Super Brain

Episode Summary:Why do some people seem to attract good fortune? In this episode, I explore the neuroscience of serendipity – those chance discoveries and happy accidents that change everything. From Alexander Fleming’s mouldy petri dish to the role of the brain’s default mode network in connecting unrelated ideas, this episode uncovers the science behind what we call “luck.”You’ll learn how curiosity, openness, and cognitive flexibility make us more likely to notice opportunity when it crosses our path – and how to train your brain to do just that.In this episode:How the term serendipity was born from a Persian fairy taleWhat neuroscience reveals about “accidental” discoveriesWhy “lucky” people simply notice more (Wiseman, 2003)How creative insights emerge from brain network interplay (Beaty et al., PNAS, 2018)Why our digital lives might be shrinking our chances for serendipity – and how to get it backThe Three Tools for Your Super Brain Kit to invite more insight, connection, and creative luck into your lifeThree Tools for Your Super Brain Kit:Expand your input – curiosity feeds connection.Practise attentive openness – notice what others miss.Reframe setbacks as openings – mistakes can be portals to discovery.Referenced research:Beaty, R. E. et al. (2018). PNAS, “Robust default–executive coupling supports creative cognition.”Wiseman, R. (2003). The Luck Factor.Busch, C. (2020). The Serendipity Mindset.Key Quote:“Serendipity isn’t just luck – it’s the brain’s brilliance at connecting the unconnected.”Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If New Year’s resolutions leave you inspired one day and flattened the next, it’s not a willpower problem – it’s a nervous system problem. In this episode, Sabina shares three tiny, science-backed “micromoment” resets that help your brain feel safe enough to begin, plus a menu of quick interventions for common January traps like overthinking, doomscrolling, self-doubt, catastrophising, comparison, over-planning, worry and procrastinationIn this episode, you’ll learnWhy big resolutions can trigger your threat system, even when you want changeHow micromoments build safety and agency, which is how the brain rewiresA fast sensory reset for spiralling thoughts, plus a 10-minute action that restores controlA two-minute “toe dip” that breaks procrastination without shameA “threat to choice” switch for doomscrolling and catastrophisingKey takeawaysYour brain is a prediction machine – it prefers the status quo because it’s easier to predict and therefore feels safer.When change equals discomfort, uncertainty or not being instantly good at something, the threat system can hijack behaviour into avoidance, scrolling or over-planning.The antidote isn’t more pressure – it’s small, repeatable experiences that teach your nervous system: “This is safe. This is enough. I can do the next step.”The 3 tools (quick reference)Tool 1 – The 3–3–3 reset + 10-minute agencyName 3 things you can see, 3 you can hear, 3 you can feel against your skinThen do one thing you can influence in the next 10 minutes (single-task timer)Finish with: “I didn’t solve everything, but I did choose and complete one thing.”Tool 2 – The two-minute toe dip (procrastination reset)Set a timer for 2 minutesDo only the first step (open the doc, write one line, open the bill, clear one corner)Stop with permission – the win is starting, not finishingTool 3 – The threat to choice switch (doomscrolling + catastrophising)Choose a daily cue (kettle, getting into bed, sitting on the loo, waking up)Name it: “I’m checking for threat.”Flip the action for 2 minutes (stretch, step outside, drink water, slow breaths)For catastrophising: Worst case → most realistic → best case (restore range)If this episode helped, share it with someone whose brain might benefit and follow Super Brain so next week’s episode lands straight in your feed.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “Any minute now they’re going to realise I’ve no idea what I’m doing”?In this episode of Super Brain, psychologist and neuroscientist Sabina Brennan unpacks what’s often called imposter syndrome – and why the original researchers actually called it the impostor phenomenon instead.Drawing on brain science and real-world examples, Sabina explores what’s happening in your threat circuits, reward system and perfectionist wiring when you’re constantly bracing for the “fraud police” to knock on the door. You’ll hear how early messages about being “the smart one” – or never quite smart enough – can set up a lifelong gap between how others see you and how you see yourself.Most importantly, you’ll learn three practical tools to add to your Super Brain kit:– Name it, don’t shame it – shifting from “I am a fraud” to “I’m having an impostor moment”– Rewire the self-doubt circuits – using neuroplasticity, self-compassion and “good enough” experiments– Change the context, not just yourself – noticing when your discomfort is data about an exclusionary systemThe impostor phenomenon isn’t proof that you’re a con artist. It’s a protective brain story that you can gently update. You’re allowed to be a work in progress – and you’re allowed to be here while you’re learning.