Extreme Brains Podcast

#8 - Your Brain On Sex

Episode 8 of Extreme Brains, “Your Brain on Sex,” explores why sex plays a powerful role in human behavior. We break down the evolutionary origins of reproduction and pleasure, the social machinery that turned sex into power and identity, and whether removing moral weight from sex might lead to healthier societies. With insights from neuroscience, culture, and tech, the episode reveals how our brains are wired for more than just survival—they’re wired for strategy.

#7 - Sleep: Is it Overhyped?

Is sleep the secret weapon for health—or is it just overhyped? In this episode, we embark on a journey through the fascinating world of sleep: from unraveling the mysteries of its stages to understanding the physiological transformations happening as you snooze. We'll dive into quirky sleep habits across species, unpack the consequences of sleep deprivation, and tackle the big question: is there such a thing as the perfect amount of sleep? Whether you're a nap aficionado or a midnight owl, this episode promises eye-opening insights that'll make you rethink your relationship with rest.

#6 - When Brains Pretend

In Episode 6 of Extreme Brains, “When Brains Pretend,” we explore why humans are wired to act, imagine, and play. With guest Craig Clyde—actor, writer, and director—we trace the roots of pretending from early ritual to modern media. We dive into how acting shapes empathy, identity, and society and examine the psychological and evolutionary power of fiction. From cave paintings to AI-generated characters, this episode uncovers how pretending helps us connect, survive, and evolve.
 

#5 - When Good Brains Get Hurt

Episode 5 of Extreme Brains, featuring guest Darren Davis, explores the impact of brain injuries. The discussion covers traumatic (TBI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI), their causes, symptoms, and severity. Davis shares insights on how injuries affect cognition, emotions, and daily life, highlighting struggles with identity and mental health. The episode also covers recovery options, from neuroplasticity to therapy and emerging treatments like AI-based rehab. It emphasizes prevention, resilience, and the importance of awareness and support.

#4 - When Good Brains Go Bad

What if mental illness isn’t just a glitch but an evolutionary feature? In this episode of Extreme Brains, Sam, David, and James dive deep into the fascinating world of mental health from an evolutionary perspective. Could anxiety be an ancient survival tool? Is ADHD a relic of the hunter-gatherer mind? We’ll break down key conditions, from depression to schizophrenia, and explore how once beneficial traits can become maladaptive. Plus, we’ll shift the conversation from pathology to potential—rethinking mental health through resilience, neurodiversity, and the power of human adaptability. Tune in for a mind-expanding discussion that challenges everything you thought you knew about mental illness!

#3 - Temperament: The Qualities We Bring to the World Before Our Parents Screw Us Up

Join Sam, David, and James as they unravel the mystery of temperament—the inborn traits that shape who we are before life experience even gets a chance. In this episode of Extreme Brains, the hosts dive into the science of temperament, exploring how genetics, brain chemistry, and early development influence whether we’re naturally bold, cautious, easygoing, or intense. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral genetics, they discuss why temperament matters in everything from relationships to career choices—and whether we’re stuck with the temperament we’re born with. Can temperament be changed, or is it hardwired for life? Does it give us an evolutionary advantage, or does it sometimes hold us back? And would we be better off if we had the temperament of a dog—loyal, present, and blissfully free of overthinking?
Through engaging discussions, real-world examples, and plenty of humor, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider how much of their personality is under their control.

#2 - Instincts: What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?

Join Sam, David, and James as they dive into the fascinating world of instincts—those deep-seated survival mechanisms that shape human behavior in ways we often overlook. In this episode of Extreme Brains, the hosts explore the neuroscience behind instinctual reactions, from the split-second flinch to the fight-or-flight response, and examine how evolution has hardwired these behaviors into our brains.
Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, they discuss why instincts remain crucial in modern life, even when some seem outdated. Can we trust our gut feelings? Are our instincts helping or hindering us in today’s world? And would we be better off with the instincts of our dogs? Through thought-provoking discussions, real-world examples, and a bit of humor, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what they know about their own minds.
Plus, Sam introduces insights from his book, Tenacity and the 7 Instincts That Make Us Human, revealing the evolutionary drives behind resilience, motivation, and success. Tune in for an engaging and entertaining exploration of the primal forces that still shape our lives today.

#1 - The Evolution of Intelligence: How Did We Get So Smart?

In the premiere episode of Extreme Brains, Sam, David, and James embark on a deep dive into one of humanity’s biggest questions: how did we evolve to be so intelligent? From the early days of tool-making and fire-wielding ancestors to the complexities of modern problem-solving and artificial intelligence, this episode explores the fascinating journey of human cognition.
The hosts break down the key milestones in brain evolution—what sparked the dramatic expansion of intelligence in humans, why our social structures played a crucial role, and how genetics, environment, and culture shaped the way we think today. With a mix of humor, cutting-edge science, and engaging discussion, they tackle thought-provoking questions like: Did intelligence evolve by accident or necessity? Could other species eventually rival human cognition? And are we still evolving intellectually, or have we hit a plateau?
Expect sharp wit, surprising insights, and a fresh perspective on the origins of human intelligence in this exciting launch of Extreme Brains. Whether you’re a neuroscience nerd or just curious about what makes us tick, this episode will leave you thinking long after the conversation ends.