Smart Drug Smarts: Brain Optimization | Nootropics | Neuroscience: Recent Episodes
Jesse Lawler: Brain Enthusiast, Biohacker, Nootropics Nerd, Multichannel Eccentric
Some aspects of our internal mental life seem to defy measurement. "Intuition" seems like a prime example of something impossible to quantify... But what if it's not? Dr. Joel Pearson tells us about his ingenious studies putting a value on human intuition.
The post #230: Measuring Intuition with Dr. Joel Pearson appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Last-minute cramming (even on lots of nootropics) isn't the best gameplan for effective learning. So what is? Learning researchers explain the theory and practice of efficiently building your mental toolkit.
The post #229: Learning to Learn appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Our senses provide us with a best-guess interpretation of reality -- but it's only a guess. Dr. Anil Seth explains how perception and consciousness interact, and how we can intentionally shift our "reality filter" with methods like induced synesthesia.
The post #228: Perception as a Controlled Hallucination appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Is "a rose by any other name" still a rose... to your brain? Dr. Viorica Marian explains how the language that we use affects how we actually think.
The post #227: How Language Affects Thought appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You don't think much about your electricity until the power goes out. And human metabolism is kind of the same way. Dr. Navdeep Chandel explains why metabolism is worth paying attention to -- for lifespan, healthspan, and for dodging disease.
The post #226: The Return of Metabolism appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
"Schizophrenia" is a word that strikes fear in the hearts (and minds) of those who have seen its effects. It's often misunderstood -- but one aspect that's universally recognized is that it's a big deal. And it affects nearly 1% of the adult population.
The post #225: Schizophrenia with Dr. Tyrone Cannon appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Prospective Memory is something we notice most when it fails -- when we recall (too late!) something we meant to remember. Dr. Michael Scullin tells us how to keep ideas top-of-mind.
The post #224: Don’t forget about Prospective Memory appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ketogenic Diets, Ketone Salts, Ketone Esters... What does all this mean -- and which ones will help turn your brain into a well-lubricated fat-burning engine most easily? Dr. Brianna Stubbs -- who is a biohacker and world-class athlete as well as a research scientist -- explains.
The post #223: Ketone Esters with Dr. Brianna Stubbs appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
What are "interneurons" and how do they affect our brains' ability to function, to change, and to learn? Research scientist Dr. Scott Owen explains the latest findings.
The post #222: What are “Fast-Spiking Interneurons”? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
It's easier to smoke marijuana legally these days than it is to study it. Strange, but true. But with tens of millions of Americans using recreational marijuana regularly...isn't it time we learned what it's doing to our brains?
The post #221: Marijuana, the Non-Medical Kind ;) appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Social scientists have built up a wealth of knowledge about the ways the human brain reliably gets things wrong. Luckily for us - if we stay conscientious, we can work around our built-in bugs.
The post #220: Cognitive Fallacies with Dr. Richard E. Nisbett appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Some people's minds don't come equipped with a "mind's eye." We call these people aphantasics -- and there are many millions of them. And they get by just fine.
The post #219: Aphantasia with Dr. Joel Pearson appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
For our special Valentine's Episode, we look at the hormone Oxytocin...sometimes called "the love molecule" -- although as you'll hear, it does much more than just that.
The post #218: Oxytocin, Love and Social Awareness appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Sometimes the brain can seem like it has a "self-destruct" button. Migraine headaches and epilepsy are two such examples.
The post #217: Fighting Migraines with Dr. Sid Kapoor appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Music, maybe second only to language, seems to be one of the defining characteristics of the human brain -- and an abiding interest for all known human cultures. And it turns out to be both a read/write interface.
The post #216: Music and Creativity with Dr. Psyche Loui appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Optical Illusions are interesting "glitches." But social illusions -- and there are MANY -- actually drive our behavior. Dr. Erica Boothby pulls back the veil on your own inner thoughts.
The post #215: Social Illusions with Dr. Erica Boothby appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ibogaine could be an effective therapy against addiction -- or it could be (literally) the cure that kills the patient. Hear about the many facets of this plant-derived substance from Dr. Emeline Maillet.
The post #214: Ibogaine with Dr. Emeline Maillet appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
As biological imperatives go, sleep is the one we need less than air and water, but more than food and sex. Try to get by without it, and the problems start cropping up - fast.
The post #213: Sleep Deprivation with Dr. Paul Whitney appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Conventional wisdom holds that knowing more languages is "good for your brain." But what makes it so? And good in which ways? Dr. Ellen Bialystok is one of the world's foremost experts and conducted many of the studies that have brought this "common knowledge" to the public.
The post #212: Multi-Lingual Brains with Dr. Ellen Bialystok appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The FDA has given a green light to a Phase 3 trial using MDMA as a psychologist-assisted therapy against PTSD. How might this "party drug" work in a non-party context?
The post #211: MDMA vs. PTSD appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Mind wandering is bad if you're operating a chainsaw. But if you're stuck on a well-defined intellectual problem, it could be just the ticket. Christine Godwin explains the latest research in...um...what was I just talking about?
The post #210: Mind Wandering appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Can you be "addicted to Facebook"? And if so, is that much like being addicted to heroin? Two addiction researchers specializing in pharmacology and cyberpsychology weigh in.
