Finding Genius Podcast

The queen bee has to get it right when she mates, because she only has one intense mating session for the duration of her life. The queen bee's anatomy and basic honey bee biology work together for success and Julian Rangel Posada tells listeners how. Listen and learn Why the queen flies a mile away to mate as well as other interesting details of honey bee social behavior,  What the exact mechanics of honey bee mating are and why drones are "expensive" to maintain, and What she's researching about pollen choice and lipid-to-protein ratios that help bees maintain health and improve recovery from viruses they contract from types of mites. Juliana Rangel Posada is an associate professor of apiculture in the Department of Entomology and leads the Texas A&M University Honey Bee Research Program. She studies biotic and abiotic factors affecting bee health. The number one problem for honey bees is the varroa mite, and she starts the conversation addressing how he...

From smelly footprints and dances to furry coats and long tongues, Professor Dave Goulson from the University of Sussex talks about it all. We often refer to “bees” as though there’s only one kind, but in fact, over 20,000 species of bee have been identified. Goulson shares fascinating data and insights primarily on two: the bumblebee and the honeybee . Press play to discover: How bumblebees and honeybees differ (in many, many ways!) What two critical pieces of information are conveyed by the waggle dance of honeybees What sensing ability of bees explains why a bee may or may not choose to land on a flower for pollen or nectar Goulson’s lifelong captivation by insects led to a fascination of bees in his adult life, and for the past 25 years, he’s been studying them. Initially, the focus of his research was on the foraging strategies of different species of bee, but it’s since shifted to an investigation of why bee populations are declining, and what can be done about it. As a ...

One in every three bites you take are made possible by honey bee pollination. Keeping bees healthy and productive is essential. Honey bee reproduction depends on a queen's ability to have one mating session, store sperm for years, and lay about 1,000 eggs a day during the warmer months: an amazing honey bee characteristic among many. Brandon Hopkins shares fascinating honey bee behavioral adaptations in this discussion. Listen and learn How a queen's anatomy and sperm morphology work to make this reproduction effective, What storage methods are best for honey bees to make the large almond yield in California possible, and How these storage methods also work best to deter certain types of mites from overtaking colonies.  Brandon Hopkins is an assistant research professor and the apiary and laboratory manager with the Washington State University Apiary Program. Studying reproductive biology across different animals led him to a honey bee obsession. "They're fas...

Bee keeping is an ancient practice: even prehistoric cave paintings in Spain depict a keeper reaching for a hive to collect honey while holding a smoker to calm the bees. Cameron Jack shares some of the more interesting details of this ancient art with lucky listeners. Tune in and hear How honey bee characteristics , bee anatomy , and evolution have led to optimal frame and hive size for beekeepers to follow, Why bees are considered a superorganism, which means a honey bee can't survive on its own, and is organized by queen, brooders, and workers, and Why Cameron Jack's prime interest is managing honey bee diseases and pests and what are the main areas of concern.  Cameron Jack holds the unusual position of one-hundred percent lecturer at the University of Florida. He's still involved in research and extension work, but his full lecturer designation means his beekeeping course list at the University of Florida is probably the most extensive college-level beekeeping ...

It's estimated that 20% of our food is dependent on honey bee pollination. Meanwhile, recent news has highlighted concerns like viral diseases of the honey bee to mites to invading "killer" bees. It's hard to keep straight where honey bee diseases and treatments stand. This conversation does the trick, leaving listeners with a clear and fascinating vision of what's up with the honey bee. Listen and learn Where do our current North American honey bee populations stand and where do they fit in the larger picture of bees worldwide, What pests and diseases of the honey bee and control measures are entomologists most involved with, and How do these concerns fit within agricultural, ecology, and the backyard beekeeper. Jamie Ellis is the Gahan Endowed Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Fascinated with bees since childhood, he took care of his first honey bee hive at age 12 and hasn't looked back since. He...

