Finding Genius Podcast

How do microplastics impact aquatic ecosystems? What can happen if an entire food web of aquatic organisms is exposed to microplastic contaminants?  Garth Covernton, a researcher who studies the interactions between microplastic pollution and aquatic ecology, joins the podcast today to enlighten us on these critical questions… Garth is a University of Toronto Arts and Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow working in the Rochman lab and the McMeans lab as part of the pELAstics project . Through his work, Garth is on a mission to “provide conservation managers and policymakers with the simplified frameworks required to protect aquatic ecosystems”. Join us now to learn about: The types of freshwater that Garth is conducting his research in.  What food webs are, and what they can tell us about microplastic contamination.  The most commonly used and produced polymers that contaminate aquatic systems. The mechanisms of analysis used to determine how microplastics move through di...

In this episode, we connect with Judy Grisel, an internationally recognized behavioral neuroscientist, and professor of psychology at Bucknell University. She joins us today to discuss her work researching the root causes of drug addiction. Judy has a history of her own with addiction, and she uses her past to fuel her mission to understand the neuroscience of addiction. In 2019, she published Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction , a book that explores “how drugs work, the dangerous hold they can take on the brain, and the surprising way to combat today's epidemic of addiction”. Jump into the conversation now to discover: The three main streams of influence that increase or decrease the risk for addiction. The difference between the brains of addicts before and after they start using.  Why addiction is considered a “form of learning”. Why people who use opiates regularly feel “normal” over time when they’re on them. The more we understand about add...

How do you become a top 1% communicator in your industry? Brenden Kumarasamy, the Founder of MasterTalk joins the podcast today to discuss how he has been helping professionals around the world master their communication skills and share their messages with confidence.  After college, Brenden found himself coaching others for debates and case competitions – through which he “accidentally” developed a gift as an educator. Since then, he has used this newfound skill to educate others through MasterTalk, and the results have been significant…  Tune in now to learn about: How Brenden practiced and improved his communication skills. The main reason why Brenden started doing case competitions.  The key aspects that are missing from executives’ and entrepreneurs’ communication. How to practice communication in a structured way.  To find out more about Brenden and his work with MasterTalk, click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/3...

Pain is a complicated and subjective experience that varies greatly from person to person. Arguably one of the most significant human health problems, pain is a signal from your nervous system indicating something isn’t right – and as we all know, it is a deeply unpleasant feeling.  In this episode, we sit down with Jeffrey Mogil, the E. P. Taylor Chair in Pain Studies at McGill University’s Department of Psychology. As someone who has always been fascinated by the science of pain, Jeffrey focuses his research on the nervous system mechanisms that mediate the perception and inhibition of pain. What fascinating discoveries has Jeffrey made in the field of pain science? Jump in now to find out… In this conversation, we cover: Statistics related to chronic pain.  The main reasons why people have chronic pain.  How to characterize different types of pain.  The scales that researchers use to quantify pain. How various pain drugs work.  To learn more about ...

What does it mean to be a man in today’s society? How can God’s vision for men come to fruition?  Life and marriage expert Jerry Jacobs Jr. joins the podcast today to talk about his role in reconnecting men with their God-given mission – and how it helps them protect, defend, and serve their families more effectively… In this episode, we cover: What Christ expects from a man.  Why God’s natural order means something.  What the purpose of a man is. Threats that a man must protect his family from.  What the legacy of a man is.  Jerry started Catholic Alpha to serve as a resource for men around the world. Wondering how his work has shaped his audience for the better? Jump in now to find out!  To learn more about Jerry and his work, click here and here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this episode!

In this episode, we discuss pollution from tire particles with Dr. Kelly D. Moran, a Senior Scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute. With over 18 years of experience in her field, Dr. Moran has worked in both environmental science and public policy – and has played a major role in assisting government agencies with water pollution management from consumer products… Join us now to discover: How pollutants infiltrate waterways. How tire particles can impact marine wildlife. Solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of storm runoff.  The chemicals that are distributed through tire particles, and how they can potentially cause harm. Dr. Moran is an environmental professional that is passionate about translating complex scientific information into plain language. How has her research benefited our environment? Click play to find out now! To learn more about Dr. Moran and her work, visit https://www.sfei.org ! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/...