The post #209: Addiction – Old and New Schools appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
If genes are the "Book of You," then epigenetics are the dog-eared pages marking the parts you're interested in right now. Dr. Daniel Stickler explains how to use this active overlay on genetic information to your advantage.
The post #208: Optimizing Epigenetics with Dr. Daniel Stickler appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Giving LSD to fruit flies sounds like a fraternity prank. But with the right tools, it could be an approach that helps unlock the brain's secrets in perception, mood, and even consciousness.
The post #207: Bugs on Drugs appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ayahuasca may mark the first time that a nausea-inducing beverage has gotten...popular. But there may be valid medical reasons why "Mother" Ayahuasca -- a brew featuring strong psychedelic effects -- is becoming well known outside the Brazilian jungle. Dr. Draulio Araujo explains.
The post #206: Ayahuasca vs. Depression with Dr. Draulio Araujo appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ambien is a well-known sleep aid, with over 40 million annual prescriptions in the US alone. It is not, however, a one-trick pony. Dr. Nick Bomalaski describes his review of numerous odd (and encouraging) examples of Ambien's effects on various neurological disorders.
The post #205: Ambien Off-Label appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
A real-life scary story for Halloween: How nine healthy young hikers died suddenly, tragically, and mysteriously in 1959 in the Ural Mountains of Russia -- spawning five decades of questions and theories.
The post #204: The Sense of Dread appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Moringa is a tropical tree that looks like it was designed by Dr. Seuss... But it yields leaves so nutrient-rich, it's hard to believe it's not better known. Dr. Jed Fahey explains.
The post #203: Moringa with Dr. Jed Fahey appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Neurogastronomy is the most intellectual way to be a foodie. How do we taste and smell? And could scientists manipulate our taste to make brussels sprouts taste like cotton candy and vice versa?
The post #202: What is Neurogastronomy? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The Cognito Awards continue, with Best Physical Vitality Hack, Best Performance by Technological Gear, and more!
The post #201: The Cognito Awards, Part 2 appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We celebrate our 200th episode by looking back at some high points of past Smart Drug Smarts episodes in an award-show format: the "Cognito Awards."
The post #200: The Cognito Awards appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The "MIND Diet" makes a strong claim in its very name. Is it the best nutritional strategy to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's Disease? Dr. Martha Morris explains.
The post #199: The MIND Diet with Dr. Martha Morris appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Teens take risks. But they're not "just plain stupid." And according to Dr. Dan Romer - facing off against conventional wisdom and neuroscientific consensus - the risks they take may be "the right risks" to prepare for adulthood.
The post #198: Wisdom and Risky Teens with Dr. Dan Romer appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Without the ability to think about thinking, how would you know if you're even thinking right? If the brain is the command center for the body, then metacognition is the control system for the command center.
The post #197: Metacognition with Dr. Stephen Fleming appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You wouldn't think to take LSD to fight atherosclerosis. But - strange though it may seem - psychedelic compounds may have still more hidden surprises: Powerful anti-inflammation properties that, in mice at least, show effects at psychologically invisible levels.
The post #196: Psychedelics vs. Inflammation with Dr. Charles Nichols appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Domestication has changed ancestral wolves into hundreds of breeds of modern dogs. What has happened to their brains along the way? Meet the only purebred brains in the animal kingdom.
The post #195: Dognition appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You've got to have a pretty good reason to open your skull on purpose. Dr. Brett Wingeier designs such reasons.
The post #194: Brain Implants – Medical and Beyond with Dr. Brett Wingeier appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We know experts "make it look easy." What we want to know is how they got that way - and how we can too. And, for what it's worth, how easy are nearby domains for experts in a given field?
The post #193: How Far Will Expertise Go? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Alzheimer's Disease and male virility aren't often thought of together, but most people don't consider this a clue to preventing the much-feared disease. Maybe we should. Dr. Ralph Martins explains.
The post #192: Testosterone vs. Alzheimer’s appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
How do you know where you are? How can you sense when you are lost? And what happens when your senses get conflicting info as reality "leaks" through imperfect Virtual Reality environments?
The post #191: Finding Your Place with Dr. Mayank Mehta appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You know broccoli is good for you. The phytochemical Sulforaphane is a key reason -- and it may deserve to be called not just "health food," but an actual medicine.
The post #190: Sulforaphane with Dr. Jed Fahey appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Peak physical performance requires peak mental performance. This is obvious, but also easy to forget. Dr. John Sullivan explains how to make the brain and body perfect teammates.
The post #189: Head in the Game with Dr. John Sullivan appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We have pleasure-inducing chemical systems in our neural pathways dedicated to vision. What gives?
The post #188: The Pleasure of Novelty appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Steam, Water, Ice: The three classic phases of water are almost as familiar as water itself. So is it conceivable that the substance we know so well has secrets not only hiding in plain sight, but also hiding inside every cell in our body?
The post #187: “Structured Water” with Dr. Gerald Pollack appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
If scientific findings can't be replicated, what have we really found? That question is at the root of the "Replication Crisis" dividing the halls of science. Researcher and reform advocate Dr. Rolf Zwaan explains.
The post #186: The Replication Crisis with Dr. Rolf Zwaan appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Being able to understand the impact that space has on our brains and bodies brings space travel closer.
The post #185: Brains in Orbit with Dr. Rachael Seidler appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You'd think there's nothing to be said in defense of brain damage. You'd almost be right. But in a few rare cases, "Acquired Savant Syndrome" gives brain-injured people cognitive abilities they never had before.
