Mind & Matter Podcast

Anthropologist Dr. David Puts discusses what's known about biological factors that influence sexual orientation in humans, including factors like sex hormone concentrations during pregnancy, the number of male offspring females have, and effects of the female immune system on male development in utero. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nick talks to Dr. Luc van Loon, Professor of Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at Maastricht University, about protein quality, amino acids, protein supplements, animal vs. plant protein, and related topics. Try the Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for $50 off: [https://www.lumen.me/shop?fid=8731&ut...] LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nick talks to Dr. Martin Picard, a biologist at Columbia University whose lab studies mitochondrial psychobiology, linking together molecular processes within mitochondria with human experience. They discussed; what mitochondria are and where they came from; their role in energy & metabolism; the mitochondrial genome; the importance of mitochondria in stress & aging; how exercise, diet, and genetics influence mitochondria biology; hair graying and whether it's reversible; the mind-mitochondria connection. USEFUL LINKS Sign up for the weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?sort=top] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Elysium Health, a life sciences company focused on aging research. Use code MIND for 10% off first purchase of any of their supplement products. Valid until 6/22/2022. [https://www.elysiumhealth.com/discount/MIND] DoubleBlind Magazine, a leading source of news, information, and education about psychedelics. Use code MINDMATTER for 20% site-wide. [https://www.doubleblindmag.com/mindmatter] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindandmatter] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] Download the podcast & follow Nick at his website [https://www.nickjikomes.com] Try Levels Health to monitor your blood sugar & optimize your diet [https://www.levelshealth.com/join?partner=MINDANDMATTER] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:35 Martin Picard Intro 0:20:24 How Mitochondria Evolved 0:31:30 What Mitochondria Do Beyond Energy Production 0:50:49 Reactive Oxygen Species & Antioxidants 0:59:10 Fasting, Diet & Mitochondria 1:10:13 Aging & Mitochondrial Health 1:22:10 Endurance Training, Cognition & Mitochondria 1:50:05 Gray Hair Reversal 2:03:06 Summary & Final Thoughts

Nick talks to ethnopharmacologist Dr. Dennis McKenna, who is the brother of psychonaut Terence McKenna and author of the book, "The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss." They discuss: the lives and psychedelic adventures of Dennis & Terence McKenna; experiences with psilocybin mushrooms & DMT; Carl Jung & psychology; the medical relevance of subjective psychedelic experiences; drugs, culture & society; and more. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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 in exercise; prebiotics & probiotics; circadian rhythms & eating patterns. Audio episode, show notes & transcript: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/connections-between-microbiome-exercise#details ] LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:05:12 Alex Gumpper Conversation

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." Try Everyday Dose, high-quality coffee & matcha altneratives with functional mushrooms & other supplements. Try the Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for $50 off: [https://www.lumen.me/shop?fid=8731&ut...] LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nick talks to experimental psychologist Dr. Harriet de Wit, a professor at the University of Chicago whose lab studies the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs on humans. They discuss: the effects of MDMA on emotional perception and touch sensation; the effects of microdosing LSD; THC's impact on memory. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:35 Harriet de Wit Conversation

Nick talks to Christian Luscher, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of Geneva whose lab studies the cellular mechanisms that underlie drug reinforcement, dependence and addiction. Dr. Luscher talks about the nature of addictive drugs in the brain, how ketamine works, and the latest research from his lab look at how ketamine's unique effects within the brain's reward circuitry enable it to be psychoactive & reinforcing, but have a very low addiction liability (in rodents). He also discusses what this research may mean for the use of ketamine as a therapeutic treatment for depression in humans. LEARN MORE & SPPURT M&M: All M&M content is available on Substack. I only respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter ] Thanks! 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:42 Christian Luscher Conversation

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 Elon Musk after meeting him; his thoughts on the future of public health governance in the US. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nick talks to cognitive scientist Dr. Donald Hoffman, who is professor emeritus of cognitive sciences at UC-Irvine and the author of many scientific papers and books, including "The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes.” They discussed a variety of topics related to consciousness, the nature of perception, and evolution, including: how perception works; whether our conscious perceptions are accurate representations of underlying reality; the interface theory of perception, which likens our conscious perceptions to the digital icons displayed on your computer screen; language; psychedelic experiences; and the nature of reality itself, such as whether space and time are fundamental aspects of the universe, or artifacts of perception. USEFUL LINKS Sign up for the weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Download the podcast & follow Nick at his website [https://www.nickjikomes.com] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub) [https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:23 Donald Hoffman Intro 0:11:05 Our Mind Did Not Evolve for Truth 0:23:04 Vision, Attractiveness & Fitness Payoffs 0:44:38 Split-Brains & Consciousness 0:54:55 Neural Correlates of Consciousness 1:11:43 The Brain's Perception of Space & Time 1:35:50 Language & the Interface Theory of Perception 2:07:20 What Are Psychedelic Experiences? 2:16:07 Final Thoughts

