Is it okay if you don’t get into graduate school for psychology the first time? Should you take a gap year? What kinds of experiences should you aim to get before applying? How do I narrow down my research interests? Tolu is joined by 3 amazing graduate school friends - Amanda Nkeramihigo, Sabrina Valenzano, and Zachary Grey. Together, they discuss their own personal experiences, share the hurdles they faced, and offer invaluable advice on curating a successful application.  Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com

What is psychology? What does it mean to be a psychologist? Can psychological research really have applications in our daily lives? In this episode, Tolu and Regan break down misconceptions about psychology as a science. Regan shares the evolution of his answer to the question: “So, can you read minds?” Tolu shares some updates on her academic journey. Together, they discuss real-life applications of psychology - from analyzing news headlines to reducing your anger at bad drivers. The TOTE (term of the episode) is Psychology! Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com American Psychological Association (APA) Newsletters: https://www.apa.org/news/newsletters  Association for Psychological Science: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news  Extra Reading: Everyday Applications of Psychological Science Study like a Champ

How does psychedelic-assisted therapy give people perspective? How does ketamine help with diagnoses like depression and anxiety? Sabina Pillai, from Field Trip Health, enlightens Tolu and Kristina on the healing potential of psychedelics and ketamine. They discuss what a typical session looks like for clients who come to Field Trip Health. Sabina explains how psychedelics target the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person and may help with existential questions one may have such as “What have I been put on this earth to do?”. Kristina asks about how more individuals can get involved in creating more alternatives to current mental health treatments…and Sabina gives a great answer! The TOTE is psychedelics. Field Trip Health: https://www.fieldtriphealth.com/ Field Trip App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trip-psychedelic-guidance/id1520623904 (extra viewing) Michael Pollan’s Netflix Special: How to Change Your Mind Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Website: https://www.thebraincorepodcast.com/ Extra Reading: Ketamine & Bipolar Depression: Kryst, J., Kawalec, P., Mitoraj, A. M., Pilc, A., Lasoń, W., & Brzostek, T. (2020). Efficacy of Single and Repeated Administration of Ketamine in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pharmacological Reports, 72(3), 543-562. Ketamine & Chronic Suicidality: Can, A. T., Hermens, D. F., Dutton, M., Gallay, C. C., Jensen, E., Jones, M., ... & Lagopoulos, J. (2021). Low Dose Oral Ketamine Treatment in Chronic Suicidality: An Open-label Pilot Study. Translational Psychiatry, 11(1), 1-9. Ketamine & Alcohol Use Disorder: Grabski, M., McAndrew, A., Lawn, W., Marsh, B., Raymen, L., Stevens, T., ... & Morgan, C. J. (2022). Adjunctive Ketamine with Relapse Prevention–Based Psychological Therapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(2), 152-162.

What is it good for? Tolu and Kristina discuss how genetic testing may provide individuals with an opportunity to know more about themselves with Dr. Robyn Murphy (Scientific Advisor at DNALabs) and Dr. Aaron Goldman (Chief Science Officer at DNALabs). What is DNA? What can one do when they have risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases? How can lifestyle changes decrease one's chances of having cognitive decline? The term of the episode or TOTE is Genetic Testing. If you're interested in purchasing either the LoveMyHealth or MatchMyMeds products from DNALabs, use our code 'BRAINCORE15' for 15% off!! DNALabs Website: https://dnalabs.ca/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

Tolu and Kristina bring back student-entrepreneur Chloe Duckworth to discuss an exciting update! How can we improve one's ability to communicate with others? What if that one is not especially good at interpreting subtle verbal or social cues? This short episode gives us insight into what Chloe and her team have been up to! The term of the episode or TOTE is Emotional Perception.  Chloe’s website: https://www.chloeduckworth.com/ Valence website: https://www.valencevibrations.com/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Subscriber form! - http://eepurl.com/hHVqWf

Our reality is starting to look interestingly similar to that of a Black Mirror episode. In this episode, Kristina and Tolu talk about the potential benefits and drawbacks of a metaverse, particularly how virtual reality (VR) may affect mental health. Tolu brings up the research she did on Facebook, and how the metaverse is not a newly realized goal. They talk about how VR is starting to be implemented in situations other than gaming (e.g., work). The new DSM is rumored to release in March, so they discuss the rumored additions, as well as disorders that might not be added (such as Problematic Internet Use Disorder). However, they also bring up an alternative to the DSM. Kristina recalls past episodes where the function of a metaverse was slightly foreshadowed. The term of the episode is Metaverse. Keith Kirkland Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eQFXgWyNPDcPFbYm20Zvl?si=aa73ab4f5df84c39 Carissa Cascio Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rJRlsU0v8bK4EdxutBbVx?si=16f4d15277124f13 Adam Molnar Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4W9U6y93oxQ6TSxkXidktv?si=82109717518d4a48 Psychology Today Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/digital-world-real-world/202110/will-the-metaverse-impact-mental-health Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Subscriber form! - http://eepurl.com/hHVqWf

