Think you know how people learn? You might be surprised.

This week on Talk Trippy to Me, we’re taking a closer look at the work of neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath and breaking down what decades of brain research actually tell us about learning and memory.

We’ll talk about why learning styles aren’t backed by evidence, why highlighting and rereading don’t do as much as we think, and why struggling to remember something is often the very thing that helps it stick. We also cover practical techniques like spaced repetition and retrieval practice; methods that can help anyone learn more effectively.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or just someone who enjoys understanding how the brain works, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important things we do every day: learn.

Join us as we separate fact from fiction and explore what neuroscience has uncovered about how our brains really grow.

AI Addiction

When the Tool Starts Using You

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and connect—but what happens when convenience turns into dependence? In this episode of Talk Trippy to Me, we dive into the emerging science behind AI addiction, exploring how chatbots and generative AI can hijack our reward systems, reshape critical thinking, and even become emotional substitutes for real human relationships.

We examine the psychology of dopamine, cognitive offloading, and why our brains are wired to seek instant answers. We also discuss the growing concerns surrounding AI companions, emotional attachment, productivity dependence, and whether we’re outsourcing more than just our tasks.

Is AI making us smarter—or simply making it easier to stop thinking?

Join us as we separate fear from fact, unpack the latest research, and ask one of the biggest questions of our time: Are we using AI… or is AI beginning to use us?

Topics include:

* Dopamine and the reward loop

* AI companions and emotional attachment

* Critical thinking and cognitive decline

* Productivity vs. dependency

* Healthy ways to use AI without losing yourself

Research-driven. Thought-provoking. Judgment-free.

When does compassion become kindness… and when does it become permission?

In this episode of Talk Trippy to Me, we explore the fine line between empathy and enabling. Is there a point where our desire to help someone actually prevents them from taking responsibility? Can compassion, when left unchecked, become complicit in harmful behavior?

We dive into the psychology behind enabling, accountability, trauma, addiction, family dynamics, and the social pressures that make it difficult to set healthy boundaries. Drawing from research, real-life examples, and thoughtful discussion, we examine why saying “no” can sometimes be the most compassionate response.

This isn’t an episode about judging people—it’s about asking difficult questions:

* When does forgiveness become avoidance?

* Are we helping people grow, or protecting them from consequences?

* Can accountability be one of the greatest forms of compassion?

Join us as we unpack the uncomfortable space where empathy and responsibility collide.

Talk Trippy to Me is a research-driven podcast exploring psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, culture, and the human experience—one conversation at a time.

Functional Mushrooms Explained: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps & the Science Behind the Hype

Functional mushrooms have exploded in popularity, but do they actually work?

In this episode of Talk Trippy to Me, Hannah and Mykalise explore the science behind some of the world’s most talked-about medicinal mushrooms, including lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail. We break down the latest research on brain health, memory, focus, stress, immunity, inflammation, athletic performance, and longevity while separating evidence-based findings from wellness marketing.

You’ll learn how these fungi have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, what modern clinical research says about their potential benefits, how they interact with the body, and what to consider before adding mushroom supplements to your daily routine.

Whether you’re interested in natural health, neuroscience, biohacking, nutrition, herbal medicine, longevity, or evidence-based wellness, this episode offers a balanced, research-first conversation designed to help you make informed decisions.

In this episode:

🍄 What are functional mushrooms?

🍄 Lion’s mane and cognitive function

🍄 Reishi for stress and sleep

🍄 Cordyceps for energy and exercise performance

🍄 Chaga and turkey tail for immune health

🍄 Adaptogens, beta-glucans, and active compounds explained

🍄 Risks, side effects, and supplement quality

🍄 What the research actually says

At Talk Trippy to Me, we believe curiosity is more valuable than certainty. Every episode dives into science, psychology, philosophy, and the ideas shaping how we think, live, and connect.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about neuroscience, human behavior, mental health, wellness, and the latest scientific research, follow the show and share this episode with someone who’s curious too.

Is gentle parenting creating more emotionally intelligent kids… or raising a generation that struggles with boundaries?

In this episode of Talk Trippy to Me, Hannah and Mykalise take a research-driven look at one of the most debated parenting styles of the modern era. We explore where gentle parenting came from, what the science says about child development, and why so many parents are both drawn to—and frustrated by—the approach.

We’ll dive into:

* The difference between gentle parenting and permissive parenting

* What psychology says about discipline and emotional regulation

* How childhood experiences shape parenting styles

* Whether consequences are necessary for healthy development

* The challenges parents face in today’s world of constant advice and judgment

Drawing from parenting research and influential works such as How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, we’ll examine the idea that connection and understanding can be powerful tools for guiding behavior. As the book suggests, when children feel understood, they’re often more willing to cooperate and engage positively.

As always, we’re not here to tell you how to raise your kids—we’re here to explore the research, question assumptions, and have an honest conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and why parenting might be harder than ever.

Because every parent is trying to raise good humans. The question is: how?

Sources & Further Reading

* How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

* The Whole-Brain Child

* No-Drama Discipline

* The Gentle Parenting Book

🎙️ Talk Trippy to Me — Exploring the ideas, research, and conversations shaping the way we live, think, and connect.

Time feels like one of the few constants in life—but what if it isn’t?

In this episode of Talk Trippy to Me, Hannah and Mykalise explore the strange science behind how humans experience time. Why do childhood summers seem endless while entire years disappear as adults? Why does time slow down during emergencies but fly by when we’re having fun? And is our perception of time actually accurate at all?

From memory formation and attention to neuroscience and psychology, we dive into the hidden mechanisms that shape our internal clocks. Along the way, we’ll explore why boredom stretches time, why routines make life feel faster, and what researchers have discovered about the relationship between memory and our sense of time passing.

If you’ve ever looked up and wondered where the last year went, this episode might change the way you think about every second.

Follow Talk Trippy to Me for new episodes every week as we explore the science, psychology, and mysteries that shape the human experience.

Altered States, Altered Societies 🍄