That Neuroscience Guy
This podcast explores the neuroscience of everyday life in accessible language, avoiding complicated jargon. It is designed for anyone curious about how the human brain works. Each episode aims to teach something new about neuroscience. Host Olav Krigolson makes brain science approachable for general listeners.
Episodes
The Influence of AI on Neuroscience
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind the pros and cons of implementing AI into neuroscience.
The Neuroscience of Procrastination
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind procrastination.
The Neuroscience of Awe
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind the feeling of awe.
The Neuroscience of Willpower
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind our willpower and when it fails.
The Neuroscience of Regret
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind how your brain processes regret.
The Neuroscience of Melatonin
The title name says it all!
The Neuroscience of Making Stupid Decisions
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind cognitive biases that cause you to make bad decisions.
The Neuroscience of Time
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how your brain processes the passage of time.
The Neuroscience of Framing
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how framing information in different ways affects your brain.
The Neuroscience of Placebos
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind placebo treatments.
The Neuroscience of Confusion
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind how you get confused, and why sometimes thats good.
Neuroscience is Broken
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss our opinions on why neuroscience might be declining.
Neuroscience Books to Read in 2026
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the best books to read in 2026 to learn more about neuroscience.
The Neuoroscience Behind the Nike Mind Shoes
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss Nike's new shoes designed by neuroscientists.
The Neuroscience of Emotional Decision Making
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind how emotions affect our decision making.
Special Episode - Society for Neuroscience 2025
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss some cutting edge ideas and technologies in neuroscience from the 2025 Society for Neuroscience conference.
The Brain Areas that Make Decisions
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the parts of your brain that contribute to decision-making.
The Neuroscience of Making Fast or Slow Decisions
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind making slow, careful decisions or fast, gut-hunch decisions.
The Neuroscience of Exploring and Exploiting
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind choosing an exploratory decision, where we do something new, or sticking with what we know.
The Neuroscience of Value-Based Decision Making
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how your brain uses your values to make decisions.
Season 11 Premiere - Decision Making Series Part 1
In the first episode of season 11 of That Neuroscience Guy, we start a new series on decision making by discussing the neuroscience behind how we assign value to decisions.
The Neuroscience Behind Dementia Risk
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind why some people get dementia while others don't.
The Neuroscience of University Success
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind being successful during your university experience.
The Neuroscience of Middle Age
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how your brain changes throughout middle age.
The Neuroscience of Somatosensation
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind somatosensation, or our sense of touch.
The Neuroscience of Vision
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we start our "Senses" series by discussing the neuroscience behind vision.
The Neuroscience of Public Speaking
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind public speaking and its' associated emotions, finishing off with some tips for better public speaking.
Is Emotional Decision Making "Wrong"? A Neuroscientist's view
We often have to balance between making quick, intuitive decisions and slow, analytical decisions. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind that balance, and when to trust your emotional decisions.
The Neuroscience of Misophonia
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind Misophonia, a disorder that causes increased sensitivity to certain sounds like loud chewing or pen clicking.
The Tools That Neuroscientists Use
In today's epsiode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the tools that neuroscientists use to study the brain.
That Neuroscience Guy Lecture Series - Part 3
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we wrap up Dr Krigolson's lecture, "Why we do the dumb things we do", discussing some important caveats to models of decision making. Be sure to check out Parts 1 and 2 if you haven't yet!
That Neuroscience Guy Lecture Series - Part 2
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we pick up where we left off last week with Dr Krigolson's lecture titled "Why we do the dumb things we do". If you haven't checked out Part 1 yet, please do!
The That Neuroscience Guy Lecture Series - Part 1
Recently, Dr Krigolson gave an invited lecture at Indiana University titled "Why We Do the Dumb Things We Do". Now we are delivering that lecture to you in a three part series starting with basics of decision making.
Improving Brain Health in the Second Half of Life
We like to focus quite a bit on things you can do to improve your brain health. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind how that advice might change for older individuals.
