Episodes

  • Veganuary & Dry January: The Science and Benefits

    Veganuary & Dry January: The Science and Benefits
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode of the Shannanigans with Shreya podcast, we discuss the popular trends of Veganuary and Dry January (tis the season!), exploring their scientific basis and societal implications. The conversation emphasizes personal choice in lifestyle changes and the significance of awareness in making informed decisions about health and sustainability.Resources: Neuroscience fact of the dayhttps://neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-neurodevelopment-screen-time-30079/Dry Januaryhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dry-january-1-month-no-alcohol-difference-health-study#Just-1-month-of-no-alcohol-offers-many-benefitshttps://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/dry-january-alcohol-biological-ageinghttps://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2026/01/dry-january-as-an-experiment-not-a-punishment/https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2026/0102/1342359-how-to-make-dry-january-a-success/https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/wellness/dry-january-benefits-drawbackshttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/02/well/eat/dry-january-health-benefits.htmlhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684010/https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/01/dry-january-moderate-drinking-research/https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/should-you-do-dry-january-experts-weigh-in.h00-159703068.htmlVeganuary:https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24532630-500-going-vegan-for-january-find-out-how-much-difference-it-really-makes/https://veganuary.com/statistics-show-the-positive-impact-of-trying-vegan-this-january/https://yougov.co.uk/consumer/articles/53780-how-many-people-intend-to-go-vegan-for-january-2026https://daily27.info/2026/01/05/starting-the-year-plant-based-the-positive-effects-of-veganuary/https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/what-is-veganuary-rcna126971https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/a63390558/veganuary-study/https://www.iswari.com/en/blog/p/veganuary-1-vegan-month-that-will-change-your-lifehttps://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Veganuary.aspxhttps://primarycare24.org.uk/news/2024/12/29/dry-january-veganuary-2025/
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    7 mins
  • The Neuroscience of the New Year: Psychology & Lessons Learned - 2026 Edition

    The Neuroscience of the New Year: Psychology & Lessons Learned - 2026 Edition
    Dec 31 2025

    In today's new year episode of Shenanigans with Shreya (last one of the year lets go!), we reflect on the significance of the New Year as a fresh start, exploring the psychology behind resolutions and the concept of neuroplasticity. I also share personal lessons learned throughout 2025, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with values, fostering community connections, and embracing spontaneity. The conversation also touches on navigating life's uncertainties and preparing for the future with a positive mindset.


    Thanks for listening 💙

    Hope you have a splendid new year 🥳
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    27 mins
  • The Christmas Brain: Why the Holidays Actually Change Your Neurochemistry

    The Christmas Brain: Why the Holidays Actually Change Your Neurochemistry
    Dec 24 2025
    It's Christmas time!! 🎄❤️ In this festive episode, we explore the neuroscience and psychology behind the Christmas spirit, discussing how our brains react to holiday traditions, the impact of nostalgia, and the financial decisions we make during this time. We delve into psychological regression, the anticipation of Christmas, and the post-holiday slump, while also introducing the Danish concept of hygge as a way to find joy and contentment during the season.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!Thanks for listening ❤️Resourceshttps://theconversation.com/its-so-hard-to-resist-overspending-at-christmas-heres-how-to-reinforce-your-willpower-270389https://www.mic.ul.ie/mic-insights/the-psychology-of-christmashttps://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/the-psychology-of-christmas-why-do-the-festivities-impact-us-so-deeply-1.4743860https://www.thecounsellingplace.com/blog/the-psychology-behind-christmashttps://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/the-cube/202212/the-psychology-of-christmas-and-its-contradictionshttps://goodmansoutonte.medium.com/the-psychology-of-christmas-d3a329c3a205https://olivelia.com/the-psychological-impact-of-christmas-how-the-festive-season-affects-our-mood/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/entertainment/most-wonderful-time-678295https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/is-christmas-good-or-bad-for-our-mental-health-4375551-Dec2018/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/21/christmas-burnout-why-stressed-parents-harder-emotionally-honest-with-childrenhttps://theconversation.com/the-neuroscience-of-the-christmas-cheer-emotion-127141https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/brain-reboot/202012/the-neuroscience-feeling-christmassyhttps://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a69672159/willpower-christmas-festive-period/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zn9fpg8https://www.neurotrackerx.com/post/the-neuroscience-of-how-we-experience-christmashttps://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/442735-trending-science-what-is-the-christmas-brainhttps://itsnlp.com/understanding-your-brain-and-have-a-happyer-christmas/https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/articles/your-brain-is-wired-to-love-christmas-food-heres-why-408061https://macaonews.org/news/around-the-world/christmas-day-disappointment/https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h6266https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/the-junction/201812/your-brain-christmas
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    7 mins
  • Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Science for the Darkest Days

