Smooth Brain Society

In this in-studio episode of Smooth Brain Society, Sahir and Neil are joined by Dr. Kate Messenger as they explore the fascinating world of language acquisition. They discuss why children seem to pick up languages effortlessly, the challenges adults face when learning new languages, and even how bilingual brains store and mix languages. Expect a lively discussion about the theories behind language learning, including the critical period hypothesis and the role of environmental input, along with humorous takeaways about accents, passive constructions, and the everyday struggles of translating between languages. Tune in for a blend of scientific insight and casual banter that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.  Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the original file. Dr. Kate Messenger's profile: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/katherine-messenger [https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/katherine-messenger] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Support us and reach out! https://smoothbrainsociety.com [https://smoothbrainsociety.com] https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.instagram.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmoothbrainsociety?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Twitter/X: @SmoothBrainSoc [https://twitter.com/SmoothBrainSoc] Facebook: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.facebook.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] Merch and all other links: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/thesmoothbrainsociety] email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Bryant—executive director of Bryant Research and an expert in alternative proteins—to unpack the science, psychology, and politics behind the future of food. From lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives to the social and environmental challenges of industrial farming, we explore Dr. Bryant's research on how the “protein transition” is reshaping everything from policy to plate. Expect sharp insights, dumpster-diving research methods, and a few sausage-related revelations along the way.  Check out Bryant research: https://bryantresearch.co.uk/ [https://bryantresearch.co.uk/] Dr. Bryant and Team have published their a lot of their research in Psychology of Human Animal Intergroup Relations:  https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair [https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Support us and reach out! https://smoothbrainsociety.com [https://smoothbrainsociety.com] https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.instagram.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmoothbrainsociety?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Twitter/X: @SmoothBrainSoc [https://twitter.com/SmoothBrainSoc] Facebook: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.facebook.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] Merch and all other links: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/thesmoothbrainsociety] email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

What factors underpin how we treat animals? In this episode, Prof. Dr. Christopher J. Hopwood of the University of Zurich and the Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations. Talks about his research related to how people perceive, treat, and interact with animals. Join us as we go through some fascinating studies which have been published in his journal and what the future looks like for things like veganism, animal treatment and upcoming food like cultured meat. https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair [https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Support us and reach out! https://smoothbrainsociety.com [https://smoothbrainsociety.com] https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.instagram.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmoothbrainsociety?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Twitter/X: @SmoothBrainSoc [https://twitter.com/SmoothBrainSoc] Facebook: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.facebook.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] Merch and all other links: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/thesmoothbrainsociety] email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Aaron Winter, senior lecturer in sociology at Lancaster University and Director of the Centre for Alternatives to Social and Economic Inequalities (CASEI), to unpack the complex rise and normalization of far-right ideologies. From his personal roots in anti-racist activism to his research on racism, terrorism, and structural inequality, Dr. Winter explores how mainstream institutions, media, and political parties have helped legitimize far-right narratives. We discuss the myth of the “white working class” grievance, how race and class are falsely divided, the political misuse of populism, and the dangers of platforming hate under the guise of public discourse. An essential listen for anyone concerned about democracy, justice, and the future of inclusive politics. Dr. Aaron Winter: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sociology/people/aaron-winter  [https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sociology/people/aaron-winter] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Support us and reach out! https://smoothbrainsociety.com [https://smoothbrainsociety.com] https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.instagram.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmoothbrainsociety?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Twitter/X: @SmoothBrainSoc [https://twitter.com/SmoothBrainSoc] Facebook: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.facebook.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] Merch and all other links: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/thesmoothbrainsociety] email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

What does it take to elevate women's sport? Sahir and Lily Joiner of Nuku Ora - an active Wellington dive into the unique landscape of women's sports in New Zealand with special guest Erin Roxburgh, Deputy Chair of Women in Sport NZ. Erin, is a current squad member of the New Zealand Women's Indoor and Beach Handball teams and is currently a lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington and future director at Sport NZ, shares her personal journey and expert insights into the funding and governance structures that shape the sporting world down under. We discover the surprising role of gaming funds and how it compares to more commercial models, using basketball and rugby as case studies. We also explore the relatively recent professionalization of sports in Aotearoa and what the future holds. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply curious about the forces behind the game, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities in the future of women's sport. Erin Roxburgh Profile: https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/erin.r.roxburgh [https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/erin.r.roxburgh] Lily Joiner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-joiner-341860194?trk=contact-info [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-joiner-341860194?trk=contact-info] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Support us and reach out! https://smoothbrainsociety.com [https://smoothbrainsociety.com] https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety [https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety] Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.instagram.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@thesmoothbrainsociety?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Twitter/X: @SmoothBrainSoc [https://twitter.com/SmoothBrainSoc] Facebook: @thesmoothbrainsociety [https://www.facebook.com/thesmoothbrainsociety/] Merch and all other links: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/thesmoothbrainsociety] email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com