Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she explains why multitasking quietly erodes attention and memory and what to do instead. We explore simple, realistic habits that help your mind function at its best: 20-minute single-task blocks, 40 Hz binaural beats for deep focus, and a brief 5-2-7 breathing technique that can quickly calm the nervous system. Dr. Huston also highlights how aerobic movement, dance, and social connection drive neurogenesis and long-term brain vitality. If you've ever felt scattered, stressed, or mentally drained, this episode offers grounded science and clear tools for regaining clarity and calm in daily life. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org SHOW NOTES 00:00 | Intro to Dr. Therese Huston 07:45 | Wellness overwhelm and how she filters research into usable habits 10:06 | Why "practical" matters more than trendy protocols 12:20 | The multitasking myth: short-term mood boost, long-term costs 17:09 | Live demo: single-tasking vs alternating tasks 19:40 | Errors, brain activity, and stress during multitasking 21:51 | Escaping the multitasking loop with timers and clear agreements 24:30 | Focus tools: how to use 40 Hz binaural beats 28:47 | Why multitasking feels productive and how to reframe arousal 32:33 | Before a talk: "excited, not anxious" and stress-as-fuel 36:03 | Guided 5-2-7 breathing and what it does in the body 41:18 | CO₂, vagus nerve, and decision quality after breath cycles 43:19 | Rethinking "amygdala hijack" and protecting prefrontal control 48:18 | BDNF, neurogenesis, and an aerobic exercise target for memory 51:24 | Dance, social connection, and brain longevity 52:53 | Quick fire: myths to ditch and personal focus resets 54:45 | Exercise snacks and team culture ideas
--------
51:38
--------
51:38
#105: Freediving & Mental Mastery - Will Trubridge
World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance. In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and what he calls the "mental immune system" can help us face fear, build resilience, and expand awareness. Discover how lessons from the deep sea translate into a healthier, more conscious life on land. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org SHOW NOTES 00:00 | Intro to Will Trubridge 01:21 | Will's Background & Early Freediving 04:59 | Role of Breathwork 09:43 | Physiological Adaptations Underwater 14:16 | Overcoming Fear and Mental Barriers 19:41 | Consciousness in Freediving 26:23 | Parallels to Meditation 31:59 | Limits of the Mind 39:56 | The Mental Immune System 43:59 | Practical Mental Techniques 50:26 | Applying Freediving Lessons to Life 54:53 | Science of Freediving 1:01:31 | Mind-Body Connection 1:09:41 | Awareness Training & Breathwork Exercises 1:14:59 | Closing Insights Website: https://www.williamtrubridge.com Mental Immune System: https://mentalimmunesystem.com
--------
1:21:55
--------
1:21:55
#104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and store information in ways strikingly similar to brain cells. We explore: Why memory may not be limited to the brain What sea slugs can teach us about human cognition How prediction and perception shape our sense of self The parallels between AI and biological intelligence Whether trauma could be "stored" in cells outside the nervous system Dr. Kukushkin's work suggests we rethink intelligence, not as something exclusive to the brain, but as a fundamental property of life. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD 5:10 | Memory in Seaslugs 10:25 | Cells Can Recognize Patterns 20:28 | Memory Defined 23:02 | Do Cells Store Trauma? 30:40 | Treatment for Neurological Conditions 38:40 | Brain & Memory Connection 42:25 | Optimal Interval for Superior Memory 44:52 | Layering of Predictions 50:35 | AI Inspired by Neuronal Behavior 52:27 | Cellular Cognition & Memory 54:47 | Intelligence of Non-Brain Cells 58:38 | Consciousness in Microtubules 1:06:15 | Where to Follow His Work Website: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com One Hand Clapping Book: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/press-1 Follow on X: https://x.com/niko_kukushkin
--------
1:12:14
--------
1:12:14
#103: The Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchrist
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain's dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality. We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work with biologist Mike Levin on emergence and form. This episode combines neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality, inviting a shift toward a more balanced and integrated perspective on the world. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org SHOW NOTES 0:00 | Intro to Iain McGilchrist 2:09 | Attention in Left & Right Brain 17:00 | How the Left Brain Came to Dominate 19:08 | Brain Hemispheres & Happiness 25:25 | Why Right Brain is the True Master 34:30 | Great Truths 35:19 | Morality of Attention 41:44 | Explaining Sacred 45:12 | Shortcomings of Language 51:28 | Distinct vs. Divided 56:20 | Balancing Brain Hemispheres 1:06:31 | Sense of Self & Relations 1:12:15 | Mirror Neurons 1:14:32 | Walking for Fluidity of Thought 1:23:34 | Consciousness Theory 1:31:07 | Water Analogy 1:35:52 | Work with Mike Levin 1:46:22 | Where to Follow His Work Substack: https://iainmcgilchrist.substack.com/ Website: https://channelmcgilchrist.com
--------
1:48:26
--------
1:48:26
#102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhD
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive inner voice. FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind Website: www.fitmind.org Show Notes 0:00 | Intro to Dr. Kristin Neff 3:52 | Compassion vs. Empathy 8:12 | 3 Core Components of Self-Compassion 13:52 | Role of Personal Responsibility 16:52 | Healthier Alternative to Self-Esteem 20:07 | Common Misconceptions 23:16 | Learning, Flow & Performance 28:32 | How Self-Compassion Impacts Others 31:40 | Physical Touch 33:42 | Depression, Anxiety & Grief 41:14 | Steps to Cultivate Self-Compassion 46:00 | Self-Compassion Break (Exercise) 55:13 | Forgiveness 1:01:06 | Taking Action 1:02:48 | Explore more resources from Dr. Neff at 🔗 self-compassion.org
Sobre The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Expert insights on the science of mental fitness. Topics include psychology, neuroscience, mental health, mindfulness meditation, productivity, brain technologies, Stoicism, happiness hacking, and more.
Liam McClintock, the Founder of FitMind, talks with leaders in their fields, from neuroscientists and psychologists to Buddhist monks and professional athletes.
At FitMind, we believe that the next great human frontier is the mind. FitMind combines ancient techniques with western psychology to provide mental fitness training that is taught at Fortune 500 companies, addiction centers, schools, government organizations, and on the FitMind meditation app.
Liam McClintock received a B.A. from Yale and worked in finance before traveling to Asia to study meditation full-time. He is currently completing an MS in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London. Liam is an RYS Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor and has trained in various meditation styles. He has been featured in Time, Vice, Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and Men's Health.
Ouça The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology, Isso não é uma sessão de análise, com Vera Iaconelli e muitos outros podcasts de todo o mundo com o aplicativo o radio.net
Brasil