The post Overdose Edition #6: Acquired Savant Syndrome appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
A caffeine - theacrine stack is often recommended as a “starter stack” for nootropics noobies. Here's what you need to know about theacrine.
The post #184: Theacrine with Dr. Richard Bloomer appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The Halo Sport is a health and wellness device which uses transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to achieve physical benefits.
The post #183: Evolving Human Performance appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Memory is not just a curiosity. Memory is central to our existence -- and our ability to predict the future.
The post #182: The Importance of Memory appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Through the large-scale institutionalization of schooling, we’ve had a collective massive impact on our brains.
The post #181: The Future of Education appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
As the number of people addicted to opiates in the US continues to rise, we look at the physical cause of opiate addiction and what we can do to reverse the trend.
The post #180: The Ongoing Opiate Crisis appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Boost your mental energy, libido, and focus with this traditional Malaysian medicine that also treats chronic stress.
The post #179: Tongkat Ali: Stress Relief for the Modern World appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Can we get more out of virtual reality than just games? And what's happening in our brains during a virtual experience?
The post #178: The Potential of Virtual Reality appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
It’s high time we covered acetylcholine — the most plentiful neurotransmitter in the body. And our Know Your Neurotransmitters series continues with the best guest possible to talk to us about acetylcholine.
The post #177: Know Your Neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Psychedelics are endlessly fascinating: the preliminary research shows so many therapeutic benefits -- yet there’s so much we still don’t know.
The post #176: Breaking the Psychedelic Research Logjam with Dr. David Nichols appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We know about the detrimental effects of light on our sleep -- but how we can harness light in a positive way, for alertness, mood, and our Circadian rhythms?
The post #175: Sleep, Light, and Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Sarcasm can the foundation of misunderstanding but maybe there’s something about sarcasm that can connect us to the power of creativity.
The post #174: There’s Something About Sarcasm… appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Bad vision isn't all in the eye of the beholder: Sometimes it's in the brain. In this Overdose Edition, Helen Irlen describes the Meares-Irlen Syndrome, a neurological disorder she says makes visual processing unnecessarily difficult for millions of people.
The post Overdose Edition #5: Reading and Rose-Colored Glasses: The Irlen Syndrome appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
There's long been a misconception that you can "fish oil" a bad diet away. Not only is that idea wrong -- according to Chris Kresser, it can lead to dangerous and unanticipated oxidative stress.
The post #173: When Fish Oil Goes Bad… appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Social lubricant. Addictive evil. Between these extremes there’s a sea of alcohol.
The post #172: Alcohol Use and Abuse appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse talks to the authors of the new book "Stealing Fire" about the widespread use of altered states (achieved through many different means) to achieve heightened performance.
The post #171: Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
What makes human brains special? How do animal brains compare to our own?
The post #170: Human vs. Animal Brains appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The Oura ring has moved from a Kickstarter concept to a major tool for sleep and recovery research.
The post Overdose Edition #4: The Ōura Ring appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Our complex biology requires complex, personalized medicine.
The post #169: The Future of Personalized Medicine appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Marijuana isn't the first thing you think of to fight off aging. But studies hint that low-dose cannabinoids might be just the thing to protect against brain inflammation.
The post #168: Marijuana and the Aging Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
GABA is crucial for stability in the brain. Supplementing with passion flower is one of the best methods of promoting GABA.
The post #167: GABA: the Forgotten Neurotransmitter? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Omega-6 fatty acids are both essential and misunderstood -- occasionally even demonized as a too-prevalent part of the Standard American Diet. Dr. Chris Masterjohn explains the role they fill in the human diet, and against-the-grain advice on how to acquire them with a minimum of fuss.
The post #166: Omega-6 Fatty Acids with Dr. Chris Masterjohn appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
What's all the fuss about this Southeast Asian plant that is both a stimulant and an opioid?
The post #165: Much Ado About Kratom appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The mind is a powerful thing -- it can heal the body or harm the body.
The post #164: Placebo: the Power of the Mind to Heal appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Idebenone, CoQ10, ubiquinol... what’s the difference?
The post #163: Idebenone with Dr. Dominic D’Agostino appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Han Solo joked that Chewbacca was "always thinking with his stomach." Science has shown this to be truer than we ever suspected.
The post #162: The “Gut-Brain Axis” with Scott Anderson appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We’re fascinated by the science behind brain tissue regeneration.
The post #161: Brain Repair and Regeneration appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We need food to survive. Can we really be "addicted" to something required for survival?
The post #160: All About Food Addiction appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Music is something beloved of people everywhere -- or at least, 98% of them (no joke - details within). Not surprisingly, music can provoke complex brain responses, both in terms of short term emotion and long-term learning and perceptual awareness. Join doctors Robert Zatorre and Assal Habibi to learn more from the cutting edge of neuroscience and musicology.
The post #159: Music: By the Brain and For the Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
When it comes to intelligence, which is more important: nature or nurture?
The post #158: You Got It From Your Mama: Intelligence & Genetics appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Vitex will boost your mood, give you more energy, and cure your man boobs.
The post #157: Vitex with Matt Legge appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse talks with Dr. David Bellinger about the mechanisms by which lead lowers IQ, and the challenges (and opportunities) of finding a lasting solution to environmental lead exposure.
