The People's Scientist

Come celebrate with me in this special episode where I reflect on the last 5 years and the most important lessons this podcast has taught me. The lessons didn't come from a study or a classroom. They came from life experience. These lessons have had a really big impact on my life and I hope that they may spark something positive in you too. I am looking forward to the next years to come with you!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I gaze out my window, captivated by the raindrops, the thought struck me – what makes the sound of rain so incredibly calming? Thus, the inspiration for episode 157 was born. In today's installment, I delve into the effects that environmental sounds can exert on our stress management, sleep patterns, hormonal balance, and neurobiology. It's my belief that these impacts are often subtle, operating on a subconscious level, unbeknownst to many. The discussion spans the soothing tones of rain, the calming cadence of ocean waves, the melodic symphony of birds, and the bustling sounds of the city. I've included some sound clips, practical tips, and insights on how we can leverage this knowledge to enhance our well-being. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wow what a year! 2023 was filled with a lot of wonderful changes to my scientific career. Thank you for coming along this ride with me. Come hang out with me as I countdown the top 3 most listened to episodes on the People's Scientist podcast of 2023. Which episode was your favorite?Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am so excited to be back producing episode 155 of The People's Scientist podcast. Thank you for allowing me to take a few months off from the show as I transitioned into my new role. Today I am excited to share a recent study with you in which scientists investigated a simple strategy we can all start using today that may enhance our memory and cognition. It has to do with one of our five senses that we seldom use purposefully, our sense of smell. Tune in for details! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 154 of The People's Scientist podcast, I discuss how consuming food, sugar, alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine, are all consummatory behaviors; we are consuming substances with reinforcing and potentially addictive qualities. As such, there is much neurobiological overlap in eating and drug addiction. This nutritional perspective on drug addiction can open the door for novel treatments to aid in drug addiction recovery like GLP-1 and T2R agonists. Lately the medication (Ozempic) semaglutide, used to treat type-2 diabetes has garnered interest as a potential new strategy to investigate for drug addiction recovery. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today in Episode 153, I share with you a recent study published by Amin and colleagues in JAMA Psychiatry this year. This study includes over 125,000 people to correlate the plasma metabolome containing 249 metabolites to the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. I share additional clinical trials to take these findings and give us all some actionable information. Tune in for details!Main Reference: Amin et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(6):597-609Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 152, I was inspired by the song lyrics I danced to for this episode and chose to dive into the Neuroscience of Perseverance. Perseverance is distinct from resilience but the two are still very much interconnected. Resilience is an umbrella term, representing our ability to bounce back from adversity, our ability to adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook. On the other hand, perseverance specifically refers to the act of persisting in the face of obstacles, staying focused on a goal, and maintaining effort over an extended period. I talk about the Science of Resilience back in episode 39 with the expert, Dennis Charney himself, so feel free to go back and give that one a listen if it interests you. In today's episode I share a quiz for us to assess our own level of persistence, I provide relatable examples, ways to improve our perseverance, and some neurobiology to help us understand what is going on in our brain when we persevere. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 151, I discuss neuroplasticity as an adaptive process of the brain that can either be detrimental or beneficial. I discuss drug addiction, mental health, hormones, psychedelics, exercise, meditation, and more. I also discuss how I think the concept of neuroplasticity can support the notion of the freedom for change as opposed to determinism. Neuroplasticity can empower us to change our current situation. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 150th Episode of the People Scientist podcast, I want to share with you, from my 17 years of experience in this field, some top evidenced based nutrition strategies that I think are easy to incorporate and likely to have a significant impact on our brain health and mental well-being. Any guesses as to what my top three suggestions are? Tune in to find out!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 149 of The People's Scientist podcast I share brain imaging studies that provide insight into what brain regions are involved in lying. Lying may require more cognitive demand and as such there might be certain signs of a lie. Why do we lie? Common lying is associated with lower self-esteem and quality of life. As such, perhaps lying is meant to inflate a sense of self or to create a better, albeit false, sense of reality. I talk about anti-social personality disorder, factitious disorder, and more. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 148, I go through the details of two recent studies investigating the impact of fasting on hunger and craving circuits within the brain. After one bout of fasting, persistent amplification of excitatory activity was noted onto agouti-related protein neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. I believe these studies provide an understanding as to why we may binge and re-gain weight after weight loss. Can we use this information to our advantage? Yes. I give some neuroscience based strategies to help us prevent weight re-gain. Tune in for details. References: Grzelka et al., 2023, Cell Metabolism 35, 1–16Kerem et al., 2020, Physiological Reports 28(4).e14369.Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today in Episode 147, I have the great joy of interviewing Naval Officer, LTJG Joseph Gills, who led his team to achieving the award Thor's Hammer by obtaining the top scores in the Pacific Fleet competition of 2022. LTJG Gills goes through personal examples and suggestions to achieve good leadership and how to work with bad leadership. For example, he mentions how being a leader is a gift, an opportunity to serve people, not an opportunity for personal glory. If we can lead a great team, the personal accolades with follow. Tune in for more details! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 146 I share some recent scientific evidence on the Neuroscience of Itch. We have yet to fully grasp this relatively new area of science but we appreciate that sensory fibers in the skin send signals along our spinal cord to the thalamus of our brain. But did you know that scratching can be contagious? If we see someone scratch, we may feel inclined to unconsciously scratch as well. This is related to mirror neurons. I get into the neuroscience behind different types of itch, the causes, and how we understand the science behind itch today. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 145 I share some scientific evidence on intestinal barrier dysfunction AKA: leaky gut. I use analogies to explain what leaky gut is, how this can contribute to brain inflammation, dementia, major depressive disorder, and scientific evidence on how to promote the health of our intestines and brain. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 144 is a special episode as a recent conversation with my sister sparked this topic! My sister and I were talking about how the attitude toward food has changed drastically over the last several decades. We talk about our personal experiences in the context of diets, how hormones may be involved, intuitive eating, how nutrition clinical trials should focus on mental health and efficacy, and how the condition of bulimia nervosa may be far more prevalent than what we realize. Tune in for all the details.Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo, Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 143, I continue with the theme of love for February but approach it from the opposite direction and share the Neuroscience of Heartbreak. Heartbreak is an intense emotional pain arising from the loss of a valuable relationship. In this episode I share Neuroimaging studies that indicate emotional pain recruits the same brain regions as physical pain. How scientists speculate that chronic pain disorders may actually arise from chronic emotional pain. I also talk about broken heart syndrome called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. I discuss some suggestions on how to reduce emotional pain using this neurobiological understanding. Tune in for all the details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo, Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 142, I share some neuroscience on trust and vulnerability. To trust, we make ourselves vulnerable by relying on another individual to fulfill their role. The main reason why employees leave their job and why marriages end in divorce is because of a lack of trust, communication and appreciation. So clearly, trust is central to the success of strong relationships. In this episode I give several practical strategies on how to build trust and being aware that small things may chip away and weaken the trust in a relationship. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 141 of The People's Scientist podcast, I propose a theory; are we addicted to our rises in blood insulin? Back in the 1940s, injections of insulin were given to treat anxiety and neurosis. They noted that injections of insulin induced a calming effect, sedation, and enhanced motivation to obtain food. In more recent studies we see that insulin may act on brain reward regions. Higher insulin responses after eating leaves one feeling less satisfied and craving more food. I go into some evidenced based strategies on how we may be able to influence our insulin levels and therefore perhaps our food cravings. As always, please seek the advice of your physician or dietitian. Tune in for the interesting details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At many points in our life, we are likely to need to start over; in relationships, careers, school, etc. Here in Episode 140 of The People's Scientist podcast, I share clinical studies that provide some insight on how we can enhance our success in starting over. I highlight three key components: 1) Overcoming our fear of rejection/failure 2) Increasing self-confidence 3) Creating goals and instilling new habits. Tune in for all of the scientific details. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 139, as the year 2022 comes to a close, I reflect on the episodes of 2022. I covered topics from the benefits of indoor plants, how horror movies may make us more resilient, the neuroscience of greed, rejection, social anxiety, embarrassment, intuitive eating, a new exercise metabolite lac-phe, the neuroscience behind the pursuit of happiness and so much more. In today's episode I go through some of my favorite topics and the top 5 most listened to episodes. Sending you all love and happiness at the close of 2022. I cannot wait to see what 2023 holds for us. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 138 I dive into two of my recent publications. In the first clinical trial I discuss how we used the technique of metabolomics to quantify the plasma oxylipidome. Here we link smoking status to peripheral artery disease with the oxylipidome. In the second study, we provide evidence that genetics may play a role in the propensity for nicotine addiction, cigarette smoking, and lung disease. Good science is never accomplished alone but as part of a great collaborative team. I thank my contributors and collaborators for their hard work and input to both of these studies. Tune in for the scientific details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 137 of The People's Scientist podcast, I share some scientific evidence on the Neuroscience and Psychology of Greed. Often thought to be a personality trait with negative connotations, I offer an alternative perspective. I go through a Psychology test with you to determine our level of greed, other personality traits associated with greed, and insightful neuroimaging studies. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent study by Li and colleague coming from the Charles Zuker lab suggests that the wanting of sugar and fat has to do with a specific population of cells within the vagus nerve that responds to sugar or fat to activate my favorite brain region, the nucleus of the tracts solitarius (nTS). This was independent of taste in the mouth and smell from the olfactory epithelium. These findings can explain why we still enjoyed consuming sweet and fatty foods with the lost of taste from COVID and other viruses. Can we use this information to help regulate sugar and fatty food cravings? Tune in to find out more. Main Reference: Li et al. Gut Brain Axis For Fat Preference. Nature. 2022; 610:722. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Halloween my People's Scientist Army! Today in Episode 135 I dive into some scientific evidence on the Neuroscience and Psychology of Nightmares. I discuss many theories on nightmares dating back to the 1800s and earlier. Nightmares used to be called Incubus or Wizard Pressing, thought to be related to supernatural phenomenon. I also go into observational studies that identified different personality traits associated with the prevalence of nightmares and sleep paralysis. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 134 of The People's Scientist podcast, I go into the details on the Neuroscience and Psychology of Embarrassment. We study embarrassment because it may prevent us from pursuing health promoting activities like social interactions, going to the gym, or seeking help. What brain regions are involved, what types of embarrassing scenarios exist, what personality traits are associated with higher embarrassability, and how we can use this information to help us cope with embarrassment. I get into those details and more. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 133, I discuss my own theory on the modern motivations of humans today. With the onset of technology, I believe that our motivations have adapted and changed. At the root, we all crave to be seen. That is it. I go on to explain 3 other levels to human motivation. I expound upon how we can use this information to our advantage to benefit our everyday interactions and relationships. Tune in for details! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 132 of The People's Scientist podcast, I talk about how Scientists speculate that the prevalence of social anxiety has increased in the last several years. I offer an alternative, that in part, these observations may be explained by us having the opportunity to be more introverted over the pandemic. So is it introversion or social anxiety? I talk about the neuroscience, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies for social anxiety disorder. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 131 of The People's Scientist podcast, I dive into the Neuroscience and Psychology of Rejection. Social rejection is believed to recruit brain regions involved in feeling social pain. As a result, many of us may have missed opportunities because of the fear of this pain. But guess what? When people were surveyed about their missed opportunities and moments of rejection, missed opportunities ranked 3 times higher for regret. In today's episode I talk about why and how we experience rejection and how we can use this information to our advantage. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriJia Jiang's "What I learned from 100 days of rejection" talk : https://www.ted.com/talks/jia_jiang_what_i_learned_from_100_days_of_rejection?language=en Follow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 130 I dive into a recent publication by Li et al. published this year in Nature that identified an exercise metabolite, lac-phe, that reduces food intake and induces fat loss. The scientists conducted a series of experiments to illustrate that certain types of exercise increase circulating lac-phe in the blood which is likely the mechanism behind reduced appetite, food intake, and enhanced fat loss. Tune in for details!Reference: Li, V.L., He, Y., Contrepois, K. et al. An exercise-inducible metabolite that suppresses feeding and obesity. Nature 606, 785–790 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04828-5Want to buy me a coffee to help support the show? You can do so via the links below:Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 129 of The People's Scientist podcast, I dive into a ton of scientific evidence on this highly requested topic. Attention control is our ability to regulate to what we give our attention. The opposite would be being distracted, ruminating on negative things, and having intrusive thoughts. Attention control is incredibly important for high productivity and mental well-being. In this episode I discuss over 10 evidence based strategies on how we can enhance our attention control. Tune in!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuriWebsite source for diet nutrient calculations: https://nutritiondata.self.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 128 I change it up and do a bit of a different episode based less on empirical evidence and moreso on philosophy, sociology, and my own personal experiences. As of late, I have heard many people say they find it difficult to make new friends as an adult, especially with the onset of working from home. So in today's episode I talk about the different types of friendship, emotional intelligence, and some practical based suggestion on how to make new friends and how to move toward a lasting friendship. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via the links below:Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Dr. Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 127 of The People's Scientist podcast, I discuss some recent Psychology and Neuroscience findings on the Pursuit of Happiness. Dating back to the time of Aristotle, a happy life was thought to consist of 1. hedonism (pleasure and security) and 2. eudaimonism (purpose and meaning). However, recent data suggests a third component: psychological richness. Happiness may not always be about feeling the pleasant emotions, but feeling the right emotions for us. The contrasting emotions give us an opportunity to learn about ourselves, to change perspectives, and to grow. Tune in for all the scientific details and practical tips on how to add psychological richness to one's life. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiurihttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode (I use instagram the most):IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 126, I dive into the scientific evidence on the resilience, psychology techniques, and neurobiology of top athletes. Even the top teams in their league fail on average 40% of the time. Failures and setbacks should not surprise us. We don't not lose, we either win or we learn. What sets apart the winner from the rest is how they respond to the failures. Tune in to learn how the brains of athletes are different from non-athletes, characteristics of top Olympians and Pro Teams, and practical strategies we can all employ to be more resilient in the face of challenges.Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo, Patreon, or BuyMeACoffee below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriBuy me a coffee?: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drscaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Dr. Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 125, I discuss the neuroscience of intuitive eating. Intuitive eating is associated with a healthier BMI, less symptoms of depression, less probability for disordered eating, higher self-esteem, and more positive body image. Intuitive eating is a form of adaptive eating that relies on our skill of interoception: being able to observe our internal sensations like hunger. Intuitive eating focuses upon us eating when physically hungry and not due to emotional or environmental cues. Two-thirds of us struggle with interoception. I get into the neuroscience of how we can become more interoceptive so that we might eat more intuitively and to have a healthier relationship with food.Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 124 I share scientific evidence on The Neuroscience of Self-Confidence. I discuss science to answer the following questions: What part of our brain regulates our self-confidence? How does the brain respond differently in people with high vs low self esteem? What difference does it make to our life we have or lack self-confidence? Can we have too much self-confidence? Can we use neuroscience to our advantage to enhance our self-confidence and to avoid over confidence? Tune in to find out!