Finding Genius Podcast

The human brain is a mystery that scientists are still attempting to unravel. Many experts say that we know far more about the nature of the Universe than we know about the brain. Is this true? If so, what makes this wrinkly gray organ so complex? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Marois to discuss the neural basis of attention in humans – a fascinating topic that we are only just beginning to understand… Dr. Marois is a Professor of Psychology and the Winkelried Family Chair in Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University. He also heads up the Human Information Processing Laboratory at Vanderbilt, where he researches the relationship between attention, working memory, and awareness. Click play to find out: The relationship between the brain and the mind. Why humans are inherently bad at multitasking. Various brain-based limitations.  How to expand your ability to be neuroflexible.  You can follow along with Dr. Marois’s Human Information Processing Laboratory here ...

Every experience, connection, meal, and countless other environmental factors can influence whether specific genes are turned on or off, affecting all kinds of physiological processes, including aging. Kara Fitzgerald provides eye-opening insights into this topic and so much more. Tune in to explore: Epigenetics – what it means and the latest developments in the field How the tumor microenvironment affects gene expression How B12 and other supplements might impact the process of DNA methylation and why it matters clinically The mechanism of DNA methylation The difference between chronological and biological age How toxins like alcohol might impact the DNA methylation cycle Fitzgerald is the medical director of The Sandy Hook Clinic, host of  New Frontiers and Functional Medicine , and author of the book  Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better. Her current research revolves around the impacts of diet and lifestyle on the epigenome an...

Is aging the root cause of disease and the breakdown of our bodies? If we can find a way to alter the process, many advances in health and longevity may no longer be out of reach. Press play to learn: Why we age How some organisms appear to be biologically immortal Potential developments to interact with aging coming down the pipeline Co-Founder of NOVOS, Kris Verburgh, joins the podcast to discuss his work with epigenetics and how aging affects our bodies. The prospect of aging has long been a reality that many of us would like to avoid. However, even with setting vanity aside, slowing the aging process or stopping altogether may hold the key to a host of health benefits. Since genetic modification has recently moved out of the realm of science fiction and into reality, altering the aging process has never been more tangible. New developments and procedures are in the works in the coming years and hold significant promise to potentially alter how humankind considers biology....

Can acne stem from causes which many sources may not have told you before? While older techniques can be practical, recent advancements and discoveries can significantly expedite the process. Listen up to learn: Which skin conditions are common and how to spot improvement New Techniques which may work better for you Which topical products may be best for you! Chris Gibson, the author of  Acne Free in 3 Days , shares the knowledge gained over a career of treating acne and other pesky skin conditions. Many people are familiar with acne and other skin conditions prevalent earlier in life, though many of us struggle with them throughout the various stages of life. However, using new techniques in tandem with a healthy diet, significant improvements can e made that can last. While progress may not be immediate, many stubborn effects and cosmetic issues will clear up with persistence and proper regimens and discipline. However, it is important to follow the advice of those with...

Maggie Jackson sits down with us to discuss her latest book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure . Nominated for a National Book Award and added to three Best Books of 2023 lists, Uncertain helps readers understand why they should seek “not-knowing” in times of angst and flux.  How can we harness the neglected power of uncertainty? Uncertain is a book that provides a detailed roadmap for people looking to shake things up in their lives… Maggie is a former columnist for the Boston Globe and has written for The New York Times and other publications worldwide. With a passion for asking the hard questions, she writes about crucial aspects of life such as home and attention – and now the uncertain mind. Click play to explore: The importance of asking the right “human questions.” What the research says about technology-derived cognitive damage.  How uncertainty is related to distraction.  The two different kinds of uncertainty and how to harness it. ...

Can aging be curbed in order to improve the longevity of the body? With certain advancements, humans may be able to find a way to "cure" aging. Listen up to learn: The seven components of aging Where the most mitochondria can be found If aging can be truly reversed Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, the founder of The Kaufmann Anti-aging Institute, shares her work in the fight to curb aging. While science is still far from curing aging, there are many factors and actions to help fight the process. Epigenetic factors are some of the most important, and the fewer negative epigenetic impacts we can introduce to our body, the better. By focusing on the seven major aging factors, we can begin to understand what can speed or slow the process most. Thankfully, practitioners like Dr. Kaufmann have developed systems to curb the negative impacts of aging. Visit https://kaufmannprotocol.com to learn more. Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGEN...