It's hard to imagine a world without honey, much less all the fruits they pollinate. That's one reason Zachary Huang's research into honey bee stressors is so important. Listen in as he teaches listeners about Primary bee stressors, including parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and agricultural transportation, In-depth information regarding their primary stressor, the Varroa   mite and how it harms the honey bee, and Honey bee characteristics that make them especially vulnerable to these stressors. Zachary Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. He's also an avid photographer of all-things-honey bee, including the plants they pollinate. Honey bees face many stressors and are on the decline. Researchers across the country are trying to figure out why. Dr. Huang tells listeners about the Varroa destructor mite, which hitchhiked from Brazil or Asia on bees into North America. These purplish-red mites are about t...

In this episode, we connect with Aleena Kanner, a Postural Restoration Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer with a passion for helping others with chronic pain. With a background in athletic training, she works with the neurology and psychology of the body to help restore sensation, realign position, and repattern the nervous system. How can better posture transform your well-being and pave the way for holistic restoration? By putting the root causes of underlying health conditions at the heart of her practice, Aleena guides her clients down an empowering path of healing – and you may be surprised at the results…  During the episode, we delve into: What typical postural evaluations consist of.  How our body movements can dictate internal pressure.  Intricate techniques that teach the brain how to understand its space. The asymmetries that can exist in the body and how to address them. Want to learn more about Aleena and her distinct approach to physical an...

Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, Change Your Genes, Change Your Life: Creating Optimal Health with the New Science of Epigenetics . Dr. Pelletier is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF, a renowned keynote speaker, and a pioneer in mind-body medicine and integrative health research.  Change Your Genes, Change Your Life is renowned for pioneering work in integrative medicine, epigenetics, and longevity. Throughout the book, Dr. Pelletier navigates readers through a captivating journey into the realm of health and wellness – unveiling actionable steps to alter our genetic expression and enhance our well-being for a lifetime… Presently, Dr. Pelletier works as a medical and business consultant to an array of entities, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Business Group on Health, and the Federation of State Medical Boards. He also serves on the boards of the Healthtra...

Dr. Xavier Amador and Janet Hays join the podcast to discuss the intriguing topic of schizophrenia. How is it treated? What systemic barriers do patients face? These experts sit down to offer their comprehensive perspective on this complex mental illness – and all of the intricacies that come with it… Dr. Amador is a world-renowned clinical psychologist and the founder of the LEAP Institute . As a leader in his field, he has written many books, published clinical research, and completed worldwide speaking tours surrounding the topics of schizophrenia, bipolar, and other disorders.  Janet Hays is a mental healthcare advocate and founder of the Healing Minds NOLA . Determined to make a difference, she supports policies and funding priorities that focus on evidence-based treatment and care programs for those struggling with mental health issues.  Join us now to learn about: Dr. Amador’s personal relationship with schizophrenia. Why it can be difficult for schizophrenia pati...

Meet Nikki Burnett, a functional nutritionist and the Founder and CEO of Taste Life Nutrition. Drawing from nearly a decade in practice and over 25 years of education, Nikki has helped hundreds of clients unlock their optimum health. She does this by digging into the root cause of dysfunctions – and then using manageable and strategic methods to restore balance and wellness… Nikki's own health struggles fueled her mission to empower others on their health journeys. By highlighting the effectiveness of personalized approaches, she helps people suffering from an array of complex health conditions.  From chronic pain to fertility struggles, Nikki is on a mission to bring holistic solutions to those who look beyond conventional norms. What sets her approach apart from other nutritionists? Tune in now to see for yourself! In this conversation, we cover: Why people are so confused about their health and wellness. How a healthy diet can impact fertility.  What epigenetics is, ...