The post #156: Lead Toxicity with Dr. David Bellinger appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Here’s why psychedelics aren’t just a hippy phenomenon.
The post #155: Microdosing LSD with Dr. James Fadiman appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Are addicts just greedy, selfish people who want more pleasure than everyone else? It's time to rethink addiction.
The post #154: Rethinking Addiction With Maia Szalavitz appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Lithium has long been a standard treatment for mania and Bipolar Disorder. But this might be only the tip of an iceberg of usefulness to human brains and bodies. Dr. De-Maw Chuang explains.
The post #153: Low-Dose Lithium: a Hidden Panacea? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
It's a two-for-one: Dr. Martin Monti and Dr. Kathleen Bell talk to us about the nature of traumatic brain injuries, when it’s a "no brainer" to go see a doctor, and how to create a brain resilient to injury.
The post #152: Traumatic Injuries and Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Where do you go to get focused work done? Library? Busy coffee shop? Noisy environments are actually better for focus, but only for certain people.
The post #151: Can White Noise Help You Focus? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
You probably ate something toxic today. But don’t panic! It was actually good for you.
The post #150: Plant Toxins and the Neurons Who Love Them appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Kava, a traditional Polynesian drink, has a host of benefits: it's relaxing, a mood booster, and relieves pain.
The post #149: Kava: from Ceremonial Drink to Modern Mood-Booster appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Everyone calls oxytocin the "love hormone," but it’s more accurate to call it the trust, bonding, and sociability hormone. And that’s not all it does.
The post #148: Know Your Neurotransmitters: Oxytocin appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Remember when carbs were good and fat was evil? Now, not so much. Here's why (and how) you should try ketosis.
The post #147: Ketosis and Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Do you think nicotine is evil? Well, think again. Dr. Grunberg is back to tell us more about the cognitive enhancing properties of nicotine.
The post #146: Nicotine: Pure Evil or Brain Fuel? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Let’s go on a trip with psychedelics expert (and brother of Terence McKenna ) Dr. Dennis McKenna.
The post #145: Dennis McKenna: A 30-Year Psychedelic Education appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Alpha-GPC is an essential precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, responsible for focus, learning, and memory.
The post #144: Getting to Know Alpha-GPC appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Improved Memory. Blue Pee. Same Drug.
The post #143: Methylene Blue: An Unexpected Cognitive Enhancer appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Practicing gratitude isn't just for hippies. Science shows real, concrete health and cognitive benefits from being grateful.
The post #142: What Gratitude Can Do For Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
If you think hypnosis is all about swinging watches, have we got news for you. It can change the way we use our brains in ways that were previously thought impossible.
The post #141: Hypnosis: When Imagination Takes Control appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Richard Wurtman is back to explain the mysteries of the pineal gland, melatonin, and sleep onset.
The post #140: Melatonin, Sleep, and Your Pineal Gland appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Blueberries really are a superfood: they improve long-term and short-term memory. Dr. Krikorian talks to Jesse about why you should eat blueberries.
The post #139: Boost Your Brain with Blueberries appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
fMRI sounds pretty scientific, right? But it turns out that plenty of scientific results, backed by fMRI data, may be unreliable.
The post #138: How Reliable is fMRI Data? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Rick Strassman is something of a legend in the psychedelic research community. His studies in the early 1990s re-opened a door which had been securely bolted for almost three decades: a prohibition against testing psychedelics on human research subjects.
The post #137: DMT: Dr. Rick Strassman’s Breakthrough Work With “The Spirit Molecule” appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Apologies for the ultra-brief post, but we wanted to get this Overdose Edition up quickly… The Flynn Effect is a strange-but-true revelation. Over the course of the 20th century — and apparently continuing still — “average” people in countries around the world, as measured by standardized IQ tests, are getting smarter and smarter and smarter. […]
The post Overdose Edition #3: The Flynn Effect: Smarter by the Decade appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Terry Wahls talks functional medicine, ketosis, and implementing the Wahls Protocol in practice.
The post #136: The Wahls Protocol: Fighting Fatigue With a Fork appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ketamine has quite the reputation as a club drug. But research is showing its promising potential as a treatment for severe cases of depression.
The post #135: Treating Depression with Ketamine appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Rapamycin, derived from a bacterium found on Easter Island, could help you live longer. Dr. Kaeberlein explains the science behind rapamycin, and how he's using it to help man's best friend live longer.
The post #134: Rapamycin: The Real Deal Anti-Aging Pill? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Andrew Scholey talks to us about his research on Ginseng, including the optimal dose and ways in which Ginseng out-performs Modafinil.
The post #133: Ginseng with Dr. Andrew Scholey appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse talks to Dr. Lucy Cheke about the memory-impairing consequences of obesity.
The post #132: Obesity and Memory with Dr. Lucy Cheke appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse talks to Dr. Richard Wurtman about Souvenaid, a new medical food that seems to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
The post #131: Fighting Alzheimer’s with Dr. Richard Wurtman appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Good news for chocoholics: People who eat a small amount of chocolate at least once a week perform better cognitively.
The post #130: Chocolate and Cognition with Dr. Georgina Crichton appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse talks with Dr. Carhart-Harris about the prototypical psychedelic, LSD, how it changes the brain in long-lasting ways, and why you'll never look at bicycles the same way again.
