scientific Insights on Group Singing

09:32 Music's Impact on Surgery Recovery

15:05 The Rise of AI in Music

17:35 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of 'My BrainWise Coach,' co-hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the concept of feeling stuck or uncertain during life transitions. They dive into neuroscience-based strategies to help individuals identify their purpose and plan their future. The hosts share tools such as the 'Ikigai' framework and the 'Pictures Exercise' to assist listeners in defining their strengths, passions, and community needs. Cole actively participates in these exercises, providing real-life examples and demonstrating how one might navigate their path forward. This episode is a valuable guide for anyone facing transition, offering practical exercises and insightful reflections to find clarity and direction.

00:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections

01:57 Diving into Neuroscience and Multiple Characters

03:31 Feeling Stuck: Understanding Transitions

14:21 Exploring the Transition Map

22:10 Planning Your Future: Practical Steps

23:04 Starting the Transition Process

24:40 Live Demo and Purpose Exploration

25:24 Discovering Your Life's Purpose

29:39 Understanding Ikigai

31:02 Identifying Your Strengths and Passions

33:04 Community Needs and Marketable Skills

38:32 Visualizing Your Future

45:56 Recap and Next Steps

46:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

BrainWise Tips and Key Takeaways

1. Identify Your Purpose: Reflect on your life's mission. Understanding your unique purpose can be a guiding star in moments of uncertainty.
2. Utilize the Ikigai Model: This Japanese concept helps find your sweet spot by considering what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
3. Create Your Vision: Use visual exercises to imagine your future. Whether it's through a collage of images or a vision board, visualizing your dreams can provide clarity and motivation.
4. Acknowledge the Neutral Zone: Recognize that the period between endings and new beginnings, often called the "neutral zone," is filled with potential for creativity and renewal.
5. Journal Your Journey: Keep a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and revelations as you navigate your transition. Writing helps solidify insights and track progress.
6. Cultivate Resilience: Build up the emotional resilience needed to confront and move past any barriers that arise.
7. Engage Your Support Network: Lean on friends, family, and mentors for guidance and encouragement. No transition is undertaken alone.
8. Embrace Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Life's transitions often require trial and error to find the right path.
9. Reflect and Realign: Periodically reevaluate your goals and methods to ensure they align with your evolving vision.
10. Practice Patience: Give yourself grace during this process. True change takes time and patience.

In this Thanksgiving episode of Neuroscience Digest, hosts Cole Basian and Phil Dixon delve into the science of gratitude and its impact on happiness and performance. Recorded to coincide with Thanksgiving, the discussion begins with the importance of expressing gratitude, not only during the holidays but as a daily practice. Phil highlights recent neuroscience research and discusses findings from the Oxford University World Happiness Report, shedding light on benevolence and its role in societal happiness. The episode underscores the profound effects of gratitude on both personal well-being and workplace dynamics, emphasizing that simple acts of thankfulness can lead to better social interactions, improved job satisfaction, and overall happiness. To wrap up, the hosts challenge listeners to demonstrate more gratitude and appreciation in their daily lives. Tune in to explore how being thankful can fuel a happier, more fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:00 Thanksgiving and the Importance of Gratitude

01:56 Positive Psychology and Happiness

03:02 Gratitude in the Workplace and Home

04:51 Neuroscience Behind Gratitude

06:51 Middle Management and AI

08:15 Insights from the World Happiness Report

09:32 Benevolence and Social Perceptions

16:09 Impact of Loneliness and Social Connections

20:55 Final Thoughts and Challenge

In this bonus episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon explore the neuroscience behind Black Friday shopping. They discuss how the event is meticulously designed to tap into powerful brain mechanisms, creating excitement and reward but also leading to impulsivity and stress. They highlight how anticipation and dopamine surges drive behavior, the influence of scarcity and marketing tactics, and provide practical tips for smarter shopping. With insights into brain activity and strategies for better self-control, this episode helps listeners enjoy Black Friday shopping without falling victim to common pitfalls.

00:00 Welcome to the Bonus Episode!

00:42 The Neuroscience Behind Black Friday

01:02 The Global Phenomenon and Its Impact

01:30 The Brain's Response to Black Friday

02:53 The Evolution of Black Friday

06:11 Positive Impacts of Black Friday Shopping

07:21 The Dark Side: Impulse Buying and Stress

11:09 Tips for Smart Shopping

17:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this special Thanksgiving episode of My BrainWise Coach, co-hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon embark on an exploration of the concept of 'multiple characters' within us. They discuss how different aspects of our personality show up in various contexts and why it is important to identify and understand these traits. They share personal anecdotes and real-life examples, providing insights into how recognizing these characters can improve personal and professional interactions. Additionally, they celebrate their 800 subscribers milestone and announce the winners of their latest contest. The episode concludes with BrainWise moments, offering a blend of neuroscience and behavioral science with practical takeaways just in time for the holiday season.

00:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving Greetings

01:01 Contest Winners Announcement

02:01 Reflecting on Podcast Growth

05:17 Introduction to Multiple Characters

06:56 Understanding and Identifying Multiple Characters

08:57 Real-Life Examples of Multiple Characters

14:40 Practical Applications of Multiple Characters

15:43 Exploring Personal Multiple Characters

19:15 Common Multiple Characters and Their Contexts

27:10 Combining and Managing Multiple Characters

32:41 BrainWise Moments and Final Thoughts

Here are some insights that will guide your exploration:

1. Identify Your Characters: Begin by acknowledging the different personas you have. Are you a gentle teacher at times and a stern general at others? Recognize these roles without judgment.
2. Contextual Awareness: Different characters show up in different contexts. By being aware of when and where they emerge, you can use them to your advantage, such as bringing out a focused, business-oriented character in professional settings.
3. The Power of Naming: Naming your characters can be a powerful tool. It can help you control and understand them better, like calling a protective side "The Protector" or a more assertive side "The General."
4. Balance Emotional and Rational Sides: Recognize when your left brain (logical, analytical) and right brain (emotional, creative) are influencing your decisions and actions.
5. Navigating Inner Conflicts: Sometimes, characters might be in conflict, like wanting to be carefree while also being responsible. Navigate these conflicts thoughtfully.
6. Use Your Inner Team: Think of your characters as a team you can deploy in different situations. Which one is best suited for the task at hand?
7. Encourage Playfulness: Allow yourself to be playful in this exploration. Finding humor in your characters can ease the tension in discovering and managing them.
8. Learn Through Reflection: As you engage with these characters, reflect on past situations. When did they help or hinder you?

BrainWise Tips

• Embrace Diversity in Yourself: Just like embracing diversity in others, embrace the various characters that live within you.
• Engage in Self-Dialogue: Have a conversation with your characters. This can be a private reflection or a structured exercise.
• Acknowledge Strengths and Weaknesses: Each character has both. Understand these to better deploy them in fitting scenarios.

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest powered by My BrainWise Coach Podcast, co-hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon discuss two intriguing topics: the impact of 'fobbing' (snubbing someone in favor of a phone) on relationships, and the neuroscience behind celebrations. They explore how phone use can create a sense of neglect in relationships and provide practical advice for mitigating this issue. Additionally, they delve into the reasons humans celebrate, highlighting the release of key neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which enhance social bonding and happiness. They also discuss the balance and involvement of both brain hemispheres in planning and experiencing celebrations. This episode aims to offer practical insights for living a more connected, joyous life.

00:00 Introduction to Neuroscience Digest

00:51 The Impact of 'Fobbing' on Relationships

02:37 Practical Tips to Combat Phone Distraction

04:14 Reflecting on Pre-Cell Phone Era

07:01 The Neuroscience of Celebrations

08:26 The Benefits of Celebratory Behaviors

11:17 Cultural and Personal Differences in Celebrations

16:19 The Brain's Role in Planning and Celebrating

17:57 Conclusion and Podcast Schedule

In this episode of 'My BrainWise Coach,' hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon continue their discussion on the art and science of effective dialogue, focusing on the importance of asking great questions and communicating perspectives succinctly. They emphasize the value of maintaining a balance between asking and telling in conversations for improved communication and connection. The episode explores topics such as open-ended versus close-ended questions, the impact of emotions and biases on communication, and introduces the TAPS model (Tell, Ask, Problem, Solution) for constructive dialogue. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their communication patterns and practice tools shared in the episode for more effective interactions in both personal and professional settings.

