• Music and The Brain
    Feb 25 2026

    Explore the fascinating world of musicophilia, involuntary musical imagery, and how the brain processes music, memories, and hallucinations. Discover insights from neuroscience, real-life stories, and the impact of technology on auditory perception.

    Resources

    Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks - https://www.amazon.com/Musicophilia-Tales-Music-Science-Emotion/dp/1400076315

    Mary Steenburgen's Official Website - https://www.marysteenburgen.com

    Wild Rose (2019 film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7478154/

    Neuroscience of Music - Journal Article - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573760/

    Music Therapy Resources - https://www.musictherapy.org

    Chapters

    00:00 The Earworm Phenomenon

    02:07 Exploring Musicophilia

    06:05 Mary Steenburgen's Musical Hallucination

    12:07 The Power of Music in Our Lives

    18:07 Musical Hallucinations Explained

    32:04 The Reminiscence Bump and Musical Preferences

    34:04 Emotional Connections to Music and Memory

    36:04 Deafferentation and Musical Hallucinations

    38:02 The Impact of Noise-Canceling Technology

    40:05 The Role of Music in Therapy

    53:09 Exploring Tone Deafness and Music Processing

    01:00:12 Outro







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    1 hr
  • Instructional Design
    Feb 18 2026

    In this conversation, Sean and Jon explore the intricacies of motor learning and skill acquisition, contrasting traditional methods with the constraints-led approach. They discuss how psychological factors influence performance, the importance of adaptability in real-world situations, and the role of feedback in learning. The dialogue emphasizes the need for coaches to create environments that foster self-organization and problem-solving in athletes, ultimately leading to more effective skill development.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Origins of Basketball

    02:43 Introduction to Motor Learning

    03:57 The Importance of Skill Acquisition

    05:31 The Role of Coaching in Skill Development

    08:14 Understanding Practice Structures

    14:38 Feedback Mechanisms in Learning

    19:39 The Psychological Aspects of Performance

    24:10 The Evolution of Skill Acquisition

    30:17 Understanding Motor Memory and Movement

    36:06 The Constraints-Led Approach to Learning

    41:53 Exploring Implicit Learning in Jiu-Jitsu

    46:07 The Importance of Individualized Techniques

    47:23 Functional Outcomes in Dribbling Mechanics

    49:38 The Role of Constraints in Skill Development

    50:05 Transitioning from Traditional to Game-Based Learning

    53:20 The Power of Game Situations in Learning

    56:22 Understanding the Constraints-Led Approach

    01:01:12 Feedback and Questioning in Skill Acquisition

    01:06:23 Mastery and the 10,000-Hour Rule

    01:09:12 Outro

    Takeaways

    A lot of us struggle under pressure despite training well.

    Motor learning involves understanding how skills are acquired and adapted.

    The traditional approach focuses on drills and explicit feedback.

    A constraints-led approach emphasizes self-organization and adaptability.

    Feedback in traditional methods is prescriptive, while in CLA, it's exploratory.

    Real-world practice often differs from training environments.

    Psychological factors play a significant role in performance.

    Motor memory is crucial for executing skills under pressure.

    Different individuals may require different learning approaches.

    The effectiveness of a method can depend on the context and the individual.






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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • AI in the Medical Field
    Feb 11 2026

    In this conversation, Sean and Jon delve into the multifaceted role of AI across various fields, particularly focusing on its implications in the medical and legal sectors. They discuss the ethical considerations surrounding AI's integration into education, the potential benefits and risks of AI in healthcare, and the challenges of accountability when AI systems make errors. The conversation also touches on the relationship between humans and AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oversight and critical thinking in the face of AI's growing influence. Ultimately, they explore both the positive potential of AI and the need for careful consideration of its ethical implications.

    Chapters

    00:00 AI in Decision Making: Who's Responsible?

