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Mind & Matter

910 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratings

Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers alive today about how your mind-body reacts to what you feed it.

The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today.


Not medical advice.

At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer consulting primary rather than secondary sources and independent rather than institutional voices. If we encounter uncomfortable truths or the evidence suggests unfashionable ideas may be valid, so be it.


As the host, my aim is to help you better understand how the body & mind work by curating & synthesizing information in a way that yields science-based insights that you can choose to use or disregard in your own life. Taking ownership of your health starts with taking ownership of your information diet.


I am motivated to connect the dots and distill general principles from what I learn, preferring to ask questions and play devil’s advocate to debating or incessantly pushing my own viewpoint.


My beliefs:

Taking ownership of your health starts with taking ownership of your information diet.All knowledge is provisional and we must work hard to prevent ourselves from becoming attached to our favorite ideas & preferred conclusions.Wisdom comes from an iterative, trial-and-error process of learning and unlearning. Letting go of pre-conceived notions can be painful, but pain is information.


Sometimes modern discoveries teach us we must unlearn received wisdom. Other times, modern information overload & historical chauvinism cause us to forget ancient wisdom which stills applies. The framework for learning that I embody is inspired by three Ancient Greek maxims inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi:

“Γνῶθι σεαυτόν” (Know thyself)“Μηδὲν ἄγαν” (Nothing in excess)“Ἐγγύα πάρα δ Ἄτα” (Certainty brings insanity)

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Episodes

Exercise Science, Nutrition, Plant vs. Animal Protein, Muscle Physiology, Sleep, Endurance vs. Resistance Training, Fat, Carbs, Protein | Luc van Loon | #115

May 25, 2023 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Luc van Loon, Professor of Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at Maastricht University, about topics in exercise science, health & nutrition. They discuss: macronutrients & energy; protein quality & digestibility; endurance & resistance training; plant vs. animal protein; muscle conditioning & muscle fibers; sleep & aging; muscle physiology & metabolism; and more. Support the show Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter: [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?sort=t...

Exercise Science, Nutrition, Plant vs. Animal Protein, Muscle Physiology, Sleep, Endurance vs. Resistance Training, Fat, Carbs, Amino Acids | Luc van Loon | M&M #115

May 25, 2023 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Luc van Loon, Professor of Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at Maastricht University, about topics in exercise science, health & nutrition. They discuss: macronutrients & energy; protein quality & digestibility; endurance & resistance training; plant vs. animal protein; muscle conditioning & muscle fibers; sleep & aging; muscle physiology & metabolism; and more. To learn more about diet & metabolism, check out this content: https://substack.com/search/diet%20metabolism?focu...

Exercise Science, Nutrition, Plant vs. Animal Protein, Muscle Physiology, Sleep, Endurance vs. Resistance Training, Fat, Carbs, Amino Acids | Luc van Loon | #115

May 25, 2023 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Luc van Loon, Professor of Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at Maastricht University, about topics in exercise science, health & nutrition. They discuss: macronutrients & energy; protein quality & digestibility; endurance & resistance training; plant vs. animal protein; muscle conditioning & muscle fibers; sleep & aging; muscle physiology & metabolism; and more. To learn more about diet & metabolism, check out this content: https://substack.com/sear...

Marijuana, Plant Chemistry, Terpenes, Volatile Sulfur Compounds, Cannabis Industry, What Pungent Weed Smells Like & Why | Iain Oswald | #114

May 08, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Iain Oswald, who has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Texas-Dallas and is principal scientist Abstrax Tech, a cannabis research and product development company. He is an expert in using cutting edge analytical chemistry techniques to study plant chemistry and has done a lot of work to decipher the chemistry of commercial cannabis, including lesser-known compounds found in the essential oils of marijuana plants and how these relate the senso...

Marijuana, Plant Chemistry, Terpenes, Volatile Sulfur Compounds, Cannabis Industry, What Pungent Weed Smells Like & Why | Iain Oswald | M&M #114

May 08, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Iain Oswald, who has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Texas-Dallas and is principal scientist Abstrax Tech, a cannabis research and product development company. He is an expert in using cutting edge analytical chemistry techniques to study plant chemistry and has done a lot of work to decipher the chemistry of commercial cannabis, including lesser-known compounds found in the essential oils of marijuana plants and how these relate the sensory qualities of marijuana...

