Super Brain
182 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsDr Sabina Brennan talks to an eclectic mix of inspiring guests about thriving and surviving in life and shares practical tips to transform your everyday brain into a healthy, happy, Super Brain.
Unleash Your Super Power
Host: Sabina Brennan
Edited by Emily Burke (Seasons 1 - 4
Original Music by Gavin Brennan
Recorded at the Super Brain Studio
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
S5:E7 Mood, Food and the Gut Brain Connection with Prof John Cryan
November 07, 2022 00:02 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBDr Sabina Brennan has a fascinating conversation with Prof John Cryan stress neurobiologist and co-author of the Psychobiotic Revolution about the gut and the brain and how bacteria and the food we eat contribute to and are influenced by stress, anxiety, depression and more. The Psychobiotic Revolution You can follow Prof Cryan on Twitter @JFCryan You can read more about his research and access his publications https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/people/johncryan/ Support this show http://suppor...
S5:E6 Help Me with Marianne Power
September 04, 2022 23:02 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to journalist Marianne Power about the year she spent following the advice of one self-help book per month. -The book is like reading a Bridget Jones script only better, you'll laugh and cry and thanks to Marianne's no hold's barred honesty you will recognise yourself on every page. I loved chatting to Marianne and I know you will love listening to our chat. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
S5:E5 Bird girl with Mya-Rose Craig
July 25, 2022 19:50 - 49 minutes - 547 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to 20 year old Dr Mya-Rose Craig about her memoir Birdgirl. Already a woman if substance this young woman who has achieved so much in such a short period of time describes herself as a British-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist, diversity activist, writer, speaker and broadcaster. Mya-Rose's memoir Birdgirl is available in print, e-book and audiobook online and in stores. You can read about Mya-Rose's work and achievements on www.birdgirluk.com You can follow her...
S5:E4 Secrets
June 26, 2022 23:02 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBDr Sabina Brennan takes a look into secret research. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5:E3 Control
May 30, 2022 16:51 - 46.1 MBDr Sabina Brennan explores the psychology and neuroscience of control, impulsivity, self-control, taking control and relinquishing control. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5:E2 Headspace for healthy eating with Dr Rupi Aujla
April 18, 2022 08:09 - 1 hour - 160 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to NHS doctor, Sunday Times best-selling author and host of the The Doctor's Kitchen podcast about how he overcame a life-changing diagnosis and avoided heart surgery by adjusting his lifestyle and changing his diet. In this frank interview Rupi admits that it can be tough to maintain a healthy lifestyle in times of stress and shares the daily habits that help him to get back on track The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast Download the Doctors Kitchen App to get access to per...
Headspace for healthy eating with Dr Rupi Aujla
April 18, 2022 08:09 - 1 hour - 160 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to NHS doctor, Sunday Times best-selling author and host of the The Doctor's Kitchen podcast about how he overcame a life-changing diagnosis and avoided heart surgery by adjusting his lifestyle and changing his diet. In this frank interview Rupi admits that it can be tough to maintain a healthy lifestyle in times of stress and shares the daily habits that help him to get back on track The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast Download the Doctors Kitchen App to get access to per...
S5:E1 Imaginers
March 21, 2022 00:05 - 47 minutes - 115 MBThe Super Brain podcast returns with this audio documentary produced and presented by Super Brain host Dr Sabina Brennan Dr Edward O'Sullivan, Director of the Migraine Clinic at Cork University Hospital takes us inside the migraine brain offering a medical and scientific perspective and Dr Sabina Brennan shares her own experience of living with chronic migraine. Migraine is the 7th most debilitating condition in the world (WHO) affecting 10-12% of the population. Vox pops threaded throu...
