Mind & Matter (Nick Jikomes)
Explore every episode of Mind & Matter
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 2022 | Sci-Hub, Open Data, Freedom of Information & the Democratization of Science | Alexandra Elbakyan | #57 | 00:37:57 | |
Nick talks to Alexandra Elbakyan, the founder of Sci-hub, a shadow library website that provides free access to millions of research papers and books, without regard to copyright, by bypassing publishers' paywalls in various ways. Sci-hub is used by millions of people around the world each month, granting them free and easy access to scientific research findings. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 15 Feb 2022 | Genomics, PCR, COVID Testing, mRNA Vaccines, Blockchain Technology, Psilocybin Mushroom & Cannabis Genomes | Kevin McKernan | 58 | 01:42:49 | |
Kevin McKernan is a renowned leader in DNA sequencing technology. He led a research team part of the original Human Genome Project and is the founder and Chief Science Officer of Medicinal Genomics, a life sciences company that distributes genetics-based platforms for quality and safety testing of legal cannabis. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 23 Feb 2022 | CBD (Cannabidiol), Antiviral Drugs, SARS-CoV-2 & Cancer Biology | Marsha Rosner | 59 | 01:25:46 | |
Nick Jikomes talks to cancer biologist Dr. Marsha Rosner, who is a Professor of Cancer Research at the University of Chicago. Her lab focuses largely on understanding the biochemical signaling mechanisms that lead to the generation of tumor cells, as well as how and why cancer cells metastasize, which is when they travel from one part of the body to another. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 02 Mar 2022 | Consciousness, Dissociation, Metacognition, Idealism, Materialism, Philosophy, Psychedelics, Death & Mind | Bernardo Kastrup | 60 | 02:37:56 | |
Nick talks to computer scientist and philosopher Bernardo Kastrup about various topics related to consciousness and the nature of reality. They discuss: psychological dissociation; the scientific study of 'neural correlates of consciousness'; the nature of perception and the influence of language on the mind; why the 'Hard Problem' of consciousness is so difficult; Bernardo's philosophy of analytic idealism; Jungian psychology & psychological archetypes; psychedelic experiences with psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and how these could model the phenomenology of organic death. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Mar 2022 | Public Health, Epidemiology, Pandemics, Immunity, SARS-CoV-2 & COVID-19 Public Policy | Martin Kulldorff | 61 | 01:36:46 | |
Martin Kulldorff, PhD is an epidemiologist & biostatistician who has been studying infectious diseases for over two decades. He was a professor at Harvard Medical School for many years, a member of the FDA’s Drug Safety & Risk Management Advisory Committee, and a former consultant for the Centers for Disease Control. In 2020, Dr. Kulldorff co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, a document criticizing the use of society-wide lockdowns for COVID-19 and advocating for a strategy of focused protection for high-risk people. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 16 Mar 2022 | Social Cognition, Oxytocin, MDMA, Critical Periods, Metaplasticity, Autism, Psychedelics & Octopus Neurobiology | Gül Dölen | 62 | 01:53:06 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Gül Dölen, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Her lab studies the circuit and synaptic mechanisms of social cognition in health and disease. Nick and Dr. Dölen discussed her research on critical periods for social reward learning in rodents, the role of oxytocin in social behavior and learning, and how MDMA ("ecstasy") promotes prosocial behavior in animals as diverse as humans, rodents, and octopuses. They also talked about how drugs like MDMA and psychedelics influence "metaplasticity," enabling environmental factors to trigger plasticity (physical changes in the brain) in a context-specific manner. Dr. Dölen also described how her research relates to developing treatments for autism, as well as her thoughts on whether the subjective effects of psychedelics and other drugs are necessary for some of their therapeutic effects. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 23 Mar 2022 | Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in Health & Disease | John Cryan | 63 | 01:29:12 | |
Nick talks to Dr. John Cryan, a Professor of Anatomy & Neuroscience at University College-Cork in Ireland whose lab studies the microbiota-gut-brain axis in health & disease. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Aging, Metabolism, Calorie Restriction, NAD, Resveratrol, Rapamycin, Sirtuins, Longer Life | Joe Baur | #64 | 01:24:53 | |
Nick talks to biochemist Joe Baur, PhD, whose lab at the University of Pennsylvania studies the molecular mechanisms of aging and metabolism. These discuss: aging as a passive vs. regulated process; mechanisms of aging (DNA mutations, oxidative stress, etc.); NAD and its role in normal physiology; the biology of sirtuins; rapamycin as an immunosuppressant & modulator of aging; the effects of diet & caloric restriction on aging; the potential slowing and reversing aging, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Apr 2022 | Consciousness, Perception, Evolution, Spacetime & the Nature of Reality | Donald Hoffman | 65 | 02:19:53 | |
Nick talks to cognitive scientist Dr. Donald Hoffman, who is professor emeritus of cognitive sciences at UC-Irvine and the author of many scientific papers and books, including "The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes.” All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 14 Apr 2022 | Psychology of Human Power, Social Status & Influence | Robert Greene | 66 | 01:32:54 | |
Nick speaks to writer Robert Greene, who is the author of several books exploring different, and sometimes dark, aspects of human psychology. The discussion focuses on the subject of his first book, "The 48 Laws of Power." All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Stress, PTSD, Intergenerational Trauma, Epigenetics & Psychedelic Medicine | Rachel Yehuda | 67 | 01:37:56 | |
Nick talks to neuroscientist & clinical researcher Dr. Rachel Yehuda, who is a professor of psychiatry & neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York. They discuss the biology and neuroscience of stress, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), why people can be sensitive or resilient to stress, epigenetics, intergenerational trauma, and how MDMA and psychedelics are being explored for their ability to treat stress-related mental health conditions. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Apr 2022 | Biology of Sex Hormones, Chromosomes, Development & Evolution of Sexual Reproduction | Blanche Capel | 68 | 01:36:57 | |
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. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 05 May 2022 | Cellular Aging, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Life Extension & Health Supplements | Leonard Guarente | 69 | 01:26:35 | |
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. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 12 May 2022 | Mitochondria, Aging, Cellular Energy, Metabolism, Gray Hair Reversal & Brain-Body Communication | Martin Picard | 70 | 02:12:18 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Martin Picard, a biologist at Columbia University whose lab studies mitochondrial psychobiology, linking together molecular processes within mitochondria with human experience. They discussed; what mitochondria are and where they came from; their role in energy & metabolism; the mitochondrial genome; the importance of mitochondria in stress & aging; how exercise, diet, and genetics influence mitochondria biology; hair graying and whether it's reversible; the mind-mitochondria connection. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 19 May 2022 | Chemistry of Magic Mushrooms, DMT Analogues, Entourage Effects in Cannabis & Fungi, Novel Psychedelics, Psychedelic Startups | Andrew Chadeayne | 71 | 01:30:56 | |
Nick talks to chemist & patent attorney Dr. Andrew Chadeayne, who is the CEO of the psychedelic startup CaaMTech. They discussed: the chemistry of magic mushrooms, including compounds beyond psilocybin, found in many species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms; the so-called entourage effect, the idea that multiple compounds found in plants and fungi might work together in a synergistic fashion to produce specific psychoactive or therapeutic effects; Cannabis and magic mushrooms; DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and novel DMT analogues; how we went from academia, to patent law, to founding CaaMTech; the prospect of developing novel psychedelic drugs, non-hallucinogenic psychedelic drug analogues, and some of the details on how these various drugs differ in terms of their chemical structure. *Note medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 26 May 2022 | Ketogenic Diet, Cancer, Microbiome, Nutrition & the Immune System | Maayan Levy | 72 | 01:17:59 | |
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. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 02 Jun 2022 | Emotion, Cognition, Consciousness, Behavior & Brain Evolution | Joseph LeDoux | 73 | 01:43:31 | |