Using Neuroscience to Improve Education
We've talked plenty about the neuroscience of learning as well as moving neuroscience into the real world. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how we can use neuroscience to improve education from elementary schools to universities.
The Neuroscience of Analytical and Intuitive Thinking
In everyday thinking, we are making decisions that can range from intuitive, based on 'gut hunches', to analytical, based on prior experience and critical thinking. In today's epsiode, we discuss the neuroscience behind balancing analytical and intuitive decision making.
The Neuroscience of Dementia
According to the WHO, more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind different types of dementia.
The Neuroscience of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are essential cellular components for neural function - and they're common targets for treatment of several psychiatric and neurological disorders. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we review all of the important neurotransmitters that underlie neural function.
Season 10 Premier - The Neuroscience of Politicians
Politicians are becoming increasingly eye-catching in the modern world, as is the prevalence of so-called "fake-news". In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discusss the neuroscience behind how our brains criticize, consider, and embrace modern modern politicians.
The Neuroscience of the Chiari Malformation
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the Chiari Malformation - a unique condition that causes the brain to grow into the spinal cord.
Neuroscience Christmas Shopping List - 2024
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss some cool neuroscience technology that you can gift to special people in your life this holiday season.
The Neuroscience of Amazon Addiction
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind addiciton to shopping on Amazon.
The Neuroscience of Improving your Brain Health Everyday with Special Guest Jaime Wood
On today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we welcome guest Jaime ____ to discuss Autonomic, a biotech company aiming to help you improve your brain health.
The Neuroscience of Genocide
What drives people to commit the ultimate atrocity? In today's epsiode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind genocide.
The Neuroscience of "Project Dad"
In today's epsiode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss a first hand account of a lifestyle change aimed at improving brain health called "Project Dad".
The Neuroscience of Irrational Thinking
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind why we make irrational decisions.
The Neuroscience of Believing Lies
In the information age, we are exposed to an incredible volume of lies. Unfortuantely, we tend to fall for them. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss why and how we fall for lies.
The Neuroscience of Amazon Addiction
In today's epsiode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind online shopping addiction, using Amazon has a case study.
Season 9 Premiere - Revisiting the Neuroscience of Grief
To kick off Season 9, we explore a personal angle by revisiting the neuroscience of grief.
The Neuroscience of Going for a Walk
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss what's going on in your brain when you take a break and go for a walk.
The Neuroscience of Competitiveness
What makes the Michael Jordans of the world different from the rest of us? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind ultra-competitiveness.
The Neurosciene of Executive Control
Why are kids more single-minded and impulsive than adults? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss executive control, the cognitive process we use to control decision-making, memory, and other high-level functions.
Neuroscience in Education Part 2- Measuring Learning with Dr. Kent Hecker
In this week's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we welcome guest speaker Dr. Kent Hecker - a professor in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. We discuss how neuroscience gives insight into how we learn and how we can better measure if someone is learning.
Neuroscience in Education - Alternative Learning with Jeff Hopkins
In this week's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we welcome guest speaker Jeff Hopkins - the principal of the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. We discuss how neuroscience fits into education, and specifically how new educational methods can leverage neuroscience to improve education.
Neuroscience in Virtual Reality
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we welcome Doron Meir, the CEO of Float VR, to discuss how his company combines neuroscience with virtual reality to complete unique therapeutic experiences.
The Neuroscience of Nature versus Nurture
Humanity has long debated whether the circumstances of our birth, our Nature, or our development, our Nurture, are more influential on our lives. While this discussion is often discussed through biology or social psychology, what might neuroscience tell us about which is more important? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how our genes and experiences influence our brains.
The Neuroscience of ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence assistant that is growing in popularity in daily life. It can generate answers to your questions faster than anyone could've previously imagined, but is it actually thinking about those questions? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience of ChatGPT and similar AI models.