Super Brain is back
March 20, 2022 21:44 - 7.5 MBSuper Brain is back. Season 5 kicks off March 21st 2022 with the audio documentary produced and presented by Dr Sabina Brennan. Super Brain Episodes will drop every third Monday in the Month Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 48 - Stranger Danger
November 25, 2021 08:54 - 12 minutes - 28.6 MBIn this, the final episode of Season 4 Dr Sabina Brennan talks about the benefits of talking to strangers Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E12 Strength with Mark O'Halloran
November 22, 2021 00:02 - 1 hour - 169 MBDr Sabina Brennan and multi-award-winning script writer and actor Mark O'Halloran discuss strength and weakness through the lens of his amazing films, Viva and Adam and Paul. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tasty train stations - Synaesthesia
November 18, 2021 00:02 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBDr Sabina Brennan takes a look at synaesthesia a fascinating neurological phenomenon where certain sensory inputs such as words, letters, numbers or music automatically trigger the additional senses like colour, sound, taste and smell. Get bonus content on Patreon Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Booster 47 - Tasty train stations - Synaesthesia
November 18, 2021 00:02 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBDr Sabina Brennan takes a look at synaesthesia a fascinating neurological phenomenon where certain sensory inputs such as words, letters, numbers or music automatically trigger the additional senses like colour, sound, taste and smell. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E11 It's only a penis with artist and sex worker Kate McGrew
November 15, 2021 00:02 - 1 hour - 150 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to performing artist, activist and sex worker Kate McGrew about her passion for performing, sex work, and the need to make sex work safe. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 46 - Supercharge your creativity
November 11, 2021 00:02 - 13 minutes - 29.9 MBEureka moments are a specific form of creativity. They don't just materialise from the ether – it’s simply the work of the human brain. In this booster Dr Sabina Brennan shares some scientific insights into this kind of creativity and offers some tips on how to super charge your own creativity. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E10 That Knocking Sound with Barnaby Walter
November 08, 2021 00:02 - 1 hour - 165 MBBP Walter's Sunday Times best seller, The Dinner Guest is one of the best books I've read in quite some time. As soon as I finished it I felt compelled to contact the author to see if he would be a guest on Super Brain because I wanted to get inside the head of such a fabulous author. I must admit I was utterly blown away to discover that BP aka Barnaby is only 29 years old! This episode is all about thriving in life, having dreams and working hard to make them come true. His new book, anoth...
Booster 45 Golden Guide to Great Sex
November 04, 2021 09:18 - 11 minutes - 26.9 MBDr Sabina Brennan hands the mic for this booster to sex therapist and self-confessed sez geek Emily Power Smith who shares her top 4 tips for great sex Emily is a professional member of the World Association of sexual health. Emily is absolutely passionate about providing current and factual information about sexuality, so that people are equipped to make good choices about their own sexual health, their well being and their safety Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. ...
S4:E9 Sexual pleasure with sexologist Emily Power Smith
November 01, 2021 09:11 - 1 hour - 188 MBI've had a clitoris all of my life and never knew that what we refer to as the clitoris is actually only the sensitive tip of an extensive internal organ that is capable of erection. The clitoris was removed from anatomy manuals in the beginning of the 20th century because its only purpose is pleasure. This video by Betty Dodson sketches out the full extent of the clitoris that is absent from text and medical books. I've learned so much from my guest this week, sexologist and sex therapist ...
Booster 44 - Savant Syndrome
October 27, 2021 23:02 - 16 minutes - 38.6 MBDr Sabina Brennan explores savant syndrome and the circumstances in which humans can demonstrate extraordinary capabilities, usually in art, music and mathematics. As promised within the episode this the Scientific article on Sudden Savant syndrome Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E8 Making new dreams with Lauren White Murphy
October 24, 2021 23:02 - 1 hour - 163 MBLauren White-Murphy, aka @lolopopworld was a successful ghost writer signed with Warner Bros whose music had featured on hit shows like American Horror Story when her own horror story struck just weeks before her 30th birthday, Multiple sclerosis not only had her falling down at work but failing to find the words that had helped her become a successful lyricist in Hollywood. Alone with a diagnosis she initially saw as a life sentence she felt an incredible urge to buy art materials and paint...
Booster 43 - Where am I?