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. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | Psychoactive Drugs & Memory (Sedatives, Stimulants, Cannabinoids, Psychedelics, MDMA) | Manoj Doss | 74 | 01:58:17 | |
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. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | Ritual Behavior, Habits, Human Culture, Religion, Civilization, Marriage, Death, Music, Burning Man & Community | Dimitris Xygalatas | 75 | 02:16:12 | |
Nick talks to anthropologist Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, who is an associate professor at the University of Connecticut. His research interests center around human ritual behavior and the interaction between cognition and culture. They discuss his new Book, "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living." Topics covered: Rituals vs. habits; the psychological purpose of ritual; ritualism as an antidote to anxiety; religion and spiritual practices; culture & the birth of civilization; the physiological and psychoactive effects of ritual; Ayahuasca and psychoactive drugs; rituals in sports, gambling, and other human activities; the evolution of language & symbolic cognition; religion, community & Burning Man. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 23 Jun 2022 | Metabolism, Fat, Carbs, Protein, Ketogenic Diet, Nutrition, Blood Sugar & Personal Health Monitoring | Dominic D'Agostino | 76 | 01:55:17 | |
Nick talks to physiologist and neuroscientist Dr. Dominic D'Agostino about human metabolism & nutrition; fats, carbohydrates, sugar, and protein; ketogenic diet, ketosis, BHB supplementation; inflammation and polyunsaturated fats; personal health and metabolism monitoring; and general questions related to the quality of the nutritional information we receive from our institutions. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | Addiction, Nicotine, Deep Brain Stimulation, Neurotechnology & Parkinson’s Disease | Michael Fox | 77 | 00:58:21 | |
Nick talks to neurologist & neuroscientist Michael Fox, MD, PhD about his recent work mapping out an "addiction remission network" in the brain. They discuss addiction, brain networks involved in addiction, neurotechnologies like Deep Brain Stimulation and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Parkinson's Disease, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | Nature vs. Nurture, Neurogenetics, Personality, Autism, Schizophrenia, Synesthesia & Free Will | Kevin Mitchell | 78 | 01:52:37 | |
Nick talks to neuroscientist & geneticist Dr. Kevin Mitchell about: 'Nature vs. Nurture,' the genetics of brain development, autism & schizophrenia, human brain and psychological variation, synesthesia, agency & free will, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | Psychedelic Startups, Biotech, Drug Discovery, Psilocybin, DMT, Psychedelics & Society | Sam Banister | 79 | 01:12:57 | |
Nick talks to medicinal chemist Sam Banister, who is co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Psylo, a biotech startup focused on developing next-generation psychedelic medicines. They discuss: the past, present, and future of psychedelic science; Sam's journey from academia to biotech startup co-founder; Alexander Shulgin; psychedelics like psilocybin, DMT, and others; and psychedelics & society. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | Origins of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus | Matt Ridley | 80 | 00:57:52 | |
Nick talks to science writer Matt Ridley, who most recently published the book, "Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19" together with molecular biologist Dr. Alina Chan. They discussed what is known and still unknown about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the latest developments in that mystery which have come to light in the past few months; the relationship between institutional science and politics; whether we are ever likely to know definitively the origins of this virus, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Jul 2022 | Sex Differences in Brain, Endocannabinoid Biology, Juvenile Play Behavior, Cannabis & Pregnancy | Margaret McCarthy | 81 | 01:22:02 | |
Nick talks to neuroscientist Dr. Margaret McCarthy, whose lab at the University of Maryland studies the origins and mechanisms of sex differences in the brain, the endocannabinoid system, and neural basis of animal behavior. They discuss: the nature of sex differences observed in the mammalian brain, including differences in the susceptibility to various diseases and disorders of the brain; differences in juvenile play behavior in males vs. females, and how these can be altered by sex hormones and cannabinoids; sex differences in brain development that lead to sex differences in behavior; how the endocannabinoid system influences brain development and behavior; how cannabis use during pregnancy may influence brain development. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 04 Aug 2022 | Inflammation, Memory, Epigenetics, Skin Health, Stem Cells, Tissue Repair & Cancer | Shruti Naik | 82 | 01:06:49 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Shruti Naik, assistant professor of pathology & medicine at the NYU Langone. Her lab studies the interactions between immune cells, epithelial cells, and microbes in barrier tissues that interface with the environment (e.g. skin, lungs & gut). They discuss: inflammatory memory; how cells store memories of inflammation epigenetically; how skin cell regenerate and repair tissue damage; stem cell biology; cancer, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 11 Aug 2022 | Prescription Drugs, Psychiatric Medicine, Big Pharma & the Medicalization of Everything | David Cohen | 83 | 01:20:39 | |
Nick talks to Dr. David Cohen, a professor at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. His research looks at psychoactive drugs (prescribed, licit, and illicit) and their desirable and undesirable effects as socio-cultural phenomena “constructed” through language, policy, attitudes, and social interactions. They discuss: prescription psychiatric drugs, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and stimulants (e.g. Adderall); the history of how some of the most widely prescribed psychiatric drugs came to be so popular; how pharmaceutical companies go about marketing these drugs and the conditions they aim to treat to both physicians and the public; the quality of the evidence supporting their use; what we are learning about the potential for dependency, long-term health effects, and actual level of benefit that comes from chronic psychiatric drug use; why many psychiatric drugs are increasingly prescribed in combination; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | Climatology, Climate Change, Computer Modeling, Green Energy, Politicization of Science | Judith Curry | 84 | 01:48:01 | |
Nick talks to climatologist Dr. Judith Curry, the former chair of the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research interests have included hurricanes, atmospheric modeling, air-sea interactions, and a variety of other areas in climate science. She runs Climate, Etc., an online blog focused on climate science. She is also writing a new book called, “Climate Uncertainty & Risk,” which she described towards the end of the podcast. They discuss: how Earth’s climate has changed over time and how climate scientists measure this; what computer models are used for in climate science and what their strengths & weaknesses are; tropical storms and severe weather events; CO2, methane, and other greenhouse gasses; different forms of energy, such as oil, natural gas, solar, wind, and nuclear; how she thinks about the tradeoffs between different energy sources in terms of their abundance, environmental impact, costs, and other factors; the politicization of climate science and why certain branches of science are especially prone to it. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 25 Aug 2022 | Biochemistry of Psilocybin Production, Psychedelic Tryptamines & Magic Mushrooms | Dirk Hoffmeister | 85 | 01:32:44 | |
Nick talks to pharmaceutical microbiologist Dr. Dirk Hoffmeister, who is professor at the Hans Knöll Institute in Germany. Professor Hoffmeister has a background in botany and mycology, the study of fungi. His lab studies various aspects of fungal biochemistry & molecular biology, including the biochemistry and molecular genetics of psilocybin production in magic mushrooms. We spoke about various topics in mycology, mostly related to Psilocybe mushrooms. This included: how psilocybin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan; the ecological reasons for why some mushrooms produce psilocybin; why magic mushrooms turn a vibrant blue color when they are physically damaged; the production of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) by certain species; the ecology of Psilocybe mushrooms; other areas of mycology that his lab studies. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 31 Aug 2022 | Shamanism, Psychedelics, Social Behavior, Religion & Evolution of Human Culture | Michael Winkelman | 86 | 01:34:08 | |