Are you curious about the magnitude of life that has flourished on Earth over the eons? Dr. Peter Crockford has devised an ingenious method to estimate it and come up with a number: a staggering 10 to the power of 39 cells. As a professor in Carleton University’s Earth Sciences Department, he unveils his groundbreaking research, analyzing ancient rock signatures to gauge biosphere productivity and extrapolate the total number of cells ever to exist on this planet. Join us as we explore: The current global cell count, their primary habitats, and the rate of cell renewal. Can we predict the future scope of life on Earth, including the next millennium? Ambitious planetary interventions like atmospheric aerosol injections to regulate temperature and CO 2 levels. Hit play now and delve into the mysteries of Earth's past and future. Check out Peter W. Crockford, PhD (petercrockford.rocks) to learn more.  Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes! Take advantage of a 5% di...

How is artificial intelligence enhancing health and fitness? While technology has the capacity to decrease human activity, it can also help people get into the best shape of their lives. In this episode, we jump into the fascinating world of digital fitness with Daniel Sobhani, an entrepreneurship expert and the CEO of Freeletics. Founded in 2014, Freeletics is an app that provides people with access to a digital personal trainer that guides them through exercises whenever and wherever they want. It is now the leading AI-based fitness and mindset coaching provider – serving 40 million users in over 160 countries… Join in the discussion now to discover: Why users find so much success while using the Freeletics app. Examples of the personalized training plans that Freeletics provides. How to prevent self-negotiations that result in a skipped workout.  How to harness the 80/20 workout philosophy.  Get started using Freeletics today by visiting their website ! Take adva...

In this episode, Dr. Amani Ballour sits down to discuss her upcoming book, The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman's Story of Survival in Syria , set to be released on March 5th, 2024. This intriguing memoir walks readers through the life of a young doctor and activist who ran an underground hospital in Damascus during the Syrian civil war – humanizing the enduring crisis. As the only woman to have ever run a wartime hospital, Dr.  Ballour saved many people from the horrors of war while simultaneously contending with the patriarchal conservatism around her… Dr. Ballour is an internationally acclaimed pediatrician and humanitarian who advocates for women and children across the globe. Her story is unlike any other person in Syria, and her impact on the world will be remembered for generations. She is a recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize and currently lives in New Jersey, USA. We recently discovered the Biohacker  Babes Podcast , which is a sister duo ...

Clément Decrop joins us in this episode to discuss his latest book, The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self . In this fascinating book, Clément offers a groundbreaking, scientific approach to understanding the mind. The Idea Space invites readers to view their thoughts objectively and identify their impact –  thus uncovering a happier existence and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.  Clément is a Belgian-born author and inventor who moved to the United States with his family at the age of six. Since then, he has led wellness events for thousands of participants across the globe. He is knowledgeable on the topics of mindfulness, sleep, exercise, and nutrition. He has also submitted more than 130 patent disclosures in one year, of which 50-plus are filed and 12-plus are issued. Join us now to explore: What inspired The Idea Space, and how to experience it for yourself.  The three major subjects that have stood the test of time, and how they’...

Dr. Carolyn Kurle, a returning guest from long ago, joins us to discuss her latest book, The Guidance Groove: Escape Unproductive Habits, Trust Your Intuition, and Be True . Dr. Kurle is a tenured Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of California San Diego and holds degrees in Zoology, German Literature, Wildlife Science and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior.  Written as a passion project, The Guidance Groove provides readers with a roadmap for navigating life's flow while in continual communication with their own authentic, intuitive selves. It was written for people who want to live life from a place of wholeness – and Dr. Kurle is determined to show people how beneficial trusting your instincts really is… In this episode, we discuss: How and why Dr. Kurle wrote The Guidance Groove . Why trying to do the “right thing” by society’s standards can be unfulfilling.  How to differentiate between our logical brains and other vital parts of our beings.  ...

