Speaking of the Brain

Madeline S. Cheng

Host Madeline S. Cheng dives into the science of how the brain really works - from everyday experiences to breakthrough technologies to new discoveries. Speaking of the Brain breaks down complex neuroscience into clear and engaging stories.

Episodes

  1. FEB 8

    The Neuroscience Making Movement Muscle Memory

    How does the brain turn practice into muscle memory? In this episode, we delve into how movement and memory are encoded in the brain, as explored through the work of Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Jun Ding. Learn how neural circuits refine with practice, why skills become automatic over time, and what this research reveals about aging, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Sources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/inside-the-science-of-memory https://www.usa.edu/blog/science-backed-memory-tips/ https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2024/03/memory-age-dementia-healthy-brain.html https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/stanford-researchers-observe-memory-formation-real-time https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2022/07/the-science-behind-muscle-memory.html https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-scientists-rethink-how-we-learn-to-move-in-the-world/ https://brainresilience.stanford.edu/news/rethinking-how-we-learn-move-world https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/all-our-different-types-memories

    7 min

  2. JAN 19

    New Year, Same Brain: Why New Year’s Resolutions Are So Hard to Stick to

    Why do New Year’s resolutions start out strong and then fizzle so fast? On this episode of Speaking of the Brain, we dive into what your brain is really doing when you try to change. From habit loops to motivation crashes to decision fatigue, we’ll explore why sticking to goals is harder than it seems and how to outsmart your own brain. Sources: https://sceniccityneurotherapy.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-a-neuroscience-and-psychological-perspective/ https://time.com/7342704/new-year-resolutions/ https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/brain-hack-neuroscience-tips-to-make-new-years-resolutions-stick https://news.wfu.edu/2025/12/11/thinking-of-making-new-years-resolutions-the-trick-isnt-trying-harder-its-planning-smarter/ https://hbr.org/2022/01/to-build-new-habits-get-comfortable-failing

    7 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Left or Right, Which Is It?: Debunking What We Think About Thinking

    Are you “left-brained” or “right-brained”? In this episode, we take a closer look at the popular myth behind the brain dominance theory and explore what neuroscience actually says. From hemispheric specialization to the brain’s high-speed communication system, the corpus callosum, we uncover why creativity, logic, intuition, and reasoning aren’t split down the middle. Tune in for a myth-busting dive into how the brain really functions as a whole.

    5 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    Bridging Mind and Motion: The Tech Helping People Walk Again

    In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking “digital bridge” developed by Dr. Grégoire Courtine and Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, a wireless brain-spine interface that helps restore movement after spinal cord injury. Learn how thoughts can once again become actions through cutting-edge neurotechnology. Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/post-next/interactive/2025/jocelyne-bloch-gregoire-courtine/ https://www.wired.com/sponsored/story/rolex-gregoire-courtine-neuroscience/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03306-x https://www.lausanneuniversityhospital.com/brain-computer-interface-enables-thought-controlled-walking-after-spinal-cord-injury https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05385-7

    7 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Precision Without Surgery: Dr. Ali Rezai and Focused Ultrasound

    Description: In this episode, we explore focused ultrasound–how this noninvasive technique targets deep brain circuits, how it can modulate neural activity, and why researchers see it as a breakthrough for treating conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and addiction. Sources: https://www.brightfocus.org/resource/how-focused-ultrasound-is-changing-alzheimers-treatment/ https://www.fusfoundation.org/posts/ali-rezai-emerging-applications-of-focused-ultrasound-alzheimer-s-disease/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/neurosurgeon-works-to-slow-alzheimers-progression-treat-drug-addiction-60-minutes-transcript/ https://www.rsna.org/media/press/i/2131

    6 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The Night Shift Inside Your Brain

    In this episode, we break down how your brain controls sleep–how it knows when to power down, what happens during each stage, and why quality rest is crucial for learning, memory, and mood. Sources: https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-48 https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-science-of-sleep-understanding-what-happens-when-you-sleep https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics

    7 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    Welcome to Speaking of the Brain! - Under Pressure: Why Stress Hits the Brain Hard

    Kicking off our very first episode, we dive into the neuroscience of stress: what triggers it, how your brain processes it, and what happens when stress becomes a daily norm. Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-01986-4 https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006

    6 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Host Madeline S. Cheng dives into the science of how the brain really works - from everyday experiences to breakthrough technologies to new discoveries. Speaking of the Brain breaks down complex neuroscience into clear and engaging stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Madeline S. Cheng
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madeline S. Cheng
  • Show Website
    Speaking of the Brain