October 20, 2021 23:02 - 9 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this booster shot Sabina Brennan explains how specialised brain cells that only fire in certain places help us to navigate the world around us Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E7 Life is not a sentence with Amanda Smyth
October 17, 2021 23:02 - 55 minutes - 126 MBDr Sabina Brennan speaks to Irish Trinidadian author Amanda Smyth about her new book Fortune, about being rootless and untethered, about chance meetings and living life in technicolour rather than in black and white. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 42 - I have two sons I love them both equally but....
October 13, 2021 23:02 - 19 minutes - 43.8 MBDr Sabina Brennan makes a surprising discovery about Monday's guest Norma Sheahan Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4: E6 Heal your Hole with Norma Sheahan
October 10, 2021 23:02 - 1 hour - 138 MBSabina Brennan shoots the breeze with multi-talented actor, writer, voiceover artist, Norma Sheahan Her weekly podcast is Heal Your Hole with Norma Sheahan - which is also the name of this episode. Norma is currently in Gaiety performing “Shirley Valentine” - Unlike COVID you'll want to catch it if you can.. She’s RADA trained and has performed in most theatres. She won best actress for Enda Walsh’s ‘Bedbound’. TV roles include The Clinic, Mooneboy, Bridget & Eamon, Damo & Ivor, Dead Stil...
S4:E5 Football: A Concussion Delivery System With Michael Kaplen
October 03, 2021 23:02 - 50 minutes - 114 MBDr Sabina Brennan speaks with Michael Kaplen, a personal injury lawyer, who specialises in representing individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. We speak at length about the often debilitating, long-lasting and often misunderstood consequences of one of the most common forms of brain injury, concussion. We explain why children are particularly vulnerable and why we are passionate that parents and others involved in sport be aware of the risks and consequences of concussion on...
Booster 40 - Liar, Liar
September 29, 2021 23:02 - 8 minutes - 19.3 MBDr Sabina Brennan shares some recent research that shines a light on how the brain detects untruths and why we shouldn't always trust our gut. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 41 - London Calling
September 29, 2021 23:02 - 10 minutes - 24.3 MBA brief update from my hotel room in London plus some tips on how to protect your most precious organ - your brain Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4:E4 Selfie-taking and Self-Esteem
September 26, 2021 23:02 - 42 minutes - 98.1 MBDr Sabina Brennan and Dr Mary McGill continue their conversation about social media with a particular focus on distortion, dehumananisation, selfie-taking, self-esteem, censorship and cancel culture. Mary also makes a case for stoicism. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 39 - Poor Sleep and Pandemic Weight Gain
September 22, 2021 23:02 - 14 minutes - 32.2 MBSleep loss can lead to weight gain. Did you gain weight during the pandemic? Have you been struggling to lose it? Have you tried and failed at dieting? Perhaps poor sleep or insomnia are at the root of your weight gain and the reason you are struggling to shift the excess. In this episode Dr Sabina Brennan explains the neuroscience behind poor sleep, appetite, willpower, weight gain and obesity. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
S4: E3 The Visibility Trap with Dr Mary McGill
September 19, 2021 23:02 - 44 minutes - 101 MBSuper Brain host Dr Sabina Brennan chats to Dr Mary McGill author of The Visibility Trap about gender-based online abuse, the need to ethical checks, surveillance, self-monitoring, visibility and exposure. Check out the Super Brain blog for full transcripts, links and videos. Get Super Brain ad-free on Patreon No time for ads? Go ad free. For the price of a coffee once a month you get Monday' and Thursday episodes without annoying interruptions or supporter messages. For a little more you...
Booster 38 - Juggling multiple identities builds resilience
September 15, 2021 23:02 - 7 minutes - 16.5 MBContinuing on from the themes of identity and motherhood discussed in Monday's interview with Melissa Hogenboom, Dr Sabina Brennan looks for silver linings and explains how the identity challenges faced by women and mothers more particularly can actually bestow an advantage because they make us more resilient in times of change and transition such as those we have faced throughout the pandemic and our return to life after lockdown. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. ...