The post #129: LSD With Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We’ve all heard of the 10,000 Hour Rule, but what about deliberate practice? Dr. Ericsson talks us through becoming an expert through deliberate practice, including visualization, finding a mentor, and more.
The post #128: Expertise With Dr. Karl Anders Ericsson appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
More intelligence is "lost" to inadequate fetal nutrition than to anything else, period. In this special Mother's Day episode, Jesse speaks with Dr. Kavitha Menon about the greatest dangers to the development of baby brains, in both the developing and the developed world. Get your maternity checklist ready with items from iodine supplements to skillets to workout videos and give yourself better odds at a little Einstein.
The post #127: Building Better Baby Brains appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In episode 126, Professor Con Stough talks to Jesse about Bacopa, the oldest herbal medicine in the world. A powerful memory enhancer that promotes synaptogenesis, this is one herb you'll want to want to add to your medicine cabinet, regardless of your age.
The post #126: Bacopa Monnieri With Professor Con Stough appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Brains and Brawn, long positioned as polar opposites, turn out to be anything but. In this episode, Jesse talks with fitness trainer Sal di Stefano -- also the co-host and resident science geek at the MindPump podcast -- about best practices to use physical exercise to enhance your cognition.
The post #125: Exercise and Cognition appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Compounds in the hemp plant are so potent within the human body that an entire class of naturally-occurring molecules inside humans (the "endocannabinoids") are named after the plant -- not the other way around! In Episode 124, Jesse interviews athlete, author and fitness trainer Ben Greenfield about Cannabidiol (CBD), the most medically versatile of the cannabinoids.
The post #124: Cannabidiol: THC’s Legal Sibling appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In his book "Consciousness and the Social Brain," Princeton neuroscientist Dr. Michael Graziano lays out his compelling Attention-Schema Theory. Has he solved the "Hard Problem" of Consciousness?
The post #123: Has Dr. Michael Graziano “Solved” Consciousness? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Andreet Mankala is the creator and leading advocate for one of the most cutting-edge medical procedures being performed today. At least, that's what her proponents say. Others are not so sure, pointing out that her experimental chakra transplantation may not yet ready for human testing.
The post #122: Experimental Chakra Transplants appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
LabDoor's goal is full-spectrum testing of the majority of consumer supplements -- upwards of 10,000 different products. One piece of their innovative approach is to have users vote on what category of supplements gets added to their next battery of tests.
The post #121: Supplement Quality Assurance appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Mark Mattson, neurologist at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute of Health (NIH), has decades of work in the fields of nutrition, brain health, and the complex interplay between diet, exercise, "feeding windows," and macronutrient ratios. Join us in Episode #120 to learn his many insights.
The post #120: Intermittent Fasting and Cognition with Dr. Mark Mattson appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
As the popularity of smart drugs and cognitive enhancement technologies becomes more widespread, questions of ethics and fairness rise to the surface. We remember that along with the scientific question of "can we" is the ethical sibling question "should we"?
The post #119: The Ethics of Amplified Intelligence appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The adaptogen plant turmeric has been a mainstay of Indian and Asian cooking for millennia. Its root is chock-full of bioactive curcuminoid compounds that have been shown to provide wide-ranging benefits from the reduction of oxidative stress to the reduction of psychological stress.
The post #118: Turmeric: Spice for your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
"Textbooks are going to need to change." That was the general consensus around the 2015 discovery that previously unknown lymphatic vessels connect the brain directly to the immune system. Hear about the breakthrough discovery from co-discoverer Professor Jonathan Kipnis.
The post Overdose Edition #2: “Brain, Meet Lymphatic System” – A Biology Surprise appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
"Grinders" take their stylistic queues from piercing shops, tattoo parlors and custom auto mechanics -- combining skills in electrical circuitry and biology to leap past "wearable" technology straight into integrated doodads like an LED compass that lives in your hand, or under-the-skin magnets (which some claim allows them to "feel" magnetic fields after a few months of brain plasticity and practice).
The post #117: Kara Platoni’s “We Have the Technology” appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Frederick Barrett discusses recent and upcoming studies into psilocybin -- the psychoactive ingredient that puts the "magic" in magic mushrooms. This currently "Schedule 1" drug, in addition to reasonably reliably provoking mystical experiences in users, also shows promise as a therapeutic treatment for depression, PTSD, and hospice care. Dr. Barrett and colleagues at Johns Hopkins Medical Center are at the forefront of the latest research.
The post #116: Psilocybin and the Potential for “Psychedelic Therapies” appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
There are times when social remembering can make our memories less accurate. However, by following the right strategies when remembering together -- creating a sort of "extended mind" -- we can improve our recall, particularly if those doing the remembering are part of a long-term partnership.
The post #115: Collaborative Recall appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Is there a scalable way for people to benefit from others' experience without having to comb through Reddit threads and best-guess which writers' stories applied to them? Garrett Ruhland's search for a solution led to the formation of his company, Modern AlkaMe.
The post #114: Modern AlkaMe + Personalized Neuroscience appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
The fallout from porn addiction goes beyond sexual dysfunction -- way beyond. The brain's dopamine system is the major motivational system for everything we do. Desensitizing it with surging arousal from porn can cause the brain to lower its overall sensitivity in all areas of life.
The post #113: Porn Addiction and the Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Anthony Sims and Gary Demerjian are probably the two leading practitioners of the treatment of neurological conditions with mouth-worn orthodontic appliances -- based on soothing irritated nerves in the jaw to alleviate symptoms throughout the body.
