Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production) artwork

Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production)

89 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratings

Hosted by Drs. Josh Turknett and Tommy Wood, Better Brain Fitness explores the frontiers of how to keep our brain fit and healthy, so that we can perform at our best and do the things that we love for as long as possible.

Science Business ancestralhealth brainhealth brainjo cognition neurology neuroscience
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Episodes

Introducing Brainjo Bites

March 22, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes - 14.3 MB

Introducing a new recurring segment on the podcast.  Links Mentioned:  The Laws of Brainjo book brainjo.academy

Model #13: Tautology

February 22, 2021 19:19 - 31 minutes - 56.6 MB

What is intelligence? 

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #13: Tautology

February 22, 2021 19:19 - 31 minutes - 56.6 MB

What is intelligence? 

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #12: Cognitive Recruitment

May 06, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

How to turn weaknesses into strengths by re-routing the flow information.  To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and healthy, along with our recommended products, books, tools, and other resources for doing so, go to: brainjo.academy/connection To learn more about how you can boost brain fitness with neuroscience-based musical instruction, head to brainjo.academy.     

Model #12: Cognitive Recruitment

May 06, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

How to turn weaknesses into strengths by re-routing the flow information.    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective.  

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #11: The Fastest Snails

April 23, 2020 10:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

Do we really understand the nature of our own intelligence, or what it is our brains truly excel at? Or have we been looking in the wrong places?  To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and healthy, along with our recommended products, books, tools, and other resources for doing so, go to: brainjo.academy/connection To learn more about how you can boost brain fitness with neuroscience-based musical in...

How To Unshackle Your Memory (interview with Nelson Dellis, 4 time US memory champion)

April 16, 2020 21:09 - 48 minutes - 87.1 MB

Think some people are born with good memories? Think exponential gains in memory capacity, if even possible at all, would take years to develop?  Perhaps no domain better illustrates the latent potential inside each brain, or challenges conventional ideas about innate intelligence, better than that of the world of competitive memory.  In this episode, we explore this topic with 4 time US Memory Champion Nelson Dellis.  To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly new...

How To Win At Angry Birds: The ancestral paradigm for a therapeutic revolution

December 15, 2019 14:33 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

In this episode, I'm interviewed by Christopher Kelly of Nourish Balance Thrive about the 4 Quadrant Model for making health-related decisions and evaluating therapeutic interventions. Click here to view the show notes and quadrant model.  Click here to view the Ancestral Health Symposium talk on YouTube.  To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and healthy, along with our recommended products, books...

Model #11: The Fastest Snails

October 23, 2019 10:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

  Do we really understand the nature of our own intelligence, or what it is our brains truly excel at? Or have we been looking in the wrong places?    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com.

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #10: Paradoxical Gains

August 02, 2019 13:13 - 21 minutes - 38.7 MB

How could an injury to the brain result in the gain of new abilities?  The explanation directly challenges the conventional view of human intelligence and innate ability, with broad reaching implications for how to best support and nurture cognitive development. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and healthy, along with our recommended products, books, tools, and other resources for doing so, go t...

Model #10: Paradoxical Gains

August 02, 2019 13:13 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

How could an insult to the brain result in the gain of new abilities?  The explanation directly challenges the conventional view of human intelligence and innate ability, with broad reaching implications for how to best support and nurture cognitive development.   Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com.

Applying Systems Analysis To Human Health (conversation with Dr. Tommy Wood)

July 17, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MB

To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and healthy, along with our recommended products, books, tools, and other resources for doing so, go to: brainjo.academy/connection To learn more about how you can boost brain fitness with neuroscience-based musical instruction, head to brainjo.academy.   

From Green Beret To Bestselling Author: Exploring the limits of physical and mental performance with Tim Tigner

June 30, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MB

SHOW NOTES available at: elitecognition.com/timtigner Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com.