Tolu and Kristina are joined by Dr. Andrea Halpern, a Professor of Psychology at Bucknell University, to discuss memory and music! In their last episode of the year, they delve into how we remember non-verbal music. Dr. Halpern enlightens the two on certain myths in the field, as well as some of her interesting findings over the years. What is auditory imagery and does everyone engage in it? Is our understanding of music innate or learned? The term of the episode is Auditory Imagery.

Kristina and Tolu investigate attachment styles as it relates to their relationships with others. In this episode, they discuss their attachment style reports and its implications on their upbringing, friendships, and romantic relationships! How does one get a secure attachment style? What does it mean to be anxiously attached to romantic partners? The term of the episode is Attachment Theory! Article discussed: Simpson, J. A., & Rholes, W. S. (2017). Adult attachment, stress, and romantic relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19-24. Quiz: https://quiz.attachmentproject.com/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Subscriber form! - http://eepurl.com/hHVqWf

Congratulations to Rishik and Ashmita for winning the Brainstorm Jeopardy game! In this episode, Kristina and Tolu are joined by Nigerian Neuroscience researchers Dr. Ibukun Akinrinade and Dr. Mahmoud Maina. They discuss the issues that create barriers for neuroscience research in Nigeria. The issues include funding, lack of internal collaboration, outdated equipment, lack of graduate school opportunities, and more. They also talk about their involvement with TReND in Africa, an organization which helps to support African researchers and students. The term of the episode is Brain Drain. BC Trivia Question: What was one of the findings from our episode with Dr. Regan Gurung? Society for Neuroscience in Africa (SONA): https://sonafrica.org/ TReND in Africa: https://trendinafrica.org/ Article by Ibukun and Mahmoud: Maina, M. B., Ahmad, U., Ibrahim, H. A., Hamidu, S. K., Nasr, F. E., Salihu, A. T., ... & Baden, T. (2021). Two decades of neuroscience publication trends in africa. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1-10. Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Subscriber form! - http://eepurl.com/hHVqWf

Tolu and Kristina are in two different countries!! They talk about the new chapters they're starting in their lives, new updates for the podcast, and what they see themselves doing in the future. They also briefly talk about elections, the water supply in Cyprus, and language barriers! The concept discussed is one of new beginnings. Don't forget to fill out our subscriber form!! Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Subscriber form! - http://eepurl.com/hHVqWf

What does your brain look like when you're praying? Meditating? Conducting a ritual? These are the questions Dr. Andrew Newberg investigates with his research. On this episode, Kristina and Tolu discuss the field of Neurotheology and the implications of it. They talk about the difficulties that may arise from mixing the two, very different disciplines together (i.e., neuroscience and theology) and how to embrace the bidirectional relationship between them. Andrew's dog gives some wise insight at the beginning of the episode as well!. The term of the episode or TOTE is Neurotheology. Dr. Newberg's Books (and website) - http://www.andrewnewberg.com/all-books Dr. Newberg's TedTalk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SJCDLHyeqk&t=34s Books Kristina referenced - Sapiens (by Yuval Noah Harari) & 2048 (by John Lennox) Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

Perhaps the majority of those embedded in philosophy have heard of the "Ghost in the Machine" analogy, introduced initially by Gilbert Ryle. It is one piece of the puzzle that is the conversation on consciousness. In this episode, Tolu and Kristina are joined by Peter Hampson from Blackfriars in Oxford, UK. Peter has a unique take on the subject because he has acquired degrees in both psychology and theology. They discuss what a monist perspective looks like from a psychological and theological perspective. They also discuss how both disciplines can inform one another on a topic as complex as consciousness. The term of the episode is Theology.  Peter's Recommendations: The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Iain McGilchrist Thomas Fuchs' Monograph  Understanding Consciousness by Max Velmans  Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

To continue their conversations on consciousness, Tolu and Kristina are joined by Dr. Adrian Owen, a world-renowned neuroscientist, and Professor at the Brain and Mind Institute in London, Ontario. Back in 2006, Adrian's work showed that some individuals who were in a vegetative state could respond to questions with their brain activation - brain activation that could be viewed with an fMRI. In this episode, they discuss how this research informs the conversation on consciousness in disciplines such as philosophy and psychology. They also talk about the implications of the research on the legalities surrounding medical care and end-of-life care. Towards the end, they talk about Adrian's band BAM! and how through the pandemic, they've still been able to make some music. The term of the episode is the Gray Zone.  Things we referenced: Adrian’s Book Into the Gray Zone: http://intothegrayzone.com/ Exciting clip from the study!: www.intothegrayzone.com/mindreader Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