Nick talks to anthropologist Dr. Michael Winkelman, who was a professor at Arizona State University for many years, where he studied topics related to shamanism as practiced by early hunter gatherer societies, and other topics related to human cultural evolution. He is now retired and conducts independent research from Brazil, where he now lives. They discuss: what shamanism is & the core features of shamanic ritual practices across historical hunter gatherer cultures; how the various ritual practices associated with shamanism were used by forager societies (e.g. symbolism, group dance and drumming) & the use of psychedelics; evolution of shamanism & religion from prehistoric times to the present; role religion and spiritual practices have played in human evolution; how human culture is akin to virtual reality & how human ritual practices help sculpt the narratives that form within human cultures that regulate human behavior; future of religion & spirituality in the modern age & whether the use of psychedelics as entheogenic substances might have a role to play in that. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 15 Sep 2022 | Sociology, Social Psychology, Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Cultural Capital, Elite Overproduction & Decline of Civilization | Leighton Woodhouse | 87 | 01:51:49 | |
Nick talks to journalist & documentary filmmaker Leighton Woodhouse. They discuss: homelessness & drug addiction; religion & ideology; sociology & social psychology; the social function of laws and norms; economic vs. cultural capital & the "overproduction of elites"; institutional science; civilizational decline & the future of American society. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 21 Sep 2022 | Depression, Serotonin, SSRIs, Psychiatry, Mental Health & Social Media | Joanna Moncrieff | 88 | 01:26:23 | |
Nick talks to psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Moncrieff about depression. What causes it? How do SSRIs work? How well do antidepressants work? What are the risks & benefits of long-term antidepressant use? What is the evidence that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance (too little serotonin) in the brain? How is social media & technology influencing mental health? All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Sep 2022 | Neuroscience of Aggression, Sex, Behavior, Hormones, Emotion & Consciousness | David Anderson | 89 | 01:53:14 | |
Nick talks to neuroscientist Dr. David Anderson, a professor at Caltech whose lab studies the neurobiological basis of animal behavior and emotion. They discuss: technologies for understanding cause-and-effect in the brain; neurobiological basis of animal behavior, including aggression/fighting, mating, feeding, and social behavior; how hormones such as estrogen regulate behavior; emotions, feelings, and consciousness; and David's new book, "The Nature of the Beast." All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 04 Oct 2022 | How Does Ketamine Work & Is It Addictive? | Christian Lüscher | 90 | 00:45:43 | |
Nick talks to Christian Lüscher, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of Geneva whose lab studies the cellular mechanisms that underlie drug reinforcement, dependence and addiction. Dr. Lüscher talks about the nature of addictive drugs in the brain, how ketamine works, and the latest research from his lab look at how ketamine's unique effects within the brain's reward circuitry enable it to be psychoactive & reinforcing, but have a very low addiction liability (in rodents). He also discusses what this research may mean for the use of ketamine as a therapeutic treatment for depression in humans. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 11 Oct 2022 | Population Genetics, Personal Genomics, History & Human Evolution | Razib Khan | 91 | 01:45:16 | |
Nick talks to genetics researcher & writer Razib Khan. Razib did graduate work in genetics at the University of California-Davis and recently founded a genomics data startup. He also runs a Substack, "Unsupervised Learning," where he writes a lot of fascinating articles on the subjects of human evolutionary & population genetics, personal genomics, and more. Nick and Razib discussed: how the story of human evolution has changed over the past two decades; genomics technology & ancient DNA; Neanderthals, Denisovans & ancient humans; personal genomics (e.g. 23AndMe, Ancestry.com); Razib's experience as a writer on Substack. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 18 Oct 2022 | Diet, Protein, Amino Acids, Fasting, Metabolic Health & Aging | Dudley Lamming | 92 | 01:06:32 | |
Nick talks to molecular physiologist Dr. Dudley Lamming, a professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison whose lab studies how the body responds to the nutrient and calorie content of food. We discuss: how the protein and amino acid composition of food impacts metabolic health & aging; branched chain amino acids & disease; sex differences between males & females in how diet affects health; fasting, calorie restriction & fasting; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 24 Oct 2022 | Marijuana, Cognition, Psychosis, Addiction, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD, THCV | Amir Englund | 93 | 01:31:11 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Amir Englund, a psychopharmacologist at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College, London. Dr. Englund's research focuses on the effects of cannabis, medical marijuana and specific cannabinoids (e.g. THC, CBD, THCV) on human cognitive function. They discuss topics including: what is the addiction liability of marijuana? What are the acute & chronic cognitive effects of THC, including how it impacts memory & executive function; how the effects of THC can be modulated by cannabinoids like CBD & THCV; the relationship between marijuana & THC and psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia); and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Neuroscience of Pleasure, Reward, Liking vs. Wanting, Motivation, Food vs. Drug Addiction & Emotion | Kent Berridge | 94 | 01:33:13 | |
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. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Purpose, Value, Evolution, Consciousness, Sentience, Life & Emergence of Mind From Matter | Terrence Deacon | 95 | 02:29:46 | |
Nick talks to biological anthropologist & neuroscientist Dr. Terrence Deacon, who is a professor of biological anthropologist at UC-Berkeley and a leading thinker on the evolution of language, consciousness and human cognition. They discuss: how end-directed systems, such as life, can emerge from non-life; how complexity evolves once life originates; the origins of sentience and a sense of self; the evolution of the nervous system and consciousness; information, value, and "aboutness" in the universe; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | MDMA, Microdosing LSD, THC & Memory, Human Psychopharmacology | Harriet de Wit | 96 | 00:56:38 | |
Nick talks to experimental psychologist Dr. Harriet de Wit, a professor at the University of Chicago whose lab studies the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs on humans. They discuss: the effects of MDMA on emotional perception and touch sensation; the effects of microdosing LSD; THC's impact on memory. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | How Did the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Originate? | Alex Washburne | 97 | 01:45:28 | |
Nick talks to mathematical biologist Dr. Alex Washburne about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Nov 2022 | Neural Computation, Artificial Intelligence, Neuromodulators, Serotonin, Psychedelics, Subjective Experience | Zach Mainen | 98 | 02:24:26 | |
Nick talks to computational neuroscientist Dr. Zach Mainen, a neuroscientist and director of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme at the Centre of the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. His lab studies the neuroscience of decision making, neuromodulation & behavior using both experimental and computational approaches. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 15 Dec 2022 | Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Organoids, Human-Animal Transplantation, Reverse Engineering the Human Brain | Sergiu Pasca | 99 | 01:12:23 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Sergiu Pasca, a developmental neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. They discuss topics related to human brain development, the origins of neuropsychiatric disease like autism & schizophrenia, new technologies for studying brain development, stem cells, and recent experiments from Dr. Pasca'a lab utilizing brain "organoids," "assembloids," and human-animal transplantations. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Pandemics, Health Policy, Big Science, Politicization of Science | Jay Bhattacharya | 100 | 02:00:46 | |
Nick talks to Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, who is a professor of medicine & economics at Stanford University. They discuss various aspects of the COVID pandemic, such as: how infectious, transmissible, and deadly SARS-CoV-2 is; mRNA vaccines, how well they stop transmission vs. severe COVID, and whether they can induce negative side effects such as myocarditis; how well masks really work; Jay's inclusion in the "TwitterFiles" and the suppression of speech on social media; what he thinks of Elon Musk after meeting him; his thoughts on the future of public health governance in the US.
