The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions?

In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and store information in ways strikingly similar to brain cells.

We explore:

• Why memory may not be limited to the brain

• What sea slugs can teach us about human cognition

• How prediction and perception shape our sense of self

• The parallels between AI and biological intelligence

• Whether trauma could be “stored” in cells outside the nervous system

Dr. Kukushkin's work suggests we rethink intelligence, not as something exclusive to the brain, but as a fundamental property of life.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

SHOW NOTES

0:00 | Intro to Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD

5:10 | Memory in Seaslugs

10:25 | Cells Can Recognize Patterns

20:28 | Memory Defined

23:02 | Do Cells Store Trauma?

30:40 | Treatment for Neurological Conditions

38:40 | Brain & Memory Connection

42:25 | Optimal Interval for Superior Memory

44:52 | Layering of Predictions

50:35 | AI Inspired by Neuronal Behavior

52:27 | Cellular Cognition & Memory

54:47 | Intelligence of Non-Brain Cells

58:38 | Consciousness in Microtubules

1:06:15 | Where to Follow His Work

Website: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com

One Hand Clapping Book: https://www.nikolaykukushkin.com/press-1

Follow on X: https://x.com/niko_kukushkin

Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain’s two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain’s dominance in modern culture leads to a fragmented, analytical worldview, while the right hemisphere offers a more connected, meaningful experience of reality.

We discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of attention, the limits of language, the nature of consciousness and the self, and how walking supports fluid thinking. McGilchrist also shares insights from his recent work with biologist Mike Levin on emergence and form.

This episode combines neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality, inviting a shift toward a more balanced and integrated perspective on the world.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

SHOW NOTES

0:00 | Intro to Iain McGilchrist

2:09 | Attention in Left & Right Brain

17:00 | How the Left Brain Came to Dominate

19:08 | Brain Hemispheres & Happiness

25:25 | Why Right Brain is the True Master

34:30 | Great Truths

35:19 | Morality of Attention

41:44 | Explaining Sacred

45:12 | Shortcomings of Language

51:28 | Distinct vs. Divided

56:20 | Balancing Brain Hemispheres

1:06:31 | Sense of Self & Relations

1:12:15 | Mirror Neurons

1:14:32 | Walking for Fluidity of Thought

1:23:34 | Consciousness Theory

1:31:07 | Water Analogy

1:35:52 | Work with Mike Levin

1:46:22 | Where to Follow His Work

Substack: https://iainmcgilchrist.substack.com/

Website: https://channelmcgilchrist.com

Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health.

We explore the science behind self-compassion, its impact on performance and emotional regulation, and how to shift from self-criticism to a more constructive inner voice.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to Dr. Kristin Neff

3:52 | Compassion vs. Empathy

8:12 | 3 Core Components of Self-Compassion

13:52 | Role of Personal Responsibility 

16:52 | Healthier Alternative to Self-Esteem

20:07 | Common Misconceptions

23:16 | Learning, Flow & Performance 

28:32 | How Self-Compassion Impacts Others

31:40 | Physical Touch

33:42 | Depression, Anxiety & Grief

41:14 | Steps to Cultivate Self-Compassion

46:00 | Self-Compassion Break (Exercise) 

55:13 | Forgiveness

1:01:06 | Taking Action 

1:02:48 | Explore more resources from Dr. Neff at 🔗 self-compassion.org

Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing.

From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal awareness, George explores how mindful movement can transform our thoughts, breath, and daily lives. 

We discuss:

• How Tai Chi helped him heal chronic pain
• Breath and body awareness as daily meditation 
• Taoist perspectives on the universe and emptiness
• Internal Family Systems and labeling your inner “parts”
• Why facing life’s challenges with integrity is the real practice

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to George Thompson

9:58 | Meeting Master Gu

12:56 | Tai Chi Training

15:45 | Healing Knee Pain

20:12 | Breath Awareness Exercise

22:09 | How Taichi Transforms Thought

29:40 | Emptiness Described

34:10 | Taoist Origin Story of the Universe

38:26 | Patterns

41:55 | Daily Practices

47:58 Breathwork Practices

50:04 | Applying Daily Mindfulness

56:10 | Internal Family Systems - Labeling Parts

57:47 | Documentary Message & Inspiration

1:01:02 | Consciousness

1:10:00 | Facing Challenges

1:15:33 | Life of Service & Integrity

1:21:25 | Where to Find More on George

🎥 Watch George’s documentary “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM

🌿 Learn more about George’s retreats and teachings: https://www.balanceispossible.com/ & https://www.taoistwellness.online/

In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy.

Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset.

We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety.

Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance.

Whether you’re new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind

Website: www.fitmind.org

Show Notes

0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD

2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment 

18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating

20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation

31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity 

43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation

47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last

52:29 | Floating & Meditation

54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences 

58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating

1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System

1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank

1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention

1:24:17 | Respiration

1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/