The post #112: Strange Bedfellows: Orthodontics and Neurology appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse speaks with futurist and author Calum Chase about his book Surviving AI, and the increasing impacts of artificial intelligence on business, society, and humanity itself.
The post #111: Artificial Intelligence: Promise and Peril appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse is joined by Dr. Jim Adams from the USC School of Pharmacy for a far-ranging discussion about traditional plant medicines.
The post #110: Plant Medicines appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
For our first episode of 2016, we talk about habit formation, the use of external modalities along with ideal ways to implement changes in your habits.
The post #109: Habit appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Get your smartypants ready for our year-end finale as Jesse and Dr. Edward Calabrese dive into the world of Hormesis and dose-response thresholds.
The post #108: Hormesis appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Join Jesse and the founders of Brain.fm and explore the science behind audio brainwave training and the potential for its development.
The post #107: Brainwave Entrainment appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Richard Cytowic joins Jesse this week to demystify Synesthesia and shed some light on this incredible quirk of human evolution.
The post #106: Synesthesia appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Whether you’re complete strangers or bosom buddies with the Racetam family, Jesse and Dr. Andrew Hill will make you feel welcome and get you introduced to everybody.
The post #105: The Racetam Family appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Join Jesse and Prof. Vincent Clark for a spirited discussion about the emerging field of electroceuticals and magnetoceuticals.
The post #104: Electroceuticals appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Join Jesse & attorney Lawrence Walters for an in-depth look at the gray market for pharmaceuticals - the regulations and risks involved in health and privacy.
The post #103: The Gray Market appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Can "motivational" chemicals reduce people's inherent laziness about exercise, and make them form better health habits? Tune in and find out.
The post #102: Chemical Willpower appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse and a small cadre of DIY enthusiasts attempt to alter their consciousness through a process known in psychology circles as "Holotropic Breathwork."
The post #101: Holotropic Breathwork – Real-world Results appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In episode 100 IQ meters spike up to dangerously high levels, as Jesse is joined by Rick Rosner - who ranks second in The World Genius Directory.
The post #100: Card-carrying Genius appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Join Jesse and Brad Burge from MAPS for an engaging discussion about the current state of affairs with psychedelics. Are the winds of change blowing?
The post #099: Psychedelics – New Perspective appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In episode #98 Jesse throws four prescribed Adderall users into the mix who talk about their experiences with the drug and weigh the pros and cons.
The post #098: Adderall Perspectives appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse and Prof. Con Stough discuss the emotional aspects of intelligence - recognizing and managing them along with improving your emotional self-awareness.
The post #097: Emotional Intelligence appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In Chapter 3 of the Know Your Neurotransmitter series Jesse and Prof. Clare Stanford examine Noradrenaline - the lesser-known chemical cousin to Adrenaline.
The post #096: Know Your Neurotransmitters: Noradrenaline appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Brian D. Earp joins Jesse to discuss the possibilities and ethics of making biochemical tweaks to the most celebrated of human emotions - love.
The post #095: The Medicalization Of Love appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse and Dr. James Giordano have a spirited conversation about brain stimulation technologies, neuroethics and the importance of experimentation.
The post #094: Sparking The Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse brings evolutionary psychologist Dr. Gordon Gallup on board this week for an in-depth look at semen chemistry and its mood altering effect on females.
The post #093: Semen – The World’s Sexiest Antidepressant appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Join Jesse and abelard Lindsay in a freewheeling discussion about the framework behind the nootropic stack Nexus - a flagship product of Axonlabs.io
The post #092: Nexus Nitty Gritty appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
What kind of tasks benefit from a mind that’s slightly groggy? Jesse is joined by Mareike Wieth to discuss her research on fatigue and its’ effect on problem-solving skills.
The post #091: Fatigue + Creativity appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Stay tuned as Jesse and Dan Pardi take a deep dive into the world of GHB - the early years, the potential for benefits and misuse and the subsequent ban.
The post #090: GHB – The Good, The Bad and The Sleepy appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse takes a deep dive into the realm of psychedelic therapy and Holotropic Breathwork with Dr. James Eyerman. Take a deep breath and tune in.
The post #089: Holotropic Breathwork – DIY Psychedelia appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse takes Ritalin for the first time ever and conducts a single-subject scientific study. What results does the experiment yield? Tune in to find out.
The post #088: Jesse’s Ritalin Self-Experiment appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Virtual Reality Therapy is a method for treating phobias and anxiety; Dr. Robert Reiner has been on the forefront for nearly three decades.
The post #087: Virtual Reality Therapy appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In this week’s episode Jesse takes a deep dive with Dr. Molly Crockett in to the world of enhancing morality through pharmacological interventions.
The post #086: The Pharmacology of Morality appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse and long-time biohacker and self-professed nootropics geek Abelard Lindsay take a look at how the recently launched Mitogen stack was born.
The post #085: Abelard Lindsay and the Story of Mitogen appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse is joined by cave-diver-cum-research-scientist Dr. Dawn Kernagis from IHMC (the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition) for a chat about maintaining optimal cognition in extreme environments.
The post #084: Optimal Cognition in Extreme Environments appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse has an insightful discussion about Aniracetam with Prof. Keith Wesnes responsible for almost 200 clinical trials in a career starting from 1970.
