Mind & Matter Podcast

Nick talks to neuroscientist Dr. Kent Berridge, a professor of psychology & neuroscience at the University of Michigan. They discuss: the neurobiology of the brain processes rewards and generates pleasure & motivation; the difference between "liking" and wanting"; hunger and whether food addiction is similar to drug addiction; emotion and consciousness; 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. 0:00:00 Episode Intro 0:04:00 Kent Berridge Conversation

Author Robert Greene describes the differences between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Both were inventors but each had different strengths and weaknesses. Despite Tesla's genius and superior scientific mind, Edison was able to win out in many ways. Robert Greene explains why. 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/]

Neuroscientist Dr. Margaret McCarthy discusses her research on juvenile play behavior in mammals, sex differences in the brain and behavior, sex hormones, and cannabinoids.

Dr. Maayan Levy is an assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania, where her lab studies the communication between the microbiome and its host, with a focus on the gut microbiome and its relationship to diet, immune system function, and disease. We discuss: her recent study linking the ketogenic diet to lower risk of colon cancer; what the ketogenic diet is and what the metabolic state of ‘ketosis’ does in the body; molecules called ketone bodies, such as BHB, and the extent to which BHB supplementation can recapitulate some of the physiological effects of the ketogenic diet; how the microbiome influences the function and development of the immune system; and the hygiene hypothesis, the idea that modern human cultures may be too clean, or rely too heavily on antibiotics and other technology, and interfere with our microbiome in ways that may be detrimental to metabolic and immunological health. USEFUL LINKS 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/] 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 cell & developmental biologist Dr. Blanche Capel. They discussed the nature of sexual reproduction and sexual dimorphism, including when these these things evolved, the evolutionary reasons for sexual reproduction, and the amazing diversity of mechanisms that determine the development of sexual traits across the animal kingdom; the contribution of genetic vs. environmental factors in sex determination, and how these vary across species; sex chromosomes, such as the X and Y chromosomes of humans and other mammals; sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen; as well as how gametes and gonads develop - these are the sex cells, such as sperm or egg, and the reproductive organs that produce them and the major sex hormones that shape sexual development; what we know, and don’t know, about the biology of puberty and sexual development after birth, as well as whether environmental factors, such as components of the diet an environmental contaminants, could be influencing sexual development. 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...] Buy books from M&M guests [https://linktr.ee/mindandmatter_books] 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?partner=MINDANDMATTER]

Developmental cell biologist Dr. Blanche Capel describes mammalian sex determination during early development, including the role of XY chromosomes, sex hormones like testosterone & estrogen, gonad development, and causes of infertility. 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...] Buy books from M&M guests [https://linktr.ee/mindandmatter_books] 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...]

Neuroscientist Dr. David Anderson discusses what hormones are and how sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect brain structures like the hypothalamus to influence animal behavior. 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]

Molecular physiologist Dr. Dudley Lamming discusses how the protein and amino acid content of diet can affect metabolic health, longevity & aging. In particular, he discusses the effects of branched-chain amino acids on health. 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.

Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD discusses his experience with Elon Musk at Twitter HQ after it was revealed that his account was previously suppressed on Twitter. Full audio & video versions of this episode: [ https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/... ] 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. Leonard Guarente about the biology of aging, life extension, health supplements, and related topics. Dr. Guarente is a Professor of Biology at MIT, where his lab has studied the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging for many years. He is also the co-founder and Chief Scientist of Elysium Health, which uses the science of aging to develop health supplements to combat age-related decline and technologies to help consumers understand their rate of aging. Nick and Dr. Guarente discussed many topics related to aging, including: how and why aging occurs; whether humans can achieve immortality; NAD and the core metabolic processes of cells; resveratrol, pterostilbene, and other anti-aging molecules; epigenetics and technology that can be used to calculate biological age vs. chronological age. 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...] Buy books from M&M guests [https://linktr.ee/mindandmatter_books] 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 biological anthropologist & neuroscientist Dr. Terrence Deacon about his ideas related to the origins of life in the universe, the difference between matter and information, and how "aboutness" comes into being. Full conversation here: 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 psychopharmacologist Dr. Manoj Doss about the effects of psychoactive drugs on memory, including sedatives, stimulants, psychedelics, cannabinoids, and MDMA. They also talk about recent research on the effects of psilocybin on the human brain. USEFUL LINKS 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/] 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...]

Journalist & documentary filmmaker Leighton Woodhouse discusses teh social functions of religion, the evolution ideology, college education & the "overproduction of elites," and the concept of cultural capital as distinct from economic capital. 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]

Microbiologist Dr. Maayan Levy talks about the ketogenic diet, what kinds of food must be eaten to go into ketosis, and what this metabolic state does in the body. She describes the ketone body, BHB, produced by the ketogenic diet, and how it affects the body, including it's ability to influence the risk of developing colon cancer. USEFUL LINKS 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/] 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...]

How is biological sex determined during development in different kinds of animals? Developmental cell biologist Dr. Blanche Capel describes the diversity of genetic and environmental factors that govern sex determination in humans & other mammals, birds, reptiles and other species. 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...] Buy books from M&M guests [https://linktr.ee/mindandmatter_books] 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...]

Cognitive scientist Dr. Donald Hoffman discusses how and why we perceive beauty the way that we do. How is it that we are able to instantly assess someone's attractiveness when we see them? What is the brain doing to allow this perceptual assessment, and what does it tell us about the nature 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/]

Biological anthropologist & neuroscientist Dr. Terrence Deacon discusses the concept of emergence? What is it, and how do emergent transitions occur? What kind of emergent process is responsbile for the origins of life, as well how is becomes more and more complex as evolution proceeds? Full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln-q-Wxjjqw 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 neuroscientist Dr. Joseph LeDoux, who runs a research lab at New York University. His research focuses on the neurobiology of emotion, memory and behavior and he has written several popular science books including, "The Deep History of Ourselves." They discuss: brain evolution; what is behavior?; what are emotion and cognition, and how are they intertwined; consciousness, language, and memory. USEFUL LINKS 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/] 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...]

Long-form science podcast about how ideas, drugs & biotechnology impact our bodies & minds. Learn directly from the best scientists and thinkers alive today. New episodes weekly. *None of this content constitutes medical advice. 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]

Author Robert Greene is widely known for his books, including "The 48 Laws of Power." Using his knowledge of the psychology and history of human power dynamics, he analyzes world leaders and public figures like Angela Merkel (former PM of Germany), Vladimir Putin (leader of Russia), and Elon Musk. What psychological tools and personality traits have they used to wield power? Towards the end, he analyzes Elon Musk's recent move to take a large ownership stake in the social media platform Twitter. 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/]

Cognitive scientist Dr. Donald Hoffman discusses psychedelic experiences from the perspectives of his theories of conscious 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/]