The Make Your Brain Work Podcast

Why is it so easy to binge-watch an entire series, yet so hard to start that one important task? Why do some people seem naturally driven, while others constantly battle procrastination? And when your child refuses to tidy their room, is it defiance — or is there real brain science at play? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of motivation, procrastination and persuasion. What’s happening...

Think you’re too busy to be creative? You’re not alone. With back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, and endless responsibilities, creativity often feels like a luxury reserved for “when there’s time”. But what if creativity isn’t about having more time — and instead about using the time you already have more effectively? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of creativity and uncover how y...

Ever feel like your attention span is shrinking by the day? You’re not imagining it. Nearly half of adults report struggling to focus more than they used to — but is this simply the pace of modern life, or are we actively rewiring our brains for distraction? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of focus, from dopamine-driven digital habits to the rise of shorter, snappier learning content....

Ever feel like your attention span is shrinking by the day? You’re not imagining it. Nearly half of adults report struggling to focus more than they used to — but is this simply the pace of modern life, or are we actively rewiring our brains for distraction? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of focus, from dopamine-driven digital habits to the rise of shorter, snappier learning content....

Ever received feedback that made you bristle? The one comment that lingers, outweighing all the positives? Or perhaps you’ve dismissed feedback entirely, convinced that they just don’t get it. In this episode, we explore why feedback feels so personal — and what’s really happening inside your brain when criticism lands. Drawing on neuroscience and behavioural science, we unpack how feedback can ac...

Life feels different—and you’re not imagining it. From the way we work to the way we think, Covid has reshaped the world and quietly reshaped us along with it. As we try to build a new kind of normal, many of us are wondering: Have I changed too much to simply go back? And what am I actually moving towards now? In this episode, we dig into what’s shifted beneath the surface. We look at the science...

Why do some people rebound quickly from setbacks while others remain stuck for years? Is resilience an innate trait, or can it be intentionally trained and strengthened? In this episode, we uncover the real science behind resilience. It’s not just mental grit — it’s how your brain interprets stress, how your habits influence your response to adversity, and how your environment either supports your...

How well do you really know yourself? In this episode, we explore the fascinating neuroscience behind self-awareness — and why so many of us think we have it when we actually don’t. Research shows that while 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, only 10–15% truly are. So, what’s holding us back? Our brains are full of biases, blind spots, and emotional filters that distort how we see ourselves...

Ever had that quiet, persistent feeling that you were meant for more—but can’t quite put your finger on what more really means? You might be thriving in your career, ticking all the boxes, and still catch yourself wondering: Am I actually making a difference? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the idea of contribution—not as a corporate buzzword, but as a deeply human drive. Together, we’ll e...

What if a single conversation could change your brain? In this episode, we explore the neuroscience behind coaching — and why the right question, asked at the right moment, can spark powerful shifts in how you think, feel, and act. Discover how coaching conversations tap into your brain’s natural ability to rewire itself, boost motivation, and calm the fear responses that hold you back. We’ll unco...

The Change Conundrum: Unpacking Why Transformation Is Tough   Why is change so hard? We set goals, commit to new habits, and promise ourselves things will be different—only to slip back into old patterns. Frustrating, predictable, and all too human. But here’s the truth: your struggle to change isn’t a failure—it’s biology. Your brain is designed to resist transformation, clinging to the familiar...

Ever promised yourself you’d eat better, exercise more, or finally get that side project done—only to find your best intentions mysteriously derailed? You’re not alone. The truth is, it’s not a lack of willpower—it’s the way your brain is wired. In this episode, we explore the behavioural science behind effortless change. From decision fatigue and loss aversion to procrastination and self-sabotage...

Ever feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Like you're constantly busy, but never truly getting ahead? In this episode, we explore why modern life feels so overwhelming—and what we can do about it. We dive into the neuroscience of prioritisation, uncover why your brain struggles to focus under stress, and explain how constant busyness might be holding you back rather than helping you thrive....

Stress—it’s everywhere. From packed diaries to restless nights, most of us are feeling the pressure. But are we really managing stress in the right way? In this episode, we explore what neuroscience has to say about stress relief and prevention. From mindfulness and movement to music and breathing, we unpack what actually works to calm your brain—and what might be doing more harm than good. Is exe...

Who are you without your job? If your title vanished tomorrow, would you still recognise yourself? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the neuroscience of identity and the complex relationship between who we are and what we do for a living. From career breaks and retirement to job loss and reinvention, we examine why our professions often become such a core part of our self-worth—and w...

“Cognitive load: the hidden weight behind mental fatigue.” Ever find yourself mentally exhausted, struggling to make even the simplest decisions after a long day? What if the real issue isn’t just tiredness—but cognitive load? That’s the mental strain caused by processing too much information or juggling too many choices—and it could be silently impacting everything from the quality of your decisi...

“Overthinking: harmless habit or hidden thief?” We all do it—but what’s the real cost of overthinking? Is it just a bit of harmless daydreaming, or is it quietly draining your energy, disturbing your sleep, and affecting your wellbeing? In this episode, we’re taking a deeper look at overthinking—not just as a common habit, but as a mental loop that can stop us from making decisions, staying presen...

“Why do some people learn faster than others?” Ever wondered why some people seem to absorb new information effortlessly, while others can barely remember what they had for breakfast? Is it really true that learning gets tougher as we age? And does picking up something new mean you're using up precious ‘brain space’? In this episode, we’re diving into the science and strategy behind how we learn....

“What does it really take to change a belief?” Ever wondered what actually makes people shift their thinking—or how to challenge your own deeply held views? Whether it’s reassessing personal values, unpicking long-held assumptions, or breaking out of unhelpful habits, our beliefs often have more control over us than we realise. In this episode, we’re delving into the science and psychology behind...

“Stress: silent companion or silent alarm?” For many of us, stress has become so familiar we hardly notice it—until it starts disturbing our sleep, impacting our health, or chipping away at our peace of mind. But when does stress stop being a normal part of life and start signalling it’s time to seek support? In this episode, we’re unpacking the real impact of prolonged stress—on your mental and p...

“Empathy: soft skill or secret weapon?” It’s a word that stirs debate—some see it as too gentle for today’s results-driven world, while others swear by it as the key to real influence and transformative leadership. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on empathy—not as a feel-good extra, but as a strategic edge that drives performance, innovation, and connection. We’ll dig into the science,...

Two strangers with a shared thirst for knowledge, curiosity in human beings and passion for science thrown together at medical school. We have remained friends ever since and gone through many life milestones including marriage, children, divorce and everything in between! Our shared passions eventually resulted in us working together on various projects (upskilling managers with coaching skills i...