Nick talks to journalist & documentary filmmaker Leighton Woodhouse. They discuss: homelessness & drug addiction; religion & ideology; sociology & social psychology; the social function of laws and norms; economic vs. cultural capital & the "overproduction of elites"; institutional science; civilizational decline & the future of American society. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] The Amino Co., shop science-back amino acids supplements. Use code ‘MIND’ to save 30%. [https://aminoco.com/MIND] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:06:00 Leighton Woodhouse Conversation

Nick talks to Dr. Amir Englund, a psychopharmacologist at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College, London. Dr. Englund's research focuses on the effects of cannabis, medical marijuana and specific cannabinoids (e.g. THC, CBD, THCV) on human cognitive function. They discuss topics including: what is the addiction liability of marijuana? What are the acute & chronic cognitive effects of THC, including how it impacts memory & executive function; how the effects of THC can be modulated by cannabinoids like CBD & THCV; the relationship between marijuana & THC and psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia); and more. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:34 Amir Englund Conversation

Chemist Dr. Andrew Chadeayne, CEO of the psychedelic biotechnology startup CaaMTech, describes the chemistry of magic mushrooms, beyond just psilocybin. What other compounds can be found in different species of Psilocybe mushrooms, what is their chemical structure, and what do we know about their physiological effects? He also shares an interesting story about mycologist Paul Stamets, who once ingested a lesser known magic mushroom compound called baeocystin. USEFUL LINKS Sign up for the weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Elysium Health, a life sciences company focused on aging research. Use code MIND for 10% off first purchase of any of their supplement products. Valid until 6/22/2022. [https://www.elysiumhealth.com/discoun...] DoubleBlind Magazine, a leading source of news, information, and education about psychedelics. Use code MINDMATTER for 20% site-wide. [https://www.doubleblindmag.com/mindma...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] Download the podcast & follow Nick at his website [https://www.nickjikomes.com] Try Levels Health to monitor your blood sugar & optimize your diet [https://www.levelshealth.com/join?par...]

Nick talks to Dr. David Cohen, a professor at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. His research looks at psychoactive drugs (prescribed, licit, and illicit) and their desirable and undesirable effects as socio-cultural phenomena “constructed” through language, policy, attitudes, and social interactions. They discuss: prescription psychiatric drugs, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and stimulants (e.g. Adderall); the history of how some of the most widely prescribed psychiatric drugs came to be so popular; how pharmaceutical companies go about marketing these drugs and the conditions they aim to treat to both physicians and the public; the quality of the evidence supporting their use; what we are learning about the potential for dependency, long-term health effects, and actual level of benefit that comes from chronic psychiatric drug use; why many psychiatric drugs are increasingly prescribed in combination; and more. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] The Amino Co., shop science-back amino acids supplements. Use code ‘MIND’ to save 30%. [https://aminoco.com/MIND] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:03:16 David Cohen Conversation

Nick talks to science writer Matt Ridley, who most recently published the book, "Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19" together with molecular biologist Dr. Alina Chan. They discussed what is known and still unknown about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the latest developments in that mystery which have come to light in the past few months; the relationship between institutional science and politics; whether we are ever likely to know definitively the origins of this virus, and more. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:42 Matt Ridley Conversation

Nick talks to anthropologist Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, who is an associate professor at the University of Connecticut. His research interests center around human ritual behavior and the interaction between cognition and culture. They discuss his new Book, "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living." Topics covered: Rituals vs. habits; the psychological purpose of ritual; ritualism as an antidote to anxiety; religion and spiritual practices; culture & the birth of civilization; the physiological and psychoactive effects of ritual; Ayahuasca and psychoactive drugs; rituals in sports, gambling, and other human activities; the evolution of language & symbolic cognition; religion, community & Burning Man. USEFUL LINKS Buy "Ritual" by Dimitris Xygalatas [https://linktr.ee/mindandmatter_books] Sign up for the weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Elysium Health, a life sciences company focused on aging research. Use code MIND for 10% off first purchase of any of their supplement products. Valid until 6/22/2022. [https://www.elysiumhealth.com/discoun...] DoubleBlind Magazine, a leading source of news, information, and education about psychedelics. Use code MINDMATTER for 20% site-wide. [https://www.doubleblindmag.com/mindma...] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/]

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. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Neuroscientist Dr. David Anderson explains the neurobiology of aggression by describing video footage where optogenetics is used to control the behavior of mice in real time. He talks about the hypothalamus and how this brain area can drive aggressive behavior, and what neuroscientists are learning about how specific circuits in the brain work. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] The Amino Co., shop science-back amino acids supplements. Use code ‘MIND’ to save 30%. [https://aminoco.com/MIND] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes]

Nick talks to neuroscientist Dr. Margaret McCarthy, whose lab at the University of Maryland studies the origins and mechanisms of sex differences in the brain, the endocannabinoid system, and neural basis of animal behavior. They discuss: the nature of sex differences observed in the mammalian brain, including differences in the susceptibility to various diseases and disorders of the brain; differences in juvenile play behavior in males vs. females, and how these can be altered by sex hormones and cannabinoids; sex differences in brain development that lead to sex differences in behavior; how the endocannabinoid system influences brain development and behavior; how cannabis use during pregnancy may influence brain development. SUPPORT M&M: Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:03:38 Margaret McCathy Conversation

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. LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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. Try the Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for $50 off: [https://www.lumen.me/shop?fid=8731&ut...] LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Nick talks to physiologist and neuroscientist Dr. Dominic D'Agostino about human metabolism & nutrition; fats, carbohydrates, sugar, and protein; ketogenic diet, ketosis, BHB supplementation; inflammation and polyunsaturated fats; personal health and metabolism monitoring; and general questions related to the quality of the nutritional information we receive from our institutions. USEFUL LINKS Sign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?s...] Follow Nick's work through Linktree: [https://linktr.ee/trikomes] Athletic Greens, comprehensive daily nutrition (Free 1-year supply Vitamin D w/ purchase) [https://www.athleticgreens.com/mindan...] DoubleBlind Magazine, a leading source of news, information, and education about psychedelics. Use code MINDMATTER for 20% site-wide. [https://www.doubleblindmag.com/mindma...] Organize your digital highlights & notes w/ Readwise (2 months free w/ sub)[https://readwise.io/nickjikomes/] 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:20 Dominic D'Agostino Intro 0:10:19 Metabolism of Fats, Proteins, Carbs 0:20:16 Diet Composition & Blood Sugar 0:31:15 Ketogenic Diet & Ketosis 0:55:15 Ketone Body Supplements 1:13:23 Saturated & Unsaturated Fats 1:27:04 Inflammation & Fats 1:38:43 Health Monitoring Technology

Nick talks to genetics researcher & writer Razib Khan. Razib did graduate work in genetics at the University of California-Davis and recently founded a genomics data startup. He also runs a Substack, "Unsupervised Learning," where he write a lot of fascinating articles, usually on the subjects of human evolutionary & population genetics, personal genomics, and more. Nick and Razib discussed: how the story of human evolution has changed over the past two decades; genomics technology & ancient DNA; Neanderthals, Denisovans & ancient humans; personal genomics (e.g. 23AndMe, Ancestry.com); Razib's experience as a writer on Substack. LEARN MORE & SPPURT M&M: All M&M content is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter ] Learn more about our podcast sponsor, Dosist [https://dosist.com] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at Leafly, a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:05:20 Razib Khan Conversation

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 benefits, as well as the inspiration Ryan received from reading Alexander Shulgin's famous book, PIHKAL. Audio episode, show notes & transcript: https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/biochemistry-and-molecular-biology#details LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:04:43 Alex Gumpper Conversation

Nick talks to chemist & food scientist Dr. Selina Wang about: food quality & purity; cooking oils (avocado, olive, vegetable, etc.); fruits & vegetables; oxidation & purity of cooking oils; how to identify high quality, pure foods to purchase; and more. Try the Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for $50 off: [https://www.lumen.me/shop?fid=8731&ut...] LEARN MORE & SUPPURT M&M: All M&M content, including podcast episodes & written content, is available on Substack. I mainly respond to questions & comments on that channel: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com ] If you enjoy M&M content and want to provide further support, read this: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] ABOUT Nick Jikomes: Nick is a neuroscientist and podcast host. He is currently Director of Science & Innovation at a technology startup in the legal cannabis industry. He received a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 0:00:26 Intro 0:06:11 What is Food Quality? 0:15:51 Health Effects of Oxidized Oils 0:22:08 Different Types of Olive Oil 0:30:29 Refined Oils 0:40:27 Olive Oil Study 0:47:28 Best Way to Store Olive Oil 0:54:02 Study Results (Quality & Purity) 1:00:13 Best Brands 1:06:19 Avocado Oil Study 1:13:57 Enforcement of Standards