How do the microorganisms that live in us, on us, and around us influence our biology? Joseph Bruckner joins us today to discuss the gut-brain connection, and how social development is affected by the microbes that reside in our bodies… Joseph is a Senior Scientist at InVivo Biosystems, a company that strives to help pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnology companies, and academic research institutions advance their research and drug development endeavors.  With extensive experience in immunology, virology, microbiology, neurobiology, and more, Joseph is on a mission to develop solutions to “accelerate discovery and address underserved conditions”. In this episode, we cover: The mechanisms that are responsible for microbial interactions with the brain.  The experimentation that is done to investigate how microbes influence social behavior.  How bacteria evolve to survive in specific microenvironments.  The importance of fine-tuning the interactions betwee...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pierre, M.D., a Health Sciences Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF, and the Unit Chief of the Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital Adult Inpatient Unit. He has considerable experience working with individuals that suffer from psychotic disorders, substance abuse issues, and those with “dual diagnosis”. He is also a primary contributor to clinical trials in schizophrenia and early intervention for young persons at high risk for psychosis.  Joe is both intrigued and challenged by schizophrenia – and he is on a mission to better understand it so that those suffering from it can live more comfortably… Join in now to uncover: The types of symptoms that are associated with schizophrenia.  How schizophrenia changes the essential part of who you are.  Why schizophrenia can onset at certain ages.  Medications that can be used to mitigate the challenges of schizophrenia. To learn mor...

What does electron density look like at the subatomic level ? How do chemists and physicists manage to study matter at this level? In this episode, we discuss these topics and more with returning guest Dr. Preston J. MacDougall, a Professor of Chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University.  Dr. MacDougall’s research surrounds theoretical chemistry – with a distinct focus on the development of quantum chemistry-based design tools for pharmacology and molecular electronics. How could his research influence the work of physicians and microbiologists around the world? Tune in now to find out… Join the conversation to uncover: What the subatomic level of molecules looks like.  What happens when two molecules form a bond.  How Dr. MacDougall’s work can help researchers understand why molecules prefer to react in certain directions.  Want to learn more about Dr. MacDougall and his work? Click here now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30P...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Colleen A. McClung, a Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also the Director of the NIDA-funded Center for Adolescent Reward, Rhythms, and Sleep – a translational center dedicated to understanding the contribution of sleep and circadian disruptions to addiction vulnerability in adolescents. As a renowned leader in her field, Dr. McClung focuses her research on the molecular mechanisms of bipolar disorder, major depression, and drug addiction. By studying the interconnectivity between these psychiatric disorders and the circadian clock, Dr. McClung has made many fascinating discoveries – some you may never have guessed… Join in now to find out: What the body’s “molecular clock” is made up of. The two major processes that control sleep.  What happens to your brain when you fall asleep. Factors that can negatively affect your circadian rhythm. To learn more about Dr. McClun...

In this episode, we connect with internationally-renowned teacher and healer Dr. Bradley Nelson. As a holistic Chiropractic Physician and Medical Intuitive, Dr. Nelson has used his background to develop The Emotion Code and Body Code Systems – his own distinct approach to energy healing. Drawing from both ancient and modern methods of healing, Dr. Nelson is dedicated to helping people struggling with emotions and diseases that modern healthcare has yet to find a cure to.  In an effort to make this holistic perspective more accessible, he recently wrote The Body Code: Unlocking Your Body's Ability to Heal Itself – an informative book that outlines his revolutionary development of energy medicine…  Join in now to uncover: The one thing that all suffering people have in common. How emotional energy from past experiences can impact present health. How to release trapped emotions. The role the subconscious mind plays in energy retention.  Want to find out more ab...

In this episode, we connect with Deborah Vinall, a Doctor of Psychology, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a certified EMDR and Brainspotting practitioner. She joins us today to discuss her work as an author, trauma expert, and psychotherapist at Tamar Counseling Services.  Dr. Vinall focuses her practice on helping individuals heal from traumatic life experiences and painful relationship dynamics. Additionally, she is the author of Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide and Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens . Over the years, Dr. Vinall has helped countless individuals expand from victim to victorious survivor – and she is just getting started… Jump in now to learn about: What gaslighting actually means, and how to recognize it in your own life.  Why victims tend to identify with the perpetrator. How Dr. Vinall’s books have helped readers across the globe. The biggest social and community-centered challenges that teens are facing post-COVID.  ...