*This content is never meant to serve as medical advice All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 26 Dec 2022 | Consciousness, Anesthesia, Coma, Vegetative States, Sleep Pills (Ambien), Ketamine, AI & ChatGPT | Alex Proekt | 101 | 01:37:21 | |
Nick talks to anesthesiologist & neuroscientist Dr. Alex Proekt, who runs a lab at the University of Pennsylvania, about altered states of consciousness. They discuss: NREM & REM sleep, anesthesia & anesthetic drugs like propofol; coma & vegetative states; sleeping pills like Ambien; the relationship between consciousness & the underlying brain dynamics; how ketamine differs from other anesthetics & what it does to brain activity; AI & ChatGPT. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 12 Jan 2023 | Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Serotonin Receptors, Tryptamines & Psychedelics | Ryan Gumpper | 102 | 01:14:39 | |
Nick talks to biochemist & biophysicist Dr Ryan Gumpper, a postdoc in Dr. Bryan Roth's lab at the University of North Carolina. They discuss the biochemistry, molecular biology & biophysics of serotonin receptors, including the molecular details for what happens when serotonin and tryptamines psychedelics (e.g. LSD) bind to 5HT2A receptors in the brain. They also discuss how understand these details relates to the quest to discover novel psychedelic-derived compounds with therapeutic benefits, as well as the inspiration Ryan received from reading Alexander Shulgin's famous book, PIHKAL. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 17 Jan 2023 | Microbiome, Exercise, Diet, Metabolism, Circadian Rhythms, Endocannabinoids & Health | Christoph Thaiss | 103 | 01:42:27 | |
Nick talks to biologist Dr. Christoph Thaiss, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His lab studies how the body detects & responds to environmental stimuli, with a focus on interactions between the gut microbiome, immune & nervous systems. They discuss: sensory systems of the body & basic principles of how they work; gut microbiome & the consequences of depleting it with antibiotics; endocannabinoids & exercise; how microbiome composition influences the brain & motivation to engage in exercise; prebiotics & probiotics; circadian rhythms & eating patterns. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 23 Jan 2023 | Benefits & Risks of UV Radiation & Sunlight, Skin Health, Vitamin D, Nitric Oxide, Evolution of Skin Color | Richard Weller | 104 | 01:41:25 | |
Nick talks to academic dermatologist Dr. Richard Weller about: skin health; benefits & risks of sunlight & UV radiation exposure; nitric oxide, blood pressure & cardiovascular health; vitamin D; sunscreen & tanning; the evolution of skin color & skin physiology; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | Metabolism, Obesity & Psychedelics for Metabolic Disease | Christoffer Clemmensen | 105 | 01:22:04 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Christoffer Clemmensen, who runs the Metabolism & Molecular Pharmacology group at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. His lab studies the biological basis of obesity & other metabolic disorders. They discuss: the causes of obesity; environmental and biological factors influencing predisposition to obesity; novel anti-obesity drugs; gut hormones & peptides regulating food intake; whether psychedelics like psilocybin may be useful for treating obesity and other metabolic disorders. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | Dietary Nutrients, Taste, Whole vs. Processed Food, Obesity, Biology of Feeding Behavior | Stephen Simpson & David Raubenheimer | 106 | 01:49:30 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Stephen Simpson & Dr. David Raubenheimer, both professors at the University of Sydney who have been research collaborators for many years. Their research focuses on understanding animal feeding behavior, especially how & why different animals use their sensory systems in order to consume foods so that their diets contain the right balance of nutrients. Understanding animals in the evolutionary & ecological contexts they evolved to survive in enables us to build a holistic picture of the general principles underlying feeding behavior. Topics discussed include: Macronutrients (protein, fats & carbohydrates) and micronutrients (sodium, calcium); the 'protein leverage hypothesis' & how this explains the modern obesity epidemic; how different diets can promote fat weight, longevity, or reproductive success; the optimal macronutrient composition for weight loss; the comparative biology of feeding behavior across animals like humans, gorillas, spiders, wolves, etc. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Evolution of Complex Behavior, Perception, Cognition, Consciousness & the Brain | Paul Cisek | 107 | 02:04:20 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Paul Cisek, a neuroscientist at the University of Montreal who studies sensorimotor control & decision making in primates. They discuss: the evolution of the brain from the earliest nervous systems to humans; metabolism & state control; the evolution of behavior; sensation, perception, cognition, decision making & consciousness; language & representation; why neuroscience needs evolutionary thinking; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 08 Mar 2023 | Biology of Monogamy, Sexual & Parental Behavior, Social Attachment, Oxytocin, Sex Hormones, Childhood Psychosis, Menopause & Brain Development | Devanand Manoli | 108 | 01:51:42 | |
Nick talks to psychiatrist & neuroscientist Devanand Manoli, MD, PhD, whose lab at UCSF studies the neural basis of social behavior & attachment in prairie voles. As a psychiatrist, he also treats patients with childhood psychosis. They discuss: the neural basis of pair bonding, monogamy, and parental & sexual behavior; oxytocin, vasopressin, testosterone & estrogen; evolution of behavior; menopause & multigenerational parental care; childhood psychosis; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | Mind & Matter Podcast | Nick Jikomes, PhD | Neuroscience, Psychedelics, Psychology, Psychology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Metabolism, Nutrition, Biotech | 00:01:55 | |
What is Mind & Matter? Whether food, drugs or ideas, what you consume influences who you become. Learn directly from the best scientists & thinkers about alive today about how your body & mind react to what they’re fed. The weekly M&M podcast features conversations with the most interesting scientists, thinkers, and technology entrepreneurs alive today. At M&M, we are interested in trying to figure out how things work, not affirming our existing beliefs. We prefer consulting primary rather than secondary sources and independent rather than institutional voices. If we encounter uncomfortable truths or the evidence suggests unfashionable ideas may be valid, so be it. As the host, my aim is to help you better understand how the body & mind work by curating & synthesizing information in a way that yields science-based insights that you can choose to use or disregard in your own life. Taking ownership of your health starts with taking ownership of your information diet. I am motivated to connect the dots and distill general principles from what I learn, preferring to ask questions and play devil’s advocate to debating or pushing my own viewpoint. My beliefs:
Sometimes modern discoveries teach us we must unlearn received wisdom. Other times, modern information overload & historical chauvinism cause us to forget ancient wisdom which stills applies. The framework for learning that I embody is inspired by three Ancient Greek maxims inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi:
