Narcissism is a term that gets thrown around often. But what does it really mean in psychological terms and how is it shaping our society?

Next week, we're joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, a leading expert on narcissism and a professor of psychology at the University of Georgia. Through decades of research, Dr. Campbell has explored the roots, risks, and realities of narcissistic behavior, helping us understand when self-love becomes self-delusion. He joins us to break down how these traits impact our relationships, our mental health, and our culture increasingly obsessed with the self.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Whether it's rock and roll, classical, hip hop, or rap, most people enjoy music in one form or another. (Even newborn babies respond to it.) But why? What is going on in our brains when we hear our favorite tunes?

Dr. Barbara Minton, a psychotherapist and neuroscientist, studies exactly how our brains react to various types of music, to provide targeted music therapy. And she goes one step further. As a musician herself, she is also creating the music, specifically designed for our brains, blending art and science to better harness its power to heal.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit

https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit

https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Whether we play music to relax, to dance, to recharge, or perhaps to evoke happy memories, it's clear that music affects our mood -- or more specifically, our brains But what exactly is happening in our brains when we hear music? Do the various elements like tempo and rhythm affect different parts of the brain? And how do our brains react to a symphony versus rock music, a lullaby, or a love song?

Dr. Barbara Minton, a neuroscientist, therapist, and musician, explores these questions in her groundbreaking work – while in the process creating a new type of music that is both informed by and created specifically for the brain.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit

https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit

https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, live, and make choices, but are our brains ready for it? Award-winning tech journalist Jacob Ward joins Dr. Phil Stieg to discuss how AI exploits our ancient decision-making systems, why we're so easily manipulated, and what it means for our future.

Drawing from behavioral science and decades of reporting, Ward explains just how predictable we are, the pitfalls of falling into "the loop", and how to stay human in an AI-driven world.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Artificial intelligence is transforming every part of our lives, from how we work and communicate to how we make decisions. But as we hand over more control to algorithms, are we ignoring the ways our brains are actually being manipulated by these very systems?

Our guest will be Jacob Ward, an award-winning journalist who's spent over two decades reporting on technology, innovation, and the hidden technological forces shaping modern life.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

If someone asks you what you are doing to prepare for your retirement, you might mention a 401K or an IRA, but what you might not realize is that you also need to prepare your mind for this major change in your life as well. Dr. Ross Andel, a gerontologist, who has been studying what happens to our brains when we retire, reveals how it can have serious consequences for our mental health, including cognitive decline and depression. But he will also offer some easy steps and tips to avoid this "retirement trap" and keep our brains active and healthy so that we can fully enjoy that hard-earned nest egg in our golden years.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Dr. Ross Andel, a gerontologist, who has been studying what happens to our brains when we retire, reveals how it can have serious consequences for our mental health, including cognitive decline and depression.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

We all know the importance of a good diet, sufficient exercise and a good night's sleep, but there's one more essential thing we all need to be healthy. Social connection. Simply put, our brains need friends. Neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein reveals exactly what is happening in our brains when we interact with friends, family, even strangers, and how exactly this affects our physical and mental health… the many benefits of a good social life and the real risks of isolation and loneliness . He also offers simple tips on how we can be more social and to make better use of one of the most powerful, easiest, and cheapest ways to a healthy, happy life. (Hint: Next time you think you are too busy to call or text that friend…pick up the phone and connect).

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Loneliness has become a serious epidemic with nearly 60% of American adults saying they were lonely. We know that this can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental and physical problems. But how does spending less time with others actually affect our brains?

In our next episode, Dr. Ben Rein, a social neuroscientist, will reveal how social interaction supports our mental health, strengthens our immune system, and even causes our brains to synchronize with our loved ones. These and other fascinating details are explored in his new book "Why Brains Need Friends."

He will also provide some easy ways to feel better and perhaps even live longer by simply putting down our phones and adding a conversation or a hug to our daily lives.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Touch is the first sense we develop, and one of the most powerful tools we have for connection, healing, and communication.

In this episode, social neuroscientist Dr. Michael Banissy explains how everyday gestures like hugs, handshakes, and high-fives influence our health and emotional well-being. From the biological complexity of our touch receptors to surprising studies on immune response, stress, and sleep, Dr. Banissy reveals why touch matters more than we think, and what happens when we don't get enough of it.

Plus - the dangers of a pain-free life.

For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com

For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org