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A lot of us aren’t just tired—we’re worn down. In a world that keeps demanding more attention, more productivity, and more endurance, our nervous systems are struggling to keep up. This episode kicks off our season on wellness by starting at the most basic place recovery happens: sleep. You can also watch the very first Brain Blown Podcast episode on video on our YouTube channel! >> Support the Brain Blown on Patreon >> Have questions, stories, or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected]. >> Learn more at www.brainblownpodcast.com REFERENCES: Falup‑Pecurariu, C., Diaconu, Ș., Țînț, D., & Falup‑Pecurariu, O. — Neurobiology of Sleep (Review) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Lee, A. E., Ancoli-Israel, S., Eyler, L. T., Tu, X. M., Palmer, B. W., Irwin, M. R., & Jeste, D. V. — Sleep Disturbances and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Schizophrenia: Focus on Sex Differences Pocivavsek, A., & Rowland, L. M. — Basic Neuroscience Illuminates Causal Relationship Between Sleep and Memory: Translating to Schizophrenia Peever, J., & Fuller, P. M. — Neuroscience: A Distributed Neural Network Controls REM Sleep Aulsebrook, A. E., Jones, T. M., Rattenborg, N. C., Roth II, T. C., & Lesku, J. A. — Sleep Ecophysiology: Integrating Neuroscience and Ecology Simon, K. C., Nadel, L., & Payne, J. D. — The Functions of Sleep: A Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective Urry, E., & Landolt, H.-P. — Adenosine, Caffeine, and Performance: From Cognitive Neuroscience of Sleep to Sleep Pharmacogenetics Kay, D. B., & Buysse, D. J. — Hyperarousal and Beyond: New Insights into the Pathophysiology of Insomnia Disorder through Functional Neuroimaging Studies Zielinski, M. R., McKenna, J. T., & McCarle, R. W. — Functions and Mechanisms of Sleep Marques, D. R., Gomes, A. A., Caetano, G., & Castelo-Branco, M. — Insomnia Disorder and Brain’s Default-Mode Network

Last episode, we dug into how people lose their sense of safety and control when something — or someone — hijacks it.This week, we’re picking up the story from there: what it takes to rebuild. What does it look like to find your footing after an experience that knocks you off course?Why do some people regain a sense of agency faster than others?And what does real resilience look like when you're living it, not just talking about it? If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES Hunter, Gray & McEwen — The Neuroscience of Resilience Elsevier B.V. — Neuroscience of Resilience for Mental Health Baratta, Seligman & Maier — From Helplessness to Controllability: Toward a Neuroscience of Resilience Ruth Feldman — What Is Resilience: An Affiliative Neuroscience Approach Alex Iantaffi — https://www.alexiantaffi.com/

If you think you’d never be pulled into a cult, that belief itself is part of the danger. In this episode, we explore why the brain is far more influenceable—and more predictable—than most of us want to believe. We take a closer look at what happens when belonging, something we’re biologically wired to seek, becomes a pathway into harm. Together, we examine how group dynamics, stress, and relationship patterns can quietly shift a person’s behavior and sense of self. Laine brings research and real-world examples that show just how thin the line can be between healthy connection and unhealthy devotion. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES Cults: A Natural Disaster—Looking at Cult Involvement Through a Trauma LensShelly Rosen Pedagogical, Neuropsychological and Social Conditions of Shaping the Identity of Cult Group FollowersMariusz Gajew

What does neuroscience reveal about great leadership—and why does it matter now more than ever? In this episode, we explore the brain science behind leadership: how it guides us in uncertainty, shapes culture, and unlocks human potential. From Microsoft’s near-collapse to its stunning revival under Satya Nadella, we’ll uncover what happens in the brain when leadership fails—and what changes when it succeeds. You’ll hear how trust, safety, and connection transform not just teams, but entire organizations, driving innovation and resilience. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES David Rock & Jeffrey Schwartz — Neuroscience of Leadership Manu Melwin Joy — The Neuroscience of Leadership Kimberly Schaufenbuel — The Neuroscience of Leadership: Practical Applications