Functional mushrooms have garnered increasing attention in the realm of nutrition. As experts continue to unveil their myriad of health advantages, it’s no wonder that demand has surged. So, what are the benefits of functional mushrooms? Stephanie Moyal, the Co-founder of Troop Nutrition, sits down to graciously share her insights with us… Stephanie created Troop Nutrition with Jake Mellman, her cousin and best friend. Founded with the goal of demystifying mushrooms and making them approachable, they decided to produce something truly groundbreaking: superfood mushrooms in gummy form . Offer: Troop’s all about the mush life and it brings the magic of mushrooms to your doorstep. Our mushroom gummies are crafted with the best ingredients and methods to boost your health and wellness without compromising on taste. Troop is offering an exclusive 20% OFF for Finding Genius Podcast listeners! Use the discount code FINDINGGENIUS20 at troop.com for your first order. Don’t miss this special...

Tobias Schulze, the insightful clinical psychologist and director of Talking Cure, illuminates a profound notion: 'Personality is trauma decontextualized.' Delving into the essence of this statement, Schulze shares the intrigue and gratification he’s found within the realm of clinical psychology. Initially, Schulze was reluctant to venture into clinical psychology, driven by misconceptions portraying it as emotionally draining and engulfed in negativity. However, he soon discovered a rich tapestry of challenges and rewards, particularly at the nexus of trauma and personality. In his practice, Schulze confronts the core existential struggles inherent in personality disorders, addressing fundamental questions about navigating existence and relationships. His work revolves around empowering individuals to unlock their potential, dreams, and aspirations. Join us as we explore the world of mental health with a true expert. You'll explore: The meaning behind personality diso...

In this episode, we are joined by Elisabeth O'Rourke, Ph.D., the Site Director for MindWell Psychology’s Albany, NY practice location. Dr. O'Rourke sits down to discuss her work as a clinical psychologist and her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy designed for children, adolescents, and emerging adults dealing with a range of disorders. Incorporating techniques such as relaxation and mindfulness into her practice, Dr. O'Rourke uses individualized and strength-based approaches to address an array of mental health issues – including anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavioral concerns. Dr. O'Rourke has always been passionate about helping children and young adults overcome mental health challenges. By examining the intersection between physical and mental health, she has helped countless individuals unlock their potential for growth and resilience… Click play now to discover: What led Dr. O'Rourke to pursue work in her field.  The primary disorders that chil...

Dawn Gallop of #9 Farms returns to the podcast to discuss food preservation, self-sufficiency, homesteading, and more. Dawn has been a homesteader since 1992, and she is a mother to nine children, a farmer, nurse, artist, cheesemaker, canner, soapmaker, and beekeeper.  Dawn is on a mission to share her knowledge of self-sustainability with others – and she does this both in person and online with her YouTube channel. Nestled on 30 acres of land with her family, Dawn immerses herself in the practices of gardening, goat rearing, beekeeping, and chicken care. Tune in as Dawn reflects on her journey through the "pantry challenge" – illuminating how it propelled her to explore the realms of canning, mindful food consumption, and sustainable practices… In this episode, we cover: The essence and objectives of the pantry challenge. Strategies to embrace a survivalist mindset. Essential pantry staples for sustainable living. Insights into the art of food canning. Discover mo...

Meet Erin Diehl, a business improv edutainer, failfluencer, and keynote speaker. As the founder of improve it!, she harnesses the power of improvisational comedy and experiential learning to help others thrive in ever-changing environments – and do so with a smile on their faces . Erin is also the author of I See You!: A Leader's Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy . In this book, she uses her 18 years of leadership experience and sense of humor to create a mindset shift for busy, stressed-out leaders. Can laughter, positivity, and empathy facilitate self-exploration and personal growth? Erin thinks so, and she joins us to explain why… In this discussion, we cover: What led Erin down this path of encouragement and leadership.  The three main ways that improv comedy can help you be your best self.  How to overcome challenges with humor and active communication. The importance of listening in “ real time ”.  You can keep up with Erin and her work ...