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 123, I provide some scientific evidence on how increasing our self-awareness, our knowledge of our physiology, and actionable goals to modify our behavior can induce benefits to our health and well-being. My goal with every episode of this podcast is to empower us through understanding the science behind why we feel the way we do. I give examples on how understanding the neuroscience of anxiety, anger, jealousy, and social media use might give us targets to improve our health and mood. Through this understanding, we can gain power over our health. Tune in for all the details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 122 on The People's Scientist podcast, I dive into some scientific evidence on how physical and psychological stressors increase the need for Magnesium. Magnesium helps to buffer the stress response by promoting the production of ATP, Serotonin, GABA, and antagonizing the excitatory NDMA receptor. However, chronic stress can deplete Magnesium and reduce the ability to buffer the stress response. This may lead to symptoms like irritability, fatigue, weakness, nervousness, poor sleep, and heart palpitations. Tune in to find out what may increase our chances of becoming deficient, how much Magnesium we need, good food sources, and much more. If you want to see some of the papers I cite in each episode, make sure to follow me on social media. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today in episode 121, I discuss some scientific evidence of genetic history, how the lifestyle choices and experiences of past generations may induce genetic and epigenetic changes which may be passed along to us. For example, were our parents of a healthy weight, did they drink a lot of alcohol, did they exercise regularly, what was their diet like at the time of conceiving us? It appears that these lifestyle characteristics can result in epigenetic changes which can be passed down to offspring to influence their health. In addition, some people may have fears or feelings that they can't explain; well Charles Darwin wrote of observations in animals how certain fears can be passed down without exposure of the offspring to the parents. May we change the outcomes laid out for us by our genetics? Yes it might be possible. Tune in for more details. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My oat blueberry muffins inspired today's episode! I pondered as I baked this week, I wonder what the recent clinical evidence says about blueberries? Jump into today's episode with me as I cover recent clinical trials from the last 2-3 years that investigated the impact of 1/3 to 1 cup of blueberries daily on inflammation, arthritis, antioxidant status, heart health, metabolic syndrome, cognition, and mood. My Oat Blueberry Muffin Recipe: 1 cup of rolled oats1/2 cup of any milk (I used almond milk. Soak the oats in milk for 10-20 minutes)1/2 cup of honey1 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour1 large egg1/3 cup of butter1/3 cup of apple sauce1 1/2 cups of frozen blueberries1 tsp of cinnamon1 tsp of vanilla extract1 tsp of baking powder1/2 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp of saltBake at 350 degrees for about 18-23 minutes. Although heat may degrade some of the antioxidants in blueberries, so eating fresh/frozen/freeze dried might be the best way to get those antioxidants. But I still love these muffins! :) Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 119, I do a timely episode as Valentine's Day is upon us. I discuss the studies and theories that scientists have in regard to why we gravitate toward particular people for romantic relationships and what characteristics are associated with long-term happy relationships. Certain factors I discuss include our genetics, social history, physical affection, affect labelling, emotional intelligence, and more. Tune in for all the scientific details! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 118 of The People's Scientist podcast, I share some scientific evidence on indoor plants and whether or not they improve air quality and measures of mental health and work productivity. In the segment foregone facts, I discuss how in 1907 it took scientists 30 years to prove that a plague of Pellagra in the South Eastern United States was due to a deficiency in vitamin B3 niacin, not due to a bacteria. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 117 of The People's Scientist podcast, the first episode of 2022, I add in a new section called "Forgeone Facts" and start off with some Neuroscience based strategies to help form new habits and to help break old habits as the new year begins. I continue on in the episode discussing a study published a few months ago that concludes individuals who are fans of horror movies, ranked better in regard to their mental health and preparedness during the pandemic. Is there any logic to that? Tune in to find out! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 116 of The People's Scientist podcast, I share some case reports and studies in which dogs accurately detect the presence of several types of cancer based on urine, breath, and body odor samples from humans. Dogs are brilliant animals with advanced olfactory systems. It appears that cancer cells may emit organic volatile compounds that are undetectable to humans but detectable to dogs. Dogs may be particularly helpful for the silent forms of cancer that go unnoticed until later stages. Early detection is of key importance for patient outcomes. Do our future medical exams include dogs assessing us for cancer? Tune in for the details! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 115 of The People's Scientist podcast, I dive into the neuroscience and psychology of self-defense in order to deter violence or to avoid being accosted. 