Episode #88. Inspiring Connections. Why we take a side, who is hot or not the beginnings of facebook. Dr Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist

 Dr Mark Williams who is a cognitive neuroscientist discusses his new book. The Connected Species: How the evolution of the human brain explains and offers solutions for societal challenges including racism, sexism, marginalisation, and extremism. Mark says in his book: "as a card-carrying cognitive neuroscientist, I firmly believe that understanding our brain and how it works will help us understand our behaviours and how to control them. Since I started studying the human brain some 25 odd years ago the advances and huge leaps we have made in our understanding of the brain is mind boggling. Much of this work has come about due to the development of fantastic new technologies that allow us to peek inside the skull of a human that is still living. And it is amazing how much of our brain is dedicated to connecting with others.In Summary• Group living and socialising was the catalyst to many of the great advances that wehave made.The Connected Species by Dr Mark A. Williams24• For millions of years, we have lived in groups and evolved a myriad of importantabilities to enable us to socialise.• Language, and reading and writing are very new abilities that require consciousthought.• It is our ability to collaborate and specialise that stands us apart from other speciesand has resulted in our vast number of innovationsLearn more at https://www.drmarkwilliams.com/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Om Podcasten

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it's time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education. With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she's on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique? It's not just about theory – it's about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now.  From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection. Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They're exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part? Let's make brain health everyone's business. They're inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health.  Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive. The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett's personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.