The Brain Tease

Forever Alone? Loneliness & The Brain

On this ep, we explore the modern epidemic of loneliness (0:52). I discuss a recent study that shows how human brains crave social interaction just like how they crave food and drugs (2:00). I also discuss how social interaction is so important in preventing depression (3:23). Lastly, we look into how to overcome loneliness during a pandemic lockdown (3:53). Sources: go to www.thebraintease.com/loneliness/ for all articles referenced in this pod

Anxiety & The Brain: Spillin' the Anxie-tea

On this ep, we explore misconceptions of anxiety (0:33), Ariana Grande's hit single "breathin" (1:29), information about anxiety disorders (2:09), why we study the brain (3:49), and how anxiety affects brain regions involved in emotion and emotion control (4:16). Anxiety information and treatment resources: www.thebraintease.com/resources/ . Sources: go to https://www.thebraintease.com/anxiety-and-the-brain/ for all articles referenced in this pod. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Depression & The Brain: Feeling the Blues

On this ep, we explore depression meme research (1:11), what depression is (2:17), causes of depression (3:00), serotonin and antidepressants (3:48), issues with current depression treatments/ why we study the brain (4:35),  how depression affects brain networks (5:22) and a hypothesis about depression affects the brain (7:05). Recap at (7:52). Depression information and treatment resources: www.thebraintease.com/resources/ [https://www.thebraintease.com/resources/] . Sources: go to www.thebraintease.com/feeling-the-blues/ [https://www.thebraintease.com/feeling-the-blues/] for all articles referenced in this pod. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

The Brain Tease Updates 04/27

What have you always wondered about the brain? If you have an idea for an episode, message me at www.thebraintease.com . LOOKING FOR PODCAST GUESTS: You don’t have to be a neuroscientist to be on the pod – I welcome everyone! Message me ( at www.thebraintease.com )  if you love mental health/wellness or pursue an interesting career or hobby.

Pass the Aux: Music & The Brain

On this ep, we explore how listening to music affects brain regions involved in pleasure and emotion (1:07), how the type of music affects brain activation (1:50), and how autobiographical memory is related to listening to music (2:28). We also discuss how music therapy affects depression (3:22) and Alzheimer’s disease (3:39). Lastly, I share my thoughts on music and @Bonnaroo (4:20). Recap at (4:45). Sources: go to www.thebraintease.com/pass-the-aux/ for all articles referenced in this pod