Alcohol Toxicity, Vaping vs. Smoking, Tobacco, Nicotine, Marijuana, Cannabis Terpenes, THC, Toxicology, Health Effects of Vaping | Echo Rufer | M&M #113

May 02, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 50.6 MB

Nick talks to board-certified toxicologist Dr. Echo Rufer. The conversation starts with a brief overview of what the science of toxicology is all about & a little bit about alcohol toxicity. They then discuss: differences between vaping and smoking; what toxins are produced through the combustion of plant material, especially tobacco & marijuana; cannabinoids like THC & CBD, as well as cannabis terpenes; relationship between dose, method of consumption & toxicity of chemical compounds; cause...

Alcohol Toxicity, Vaping vs. Smoking, Tobacco, Nicotine, Marijuana, Cannabis Terpenes, THC, Toxicology, Health Effects of Vaping | Echo Rufer | #113

May 02, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 50.6 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to board-certified toxicologist Dr. Echo Rufer. The conversation starts with a brief overview of what the science of toxicology is all about & a little bit about alcohol toxicity. They then discuss: differences between vaping and smoking; what toxins are produced through the combustion of plant material, especially tobacco & marijuana; cannabinoids like THC & CBD, as well as cannabis terpenes; relationship between dose, method of consumption & toxicity of ...

The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands | Nathan Price | #112

April 13, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Nathan Price, who is a professor at the Institute of Systems Biology and Chief Science Officer of Thorne HealthTech. They discuss topics related to his new book, "The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine is Personalized, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands." Listen to Nick's previous discussion with Dr. Nathan Price:  [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/podcast-47-nathan-price-metabolism#details] Support the Show. All episodes (audio...

Critical Periods, Neuroplasticity, Language Acquisition, Synesthesia, Childhood Development, Machine Learning & AI, DTC Marketing, Customer Segmentation, Orita.ai | Dan Brady | #111

April 05, 2023 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Daniel Brady, PhD a neuroscientist who studied sensory systems in the developing brain. Dr. Brady is also the co-founder and CEO of Orita.ai, a startup using machine learning & AI to solve data problems for direct-to-consumer brands. They discuss: critical periods of learning, childhood brain development, neuroplasticity, synesthesia, language acquisition, Orita.ai, machine learning & AI, customer segmentation, data science, and more. Support the Show....

Critical Periods, Neuroplasticity, Language Acquisition, Synesthesia, Childhood Development, Machine Learning & AI, DTC Marketing, Customer Segmentation, Orita.ai | Dan Brady | M&M #111

April 05, 2023 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

Nick talks to Daniel Brady, PhD a neuroscientist who studied sensory systems in the developing brain. Dr. Brady is also the co-founder and CEO of Orita.ai, a startup using machine learning & AI to solve data problems for direct-to-consumer brands. They discuss: critical periods of learning, childhood brain development, neuroplasticity, synesthesia, language acquisition, Orita.ai, machine learning & AI, customer segmentation, data science, and more. Try Everyday Dose, high-quality coffee & m...

Neurogenesis, Stem Cells, Neuroplasticity, Aging, Exercise, Fasting & PTSD | Rusty Gage | M&M #110

March 20, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Rusty Gage, a neurobiologist at the Salk Institute whose lab studies how genes & environment interact to influence brain development, including the process of adult neurogenesis. They discuss: what neurogenesis is and how it works; lifestyle factors that influence neurogenesis, such as exercise, intermittent fasting, etc.; molecular pathways involved in neurogenesis; depression & PTSD; memory formation and the function of newly born adult neurons; and more. Support the Sho...

Neurogenesis, Stem Cells, Neuroplasticity, Aging, Exercise, Fasting & PTSD | Rusty Gage | #110

March 20, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Rusty Gage, a neurobiologist at the Salk Institute whose lab studies how genes & environment interact to influence brain development, including the process of adult neurogenesis. They discuss: what neurogenesis is and how it works; lifestyle factors that influence neurogenesis, such as exercise, intermittent fasting, etc.; molecular pathways involved in neurogenesis; depression & PTSD; memory formation and the function of newly born adult neurons; a...