Season 7 Finale - The Neuroscience of Death
What happens to your brain when you die? Perhaps the more important question is why might your brain cause death? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss how your brain deteriorates over time eventually causing death, and how your brain might process the moment of your death.
Neuroscience Bites - Charles Bonnet Syndrome
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss Charles Bonnet syndrome - a rare disorder where people suffer extreme hallucinations related to top-down control over a damaged visual system.
The Neuroscience of Top-Down Processing
In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we take a high-level (pun intended) look at how your brain biases basic functions like attention and perception based on previous experience, otherwise known as top-down processing.
Neuroscience Bites - Why We Sleep
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss the biological factors that explain why we sleep.
21 Tips to Improve Sleep
We frequently tell you that getting better sleep improves your brain health - but how can you get better sleep? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss 21 tips informed by neuroscience that you can use to improve your sleep.
Neuroscience Bites-Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss the neuroscience behind Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - a disorder that affects children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
The Neuroscience of Bad Eating Habits
Previously on the podcast, we've discussed how a strong diet can improve brain health. But what happens to our brain when our diet is bad, or when we skip eating altogether? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss foods that are bad for your brain and why they're bad.
Neuroscience Bites - Talking to Strangers
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss how our brain shapes behaviour when we're talking to strangers compared to people we know.
The Neuroscience of False Memories
Remember when the sun was blue? Or what about that time bugs took over the world? Sometimes, our brain creates memories out of events that never happened which can cause drastic changes in behaviour. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the neuroscience behind how our brain creates false memories and how that process compares to making real memories.
Neuroscience Bites-Tinnitus
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss Tinnitus - where hearing is impaired and replaced by noises with no external source.
Nine Neuroscience Myths About Learning
Do we really only learn from our mistakes? Are lectures the best method of education? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss common myths about how we learn and what neuroscience research tells us about the truth.
Neuroscience Bites-Your Brain When its Cold
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss why your brain can be more active when its cold versus when its hot.
The Neuroscience of Brain Overload Part Two -Cognitive Overload
Do you ever feel like so much is going on that you just can't handle anymore? In this week's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we finish our discussion on brain overload by discussing cognitive overload. Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File
Neuroscience Bites-The Pineal Gland
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss the Pineal Gland - a gland in your brain that is important for regulating sleep.
The Neuroscience of Brain Overload Part One - Sensory Overload
Do you ever feel like so much is going on that you just can't handle anymore? In this week's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we begin our discussion on brain overload by discussing sensory overload.
Neuroscience Bites-The Thyroid Gland
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss the thyroid gland - an important body part for regulating hormones and metabolism.
The Neuroscience of Unethical Science
Some scientists spend years trying to figure out what is going through someone's mind when they are doing something they know is wrong. What happens when these scientists test that immorality? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss Unethical Neuroscience through the example of the Milgram experiments.
Neuroscience Bites - The Pituitary Gland
In today's Neuroscience Bite, we discuss the Pituitary Gland - the body part responsible for releasing hormones throughout your body.
The Neuroscience of Gut Health
Sometimes we talk about "going with your gut" when making decisions that feel right. As it turns out, our intestines are actually highly linked to our brain in more ways than just an expression. In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the Gut-Brain Axis - a system linking our digestive system to our nervous system.
Neuroscience Bites - Pregnancy
In todays episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss whats going on in your brain when you're pregnant.
The Neuroscience of Photographic Memory
Can people remember pictures forever after seeing them once? Are you able to recall entire pages of text you read years ago? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss the evidence, or lack thereof, for photographic and eidetic memory.
Neuroscience Bites-Aphantasia
In today's Neuroscience bite, we discuss Aphantasia - the inability to visually imagine things.
The Neuroscience behind Being Smart
What makes a genuis brain different from ours? Are they bigger? Do they have more brain cells? Did they just win the gene lottery? In today's episode of That Neuroscience Guy, we discuss what makes a smarter brain different.
