PODCAST · health
brainSTEM
by Hilary Marusak
A podcast for anyone interested in the brain or brain disorders, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak and produced by Amanpreet and Manmeet Bhogal. Each episode interviews someone affected by a brain disorder and an expert. We cover a range of neurological & psychiatric disorders, like depression, PTSD, stroke, and Alzheimer's. We also discuss questions like what does COVID-19 do the brain, why do we sleep, and how does the brain develop? Follow us and email us!
Episodes
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E32 – More Than a Mood: Stories and Science of Bipolar Disorder
In this two-part episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak explores bipolar disorder from two angles: lived experience and neuroscience. In Part 1, she talks with Dr. Maya Schumer, a neuroscientist diagnosed with bipolar I at 20 who now studies the illness she lives with. Maya describes what mania...
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E31 – When Words Aren't Enough: Poetry, Mental Health, and the Healing Power of Art
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Alex Sheehan — spoken word poet, mental health advocate, and member of the One Mind Lived Experience community — for a conversation that takes the podcast somewhere a little different. Not just what's happening inside the brain, but...
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E30 – Breaking the Silence: Stories and Science of Depression
In this special two-part episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak explores one of the most common — and most misunderstood — mental health conditions: depression. We approach it from two angles: first through lived experience, then through cutting-edge neuroscience. In Part 1, Dr. Marusak sits…
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E29 – Your Brain on the Scroll: Kids, Screens, and the Developing Mind
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak and guest co-host Natalie Thurston sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Emma Duerden, a researcher at the forefront of understanding how early life experiences shape the developing brain — with a focus on resilience, cognitive ability, and children who...
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E28 – Harnessing Lived Experience: Brandon Staglin’s Mission to Transform Mental Health
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with mental health advocate and innovation leader Brandon Staglin, Co-Founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer of One Mind. Brandon has transformed his lived experience with schizophrenia into a national movement to accelerate...
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E27 – Hooked: Food Addiction, Ultra-Processed Diets, and the Brain
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak and co-producer Gabby Maramag sit down with clinical psychologist and leading food addiction researcher Dr. Ashley Gearhardt to unpack the science behind ultra-processed foods and their powerful effects on the brain. Food is central to our lives —…
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E26 – Neurodiversity, ADHD, and the Future of the Brain
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with neuroscientist, innovator, and thought leader Dr. Prantik Kundu to explore the evolving science and personal realities of neurodiversity. What does it really mean to have a “neurodivergent” brain? How do conditions like ADHD—often...
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E25 – Science Under Threat: NIH Funding Cuts and the Future of Research
In this special episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Alaina Jaster, host of Psychedelic Brain Science, a science advocate, and a postdoctoral research fellow in the THINK lab. They are also joined by Dr. Christine Rabinak, a world-leading PTSD researcher, who brings a unique...
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E24 – Clearing the Haze: The Science Behind Vaping
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Dr. David Ledgerwood, a leading expert in nicotine, vaping, and addiction, to explore the complex science behind vaping. Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but is it really? Dr. Ledgerwood breaks down the…
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E23 – Brain on Fire: Understanding Neuroinflammation’s Role in Addiction
In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Eric Woodcock, a leading expert in neuroinflammation and substance use disorders (SUDs), to explore how inflammation in the brain contributes to addiction. As research on the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction continues to…
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E22 – The Gut-Brain Connection: How our Microbiome Shapes Mental Health
In this fascinating episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Annelise Madison, a clinical psychologist and expert in psycho-neuro-immunology. Together, they explore the gut-brain connection and how our gut health influences mental well-being. Dr. Madison sheds light on the...
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E21 - Mind Over Marijuana: Unraveling Cannabis and the Brain
In this thought-provoking episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Dr. Matthew Hill, a leading expert in cannabis research, to discuss the complex relationship between cannabis and the brain. With the growing popularity of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use, there are...