Cannabis Lab Testing, THC, CBD, Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Consumer Safety, Marijuana Industry | Nick Mosley | M&M #109

March 17, 2023 20:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

Nick talks with Nick Mosley, who is CEO of a cannabis testing lab called Confidence Analytics, which conducts analytical testing for legal cannabis products in Washington & California. They discuss: how analytical testing for cannabis products works; THC, CBD, and cannabinoid content; terpenes; pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants; the phenomenon of THC inflation & lab shopping in the legal marijuana industry; how consumers can discern whether cannabis products are safe & con...

Cannabis Lab Testing, THC, CBD, Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Consumer Safety, Marijuana Industry | Nick Mosley | #109

March 17, 2023 20:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks with Nick Mosley, who is CEO of a cannabis testing lab called Confidence Analytics, which conducts analytical testing for legal cannabis products in Washington & California. They discuss: how analytical testing for cannabis products works; THC, CBD, and cannabinoid content; terpenes; pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants; the phenomenon of THC inflation & lab shopping in the legal marijuana industry; how consumers can discern whether cannabi...

Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Psychology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health, Disease, Metabolism, Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Preview: Mind & Matter Podcast with Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health & Disease, Metabolism & Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Psychology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Metabolism, Nutrition, Biotech

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

Send us a Text Message. What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existi...

Preview: Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health, Disease, Metabolism, Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Preview: Mind & Matter Podcast | Dr. Nick Jikomes | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health, Disease, Metabolism, Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Preview: Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health & Disease, Metabolism & Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Biotechnology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Health, Disease, Metabolism, Nutrition

March 14, 2023 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.34 MB

What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. Learning philosophy At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer con...

Biology of Monogamy, Sexual & Parental Behavior, Social Attachment, Oxytocin, Sex Hormones, Childhood Psychosis, Menopause & Brain Development | Devanand Manoli | M&M #108

March 08, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 76.7 MB

Nick talks to psychiatrist & neuroscientist Devanand Manoli, MD, PhD, whose lab at UCSF studies the neural basis of social behavior & attachment in prairie voles. As a psychiatrist, he also treats patients with childhood psychosis. They discuss: the neural basis of pair bonding, monogamy, and parental & sexual behavior; oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone & estrogen; evolution of behavior; menopause & multigenerational parental care; childhood psychosis; and more. Support the Show. All epi...

Monogamy, Sexual & Parental Behavior, Social Attachment, Oxytocin, Sex Hormones, Childhood Psychosis, Menopause & Brain Development | Devanand Manoli | #108

March 08, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 76.7 MB

Nick talks to psychiatrist & neuroscientist Devanand Manoli, MD, PhD, whose lab at UCSF studies the neural basis of social behavior & attachment in prairie voles. As a psychiatrist, he also treats patients with childhood psychosis. They discuss: the neural basis of pair bonding, monogamy, and parental & sexual behavior; oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone & estrogen; evolution of behavior; menopause & multigenerational parental care; childhood psychosis; and more. Support the show Sign up fo...

Biology of Monogamy, Sexual & Parental Behavior, Social Attachment, Oxytocin, Sex Hormones, Childhood Psychosis, Menopause & Brain Development | Devanand Manoli | #108

March 08, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 76.7 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to psychiatrist & neuroscientist Devanand Manoli, MD, PhD, whose lab at UCSF studies the neural basis of social behavior & attachment in prairie voles. As a psychiatrist, he also treats patients with childhood psychosis. They discuss: the neural basis of pair bonding, monogamy, and parental & sexual behavior; oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone & estrogen; evolution of behavior; menopause & multigenerational parental care; childhood psychosis; and more. S...

Monogamy, Sexual & Parental Behavior, Social Attachment, Oxytocin, Sex Hormones, Childhood Psychosis, Menopause & Brain Development | Devanand Manoli | M&M #108

March 08, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 76.7 MB

Nick talks to psychiatrist & neuroscientist Devanand Manoli, MD, PhD, whose lab at UCSF studies the neural basis of social behavior & attachment in prairie voles. As a psychiatrist, he also treats patients with childhood psychosis. They discuss: the neural basis of pair bonding, monogamy, and parental & sexual behavior; oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone & estrogen; evolution of behavior; menopause & multigenerational parental care; childhood psychosis; and more. Try Everyday Dose, high-qu...