Today, we connect with Chase Chewning, a health and fitness entrepreneur turned full-time podcaster. Chase hosts Ever Forward Radio, a top-ranked health/fitness and self-improvement podcast featuring engaging interviews with industry leaders in fitness, nutrition, and mindset.  Chase has a passion for all things wellness and human optimization. As a US Army veteran who suffered a career-ending injury, he turned his unfortunate circumstances into fuel for fulfillment and inspiration. Now, his message centers around helping others build a life that propels them forward… Jump in now to explore: What changed Chase’s perspective on health and wellness. The mantra that Chase lives his life by. Advice for people who want to start a regular exercise routine. Whether you’re a fitness junkie or just starting out, this conversation is sure to peak your interest!  You can learn more about Ever Forward Radio by visiting their website .  Take advantage of a  5% discount ...

The widespread use of opioids and other addictive substances has inflicted profound suffering on countless people. While these narcotics may serve legitimate purposes within the medical system, grappling with the complexities of Substance Use Disorder requires careful consideration. In this episode, we're honored to have Susan Bartz Herrick join us to shed light on this vital and poignant subject… Susan is a retired professor at UNC-Fayetteville, St. Andrews University, and Methodist University. She is also the author of Slow Dancing with the Devil , a memoir that follows the story of her beloved son and only child, Luke, through his struggle with opioid addiction, recovery and sobriety – and ultimately his heartbreaking death. In this conversation, we discuss: What you need to know about Substance Use Disorder (SUD).  The difference between stigmas and reality when it comes to drug overdoses. The ways that public policies restrict care for individuals who struggle with SUD. ...

When you hear "schizophrenia," what comes to mind? Perhaps not the image of a sharp-suited individual leading a mental health advocacy group. But in this episode, we delve into Matt Connolly's remarkable journey living with schizophrenia. As President of Mindspring Mental Health Alliance, Connolly dedicates himself to combating stigma, promoting mental health awareness, and showcasing that recovery is attainable—he embodies this possibility. Hit play to uncover: Connolly's encounters with visual and olfactory hallucinations His journey of living undiagnosed with schizophrenia and the pivotal moment he received help Insights into the medications he's navigated for schizophrenia The invaluable support offered by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to individuals grappling with mental illness and their loved ones. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the triumph of the human spirit. For more resources on this topic, vi...

Meet Steven Cornett, an expert in regenerative agriculture, market gardening, homesteading, livestock, and everything else DIY. As the founder of Nature's Always Right, he has a primary goal: to share his passion for growing and gardening with others. Publishing content on YouTube , Instagram , and other platforms, Steven provides tips and tricks on how to grow veggies, build soil, raise chickens, and care for trees using 100% natural techniques.  Nature is the perfect example of sustainability, and Steven is on a mission to learn these systems and work in harmony with them. Would the world be a better place if more people knew these valuable techniques? Steven thinks so, and he joins us to explain why… Jump in now to discover: The key benefits associated with home gardening.  The many methods that allow you to make your own fertilizers, inoculants, pesticides, and more.  The nutritional differences between hydroponic and soil-grown plants. How to improve soil hea...

In this episode, we dive into the world of hydroponics and sustainable farming with Stacy Adams, a Professor of Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As an expert in controlled environment agriculture, Stacy’s work specifically focuses on using greenhouses and high tunnels to produce ornamental and food crops. Drawing from years of research, he has been addressing the issue of food security by researching the intriguing topic of hydroponic farming… Confronted with environmental changes and challenges, scientists are tasked with developing sustainable alternative food production systems. How does Stacy’s knowledge contribute to this vision? Tune in now to see for yourself! Join the conversation and grow your awareness of: The primary goals of hydroponic farming.  Circumstances that can change the taste of hydroponic crops.  The greatest limitations of hydroponic farming. What controlled environment agriculture is, and how it can increase plant productivity...

