Dr. Kate Slade, Lecturer and Researcher at Lancaster University, discusses her research on the intersection of hearing loss, aging, and cognition. She explores how hearing loss affects mental health and wellbeing, particularly in older adults, and the implications of health inequalities on hearing outcomes. The conversation also delves into the impact of COVID-19 on hearing and cognition, as well as common misconceptions about hearing loss and its relationship to cognitive decline. We delve into various themes surrounding hearing health, research methodologies, and the intersection of science and comedy. Dr. Slade explores the potential of dream experiments with unlimited funding, and the vision of a research city. The discussion also highlights the importance of non-significant results in research, the value of longitudinal studies, and the joy of communicating science through comedy, emphasizing the need for accessible and engaging science communication.

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In this episode of the Smooth Brain Society, Sahir and Amer engage with Dr. Cicilia Larasati Rembulan, Associate Professor from Universitas Ciputra, Indonesia, to discuss her recently published research on subjective well-being. The conversation explores the definitions of well-being, the measurement of happiness, and the role of social comparison and financial well-being in shaping life satisfaction among an Indonesian population sample. Dr. Rembulan shares her findings that social comparison does not significantly affect happiness, while financial well-being plays a crucial role. The discussion also delves into practical implications and future research directions.

Read the article here: https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop/article/view/14791

The Effects of Social Comparison and Subjective Financial Well-Being on Subjective Well-Being - Theda Renanita and Cicilia Larasati Rembulan

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Dive into the fascinating world of pain research with Arnas Tamasauskas, a PhD student at the University of Liverpool. Explore the mysteries of neuropathic pain, genetic quirks which lead to some people feeling no pain, and the use of MRI and interviews in understanding chronic pain and invisible disabilities. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the Smooth Brain Society podcast.

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Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of emotion regulation and attentional deployment with Dr. Daniel Rojas Líbano of Universidad Diego Portales. Santiago, Chile. Discover how shifting focus can influence emotional responses and explore the implications of these findings in real-world applications. Perfect for psychology enthusiasts and anyone curious about the science behind our emotions. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation!

https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop/article/view/15803/15803.html

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In this fascinating episode we dive into the world of somatosensation with Adarsh Makdani, a researcher at Liverpool John Moores University. Discover the intricacies of mechanosensory receptors, the science behind pain and itch, and the groundbreaking techniques used to study these sensations. Adarsh shares insights into his research journey, the importance of collaboration, and the ethical considerations in experimental pain research. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about how our bodies perceive the world, this episode offers a deep dive into the sensory experiences that shape our lives. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

https://profiles.ljmu.ac.uk/8382-adarsh-makdani

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⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses child sexual exploitation, trafficking, and trauma.

What does the law really say about protecting children — and who does it leave behind? 🚨 This week on Smooth Brain Society, Dr. Pantea Javidan of Stanford University joins host Sahir and co-host Sabrina Page (Founder of the Gender Violence Research and Collaboration Network) to expose the hidden history of child trafficking laws, the shocking contradictions in how minors are criminalized, and why cases like Jeffrey Epstein reveal a system built to protect the powerful, not the vulnerable. We also dive into today’s battles over age of consent, criminal responsibility, and how children’s rights are being trampled in real time.

Dr. Pantea Javidan: https://humanrights.stanford.edu/people/pantea-javidan

News stories mentioned in intro: https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/13/headlines/state_department_scrubs_reporting_on_human_rights_abuses_committed_by_trumps_allies

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/youth-crime/trump-youth-crime-donald-elon-musk-doge/65-20a65893-4f32-4c12-873b-2d8449deb5e6

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Can autistic adults lie—and detect lies—like everyone else? And what happens when the justice system misreads autism traits as deception?

In this episode, we sit down with Tiegan Blackhurst, a doctoral researcher at Lancaster University, to dive into her research on autism and deceptive communication. Tiegan breaks down how autistic adults navigate truth and lies, and how misunderstanding these behaviors in legal settings can lead to serious consequences.

💡 Topics covered:

• Can autistic people lie? (spoiler: yes!)
• How stereotypes around eye contact and “shifty” behavior hurt autistic individuals
• Real-world impacts: from police interactions to courtroom bias
• Why both police and the public need better training
• The "Prison Houdini" case and what it reveals

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What is creativity, really? In this episode of the Smooth Brain Society, we dive deep with Dr. Keith Sawyer—MIT-trained computer scientist, jazz pianist, and leading creativity researcher and Professor in Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina—to unravel the psychology of creative thinking. From the neuroscience of flow states to the myth of the lone genius, Dr. Sawyer breaks down how creativity happens in the mind, in collaboration, and in the classroom. We explore his many books on creativity including his 2024 book Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation, known as "the creativity bible," and his latest publication, Learning to See: Inside the World's Leading Art and Design Schools, a groundbreaking account of how nationally known artists and designers teach. Join us as we learn why stepping away from work might be the most productive thing you do.

Oh! and that apple story about Newton? Not quite what you think.

https://keithsawyer.com/

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