Dr Sabina Brennan chats to neurologist Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan in this fascinating episode about psychosomatic illness, psychogenic disorders and mass hysteria.

My favourite books, films and TV shows are mysteries, detective stories and psychological thrillers. As a psychologist I’ve learned not to let the psychological inaccuracies spoil my fiction fun. But I had to do no such thing with Suzanne O’Sullivan’s new book The Sleeping Beauties. Although Suzanne writes non-fiction her books are equally, if not more fascinating and thrilling than any fiction book I’ve ever read.

Suzanne is a detective of sorts who unravels real life mysteries by delving deep into the brain and the social, cultural and psychological factors that can bring about physical symptoms and illness. Suzanne is a neurologist who drew on her 20 year career seeing 1000s of patients to write her first two books - the first 'It’s all in your Head' won the Wellcome prize in 2016, her second 'Brainstorm' explores the intricacies of the human brain through epilepsy and other seizures. 

Suzanne has a rare gift for insightful storytelling which makes her third book The Sleeping Beauties, a wonderful journey of discovery both physically and metaphorically to explore incredible mysterious psychosomatic illness and mass hysteria - from children in Sweden who fall a sleep for years, high school students in NY with contagious seizures and several embassy officials with headache and memory loss following assault by non-existent sonic weapons. The stories are fascinating but what sets this book apart is the ease with which Suzanne lets the reader inside her own brain as she solves these mysteries and wrestles with her own prejudices and the failings of her chosen profession.

Check out the Super Brain blog for this episode for more.

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Season 4 of Super Brain kicks off Monday September 6th,

I chat to an impressive group of inspiring and fascinating guests this season

This trailer gives you a little taster of whats in store with short clips from:

S4E1 - The Brain Detective with Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan

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S4E2 - Happy Mum - Happy Baby with Melissa Hogenboom

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S4E3 - The Visibility Trap Dr Mary McGill

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@melissasuzanneh

@newislandbooks

@picadorbooks

@acastpodcasts

#superbrain #brainfog #brainhealth #mentalhealth #wellness #psychosomatic #chronicpain #allinyourhead #psychological #malingering #mum #mothering #parenthood #pregnancy #baby #socialmedia #selfie #cancelculture #sex #surveillance #neurology #neuroscience #Irishpsychologist #irishneurologist

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National Rescue Dog Day which aims to encourage people to adopt dogs from shelters and rescues, as well as educating children about animals and their benefits. As mother to 4 rescue dogs Dr Sabina Brennan shares her personal positive experience and presents some of the science that backs up what we already instinctively feel about the benefits of being around dogs.

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Dr Sabina Brennan talks to comedian, actor and broadcaster PJ Gallagher about loving motorbiking racing and his weekly courtship with death, hating standup and embracing honesty.

For bonus materials, transcripts and more check out the Super Brain podcast blog.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain.

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This week is Mental Health Week and the theme for 2021 is nature, Dr Sabina Brennan explores the neuroscience underlying the mental health benefits of nature

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Dr Sabina Brennan chats to Anna Geary about her career choices, her goals, her hopes for the future and body image, particularly the importance of looking after your body for functionality rather than for aesthetics, Watch out for Anna's upcoming RTE documentary which explores the reasons teenage girls drop out of sport.

For bonus materials, transcripts and more check out the Super Brain podcast blog

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain.

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Ireland has the highest online gambling losses per capita globally and the third highest overall gambling losses per capita (€2.1 billion p.a.). It’s estimated that 45,000 people in Ireland are living with “severe pathological gambling addiction” with a further 110,000 dealing with problem gambling.

In this Super Brain Booster Dr Sabina Brennan explores What happens in our brains when we gamble? Why do we find gambling rewarding? How can problem gamblers kick the habit?

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my chat with veteran broadcaster Mark Cagney, who shares his recent experience of stroke. His thoughts about the future and his reflections on his past. Mark in this episode speaks openly and candidly about his cocaine use. And the straight talking that made him quit.

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In this booster episode Dr Sabina Brennan explains that it is very natural to feel anxious about returning to work post-lockdown and offers some really practical tips on how to cope with those feelings and make the transition back into a social working environment

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Dr Sabina Brennan takes a deep dive into the life and brain of one of Ireland's most respected broadcasters, Mark Cagney. In this the first of a two-parter, we talk about his life growing up in Cork, running away from home, family rifts, the tragic loss of his young wife and making difficult decisions. In part two, Mark walks me through his own recent brush with death, his ongoing recovery, his thoughts about the future and his reflections on his past, with Mark speaking candidly about his cocaine use, and the straight talking that made him quit.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain.

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