How to help your brain thrive in a rapidly changing world

How to help your brain thrive in a rapidly changing world

Author: Our Media April 27, 2026 Duration: 43:32
For thousands of years, the evolution of the human race has been driven by natural selection and the passing on of genes that have helped us to thrive in the environments we live in. However, in current times, advances in technology and rapid societal change are shaping our lives like never before. So, what impact is this having on the way we think and act, and how can we best position ourselves to navigate the age of rapid change we find ourselves in? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Hannah Critchlow, a neuroscientist and author based at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, to talk about her latest book, The 21st Century Brain – Cutting-edge Neuroscience to Help Us Navigate the Future. She tells us why developing emotional intelligence and connections with one another is vital if we are to succeed in a rapidly changing world, what happens in our brains in times of uncertainty, and talks us through some of the tactics we can all employ to help us succeed in the rapidly changing world we live in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curiosity doesn't have to be a deep dive; sometimes, you just want a clear, smart answer. That's the idea behind Instant Genius, a production from Our Media that brings the editorial expertise of BBC Science Focus Magazine into audio form. Each episode is a compact conversation with a leading researcher, scientist, or technologist, designed to unpack a complex topic in a single sitting. You might explore the mechanics of memory one day and the engineering behind quantum computers the next, all within the same accessible format. This podcast operates on the belief that profound understanding doesn't require hours of your time. Released every Monday and Friday, these bite-sized masterclasses are perfect for a commute or a coffee break, turning spare moments into genuine learning. The discussions are focused and surprisingly thorough, moving from fundamental principles to cutting-edge implications without getting lost in jargon. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the science of sleep, the truth about nutrition trends, or how black holes actually work, and wanted a reliable source to explain it clearly. Tuning into this podcast means getting a direct line to experts who are shaping our understanding of the world, all structured to deliver insight efficiently. The range is deliberately broad, spanning health, cosmology, technology, and everyday science, reflecting the endless questions a curious mind can hold.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

Instant Genius
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