Why You Should Embrace Your Ineptitude

June 12, 2019 15:10 - 18 minutes - 25 MB

We don't like feeling terrible at something, and so most of us avoid doing things that make us feel that way. Yet, if we're looking to optimize the health and function of the brain, that's precisely the kinds of feeling we should be seeking out.  KEY POINTS and SHOW NOTES available at: elitecognition.com/inept Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancemen...

The Power of Mathematical Thinking, Interview with Ben Orlin

May 16, 2019 14:23 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MB

In this episode, I talk with mathematician and author Ben Orlin. Ben is the creator of the "Math With Bad Drawings" blog and similarly titled book, which I can't recommend highly enough.  In this episode, we talk about the book, misconceptions about mathematical aptitude, the importance of allowing yourself to be stuck with a problem, and more.  Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. For the show notes and links mentione...

Pioneer of Plasticity, Dr. Michael Merzenich

May 01, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 87.8 MB

In this episode, we talk with neuroscientist Dr. Michael Merzenich, who's research was instrumental in overturning the fixed brain dogma, replacing it with our present understanding of the brain as dynamic and plastic throughout our lives.    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. For the show notes and full episode transcript, go to elitecognition.com/merzenich Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cogni...

Model #9: Plasticity

April 16, 2019 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

For much of the 20th century, the prevailing view in neuroscience was that, after childhood development, the brain was fixed and unchanging.  We now know that this couldn't be further from the truth, yet we are still recovering from fallout of this idea, with much to still be learned about the brain's remarkable and lifelong capacity for continuous change.    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the ...

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #9: Plasticity

April 16, 2019 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

For much of the 20th century, the prevailing view in neuroscience was that, after childhood development, the brain was fixed and unchanging.  We now know that this couldn't be further from the truth, yet we are still recovering from fallout of this idea, with much to still be learned about the brain's remarkable and lifelong capacity for continuous change.    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the ...

Protecting and Optimizing the Brain's Hardware, an Overview

March 18, 2019 11:00 - 52 minutes - 71.4 MB

In this conversation with Dr. Tommy Wood, we review the basic tenets of protecting and optimizing the brain's biological foundation.    Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #8: Game Level VS. Source Code

March 05, 2019 16:04 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MB

How is it that, in recent decades, despite an unfathomable investment of resources, and despite massive technological transformations in other domains of human life, we've made virtually no progress in medical therapeutics?   Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and ...

Model #8: Game Level VS. Source Code

March 05, 2019 16:04 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MB

How is it that, in recent decades, despite an unfathomable investment of resources, and despite massive technological transformations in other domains of human life, we've made virtually no progress in medical therapeutics?   Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and ...

How Cognitive Design Can Shape The Human Experience (Interview with Frank Capek)

February 13, 2019 21:00 - 1 hour - 94.2 MB

We don't perceive the world as it is, but as our brain constructs it. For years, today's guest Frank Capek, founder of Customer Innovations and pioneer in the field of Cognitive Experience Design, has been helping companies apply our understanding of how the brain constructs reality to elevate the human experience. Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhanc...

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #7: Mismatch

February 04, 2019 18:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

What's the single most important mental model for understanding how to optimize the biological foundation of human intelligence? Mismatch. Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Model #7: Mismatch

February 04, 2019 18:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

What's the single most important mental model for understanding how to optimize the biological foundation of human intelligence? Mismatch. Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

The "Learn To Uke" Brain Fitness Challenge

January 18, 2019 15:23 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

Ready to learn to play great music and grow a gigantic brain?! Learn more at elitecognition.com/fitness. 