The Evolution of Complex Behavior, Perception, Cognition, Consciousness & the Brain | Paul Cisek | #107

February 27, 2023 08:00 - 2 hours - 85.4 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Paul Cisek, a neuroscientist at the University of Montreal studies sensorimotor control & decision making in primates. They discuss: the evolution of the brain from the earliest nervous systems to humans; metabolism & state control; the evolution of behavior; sensation, perception, cognition, decision making & consciousness; language & representation; why neuroscience needs evolutionary thinking; and more. Support the show Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newslette...

Evolution of Complex Behavior, Perception, Cognition, Consciousness & the Brain | Paul Cisek | #107

February 27, 2023 08:00 - 2 hours - 85.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Paul Cisek, a neuroscientist at the University of Montreal who studies sensorimotor control & decision making in primates. They discuss: the evolution of the brain from the earliest nervous systems to humans; metabolism & state control; the evolution of behavior; sensation, perception, cognition, decision making & consciousness; language & representation; why neuroscience needs evolutionary thinking; and more. Support the Show. All episodes (audio...

Evolution of Complex Behavior, Perception, Cognition, Consciousness & the Brain | Paul Cisek | M&M #107

February 27, 2023 08:00 - 2 hours - 85.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Paul Cisek, a neuroscientist at the University of Montreal who studies sensorimotor control & decision making in primates. They discuss: the evolution of the brain from the earliest nervous systems to humans; metabolism & state control; the evolution of behavior; sensation, perception, cognition, decision making & consciousness; language & representation; why neuroscience needs evolutionary thinking; and more. Support the Show. All episodes (audio...

Diet, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Taste, Whole vs. Processed Food, Obesity & Weight Loss, Comparative Biology of Feeding Behavior | Stephen Simpson & David Raubenheimer | #106

February 20, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 75.2 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Stephen Simpson & Dr. David Raubenheimer, both professors at the University of Sydney who have been research collaborators for many years. Their research focuses on understanding animal feeding behavior, especially how & why different animals use their sensory systems in order to consume foods so that their diets contain the right balance of nutrients. Understanding animals in the evolutionary & ecological contexts they evolved to survive in enables...

Diet, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Taste, Whole vs. Processed Food, Obesity & Weight Loss, Comparative Biology of Feeding Behavior | Stephen Simpson & David Raubenheimer | M&M #106

February 20, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 75.2 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Stephen Simpson & Dr. David Raubenheimer, both professors at the University of Sydney who have been research collaborators for many years. Their research focuses on understanding animal feeding behavior, especially how & why different animals use their sensory systems in order to consume foods so that their diets contain the right balance of nutrients. Understanding animals in the evolutionary & ecological contexts they evolved to survive in enables us to build a holistic p...

Metabolism, Obesity & Psychedelics for Metabolic Disease | Christoffer Clemmensen | M&M #105

February 07, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Christoffer Clemmensen, who runs the Metabolism & Molecular Pharmacology group at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. His lab studies the biological basis of obesity & other metabolic disorders. They discuss: the causes of obesity; environmental and biological factors influencing predisposition to obesity; novel anti-obesity drugs; gut hormones & peptides regulating food intake; whether psychedelics like psilocybin may be useful for treating obesity and other metabolic...

Metabolism, Obesity & Psychedelics for Metabolic Disease | Christoffer Clemmensen | #105

February 07, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Christoffer Clemmensen, who runs the Metabolism & Molecular Pharmacology group at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. His lab studies the biological basis of obesity & other metabolic disorders. They discuss: the causes of obesity; environmental and biological factors influencing predisposition to obesity; novel anti-obesity drugs; gut hormones & peptides regulating food intake; whether psychedelics like psilocybin may be useful for treating ob...