Botox is a routine tool used in the cosmetic industry that has become increasingly popular. Is it a healthy medical procedure? What was it initially discovered for, and how has it developed over time? Dr. Eugene M. Helveston, a medical professional with many years of experience, sits down to enlighten us…   Dr. Helveston is an emeritus professor of ophthalmology, the founder of the section of Pediatric Ophthalmology, and the former Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine. In January of 2024, he released Death to Beauty: The Transformative History of Botox , a book that walks readers through the intricate history of how the world's deadliest toxin (starting as a treatment for crossed eyes) became a routine tool for the cosmetic industry. In this discussion, we cover: How botox was used during its initial treatments.  What the primary toxin in botox is, and how it interacts with human cells.  How the cosmetic applicati...

Dr. David D. Clarke joins the podcast once again to discuss a fascinating topic: psychophysiological disorders . Also known as chronic functional syndromes or psychosocial factors linked to chronic pain, this is a vastly underexplored area of medicine. Dr. Clarke is a professional at the forefront of this field, and he is passionate about educating others on the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health…  Dr. Clarke is the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus both at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. He has also received many awards for patient care – including the Distinguished Physician Award from Kaiser Permanente and the Outstanding Commitment to Physician Assistant Education Award from Pacific University. Click play now to find out: How the brain can generate physiological pain. The importance of ...

Mark Springer joins us today to discuss his latest book, Flesh Becomes Words . Mark is an author from San Mateo, California, who studied English and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. He has been a science and technology writer and editor in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years, primarily in the biotechnology industry. Flesh Becomes Words is an action-packed story that explores the nature of science, soul, and spirit. Mark believes these are the three parts of our beings: DNA in our bodies, thoughts in our souls, and God’s Word in our spirit. In this dynamic novel, he invites readers to put themselves in the shoes of the characters in the book – an experience a world where belief in the Bible is against the law… In this conversation, we discuss: Where the inspiration for Flesh Becomes Words came from. What the Bible is for according to the book of Hebrews.  The role that human DNA plays in Mark’s book.  How science and faith interact with each other.  Yo...

In this episode, we discuss fragmented focus, ADD, and how decreased attention impacts young learners in a technological world. We learn about this intriguing topic from a teacher on the front lines of this issue: John Kish. John is a teacher at St. Benedict’s Classical Academy, where he uses classical education to solve the deep cultural issues of our times. John believes that teaching is an art rather than a science. By developing strong relationships with his students, he is eager to share his ardent love for the True, Good, and Beautiful with the next generation.  Is technology standing in the way of increased focus and productivity in the classroom? John thinks so, and he’s here to share his unique solutions to this unprecedented problem… Jump in now to discover: How philosophical methods are applied to teaching. The #1 factor that explains the regression of attention in young learners.  The duty of parents and teachers when it comes to the advancement of technolo...

Have you ever taken a sip of water and immediately regretted it because it tasted awful? What about the water that tastes good but isn't good for you? What makes water drinkable? All your questions about water quality and contamination will be answered in this episode, where we’re joined by Peter J. Vikesland, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. Over his decades-long career, his work has revolved primarily around drinking water treatment and contaminant remediation. Tune in to explore: The use of lasers and nanomaterials to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogenic viruses in drinking water Whether most water facilities have the equipment necessary to detect low levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water  Common contaminants found in drinking water, including pharmaceuticals and nanoplastics The most ideal way to conduct water sampling and why the technology isn’t there yet   Interested in learning more? Press...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of soil health with Michelle M. Wander, the Director of the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program and Associate Professor of Soil Fertility/Ecology at the University of Illinois. She also directs the Wander Soil Ecology Lab, where she works to encourage soil stewardship and management using cutting-edge research.  Michelle has been involved in soil science for over 30 years. Interested in agroecology and agricultural sustainability, she is on a mission to better understand biologically-based fertility – specifically how it impacts soil organic matter and soil biology…  Join us now to learn more about: The difference between conventional and regenerative farming practices.  How soil management methods can be developed to support various ecosystems.  What soil degradation is, and why it happens.  The ways that crop rotation can enhance soil fertility.  To learn more about Michelle and her work, vi...