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E20 - Runner's High and Beyond: The Neuroscience of Exercise
In this special episode of BrainSTEM, co-producer Aman takes the mic to interview host Dr. Hilary Marusak, neuroscientist and avid runner, about the fascinating connection between exercise and brain health. What exactly is a runner’s high, and how does it work? How do the brain’s endocannabinoids...
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E19 – Pulverizing the Stigma of Mental Illness
In this inspiring episode of BrainSTEM, host Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Jon Nelson, a dedicated mental health advocate and member of the One Mind Lived Experiences Council. Jon’s powerful story of resilience and advocacy, sparked by his personal journey through depression, is a call to...
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E18 - The Neuroscience of Anxiety: Expert Insights and Personal Journeys
TW: This episode briefly mentions suicidal thoughts and ideation. Most people experience symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and heavy breathing, from time to time. This is normal. However, individuals with anxiety disorders often experience these intense emotions and symptoms for...
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E17 – Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety
In this Halloween special episode, Dr. Marusak interviews Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University about fear and his new book, “Afraid”. They discuss the purpose of fear, fear-based disorders, such as...
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E16 – Baby on Board: How Pregnancy Shapes “Mommy Brain”
First, Dr. Marusak talks with her best friend, Kristen Ciantro. Kristen is a stay-at-home mom with four kids (the fourth was actually born right before this episode aired!) and a degree in electrical engineering. Then, Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Bridget Callaghan, an Assistant Professor of...
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E15 - Air Pollution and the Brain: Unhazing the Impact of the Environment on Brain Health
This special episode features an interview with Dr. Clara Zundel, Ph.D., about recent research on the impact of air pollution on the brain and mental health. Dr. Zundel is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University’s School…
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E14 – Brain Stimulation: Electric Insights and New Approaches in Psychiatry
In this special episode, Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Greg Fonzo, Ph.D. about recent advances in brain stimulation used in his lab and others. Dr. Fonzo is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral…
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E13 – OCD: Delving into Compulsions and Intrusions
First, Dr. Marusak talks with Johnny Crowder, a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, mental health & sobriety advocate, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. Then,...
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E12 - Decoding Antisocial Behavior: Perspectives from a Neuroscientist/Psychologist
This special episode covers antisocial behavior, with an interview with neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. Luke Hyde. Dr. Hyde is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. His work focuses on how adversity and inequality impact child brain and behavior development with an additional...
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E11 - Burnout in Healthcare: Understanding the Toll on the Healers
Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Sunny S. Lou, MD, PhD, about burnout among medical professionals. Dr. Lou is a fellow in the Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Lou’s research interests include leveraging information from…
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E10 – Pediatric PTSD: Taking a Deeper Dive into Childhood Trauma’s Lingering Shadows (Spotify Video Version)
First, Dr. Marusak talks with Vara, a young cancer survivor with PTSD symptoms. Then, she talks with Dr. Ryan Herringa, a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist at University of Wisconsin who specializes in the treatment and study of childhood traumatic stress and PTSD. To learn more about Dr....
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E09 – Psychedelics in Psychiatry: New Frontiers of Healing (Spotify Video Version)
First, Dr. Marusak talks with two black women therapists about psychedelics: Jamilah George (@MilahSingz), a Clinical Psychology PhD student, and Sara Reed (@minds_health), a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and CEO of a mental health technology company called Minds iHealth Solutions. Then,...
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E10 – Pediatric PTSD: Taking a Deeper Dive into Childhood Trauma’s Lingering Shadows
First, Dr. Marusak talks with Vara, a young cancer survivor with PTSD symptoms. Then, she talks with Dr. Ryan Herringa, a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist at University of Wisconsin who specializes in the treatment and study of childhood traumatic stress and PTSD. For a video version of this...
