Extreme Brains Podcast
EXTREME BRAINS is a sharp, fast-moving podcast where Sam, David, and James take on the wild, confusing, and often hilarious ways our minds work. Each episode pushes into a different corner of neuroscience, culture, and everyday life. Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off and raises the stakes with stories of danger, touched genius, hacked perception, pushed creativity, lived with extreme memory, or tested the limits of what a brain can be. From how we process fear to how we experience time, from the need for connection to the future of consciousness itself, the trio breaks it all down with curiosity, humor, and a touch of chaos.
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Episodes
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, they discuss why instincts remain crucial in modern life, even when some seem outdated.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.
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
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.