Benefits & Risks of UV Radiation & Sunlight, Skin Health, Vitamin D, Nitric Oxide, Evolution of Skin Color | Richard Weller | M&M #104

January 23, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 69.7 MB

Nick talks to academic dermatologist Dr. Richard Weller about: skin health; benefits & risks of sunlight & UV radiation exposure; nitric oxide, blood pressure & cardiovascular health; vitamin D; sun screen & tanning; the evolution of skin color & skin physiology; and more. Support the Show. All episodes (audio & video), show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Try Athletic Greens: Comprehensive & convenient daily nutrition. Free 1-year supply of vitamin D with purchase. Try...

Benefits & Risks of UV Radiation & Sunlight, Skin Health, Vitamin D, Nitric Oxide, Evolution of Skin Color | Richard Weller | #104

January 23, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 69.7 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to academic dermatologist Dr. Richard Weller about: skin health; benefits & risks of sunlight & UV radiation exposure; nitric oxide, blood pressure & cardiovascular health; vitamin D; sun screen & tanning; the evolution of skin color & skin physiology; and more. Support the Show. All episodes (audio & video), show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Try Athletic Greens: Comprehensive & convenient daily nutrition. Free 1-year supply of vita...

Connections Between Microbiome, Exercise, Diet, Metabolism, Circadian Rhythms, Endocannabinoids & Health | Christoph Thaiss | #103

January 17, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to biologist Dr. Christoph Thaiss, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His lab studies how the body detects & responds to environmental stimuli, with a focus on interactions between the gut microbiome, immune & nervous systems. They discuss: sensory systems of the body & basic principles of how they work; gut microbiome & the consequences of depleting it with antibiotics; endocannabinoids & exercise; how microbiome composition influences the bra...

Connections Between Microbiome, Exercise, Diet, Metabolism, Circadian Rhythms, Endocannabinoids & Health | Christoph Thaiss | M&M #103

January 17, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB

Nick talks to biologist Dr. Christoph Thaiss, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His lab studies how the body detects & responds to environmental stimuli, with a focus on interactions between the gut microbiome, immune & nervous systems. They discuss: sensory systems of the body & basic principles of how they work; gut microbiome & the consequences of depleting it with antibiotics; endocannabinoids & exercise; how microbiome composition influences the brain & motivation to engage...

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Serotonin Receptors, Tryptamines & Psychedelics | Ryan Gumpper | M&M #102

January 12, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MB

Nick talks to biochemist & biophysicist Dr Ryan Gumpper, a postdoc in Dr. Bryan Roth's lab at the University of North Carolina. They discuss the biochemistry, molecular biology & biophysics of serotonin receptors, including the molecular details for what happens when serotonin and tryptamines psychedelics (e.g. LSD) bind to 5HT2A receptors in the brain. They also discuss how understand these details relates to the quest to discover novel psychedelic-derived compounds with therapeutic benefit...

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Serotonin Receptors, Tryptamines & Psychedelics | Ryan Gumpper | #102

January 12, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to biochemist & biophysicist Dr Ryan Gumpper, a postdoc in Dr. Bryan Roth's lab at the University of North Carolina. They discuss the biochemistry, molecular biology & biophysics of serotonin receptors, including the molecular details for what happens when serotonin and tryptamines psychedelics (e.g. LSD) bind to 5HT2A receptors in the brain. They also discuss how understand these details relates to the quest to discover novel psychedelic-derived compounds...

Consciousness, Anesthesia, Coma, Vegetative States, Sleep Pills (Ambien), Ketamine, AI & ChatGPT | Alex Proekt | M&M #101

December 26, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

Nick talks to anesthesiologist & neuroscientist Dr. Alex Proekt, who runs a lab at the University of Pennsylvania, about altered states of consciousness. They discuss: NREM & REM sleep, anesthesia & anesthetic drugs like propofol; coma & vegetative states; sleeping pills like Ambien; the relationship between consciousness & the underlying brain dynamics; how ketamine differs from other anesthetics & what it does to brain activity; AI & ChatGPT. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind ...

