How does the brain change through pregnancy and post-partum? What factors determine if the common “Baby Blues” phenomenon progresses to debilitating post-partum depression? Can we predict if someone will develop post-partum depression? In this deeply philosophical and pivotal episode, the season 2 premiere of the Know Brainer Podcast, Dr. Natalia Chechko shares with us her research on maternal brain changes through life. Using multiple methodologies, combining neuroimaging, measuring biomarkers, behavioral analysis, and applying Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning approaches to understand these complex datasets, Dr. Chechko demystifies the maternal brain and discusses the evolutionary drivers for the changes in maternal brains. Over two episodes, Dr. Chechko also discusses ways to support women through pregnancy to minimize the likelihood of post-partum depression.

--------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Natalia Chechko is a Tenured W2- Professor of Experimental Neuropsychiatry at the RWTH University Hospital Aachen. Her expertise is in Neuropsychobiology, specifically, in the changes that happen in maternal brains through menstruation, pregnancy, and post-partum. She has published extensively on this historically understudied topic, and her research has expanded our understanding of the risk factors leading upto post-partum depression and the structural and functional brain alterations during these processes. She additionally has expertise in olfactory and chemosensory mechanisms of social communication.

Dr. Chechko received a degree in journalism from Lomonosov University in Moscow, Russia, followed by a graduate degree in Human Medicine from Johannes Guttenberg University Mainz, in Germany. She has since served as a professor, research team leader, and senior physician. She has also supervised several students in their careers.

You can find her publications here: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9226-6196

--------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist, author, and artist born and raised in India. She earned an engineering degree, a Master’s in neuroscience, and a Doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. After her post-doctoral fellowship, she deepened her neuroscientific expertise as a contractor at the National Institutes of Health. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine working in translational neuroscience to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias.

She illustrated and wrote the first of its kind children’s neuroscience book, Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages to convey complex scientific concepts through art and whimsy in terms of sensory “superpowers”. She has been interviewed on written, audio/podcasts, and video platforms where she makes neuroscience accessible to lay audiences. Tune into her podcast “Know Brainer” and other projects through which she disseminates science via https://babysensesbook.com/.

How does the brain change through pregnancy and post-partum? What factors determine if the common “Baby Blues” phenomenon progresses to debilitating post-partum depression? Can we predict if someone will develop post-partum depression? In this deeply philosophical and pivotal episode, the season 2 premiere of the Know Brainer Podcast, Dr. Natalia Chechko shares with us her research on maternal brain changes through life. Using multiple methodologies, combining neuroimaging, measuring biomarkers, behavioral analysis, and applying Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning approaches to understand these complex datasets, Dr. Chechko demystifies the maternal brain and discusses the evolutionary drivers for the changes in maternal brains. Over two episodes, Dr. Chechko also discusses ways to support women through pregnancy to minimize the likelihood of post-partum depression.

--------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Natalia Chechko is a Tenured W2- Professor of Experimental Neuropsychiatry at the RWTH University Hospital Aachen. Her expertise is in Neuropsychobiology, specifically, in the changes that happen in maternal brains through menstruation, pregnancy, and post-partum. She has published extensively on this historically understudied topic, and her research has expanded our understanding of the risk factors leading upto post-partum depression and the structural and functional brain alterations during these processes. She additionally has expertise in olfactory and chemosensory mechanisms of social communication.

Dr. Chechko received a degree in journalism from Lomonosov University in Moscow, Russia, followed by a graduate degree in Human Medicine from Johannes Guttenberg University Mainz, in Germany. She has since served as a professor, research team leader, and senior physician. She has also supervised several students in their careers.

You can find her publications here: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9226-6196

--------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist, author, and artist born and raised in India. She earned an engineering degree, a Master’s in neuroscience, and a Doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. After her post-doctoral fellowship, she deepened her neuroscientific expertise as a contractor at the National Institutes of Health. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine working in translational neuroscience to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias.

She illustrated and wrote the first of its kind children’s neuroscience book, Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages to convey complex scientific concepts through art and whimsy in terms of sensory “superpowers”. She has been interviewed on written, audio/podcasts, and video platforms where she makes neuroscience accessible to lay audiences. Tune into her podcast “Know Brainer” and other projects through which she disseminates science via https://babysensesbook.com/.

Addiction is a complex process that changes a person’s physiology and psychology. What are some of the biological and environmental factors that affect addiction and recovery? In this conversation with Shane Mayson, we delve deep into the complex underpinnings of addiction and the long road to recovery. Shane shares his deeply personal journey from addict to recovery coach along with several tipsto break persistent cognitive loops. Tune in to this educational and deeply human episode. Over two episodes, Shane will deepen your understanding of the lived experience of addiction.

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Shane Mayson is a seasoned professional with over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry. As a former restaurateur, Shane built and operated successful dining establishments known for their exceptional service and welcoming environments. Now, he has transitioned his passion for service into a new calling as a Coach, specializing in sobriety and recovery.

With 21 years of personal sobriety, Shane brings not only lived experience but also deep empathy and insight into the challenges of addiction and the transformative journey of recovery. His coaching approach is grounded, compassionate, and purpose-driven, helping individuals build sustainable, fulfilling lives free from substance use. Shane is committed to guiding others with honesty, accountability, and hope—core values that have shaped both his personal and professional evolution.

Contact him via: shane@steadfast-support.com

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Dr. Jaya Viswanathan is a neuroscientist, author, and artist born and raised in India. She earned an engineering degree, a Master’s in neuroscience, and a Doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. Since her post-doctoral fellowship, she continues to deepen her neuroscientific expertise as a contractor at the National Institutes of Health. She was inspired to illustrate and write Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages to convey complex scientific concepts through art and whimsy in terms of sensory “superpowers”. She has been interviewed on written, audio/podcasts, and video platforms where she makes neuroscience accessible to lay audiences. Tune intoher podcast “Know Brainer” and other projects through which she disseminates science via ⁠https://babysensesbook.com/⁠.