Model #6: Hierarchy

January 11, 2019 12:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

There's a war going on inside our heads, and we only ever see the winners.   Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #6: Hierarchy

January 11, 2019 12:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

There's a war going on inside our heads, and we only ever see the winners.   Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a community of curious minds, at elitecognition.com/collective. Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Model #5 - Modular AND Distributed (MAD)

December 26, 2018 20:37 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MB

Since the advent of neuroscience, scientists have struggled with a fundamental question about how the brain is organized.    Learn more about the "Learn to Uke" Brain Fitness Challenge at elitecognition.com/fitness Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #5: Modular AND Distributed (MAD)

December 26, 2018 20:37 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MB

Since the advent of neuroscience, scientists have struggled with a fundamental question about how the brain is organized.    Learn more about the "Learn to Uke" Brain Fitness Challenge at elitecognition.com/fitness Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Optimizing the Performance of the Knowledge Worker

December 14, 2018 23:44 - 1 hour - 115 MB

In this episode, Dr. Tommy Wood interviews James Hewitt, Chief Innovation Officer at Hintsa Performance, on how knowledge workers can optimize their cognitive performance.  Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Learn more about the Brainjo Collective, a professionally moderated community for those interesting in improving brain health and function, at elitecognition.com/collective

Model #4: Automaticity

December 06, 2018 14:38 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MB

Why is it that, in spite of our brain's ability to change itself throughout our lives, behavior change is rare?   Learn more about the "Learn to Uke" Brain Fitness Challenge at elitecognition.com/fitness Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #4: Automaticity

December 06, 2018 14:38 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MB

Why is it that, in spite of our brain's ability to change itself throughout our lives, behavior change is rare?   Learn more about the "Learn to Uke" Brain Fitness Challenge at elitecognition.com/fitness Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

The Circadian Lux Challenge: Re-Aligning the Brain with Light

November 25, 2018 17:15 - 3 minutes - 4.12 MB

A short announcement about the Circadian Lux Challenge that's about to launch in the Elite Cognition and Elite Performance forum, which is available to members of the Brainjo Collective.  To learn more, head to elitecognition.com/collective More Resources on light and circadian biology: Dan Pardi's TEDx Talk: How To Optimize Light for Health Interview on Nourish Balance Thrive with Dr. Satchin Panda: How To Use Time Restricted Eating to Reverse Disease and Optimize Health Interview...

Model #3: Confabulation

November 19, 2018 19:33 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MB

The next mental model for Cognitive Neuroscience up for discussion: confabulation. Or, why "I don't know" is the hardest phrase for a human to say.    Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com. Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #2: Subterranean

November 12, 2018 21:52 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MB

This episode introduces our next mental model, Subterranean, one that profoundly alters our conception of human behavior, and of the nature and scope of cognition.  Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com.   Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.    Click here to learn more about The Brainjo Collective, a community of lifelong learners.

Model #2: Subterranean

November 12, 2018 21:52 - 21 minutes - 29.7 MB

This episode introduces our next mental model, Subterranean, one that profoundly alters our conception of human behavior, and of the nature and scope of cognition.  Learn more about the Brainjo Center for Neurology & Cognitive Enhancement at elitecognition.com.   Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.    Click here to learn more about The Brainjo Collective, a community of lifelong learners.

Model #1: Hardware & Software

November 02, 2018 14:28 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

This episode introduces the first in a series of Mental Models for Cognitive Neuroscience, which we'll use to understand and frame some of the central claims of this podcast.    Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.    Click here to learn more about The Brainjo Collective, a community of lifelong learners.

Intelligence Unshackled - Model #1: Hardware & Software

November 02, 2018 14:28 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

This episode introduces the first in a series of Mental Models for Cognitive Neuroscience, which we'll use to understand and frame some of the central claims of this podcast.    Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.    Click here to learn more about The Brainjo Collective, a community of lifelong learners.

The Unshackling of Human Intelligence

November 02, 2018 14:07 - 44 minutes - 60.4 MB

In this introductory episode of the Intelligence Unshackled podcast, your host Dr. Josh Turknett explains its origins, what to expect, and the ways in which human intelligence is constrained in today's world.  Click here to review the key points, and view the links and transcript from this episode.  Click here to learn more about The Brainjo Collective, a community of lifelong learners.