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E09 - Psychedelics in Psychiatry: New Frontiers of Healing
First, Dr. Marusak talks with two black women therapists who specialize in psychedelic psychotherapy: Jamilah George (@MilahSingz), a Clinical Psychology PhD student, and Sara Reed (@minds_health), a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and CEO of a mental health technology company called Minds...
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E08 - PTSD: Unearthing Trauma’s Deep Roots in the Mind
Dr. Marusak first interviews Dan Zia Joseph, an Army Officer in California serving as a Combat Engineering Platoon Leader while he completes a Masters in Psychology. Then, she talks with Dr. Tanja Jovanovic, a neuroscientist who specializes in the study of PTSD Neurobiology at Wayne State...
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E07 – Schizophrenia: The Neuroscience of the Fragmented Mind
First, Dr. Marusak talks to Lindsay Rauch, the youngest of 12 siblings and 6 of the siblings had schizophrenia. Her family was the personal focus of a fantastic book called ‘Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family”, which also gives a wonderful history of schizophrenia in the US…
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E06 – Human-Animal Interactions and Mental Health: Unleashing the Healing Power of our Animal Companions
Dr. Marusak interviews Niki Vettel, a registered pet therapy handler who specializes in addiction disorders & trauma. Then, she talks to Dr. Megan Mueller, a researcher at Tufts University who specializes in the study of human-animal interactions, including pet ownership and animal-assisted...
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E05 - Prosopagnosia: Exploring the World of Face Blindness
Listen to KC talk about what life is like with developmental prosopagnosia or face blindness. Next, Dr. Marusak interviews Dr. Sherryse Corrow, a researcher at Bethel University who specializes in the study of prosopagnosia and high-level visual function. To learn more about Dr. Corrow’s…
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E04 – COVID-19 Unmasked: Impact on the Brain
Dr. Marusak interviews Dr. Jennifer Frontera, a neurologist and Professor at NYU, about the neurological effects of COVID-19, including stroke and “long COVID”. She then talks to Dr. Krystal Lewis, a licensed clinical psychologist at the NIMH, about the mental health impacts of the pandemic. For...
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E03 - Concussion & CTE: Unmasking the Brain’s Silent Battle
Dr. Marusak talks with Darren Leins, a former college football player who grew up around football, about head injuries and potential chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) symptoms. She then talks with Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, a physician and researcher who specializes in the study and treatment of...
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E02 – Tourette Syndrome: Beyond the Tics – Unveiling a Neurological Portrait
Dr. Marusak interviews Craig "Tourettes Cop" about what life is like with Tourette syndrome. She then talks to Dr. Deanna Greene, a cognitive neuroscientist at UCSD, about the brain basis of Tourette syndrome. Follow Tourettes cop on instagram. To learn more about Dr. Greene's research, click…
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E01 - Behind the Mic: Meet the Host!
Meet the host, Dr. Hilary Marusak, a neuroscientist who studies brain development, trauma, childhood anxiety disorders, and PTSD. Dr. Marusak discusses the format and goals of the brainSTEM podcast. Audio by Amanpreet & Manmeet Bhogal. Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast for anyone interested in the brain or brain disorders, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak and produced by Amanpreet and Manmeet Bhogal. Each episode interviews someone affected by a brain disorder and an expert. We cover a range of neurological & psychiatric disorders, like depression, PTSD, stroke, and Alzheimer's. We also discuss questions like what does COVID-19 do the brain, why do we sleep, and how does the brain develop? Follow us and email us!
HOSTED BY
Hilary Marusak
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does brainSTEM have?
brainSTEM currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is brainSTEM about?
A podcast for anyone interested in the brain or brain disorders, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak and produced by Amanpreet and Manmeet Bhogal. Each episode interviews someone affected by a brain disorder and an expert. We cover a range of neurological & psychiatric disorders, like...
How often does brainSTEM release new episodes?
brainSTEM has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to brainSTEM?
You can listen to brainSTEM on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts brainSTEM?
brainSTEM is created and hosted by Hilary Marusak.
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