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Minds Matter

Minds Matter

Written by: Beth Fisher and Ava Ma de Sousa
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About this listen

Learn from cutting edge researchers in neuroscience and psychology with PhD students Beth Fisher and Ava Ma de Sousa. On Minds Matter, we explore a range of subjects, from conspiracy theories to falling in love, to nostalgia. We discuss the neuroscientific and psychological research behind these issues while talking through our own personal experiences.

Beth Fisher and Ava Ma de Sousa 2022 Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S5 E01: Your Mind on Conversation

    S5 E01: Your Mind on Conversation
    Jan 18 2026

    What makes for a great conversation? Dr. Sebastian Spear shares his research using hyperscanning (neuroimaging on multiple brains at once) to study people's brains during real conversations. We discuss differences in conversations between friends and strangers, and why exploration might be the crucial piece making for good conversations. Beth and Ava defend the underrated art of small talk.
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    53 mins
  • S4 Ep16: Your Mind on Dissociation with Dr. Anikó Kusztor

    S4 Ep16: Your Mind on Dissociation with Dr. Anikó Kusztor
    Aug 31 2025

    How can dissociation lead to positive and negative outcomes, and how does it affect an individual? Dr. Anikó Kusztor joins us this week to discuss the results of dissociation, and how they vary from person to person. Ava and Beth recount their personal dissociative experiences and contemplate where they fall on the spectrum of dissociation.
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    46 mins
  • S4 Ep15: Your Mind on Beauty with Dr. Aenne Brielman

    S4 Ep15: Your Mind on Beauty with Dr. Aenne Brielman
    Jul 13 2025

    What is beauty, and just how subjective is it? Dr. Aenne Brielmann joins us this week to discuss how our minds react when we see or find something beautiful. Ava and Beth discuss the age old question in terms of how emotion affects perception, and further dive into the philosophy of beauty.
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    47 mins
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