    01:23 The Role of AI in Medical and Legal Fields

    04:54 AI's Impact on Education and Critical Thinking

    05:56 AI in Medical Diagnostics: A Case Study

    12:28 Understanding AI: Pattern Recognition and Beyond

    15:47 The Confidence of AI: A Double-Edged Sword

    19:21 The Importance of Human Oversight in AI

    21:18 Ethical Dilemmas in AI Usage

    23:02 Bias in AI: The Mirror Problem

    27:06 The Future of Medical Professionals in an AI World

    30:54 Navigating Technology: Skills vs. Reliance

    34:10 AI in the Legal Field: Opportunities and Risks

    39:12 The Nuances of AI in Medical vs. Legal Applications

    44:40 Ethical Considerations: AI's Role in Attorney-Client Privilege

    48:09 Guardrails for AI: Ensuring Safety and Accountability

    50:15 The Positive Potential of AI in Healthcare

    01:00:17 Outro

    Takeaways

    AI can assist in content creation but requires human oversight.

    Ethical questions around AI in education are crucial to address.

    AI has the potential to improve efficiency in the medical field.

    Human error in medicine can be mitigated by AI, but oversight is necessary.

    AI's pattern recognition capabilities can lead to significant medical advancements.

    Overconfidence in AI can lead to dangerous outcomes in healthcare.

    Accountability for AI-driven decisions in medicine is a complex issue.

    AI's use in legal systems raises ethical concerns about accuracy and bias.

    The impact of AI in medicine and law presents unique challenges and opportunities.

    AI can be a powerful tool if used responsibly and with caution.







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    1 hr
  • Sports Betting on the Brain
    Feb 4 2026

    This conversation delves into the psychology and evolution of sports betting, exploring the thrill and addiction associated with it. The hosts discuss the legal landscape of sports gambling, the emotional connections fans have with their teams, and the impact of technology on betting behaviors. They also highlight the importance of understanding the dopamine effects of gambling and provide strategies for responsible betting.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Thrill of Anticipation in Sports Betting

    01:25 The Evolution of Sports Betting Culture

    09:13 The Legal Landscape of Sports Betting

    19:30 Understanding Gambling Addiction and the Brain

    25:42 The Dopamine Effect in Gambling

    28:07 Fandom and Emotional Investment in Betting

    30:14 The Story of Chief Sahalik: A Super Fan's Downfall

    35:35 The Mechanics of Sports Betting vs. Slot Machines

    39:03 The Illusion of Control in Gambling

    45:12 The Risks of Online Sports Betting

    49:52 Desensitization and Its Impact on Gambling Addicts

    54:15 Guardrails for Responsible Betting

    01:00:39 Outro

    Takeaways

    Betting can create an emotional investment that feels rewarding.

    The evolution of sports betting has shifted from illegal bookies to mobile apps.

    The Supreme Court's 2018 decision changed the landscape of sports gambling in the U.S.

    Gambling addiction is classified as a gambling disorder in psychology.

    The illusion of control in sports betting can lead to increased risk-taking.

    Emotional ties to sports teams can complicate betting decisions.

    Dopamine plays a significant role in the thrill of betting.

    Desensitization of the reward system can lead to increased betting amounts.

    Setting guardrails for betting can help prevent addiction.

    Understanding the odds and risks is crucial for responsible gambling.







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    1 hr and 1 min
  • My Selfish Brain
    Jan 28 2026

    In this conversation, Sean and Jon delve into the complexities of selfishness, exploring its roots in human survival instincts and its implications in modern society. They discuss how selfishness is often mischaracterized, the balance between self-care and community, and the impact of parenting on selfish behaviors. The dialogue also touches on cultural influences, the role of self-help literature, and the importance of empathy and compassion in a self-centered world. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for awareness and intentionality in navigating selfishness and fostering community connections.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Nature of Selfishness

    02:03 Selfishness vs. Self-Care

    04:44 Parenting and Selfishness

    08:04 The Impact of Selfishness on Relationships

    10:59 Cultural Perspectives on Individualism

    13:49 Self-Help and the Rise of Selfishness

    17:04 Empathy and Community in a Self-Centered World

    19:53 Balancing Self-Care and Community Responsibility

    34:06 Understanding Self-Worth and Affirmations

    37:12 The Impact of Words on Our Perception

    38:15 The Biological Drive for Group Identity

    39:01 Selfishness vs. Group Loyalty

    42:37 The Emotional Connection to Team Success

    50:30 Finding Balance Between Self-Care and Compassion

    55:10 The Importance of Community and Connection

    01:00:58 Outro

    Takeaways

    Selfishness is often taught as a negative trait, yet it has survival roots.

