In this episode, I speak with evolutionary neuroscientist Barbara Finlay, PhD, whose pioneering research has reshaped our understanding of brain evolution. Barbara shares her scientific journey, from her early inspiration in vision science to her groundbreaking discoveries about how brains scale and evolve. We explore how brains self-organize to process sensory information, why humans don't have a uniquely special cortex, and what the evolutionary transition from water to land meant for brain development and consciousness. This conversation dives deep into how evolution shapes neural architecture, uncovering principles that bridge species from sharks to humans, and raises fascinating new questions about consciousness, memory, language, and AI. Whether you're a scientist, student, or simply curious, Barbara’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the evolutionary story of our own minds.

Timestamps:
(00:00) – Intro to Barbara Finlay and the premise of the episode
(00:32) – Barbara’s early path into neuroscience
(08:33) – Introduction to Evo-Devo: how development shapes brain evolution and how evolution shapes brain development
(17:20) – Brain scaling laws and how the cortex grows in coordination with the rest of the brain
(29:12) – Why the human cortex isn’t special—and what actually makes us unique
(36:09) – Language, sociality, and the deeper brain structures that support them
(43:12) – Self-organization of the cortex: how brain areas emerge without being hardwired
(53:00) – The brain’s hunger for information: from monkeys gaining color vision to human adaptability
(59:00) – The limbic system vs. cortex: two distinct computational systems
(01:10:00) – Egocentric mapping, the transition from water to land, and the roots of consciousness
(01:24:00) – Consciousness, midbrain vs. cortex, and what AI is missing
(01:31:00) – Barbara’s current work and reflections on being part of the neuroscience founder generation

In this episode of Sentience, neuroscientist Dr. Glenn Fox takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of gratitude. From his pioneering brain-imaging studies on Holocaust survivor testimonies to developing practical frameworks for entrepreneurs, Glenn reveals how gratitude impacts our brains, emotional health, and resilience. We discuss why gratitude is uniquely powerful, especially during difficult times, and how understanding its neural and psychological foundations can transform our personal and professional lives. Tune in for insights into cultivating genuine gratitude—and discover why it's far more profound than simply "feeling happy."

You can find Dr. Foxx on Instagram @profGlennFox.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Glenn Fox and the neuroscience of gratitude

(01:01) - Glenn’s personal journey into studying gratitude

(07:43) - Gratitude research: clinical vs. positive psychology perspectives

(11:58) - Defining gratitude using the "gift space" model

(19:18) - Applying gratitude beyond gift-giving scenarios

(32:44) - Differentiating gratitude from other positive emotions like happiness

(39:44) - Neuroscience of gratitude: lessons from Holocaust survivor testimonies

(54:09) - The role of the mu-opioid system in gratitude and pain relief

(1:02:29) - Gratitude’s role in entrepreneurship and managing stress

(1:12:23) - Personal reflections on practicing gratitude and creativity

(1:20:09) - Current research on stress, challenge, and threat in entrepreneurship

(1:26:12) - Final thoughts: Cultivating gratitude through fun and creativity

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Farah Lubin, a neuroscientist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to explore the fascinating world of epigenetics in the brain. Dr. Lubin shares her groundbreaking research on how gene expression can influence memory formation and neurological disorders like epilepsy. We also discuss how understanding these mechanisms could lead to novel therapies, along with the transformative power of epigenetics in brain science. Follow along as Dr. Lubin walks us through her unique career journey and sheds light on the evolving field of neuroepigenetics.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Farah Lubin and her research on epigenetics
(06:00) - Epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation and histone modifications
(09:00) - Epigenetics and brain plasticity in memory and learning
(12:00) - The role of DNA methylation in gene expression and memory
(18:00) - Epigenetics and the consolidation of long-term fear memories
(25:00) - How brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is influenced by epigenetics
(30:00) - The role of epigenetics in epilepsy development and resilience
(35:00) - Methionine supplementation and its potential impact on memory
(40:00) - The importance of environmental influences on the epigenome
(46:00) - Future directions in epigenetics: new sequencing technologies
(52:00) - Funding challenges in neuroscience research and the value of basic science
(56:00) - Advice for students interested in neuroscience and epigenetics

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Gill Livingston about her groundbreaking research on dementia. Dr. Livingston has played an important role in uncovering the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to our risk of developing dementia. Follow her on X @Gill_Livingston for more insights.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Gill Livingston and Her Research on Dementia
(00:30) - Dr. Livingston's Career Path and Inspiration for Dementia Research
(06:35) - The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention and Key Findings
(09:53) - Understanding Dementia’s Preventability and Main Risk Factors
(12:22) - Hearing Loss and Other Key Dementia Risk Factors
(22:45) - Blood Pressure, Air Pollution, and Dementia Risk
(29:44) - Amyloid Beta and Tau’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
(36:59) - Cognitive Reserve and the Impact of Education on Dementia Risk
(41:12) - Genetics in Dementia: APOE4 and Other Risk Genes
(46:24) - The Immune System’s Role in Alzheimer’s and Potential Treatments
(50:12) - Policy Implications for Dementia Prevention
(01:04:01) - Dr. Livingston’s Ongoing Research