S4:E2 Happy Mum, Happy Baby with Melissa Hogenboom
September 13, 2021 01:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to award-winning BBC science journalist Melissa Hogenboom about her new book The Motherhood Complex and the science behind mothering. Melissa and Sabina chat openly and honestly about how challenged they felt as mothers of two young children. There's a good dose of science and myth busting too - as Melissa says - becoming a mother may be an everyday occurrence but it is an extra-ordinary experience. If you are a mum, have a mum, or plan to be a mum then this episode...
Booster 37 - It's all in your head
September 08, 2021 23:02 - 20 minutes - 47.2 MBBuilding on Monday's fascinating episode on psychosomatic illness with Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan, Dr Sabina Brennan shares her own experiences and more of Suzanne's insights about the physical manifestations of psychological factors. #psychosomaticillness #hypochondria #malingering #mentalhealth #neurology #neuroscience #psychology #psychologicalillness #psychological #brain #brainhealth Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
S4: E1 The Brain Detective with Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan
September 06, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 173 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to neurologist Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan in this fascinating episode about psychosomatic illness, psychogenic disorders and mass hysteria. My favourite books, films and TV shows are mysteries, detective stories and psychological thrillers. As a psychologist I’ve learned not to let the psychological inaccuracies spoil my fiction fun. But I had to do no such thing with Suzanne O’Sullivan’s new book The Sleeping Beauties. Although Suzanne writes non-fiction her books are eq...
Sneak Peak - Super Brain - Season 4
September 01, 2021 16:30 - 4 minutes - 9.88 MBSeason 4 of Super Brain kicks off Monday September 6th, I chat to an impressive group of inspiring and fascinating guests this season This trailer gives you a little taster of whats in store with short clips from: S4E1 - The Brain Detective with Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan 🕵️♂️ 🧠🕵️♂️ 🧠🕵️♂️ 🧠🕵️♂️ 🧠 S4E2 - Happy Mum - Happy Baby with Melissa Hogenboom 🤱🤱🤱🤱🤱🤱🤱🤱🤱 S4E3 - The Visibility Trap Dr Mary McGill 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎 @melissasuzanneh @newislandbooks @picadorbooks @acastpodcasts #superbra...
Booster 36 - Rescue Dogs
May 19, 2021 23:05 - 6 minutes - 11.9 MBNational Rescue Dog Day which aims to encourage people to adopt dogs from shelters and rescues, as well as educating children about animals and their benefits. As mother to 4 rescue dogs Dr Sabina Brennan shares her personal positive experience and presents some of the science that backs up what we already instinctively feel about the benefits of being around dogs. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3:E12 The stabilisers are off with PJ Gallagher
May 16, 2021 23:05 - 1 hour - 127 MBDr Sabina Brennan talks to comedian, actor and broadcaster PJ Gallagher about loving motorbiking racing and his weekly courtship with death, hating standup and embracing honesty. For bonus materials, transcripts and more check out the Super Brain podcast blog. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The stabilisers are off with PJ Gallagher
May 16, 2021 23:05 - 1 hour - 127 MBDr Sabina Brennan talks to comedian, actor and broadcaster PJ Gallagher about loving motorbiking racing and his weekly courtship with death, hating standup and embracing honesty. For bonus materials, transcripts and more check out the Super Brain podcast blog. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Booster 35 Nature and Mental Health
May 12, 2021 23:05 - 6 minutes - 11.7 MBThis week is Mental Health Week and the theme for 2021 is nature, Dr Sabina Brennan explores the neuroscience underlying the mental health benefits of nature T Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3:E11 Your body is an instrument not an ornament with Anna Geary
May 09, 2021 23:05 - 1 hour - 135 MBDr Sabina Brennan chats to Anna Geary about her career choices, her goals, her hopes for the future and body image, particularly the importance of looking after your body for functionality rather than for aesthetics, Watch out for Anna's upcoming RTE documentary which explores the reasons teenage girls drop out of sport. For bonus materials, transcripts and more check out the Super Brain podcast blog Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Booster 34 Gambling and the Brain
May 05, 2021 23:05 - 10 minutes - 18.6 MBIreland has the highest online gambling losses per capita globally and the third highest overall gambling losses per capita (€2.1 billion p.a.). It’s estimated that 45,000 people in Ireland are living with “severe pathological gambling addiction” with a further 110,000 dealing with problem gambling. In this Super Brain Booster Dr Sabina Brennan explores What happens in our brains when we gamble? Why do we find gambling rewarding? How can problem gamblers kick the habit? Support this show h...