    The brain is wired to prioritize self-preservation, which can manifest as selfishness.

    Parenting introduces a shift in priorities, often leading to selflessness for one's children.

    Cultural influences shape our understanding and acceptance of selfishness.

    Self-care is often conflated with selfishness in modern discourse.

    Self-help culture promotes individualism, sometimes at the expense of community.

    Empathy and compassion can diminish in a self-centered society.

    Training the brain through intentional responses can reshape our reactions to selfishness.

    Finding a balance between self-interest and community involvement is crucial.

    Individualism in Western culture often undermines the importance of community support.





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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Trust and Empathy
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode, Sean and Jon delve into the complex nature of trust, particularly focusing on how it is formed, maintained, and broken. They explore the neurological underpinnings of trust, emphasizing that our brains are pattern-matching machines that rely on past experiences to predict future behaviors. This leads to a discussion on how first impressions and subconscious cues can influence our trust in others, even before we consciously assess a situation. The conversation also touches on the emotional pain associated with broken trust, likening it to physical pain, and how this can affect not only personal relationships but also broader social dynamics, such as trust in communities and institutions.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Pain of Betrayal

    02:11 Understanding Trust from a Biological Perspective

    12:49 First Impressions and Trust

    18:25 The Role of Empathy in Trust

    25:52 Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal

    30:19 Understanding Group vs. Individual Betrayal

    31:35 The Challenge of Rebuilding Trust in Communities

    32:50 The Role of Social Media in Trust Dynamics

    40:19 Empathy: A Moral Responsibility

    44:46 Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy

    49:27 The Path to Rebuilding Trust

    01:02:23 Outro

    Takeaways

    Trust is a feeling that is hard to articulate but is deeply felt.

    Our brains are pattern-matching machines that help us predict behavior.

    Broken trust can lead to questioning the trustworthiness of others, even those who have never betrayed us.

    Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding and rebuilding trust after it has been broken.

    Rebuilding trust requires consistent, predictable interactions over time.




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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Our Aging Brain
    Jan 7 2026

    Jon and Sean Discuss the intricate relationship between memory, aging, and identity. We explore how neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt despite aging, the emotional ties to memory, and the common cognitive changes that occur as we grow older. We also discuss the importance of attention in memory encoding and retrieval, the warning signs of cognitive decline, and practical strategies for maintaining cognitive health through lifestyle choices. Jon emphasizes that aging does not necessarily lead to memory loss, and proactive measures can help preserve brain function.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey of Aging and Memory

    03:17 Understanding Cognitive Decline

    06:02 The Emotional Impact of Memory Loss

    09:07 Self-Reflection and Podcast Dynamics

    12:03 Memory and Identity

    15:03 Changes in Brain Function with Age

    18:05 The Role of Attention in Memory

    21:17 Episodic Memory and Aging

    24:11 The Frustration of Forgetfulness

    26:56 Combative Behavior and Aging

    30:08 Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Health

    33:10 The Importance of Mental Engagement

    36:05 Physical Health and Brain Aging

    39:11 The Role of Anxiety in Aging

    42:07 Recognizing Warning Signs of Cognitive Decline

    45:05 Strategies for Healthy Aging

    48:04 The Importance of Social Connections

    50:59 Learning and Cognitive Resilience

    54:09 Final Thoughts on Aging and Memory

    01:02:28 Outro

    Takeaways

    Memory is closely tied to our identity and sense of competence.

    Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt, even as it ages.

    Cognitive decline can be influenced by emotional factors and stress.

    Tip of the tongue moments are common and not always a sign of serious decline.

    Attention plays a crucial role in memory encoding and retrieval.

    Aging does not equate to inevitable memory loss; lifestyle choices matter.

    Social connections and emotional well-being are vital for brain health.

    Learning new skills, like a language or instrument, can help maintain cognitive function.

    Physical health, including heart health, directly impacts brain health.

    Self-awareness and recognizing changes in memory can lead to proactive health measures.





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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Holiday Redo
    Dec 31 2025

    We thought we would run back one of our favorite episodes from Season 1. This was originally released as Season 1, Episode 6 and titled "I am the Star of My Own Movie". It was one of my favorite episodes to record, and I am still proud of it today. I hope you enjoy again or for the first time.

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    1 hr and 22 mins