All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 17 Mar 2023 | Cannabis Lab Testing, THC, CBD, Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Consumer Safety, Marijuana Industry | Nick Mosley | 109 | 00:48:51 | |
Nick talks with Nick Mosley, who is CEO of a cannabis testing lab called Confidence Analytics, which conducts analytical testing for legal cannabis products in Washington & California. They discuss: how analytical testing for cannabis products works; THC, CBD, and cannabinoid content; terpenes; pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants; the phenomenon of THC inflation & lab shopping in the legal marijuana industry; how consumers can discern whether cannabis products are safe & consistent. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 20 Mar 2023 | Neurogenesis, Stem Cells, Neuroplasticity, Aging, Exercise, Fasting & PTSD | Rusty Gage | 110 | 01:21:23 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Rusty Gage, a neurobiologist at the Salk Institute whose lab studies how genes & environment interact to influence brain development, including the process of adult neurogenesis. They discuss: what neurogenesis is and how it works; lifestyle factors that influence neurogenesis, such as exercise, intermittent fasting, etc.; molecular pathways involved in neurogenesis; depression & PTSD; memory formation and the function of newly born adult neurons; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 05 Apr 2023 | Critical Periods, Neuroplasticity, Language, Synesthesia, Childhood Development, AI, DTC Marketing, Customer Segmentation, Orita.ai | Dan Brady | 111 | 00:45:03 | |
Nick talks to Daniel Brady, PhD a neuroscientist who studied sensory systems in the developing brain. Dr. Brady is also the co-founder and CEO of Orita.ai, a startup using machine learning & AI to solve data problems for direct-to-consumer brands. They discuss: critical periods of learning, childhood brain development, neuroplasticity, synesthesia, language acquisition, Orita.ai, machine learning & AI, customer segmentation, data science, and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 13 Apr 2023 | The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands | Nathan Price | 112 | 01:25:32 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Nathan Price, who is a professor at the Institute of Systems Biology and Chief Science Officer of Thorne HealthTech. They discuss topics related to his new book, "The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine is Personalized, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands." Listen to Nick's previous discussion with Dr. Nathan Price. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 02 May 2023 | Alcohol Toxicity, Vaping vs. Smoking, Tobacco, Nicotine, Marijuana, Cannabis Terpenes, THC, Toxicology| Echo Rufer | 113 | 01:13:39 | |
Nick talks to board-certified toxicologist Dr. Echo Rufer. The conversation starts with a brief overview of what the science of toxicology is all about & a little bit about alcohol toxicity. They then discuss: differences between vaping and smoking; what toxins are produced through the combustion of plant material, especially tobacco & marijuana; cannabinoids like THC & CBD, as well as cannabis terpenes; relationship between dose, method of consumption & toxicity of chemical compounds; causes of the vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI) associated with the vitamin E acetate that was found in some illicit market cannabis vape products; best ways to minimize toxin exposure for people who inhale plant-based consumer products such as tobacco or nicotine products or marijuana. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 08 May 2023 | Marijuana, Plant Chemistry, Terpenes, Volatile Sulfur Compounds, Cannabis Industry, What Pungent Weed Smells Like & Why | Iain Oswald | 114 | 00:54:23 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Iain Oswald, who has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Texas-Dallas and is principal scientist Abstrax Tech, a cannabis research and product development company. He is an expert in using cutting edge analytical chemistry techniques to study plant chemistry and has done a lot of work to decipher the chemistry of commercial cannabis, including lesser-known compounds found in the essential oils of marijuana plants and how these relate the sensory qualities of marijuana. They discuss: the aroma of cannabis & the chemical compounds that dictate different aspects of its aroma; consumer preferences when it comes to marijuana aroma; terpenes, which are volatile compounds abundant in the plant world; his research on volatile sulfur compounds, which are found in nature in things like garlic and the aerosols produced by skunks, and how lesser-known cannabis compounds in this chemical family relate to some of the pungent, gassy/skunky odors commonly associated with marijuana; his journey from academia into the private sector, and what’s on the horizon for cannabis research. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 25 May 2023 | Exercise Science, Nutrition, Plant vs. Animal Protein, Muscle Physiology, Sleep, Endurance vs. Resistance Training, Fat, Carbs, Amino Acids | Luc van Loon | 115 | 00:42:48 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Luc van Loon, Professor of Exercise Physiology & Nutrition at Maastricht University, about topics in exercise science, health & nutrition. They discuss: macronutrients & energy; protein quality & digestibility; endurance & resistance training; plant vs. animal protein; muscle conditioning & muscle fibers; sleep & aging; muscle physiology & metabolism; and more. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 01 Jun 2023 | The Dirty Truth About Cooking Oils (Avocado, Olive, Vegetable Oil) | Selina Wang | 116 | 01:24:25 | |
Nick talks to chemist & food scientist Dr. Selina Wang about: food quality & purity; cooking oils (avocado, olive, vegetable, etc.); fruits & vegetables; oxidation & purity of cooking oils; how to identify high quality, pure foods to purchase; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 09 Jun 2023 | Psychiatry, Psychedelic Medicine, LSD for Anxiety, MDMA for Autism, Medical Education, Patient Access & Mental Health | Daniel Karlin | 117 | 01:37:26 | |
Nick talks to Daniel Karlin, MD, a board-certified physician in psychiatry, addiction medicine & clinical informatics who is the Chief Medical Officer at MindMed. They discuss: psychiatry; incentives in scientific & medical research; healthcare & mental health; psychedelics; LSD for anxiety; MDMA for autism; ibogaine derivatives for addiction; patient access & care; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | Psychedelics, Terence McKenna, Magic Mushrooms, DMT, Carl Jung, Culture | Dennis McKenna | M&M 118 | 01:00:33 | |
Nick talks to ethnopharmacologist Dr. Dennis McKenna, who is the brother of psychonaut Terence McKenna and author of the book, "The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss." They discuss: the lives and psychedelic adventures of Dennis & Terence McKenna; experiences with psilocybin mushrooms & DMT; Carl Jung & psychology; the medical relevance of subjective psychedelic experiences; drugs, culture & society; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 06 Jul 2023 | Psychedelics, Neuroplasticity, LSD, Psilocybin, Ketamine, MDMA, Latest Psychedelic Science | Bryan Roth | 119 | 01:17:19 | |
