The Talking Brains Podcast

We know that poverty leads to people making poor decisions. What about mood poverty? How would you act differently if you knew that you could drastically improve your mood through short meditation? The answers to these questions and more in today's episode... Stephen Zerfas is the founder of Jhourney, a company trying to make peak meditation states (Jhanas) more accessible to the average person. Tune in to learn more and stay tuned for an easter egg at the end of the episode. Like, comment, subscribe, etc... and I'm always looking for help on the podcast and willing to pay for it.

In this episode, we have a two guest special! My friend Weston Browne and I sit down with the amazing Ivan Rodriguez Jaubert to talk about his company Dupla Bio and it's role in the growing industry of synthetic biology.  Expensive and complicated equipment is often required to do synthetic biology and so the barrier to entry for research is high. Dupla Bio is working hard to change that.  Hopefully one day you will be able to visit a lab near you!You can check out Dupla Bio's website here: http://dupla.bio/.Synthetic biology is allowing us to create new medicines, invent new products and materials, as well as reinvent old ones. All of this is done through recoding DNA , the essential building block for life. We just scratched the surface, if you want to learn more, check out Built With Biology: https://www.builtwithbiology.com/. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nick Milne, the CSO and co-founder of Octarine Bio. Octarine is a biotechnology company using genetically modified yeast to produce psychoactive compounds. We talk about promises and challenges in the space of synthetic biology, and psychedelics. Check out Octarine's website at  http://octarinebio.com/.Don't forget to like, favorite, download, and subscribe on your favorite platforms!Much love,Brendan 

I sit down with Dr. Priya Balachandran, the COO of Applied Silver. Dr. Balachandran and Applied Silver make antimicrobial treatments for soft surfaces. These treatments kill diseases such as MRSA and Covid-19. We talk about a number of things in this episode including Applied SIlver's technology, the importance of science and communication, and the need for humans to live in a balanced microbiome. 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Raphael Ritson Williams, an accomplished marine biologist, professor at Santa Clara University, and member of the California Academy of Sciences. Dr. Ritson Williams studies corals and the genetic traits that may make them resistant to climate change. We talk about his scientific work as well as the role of corals, gene modification, and curiosity in the future of mankind. 

Stoked to release this one! We talk to Diana Dowd, a recent graduate from Miami University and marine biologist. Tune in to learn about the ocean from a badass freediver and PADI divemaster who likes to swim with sharks. 

Today I talk with the brain of David Gussler. David is an electrical engineering student, a longtime friend of mine, and an avid powerlifter who does a wonderful job explaining the nuts and bolts of lifting and electrical engineering. 

In this one, I bring on one of my long time friends and current investment banking footsoldier, Dom Pusateri. We get into a great philosophical discussion on, among other things, happiness and the future of humanity. Do yourself a favor and shoot me a follow to keep yourself updated. 

Aliff Rush is a friend of mine and a fellow Neuroscience major at Santa Clara University. He is also an excellent musician. Today we speak on the human brain, music, creativity, and our opinions on the future of technology. 

In this episode, I welcome a good friend of mine Ben Hale. Ben is a legendary English teacher and Cross Country coach at my Alma Mater, Woodberry Forest School. I credit this man for kickstarting an intellectual journey that brings me happiness to this day. I am so happy to have him on this podcast. Today we dive deeeep into some of my favorite topics including:Our relationship with natureReligion and DualismSocial media and the human experienceAddressing troubling times in American history