Shows
The Better Brain PodcastHidden Factors Destroying Your Sleep (Trauma, SSRI, Light, Alcohol) & How to Fix It l Gina Poe, PhDWhy can’t you sleep — and what’s your brain doing while you toss and turn?World-renowned UCLA neuroscientist Dr. Gina Poe joins the Better Brain Podcast to reveal the surprising science of sleep. We dive deep into REM, sleep stages, circadian rhythm, and how alcohol, weed, antidepressants, and even painkillers disrupt your brain's ability to rest and repair.We break down real sleep data from co-host Dr. Kevin Bickart, uncover how sleep impacts memory and learning, and share powerful, science-backed tips to upgrade your sleep—starting tonight.🧠 Hosted by Dr. Daniel...2025-06-251h 44The Better Brain PodcastThe Dalai Lama’s Neuroscientist REVEALS Keys to Lasting Wellbeing & Longevity l Richie Davidson, PhD What if the key to well-being isn’t what you think?In this episode, we sit down with renowned psychiatrist and mindfulness researcher Dr. Richie Davidson—scientific advisor to the Dalai Lama—to explore the science of well-being.We discuss the power of purpose, the proven techniques to boost happiness, and how cultivating well-being can actually extend your life.Chapters Include:The science behind emotional resilienceWhy purpose is essential to healthHow mindfulness reshapes the brainPractical tools for lasting well-beingConnect with the Bet...2025-06-1228 minThe Better Brain PodcastUNFILTERED Truth On Seed Oils: Science-Based Gut Health Tools l Tim Spector, MD & Sarah Berry, PhDIn this episode of the Better Brain Podcast, neurologists Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart sit down with two leading experts in nutrition science: Sarah Berry, lead nutritional scientist at Zoe, and Tim Spector, renowned epidemiologist, author, and co-founder of Zoe.We dive into the complex world of nutrition research, exploring:Why traditional studies in nutrition are so flawedHow Zoe is changing the game with personalized dataThe real story behind seed oils and social media mythsWhy gut health directly affects your brain and mood...2025-05-282h 12The Better Brain PodcastPrevent Dementia by Modifying THESE Risk Factors: Cut Dementia Risk by 50%Join Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart for an discussion dementia and the modifiable risk factors that could help prevent or ward off the diagnosis. The duo cover how dementia is diagnosed, what brain imaging demonstrates in dementia, and the most significant risk factors for developing dementia and how to address certain of these risk factors to aid in the prevention of dementia. Timestamps:00:00 – Intro3:17 – Dementia is Growing5:03 – What is Dementia?10:43 – Psychological Disorders and Prodromal Theories13:56 – Normal Aging and Memory Loss21:34 – When should patients be concerned? 23:00 – Age-Related Brain Volume Loss25:20 – Dia...2025-03-311h 30The Better Brain PodcastSimple Tools to Manage Your Stress Today and the Resiliency Myth l Aditi Nerurkar, MDJoin Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart for an important discussion on stress with Dr. Aditi Neurukar MD, MPH, a renowned Harvard-trained doctor specializing in stress, public speaker, and best-selling author. Check out her book: The 5 Resets, a reimagined approach to transform your stress and burnout for good. In this episode, Dr. Neurukar defines stress, and how it can progress from healthy to unhealthy. She shares why humans have the need to stay on their phones, and the debilitating effects of doom scrolling. She also breaks the myth that multitasking is beneficial, and discusses the importance of l...2025-02-241h 03The Better Brain PodcastPersonalized Diet & Nutrition Tips to Promote Your Microbiome and Longevity | Federica Amati, PhDOn this episode of the Better Brain Podcast, Drs. Daniel Rafie and Kevin Bickart chat with Dr. Frederica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, the science and nutrition company. She is also a best-selling author, with her new book, Every Body Should Know This, being described as a fascinating DIY guide to food and health. In this episode, Dr. Amati shares insights on early childhood interventions and building a healthy food environment, exploring the connection between the gut microbiome, nutrition, and mental health. She emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a balanced diet and how eating well at any a...2025-01-212h 51
The Better Brain Podcast6 Easy Ways to Nurture Your Gut Microbiome and Brain l Tim Spector, MD, PhDDrs. Daniel Rafie and Dr. Kevin Bickart examine gut and brain health with Dr. Tim Spector. Dr. Spector is a Professor of Epidemiology at King’s College London and scientific co-founder of ZOE, the science and nutrition company. He is the bestselling author of The Diet Myth, Spoon-Fed and Food for Life. The original pioneer of microbiome research, he is among the top 100 most-cited scientists in the world.In this episode, Dr. Spector discusses the importance of the gut microbiome to various aspects of health including disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental illness. He discusses easy ch...2024-12-211h 18