S3:E10 The act of a fucking idiot - Mark Cagney Part Two
May 02, 2021 23:05 - 1 hour - 137 MBmy chat with veteran broadcaster Mark Cagney, who shares his recent experience of stroke. His thoughts about the future and his reflections on his past. Mark in this episode speaks openly and candidly about his cocaine use. And the straight talking that made him quit. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 33 - Return to work Anxiety Post-Lockdown
April 28, 2021 23:05 - 13 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this booster episode Dr Sabina Brennan explains that it is very natural to feel anxious about returning to work post-lockdown and offers some really practical tips on how to cope with those feelings and make the transition back into a social working environment Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3E9 Difficult Decisions with Mark Cagney
April 25, 2021 23:05 - 50 minutes - 92.4 MBDr Sabina Brennan takes a deep dive into the life and brain of one of Ireland's most respected broadcasters, Mark Cagney. In this the first of a two-parter, we talk about his life growing up in Cork, running away from home, family rifts, the tragic loss of his young wife and making difficult decisions. In part two, Mark walks me through his own recent brush with death, his ongoing recovery, his thoughts about the future and his reflections on his past, with Mark speaking candidly about his c...
Booster 32 Concussion
April 22, 2021 00:13 - 12 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode Dr Sabina Brennan talks about some the long-lasting impact that concussion can have on memory, ability to concentrate and personality as well depression,,anxiety, mood swings and apathy. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3:E8 How Blue Spaces Can Make You Feel Better with Dr Catherine Kelly
April 18, 2021 23:05 - 1 hour - 124 MBHow Blue Spaces Make you Feel Better with Dr Catherine Kelly Dr Sabina Brennan talks to Dr Catherine Kelly author of Blue Spaces How and Why Water Makes You Feel Better about the science behind the health benefits of spending time in and near water and how swimming in the sea helped Catherine cope with bereavement and loss. For show notes, podcast transcripts, bonus links and bonus material visit the Episode Blog Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast....
Booster 31 Practical Tips to Support Teens
April 14, 2021 23:05 - 10 minutes - 19.6 MBDr Sabina Brennan offers practical advice to help support teens through a critical period of brain development that leaves them vulnerable to risky behaviour depression, anxiety, addiction and other serious psychiatric issues. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Booster 31 Practical Tips to Support Teens
April 14, 2021 23:05 - 10 minutes - 19.6 MBDr Sabina Brennan offers practical advice to help support teens through a critical period of brain development that leaves them vulnerable to risky behaviour depression, anxiety, addiction and other serious psychiatric issues. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
S3:E7 Heart Surgery, Hallucinations and PTSD with Tom Dunne (Part 2)
April 11, 2021 23:05 - 49 minutes - 89.8 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunne talks Super Brain host Dr Sabina Brennan through his journey to and through life-saving heart surgery Tom literally almost died as his kidney’s failed - thankfully he survived and is not only in great form but is a fantastic story teller even when that story involves ICU, kidney failure Heart surgery, hallucinations and post traumatic stress. Animation - Is high blood pressure bad for my brain? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See ac...
S3:E7 Heart Surgery, Hallucinations and PTSD with Tom Dunne (Part 2)
April 11, 2021 23:05 - 49 minutes - 89.8 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunne talks Super Brain host Dr Sabina Brennan through his journey to and through life-saving heart surgery Tom literally almost died as his kidney’s failed - thankfully he survived and is not only in great form but is a fantastic story teller even when that story involves ICU, kidney failure Heart surgery, hallucinations and post traumatic stress. Animation - Is high blood pressure bad for my brain? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on ...