The Brain Plate

In this episode, we uncover the hidden dangers in our environment, and their profound impact on children’s brain development. While the effects of toxins may seem subtle in individual cases, the damage at the population level is anything but. We explore the scientific challenges of studying these exposures, from identifying critical windows of vulnerability to linking pollutants with intellectual...

Can your personality determine what ends up being part of your diet? In this episode of The Brain Plate, we dive into a systematic review published in Advances in Nutrition that analyzed 24 studies across different cultures to explore how personality traits like neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness influence dietary habits. From the Mediterranean preferences of extroverts to the sweet toot...

Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of creatine supplementation and its surprising effects on brain function, mental health, and cognitive performance. While generally people know creatine can help you lift heavier weights, the latest science reveals it might also help you think clearer, recover from brain injuries faster, and even support mental health. We break down a comprehensiv...

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Your natural sleep-wake preferences could reveal surprising insights about your personality and likelihood to engage in risky behaviors. We explore research connecting chronotype to the Big Five personality traits. Morning people are more conscientious and emotionally stable, while night owls show higher impulsivity and sensation-seeking. Most intriguingly,...

Can polyphenols—found in berries, teas, and dark chocolate—actually enhance brain function? A new clinical trial from Nutrients (Feb 2025) by Carrillo et al. investigates whether a polyphenol-rich supplement improves cognition and boosts key brain biomarkers (BDNF and CREB) in healthy adults. In this episode, we break down the study’s design (92 participants, crossover trial), the cognitive tests...

Prepare for a fascinating blend of courtroom drama and scientific inquiry as we explore the infamous "Twinkie defense" from the 1979 trial of Dan White. What seemed like an unusual legal strategy referencing sugary snacks raises profound questions about the connection between diet, mental health, and behavior. In this episode, we talk about the controversial case that argued poor nutrition, includ...

In this episode, we explore three distinct approaches to our relationship with food: emotional eating, restrained eating, and intuitive eating. Emotional Eating : This involves eating in response to negative emotions like stress or sadness, often turning to comfort foods for temporary relief. While it may offer short-term solace, emotional eating can lead to overeating, weight gain, and a disrupti...

Have you ever had a "gut feeling" about something? Or felt butterflies in your stomach when nervous? It turns out, these sensations are more than just figures of speech—they’re signs of the powerful connection between your brain and gut. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the brain-gut connection and how your digestive system—often called the “second brain”—impacts your...

🎙️  Welcome to  The Brain Plate !  🍽️ 🧠 In this debut episode, we introduce a podcast blending the science of nutrition and psychology to help you live a more balanced life. Whether it’s improving focus, easing anxiety, or embracing holistic wellness,  The Brain Plate  delivers research-backed insights and practical tips in real-life terms. Meet Your Co-Hosts Get to know our hosts as they share t...

The holidays are painted as a season of joy and togetherness, but for many, they bring stress, financial strain, and emotional pressure. In this episode, we’ll explore the unseen pressures of holiday traditions, consumerism, and societal expectations—and how they impact our well-being. Tune in for reflective questions, practical tips, and empowering ideas to help you reclaim your joy and design a...

Black Friday is almost here, and we’re sharing tips to help you navigate the frenzy with confidence and calm. Learn how to create a shopping plan, stick to your budget, and avoid impulse buys—whether you’re shopping in-store or online. Plus, we’ll share simple strategies for managing stress and remind you that no deal is worth sacrificing your peace of mind. Let’s make this Black Friday smarter, n...

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of self-compassion—the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. Unlike self-esteem, which often depends on external validation and comparisons, self-compassion is about accepting yourself fully, flaws and all. We explore why so many people struggle with self-compassion, often mistak...

In this episode, we tackle the topic of self-image and the challenge of social comparison in our hyper-connected world. With social media, work, and even social gatherings offering endless points of comparison, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt and eroded self-esteem. But what exactly is self-image, and how is it formed? We’ll explore the factors shaping our self-perception, the differe...

In today’s episode, we dive into the benefits of incorporating a little movement into our lives every day. In a world where “busy” is the norm, setting aside time for exercise might feel like just another box to check off. But what if these small daily exercises actually held the key to big improvements in how we feel and function? We’ll explore five powerful reasons to make light activity a daily...

In this episode, we dive into the growing appeal of minimalism and why so many people are embracing this lifestyle. From a shift in priorities to economic necessity, the minimalist movement offers a pathway to a simpler, more meaningful life. We'll explore the mental health benefits, the desire for freedom, and how minimalism encourages us to focus on experiences over material possessions. Plus, w...

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold, the crisp air invites us to savor the beauty of fall. In this cozy episode, Leah and Marit share their favorite autumn traditions, from scenic drives through breathtaking foliage to cozy nights in with hearty meals and flickering candles. Leah discusses her love for nature walks, home decor that embodies the season, and her go-to roasted...

As life gets busier with the demands of college, new jobs, and adult responsibilities, managing your time becomes more crucial than ever. In this episode, we explore six powerful time management strategies to help you stay organized and reduce stress. From prioritizing tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix to using techniques like time blocking, batching, and the Pomodoro Technique, you'll learn how to...

In this episode, we dive deep into the idea that life is a series of interconnected events, decisions, and moments that shape who we are today. From chance encounters to unexpected setbacks, every experience serves a purpose—whether or not we can see it in the moment. We explore how embracing both the highs and lows of life is essential to our personal growth, and how resilience is often born from...

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of early adulthood, where the excitement of self-discovery is often matched by the pressure to succeed. We explore the concept of personal limitations—those unique boundaries we all have—and how recognizing them can lead to growth and fulfillment. From learning to say "no" to balancing work, relationships, and personal expectations, we discu...

In this week’s episode, we welcome Giorgia, who shares her inspiring journey through unexpected challenges and transitions. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Giorgia's story is a powerful reminder that even the most disappointing situations can be a springboard for growth. From living in her brother's one-bedroom apartment with his girlfriend to finding herself in a position to offer...

In this episode, we dive into the beauty of fall and the transformative power of change. As the crisp air and colorful leaves mark the shift in seasons, we’re also navigating major life transitions. Marit shares her experience adjusting to adulthood in a new province in the Netherlands, while Leah reflects on her 1,200-mile move from Missouri to Connecticut. From cultural shifts to the challenges...

n this episode, we dive into Marit’s journey as she navigates the challenges of working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Marit opens up about the struggles she faced in her job, where she initially found it difficult to connect and understand the unique needs of those she worked with. Through specific examples, Marit shares the practical steps she took to change her interactions, leading t...

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of selfishness and explore the many shades it can take. Not all selfish actions are meant to harm others—in fact, sometimes they’re essential for personal well-being and growth. We'll unpack how prioritizing yourself can benefit others in the long run, and why choosing yourself doesn't always make you selfish. We’ll also examine the differenc...

Marit went to the Paris 2024 Olympics and tells you all about it. From the fluffy croissants to a day in Disneyland. Tune in for this week's episode to hear it all. Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite streaming platform, and leave us a rating and review. We appreciate you! You can also watch episode clips of our weekly episodes on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter/X....

welcome back to another catching up with the co-hosts episode! As you might be able to tell.... there is a LOT going on. But don't you worry, we will be back with some better content soon! Please subscribe to our podcast on your favorite streaming platform, and leave us a rating and review. We appreciate you! You can also watch episode clips of our weekly episodes on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube...