Think Twice Podcast

How pain would you be willing to endure for 20$? How much money would you be willing to spend to avoid feeling pain? Why does spending money sometimes feel so painful? From the sting of a high price tag to the relief of a good deal, your brain is constantly weighing costs and rewards beneath the surface. In this episode, we dive into the world of neuroeconomics to explore how the brain processes financial decisions in ways that overlap with physical and emotional pain. We talk about how these neural signals shape our everyday choices and why understanding them might change how you think about money.

Authors: Zara Sheikh, Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

Let's explore the concept of the entropic brain, a framework that describes how the brain can shift between organized and disorganized or chaotic states. We know that psylocibin temporarily increases this entropy, allowing the brain to break out of rigid activity patterns to access new ways of perceiving and processing information. In this episode, we talk about how brain entropy reflects the variability of our neural activity and thought patterns. We discuss how a shift in entropy can open the door to insights, emotional breakthroughs, and greater psychological flexibility.

Authors: Jake Rockandel, Eve Racette

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

A concussion isn't just a bump on the head; it disrupts entire networks and can have long term implications when ignored. Unfortunately, even with advances in modern neuroscience, recovery is difficult and sometimes ineffective. In this episode, we discuss how psychedelics may enhance neuroplasticity and what that could mean for concussion recovery with Dylan, a graduate student studying the intersection of psychedelics and traumatic brain injuries. We dive into the biological mechanisms behind neuroplasticity, why concussions disrupt it, and how psychedelic compounds are being investigated as potential tools to support the brain’s adaptive processes. We also discuss personal experiences with concussions, current research limitations, and what the next generation of studies aims to uncover.

Dylan Graff is a second-year master's student at Queen’s University Centre for Neuroscience Studies, where he works under the supervision of Dr. Douglas James Cook. His research focuses on using advanced neuroimaging methods, particularly resting-state fMRI, to understand how mild traumatic brain injuries affect brain connectivity and network function. Driven by a strong interest in both brain injury and mental health, Dylan’s work also examines the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies. He aims to bridge findings from psychedelic research in mood disorders with neuroimaging studies in brain injury, exploring whether these emerging treatments may help address persisting symptoms after concussion.

Authors: Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

Let's dive into the surprising world of social robots! Recent research tells us that they have a very real impact on our emotions, habits, and health. Some robots soothe anxiety, boost motivation, or help people regain movement, while others simply offer a non-judgmental presence that humans sometimes struggle to match. In this episode, we explore why some people warm up to robots while others prefer to keep their distance. Along the way, we look at the quirks, challenges, and unexpectedly human moments that happen when a machine becomes part of the conversation.

This episode is sponsored by the Connected Minds program. Connected Minds, funded by the Canadian First Research Excellence Fund, is a 7-year collaborative program between York University and Queen’s University that focuses on interdisciplinary, ethical, and socially responsible research and technology development. The program offers funding for trainees, researchers, and artists. To learn more and get involved, visit the Connected Minds website.

Website: https://www.yorku.ca/research/connected-minds/a

Authors: Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

Nostalgia isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s your brain revisiting the past in order to shape your future. In this episode, we explore how memories, emotion, personality and our senses work together to create nostalgia, and why certain songs, smells, or moments can instantly transport us back in time. We discuss how the brain uses nostalgia to regulate emotion, motivate us and even cope with stress and pain! From its surprising medical history to what modern neuroscience tells us, this episode unpacks why longing for the past is such a deeply human experience.

Authors: Deanne Pinto, Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.