Neuro Logic

Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) University of Texas at Dallas

Amber Kidwai and Sarah Monier, Doctoral students at the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) at The University of Texas at Dallas, explore matters related to cognition and the brain. This podcast features conversations with leading scientists who share their insights to promote cognitive health for life. Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply interested in keeping your mind sharp, this podcast offers valuable insights into the workings of our most complex organ. Please support the podcast by donating here: https://giving.utdallas.edu/CVL and direct your gift to 'Neuro Logic Podcast'.

  1. 3d ago

    More than a Headache: The Neuroscience of Migraines

    In this episode, we sit down with Mandee Schaub, a Neuroscience PhD candidate at UT Dallas, to discuss the science behind migraine and what researchers are learning about the mechanisms that contribute to migraine pain. We discuss what happens in the brain and body during a migraine, why some people are more susceptible to migraines than others, and exciting advances in treatment. Mandee also shares her unique perspective as both a migraine researcher and someone living with chronic migraine and talks about her efforts to raise awareness and advocate for those affected by headache disorder. And thanks in part to Mandee’s advocacy efforts, June is now officially recognized as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in Texas!

    More than a Headache: The Neuroscience of Migraines

  2. Jul 31

    The Surprising Link between Gut Health and Brain Health with Dr. Barbara Bendlin

    In this episode, we discuss the link between the gut microbiome and brain health with Dr. Barbara Bendlin, Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Associate Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. We explore why the gut microbiome has emerged as an exciting new area of Alzheimer’s disease research and what current evidence suggests about its role in brain aging and dementia risk. Dr. Bendlin explains what the gut microbiome is, how it changes with aging and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether it could one day help identify individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. We also discuss the evidence behind approaches to modifying the gut microbiome including diet, probiotics, and fecal transplantation, and the challenges of translating these discoveries into clinical practice. Dr. Bendlin's Lab Website: https://bendlinlab.medicine.wisc.edu/ Hosted By AMBER KIDWAI & SARAH MONIER Filmed And Edited By PAN GU Marketing & Operations Producer: PATRICIA MORAN FOLLOW US: Instagram: @neurologicpodcast BlueSky: @neurologicpodcast.bsky.social X: @NeuroLogicCVL Facebook: @Neuro Logic Podcast

    The Surprising Link between Gut Health and Brain Health with Dr. Barbara Bendlin

  3. Jun 16

    Human-Robot Interactions: The Future of Aging with Dr. Wendy Rogers

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Rogers, Professor of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to talk about human factors—what it really means to design technology with people in mind. We learn how technology is shaping independence, dignity, and well-being as we age, and what happens when design truly reflects human needs. We also explore exciting innovations like assistive robots that support everyday tasks, enhance social connection, and even play a role in caregiving and dementia care. Whether you’re interested in aging, robotics, or the role of technology in our daily lives, this is a  conversation you won’t want to miss. DR. WENDY ROGERS Lab: http://www.hfaging.org/ Google Scholar: https://scholar-google-com.utd.idm.oc... Hosted By AMBER KIDWAI & SARAH MONIER Filmed And Edited By PAN GU Marketing & Operations Producer: PATRICIA MORAN FOLLOW US: Instagram: @neurologicpodcast BlueSky: @neurologicpodcast.bsky.social X: @NeuroLogicCVL Facebook: @Neuro Logic Podcast

    Human-Robot Interactions: The Future of Aging with Dr. Wendy Rogers

  4. May 19

    The Little Brain's Role in Aging and Brain Health with Dr. Jessica Bernard

    In this episode, we discuss the Cerebellum, or 'Little Brain', with Dr. Jessica Bernard, an Endowed Professor at Texas A & M University. We discuss her work on how cognitive and motor behavior changes with aging, and how the cerebellum, an often overlooked little brain region at the bottom of the brain, plays a big role in how we move, think and age. Dr. Bernard shares research on sex differences and how this region is affected by hormones and impacted by Alzheimer's disease. We explore the broad role of the cerebellum in shaping cognition, memory and resilience in aging and disease and we dive into how this region may be a new target for interventions aimed at slowing cognitive decline. FOLLOW US: Instagram: @neurologicpodcast BlueSky: @neurologicpodcast.bsky.social X: @NeuroLogicCVL Facebook: @Neuro Logic Podcast DR. JESSICA BERNARD Lab: https://www.lifespancognitivelab.com/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... HOSTED BY: Amber Kidwai and Sarah Monier FILMED AND EDITED BY: Pan Gu MARKETING & OPERATIONS PRODUCER: Patricia Moran

    The Little Brain's Role in Aging and Brain Health with Dr. Jessica Bernard

  5. Mar 24

    Round Table Series: Cardiovascular Health and the Aging Brain

    Welcome to our new ‘Round Table Series’ where Sarah and Amber chat about the latest research in brain health! In this episode we examine the relationship between heart health and brain health, with insights from Dr. Binu Thomas, an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center whose research focuses on neuroimaging and cerebrovascular physiology. We discuss how physical health impacts brain health, what this looks like in aging and dementia, and practical tips for keeping our brains healthy as we age.

    Round Table Series: Cardiovascular Health and the Aging Brain

  6. Jan 23

    How Humans Find Their Way: The Cognitive Neuroscience of Navigation

    How does the brain know where we are -- and how do we find our way through the world? In this episode, we explore the cognitive neuroscience of spatial navigation with Dr. Steven Weisberg, a cognitive neuroscientist at The University of Texas at Arlington. We discuss how the brain supports navigation, why some people have a better sense of direction than others, how navigation abilities change with age, and how tools like GPS and virtual reality shape spatial cognition. Dr. Weisberg also shares insights into whether navigation skills can be trained and practical ways we can improve our ability to find our way.

    How Humans Find Their Way: The Cognitive Neuroscience of Navigation

  7. 12/10/2025

    The Adolescent Brain: Why Teens Think, Feel, and Act Differently

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Beatriz Luna, Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a pioneer in research on the adolescent brain. We discuss the science behind teenage impulsivity and risk taking and why these behaviors are not only normal. but essential for learning, exploration, and developing independence. Dr. Luna explains the neurobiological changes taking place during this critical stage of life and discusses their implications for mental health and addiction. We also explore how this research can inform public policies that better support adolescents. Finally, she offers practical guidance for supporting teens as they navigate this exciting yet challenging period.

    The Adolescent Brain: Why Teens Think, Feel, and Act Differently

  8. 10/30/2025

    Why some brains stay resilient: The Neuroscience of Cognitive Reserve with Dr. Yaakov Stern

    In this special episode, recorded in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL), we welcome Dr. Yaakov Stern—recipient of the inaugural Denise C. Park Research Excellence Award. We discuss his influential theory of cognitive reserve and explore how our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease has evolved over the decades. Dr. Stern also shares insights from his longitudinal RANN study and discusses how lifestyle, education, and even early-life experiences shape our brain’s ability to adapt and thrive as we age.

    Why some brains stay resilient: The Neuroscience of Cognitive Reserve with Dr. Yaakov Stern
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About

Amber Kidwai and Sarah Monier, Doctoral students at the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) at The University of Texas at Dallas, explore matters related to cognition and the brain. This podcast features conversations with leading scientists who share their insights to promote cognitive health for life. Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply interested in keeping your mind sharp, this podcast offers valuable insights into the workings of our most complex organ. Please support the podcast by donating here: https://giving.utdallas.edu/CVL and direct your gift to 'Neuro Logic Podcast'.

Information

  • Creator
    Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) University of Texas at Dallas
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) University of Texas at Dallas
  • Show Website
    Neuro Logic