What’s in your sweat, and what can it indicate about your overall health? What if we could use biosensors to track it and improve your overall quality of life? While sweat may not be at the forefront of mainstream science, this type of technology may be more powerful than some may realize… Today we sit down to discuss all things sweat-related with Dr. Shalini Prasad. Dr. Prasad is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate program at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she has been since 2011. In this episode, we talk about: How functional sweat wearables can be used for human physiology and disease tracking. Why monitoring your sweat can help you stay healthy.  What makes sweat smell.  Where in your body sweat comes from. With training in electrical engineering, Dr. Prasad has a background in figuring out signals from a vast array of sources – and she applies this knowledge of technology to effectively monitor human sweat...

In this episode, we chat with Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Sleep and Schizophrenia Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. With years of experience in his field, Fabio is interested in gaining a better understanding of the neurobiological, cognitive, and social dysfunctions of psychotic disorders – specifically conditions such as schizophrenia. By examining the biomarkers of schizophrenia and related disorders, Fabio is on a mission to characterize the changes in neuronal circuits and mechanisms that affect neuroplasticity, learning, and memory of the human brain. What has he found? You may be surprised… Join the conversation to hear Fabio discuss: The physiological mechanisms that contribute to mental disorders. What schizophrenia is, and how scientists diagnose it. How cognitive function is impacted by schizophrenia and related disorders.  What a “psychotic break” looks like, and things that can t...

How do contaminants such as microplastics impact marine ecosystems? What can we do to mitigate the harmful effects of these pollutants? In this episode, we discuss these questions through the lens of aquatic toxicology and analytical chemistry with Austin Gray. Austin is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. Austin’s research interests are centered around environmental toxicology – specifically analyzing how emerging contaminants may pose a risk to a variety of freshwater and marine organisms… In this episode, we unpack:36 The importance of utilizing ecological and physiological approaches to understanding the consequences of contaminants within aquatic ecosystems.  The interconnectedness of water pollution.  Where microplastics come from, and how they enter marine systems.  The types of water-dwelling organisms that are affected by microplastics, and what happens to them.  Austin has been conducting research since the age of 19, an...

Today, we sit down with Patricia Morreale, a Professor and the Director of the School of Computer Science and Technology in the Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology at Kean University. Patricia’s distinct research on machine learning and network systems has contributed to advances in error detection and secure processing – which has been patented and commercialized. Additionally, Patricia conducts research on broadening participation in computer science, with a specific interest in faculty development and undergraduate research engagement. What has her research uncovered throughout the years? Tune in now to find out… In this conversation, we cover: The driving forces behind Patricia’s career path.  How artificial intelligence can improve people’s lives. Why AI relies so heavily on good data input.  How databases are organized, and the importance of understanding how they work.  Want to learn more about Patricia Morreale and her work? Click her...

In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of plant genetics and microbiome science with Dr. Maggie Wagner. Dr. Wagner is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Scientist in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. Here, she focuses her research on the genetic basis of plants' interactions with their environment in both natural and agricultural systems.  Dr. Wagner has extensive training in quantitative genetics and evolutionary ecology, and she uses this knowledge to study the relationships between plant genotypes, phenotypes, and microbiomes. With the data she gathers, Dr. Wagner dedicates her energy towards the improvement of crops and wild plants that are actively facing environmental challenges… Join us now to discover: The relationship between plant genetics and microbiomes. How the microbiome in plants corresponds with their parts. The role beneficial microbes play in plant health. How the microbiome of maygrasses change before ...

Stroke, heart attack, autoimmune diseases, weight gain and the inability to lose it, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer: what do all of these have in common? According to Dr. Jonathan Greenberg, one of the foremost authorities in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as a growing body of evidence, they can all occur as a result of snoring or sleep apnea. This is a significant problem, especially considering the fact that tens of millions of people in the U.S. have sleep apnea, and most of them either don’t know it or aren’t being treated. Dr. Greenberg discusses the barriers to diagnosis and treatment when it comes to snoring and sleep apnea, and why so few people comply with what their doctors recommend. He also explains how his company, Sleep Certified, is making the process of receiving treatment more convenient for people, as well as encouraging awareness and education on the connection between sleep health, dental health, a...

The truth is that most people who have sleep problems don’t really need to see a doctor about it; they just need to understand the problem, understand the challenges they’re having, and understand sleep, and then be given some ways to resolve it without using medications or medical devices or surgery,” says Jonathan Parker, who has worked as a dentist for over 36 years. For the past seven years, he's been collaborating with a sleep physician by the name of Mike Howell. With their combined experience of nearly four decades and a mutual interest in reaching large numbers of people who sleep poorly but don’t know why or what to do about it, Dr. Howell and Dr. Parker started the Sleep Performance Institute, which helps enable people with simple, fun, and engaging methods of resolving their sleep issues. Interested in learning more? Tune in, and discover the details of all this and more, including: What percentage of the population has a chronotype difficult to deviate from How the...

In this podcast, Dr. Jose Colon explains The different types of sleep interferences we may face. The efficacy of home-sleep studies versus sleep facility studies. Short and long-term sleep health benefits like significant concentration improvement. Triple board-certified author Dr. Jose Colon brings his expertise to this podcast by addressing many common questions about the current state of sleep science. He describes different types of sleep disorders treatment from C-Pap machines to oral devices and when one may be more beneficial than another. Dr. Colon practices full time sleep medicine for adults and children, incorporating a holistic outlook that includes mindfulness and science-driven approaches. In an effort to bring his ideas together, he wrote Sleep Diet: A Novel Approach to Insomnia for adults and The Magic Ice Cream Palace for kids, both of which are more creative approaches to the issue rather than to-do lists. He explains some of the most common sleep diso...

In this podcast, Michelle Mullaley, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, discusses sleep issues, psychology, child psychology, and the techniques and tools she utilizes to help people at her clinic. Jump in now to learn about: Do kids have different sleep problems than adults? Can ADHD impact sleep? Which cognitive tools can help with calming, relaxation, and anxiety relief? Dr. Mullaley specializes in child and family psychology. She earned her doctorate at Catholic University in Washington, DC . Dr. Mullaley discusses her background and current focus. As an active researcher, Dr. Mullaley does a lot of testing in addition to her regular schedule of therapy. Dr. Mullaley talks about sleep problems, specifically sleep deprivation that kids and teens struggle with. As she states, falling asleep can be difficult for some, especially in kids who have ADHD. She provides a wealth of information on circadian rhythms and how they can shift through our lives. As a result of this shift...

Certified in both sports medicine and neurology, Dr. Gabriele Barthlen, PhD, MD has directed several sleep centers and authored three books, 33 abstracts, and 15 peer-reviewed articles throughout her career. She’s also been invited to speak at over 250 lectures, and today she’s accepted the invitation to speak on the podcast about the work that she’s currently doing at Sleep Center Hawaii and the latest in the world of sleep medicine. Contrary to much of her previous work researching sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, insomnia, and a range of other sleep disorders, Dr. Barthlen now focuses almost exclusively on the clinical treatment of sleep apnea using the most established treatment options. She explains: What are each of most established treatment options. How she treats patients who can’t travel to the sleep clinic. The stage of sleep during which apnea is most likely to occur. The life-threatening consequences of leaving sleep apnea untreated. Learn more by vi...

One night of poor sleep can ruin the week. Chronic poor sleep can disrupt short and long-term mental and physical health. And traditional sleep methods are misguided, which is why most of them don’t work. Press play to discover: Why the mind stays active even when you want to sleep, and how to make the mind go quiet without even trying to make it do so How and why all other sleep methods fall short of helping most people achieve sleep How the Sleep Easy method is a form of mind-body healing, easily achievable, and used as a replacement for sleep aids by many people Why quality sleep lowers healthcare costs Internationally renowned sleep expert and Co-Founder/Chief Clinical Officer at Sleep Easy, Richard Shane, has been featured in over 100 medical journals and publications. Today, he shares his insights with listeners, and even leads them through a four-minute experience of the body sensations of sleep—a method he says triggers neurological switches for sleep. It’s not hypnos...

Phyllis Zee has studied circadian rhythm sleep disorders and symptoms for decades and shares key findings in this podcast. Listen and learn your way to better circadian habits. She explains How circadian rhythms set the timing for all other physiological processes in your day, What are some circadian rhythm disorder causes and diagnoses, and What are essential habits you can follow to help your sleep-wake internal clock do its best. Phyllis C. Zee is the Chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. This podcast offers listeners an enlightening conversation about how our circadian clocks work and what happens when they don't. She is able to combine years of research with practical advice for listeners to address sleep issues. She explains that our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake schedules set the stage for all our other timing; therefore, disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs at night might f...