Nick talks to Bryan Roth, MD, PhD, a Professor of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Roth has been studying the molecular mechanisms of psychedelics since the 1980s. They discuss: serotonin 2A receptors in the mammalian brain; psychedelics & neuroplasticity; classic psychedelics (e.g. LSD, psilocybin, DMT) compared to drugs like ketamine & MDMA; TrkB receptors & BDNF; engineering novel drugs & psychiatric treatment methods; latest findings in psychedelic science. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | Psychedelics, Depression, Psychotherapy, SSRIs, Human Clinical Experience of Psychedelic Medicine | Alan Davis | 120 | 01:07:25 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Alan Davis, a clinical psychologist and Director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research & Education at Ohio State University. They discuss: the effectiveness of mainstream forms of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications (SSRIs) for depression; psychedelic medicine & psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy; the relevance of the subjective effects of psychedelics for their therapeutic effects; FDA approval for MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the coming years; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 19 Jul 2023 | Psychedelics, Metaplasticity, Critical Periods, Social Learning, Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, Ketamine, Ibogaine & Neuroscience | Gül Dölen | 121 | 01:42:39 | |
Nick talks to Gül Dölen, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University whose lab studies social behavior, synaptic plasticity, psychedelics & evolution. They discuss: What drugs like LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, and ibogaine have in common in terms of their molecular effects in the brain; why Dr. Gül Dölen believes all of these drugs can be described as "psychedelics"; the relationship between psychedelics and neuroplasticity vs. metaplasticity; how addictive drugs are similar to and different from psychedelics; social reward learning in rodents & critical periods of plasticity; the subjective effects of psychedelics; novel psychedelic drug development; human social behavior, mental health, and psychiatry; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 02 Aug 2023 | Cellular Aging, Taurine, Nutrition, Senescence, Longevity, Mitochondria, Metabolism | Vijay Yadav | 122 | 01:16:01 | |
Nick talks to molecular physiologist Dr. Vijay Yadav, an assistant professor at Columbia University whose lab studies the molecular & cell biology of aging, nutrition, and longevity. They discuss: the cell biology of aging; how nutrients affect aging & disease; the atypical amino acid taurine & its effects on aging; taurine clinical trials & supplementation; diet, nutrition & anti-aging effects; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 10 Aug 2023 | Endocannabinoids, Stress, Exercise, Cortisol, Anxiety, Cannabis & Effects of Marijuana on Brain Development | Matthew Hill | 123 | 01:30:19 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Matthew Hill, a neuroscientist at the University of Calgary whose lab studies how the endocannabinoid system and cannabis (marijuana) influence the brain & behavior. They discuss: endocannabinoid biology; endocannabinoid regulation of stress & anxiety; endocannabinoids & exercise; how marijuana & THC influence brain development; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 15 Aug 2023 | Hormonal Contraception, Sex Hormones, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Puberty, Estrogens, Androgens, Effects of Birth Control on Cognition | Adriene Beltz | 124 | 01:28:50 | |
Dr. Adriene Beltz is an associated professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who studies the effects of sex hormones & hormonal contraception on human cognition and the brain. They discuss: sex hormones (androgens & estrogens); hormonal regulation of menstruation, puberty, and pregnancy; common forms of hormonal birth control & how they work; effects of sex hormones & hormonal birth control on cognition & the brain; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 21 Aug 2023 | Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Microglia, From Being a WWII Orphan to the Nobel Prize | Mario Capecchi | 125 | 01:41:33 | |
Dr. Mario Capecchi is a professor of genetics at the University of Utah & Nobel laureate. He discussed: his latest work in neurobiology, looking at the role of microglia in anxiety & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); his Nobel Prize-winning work in molecular genetics; molecular biology & genetics; his childhood experiences as an orphan in Italy during World War II; immigrating to the US; his education & scientific career; his exercise & diet; advice for aspiring scientists; and more. *Not medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | Evolution of Human Behavior, Anatomy & Diet, Homo naledi & the Cave of Bones | John Hawks | 126 | 02:04:26 | |
Dr. John Hawks is a paleoanthropologist and professor of anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They discuss: the evolution of human behavior, diet, anatomy, and culture; Neanderthals, Denisovans, Homo erectus, and other species; the latest discoveries related to Homo naledi, which was the subject of the Netflix documentary, "Cave of Bones." All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 11 Oct 2023 | Psychedelics, Microdosing Psilocybin, Stress Resilience, Anxiety & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Mikael Palner | 127 | 00:59:00 | |
Mikael Palner, PhD is a neuroscientist at the University of Souther Denmark. His lab studies the neuronal circuits involved in obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety . They investigate the effects of serotonergic psychedelic and non-psychedelic drugs that increase neuronal plasticity. They discuss: psychedelics & the brain; the neuroscience of stress, anxiety & compulsive behavior; microdosing psilocybin; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 22 Oct 2023 | Biological Sex, Sexual Selection, Sex Behavior, Mating Strategies, Sexual Orientation, Monogamy & Polygyny | David Puts | 129 | 01:47:47 | |
Dr. David Puts is a biological anthropologist at the Penn State University. His research focuses on the evolution and development of human sexuality and sex differences. They discuss: the biological basis of sex; gametes, sex chromosomes & sex hormones; the development of sexual orientation; the evolution of sexual dimorphism & behavior in primates; monogamy & polygyny; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 16 Oct 2023 | Peripheral Nervous System in Health & Disease, Gut Health & Enteric Nervous System, Exercise & Neuroplasticity | Moses Chao | 128 | 01:12:43 | |
Dr. Moses Chao is a professor at the New York University School of Medicine. His lab studies how the environment, neuronal activity, inflammation, injury and disease affect the nervous system. They discuss topics related to his new book, "Peripheral: How Your Nervous System Predicts and Protects Against Disease." Topics include: how the peripheral nervous system differs from the central nervous system; the enteric nervous system & gut health; pain sensation; exercise & neuroplasticity; neurodegenerative disease; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 05 Nov 2023 | Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Flexibility & Control, Attention, Working Memory, Multitasking & Behavior | Tobias Egner | 130 | 01:13:08 | |
