Preventing the Wrong Kind of Brain Plasticity, with Dr. Henry Mahncke

Preventing the Wrong Kind of Brain Plasticity, with Dr. Henry Mahncke

Author: Josh Turknett, MD June 3, 2026 Duration: 1:03:44

Henry Mahncke is the CEO of Posit Science and the creator of BrainHQ, the most researched brain training platform in the world. A neuroscientist who did his PhD with Michael Merzenich, considered the father of adult brain plasticity, Henry has spent two decades translating brain plasticity science into tools that actually improve brain health. In this conversation, we dig into why most brain training criticism misses the point, what the largest clinical trials really show, and why the future of brain health looks a lot like the evolution of physical fitness.

In this episode:
00:00 — Introduction and Henry's background (PhD with Merzenich at UCSF, McKinsey, founding Posit Science)
07:00 — Brain training vs. cognitive training: why the distinction matters
09:00 — Brain plasticity as the driver of brain health, and why cognitive reserve is really just brain health
13:00 — Maladaptive brain plasticity: how aging actively degrades information processing through negative plasticity
18:00 — How BrainHQ exercises are designed: adaptive speed and accuracy training from psychophysics
24:00 — The transfer and generalization debate: does brain training improve real-world function?
28:00 — Clinical trial evidence: the Mayo/USC RCT, the ACTIVE study, and 300+ published papers
34:00 — The pharmaceutical analogy: why asking "does brain training work?" is the wrong question
37:00 — Who is brain training for? From post-concussive disorder to Tom Brady
44:00 — Brain training as physical exercise: the case for everyone at every age
46:00 — Real-world brain plasticity activities: racquet sports, musical instruments, foreign languages
51:00 — Josh's Brainjo origin story and what music training does for the brain
55:00 — The loss of skill learning in modern life and education
58:00 — The "dark ages" of brain health and where the field is headed

To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question.

To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness.

 Click here to order Dr. Wood's book, "The Stimulated Mind."

 Click here to pre-order Dr. Turknett's upcoming book, "The Genius and the Impostor"

Intro and Outro music composed and produced by Julienne Ellen. 

 


What does it really mean to have a fit brain, and how do we actually achieve it? That’s the central question explored in Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production), a conversation guided by neurologist Dr. Josh Turknett and neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood. Moving beyond generic advice, each episode digs into the practical, often surprising science of cognitive longevity. You’ll hear discussions that translate complex research into actionable strategies, covering everything from nutrition and sleep to movement and mental challenge. The aim isn’t just about preventing decline, but actively building a resilient, high-performing mind that supports your passions and daily life. This podcast operates on the principle that our brain’s health is malleable at any age, and that understanding the underlying mechanisms empowers us to make better choices. Tune in for a nuanced look at how lifestyle intersects with neurology, stripping away the hype to focus on what evidence suggests truly works. It’s a resource for anyone curious about taking a proactive, informed role in their own cognitive well-being, ensuring the brain remains a robust partner for all the years ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Better Brain Fitness with Drs. Josh Turknett and Tommy Wood
Podcast Episodes
#67: Can You Improve Your Brain's Processing Speed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#66: Does a tremor raise your risk of dementia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:33
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#64: Can Hypertension Meds Really Reduce Dementia Risk? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:24
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#63: Can You Learn More By Napping??? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#62: Can Brief Heart Rate Peaks Still Boost Brain Health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:46
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#60: How To Stay In Shape When You're Injured [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:05
0To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: be…
#59: Can The Brain Recover After Stroke? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:35
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…
#58: Can The Brain Recover From Years Of Heavy Drinking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Better Brain Fitness newsletter and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: bet…