The Better Brain PodcastNeurogenetics: Genetics of Neuropsychiatric Illness and Genetic - Based Treatments l Daniel Geschwind, MDOn this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Daniel Geschwind, a renowned expert in neurogenetics, join us for a compelling conversation.Dr. Geschwind holds the prestigious titles of Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, Neurology and Psychiatry at UCLA. He is also the Senior Associate Dean and Associate Vice Chancellor of Precision Health. In this episode, he shares his profound insights into the intersection of neurogenetics with neuropsychiatric diseases and traumatic brain injuries.Together, we delve into the exciting world of neurogenetics, exploring how this rapidly evolving field is transforming the...2024-07-021h 17
The Better Brain PodcastExtreme Sports, Overcoming Fear, and the Flow State l Owen FoxJoin Dr. Daniel Rafie, Sports Neurologist and host of the UCLA BrainSPORT podcast, in an exhilarating conversation with professional downhill skateboarder, Owen Fox. In this episode, they delve into the world of extreme sports, exploring the psychology behind overcoming fear and achieving the elusive flow state. Owen shares his firsthand experiences in downhill skateboarding, shedding light on the adrenaline-fueled thrills and the potential dangers inherent in his sport. Tune in as they discuss the mental and physical challenges of extreme sports and how athletes like Owen navigate the fine line between passion and risk.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction2024-03-221h 16The Better Brain PodcastResiliency & Overcoming Adversity: A Miraculous Recovery from a Spinal Cord Injury | Ryan ShazierJoin host Daniel Rafie and NFL veteran and former Pittsburg Steelers All-Pro defensive linebacker, Ryan Shazier, on this episode of the UCLA BrainSport Podcast. Ryan’s stellar career and his road to the NFL Hall of Fame was suddenly cut short by an on-field spinal cord injury. Ryan was given less than a 20% chance of walking again, but despite these odds, he was able to make a miraculous recovery and is now walking and leading a fulfilled life. The pair discuss the context of his injury and the physical and psychological consequences that resulted from it. They then go on...2024-01-251h 34
The Better Brain PodcastThe Science of Spirituality and Impact on Mental Health l Lisa Miller, PhD & Kevin Bickart MD, PhDDive into the exploration of spirituality in the latest UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast episode. Host Adel engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Lisa Miller, Columbia Psychology professor and author of "The Awakened Brain," along with Dr. Kevin Bickart, Neurobehavioral physician at UCLA.Join the trio as they discuss the meaning and science behind spirituality and its indispensable role in the human condition. Discover insights into the connection between spirituality and mental health, and how the absence of spirituality may contribute to mental illness.This episode offers a straightforward exploration of the topic, providing valuable insights...2023-12-201h 36
The Better Brain PodcastCauses of Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Links to ADHD and Autism, Prevention & Treatment Tips l Chris Palmer, MD l Part BIn Part B of the Brain Energy BrainSPORT Podcast episode, your host Adel is joined by Dr. Chris Palmer, a distinguished Harvard psychiatrist and best-selling author of the book "Brain Energy." Together, they continue their exploration of the Brain Energy theory.The pair discuss the link between diet and mitochondrial function, including the role of the ketogenic diet. The conversation shifts to the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and Autism. Wrapping up, Dr. Palmer and Adel provide actionable strategies to avoid mitochondrial dysfunctionTo fully enjoy this episode, check...2023-11-221h 28
The Better Brain PodcastRevolutionizing Mental Health: The Brain Energy Theory l Chris Palmer, MD | Part AVisit https://www.brainsportpodcast.com to subscribe to the BrainSPORT Podcast and access exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Join host Adel in this UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast episode featuring Dr. Chris Palmer, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the author of the best-selling book, Brain Energy. In part A of this two-part series, they dissect the Brain Energy Theory for Mental Illness.The pair assesses the current state of mental illness diagnosis and management, emphasizing certain shortcomings.The heart of the discussion is the Brain Energy Theory. The duo explore how m...2023-10-271h 20
The Better Brain PodcastUnlocking the Secrets of Dopamine: Breaking Bad Habits, Mental Health, and Addiction Recovery with Dr. Anna LembkeIn this thought-provoking episode of the UCLA BrainSPORT Podcast, host Adel delves into the enigmatic world of the dopamine neurotransmitter and its profound implications for mental health and addiction. Join us as we welcome the distinguished Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist at Stanford University and the celebrated author of the New York Times bestseller, "Dopamine Nation."Dr. Lembke, a recognized expert in the field, offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of dopamine in our lives. Together, they navigate the intricate relationship between this powerful neurotransmitter, mental illness, and the pervasive grip of addiction on our...2023-10-221h 10