Is dopamine really the "pleasure molecule"? Or have we been getting it all wrong? In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience behind craving, motivation, and addiction—and reveal why your brain is wired not for the reward itself, but for the pursuit of it. From social media scrolls to big life goals, we explore how dopamine shapes our habits, our happiness, and our sense of purpose.

Join us as we take a look into a new feature of fentanyl and other opioids in the body. What do they do? How do they work? And why could they be devastating? Tune in to learn.

In this episode, we explore how orexin neurons in the brain help us prioritize exercise over tempting distractions like delicious food. Discover the science behind this brain-powered 'gym coach' and learn why some people are better at resisting temptation—giving us fresh insights into motivation, decision-making, and the battle between brain and cravings.

Paper: Tesmer, A. L., Li, X., Bracey, E., Schmandt, C., Polania, R., Peleg-Raibstein, D., & Burdakov, D. (2024). Orexin neurons mediate temptation-resistant voluntary exercise. Nature Neuroscience, 1-9.

Join us as we explore the world of sleep at high altitudes. Discover how thin air impacts breathing and sleep patterns, and delve into scientific studies that shed light on how our bodies adapt to these extreme environments. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of sleeping among the stars and learn how to enhance your rest on your next high-altitude adventure.

Paper: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP285397

Ibrahim, Abubaker, et al. "Effects of periodic breathing on sleep at high altitude: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study using inspiratory CO2." The Journal of Physiology (2024).

This week, we dive into the enigma of whether the universe is locally real, exploring the profound ways our perceptions mold reality and how neural network states govern our consciousness. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance between observation, cognition, and the very fabric of existence.

This week we're talking all things injuries. How do you train with an injury? How do you prevent injuries? And how do you come back from an injury? Nick breaks his collarbone and Mark drowns while snorkeling.

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of pain, exploring the intricate neuroscience behind opioids and understanding their impact on the brain. Our guest, Jamie Moffa is an expert in both the scientific and podcasting spheres, offering unique insights into how these powerful medications influence the brain and the challenges they present in both treatment and public perception. Join us as we bridge the gap between advanced scientific understanding and accessible communication, shedding light on a topic of profound relevance in today's world.

In Plain English Podcast: https://inplainenglishpod.org/

Zach is back and we're talking all things alkaline and hydrogen water. Does it really help? Can changing the pH of your water unlock an elixir to eternal life? Or is it all a bunch of nonsense? Tune in to find out what we think.