Super Brain

Modern life can estrange us from what truly matters. We chase goals that look like success but feel hollow – and before we know it, we’re overwhelmed, reactive and disconnected from our own internal compass. In this episode of Super Brain , Sabina Brennan explores meaning and purpose through a neuroscience lens and offers a powerful practical tool: make an appointment with yourself . You’ll learn...

Episode Summary: Why do some people seem to attract good fortune? In this episode, I explore the neuroscience of serendipity – those chance discoveries and happy accidents that change everything. From Alexander Fleming’s mouldy petri dish to the role of the brain’s default mode network in connecting unrelated ideas, this episode uncovers the science behind what we call “luck.” You’ll learn how cur...

In this episode, Dr Sabina Brennan explores how generative AI changes learning. She looks at why effortful thinking is the engine of mastery, how AI can create an illusion of competence and practical ways to use AI as a tutor rather than a crutch. Key takeaway: Learning sticks when it’s hard – AI works best when it helps you reach insights, not when it replaces the work. Source: Brian W. Stone (20...

If New Year’s resolutions leave you inspired one day and flattened the next, it’s not a willpower problem – it’s a nervous system problem. In this episode, Sabina shares three tiny, science-backed “micromoment” resets that help your brain feel safe enough to begin, plus a menu of quick interventions for common January traps like overthinking, doomscrolling, self-doubt, catastrophising, comparison,...

Episode summary What happens when you close your eyes and try to “see” something in your mind? For some people it’s a full-colour mental movie. For others it’s hazy, fleeting or completely blank. In this episode, Dr Sabina Brennan explores the neuroscience of mental imagery, including eigengrau (that grainy ‘intrinsic grey’ most people notice in darkness), the spectrum from aphantasia to hyperphan...

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “Any minute now they’re going to realise I’ve no idea what I’m doing”? In this episode of Super Brain , psychologist and neuroscientist Sabina Brennan unpacks what’s often called imposter syndrome – and why the original researchers actually called it the impostor phenomenon instead. Drawing on brain science and real-world examples, Sabina explores what...

Episode summary: “Brain rot” was named the Oxford Word of the Year 2024 – a tongue-in-cheek term for that fried feeling after too much scrolling or streaming. But what’s really going on in the brain when constant digital stimulation leaves us feeling empty and unfocused? In this episode, Dr Sabina Brennan unpacks the neuroscience of brain rot – how dopamine loops, cognitive overload and attention...

pisodic-like memory • How dog ageing helps us understand human dementia • Why your dog is a genuine co-regulator of your nervous system Tools in Three Micro-moments matter — a glance, a rub, a kind word Stress buffer — swap doom-scrolling for a dog cuddle Shared routines — walk, play, repeat Takeaway: Every pat, cuddle, and walk is brain medicine — for both of you. Support this show http://support...

Summary (short version): Why does winter feel heavier for some of us? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of Seasonal Affective Disorder — from circadian rhythms and serotonin pathways to evolutionary quirks and the strange possibility that humans may still carry traces of ancient hibernation biology. Learn why your brain struggles with short days, how morning light acts as a natural anti...

Why are we so much harsher on ourselves than we are on others? In this episode of Super Brain , I explore the neuroscience of self-compassion — what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s the antidote to self-criticism. Drawing on the work of Dr Kristin Neff and Buddhist philosophy, we’ll look at self-compassion as a three-part skill: self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connection. I’ll share resea...

Psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called “magic mushrooms” — has exploded into headlines and social media feeds. Some call it a miracle cure for depression, others dismiss it as hype. In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at what the science really says. I’ll start with Sarah’s story — a young scientist whose life was turned upside down by a cycling accident and who found hope again...

Why do we put off the very things that matter most? In this episode of Super Brain , I explore procrastination — the irrational gap between what we want to do and what we actually do. From ancient Greek philosophy to modern neuroscience, we’ll unpack why our brains resist long-term goals in favour of short-term mood fixes. I’ll share two leading theories that explain procrastination, what’s happen...

If you’ve ever wondered why you do the things you do, you’re going to love Season Six of Super Brain . In each episode, psychologist and neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan takes you inside your brain to explore what’s really going on when you laugh, cry, procrastinate, or connect. You’ll discover how understanding your brain helps you understand yourself — and unlock your true potential. This season...

Dr Sabina Brennan has a fascinating conversation with Prof John Cryan stress neurobiologist and co-author of the Psychobiotic Revolution about the gut and the brain and how bacteria and the food we eat contribute to and are influenced by stress, anxiety, depression and more. The Psychobiotic Revolution You can follow Prof Cryan on Twitter @JFCryan You can read more about his research and access hi...

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to journalist Marianne Power about the year she spent following the advice of one self-help book per month. -The book is like reading a Bridget Jones script only better, you'll laugh and cry and thanks to Marianne's no hold's barred honesty you will recognise yourself on every page. I loved chatting to Marianne and I know you will love listening to our chat. Support this sh...

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to 20 year old Dr Mya-Rose Craig about her memoir Birdgirl. Already a woman if substance this young woman who has achieved so much in such a short period of time describes herself as a British-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist, diversity activist, writer, speaker and broadcaster. Mya-Rose's memoir Birdgirl is available in print, e-book and audiobook online and in stores....

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look into secret research. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan explores the psychology and neuroscience of control, impulsivity, self-control, taking control and relinquishing control. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to NHS doctor, Sunday Times best-selling author and host of the The Doctor's Kitchen podcast about how he overcame a life-changing diagnosis and avoided heart surgery by adjusting his lifestyle and changing his diet. In this frank interview Rupi admits that it can be tough to maintain a healthy lifestyle in times of stress and shares the daily habits that help him to get ba...

The Super Brain podcast returns with this audio documentary produced and presented by Super Brain host Dr Sabina Brennan Dr Edward O'Sullivan, Director of the Migraine Clinic at Cork University Hospital takes us inside the migraine brain offering a medical and scientific perspective and Dr Sabina Brennan shares her own experience of living with chronic migraine.   Migraine is the 7th most deb...

Super Brain is back. Season 5 kicks off March 21st 2022 with the audio documentary produced and presented by Dr Sabina Brennan. Super Brain Episodes will drop every third Monday in the Month Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the final episode of Season 4 Dr Sabina Brennan talks about the benefits of talking to strangers Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan and multi-award-winning script writer and actor Mark O'Halloran discuss strength and weakness through the lens of his amazing films, Viva and Adam and Paul. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look at synaesthesia a fascinating neurological phenomenon where certain sensory inputs such as words, letters, numbers or music automatically trigger the additional senses like colour, sound, taste and smell. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to performing artist, activist and sex worker Kate McGrew about her passion for performing, sex work, and the need to make sex work safe. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.