Consciousness, Anesthesia, Coma, Vegetative States, Sleep Pills (Ambien), Ketamine, AI & ChatGPT | Alex Proekt | #101

December 26, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to anesthesiologist & neuroscientist Dr. Alex Proekt, who runs a lab at the University of Pennsylvania, about altered states of consciousness. They discuss: NREM & REM sleep, anesthesia & anesthetic drugs like propofol; coma & vegetative states; sleeping pills like Ambien; the relationship between consciousness & the underlying brain dynamics; how ketamine differs from other anesthetics & what it does to brain activity; AI & ChatGPT. Support the Show. Al...

Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Pandemics, Health Policy, Big Science, Politicization of Science | Jay Bhattacharya | M&M #100

December 19, 2022 22:00 - 2 hours - 83 MB

Nick talks to Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, who is a professor of medicine & economics at Stanford University. They discuss various aspects of the COVID pandemic, such as: how infectious, transmissible, and deadly SARS-CoV-2 is; mRNA vaccines, how well they stop transmission vs. severed COVID, and whether they can induce negative side effects such as myocarditis; how well masks actually work; Jay's inclusion in the "TwitterFiles" and the suppression of speech on social media; what he thinks of ...

Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Pandemics, Health Policy, Big Science, Politicization of Science | Jay Bhattacharya | #100

December 19, 2022 22:00 - 2 hours - 83 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, who is a professor of medicine & economics at Stanford University. They discuss various aspects of the COVID pandemic, such as: how infectious, transmissible, and deadly SARS-CoV-2 is; mRNA vaccines, how well they stop transmission vs. severed COVID, and whether they can induce negative side effects such as myocarditis; how well masks actually work; Jay's inclusion in the "TwitterFiles" and the suppression of speech on social ...

Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Organoids, Human-Animal Transplantation, Reverse Engineering the Human Brain | Sergiu Pasca | #99

December 15, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 49.7 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to Dr. Sergiu Pasca, a developmental neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. They discuss topics related to human brain development, the origins of neuropsychiatric disease like autism & schizophrenia, new technologies for studying brain development, stem cells, and recent experiments from Dr. Pasca'a lab utilizing brain "organoids," "assembloids," and human-animal transplantations. Support the Show. All episodes (audio & video), show notes,...

Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Organoids, Human-Animal Transplantation, Reverse Engineering the Human Brain | Sergiu Pasca | M&M #99

December 15, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 49.7 MB

Nick talks to Dr. Sergiu Pasca, a developmental neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. They discuss topics related to human brain development, the origins of neuropsychiatric disease like autism & schizophrenia, new technologies for studying brain development, stem cells, and recent experiments from Dr. Pasca'a lab utilizing brain "organoids," "assembloids," and human-animal transplantations. Support the show Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter: [https://mindan...

Neural Computation, AI, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | #98

November 28, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 99.2 MB

Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches.  They discuss: what kinds of things animal brains are actually computing, and to what extent we can think about brains like computers; the difference between neurotransmitters an...

Neural Computation, AI, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | M&M #98

November 28, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 99.2 MB

Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches.  They discuss: what kinds of things animal brains are actually computing, and to what extent we can think about brains like computers; the difference between neurotransmitters an...

Neural Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | #98

November 28, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 99.2 MB

Send us a Text Message. Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches.  They discuss: what kinds of things animal brains are actually computing, and to what extent we can think about brains like computers; the difference bet...

Neural Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | M&M #98

November 28, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 99.2 MB

Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches.  They discuss: what kinds of things animal brains are actually computing, and to what extent we can think about brains like computers; the difference between neurotransmitters an...

Neural Computation, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | #98

November 28, 2022 18:00 - 2 hours - 99.2 MB

Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches.  They discuss: what kinds of things animal brains are actually computing, and to what extent we can think about brains like computers; the difference between neurotransmitters an...

How Did the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Originate? | Alex Washburne | M&M #97

November 21, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 72.4 MB

Nick talks to mathematical biologist Dr. Alex Washburne about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Support the Show. All episodes (audio & video), show notes, transcripts, and more at the M&M Substack Try Athletic Greens: Comprehensive & convenient daily nutrition. Free 1-year supply of vitamin D with purchase. Try SiPhox Health—Affordable, at-home bloodwork w/ a comprehensive set of key health marker. Use code TRIKOMES for a 10% discount. Try the Lumen device to optimize your metaboli...

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