First off, Tolu apologizes for the sound quality on her end - but what is podcasting without mic issues?  In this exciting episode, Tolu and Kristina start their two-month focus on the topic of Consciousness. They are joined by the knowledgable Patricia Churchland to discuss consciousness from a neurophilosophical point of view. Pat is one of the founders of Neurophilosophy and is a Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of California, San Diego. The trio discusses the possible re-definition of a soul, how the consciousness conversation differs from discipline to discipline, how one can revel in their biology, and more. The term of the episode or TOTE is Neurophilosophy.   Links to Referenced Media/Books Pat's Books - https://patriciachurchland.com/books/  Pat on The Colbert Show - https://vimeo.com/162561753 Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

Tolu and Kristina go all the way to Greece (virtually) to discuss psychodrama therapy with Dr. Nikos Takis. This month they aim to put the focus on their respective countries of origin: Greece for Kristina and Nigeria for Tolu. Together, they discuss the history of psychodrama, what a psychodrama therapy session is like and how certain concepts like myth can be incorporated into group sessions. The term of the episode or TOTE is Psychodrama! Dr. Takis’ Article Takis, N. (2018). Psychodrama and mythology in the service of addictions’ treatment: a case study. Zeitschrift Für Psychodrama Und Soziometrie, 17(2), 333–343. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11620-018-0451-z Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

In this episode, Kristina and Tolu discuss their previous episodes and highlight their favourites so far. They also talk about how they felt at the start of their podcasting journey and how they feel now. Towards the end, they also talk about what the future may hold for the Braincore name! This is just a short episode to wrap up the school year and so there's no term of the episode.  Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

How do you begin to feel like you belong in a certain environment? A specific position? A new job? How can you start to internalize your successes when they occur? In this episode, Tolu and Kristina tackle the Imposter Phenomenon, better known as Imposter Syndrome. They are joined by Brooke Vick (Associate Provost at Muhlenberg College), Nick Rule (Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto), and Linda Tropp (Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Massasuchetts Amherst). They all discuss the origins of their imposter feelings, how they have learned to work through them, and how we can all begin to battle our own feelings of perceived fraudulence. The term of the episode is Imposter Syndrome. Article Discussed: Jaremka, L. M., Ackerman, J. M., Gawronski, B., Rule, N. O., Sweeny, K., Tropp, L. R., ... & Vick, S. B. (2020). Common academic experiences no one talks about: Repeated rejection, impostor syndrome, and burnout. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(3), 519-543. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1745691619898848 1978 Clance & Imes Article: Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006 Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

This March, Tolu and Kristina take a deeper dive into psychological phenomena. To start the dive, they are joined by Professor of Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology, Dr. Richard Addante. In this episode, Rick explains the Dunning-Kruger Effect or DKE. He also briefly explains his role in NASA's largest psychology for space travel. Have you ever underestimated or overestimated your abilities to do something? How do you find your personal balance between confidence and humility? The term of the episode or TOTE is the Dunning-Kruger Effect.  Article Discussed: Muller, A., Sirianni, L. A., & Addante, R. J. (2021). Neural correlates of the Dunning–Kruger effect. European Journal of Neuroscience, 53(2), 460-484. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14935 1999 Dunning & Kruger Article: Kruger, J., & Dunning, D. (1999). Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121–1134. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.77.6.1121 Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

A haptic wristband that can convert emotions into vibrations, an app that tracks important data from dementia patients, and a group distributing medical and sanitary supply kits in the Bay Area. All of these initiatives have been co-founded by student entrepreneur Chloe Duckworth. To finish up our month's focus on neurotechnology, we invited Chloe, a sophomore (second-year student) at the University of South California, to discuss her involvement and interest in neurotechnology. We want to express to students that there truly is no impact that is too small and that you can start your own projects now. The term of the episode (TOTE) is Neurodiversity! Chloe’s website: https://www.chloeduckworth.com/ Valence website: https://www.valencevibrations.com/ Hope Hearted website: https://www.hopeheartedvolunteers.org/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod

Neurable is a company that is trying to improve our ability to focus on tasks and get things done. They're doing this with the help of neurotechnology! In this episode, Tolu and Kristina are joined by a co-founder of Neurable, Adam Molnar to discuss what Neurable is up to. They talk briefly about the technologies used in the company's upcoming product, the future of work, and what we can expect to see from the company soon. The term of the episode is brain-computer interface or BCIs. Neurable's website: https://neurable.com/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod