Author: This Is Your Brain producer
Our thoughts about the future are directly influenced by past memories and our deepest emotions. Dr. Joseph LeDoux, Professor of Neural Science at NYU, gives us an intriguing look at the areas of the brain that create the uniquely human experience of consciousness and how our ability to mentally “time travel” allows us to form a personal awareness of our place In the world. Dr. Philip Stieg: Today, we’re going to explore what emotions are and why human consciousness is both an evolutionary asset, but also a potential threat to our long-term survival as a species. I’m very happy to welcome to our show a leading neuroscientist author, an indie rock…
The pandemic has produced a dramatic new wave of loneliness for those coping with loss, grief, and social isolation. Although the feeling of loneliness is not a medical condition, it can easily transition into the clinical disorders of depression and anxiety. Dr. Richard Friedman, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, explains how the upheaval of prolonged loneliness can affect the brain and heart, and how loneliness can be more quickly remedied than one would think. Dr. Phil Stieg: Today, we’re going to talk about a universal human condition that has been significantly amplified with the COVID crisis. For the 37 million Americans who live alone.…
Blaring music, incessant traffic, those early-morning lawn mowers — you know they’re bad for your sanity, but for your brain? Dr. Mathias Basner, an expert on the effects of noise on health, explains what goes on in your body when it’s subjected to prolonged high-decibel exposure, including irreversible hearing loss, cognitive decline, even heart attacks. Fortunately, there are some practical ways to protect yourself — and to reduce your own “noise footprint.” Dr. Phil Stieg: Exposure to noise is an underappreciated public health hazard. Many people understand that loud noise can affect our hearing, but few understand how dangerous it is…
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented loss — of loved ones, of social interaction, and of our entire way of life. Dr. Richard Friedman, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, explains why the anguish we feel is normal — and how specific coping strategies can help minimize the potential impact on brain health during periods of adversity. Dr. Philip Stieg: The COVID crisis has created an extraordinary amount of loss for people around the world. Loss of loved ones who have died, loss of connection with friends, family, loss of jobs, daily routines, dating and mating, and the ability…
The COVID crisis is causing many more people to call their doctors with headache complaints. When is it time to stop self diagnosing your headache and to see a headache specialist? Dr. Louise Klebanoff, a leading neurologist and headache expert, explains why the right diagnosis can make all the difference in conquering most headaches. Hear about lifestyle changes and a range of medical approaches from nutraceuticals to Botox, plus the promising new CGRP therapy for migraines. Dr. Philip Stieg: Almost 80% of us will experience a tension headache in our lives. 28 million Americans experience migraine headaches, which can be a…
How do elite athletes, some barely out of their teens, manage life in a fishbowl? Dr. Lani Lawrence, sports psychologist for the New York Giants, explains how the pros learn to cope with social media and news pressures and still find their way into “the zone” where they can excel. Dr. Philip Stieg: In the best of times, it takes good coaches and sports psychologists to help players keep their performance, discipline, and morale at the highest levels. There are important lessons we can learn from amateur and elite athletes and how they cope with the constant pressure to succeed and…