Exercise Neuroscientist: AI is Killing Our Critical Thinking

Exercise Neuroscientist: AI is Killing Our Critical Thinking

Author: Sean Kim February 27, 2026 Duration: 1:08:34

Dr. Wendy Suzuki is an American neuroscientist and a professor at the New York University Center for Neural Science. Her research centers on brain plasticity—the brain’s power to change. Renowned for revealing how memory-critical circuits create and preserve long-term memories, she now investigates how aerobic exercise boosts learning, memory, and higher cognition. She is the author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life: A Personal Program to Activate Your Brain and Do Everything Better.In our conversation we discuss:

(01:27) Why the Brain Is So Complex (Neuroscience Explained)
(01:56) The Most Advanced Part of the Human Brain
(02:47) The Prefrontal Cortex: The Brain’s CEO
(04:49) Social Media & Shrinking Attention Spans
(06:14) Brain Plasticity: How Your Habits Rewire You
(09:26) Why Focus Is Becoming Rare
(10:16) AI & Critical Thinking: Are We Outsourcing Our Brains?
(13:55) Struggle & Learning: How Neurons Grow
(14:50) Why Mental Effort Strengthens the Brain
(17:57) Cold Plunges, Resilience & the ACC
(23:55) How to Improve Memory & Focus Naturally
(27:18) Dopamine, Doomscrolling & Social Media Addiction
(35:14) Stress, PTSD & How Stress Shrinks the Brain
(36:42) Positive Thinking, Gratitude & Brain Health
(40:47) Loneliness, Community & Mental Health
(44:00) 5 Pillars of Brain Longevity
(48:35) Why 8 Hours of Sleep Matters for Brain Health
(52:04) Early Signs of Dementia & Memory Loss
(55:15) Brain Testing, MRIs & Prevention
(59:34) The 6th Brain Health Pillar: Lifelong Learning
(1:01:29) AirPods, EMF & Brain Safety
(1:03:19) Neuralink & The Future of Brain Implants
(1:07:47) Wendy Suzuki’s Work & ResourcesLearn more about Dr. Suzuki here:Website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com/"Healthy Brain Happy Life": https://a.co/d/02R5YTTEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.suzuki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Listen to the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3XwSTvE9HqM📸 Connect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim


Sean Kim hosts Growth Minds with Sean Kim, a podcast built on the idea that meaningful growth touches every part of our lives. Each episode features a deep, unscripted conversation with a leading voice, moving beyond simple tips to explore the philosophies and personal stories behind their success. You’ll hear from an incredibly diverse roster, from financial thinker Robert Kiyosaki and neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman to cultural icons like Dennis Rodman and musicians like Steve Aoki. The discussions naturally weave through interconnected themes of physical health, mental resilience, financial wisdom, and personal relationships. Whether it’s Dr. Jason Fung breaking down metabolic health or Wim Hof explaining his breathing methods, the focus is on practical insights you can apply. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about the tangible habits and mindset shifts that help you build a better life. Tune in for a consistently surprising and substantive dialogue that challenges how you think about your own potential.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Growth Minds with Sean Kim
Podcast Episodes
How Your Mindset Is Making You Sick & Age Faster | Dr. Ellen Langer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:18
Dr. Ellen Langer is a social psychologist and professor at Harvard University, widely regarded as the "mother of mindfulness." Her groundbreaking research explores how mindset influences health, aging, and performance, e…
The Real Dangers of AI No One Talks About | Dr. Roman Yampolskiy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:02
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy is a computer scientist, AI researcher, and professor at the University of Louisville, where he directs the Cyber Security Lab. He is widely recognized for his work on artificial intelligence safety,…
Why 90% Of People Fail To Accomplish Their Goals | Dr. Emily Balcetis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
Dr. Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and associate professor at New York University whose research explores perception, motivation, and decision-making. She is the author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful…
Why ChatGPT Will Never Replace All Human Jobs | Laura Huang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:18
Prof. Laura Huang is a Distinguished Professor of Management and Organizational Dynamics at Northeastern University, and previously taught at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School. She has been recognized as one…
Why Modern Women Choose Status Over Love | Rob Henderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:27
Dr. Rob Henderson is a psychologist, writer, and U.S. Air Force veteran who coined the term “luxury beliefs.” Raised in foster care, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge and now writes for major outl…