Super Brain

Dr 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 RevolutionYou can follow Prof Cryan on Twitter @JFCryanYou can read more about his research and access his publications https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/people/johncryan/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr 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. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr 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.comYou can follow her on instagram as @birdgirluk and on twitter as @birdgirluk Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look into secret research. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan explores the psychology and neuroscience of control, impulsivity, self-control, taking control and relinquishing control. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 trackThe Doctor's Kitchen PodcastDownload the Doctors Kitchen App to get access to personalised recipes, with specific suggestions tailored to your health needs. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Super Brain podcast returns with this audio documentary produced and presented by Super Brain host Dr Sabina BrennanDr 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 through the doc illustrate the misconceptions and misappropriation of migraine. This audio documentary aims to bust the myth that migraine is just a headache and get people to think twice about appropriating this neurological condition to describe a hangover or pull a sickie." Producer/Presenter Sabina BrennanEditor Emily BurkeAssistant Producer Angela Mezzetti Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Super 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 Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this, the final episode of Season 4 Dr Sabina Brennan talks about the benefits of talking to strangers Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eureka 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BP 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, another excellent read, The Woman on The Pier, comes out 11th November 2021. Check out www.sabinabrennan.ie for links to his four books, full transcripts of the episode and other bits and bobs. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 sexEmily 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 Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'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 Emily Power Smyth who is on a mission to make sure that the sex we have is safe, consenting and above all pleasurable. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lauren 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..... Scroll forward 3 years and Lauren's art hangs in the homes of the rich and famous in Hollywood. Lauren is now an MS Ambassador who is living proof that while MS is life changing it can be life-enhancing. Lauren feels happier than ever but also tells it like it is admitting that it's not all plain sailing. Despite seeming to have endless energy MS does take its toll and while Lauren may have to take to her bed when symptoms strike she is never far from finding a silver lining. Lauren's life sparkles like her smile and her artwork which is currently on exhibit in the IFSC Custom House Plaza in Dublin.  Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this booster shot Sabina Brennan explains how specialised brain cells that only fire in certain places help us to navigate the world around us Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan makes a surprising discovery about Monday's guest Norma Sheahan Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sabina Brennan shoots the breeze with multi-talented actor, writer, voiceover artist, Norma SheahanHer 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 Still, Holding, Women on the Verge, can't cope won't cope… and so much more. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A brief update from my hotel room in London plus some tips on how to protect your most precious organ - your brain Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 their developing brains. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sleep 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Super 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 PatreonNo 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 can get access to a monthly live Q&A, free audio book, Super Brain merch and more.You will also get my thanks and appreciation for supporting Super Brain Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Continuing 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. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 is for you. Melissa Hogenboom explains how the changes we experience during pregnancy and motherhood shifts our sense of self, and changes how others see us. From the way our brain changes during pregnancy and the psychological impact of our changing body, to the true cost of the motherhood workplace penalty and the intrusion of technology on family life,#mother #mum #mothering #motherhood #motherhoodcomplex #pregnancy #parent #parenting #parenthood #mentalhealth #brain #neuroscience #thepill #psychologist #neuroscientist #science #sciencejournalistThe Super Brain blog has the full transcript, links to Melissa's website and book as well as some video clips from the podcast recoding Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Building 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 Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 equally, if not more fascinating and thrilling than any fiction book I've ever read.Suzanne is a detective of sorts who unravels real life mysteries by delving deep into the brain and the social, cultural and psychological factors that can bring about physical symptoms and illness. Suzanne is a neurologist who drew on her 20 year career seeing 1000s of patients to write her first two books - the first 'It's all in your Head' won the Wellcome prize in 2016, her second 'Brainstorm' explores the intricacies of the human brain through epilepsy and other seizures. Suzanne has a rare gift for insightful storytelling which makes her third book The Sleeping Beauties, a wonderful journey of discovery both physically and metaphorically to explore incredible mysterious psychosomatic illness and mass hysteria - from children in Sweden who fall a sleep for years, high school students in NY with contagious seizures and several embassy officials with headache and memory loss following assault by non-existent sonic weapons. The stories are fascinating but what sets this book apart is the ease with which Suzanne lets the reader inside her own brain as she solves these mysteries and wrestles with her own prejudices and the failings of her chosen profession.Check out the Super Brain blog for this episode for more. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Season 4 of Super Brain kicks off Monday September 6th,I chat to an impressive group of inspiring and fascinating guests this seasonThis trailer gives you a little taster of whats in store with short clips from:S4E1 - The Brain Detective with Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan

National 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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.

This week is Mental Health Week and the theme for 2021 is nature, Dr Sabina Brennan explores the neuroscience underlying the mental health benefits of natureT Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ireland 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 http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

my 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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 cocaine use, and the straight talking that made him quit. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr 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.

In 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 acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Brennan reads an extract from her book about fueling your brain Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan speaks with Tom Dunne about surviving the music industry and crossing the Rubicon to write new material Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Brennan reads an sxtract from her book about how execising your brain and your body will help you to beat brain fog Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan talks to Úna-Minh Kavanagh an inspiring young woman who ditched the day job to go it alone when she found herself constantly depressed by constraints of a conventional day job.Úna-Minh Kavanagh is a Gaeilgeoir and hails from Co. Kerry. She’s a journalist, author and multimedia content creator and published her book, ‘Anseo’ about growing up in Kerry, the Irish language, identity and racism in 2019. In 2017, Úna-Minh won the award for Social Activist of the Year with U Magazine for her initiative, ‘We Are Irish’ and now edits the good news website WeAreIrish.ie. She’s a blogger and a Twitch live streamer who broadcasts in English and in the Irish language and she forages for joy!Related EpisodesHorns and Halos with Pragya AgarwalUna-Minh's Social MediaIrish Language Gamer: http://twitch.tv/yunitexInstagramTwitterChorca Dhuibhne ar YouTube & TikTokWebsite weareirish.ieBook AnseoSabina Brennan's Social mediaTwitter InstagramWebsite www.superbrain.ie Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan reads a short extract from the Chapter on Stress in her book Beating Brain Fog Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Sabina Brennan talks to author Megan Nolan athought-provoking debut novel Acts of Desperation Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.