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Athina Demertzi, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of
Liège who studies human consciousness, especially in patients with severe brain injuries. We discussed her fascinating work on disorders of consciousness like the vegetative and minimally conscious states, and how brain imaging techniques have advanced our understanding of these conditions. We also talked about some treatments people have proposed for these conditions, including psychedelics.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Background

(01:58) - Defining Disorders of Consciousness: Coma, Vegetative, and Minimally Conscious States

(05:13) - Using Neuroimaging to Study Consciousness in Brain-Injured Patients

(07:36) - Predicting Recovery from Disorders of Consciousness

(09:51) - Auditory and Visual Cortex Communication in Conscious Patients

(15:16) - The Role of the Default Mode Network in Consciousness

(20:14) - Phase Coherence and Communication Across the Brain

(26:34) - Functional vs. Structural Connectivity in Consciousness

(28:24) - Theories of Consciousness: Global Workspace, Integrated Information, and Active Inference

(35:44) - Body-Brain Interactions in Anesthesia and Unconscious States

In this episode, I talk with Stephen Coombes, Ph.D. about neural field theory, or the theory of brainwaves. Dr. Coombes is Professor of Applied Mathematics in the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham. We explore the foundations of neural field theory, how it models large-scale brain activity, and its relevance to understanding states of consciousness, visual hallucinations, and working memory. Dr. Coombes shares insights from his journey from theoretical physics to neuroscience, and we discuss the future directions and challenges in this fascinating field of study.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction to Neural Field Theory
(02:05) - Dr. Stephen Coombes’ Journey to Neuroscience
(10:06) - What is Neural Field Theory?
(16:22) - Why Model Average Firing Rates?
(24:00) - History and Evolution of Neural Field Theory
(32:12) - Mean Field Models vs. Neural Mass Models
(36:16) - Patterns in Neural Field Theory: Waves, Bumps, and Turing Patterns
(44:54) - Neural Field Theory as a Space-Time Model
(45:54) - Neural Field Theory and Visual Hallucinations
(50:06) - Working Memory and Neural Field Theory
(53:18) - Advances in Neural Field Theory
(59:53) - Recent Challenges and New Directions
(1:06:16) - The Future of Neural Field Theory
(1:09:34) - White Matter Plasticity and Its Role in Neuroscience
(1:12:28) - Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode I talk with clinical psychologist Jay Skelton, Ph.D. and software engineer Andrew Leker about Willow. Willow is a new, empathetic AI specifically designed to be a mental health tool (and not a replacement for a licensed therapist). We take a deep dive into how Willow was trained, how strict safety guardrails were put in place, how Willow is already being used in mental health clinics, its privacy, and the future of AI for mental health. This podcast came out of a partnership with Bambu AI.

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Trigger warning for mental health discussions
(00:01:17) - My interest in Willow AI
(00:02:54) - Andrew Leker introduces himself
(00:04:05) - Jay Skelton, Ph.D. introduces himself
(00:05:32) - Willow's role in mental health
(00:06:44) - Discussing Willow's design as an empathetic and curious agent
(00:07:34) - Importance of empathic interaction in mental health support
(00:09:04) - Willow's non-judgmental approach
(00:09:24) - Shaping Willow's empathetic identity
(00:12:16) - Real conversations in Willow's training
(00:14:04) - Evidence-based practices in Willow's training
(00:16:36) - Willow does not diagnose, just assists
(00:17:54) - Safety in Willow's interactions
(00:19:00) - Technical safety features in Willow
(00:24:33) - Handling suicidal ideation cautiously and safely
(00:26:59) - Jay's comfort as a clinical psychologist with deploying Willow
(00:30:00) - Willow's deployment in mental health clinics
(00:33:24) - AI's availability and affordability
(00:36:40) - Willow providing emotional support and guidance
(00:39:53) - Willow as a mental health tool
(00:45:38) - Privacy and security in Willow
(00:51:18) - Willow's potential for improvement over time
(00:52:10) - Benefits of Willow's feedback for therapists
(00:54:43) - Future applications of AI in mental health
(00:57:32) - Empathy and theory of mind in AI development
(01:00:54) - Importance of Willow's emotional intelligence
(01:07:48) - Positive feedback from patients using Willow

In this episode, I talk with Michael Treanor, PhD about the science of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and its foundations in the psychology and neuroscience of learning and memory.

You can find out more about Dr. Treanor's clinical practice at https://www.cacenterforanxietytrauma.com/.

In this podcast, Grace Lindsay, Ph.D. and I discuss some of the many fascinating intersections between neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Bradley Crehan wasn't regaining consciousness after his brain injury, but then he became the first person in the world to receive an experimental treatment developed at UCLA by Martin Monti, PhD and his colleagues.

You can support our research here: https://thebrainscientist.com/donate/