Dr. Tobias Egner is a Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience at Duke University, where his lab studies cognition, working memory, and cognitive control & flexibility. They discuss: what cognition is and how it's studied experimentally; working memory & attention; cognitive flexibility, cognitive control & multitasking; memory, perception, and predictive coding; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | Dietary Fat, Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Health & Disease, Carbohydrates, Dietary Guidelines, Food Industry & Diet Research | Ronald Krauss | 131 | 01:55:06 | |
Nick talks to Dr. Ronald Krauss, a physician and researcher at UCSF who studies the relationship between diet & cardiometabolic health. They discuss: saturated vs. unsaturated fats; carbohydrates & fat synthesis; "good" vs. "bad" cholesterol; official US dietary guidelines and how they're established; funding of research by the food industry; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 05 Dec 2023 | Obesity Epidemic, Metabolism, Saturated Fat vs. PUFAs, Energy Expenditure, Weight Gain & Feeding Behavior | John Speakman | 132 | 01:13:11 | |
Dr. John Speakman is a biologist whose research focuses on energy balance, energy expenditure, genetic and environmental drivers of obesity and the energetic contribution to aging. They discuss: the history of the obesity epidemic in the US vs. China; changes in patterns of physical activity, diet, and energy expenditure in humans over time; how saturated fats vs. PUFAs affect basal metabolism; the relative contributions of fats, carbs, and protein to fat & weight gain; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | Infant Microbiome & Breast Milk, Oral Microbiome & Cavities, Gut Health, Fiber, Probiotics, Diet, Sex Hormones, Soy Foods & Estrogens | Carolina Tropini | 133 | 01:37:16 | |
Dr. Carolina Tropini is an assistant professor of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of British Columbia, where her lab studies the microbiome in health & disease. Topics covered: infant & vaginal microbiome, breast milk nutrients & C-sections vs. natural births; oral microbiome & cavities; gut microbiome & irritable bowel disease (IBD); fiber, short-chain fatty acids & probiotics; how gut bacteria influence sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone) in the body; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 03 Jan 2024 | Omega-6-9 Fats, Vegetable & Seed Oils, Sugar, Processed Food, Metabolic Health & Dietary Origins of Chronic Inflammatory Disease | Artemis Simopoulos | 134 | 01:27:29 | |
Dr. Artemis Simopoulos is a physician and researcher specializing in endocrinology, nutrition, and metabolic health. They discuss: traditional hunter-gatherer diets vs. modern Western diets; dietary fats; omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats; sucrose & sugar; chronic inflammatory diseases, obesity & diabetes; vegetable & seed oils vs. other cooking oils; processed foods; fish oil supplements; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 10 Jan 2024 | History of Diet Trends & Medical Advice in the US, Fat & Cholesterol, Seed Oils, Processed Food, Ketogenic Diet, Trust in Public Health Institutions | Orrin Devinsky | 135 | 01:41:12 | |
Dr. Orrin Devinsky is a neurologist and Professor at the New York University School of Medicine. They discuss: dietary consumption trends in the US; processed vs. whole foods; vegetable oils & polyunsaturated fats; relationship between saturated fat, dietary cholesterol & heart disease; history of medicine in the US; obesity & diabetes; sugars, fructose, and metabolic health; ketogenic diet & ketosis; whether or not we can trust our public health institutions; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Seed Oils, Omega-6 Fats, Inflammation, Obesity, Diabetes, Chronic Disease & Metabolic Dysfunction | Chris Knobbe | 136 | 01:33:49 | |
Dr. Chris Knobbe is a physician, diet & nutrition researchers, and author of, "The Ancestral Diet Revolution." He discusses: seed oils & their health consequences; different types of seed oils (soybean, corn, sunflower, etc.); omega-6 fats like linoleic acid; fatty acid metabolism and oxidation; obesity, diabetes & metabolic health; processed foods vs. whole foods; mitochondria & oxidative stress; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | DMT, Serotonin, Inflammation, Psychedelics, and Past, Present & Future of Psychedelic Medicine | David & Charles Nichols | 137 | 01:37:36 | |
Dr. David Nichols is a retired chemist and father of Dr. Charles Nichols, a researcher studying psychedelics at Louisiana State University. They discussed: the history of psychedelics science from the 1970s to the present; DMT & 5-MeO-DMT; serotonin, inflammation, and psychedelics & anti-inflammatory drugs; psilocybin, ketamine, and other psychoactive drugs; and more All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 09 Feb 2024 | Evolution & Animal Development: How Nature Builds & Changes Bodies | Sean B. Carroll | 138 | 01:53:19 | |
Sean B. Carroll, PhD is an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University of Maryland, who recently stepped down as VP of Education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He is the author of many popular science books, such as "Endless Forms Most Beautiful." They discuss: developmental biology & genetics; evolutionary biology; genetics, genome size & genetic mutation; animal diversity; snake venom; human brain evolution; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 14 Feb 2024 | Metabolic Switching, Fasting, Ketosis, Neuroplasticity, Diet & Neurodegenerative Disease | Mark Mattson | 139 | 01:41:19 | |
About the Guest: Mark Mattson, PhD is a semi-retired neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins who ran a research lab at the NIH for many years. He wrote the book, "The Intermittent Fasting Revolution." Episode Summary: Nick and Dr. Mattson discuss: intermittent fasting & diet; ketosis & metabolic switching; aging & neurodegenerative disease; exercise, stress, and neuroplasticity; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 17 Feb 2024 | Obesogens, Oxidative Stress, Dietary Sugars & Fats, Statins, Diabetes & the True Causes of Metabolic Dysfunction & Chronic Disease | Robert Lustig | 140 | 01:59:34 | |
About the guest: Robert Lustig, MD is a physician-researcher and expert of metabolic health. He is Professor emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in neuroendocrinology with an emphasis on the regulation of energy balance by the central nervous system. His research and clinical practice has focused on childhood obesity and diabetes. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 24 Feb 2024 | Evolution, Language, Domestication, Symbolic Cognition, AI & Large Language Models | Terrence Deacon | 141 | 02:14:18 | |
About the Guest: Terrence Deacon, PhD is a Professor in the department of Anthropology at UC-Berkeley. He has written many papers and multiple books about the evolution of human language, origins of consciousness, and related topics. Episode Summary: Nick and Dr. Deacon discuss various aspects of biological evolution, from natural vs. sexual selection to gene duplication and the consequences of domestication; the domestication of dogs and songbirds; human vs. non-human forms of vocal communication; ritual behavior & the origins symbolic cognition; artificial intelligence & large language models (LLMs); and more. *This content is never meant to serve as medical advice. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Endogenous DMT in the Mammalian Brain | Nicolas Glynos | 142 | 01:36:44 | |