DNA is the blueprint of humans and almost every other organism on Earth. A highly complex strand of genetic material, virtually every single cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. So this begs the question: What is DNA composed of, and where does it come from? Dr. John Coffin, an American Cancer Society Research Professor and Distinguished Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, joins us to explain… Dr. Coffin is a veteran policy analyst who has helped advise the National Cancer Center’s Center for Cancer Research director, among other prominent institutions. With a passion for understanding how retroviruses interact with their host cells and organisms, he is at the forefront of DNA research – a field that highlights the intricate mechanisms of evolution.  Dive in now to learn about: What endogenous retroviruses are, and how they interact with DNA material. How retroviruses replicate.  The ways that mutations can disrupt the functioning of certain genes....

“I had a toolbox full of addiction—alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, work, all of it—and basically what I’ve done is taken out the addiction and replaced it with holistic practices, like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, EMDR, equine therapy…you name it,” says Theo Fleury. Press play to hear his personal story and learn: How emotional trauma affects the nervous system The importance of all three sides of health and wellness: emotional, physical, and spiritual The critical difference between trying a certain type of therapy, and  working  at it The value in remembering that adversity breeds resilience Theo Fleury discovered his love for ice hockey at a young age: In it he found refuge from a household where addiction and mental illness were primary themes. But when he was just an adolescent, a hockey coach would subject Fleury to years of trauma and sexual abuse. Serious mental illness and addiction would ensue. Eventually, this ...

How has the opioid epidemic exploded so quickly in the United States? Purdue Pharma may be behind one of the most prevalent causes of patient exploitation in world history. Listen up to learn: How the opioid epidemic began Ways in which non-addicts can become trapped through medical negligence The valid uses for opioid pain killers An expert speaker on the opioid crisis , Chris Johnson shares his experience making proactive steps forward to curb the opioid epidemic. The introduction of OxyContin over two decades prior realistically marks the beginning of the opioid epidemic as it stands today. Sadly, with the degradation of medical morals and practices, increasing numbers of moderate pain patients have been led down the path to addiction. The intertwining of big pharma and medical practices on all levels has caused over-prescribing of opioid pain management to skyrocket. With pills being harder to come by and increasingly expensive, many patients who were merely facing moderat...

Overeating. Drinking alcohol. Watching mindless TV. Gambling. These are just a few of the ways in which people avoid troubling and painful emotions. As soon as we feel them creeping up, we tend to distract ourselves. It might feel good in the short-term, but what are the long-term costs? Tune in to discover: The difference between immediate and earlier antecedents, and how identifying them can help treat addictions The role of prior trauma and anxiety in substance abuse and behavioral addictions How quickly behavioral changes can follow from new insights and realizations about triggers Whether psychedelic-assisted therapies hold promise for addiction treatment Nicole Cross, PhD is an associate psychologist with Cognitive Behavior Therapy Associates of Denver, where she focuses on helping people who struggle with substance and behavioral addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant restrictive food intake...

For 23 years, Cali Estes, Ph.D. has been working with all types of people struggling from all kinds of addictions—from heroin or cocaine or alcohol to food or shopping or pornography. She discusses the following: What type of signs to look for in yourself or others in order to determine whether there is likely a problem with addiction What is meant when someone is said to have an “addictive personality” Why traditional methods of treatment and recovery often fail or don’t work for people Dr. Estes works with a wide range of individuals, from the ordinary person to the NFL athlete to some of the most popular celebrities, all of whom struggle in one way or another with some type of addiction. It is her belief that addiction cannot be resolved simply by getting a person to remove the addictive substance or behavior from their life, but by digging deeply until the root cause of addictive behaviors is uncovered; only then can an addiction truly be addressed. She discusses w...