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pisodic-like memory• How dog ageing helps us understand human dementia• Why your dog is a genuine co-regulator of your nervous systemTools in ThreeMicro-moments matter — a glance, a rub, a kind wordStress buffer — swap doom-scrolling for a dog cuddleShared routines — walk, play, repeatTakeaway:Every pat, cuddle, and walk is brain medicine — for both of you.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are we so much harsher on ourselves than we are on others? In this episode of Super Brain, I explore the neuroscience of self-compassion — what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s the antidote to self-criticism.Drawing on the work of Dr Kristin Neff and Buddhist philosophy, we’ll look at self-compassion as a three-part skill: self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connection. I’ll share research showing how self-compassion reduces stress, quiets the amygdala, and activates brain regions linked to empathy and emotional regulation.I’ll also explain why self-criticism is a form of self-harm, and why self-compassion is a foundation for flourishing and manifesting happiness, resilience, and contentment.As always, I’ll wrap up with my Tools in Three — simple ways you can start turning up your brain’s kindness switch today.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we put off the very things that matter most? In this episode of Super Brain, I explore procrastination — the irrational gap between what we want to do and what we actually do. From ancient Greek philosophy to modern neuroscience, we’ll unpack why our brains resist long-term goals in favour of short-term mood fixes.I’ll share two leading theories that explain procrastination, what’s happening in the brain when we delay, and why the closer the deadline, the more motivated we become.And of course, my Three tools for your Super Brain kit will give you practical strategies to shrink tasks, hack your “future you”, and harness the magic of deadlines.Procrastination is deeply human — but it doesn’t have to rule your life.References:📖 The Neuroscience of Manifesting (Dr Sabina Brennan) – on making your goals personal and vivid so they feel worth acting on today.📚 Research on procrastination from psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a BoxFollow Sabina Brennan on InstagramSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan has a fascinating conversation with Prof John Cryan stress neurobiologist and co-author of the Psychobiotic Revolution about the gut and the brain and how bacteria and the food we eat contribute to and are influenced by stress, anxiety, depression and more.The Psychobiotic RevolutionYou can follow Prof Cryan on Twitter @JFCryanYou can read more about his research and access his publications https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/people/johncryan/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan chats to 20 year old Dr Mya-Rose Craig about her memoir Birdgirl. Already a woman if substance this young woman who has achieved so much in such a short period of time describes herself as a British-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist, diversity activist, writer, speaker and broadcaster.Mya-Rose's memoir Birdgirl is available in print, e-book and audiobook online and in stores. You can read about Mya-Rose's work and achievements on www.birdgirluk.comYou can follow her on instagram as @birdgirluk and on twitter as @birdgirlukSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan explores the psychology and neuroscience of control, impulsivity, self-control, taking control and relinquishing control.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super Brain podcast returns with this audio documentary produced and presented by Super Brain host Dr Sabina BrennanDr Edward O'Sullivan, Director of the Migraine Clinic at Cork University Hospital takes us inside the migraine brain offering a medical and scientific perspective and Dr Sabina Brennan shares her own experience of living with chronic migraine. Migraine is the 7th most debilitating condition in the world (WHO) affecting 10-12% of the population. Vox pops threaded through the doc illustrate the misconceptions and misappropriation of migraine. This audio documentary aims to bust the myth that migraine is just a headache and get people to think twice about appropriating this neurological condition to describe a hangover or pull a sickie." Producer/Presenter Sabina BrennanEditor Emily BurkeAssistant Producer Angela MezzettiSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the final episode of Season 4 Dr Sabina Brennan talks about the benefits of talking to strangersSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Sabina Brennan takes a look at synaesthesia a fascinating neurological phenomenon where certain sensory inputs such as words, letters, numbers or music automatically trigger the additional senses like colour, sound, taste and smell.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.