Humans are born dependent, slow, and vulnerable—but we’ve survived by working together. In this episode, we explore the neuroscience that makes teamwork possible, and why collaboration is more than a soft skill—it’s a biological necessity.From mirror neurons and social cognition to trust, reward systems, and brain synchrony, we break down what’s really happening in your brain when you collaborate—and what it takes to build a team that actually works. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES David A. Waldman, M.K. Ward, William J. Becker — Neuroscience in Organizational Behavior Stephanie Balters, Grace Hawthorne, Naam Mayseless — Of Team Cooperation Versus Team Collaboration Paul Zak — The Neuroscience of Trust M.K. Ward, Stefan Volk, William J. Becker — An Overview of Organizational Neuroscience Mohammed Algumaei, Imali T. Hettiarachchi, Mohamed Farghaly, Asim Bhatti — The Neuroscience of Team Dynamics: Exploring Neurophysiological Measures for Assessing Team Performance Diego A. Reinero, Suzanne Dikker, Jay J. Van Bavel — Inter-brain Synchrony in Teams Predicts Collective Performance Hua Xie, Iliana I. Karipidis, Amber Howell, Manish Saggar et al. — Finding the Neural Correlates of Collaboration Using a Three-person fMRI Hyperscanning Paradigm Xinmei Deng, Meng Yang, Xiaomin Chen, Yong Zhan — The Role of Mindfulness on Theta Inter-brain Synchrony During Cooperation Feedback Processing: An EEG-based Hyperscanning Study

Most people agree that rape is wrong. But far fewer understand what it actually is—and what it isn’t. In this episode, we confront the myths and misconceptions that continue to shape how we define rape, treat survivors, and pursue justice. We explore the neuroscience behind trauma responses like freezing and fawning, and why these involuntary reactions are still so often misunderstood in courtrooms, conversations, and cultural narratives. From the impact of the #MeToo movement to the hardwired survival mechanisms of the brain, we examine what needs to change—and why it matters. This is not an easy conversation. But it’s one we all need to have. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES Medicolegal Findings of Rape Victims: A Retrospective Study of 69 Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka CityPalash Kumar Bose, Mamtaz Ara, Md. Syedur Rahaman, Mohammad Jubaidul Kabir, Prodip Biswas Assault-Related Self-Blame and Its Association with PTSD in Sexually Assaulted Women: An MRI InquiryZohar Berman, Yaniv Assaf, Ricardo Tarrasch, Daphna Joel Rape Myth Scale: Factor Structure and Relationship with Gender Egalitarianism Among Japanese ProfessionalsMasayo Uji, Masahiro Shono, Noriko Shikai, Toshinori Kitamura Neuroscience Evidence Counters a Rape MythEbani Dhawan, Patrick Haggard Neuropsychological and Electrophysiological Evaluation After Rape: A Case Study of a Teenage GirlLucía Ester Rizo-Martínez, Miguel Ángel Guevara, Luis Francisco Cerdán, Francisco Abelardo Robles-Aguirre, Araceli Sanz-Martin, Marisela Hernández-González

This is a recording of Laine's live presentation - the third part in a multiple-part series on being functional in dysfunctional times. For more informaiton on the Brain Blown Podcast, visit us at brainblownpodcast.com or email us at [email protected]

As a tribute to this month's episode, we wanted to give a quick shoutout to a local store Laine & I know and love: Smitten Kitten in Minneapolis. Founded in 2003 by Jennifer 'JP' Pritchett, Smitten Kitten is a trans-owned business that has been a staple in the community for over two decades. JP and their team are passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space where folks can explore intimacy, sexuality, and self-expression in a fun and positive way. Whether you're looking for high-quality toys, thoughtful resources, or expert advice, they've got you covered. Check them out online at smittenkittenonline.com and show them some love if you're interested. We absolutely love supporting businesses that foster open, healthy conversations about sex, and we think you will too! If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Learn more at brainblownpodcast.com and send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES School-Based Sex Education and Neuroscience: What We Know About Sex, Romance, Marriage, and Adolescent Brain Development – Ahna Ballonoff Suleiman, DrPH; Megan Johnson, PhD; Elizabeth A. Shirtcliff, PhD; Adriana Galván, PhD The Importance of Sexual and Romantic Development in Understanding the Developmental Neuroscience of Adolescence – Ahna Ballonoff Suleiman, K. Paige Harden Frequency of Penile–Vaginal Intercourse is Associated with Verbal Recognition Performance in Adult Women – Larah Maunder, Dorothée Schoemaker, Jens C. Pruessner Integrating Neural Circuits Controlling Female Sexual Behavior – Paul E. Micevych, Robert L. Meisel Neuropeptides and Behaviors: How Small Peptides Regulate Nervous System Function and Behavioral Outputs – Umer Saleem Bhat, Navneet Shahi, Siju Surendran, Kavita Babu The Neurobiology of Sexual Function – Cindy M. Meston, PhD; Penny F. Frohlich, MA Neuroanatomy and Neurochemistry of Sexual Desire, Pleasure, Love and Orgasm – H. Ümit Sayin, Carlos H. Schenck Oxytocin, Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: Last Discoveries and Possible Advances – Maria Rosaria Melis, Antonio Argiolas Editorial: From Sex Differences in Neuroscience to a Neuroscience of Sex Differences: New Directions and Perspectives – Belinda Pletzer The Human Sexual Response Cycle: Brain Imaging Evidence Linking Sex to Other Pleasures – J.R. Georgiadis, M.L. Kringelbach The Affective Neuroscience of Sexuality: Development of a LUST Scale – Jürgen Fuchshuber, Emanuel Jauk, Michaela Hiebler-Ragger, Human Friedrich Unterrainer The Physiological Basis of Human Sexual Arousal: Neuroendocrine Sexual Asymmetry – Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland Neuroanatomy and Function of Human Sexual Behavior: A Neglected or Unknown Issue? – Rocco S. Calabrò, Alberto Cacciola, Daniele Bruschetta, Demetrio Milardi, Fabrizio Quattrini, Francesca Sciarrone, Gianluca La Rosa, Placido Bramanti, Giuseppe Anastasi

This is a recording of Laine's live presentation - the third part in a multiple-part series on being functional in dysfunctional times. For more informaiton on the Brain Blown Podcast, visit us at brainblownpodcast.com or email us at [email protected]

If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES "Appeasement: replacing Stockholm syndrome as a definition of a survival strategy" Rebecca Bailey, Jaycee Dugard, Stefanie F. Smith & Stephen W. Porges"Traumatic entrapment, appeasement and complex post-traumatic stress disorder: evolutionary perspectives of hostage reactions, domestic abuse and the Stockholm syndrome" Chris Cantor, John Price"Bonding after trauma: on the role of social support and the oxytocin system in traumatic stress,"  Miranda Olff"How Trauma Impacts Learning and How to Find Support" Nadia Albritton, MA"The Fawn Response in Complex PTSD" | Dr. Arielle Schwartz"Stockholm Syndrome Explained by the Stanford Prison Experiment"

This is a recording of Laine's live presentation -- the second of a 6-part series on taking care of ourselves. For more information on The Brain Blown Podcast, visit us at brainblownpodcast.com or email us at [email protected]!

This is a re-recording of Laine's live presentation -- the first of a 6-part series on taking care of ourselves. For more information on The Brain Blown Podcast, visit us at brainblownpodcast.com or email at [email protected]!