The post #083: Aniracetam – First of the Ampakines appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Tune in to our first ever fungal episode where Eric Cerecedes joins Jesse for a wildly interesting conversation about Lion's Mane mushrooms.
The post #082: Lion’s Mane Mushroom appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Ex-Navy SEAL Dr. Kirk Parsley joins Jesse this week for a candid discourse on sleep. From the pros and cons of biphasic sleep, to the importance of naps, to Doc Parsley’s personal experiences with sleep-deprived SEALs... This is an episode worth staying awake for.
The post #081: Optimizing Your Sleep appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Could a smart drug "habit" be a gateway to addiction? What's the difference between addiction and physical dependence? What's going on with the brain's dopaminergic systems during addictive behavior?
The post #080: Addiction appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
This first-ever Overdose Edition provides not only an interesting interview… We also get to ride side-saddle with professional researcher Drew Birnie, as he talks us through his research methodology, delving into the merits of the claims made about a strange and interesting cognitive intervention.
The post Overdose Edition #1: The First One appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Want to get more of a cognitive boost out of your workout? "Generally Recognised As Safe" supplement phosphatidylserine could be the answer.
The post #079: Phosphatidylserine: Extra Oomph, Even For Young Brains appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
This week Jesse and Dr. Jeffry Strong wander into a forest of lesser known plant extracts, discussing Pycnogenol, a product derived from the bark of a unique species of pine trees. Its effects range from anti-oxidation and reduction of inflammation to circulatory-system and cognitive improvements. One theory to Pycnogenol’s success is that it has a […]
The post #078: Pine Trees and Pycnogenol appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
A shoot-out between the various types of Omega-3-fatty-acid-containing foods and supplements - from production methods to bio-absorption percentages to dosage, diet and dangers.
The post #077: Omega-3 Shoot-Out appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse has a freewheeling discussion with John Danaher about "moral enhancement" technologies - old and new. They talk about emerging technologies, ethics and the notion that the mind extends much beyond our body and brain.
The post #076: The Ethics of Moral Enhancement appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Creatine has long been known as a supplement-of-choice for athletes and weightlifters... but what cognitive benefits might Creatine provide?
The post #075: Creatine: Brains and Brawn? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Round 2 of the “Know Your Neurotransmitters” series, featuring Professor John Salamone of the University of Connecticut, talking about that most popular neurotransmitter: Dopamine.
The post #074: Know Your Neurotransmitters: Dopamine appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse is joined by Dr. Andrew Pipingas and Professor David Crewther for a conversation about fish oil and its effects on neural efficiency, introducing the idea that "smart brains work less hard."
The post #073: Fish Oil: A Cognitive Lubricant? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We're joined by QEEG Diplomat and founder of Brain Science International Jay Gunkelman to talk Electroencephalography.
The post #072: EEG: Lessons From A Half-Million Brains appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Professor Andrew Scholey takes us through the history and effects of adaptogen, and powerful cognitive and mood enhancer Lemon Balm.
The post #071: Lemon Balm: 2300 Years of “Joy and Mirth” appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
For the very first in our "Know Your Neurotransmitters" series, Jesse is joined by Dr. Matthew Broome to talk about the neurotransmitter GABA. Dr. Broome explains how GABA works, where it comes from, and how it affects our brains and bodies.
The post #070: Know Your Neurotransmitters: GABA appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We welcome back Dr Sunderji to speak to us about Ritalin – the benefits, the risks, and the importance of careful diagnosis and responsible dosing.
The post #069: Ritalin: On and Off-Label appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse conducts his first tDCS experiment, and is joined by tDCS veteran Chris Zobrist to discuss best practices, mechanisms of action, and results.
The post #068: Electrified Brains (Experimentation in tDCS) appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Kenneth Ford gives a fresh take on the principles behind the Turing Test, and artificial intelligence, and the hurdles that stand in the way of quicker advancement in the field.
The post #067: Going Beyond The Turing Test appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Longo shares with us his research on the beneficial effects of fasting on everything from our immune responses to our lifespans, and addresses some points of curiosity that arose over the course of our calorie-free week.
The post #066: Starvation And Its Benefits appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Professor Trevor Robbins, co-inventor of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) – a computer-based cognitive assessment system – explains its use for both neurodegenerative disease detection and cognitive enhancement efficacy and safety.
The post #065: CANTAB: Quantified Cognition appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
For our Valentine's Day special edition, Dr. Peters explains the basics of what makes male brains male and female brains female.
The post #064: Male vs. Female Brains appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
IARPA's Dr. Adam Russell introduces us to the SHARP Program, which aims to uncover the most effective methods to optimize adaptive reasoning and problem-solving in high-performing adults working in cognitively-demanding environments.
The post #063: IARPA – Tax Dollars, Sci-Fi Goals, And Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We hear from Dr. Belinda Pletzer about how oral contraception, or "The Pill", may be altering women's brain structures.
The post #062: Brain Changes From “The Pill”? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We hear from Kyle Boyar, researcher at SC Laboratories, a quality assurance and safety testing facility for medical marijuana. Kyle takes us through some lesser-known facts about marijuana, its use as treatment for a variety of ailments, and its effect on memory and mood.
The post #061: In Defense of Marijuana? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Alexis Shields, naturopathic doctor and blood chemistry specialist, explains how blood chemistry analysis can be used to monitor and improve overall health, and how the insights we gain can help us maintain optimal neurotransmitter levels and boost cognition.