According to a meta-analysis study in 2015 that considered 226 studies, the practice of oral and breathing exercises lowered subjects' apnea–hypopnea index (an index of the severity of apnea based on how many times and for how long breathing ceases per hour of sleep) by 50%. So, what exactly are oral exercises? It may sound a little odd at first, but Sarah Hornsby is a myofunctional therapist who teaches people how to strengthen their tongue, throat, breathe through their nose, and keep their tongue resting at the roof rather than the bottom of their mouth through a series of exercises she leads via Skype-based appointments, video programs, and YouTube videos. Her goal is to make this knowledge and resource globally accessible to the many people who are unnecessarily suffering or unaware that there is an actual fixable problem underlying their daily fatigue. “It really is something that actually addresses root causes, and I appreciate that so much because I feel like a lot of what...

As the founder of CPAPBabes, Stacy Erickson Edwards is making it her mission to raise awareness of sleep apnea and the importance of receiving the right diagnosis early on, encourage people to appreciate the CPAP machine, which is the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea, and empower people to use the machine with confidence and a sense of pride. She discusses the tendency of people to associate sleep apnea and CPAP machines with overweight, unhealthy, older people, so it came as quite a shock to her when at 32 she received the diagnosis herself. But it is precisely these stereotypes—which are not at all reflective of reality—that are so detrimental and cause people to feel self-conscious about the diagnosis of sleep apnea, reluctant or embarrassed about using the machine, and ashamed for needing it. Edwards explains that this can easily lead to untreated cases of sleep apnea, which pose a threat not only to people’s health but to public safety. Among other topics, she discusses...

“If you can’t sleep, so what?” asks Annie Miller . Well, you may or may not agree, but the point she’s making is that it’s far better to not care about a lack of sleep than to panic about it. Press play for more of her insights and learn: How different people are responding differently to the virus-related shutdowns and re-entry into the “old” way of life Why the bed should only be for sleeping Why eight hours of sleep isn’t best for everyone Annie Miller is a psychotherapist and the founder of DC Metro Sleep and Psychotherapy, a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. Her specialties include sleep and insomnia, anxiety, trauma, and chronic pain. In today’s show, she discusses how the current virus situation has been impacting people’s anxiety and sleep health, and also explains her approach to helping people through these issues. In the process, she provides several tips on establishing and maintaining good sleep hygiene.   Tune in for all the details and visit...

In this episode, we explore the world of deep sleep with Dr. Dan Gartenberg. Dr. Gartenberg is the CEO of SleepSpace, a company that provides people with various sleep-related resources so that they can discover effective ways to improve their rest. Dr. Gartenberg has been trying to “hack sleep” for 15 years. With a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, he is deeply interested in how sleep affects perception and discernment. Dr. Garten is determined to make a difference in the field of sleep health with his innovative mindset… Join us now to explore: The anti-aging benefits of enhancing sleep patterns. SleepSpace’s approach to improving sleep quality. How SleepSpace addresses various sleep issues. The importance of achieving regular sleep patterns. Sleep is how we process reality, and improving it has the potential to benefit many other parts of our lives – from healing trauma to achieving optimal cognitive function. You can learn more about SleepSpace and its resources by visiting ...

Snoring is so common these days that some people either think it’s normal or just learn to live with it, but many encounter all kinds of problems as a result of snoring, including relationships and serious health problems. When Erin Elliott began asking her dental patients how they sleep at night and whether or not they snore, she was given a lot of strange looks. That was 10 years ago when the connection between dental signs and symptoms weren’t really considered to have anything to do with sleep or snoring. Today, many more dentists are acknowledging how they are intertwined and integrating this understanding into their practice. Erin Elliott is a dentist who is so well known for this that many of her patients are referred to her for snoring problems by physicians or existing patients. On today’s episode, she discusses the varying causes and effects of snoring and how essential it is to identify the cause before implementing a snoring treatment , what kinds of dental signs and sy...

Richard J. Schwab, MD, DABSM, Head of Sleep Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and the Co-Medical Director, Penn Sleep Center, discusses the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Podcast Points: What is obstructive sleep apnea? What causes sleep apnea in some, when others seem to avoid it, and what can you do about it? How do soft tissues impact sleep? Dr. Schwab provides some background on his work and the various sleep problems that exist. He talks about sleep apnea, and why there is so much left to understand. Why does it happen when we sleep? He discusses soft tissue structures and lateral walls and other factors that can lead to airway paths collapsing. Dr. Schwab’s extensive research seeks to target the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea by using advanced upper airway imaging techniques. His studies help further explain the motion of various key structures of the upper airway and the role they play in airway closure. Dr. S...