Is it possible to make any organism fully resistant to viral infections? According to new research using E. coli from the Harvard Medical School Department of Genetics, the answer seems to be yes…eventually! Today, we’re joined by one of the lead researchers in this study, Akos Nyerges. Among many fascinating developments in the fields of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, he discusses the ability to modify existing organisms to achieve desired changes, the use of new DNA building blocks to create synthetic organisms, the most challenging regions of DNA to engineer, and what to expect in the near future. Press play to discover: How an organism can be genetically engineered to have a genetic ‘firewall’ from natural viral infections The difference between synthetic genomics and genetic engineering Applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology   The use of genetically engineered organisms in novel drug development Tune in for the full conversation, visit Home...

Joining us today is Dr. Jon Mitchell, a Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex. Dr. Mitchell is an expert in religious anthropology and researches questions of identity and political alignment in various regions… Dr. Mitchell’s primary research site is Malta, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, he conducted his doctoral research during the 1990s – a time of rapid social and political transformation. Most recently, he has been researching the places and processes of belief while exploring the social, political, and economic significance of Maltese football.  Click play to find out: The difference between biblical archaeology and the anthropology of religion.  The effects of Europeanization on the island of Malta.  Why immigrants tend to cluster in specific industries.  The ways that pilgrimage sites impact surrounding economies. You can learn about Dr. Mitchell and his work here ! Take advantage of a 5% discount on ...

The American South has a rich history of culture and religion. During the 19th century, Christianity played a major role in forming the social foundations that we see to this day. So what actually occurred during this time period, and why does it matter? Robert Elder, an expert in this topic, sits down to explain… Robert is an Associate Professor of History at Baylor University where he teaches courses on the American South, the Early Republic, and the Civil War. In addition to this, he has written two books that outline distinct religious dynamics in the U.S.: The Sacred Mirror: Evangelicalism, Honor, and Identity in the Deep South, 1790-1860 , and Calhoun: American Heretic . In this episode, you will discover: What honor culture is, and how it influenced Southern life. Why violence has drastically faded since the 19th century. How and when evangelical Christianity permeated Southern culture. To learn more about Robert and his work, click here now! Take advantage of a...

In this episode, we connect with Daniel L. Dreisbach, a professor at the American University School of Public Affairs, who teaches in the Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology. As an author, academic, and attorney, Daniel is a long-time student of law and politics in the American founding era.  In 2016, Daniel published Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers , a book that outlines the founders' diverse use of scripture – ranging from the literary to the theological. So how has religion influenced the US Constitution and overall history? Daniel sits down to enlighten us… Join the discussion now to discover: How the founders’ faith informed early American history. How American legal culture and religious laws were shaped.  What happens if we ignore the role of religion when analyzing this generation of America. To learn more about Daniel and his work, click here now! Take advantage of a  5% discount  on Ekster accessories by using the code  FI...

Today we connect with Brian Grim, the founding president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation and global chairman of Dare to Overcome. The relationship between economic sustainability and freedom of religion or belief for all is a passion of Brian’s – so much so that he has become the world’s leading expert on the subject… Brian has authored numerous academic articles and books. Drawing from his doctorate in quantitative sociology from Penn State, he has spent years measuring how governments in society restrict people’s freedom to believe (or not believe) in a faith or religion.   Jump into the conversation now to find out: The biggest threats to people’s freedom of faith.  The disadvantages of religious nationalism.  What religious nationalism is, and the problems that come with it. To learn more about Brian and his work with the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, you can find their website here ! Take advantage of a  5% discoun...