Have you ever been in or been around someone in the "honeymoon phase" of a relationship? That crazy, passionate start where seeing their name pop up on your phone gives you butterflies and you can't help but think about them constantly to the point where it's almost obsessive? Turns out there's some wild brain chemistry behind those crazy new-love jitters, how love seems to settle as the relationship continues, and what happens in your brain if that relationship ends. In this episode, we explore: What scientific theories explain the different types of loveThe brain mapping behind passionate love, companion love, and a few moreHow your brain changes throughout different relationship phasesWhat happens in your brain during breakupsWhat we understand of marriage, monogamy, and human attachment Whether you're currently falling in love, settled in a long-term relationship, or healing from heartbreak, this episode offers fascinating insights into what's happening in your brain through every stage of love. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES Social Neuroscience of Love -- Stephanie Cacioppo, Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli, Elaine Hatfield, Richard L. RapsonLove: Neuroscience Reveals All -- Larry J. YoungThe Power of Love on the Human Brain -- Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli, Scott T. Grafton & Stephanie Ortigue, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, SwitzerlandDemystifying the Neuroscience of Love -- Stephanie Cacioppo, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, USA, John T. CacioppoLove is More than Just a Kiss: A Neurobiological Perspective on Love and Affection -- A Deboer, E. M. Vanbuelang, G. J. TerhorstThe Neurobiology of Love -- Tobias Esch & George B. StefanoThe Brain in Love: Has Neuroscience Stolen the Secret of Love? -- Sultan Tarlac

Why are women’s reports of pain so often dismissed? As it turns out, it’s not just oversight—it’s a failure of trust. In this case study mini-episode, we're looking at distrust in real-time—examining how bias in medicine isn’t just about misunderstanding symptoms, but about who gets believed and who doesn’t. Building on our full episode on Trust and our mini-episode on Hatred, Laine dives into research from Harvard Health and neuroscience studies to uncover the real cost of medical distrust—especially for women and women of color. If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES The Anatomy of Hatred: Multiple Pathways to the Construction of Human Hatred Randall E. Osborne, Ph.D., Christopher J. Frost, Ph.D. Texas State University-San Marcos A Brain Mechanism for Hate Mario F. Mendez, M.D., Ph.D. Neuropolitics in the age of extremism: Brain regions involved in hatred Henry A. Nasrallah, MD Trust is heritable, whereas distrust is not Martin Reimann, Oliver Schilkeb, and Karen S. Cook Medical education and distrust modulate the response of insular-cingulate network and ventral striatum in pain diagnosis Giada Dirupo, Sabrina Totaro, Jeanne Richard, Corrado Corradi-Dell’Acqua Understanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala Goran Šimić   Mladenka Tkalčić  Vana Vukić  Damir Mulc Ena Španić Marina Šagud  Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau  Mario Vukšić Patrick R Hof

Hate and distrust feel like opposites of love and trust—but they aren’t. At their core, they’re about fear. Fear of being wrong. Fear of being hurt. Fear of death itself. But how does the brain decide who to trust and who to fear? Why do we hold onto hatred even when it harms us? And most importantly, how do we break the cycle? Let’s dive in. (And enjoy a special open-door ending!) If you have any topic suggestions for future episodes, don't hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you. REFERENCES The Anatomy of Hatred: Multiple Pathways to the Construction of Human Hatred Randall E. Osborne, Ph.D., Christopher J. Frost, Ph.D. Texas State University-San MarcosA Brain Mechanism for Hate Mario F. Mendez, M.D., Ph.D.Neuropolitics in the age of extremism: Brain regions involved in hatred Henry A. Nasrallah, MDTrust is heritable, whereas distrust is not Martin Reimann, Oliver Schilkeb, and Karen S. CookMedical education and distrust modulate the response of insular-cingulate network and ventral striatum in pain diagnosis Giada Dirupo, Sabrina Totaro, Jeanne Richard, Corrado Corradi-Dell’AcquaUnderstanding Emotions: Origins and Roles of the Amygdala Goran Šimić   Mladenka Tkalčić  Vana Vukić  Damir Mulc Ena Španić Marina Šagud  Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau  Mario Vukšić Patrick R Hof