The BrainCore Podcast

What is psychology? What does it mean to be a psychologist? Can psychological research really have applications in our daily lives? In this episode, Tolu and Regan break down misconceptions about psychology as a science. Regan shares the evolution of his answer to the question: “So, can you read minds?” Tolu shares some updates on her academic journey. Together, they discuss real-life applications of psychology - from analyzing news headlines to reducing your anger at bad drivers. The TOTE (term of the episode) is Psychology!

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American Psychological Association (APA) Newsletters: https://www.apa.org/news/newsletters 

Association for Psychological Science: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news 

Extra Reading:

Everyday Applications of Psychological Science

Study like a Champ

How does psychedelic-assisted therapy give people perspective? How does ketamine help with diagnoses like depression and anxiety? Sabina Pillai, from Field Trip Health, enlightens Tolu and Kristina on the healing potential of psychedelics and ketamine. They discuss what a typical session looks like for clients who come to Field Trip Health. Sabina explains how psychedelics target the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person and may help with existential questions one may have such as “What have I been put on this earth to do?”. Kristina asks about how more individuals can get involved in creating more alternatives to current mental health treatments…and Sabina gives a great answer! The TOTE is psychedelics.

Field Trip Health: https://www.fieldtriphealth.com/

Field Trip App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trip-psychedelic-guidance/id1520623904

(extra viewing) Michael Pollan’s Netflix Special: How to Change Your Mind

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Extra Reading:

Ketamine & Bipolar Depression: Kryst, J., Kawalec, P., Mitoraj, A. M., Pilc, A., Lasoń, W., & Brzostek, T. (2020). Efficacy of Single and Repeated Administration of Ketamine in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pharmacological Reports, 72(3), 543-562.

Ketamine & Chronic Suicidality: Can, A. T., Hermens, D. F., Dutton, M., Gallay, C. C., Jensen, E., Jones, M., ... & Lagopoulos, J. (2021). Low Dose Oral Ketamine Treatment in Chronic Suicidality: An Open-label Pilot Study. Translational Psychiatry, 11(1), 1-9.

Ketamine & Alcohol Use Disorder: Grabski, M., McAndrew, A., Lawn, W., Marsh, B., Raymen, L., Stevens, T., ... & Morgan, C. J. (2022). Adjunctive Ketamine with Relapse Prevention–Based Psychological Therapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(2), 152-162.

What is it good for? Tolu and Kristina discuss how genetic testing may provide individuals with an opportunity to know more about themselves with Dr. Robyn Murphy (Scientific Advisor at DNALabs) and Dr. Aaron Goldman (Chief Science Officer at DNALabs). What is DNA? What can one do when they have risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases? How can lifestyle changes decrease one's chances of having cognitive decline? The term of the episode or TOTE is Genetic Testing. If you're interested in purchasing either the LoveMyHealth or MatchMyMeds products from DNALabs, use our code 'BRAINCORE15' for 15% off!!

DNALabs Website: https://dnalabs.ca/

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Tolu and Kristina bring back student-entrepreneur Chloe Duckworth to discuss an exciting update! How can we improve one's ability to communicate with others? What if that one is not especially good at interpreting subtle verbal or social cues? This short episode gives us insight into what Chloe and her team have been up to! The term of the episode or TOTE is Emotional Perception. 

Chloe’s website: https://www.chloeduckworth.com/

Valence website: https://www.valencevibrations.com/

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Our reality is starting to look interestingly similar to that of a Black Mirror episode. In this episode, Kristina and Tolu talk about the potential benefits and drawbacks of a metaverse, particularly how virtual reality (VR) may affect mental health. Tolu brings up the research she did on Facebook, and how the metaverse is not a newly realized goal. They talk about how VR is starting to be implemented in situations other than gaming (e.g., work). The new DSM is rumored to release in March, so they discuss the rumored additions, as well as disorders that might not be added (such as Problematic Internet Use Disorder). However, they also bring up an alternative to the DSM. Kristina recalls past episodes where the function of a metaverse was slightly foreshadowed. The term of the episode is Metaverse.

Keith Kirkland Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eQFXgWyNPDcPFbYm20Zvl?si=aa73ab4f5df84c39

Carissa Cascio Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rJRlsU0v8bK4EdxutBbVx?si=16f4d15277124f13

Adam Molnar Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4W9U6y93oxQ6TSxkXidktv?si=82109717518d4a48

Psychology Today Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/digital-world-real-world/202110/will-the-metaverse-impact-mental-health

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Tolu and Kristina are joined by Dr. Andrea Halpern, a Professor of Psychology at Bucknell University, to discuss memory and music! In their last episode of the year, they delve into how we remember non-verbal music. Dr. Halpern enlightens the two on certain myths in the field, as well as some of her interesting findings over the years. What is auditory imagery and does everyone engage in it? Is our understanding of music innate or learned? The term of the episode is Auditory Imagery. 

Kristina and Tolu investigate attachment styles as it relates to their relationships with others. In this episode, they discuss their attachment style reports and its implications on their upbringing, friendships, and romantic relationships! How does one get a secure attachment style? What does it mean to be anxiously attached to romantic partners? The term of the episode is Attachment Theory!

Article discussed:

Simpson, J. A., & Rholes, W. S. (2017). Adult attachment, stress, and romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19-24.

Quiz: https://quiz.attachmentproject.com/

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Congratulations to Rishik and Ashmita for winning the Brainstorm Jeopardy game! In this episode, Kristina and Tolu are joined by Nigerian Neuroscience researchers Dr. Ibukun Akinrinade and Dr. Mahmoud Maina. They discuss the issues that create barriers for neuroscience research in Nigeria. The issues include funding, lack of internal collaboration, outdated equipment, lack of graduate school opportunities, and more. They also talk about their involvement with TReND in Africa, an organization which helps to support African researchers and students. The term of the episode is Brain Drain.

BC Trivia Question: What was one of the findings from our episode with Dr. Regan Gurung?

Society for Neuroscience in Africa (SONA): https://sonafrica.org/

TReND in Africa: https://trendinafrica.org/

Article by Ibukun and Mahmoud:

Maina, M. B., Ahmad, U., Ibrahim, H. A., Hamidu, S. K., Nasr, F. E., Salihu, A. T., ... & Baden, T. (2021). Two decades of neuroscience publication trends in africa. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1-10.

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Tolu and Kristina are in two different countries!! They talk about the new chapters they're starting in their lives, new updates for the podcast, and what they see themselves doing in the future. They also briefly talk about elections, the water supply in Cyprus, and language barriers! The concept discussed is one of new beginnings. Don't forget to fill out our subscriber form!!

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