#199 - Emily Willingham on THE TAILORED BRAIN

Journalist and science writer Emily Willingham chats with Trey Elling about THE TAILORED BRAIN: FROM KETAMINE, TO KETO, TO COMPANIONSHIP, A USER'S GUIDE TO FEELING BETTER AND THINKING SMARTER. Questions include: Why does the brain burn so much energy, even when it isn't doing much? (03:04) Can brain game apps translate to increased performance in real life? (10:41) Do any drugs enhance cognitive load, a la Bradley Cooper in Limitless? (13:53) How much does exercise help with cognition? (14:45) Can socioeconomics impact cognitive functioning? (18:04) Neurologically speaking, how does empathy work? (20:27) Is there a common mistake made when thinking about stress in modern times? (25:44) Do psychedelics help with anxiety? (28:45) Why do 'memory athletes' remember so much better than the average person? (32:58) How can temporary depression be valuable to the individual? (36:50) Can psychedelics help with depression? (39:20) Do Omega 3s or vitamin D combat depression? (40:48) How does sugar negatively affect creativity? (43:41)