When you think of what addiction recovery looks like, you probably don’t envision the consumption of psychedelic drugs. On today’s episode, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins and author of 47 articles on psychedelic drugs, Matthew Johnson, PhD, explains why and how psychedelic therapy might have a place in addiction recovery after all. His area of expertise lies in understanding the ways in which psychedelic drugs can serve as behavior change agents. This idea is consistent with neuroscience research findings, countless anecdotal stories, and ceremonial use of psychedelic substances in a variety of indigenous cultures. Intrigued by the idea? Tune in to hear all the details and learn more, including: How Dr. Johnson characterizes the commonality between people who benefit from the use of psychedelics (and it’s not about religion or spirituality) How psychedelic drug use could help those who suffer from addiction to cocaine, alcohol, ...

“There are benefits to all mind-altering activities or substances…and it can almost be radical to even recognize that in a culture that seems hell-bent on convincing us all that drugs are evil and that drugs are the cause of the problem. What we’ve tried to do with The Social Exchange…is to broaden the definition of addiction beyond just drugs and to broaden it beyond just an over-medicalized mentality around it,” says Aaron Ferguson, co-host of The Social Exchange podcast. On today’s episode, he is joined by his co-host Zach Rhoads to discuss the creation, development, and goals of the podcast, as well as what they’ve learned by interviewing countless experts and pain patients who've experienced addiction on a firsthand basis. Among many topics, they discuss differing viewpoints and arguments surrounding the concept and experience of addiction, the philosophy of harm reduction, and chemical dependency versus environmental influences. Tune in for all the details of this compell...

“Not everyone with the disease of addiction is able to access treatment…being a physician, that was very hard for me to digest, and the result is that we see so many preventable overdose deaths… I would like that to change, and I think reducing the stigma associated with the disease of addiction and moving more treatment to an outpatient setting will greatly increase access to care,” says Dr. Indra Cidambi. With this vision, she founded the Center for Network Therapy, New Jersey’s first state-licensed outpatient detoxification facility. Dr. Cidambi explains that in contrast to the traditional model of inpatient care, which many insurance policies will not cover, an outpatient detoxification program will allow more patients to obtain care without the consequences of inpatient care, such as the required isolation from friends and family members, and having to take time away from work. In addition, outpatient care allows patients to recover from addiction in their normal environment, ...

How does cold water immersion affect the body’s recovery and inflammation levels? Jonathan Peake, a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, joins us to explain… Jonathan has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Queensland, where he has held several academic positions since 2006. Teaching in the areas of physiology and pathophysiology, he is an expert in exercise recovery and other fitness-related subjects. Jump into the conversation learn about: How the local climate influences the temperature of cold water immersion. What cold water immersion can accomplish in the human body. The three pillars of cold therapy recovery. How the parasympathetic nervous system is affected by cold water immersion. Are you eager to explore the fascinating world of muscle damage and inflammation, cold water immersion strategies, and heating recovery? If so, this podcast is certainly for you!  To find out more about Jonathan and his work, click here now! Take ...

Dr. Paul Offit returns to the program to discuss his latest book, Tell Me When It's Over: An Insider's Guide to Deciphering Covid Myths and Navigating Our Post-Pandemic World . Dr. Offit is the Director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He is also an internationally recognized expert in the fields of virology and immunology and was a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Tell Me When It's Over is a definitive guide that helps readers find new solutions to navigating the “new normal”. Brimming with pragmatic analysis and sensible advice, this book provides fact-based information in a world where science is highly politicized – and polarizing… In this episode, we cover: What inspired Dr. Offit’s latest book. How to spot helpful versus misleading information surrounding the global pandemic.  ...

Sugar seems to be in everything we eat. While experts have warned against its health side effects, people continue to consume it in staggering quantities. Why is sugar so addictive? How can we break free from our cravings and take care of our bodies instead? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nicole Avena to discuss her newest book, Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction . In this step-by-step guide, Dr. Avena teaches readers how to completely change their mindset around what they eat – using food for what it is intended to be: fuel for the body … Dr. Avena is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet, and addiction. She is the Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Health System and a Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University. Tune in now to discover: What makes sugar so addictive. How reducing sugar intake can benefit your health.  The connection betw...