#04 - Professor Alan Brichta - The Hidden Sense: Vestibular Science and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Tucked away deep in the hardest part of the skull hides the vestibular system, the mysterious unsung hero of the senses. Professor Alan Brichta is its number one fan. Most of us never think about balance until we lose it. But behind every step you take, every glance you stabilise, and every movement you make, there’s a silent system at work: the vestibular system.In this episode I sit down with Professor Alan Brichta, a leading neurobiologist from the University of Newcastle, to explore the science of balance—and why it matters more than we realise.Alan’s groundbreaking research has redefined what we know about the brain’s “hidden sense.” From pioneering semi-intact inner ear models to uncovering how the brain talks back to the ear through efferent pathways, his work sheds light on a system that connects motion, emotion, and cognition.We dive into:The biology of balance—why the vestibular system is the unsung hero of everyday movement.How efferent feedback reveals a two-way dialogue between brain and ear.What happens when the balance system malfunctions—vertigo, dizziness, and their psychological toll.The surprising links between vestibular dysfunction, anxiety, and sense of self.How balance training could support healthy ageing, concussion recovery, and even elite performance.Whether you’re a neuroscientist, a psychologist, an athlete, or simply someone who’s ever felt dizzy, this conversation will change the way you think about balance and the brain.