Dr. Nicolas Glynos received his PhD in Molecular & Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan, where he studied the psychedelic drug DMT in the mammalian brain. They discuss: the history of DMT research; the use of DMT in ayahuasca; whether DMT is found endogenously in animals; why plants produce DMT; pineal gland, DMT & melatonin; the latest research looking at the presence and effects of DMT in the brain; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Gut-Brain Communication, Vagus Nerve, Fats & Sugars, Food Addiction, Gut Hormones & Weight Loss Drugs | Will de Lartigue | 143 | 01:27:25 | |
Dr. Guillaume (Will) de Lartigue is a neuroscientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. His lab studies the neurobiology of eating, including how the vagus nerve senses internal stimuli in the gut. They discuss: gut-brain communication; the vagus nerve; gut hormones like leptin & GLP-1; weight loss drugs like Ozempic; glucose vs. fructose vs. non-caloric sweeteners; how the vagus nerve connects the gut to the dopamine reward system in the brain; the sensation of fats and sugars in the gut; food addiction & obesity; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 10 Mar 2024 | Inflammation, Innate Immunity, Allergies & Allergens, Immune System Evolution, Fasting & Metabolism | Clare Bryant | 144 | 01:32:14 | |
About the Guest: Clare Bryant, DVM is a Professor of Innate Immunity at Cambridge University. Her lab studies the innate immune system, pathogen detection, inflammation, and chronic disease. Episode Summary: Nick and Dr. Bryant discuss: mechanisms of inflammation; inflammasomes & fatty acids; infection & disease; innate vs. adaptive immunity; chronic inflammation; allergies & allergens; the evolution of the immune system; anti-inflammatory effects of fasting; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Epigenetics, Hormones, Endocrine Disruptors, Microplastics, Xenoestrogens, Obesity, Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics | Bruce Blumberg | 145 | 01:31:17 | |
About the Guest: Bruce Blumberg, PhD is a Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology at UC-Irvine. HIs lab studies epigenetics, gene x environment interactions, hormones & endocrine disruptors, obesogens & environmental toxins, and more. Episode Summary: Nick and Dr. Blumberg discuss: Embryonic development; hormones and hormone receptors; estrogen & xenoestrogens; environmental toxins, obesogens, pesticides & contaminants; environmental causes of obesity; microplastics; how to avoid toxins in food & drinking water; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Photobiology, Sunlight, Firelight, Incandescent Bulbs vs. LEDs, Mitochondria, Melatonin, Sunscreen & the Optics of the Body | Scott Zimmerman | 146 | 01:17:28 | |
About the guest: Scott Zimmerman is an optical engineer and photobiology expert Episode summary: Nick and Scott talk about: how light interacts with the body and affects our cells; melatonin as an antioxidant; how red & near-infrared light affect mitochondria; sunlight, fire light, and artificial light; incandescent light bulbs vs. LEDs; negative health effects of artificial light; sunscreen & makeup; red & near-infrared light therapy; the optical properties of the human body; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 22 Mar 2024 | Ketamine: Opioid System, Sex Differences, S- vs. R- Isomers, Depression & Ultrasound Imaging Technology | Tommaso Di Ianni | 147 | 01:21:08 | |
About the guest: Tommaso Di Ianni, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco. His lab uses ultrasound technology and deep learning to study the brain. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Dietary Protein, Muscle Growth, Resistance Training, Amino Acids, Plant vs. Animal Protein Sources, Anabolic Growth | Luc van Loon | 148 | 01:22:33 | |
About the guest: Luc van Loon, PhD is a Professor of Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition and Head of the M3-research group at the Department of Human Biology at Maastricht University. His lab focuses on the skeletal muscle adaptive response to physical (in)activity, the impact of nutrition on metabolism, and related topics. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 30 Mar 2024 | DNA & RNA Biology, mRNA Vaccines, Vaccine Contamination & Side Effects, Spike Protein, Ivermectin, Hop Latent Viroid | Kevin McKernan | 149 | 01:50:48 | |
About the guest: Kevin McKernan is the Chief Science Officer at Medicinal genomics and has been working the the biotechnology sector and conducting genomics research going back to his involvement in the Human Genome Project. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 03 Apr 2024 | Visual System, Visual Impairments & Cures, Amblyopia, Neuroplasticity, Critical Periods & Metaplasticity, Ketamine & Psychedelics | Mark Bear | 150 | 01:16:10 | |
About the guest: Mark Bear, PhD is a Professor of Neuroscience at MIT, where his lab studies the visual system, neuroplasticity, and the pathophysiology of amblyopia and visual impairments. Episode summary: Nick and Dr. Bear discuss: the visual system in the brain, from the retina to visual cortex; critical periods of brain development; mechanisms of neuroplasticity; metaplasticity; amblyopia and visual impairments; ketamine & psychedelics; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 07 Apr 2024 | Aging, mTOR, Sirtuins, Rapamycin, Metformin, the Truth of Resveratrol & Longevity Supplements, David Sinclair & Anti-Aging Myths | Matt Kaeberlein | 151 | 02:28:31 | |
About the guest: Matt Kaeberlein, PhD is a Professor of at the University of Washington and CEO of OptiSpan. His research focuses on the biology of aging and longevity. Episode summary: Nick and Dr. Kaeberlein discuss: the biology of aging; mTOR, FGF1, growth & metabolism; sirtuins, NAD & NMN; longevity drugs like metformin & rapamycin; facts & myths about longevity molecules like resveratrol & taurine; controversies in aging research related to prominent Harvard researcher David Sinclair; epigenetic clocks; healthspan & lifespan; and more. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 12 Apr 2024 | Plant Chemistry, Cannabinoids, Cannabis Terpenes & the Entourage Effect | Ryan Vandrey | 152 | 01:30:43 | |
About the guest: Ryan Vandrey, PhD is a Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, where his lab studies the behavioral pharmacology of cannabis (marijuana), nicotine/tobacco, and other substances. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 19 Apr 2024 | Diet, Nutrition, Metabolic Psychiatry, Brain & Mental Health | Georgia Ede | 153 | 01:51:27 | |
About the guest: Georgia Ede, MD is a psychiatrist and author of, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, And Protect Memory for a Lifetime of Optimal Mental Health." All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 24 Apr 2024 | Evolution & Genetics of Human Diet, Metabolism, Disease Risk, Skin Color & Origins of Modern Europeans | Eske Willerslev | 154 | 01:52:23 | |
About the guest: Eske Willerslev, PhD is an evolutionary biologist and Professor of evolution at both the University of Copenhagen and University of Cambridge. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Cell Biology of Aging, Mitochondria, Metabolism, Autophagy & Stress | Andrew Dillin | 155 | 01:39:45 | |
About the guest: Andrew Dillin, PhD is Professoer of Molecular & Cell Biology at UC-Berkeley and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. His lab studies mechanisms of aging, mitochondrial biology, and related subjects. All episodes, show notes, transcripts, etc. at the M&M Substack
For all the ways you can support my efforts | |||