The Talking Brains Podcast

We know that poverty leads to people making poor decisions. What about mood poverty? How would you act differently if you knew that you could drastically improve your mood through short meditation? The answers to these questions and more in today's episode... Stephen Zerfas is the founder of Jhourney, a company trying to make peak meditation states (Jhanas) more accessible to the average person. Tune in to learn more and stay tuned for an easter egg at the end of the episode. Like, comment, subscribe, etc... and I'm always looking for help on the podcast and willing to pay for it.

In this episode, we have a two guest special! My friend Weston Browne and I sit down with the amazing Ivan Rodriguez Jaubert to talk about his company Dupla Bio and it's role in the growing industry of synthetic biology.  Expensive and complicated equipment is often required to do synthetic biology and so the barrier to entry for research is high. Dupla Bio is working hard to change that.  Hopefully one day you will be able to visit a lab near you!You can check out Dupla Bio's website here: http://dupla.bio/.Synthetic biology is allowing us to create new medicines, invent new products and materials, as well as reinvent old ones. All of this is done through recoding DNA , the essential building block for life. We just scratched the surface, if you want to learn more, check out Built With Biology: https://www.builtwithbiology.com/. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nick Milne, the CSO and co-founder of Octarine Bio. Octarine is a biotechnology company using genetically modified yeast to produce psychoactive compounds. We talk about promises and challenges in the space of synthetic biology, and psychedelics. Check out Octarine's website at  http://octarinebio.com/.Don't forget to like, favorite, download, and subscribe on your favorite platforms!Much love,Brendan 

I sit down with Dr. Priya Balachandran, the COO of Applied Silver. Dr. Balachandran and Applied Silver make antimicrobial treatments for soft surfaces. These treatments kill diseases such as MRSA and Covid-19. We talk about a number of things in this episode including Applied SIlver's technology, the importance of science and communication, and the need for humans to live in a balanced microbiome. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Raphael Ritson Williams, an accomplished marine biologist, professor at Santa Clara University, and member of the California Academy of Sciences. Dr. Ritson Williams studies corals and the genetic traits that may make them resistant to climate change. We talk about his scientific work as well as the role of corals, gene modification, and curiosity in the future of mankind. 

Spencer Solaz is a good friend of mine, a graphic designer, and a cohost of KSCU's talk show Guacarole. Spencer and I explore the magic of the most commonly consumed drug in the world: Caffeine.  This episode on caffeine is the first of a new project called the Psychoactive Specials. In this series, spencer and I dive into everything you need to know about mind-altering substances. From caffeine to Tylenol, alcohol to LSD, we will be sure to cover all the bases in the following episodes so keep an eye out for future episodes. Go visit www.spencersolaz.com and follow on Spotify if you can and be sure to follow our Instagram  @thetalkingbrainspodcast!

Stoked to release this one! We talk to Diana Dowd, a recent graduate from Miami University and marine biologist. Tune in to learn about the ocean from a badass freediver and PADI divemaster who likes to swim with sharks. 

Today I talk with the brain of David Gussler. David is an electrical engineering student, a longtime friend of mine, and an avid powerlifter who does a wonderful job explaining the nuts and bolts of lifting and electrical engineering. 

In this one, I bring on one of my long time friends and current investment banking footsoldier, Dom Pusateri. We get into a great philosophical discussion on, among other things, happiness and the future of humanity. Do yourself a favor and shoot me a follow to keep yourself updated. 

Aliff Rush is a friend of mine and a fellow Neuroscience major at Santa Clara University. He is also an excellent musician. Today we speak on the human brain, music, creativity, and our opinions on the future of technology. 

In this episode, I welcome a good friend of mine Ben Hale. Ben is a legendary English teacher and Cross Country coach at my Alma Mater, Woodberry Forest School. I credit this man for kickstarting an intellectual journey that brings me happiness to this day. I am so happy to have him on this podcast. Today we dive deeeep into some of my favorite topics including:Our relationship with natureReligion and DualismSocial media and the human experienceAddressing troubling times in American history

Today on Talking Brains, I sit down (over zoom) with Brittany Hofferber, an undergraduate premed student at the University of Virginia. Brittany is not only a kind and sweet person but she is also a badass. Outside of studying for the MCAT, Brittany co-founded Hol3health, a women's health brand focused on holistic health. Check out their Instagram @hol3health or their beautiful website at https://hol3health.com/. This is my shameless reminder for you to download, share, and tell your friends about this podcast. The podcast's Instagram is @talkingbrainspodcast and keep an eye out for announcements concerning a new website. 

In this episode of Talking Brains we sit down with Dr. Kirsten Read and talk about mushrooms, how children learn, and, of course, we talk about the coronavirus. 

Put your thinking caps on for this one because today we welcome Dr. Laura Cocas to the podcast. Dr. Cocas is a developmental neuroscientist, professor at Santa Clara University, and a fabulous human being. Today we explore the developing human brain, the rabies virus, and why glial cells matter to you. This is the second episode of the Talking Brains Podcast. I am open to suggestions, and always looking for new guests, find me on Instagram at @talkingbrainspodcast.