The post #060: Blood Work with Dr. Alexis Shields appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Deirdre Barrett shares with us the ins and outs of lucid dreaming – what it is, how to achieve it, and how we can use it as a cognitive tool.
The post #059: Lucid Dreaming with Dr. Deirdre Barrett appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. David Bellinger explains how neurotoxins in our environment affect our development and tells us how we can best protect our, and our children's, brains.
The post #058: Neurotoxins: Villains of the Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Patricia Gerbarg introduces us to Rhodiola rosea, an herbal supplement used to increase stamina, decrease mental fatigue, and combat stress.
The post #057: Rhodiola rosea: “Santa’s Stimulant” appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In Episode #56, Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried of Boston College stops by to introduce us to his research on cancer as a metabolic disease – not a genetic one. He explains how regular therapeutic fasting can increase mitochondrial respiration, and how caloric restriction can help us effectively "starve out" cancer cells.
The post #056: Ketosis vs Cancer? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Professor Stough shares with us his research methods and decades of insight into plant-based cognitive enhancers with chronic (ongoing) effects, like Gingko biloba and Bacopa monnieri.
The post #055: Plant-Based Cognitive Enhancers appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We're joined by Professor Gilles Guillemin, world leader in research on L-tryptophan and neuroinflammation.
The post #054: L-tryptophan and Your Holiday Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse speaks to Drew Birnie, Research Scientist and Content Manager at MarkManson.net, about "Snake Oil" – the term used to classify fraudulent medicine, or products that claim unverified results.
The post #053: Snakes On A Brain! appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Alan Cash, physicist and entrepeneur behind benaGene Advanced Anti-Aging supplement introduces us to oxaloacetate and talks us through its positive CRON (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition)-mimicking effects.
The post #052: Mimicking Caloric Restriction with Oxaloacetate appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In Episode #51, Jesse speaks with Dr. Michael A. Crawford of Imperial College London about the role of seafood — and the essential fats they contain — in the evolution, development, and maintenance of our brains. Dr. Crawford shares with us a “coastal evolution theory,” the importance of proper nutrition for brain-health, and how it is our mothers who are most responsible for our cognitive abilities.
The post #051: The Aquatic Origins Of Your Brain appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Professor Lorimer Moseley from the University of South Australia shares with us his extensive knowledge on the way our brains process pain.
The post #050: The Pain Episode appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse speaks to Crash, owner of Float Lab Technologies, a sensory deprivation tank center in Venice Beach, California. Crash explains the ins and outs of the Float Lab experience, and what can happen to our minds when they're freed from all external distractions.
The post #049: Sensory Deprivation Tanks appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
In Episode #48, Jesse interviews Bill Harris, meditation guru, founder of The Centerpointe Research Institute, and creator of Holosync Audio Technology. Bill tells us how we can gain more self-awareness in order to exercise choice in our lives, and how Holosync Technology can get us on the fast track to deep-level meditation. We also get a […]
The post #048: 25 Years of Holosync Meditation appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse interviews Dr. Eric Braverman, best-selling author of books The Edge Effect and Younger You, and founder of the PATH Medical Center in New York.
The post #047: Do You Need a Living Autopsy? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Rita Ostrovskaya, world-leading expert and co-creator of Noopept, joins us to shed some light on this new-to-the-scene nootropic.
The post #046: Improving on Piracetam with Noopept appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse discusses the soon-to-be-released mobile app Axon, aimed at the nootropics-loving community in general, and Smart Drug Smarts fans in particular.
The post #045: Axon: an App for the Nootropics Community appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse interviews Nathan Whitmore, creator of the open-source project "OpenBrainStim", an affordable alternative to commercial transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) devices.
The post #044: Do-It-Yourself Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
We speak to Dr. Nicole A. Vincent and Dr. Emma A. Jane, co-authors of the article "Put Down the Smart Drugs," on the ethics of cognitive enhancement. Jesse weighs in with his own views on the speculative rights and wrongs of nootropics use.
The post #043: Is Cognitive Enhancement Ethical? appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Andrew Hill joins us to talk about his recent study conducted at the Alternatives Brain Institute, measuring the effects of truBrain on some of the quickest minds on Wall Street.
The post #042: Nootropics on Wall Street appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse speaks to Daniel Kim-Shapiro, Director of the Translational Science Center at Wake Forest University and expert on this week’s topic: beetroot juice.
The post #041: Daniel Kim-Shapiro on Beetroot Juice and Cognition appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse and two guests discuss some popular misconceptions about smart drugs, their personal favorite stacks, and other topics surrounding the growing popularity of neurological performance enhancers
The post #040: A Nootropics Roundtable appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Emily Deans Explains Ketones and the State of Ketosis
The post #039: Dr. Emily Deans Explains Ketosis appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Dr. Urban brings to light facts about how some brain stimulants work (specifically Ritalin), how they were originally tested, and why imperfections in the testing methodologies could spell danger to mis-diagnosed or off-label users.
The post #038: Dr. Kimberly Urban and the Impact of Nootropics on Neuroplasticity appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.
Jesse interviews the UK's Dr. David Nutt on the legal and social obstacles surrounding progressive drug research.
The post #037: Dr. David Nutt and the Obstacles to Rational Drug Research appeared first on Smart Drug Smarts.