Think Twice Podcast

Research is discovering that not only WHAT you eat but also WHEN you eat can have a significant impact on your mental health. In this episode, we discuss how modern society may be negatively impacting your circadian system and eating behaviors. We’re going to touch on the neuroscience of eating rhythms, how they impact mood and some of the clinical relevance of this knowledge. We’ll end off with a...

Description: What is a healthy gut microbiome? Can probiotics cure depression? Why should I eat like a Mediterranean? In this episode, you'll learn how the two-way communication between our gut and brain could be the secret to how our diets impact our mental health. For this discussion, we are joined by Dr. Caroline Wallace, a Postdoctoral Fellow and Part-Time Professor in the School of Nutrition...

Are you really what you eat? Are there mood-boosting diets? If so, why do healthcare practitioners rarely talk about it? We know that a healthy diet plays a significant role in physical health, but a growing body of research is shedding light on how diet and nutritional intake may help regulate mood and mental well-being. This exciting field, known as nutritional psychiatry, could potentially be a...

Have you been thinking about applying to graduate school? Did you already get accepted and you’re wondering what to expect of MSc or PhD life? Or are you already a grad student and you want to know how your experience measures up to others? This episode is for all of the above! Eve, Elena, Cassandra and Honey joined in for this relaxed and informal conversation. Consider it your grad school surviv...

What happens when we die? Do we see our loved ones and a warm, bright light guiding us? Or we feel pain, discomfort or distress? In this episode, we explore the current science on near-death experiences to better understand the phenomenon of dying and death. We take a deep dive into the neuroscience of why and how near-death experiences occur. Authors: Dure Khan, Eve Racette Email: thinktwicepodca...

What if I told you that music can heal your brain? That those road trips with your friends blaring music were actually good for your mental health? In this episode, we discuss music and music therapy. We go over controversies in the field, conflicting science and take a dive into the history and future of music therapy in Canada and around the world. Authors: Honey Bryant, Eve Racette Ask us about...

What if I told you that most of the information on TikTok is, not only false, but also potentially harmful to your well-being? In this episode, we explore how social media impacts the brain and the sea of mental health misinformation on platforms such as TikTok. We also discuss the future of social media as a platform for legitimate science communication. Is it even possible? Listen to find out. A...

Imagine feeling like you've been hit by a train or stabbed repeatedly in the back. OUCH, right? Now what if this feeling was chronic but no one believed you? Similarly, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition which has long been considered a controversial diagnosis. In this episode, we'll discuss what it is, why it's often dismissed or misdiagnosed and how cutting-edge research is contributing to...

Can there be biomarkers for criminal activity? Is AI going send you to jail? In this episode, we continue our discussion about the fascinating field of neurolaw, including the controversial use of neuroscience in the courtroom. We are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Full Professor of Law, holder of the Bertram Loeb Research Chair, and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at the University o...

Is there a brain test for psychopathy? Can neuroimaging methods be used as lie detectors? Is free will a myth? In this episode, we discuss the fascinating field of neurolaw, including the controversial use of neuroscience in the courtroom. We are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Full Professor of Law, holder of the Bertram Loeb Research Chair, and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at the...

In this episode, we're discussing a recent controversy in the field of Alzheimer's research that made the headlines in summer 2022. We discuss the history of Alzheimer's research, neurodegeneration, data manipulation (gasp!), shakespearian plays and the importance of integrity in science. By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to grasp the nuances of the recent data fabrication scandal...

In this special episode, we’re sharing with you the full interview with Dr. Ron Shore on the topic of psychedelics and their applications to psychotherapy. Ron Shore is a Research Scientist with Queen’s Health Sciences and Post-doctoral Fellow in Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University. Ron taught drug studies and psychedelics at both Queen’s University and University of Ottawa over a 15-year...

In this episode, we discuss the growing hype behind psychedelic substances and their application to the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, addiction and PTSD. We also discuss the research limitations, safety risks and ethical concerns that are affiliated with psychedelic-assisted therapy, including sexual misconduct. We sat down with Dr. Ron Shore to discuss this subject. Ron is a R...