Think Twice Podcast

Think Twice Podcast
  • 4.0 (4)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Get your critical thinking caps on! ‘Think Twice’ discusses controversial topics in the field of neuroscience with the goal of bringing more nuance and rigor to mainstream media. We’ll take you past the headlines by breaking down relevant neuroscience topics, interviewing experts in the field and overcoming misinformation/disinformation with evidence-based content. This podcast is run by a small group of graduate students at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University. We hope to bring down barriers to the dissemination of scientific information, give early-career neuroscientists a voice, and foster a culture of entertaining and accessible science communication.

  1. 59 : Brains in motion : Why walking in a crowd is harder than it looks

    1D AGO

    59 : Brains in motion : Why walking in a crowd is harder than it looks

    What really goes on in your brain when you dodge someone on a crowded sidewalk or adjust your step without thinking? From everyday actions like walking and driving to split-second changes in unpredictable environments, our brain is constantly choosing, predicting, and adapting in real time. In this episode, we sit down with Cesar, a PhD student studying how the brain makes complex decisions in the middle of movement. We talk about why even the simplest movements are packed with decision-making to keep us moving in the real world. Cesar is a 7th year PhD student at Université de Montréal. Academically, Cesar considers himself to be very curious and eager to learn. He enjoys helping others and sharing knowledge, as well as developing new skills. In everyday life, he likes to stay active, work with his hands, and take care of those around him. Sports play an important role in his life, despite having experienced a few interruptions due to injuries. He can also be somewhat reserved, often preferring to give others space rather than take center stage. One thing Cesar acknowledges about himself is a tendency toward indecision, which he finds ironic given that he is pursuing a PhD on decision-making. Authors: Eve Racette Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    48 min
  2. 58 : Neuroeconomics

    MAR 20

    58 : Neuroeconomics

    How pain would you be willing to endure for 20$? How much money would you be willing to spend to avoid feeling pain? Why does spending money sometimes feel so painful? From the sting of a high price tag to the relief of a good deal, your brain is constantly weighing costs and rewards beneath the surface. In this episode, we dive into the world of neuroeconomics to explore how the brain processes financial decisions in ways that overlap with physical and emotional pain. We talk about how these neural signals shape our everyday choices and why understanding them might change how you think about money. Authors: Zara Sheikh, Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    30 min
  3. 57 : Embracing Chaos : The Entropic Brain

    MAR 6

    57 : Embracing Chaos : The Entropic Brain

    Let's explore the concept of the entropic brain, a framework that describes how the brain can shift between organized and disorganized or chaotic states. We know that psylocibin temporarily increases this entropy, allowing the brain to break out of rigid activity patterns to access new ways of perceiving and processing information. In this episode, we talk about how brain entropy reflects the variability of our neural activity and thought patterns. We discuss how a shift in entropy can open the door to insights, emotional breakthroughs, and greater psychological flexibility. Authors: Jake Rockandel, Eve Racette Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    22 min
  4. 56 : A Psychedelic Reboot : Rewiring the Brain After Concussions

    FEB 20

    56 : A Psychedelic Reboot : Rewiring the Brain After Concussions

    A concussion isn't just a bump on the head; it disrupts entire networks and can have long term implications when ignored. Unfortunately, even with advances in modern neuroscience, recovery is difficult and sometimes ineffective. In this episode, we discuss how psychedelics may enhance neuroplasticity and what that could mean for concussion recovery with Dylan, a graduate student studying the intersection of psychedelics and traumatic brain injuries. We dive into the biological mechanisms behind neuroplasticity, why concussions disrupt it, and how psychedelic compounds are being investigated as potential tools to support the brain’s adaptive processes. We also discuss personal experiences with concussions, current research limitations, and what the next generation of studies aims to uncover. Dylan Graff is a second-year master's student at Queen’s University Centre for Neuroscience Studies, where he works under the supervision of Dr. Douglas James Cook. His research focuses on using advanced neuroimaging methods, particularly resting-state fMRI, to understand how mild traumatic brain injuries affect brain connectivity and network function. Driven by a strong interest in both brain injury and mental health, Dylan’s work also examines the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies. He aims to bridge findings from psychedelic research in mood disorders with neuroimaging studies in brain injury, exploring whether these emerging treatments may help address persisting symptoms after concussion. Authors: Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    40 min
  5. 55: Getting social with the robots : Social robotics in the real world

    FEB 6

    55: Getting social with the robots : Social robotics in the real world

    Let's dive into the surprising world of social robots! Recent research tells us that they have a very real impact on our emotions, habits, and health. Some robots soothe anxiety, boost motivation, or help people regain movement, while others simply offer a non-judgmental presence that humans sometimes struggle to match. In this episode, we explore why some people warm up to robots while others prefer to keep their distance. Along the way, we look at the quirks, challenges, and unexpectedly human moments that happen when a machine becomes part of the conversation. This episode is sponsored by the Connected Minds program. Connected Minds, funded by the Canadian First Research Excellence Fund, is a 7-year collaborative program between York University and Queen’s University that focuses on interdisciplinary, ethical, and socially responsible research and technology development. The program offers funding for trainees, researchers, and artists. To learn more and get involved, visit the Connected Minds website. Website: https://www.yorku.ca/research/connected-minds/a Authors: Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    39 min
  6. 54: Nostalgia : The Brain's Soft Spot for the Past

    JAN 23

    54: Nostalgia : The Brain's Soft Spot for the Past

    Nostalgia isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s your brain revisiting the past in order to shape your future. In this episode, we explore how memories, emotion, personality and our senses work together to create nostalgia, and why certain songs, smells, or moments can instantly transport us back in time. We discuss how the brain uses nostalgia to regulate emotion, motivate us and even cope with stress and pain! From its surprising medical history to what modern neuroscience tells us, this episode unpacks why longing for the past is such a deeply human experience. Authors: Deanne Pinto, Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    26 min
  7. 53: Your Brain is Still Changing at 83 - A Journal Club

    JAN 9

    53: Your Brain is Still Changing at 83 - A Journal Club

    The human brain doesn't mature in a straight line like we historically thought. A 2025 paper that looked at brains of thousands of individuals suggested that the brain actually rewires itself differently in 5 different stages of life. In this journal club episode, we break down fascinating results that show us that our brains are never truly done maturing! Join us in a journal club episode of this fascinating paper that has already cumulated well over 200k views worldwide! Authors: Shima Hassanpour, Logan Hynes, Zara Sheikh, Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    43 min
  8. 53: Firing and Wiring : An Overview of Neurotransmission

    12/12/2025

    53: Firing and Wiring : An Overview of Neurotransmission

    Ever wonder what’s really happening when your brain ‘fires’? In this episode, we explore neurotransmission, the rapid electrochemical messaging system that lets your neurons talk to each other and to the rest of your body, to allow you to plan, think, move, perceive, etc. We unpack neurotransmitters, receptors, and the multiple layers of complexity in which neurotransmitters shape mood, memory, movement, and more. Authors: Eve Racette, Golnar Taheri Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

    54 min
See All (59)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Get your critical thinking caps on! ‘Think Twice’ discusses controversial topics in the field of neuroscience with the goal of bringing more nuance and rigor to mainstream media. We’ll take you past the headlines by breaking down relevant neuroscience topics, interviewing experts in the field and overcoming misinformation/disinformation with evidence-based content. This podcast is run by a small group of graduate students at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University. We hope to bring down barriers to the dissemination of scientific information, give early-career neuroscientists a voice, and foster a culture of entertaining and accessible science communication.

Information

  • Creator
    Think Twice Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Think Twice Podcast