In this episode, we connect with Francis J. Beckwith, a Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also serves as Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy and Affiliate Professor of Political Science. Francis is a philosopher who publishes and teaches in the areas of religion, jurisprudence, politics, and ethics.  Francis has authored more than 100 academic articles, book chapters, reference entries, and reviews. With titles such as Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft, Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant, and Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice , Francis is a highly regarded voice in the academic community.  So, what makes Francis’s philosophical perspective so special? Tune in now to find out…  Join in now to explore: What initially interested Francis about philosophy.  How we build up beliefs to shape our worldview.  The importanc...

In this episode, we connect with Byron Johnson, a Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences at Baylor University, and the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He joins us today to discuss his work exploring religion and criminal justice, proposing that religion can be a powerful remedy to crime. Byron is trained as a criminologist, and over the years, he has used his expertise to tackle a plethora of related issues – most recently analyzing the role religion plays in helping people and societies to flourish… Through his investigations, Byron wrote More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could Matter More, where he makes the case that “any effective crime fighting policy must include government and faith-based efforts in partnership.” Click play to uncover: What criminology encompasses, and how different people approach it. The percentage of society that actually breaks the law. How religion positively contributes to society, and the mi...

Tune in to our fascinating chat about biblical history with Marc Brettler!  Marc is a member of the American Academy for Jewish Research and the Council of the Society of Biblical Literature. In addition to this, Marc is the Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University, where he researches subjects such as the Hebrew Bible, biblical historical texts, the Bible and gender, the book of Psalms, and more…  The complexities of biblical history continues to astound scholars to this day. Whether you are newly exploring spirituality or a theological aficionado, this podcast is sure to pique your interest! Join us now to hear Marc talk about: The various forms of the Hebrew language that have existed throughout history. What happened to Judaism when there was very little Hebrew being spoken. What biblical poetry is, and its historical significance.  How many authors may have contributed to the book of Psalms.  By clicking here , you can f...

Your brain weighs about as much as the microbes in your gut. That fact alone should ignite your interest in the role of microbes in all aspects of human health. Over the last 15 years or so, a lot has been discovered about the critical role of microbes in the brain-gut axis. Today, we’re joined by an expert in this field, Ted Dinan. He is a professor of psychiatry at University College Cork, Ireland, who works as part of the Cork Neuroscience Research Group and has authored nearly 200 widely published papers and several books on the pharmacology and neurobiology of affective disorders. Tune in to learn: Why low and/or a loss of gut microbe diversity is problematic and how it can impact organ function   Why there is such a strong connection between brain health and the microbes in the gut How natural vs. C-section births impact the gut microbiota of newborns, and what changes occur over the first 2-3 years of life How the understanding of gut microbes has changed over the yea...

Joining us in this episode is Dr. Christopher D. Bader, a Professor of Sociology at Chapman University and an affiliate of the Institute for Religion, Economics and Society (IRES). Dr. Bader has been a sociologist for years, and early on in his career, he became interested in the decline of conventional religion. Where are people turning to instead? He found that many individuals fill this spiritual void with UFOs, ghosts, bigfoot, and other paranormal phenomena…  Dr. Bader has been the principal investigator of the first two waves of the Baylor Religion Survey, a nationwide survey of US religious beliefs and the principal investigator of the first three waves of the Chapman Survey of American Fears. He has also written two books, America's Four Gods and Paranormal America and has published 35 articles and chapters in the fields of sociology, deviance, criminology, the sociology of religion and education. Click play now to uncover: How surveys can help preserve religious data...

Bob Walters returns to the podcast to discuss Paul the Apostle and various other Christianity-related topics. Bob is a writer who has a weekly blog called Common Christianity . In addition to his work as an educational writer, he has spent the past decade involved in an array of church-oriented volunteer enterprises. Bob has a journalism and public relations background – skills he uses to benefit the Christian community. What makes Bob’s intellectual understanding of Paul and the Bible so engaging and important? He joins us to explain… In this conversation, we cover: What an Apostle is, and their significance in the Biblical story.  What the Old Testament prophesied about the story of Jesus. A comprehensive background of Paul. What the fullest, best expression of humanity is.  Learn more about Bob and his writing by visiting his website here ! Take advantage of a  5% discount  on Ekster accessories by using the code  FINDINGGENIUS . Enhance your style ...