Have you ever felt like you’re somehow behind in life—like everyone else got the memo except you? In this episode, we unpack fascinating new brain science that completely reframes how we understand adolescence and adulthood. We explore research showing that adolescence doesn’t actually end in the late teens or early twenties, but can extend all the way into our early thirties. Through this lens, the uncertainty, exploration, and emotional ups and downs so many of us experience aren’t signs of failure—they’re signs of healthy brain development happening exactly as it’s designed to.

We talk about what’s really going on inside the brain during these formative years, why your experiences now are shaping the grounded, stable version of you that’s emerging, and how societal expectations can create unnecessary pressure along the way. What if not having it all figured out is actually part of the process? And what if your brain is still pruning, refining, and preparing you for the next phase of life on purpose? Join us for a reassuring, science-backed conversation that invites us to embrace the journey with a little more compassion, patience, and trust in our own timing.

Research / Articles Referenced:

1. Topological turning points across the human lifespan - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65974-8
2. Adolescence lasts into 30s - new study shows four pivotal ages for your brain - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgl6klez226o

In this episode, Chris and Kevin dig into one simple, but powerful habit for lowering stress and thinking more clearly: speaking your thoughts out loud or writing them down.

While breaking down why talking out loud or writing your thoughts is one of the simplest ways to regulate stress. They explore:

-How naming emotions activates the prefrontal cortex and quiets the stress response

-Why unspoken problems drain mental energy and keep your brain in “swirl mode”

-How externalizing thoughts creates clarity and frees up cognitive load

-A comparison to the double-slit experiment: unspoken problems = probability cloud; speaking/writing = collapsing it into focus

-How this process returns you to awareness, reminding you that you’re not your problem, you're the observer of your problem

As always, they end the episode with a practical tool you can use right away to start applying this into your life.

Have you ever noticed how different your mind feels after getting lost in a good book? In this episode, we explore why study and reading have such a profound impact on the brain—and how they can literally reshape the way we think. We dig into the science of neuroplasticity and talk about how reading in our own inner voice creates a level of engagement that’s hard to match. This simple act of slowing down, focusing, and letting new ideas in becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth, self-reflection, and long-term habit change.

We also look at how reading sparks insights that shift our thinking and rebuild our attention span in a world full of distractions. What if reading is actually one of the most underrated tools for transforming your mindset? And how might your life change if study became a consistent part of your personal development practice? Join us as we dive into how reading rewires the brain—and how we can use it intentionally to create lasting change.

In this conversation, Chris and Kevin explore the importance of boredom in our lives, discussing how it can lead to greater creativity, self-reflection, and personal growth.

Boredom is a lost skill (yes they consider it a skill) these days because we as a society have done an excellent job eliminating boredom and the discomfort that comes with it through constantly being connected via our phones and technology.

What we fail to realize is that the discomfort we feel when bored actually allows our minds to wander, self reflect, and make connections surrounding life's most important questions: Why am I here? What purpose does my life have? Where can I add more meaning to my life? etc.

They reference Dr. Arthur Brooks' insights on happiness and fulfillment, emphasizing the need to disconnect from technology to allow our minds to wander and think deeply.

Key Takeaways

1. Boredom is essential for creativity and self-reflection.

2. Disconnecting from technology can enhance our mental well-being.

3. The default mode network in our brain activates during boredom, promoting introspection.

4. Embracing discomfort can lead to meaningful insights.

5. Setting boundaries with technology can improve our quality of life.

6. Boredom allows us to explore deeper questions about our purpose.

Link to video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8

What if the way you see the world is shaping more of your reality than you realize? In this episode, we explore how perception directly influences mindset, mental health, and even our physical well-being. We share stories of how shifting perspective can transform experiences of anxiety and negativity into opportunities for growth, and we break down the science of why your brain literally filters reality based on what you choose to focus on. From gratitude practices to subtle environmental shifts, we uncover simple yet powerful tools that help rewire your mind toward positivity.

Together, we look at how consistency and small daily actions compound into lasting change, and why mindfulness and self-awareness are essential for breaking out of old patterns. What would your life feel like if you trained your mind to notice more of the good? And how could your relationships, health, and sense of purpose shift if you practiced gratitude with intention? This is a practical yet deeply inspiring conversation designed to remind us all that our minds are powerful—and we have the ability to direct them toward growth and joy.