1. We may be able to use uncertainty to our advantage as instinctually, we humans tend to feel uneasy and want to avoid unpredictable situations 2. The likelihood of being caught is a far greater deterrant than the severity of punishment. So we can give off an impression that if someone were to approach us, we would not be an easy target, we would draw attention, and have a high chance of this person getting caught. I give some suggestions for this. 3. I also talk about scenario training as used in police academies and the military in order to prevent us from freezing up in situations and to have a known plan of action in likely scenarios. I speak of particular brain regions involved in these emotions and how they play a role in our ability to deter being attacked. Make sure to tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuriJiu Jitsu Tutorials from Gracie Dojo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNMZWa1QP42jHrmmzayFEeg See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this fun interest piece for Episode 114 on The People's Scientist podcast, I talk about if we become physically more similar to our partners over time. As we share a home with people over a long period of time, we may develop similarities in our immune system, gut microbiome, facial expressions, mannerisms, and we may therefore become more biologically similar over time. There is also a theory that we choose a partner that has some similarities to us whether that be physical, intellectual, social, psychological, etc. Tune in for all the scientific details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today in Episode 113 of The People's Scientist podcast, I talk about the importance of our metabolic rate. Our resting energy expenditure is an incredibly important factor in determining our weight regain after weight loss and our ability to maintain a healthy body weight. Unfortunately, when reducing calories and losing weight, our metabolic rate declines. This is often why some of us regain weight after weight loss. What can we do to keep our metabolic rate elevated? I go into all those details in today's episode. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There is power in understanding the science behind why we feel the way we do. In Episode 112 I talk about the Neuroscience of Anxiety. Anxiety may be a result of an imbalance in the activity of our emotional brain regions like the hypothalamus, amygdala, and bed of the stria terminalis. Think of an overflowing sink without a safety drain port. Chronic anxiety may be a result of our stress signal not resolving. So how can we add in a safety drain port? How can we resolve this stress signal? I go into details about our genetics, heat therapy, ketogenic diet, exposure therapy, blood sugar levels, stimulants, alcohol, and more. Tune in for details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today in Episode 111, I cover a listener requested topic, all about Carnitine. We make Carnitine in our body; it is essential for our ability to turn fat into energy. As such, orally supplementing with Carnitine has been studied in the context of fat loss, exercise performance, mental functioning, cognition, and overall health in chronic disease. Deficiencies in Carnitine can occur in some individuals. But who is at risk for deficiency and is supplementation safe or effective? Tune in to find out! Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today's episode I dive down the science rabbit hole of how humans can communicate with one another via our body odor and sense of smell. For decades we thought that humans communicated via our sense of vision and sound, because through evolution of visual cortex became more developed and our olfactory system regressed. However, recent data suggests that humans can emit certain molecules while feeling certain emotions and this can indeed impact those smelling the compounds, specifically impacting their mood, behavior, physiological and brain responses. Tune in for more details!Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today in Episode 109, I dive into the neuroscience and psychology of anger. Trait anger, or commonly called, having a temper, may be in part influenced by our genetics and past life experiences. But our genetics and past are not our destiny, let's take that information, and let it empower us. We can to a certain extent, change our outcomes and I help give some neuroscience based suggestions on how we may be able to manage our anger. Tune in for details. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode:IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today in Episode 108, I dive into the details of a paper published this month in Nature that details how the gut microbiome may assist with weight loss. Stools samples taken from women who recently lost weight were transplanted into mice, and guess what? The mice lost weight. Tune in to find out how this happened and what this might mean for those of us trying to maintain a healthy body weight. Want to buy me a coffee to say thanks for the episode? You can do so via Venmo or Patreon below.Venmo ID: Steph-CalPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/DrSCaligiuriFollow me on social media to see the papers I cite in this week's episode (I am most active on IG):IG: Dr.SCaligiuriFB: ThePeoplesScientistTwitter: DrSCaligiuriLinkedin: Stephanie CaligiuriTikTok: Dr.SCaligiuri See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.