00:00 Welcome and Episode Overview

00:45 Effective Dialogue: Asking Great Questions

01:05 Content Strategy for Different Platforms

02:56 The Importance of Successful Communication

06:16 Intent and Purpose in Conversations

14:28 The Power of Silence and Emotional Expression

23:08 Balancing Asking and Telling in Conversations

26:43 The Role of Open-Ended Questions

30:14 Understanding Open-Ended vs. Close-Ended Questions

30:40 Balancing Asking and Telling in Conversations

31:50 Effective Questioning Techniques

33:06 Coaching and Personal Relationships

37:28 The TAPS Model: Tell, Ask, Problem, Solution

41:06 Practical Application of the TAPS Model

51:24 Reflection and Summary

53:06 BrainWise Moments: Personal Stories

BrainWise Tips and Key Insights:

1. Embrace Active Listening: Listen to understand, not just to respond. This depth of engagement can transform ordinary exchanges into meaningful conversations.
2. Strive for Balance: Maintaining a balance between asking questions and sharing information creates a conversational rhythm that enhances engagement.
3. Intent Matters: The clarity of your intentions can significantly affect how your message is perceived. Be explicit to bridge any gaps between intention and perception.
4. Utilize Open-Ended Questions: Open-ended questions are powerful tools for exploration and learning. They encourage dialogue and deeper understanding.
5. Manage Stress: Understand how stress can impact your communication style and work on managing it effectively for smoother interactions.
6. Lead with Curiosity, Not Control: While it's tempting to assert control, asking questions and showing curiosity fosters stronger connections.
7. Respect Emotions: Allow emotions to surface in conversations while guiding them back to logical conclusions when appropriate.
8. Value Silence: Silence in a conversation can be a powerful tool, allowing space for thought and reflection.
9. Visualize Models for Guidance: Use mental models to navigate different phases of a conversation effectively.
10. Reflect Before Responding: Take time to reflect before responding, and ask questions that clarify the context and the other person's needs.

In this episode of Neuroscience Digest, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon discuss recent developments in neuroscience research. Topics include a groundbreaking study on 'mind captioning,' which uses AI to decode brain activity into descriptive text, the discovery of facial expressions in mice as a proxy for human brain studies, and an exploration of fainting as a non-conscious brain reaction. They also touch on other non-conscious brain activities like hiccups, blushing, crying, and pupil dilation. The episode prompts listeners to reflect on their own reactions to injections and shares a humorous take on the body's mysterious responses.

00:00 Introduction to Neuroscience Digest

00:57 This Week's Neuroscience Highlights

01:40 Mind Captioning: Decoding Brain Activity

04:52 Mice and Facial Expressions

07:05 The Phenomenon of Fainting

10:23 Non-Conscious Brain Reactions

13:51 Hiccups and Other Involuntary Responses

16:20 Emotional Expressions and Their Meanings

20:19 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the intricacies of effective dialogue. They explore three key components: asking, telling, and active listening, alongside the attention spectrum and barriers to connection. Phil emphasizes developing skills in asking better questions, communicating concisely, and becoming better listeners. The discussion includes practical exercises to enhance open-ended questioning and attentive listening, as well as the impact of modern technology on communication skills. Listeners are encouraged to self-reflect on their communication habits and are provided with actionable tips and reflection questions to improve their dialogue skills, both personally and professionally.

BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Open-Ended Questions: Use "how" and "what" to encourage deeper and more meaningful responses.
2. Avoid Overuse of 'Why': Be mindful with "why" questions as they can unintentionally intimidate or seem accusatory.
3. Masterful Listening: Pay attention to non-verbal cues and what's not being said—to understand the full context of a dialogue.
4. Practice in Low-Stakes Situations: Treat listening skills like any other skill—practice them intentionally to improve.
5. Acknowledge and Paraphrase: Reflect back what you heard to ensure clarity and validation of the speaker’s point.
6. Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Limit external distractions to give the gift of your full attention.
7. Manage Internal Distractions: Identify personal biases and emotional states that could hinder your ability to listen well.
8. Empathetic Response: Before offering solutions, ensure that the speaker feels heard and understood.
9. Vulnerability Cements Connection: Share your intention to improve and ask for help from others to create deeper connections.
10. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize the incremental steps in your journey to become a better communicator.

00:00 Introduction to Effective Dialogue

00:33 The Three Core Components of Dialogue

01:43 The Attention Spectrum and Barriers to Connection

02:35 The Impact of Technology on Communication

03:20 Diving into Effective Dialogue Techniques

04:54 The Power of Open-Ended Questions

07:44 The Importance of Active Listening

20:11 Creating an Environment for Effective Communication

22:54 Levels of Listening: From Partial to Masterful

30:03 The Power of Open-Ended Questions

30:24 The Pitfalls of 'Why' Questions

31:43 Techniques for Better Listening

32:57 The Neuroscience Behind Fidgeting

34:19 Taking Notes to Improve Focus

35:30 Levels of Listening

40:56 Masterful Listening and Body Language

45:16 Overcoming Barriers to Connection

50:26 The Importance of Practice

51:31 Vulnerability in Relationships

53:59 Summary and Reflection Questions