    Beating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Science for the Darkest Days
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode, we discuss the significance of the winter solstice, the impact of reduced sunlight on mental health, particularly seasonal affective disorder, and practical strategies to combat the winter blues. We talk about the importance of exercise, light therapy, and social interaction, while also exploring ancient cultural perspectives on the solstice as a time for reflection and renewal.Thanks for listening 💙Resources:https://neurosciencenews.com/exercise-hormones-neuroscience-30054/Winter Solsticehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solsticehttps://www.silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/winter-solsticehttps://theseasonalsoul.com/winter-solstice-meaning/https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/winter-solsticehttps://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/what-is-the-winter-solstice/https://exploredeeply.com/live-your-purpose/winter-solstice-spiritual-meaninghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/heres-why-the-winter-solstice-is-significant-in-cultures-across-the-worldhttps://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/66596https://www.britannica.com/science/winter-solsticehttps://adventure.com/winter-solstice-meaning/https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk/10-simple-and-beautiful-ways-to-celebrate-winter-solstice/https://heartofenglandforest.org/news/celebrations-and-mysticism-winter-solsticeSeasonal Depressionhttps://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/tips-for-coping-with-sad/https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/seasonal-affective-disorderhttps://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/seasonal-affective-disorder-winter-blues-and-self-care-tips-to-get-ahead-of-symptoms/2023/11https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/health-advice/how-to-combat-seasonal-affective-disorder/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722
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    11 mins
  • How WIFI Actually Works: The Invisible Science Behind Your Connection

    How WIFI Actually Works: The Invisible Science Behind Your Connection
    Dec 10 2025
    Cause I needed a refresher on the topic aha.In this episode we discuss our neuroscience fact of the day about reward learning and transcranial ultrasound stimulation.Our main topic delves into the intricate workings of the Internet, including how data travels through fiber optic cables and the role of data centers in our digital world. The conversation also touches on the environmental impact of data centers and the need for more sustainable practices in technology.Thanks for listening 💙Resourceshttps://neurosciencenews.com/neurotech-ultrasound-learning-29992/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kowkrLWGD4shttps://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htmhttps://www.britannica.com/story/how-does-wi-fi-workhttps://www.verizon.com/articles/internet-essentials/wifi-definiton/https://www.verizon.com/articles/internet-essentials/wifi-definiton/https://www.reddit.com/r/wifi/comments/1fbe90a/how_does_wifi_work/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fihttps://www.alliedtelesis.com/gb/en/foundations/how-does-wi-fi-workhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObcuVppML58https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0V1yYxpv4https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-MuKDrqosxshttps://medium.com/@AlexanderObregon/what-is-wifi-and-how-does-it-work-a-simple-explanation-for-beginners-2e2cf7c16645https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/networking/what-is-wi-fi.htmlhttps://epb.com/get-connected/gig-internet/how-does-wifi-work/www.reddit.com/r/computerscience/comments/k5qopd/how_does_the_internet_work/https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn_web_development/Howto/Web_mechanics/How_does_the_Internet_workhttps://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/glossary/what-is-internet/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3c1ih2NJEghttps://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/internet.htmhttps://web.stanford.edu/class/msande91si/www-spr04/readings/week1/InternetWhitepaper.htmhttps://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/how-does-the-internet-work/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z3tbgk7#zypkwnb
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    16 mins
  • Conversations with Mikey✨ Animation, Music and Mental Health

    Conversations with Mikey✨ Animation, Music and Mental Health
    Dec 3 2025

    In today's episode, we have Mikey from Seafall on the show (first guest lets gooo).

    We discuss our friendship, experiences in college, and the challenges of balancing studies with creative pursuits. We also delve into Mikey's journey in animation and digital art, exploring the intersection of technology and creativity. The discussion also touches on personal identity, mental health practices, and the joy of collaboration in music.

    We are super excited about the future of our band Seafall and for our upcoming EP (soon!).


    Thanks for listening ♡
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    20 mins
  • Why Time Flies When You're Having Fun (and How to Slow it Down)

    Why Time Flies When You're Having Fun (and How to Slow it Down)
    Nov 26 2025

    Lets talk about how the perception of time changes as we age, and how emotion and environment can influence our inner clock :)


    Thanks for listening 💙


    Resources:

    https://neurosciencenews.com/eye-blink-music-neuroscience-29951/


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_perception


    https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-fluidity-of-time


    https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/parenting-from-a-neuroscience-perspective/202303/time-perception-how-our-brains-shape-our


    https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/psychology/time-perception


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwvkdqDoqdM


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2sw-oRR2D8


    https://theconversation.com/ive-researched-time-for-15-years-heres-how-my-perception-of-it-has-changed-215499


    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/jan/01/psychology-time-perception-awareness-research


    https://www.britannica.com/science/time-perception/Perceived-duration
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    13 mins
  • Why Flying Makes You Tired: Science-Backed Tips for Plane Survival

    Why Flying Makes You Tired: Science-Backed Tips for Plane Survival
    Nov 19 2025

    We are going to dive into the art of comfortable air travel, sharing insights on the effects of flying on the body, coping strategies for long-haul flights, and tips for improving the travel experience. The conversation highlights the importance of mindfulness, hydration, and comfort during flights, as well as practical advice for better sleep on planes (pink noise works wonders apparently :))

    Thanks for listening x


    Resources:

    https://www.soccerbible.com/performance/miscellaneous/2025/10/erling-haaland-fronts-new-campaign-as-nike-unlock-neuroscience-based-technology-with-nike-mind/


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDJCavBaBHs


    https://about.nike.com/en-GB/newsroom/releases/nike-debuts-its-first-neuroscience-based-footwear-to-help-athletes-feel-calm-focused-and-present


    Nike Sport Research Lab


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20170919-how-flying-seriously-messes-with-your-mind


    https://www.thehealthy.com/bodies/here-is-what-a-long-flight-does-to-your-body-says-expert-doctor/


    https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-to-pack-for-a-long-haul-flight


    https://casper.com/blogs/article/how-to-sleep-on-a-plane
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    20 mins