What would it look like if building your dreams wasn’t just wishful thinking, but a repeatable process rooted in both art and science? In this inspiring conversation, Rich Boggs shares his journey from being a serial entrepreneur to co-founding the Brave Thinking Institute, where he now helps people transform vision into reality. We explore how science and spirituality come together in personal growth, why community and mentorship are essential, and the daily practices that keep us aligned with what we truly desire. From morning routines to meditation, Rich reveals practical tools anyone can use to stay connected to their vision—even when challenges arise.

We also dive into the power of asking the right questions, harnessing creativity in everyday life, and shifting from a reactive to a truly creative mindset. What if your current struggles held the very meaning and growth you’ve been searching for? And how might your life change if you surrounded yourself with a community of people who are just as committed to dreaming big as you are? Join us for a heart-centered and practical conversation that just might spark the clarity and confidence you’ve been waiting for.

Special DreamBuilder LIVE Ticket for Science & Spirituality podcast listeners: http://bti.com/science97

Episode 183 with Mary Morrissey: https://open.spotify.com/episode/179n3H0IPxGeY5WIom2YIF?si=ZdGIXbzRTE--HJlXXmBiVg

About Rich

Rich Boggs is the Chief Sales Officer and Co-Founder of the Brave Thinking Institute. For more than 25 years, he has helped build multi-million dollar organizations and has been featured as a business expert on CNN, CBS Evening News, ABC World News Tonight, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and numerous other national media outlets. Before his business career, Rich enjoyed a decade-long run as an actor, sharing the screen with award-winning talents such as Christian Bale, Reese Witherspoon, and Paul Rudd. He lives in Del Mar, California, with his wife of 31 years and their two children.

AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s woven into more aspects of our lives everyday. But is it something to fear, or can it actually help us become more creative, conscious, and connected? In this conversation, we explore AI from both scientific and spiritual angles, looking at its potential as a tool for human evolution while also acknowledging valid concerns about reliability and environmental impact. We ask the bigger questions: How do we make sure technology serves us rather than controls us? And how do we preserve our ability to think critically and honor the divine nature of thought in a world increasingly shaped by machines?

We're sharing our honest opinion about using AI thoughtfully and responsibly due to a comment on our episode 284. We explore how we believe that AI can spark creativity instead of stifling it, the importance of balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility, and why emotional intelligence will matter even more as AI advances. This isn’t about choosing between fear or blind optimism—it’s about finding a perspective that keeps us empowered as humans while embracing the tools that can expand our creativity and consciousness.

Referenced in this episode:

1. The Kardashev scale - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale

Ever feel like you're waiting for a big burst of motivation to finally make that change in your life? What if the secret to lasting transformation isn't found in huge leaps—but in tiny, consistent steps? In this episode, we explore the powerful science behind micro habits and how small actions, repeated daily, can rewire your brain, build unshakable confidence, and help you create the identity of the person you want to become. From the role of dopamine in habit formation to how to sidestep the all-too-common motivation trap, we break it all down so you can start taking action today (without waiting to “feel ready”).

We share personal stories, neuroscience-backed insights, and practical tools you can use to build habits that actually stick. We talk about how to lower resistance with “low friction” behaviors, how to create momentum that carries you forward, and why consistency always beats intensity when it comes to real, lasting growth. What small action could you take today that your future self would thank you for? Let’s dive in and find out together.

In this episode, Chris and Kevin discuss the concept of 'action breeding clarity' in achieving goals and making decisions. They explore the importance of taking action, especially for perfectionists who may struggle to start without having everything perfectly planned. The conversation delves into the connection between action and spiritual growth, the significance of feedback coming from action, and the necessity of embracing the messiness of starting new endeavors.

Key Takeaways

-Action breeds clarity in your goals and decisions.

-Perfectionism can hinder the start of new projects, just act.

-Feedback is crucial for learning and improvement, just act.

-Starting messy is better than not starting at all.

-Clarity comes from doing, not just thinking.

What if the chaos you’re facing right now isn’t a problem to fix—but an invitation to evolve? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating concept of dissipative structures—a scientific theory that reveals how systems actually need disruption to transform and grow. We explore how this idea plays out in our own lives, from unexpected challenges to relationship breakdowns, and how our perspective can turn disorder into deep personal development. If life feels messy right now, you’re not alone—and there may be more meaning in that mess than you think.

We'll share stories, science, and spiritual insight as we unpack how growth often requires a bit of chaos. We explore how memory and affirmations can anchor us during uncertainty, why relationships mirror this pattern of transformation, and how recognizing ourselves as “open systems” allows us to adapt, evolve, and expand. If change is the only constant, how can we navigate it with more grace—and even welcome it as part of our soul’s evolution? Tune in for a mind-expanding (and heart-opening) perspective on the beauty hidden inside life’s most turbulent moments.