E22 – The Gut-Brain Connection: How our Microbiome Shapes Mental Health

In this special episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Alaina Jaster, host of Psychedelic Brain Science, a science advocate, and a postdoctoral research fellow in the THINK lab. They are also joined by Dr. Christine Rabinak, a world-leading PTSD researcher, who brings a unique perspective on the impact of recent federal funding cuts—not just on scientific innovation, but also on patients whose lives depend on this research. The conversation centers on the Trump administration’s executive actions affecting NIH indirect costs and broader federal science funding freezes. These cuts threaten groundbreaking research, training the next generation of scientists, and the economic and public health benefits of biomedical innovation. Beyond the numbers, they also affect real people—patients with PTSD, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions who rely on scientific progress for hope and treatment. Scientists across the country are facing uncertainty, and the lack of clear information has created widespread concern. But there are ways to take action. In this episode, we highlight concrete steps researchers, advocates, and the public can take to push back against these harmful policies and fight for the future of science. 🔗 Topics Covered:  How recent NIH funding cuts and freezes impact research, jobs, and innovation  The ripple effects on early-career scientists and the next generation of researchers  The role of science in shaping policy—and how policy shapes science  Firsthand perspectives from both researchers and patients affected by these decisions  Actionable steps for advocacy and protecting scientific funding 📢 Take Action:  Contact your representatives via phone or email: Find your elected officials  Make 5 calls in 5 minutes to advocate for NIH and NSF funding: 5 Calls  Use email templates and fact sheets for advocacy: SSDP Action Alert  Sign petitions and stay informed through professional societies: Society for Neuroscience Petition  Join activist groups and find more resources:  Indivisible – Fighting against the constitutional crisis  The People’s Union – Economic boycotts and protest organizing  Stand Up for Science – Grassroots science advocacy 🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Society for Neuroscience and Michigan Society for Neuroscience. 🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Submit your questions for future episodes on Instagram @brainstempodcast. Visit our website: www.BrainSTEMpodcast.com. 📺 Video podcasts available on YouTube: BrainSTEM YouTube Channel  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24/7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. 

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Dr. David Ledgerwood, a leading expert in nicotine, vaping, and addiction, to explore the complex science behind vaping. Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but is it really? Dr. Ledgerwood breaks down the chemical processes involved in vaping, its impact on the body, and how it compares to smoking. He also discusses the effects of vaping on lung and cardiovascular health, especially for young people and adolescents.    With vaping becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens, this episode uncovers the risks and benefits of vaping, and what the latest research tells us about its long-term impact.    🔗 Topics Covered:  Key differences between smoking and vaping  Vaping and its impact on lung and cardiovascular health  The risks of vaping for young people  Vaping as a smoking cessation tool  Nicotine and cannabis in vapes  The safety of vaping devices  Regulation and public health policies on vaping    🌿 Tune in to get a clearer understanding of vaping from a leading expert.    🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:  Wayne State Nicotine and Tobacco Research Division  National Institute on Drug Abuse - Vaping  Drug Lab Detroit    📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.    🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!    ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.    🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.    🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos 

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Eric Woodcock, a leading expert in neuroinflammation and substance use disorders (SUDs), to explore how inflammation in the brain contributes to addiction.  As research on the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction continues to grow, Dr. Woodcock discusses the role of neuroinflammation in conditions like opioid and nicotine use disorders, and its connection to psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD. He also highlights his groundbreaking work on using neuroinflammation as a potential target for new treatments, including novel interventions like neurostimulation.  Whether you’re fascinated by the science of addiction or curious about the future of addiction treatment, this episode offers a deep dive into the role of inflammation in the brain and its potential to change how we approach addiction.  🔗 Topics Covered:  Understanding neuroinflammation and its role in addiction  The connection between neuroinflammation and psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD  Differentiating central vs. peripheral inflammation  Neurostimulation as a novel intervention for addiction  The future of neuroinflammation-targeted treatments  🌟 Tune in to hear Dr. Woodcock’s expert perspective on how neuroinflammation could revolutionize addiction treatment and prevention.  🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:  Drug Lab Detroit  Tolan Park Research Clinic/Methadone Clinic in Detroit  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)  Quality Behavioral Health  📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.  🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.    🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.    🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos 

In this fascinating episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Annelise Madison, a clinical psychologist and expert in psycho-neuro-immunology. Together, they explore the gut-brain connection and how our gut health influences mental well-being. Dr. Madison sheds light on the surprising ways gut bacteria, immune pathways, and diet can impact mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They also discuss practical tips for supporting gut-brain health, the role of stress, and the potential of probiotics in mental wellness.     This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the powerful link between mind and body.  🔗 Topics Covered:  What is the gut-brain axis?  How gut bacteria influence behavior  The impact of diet on mental health  Stress, pollution, and the gut-brain connection  Probiotics for mental wellness  🌱 Tune in for groundbreaking insights on how your gut health can shape your mind and mood.  🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:  Michigan PNI lab  The Psychobiotic Revolution by John Cryan  The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection by Emeran Mayer  UCLA Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center  APC Microbiome Ireland  📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.  🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.    🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.    🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos 

In this thought-provoking episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Dr. Matthew Hill, a leading expert in cannabis research, to discuss the complex relationship between cannabis and the brain.  With the growing popularity of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use, there are many misconceptions about its effects. Dr. Hill breaks down the science behind cannabis, explaining its components (like CBD and THC), how it interacts with the brain, and its potential benefits and risks. From short-term effects to long-term impacts, including concerns about cannabis and psychosis, this conversation provides a balanced and informative perspective on what we know—and what we still need to understand—about cannabis use.  Dr. Hill also shares his groundbreaking research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis for conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Whether you’re curious about cannabis’s role in mental health treatment or just want to clear up some of the myths, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights.  🔗 Topics Covered:  The basics of cannabis and its components  Acute vs. long-term effects of cannabis use  Cannabis and psychosis: What the science says  Exploring cannabis for medical treatments  Public opinion vs. scientific research  Misconceptions about cannabis: Indica vs. Sativa  🌿 Tune in to get a clearer understanding of cannabis and its impact on the brain—straight from a researcher at the forefront of this field.  🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:  CCIC Education: https://cciceducation.com/  NOVA/PBS: The Cannabis Question: Watch here  Dr. Matthew Hill's Lab: http://www.hill-lab.ca/  Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: English version  For Youth: Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines: Canada's guidelines for youth  📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.  🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.  🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.  🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos 

In this special episode of BrainSTEM, co-producer Aman takes the mic to interview host Dr. Hilary Marusak, neuroscientist and avid runner, about the fascinating connection between exercise and brain health.  What exactly is a runner’s high, and how does it work? How do the brain’s endocannabinoids contribute to this euphoric state, and how does exercise impact mental health, neuron growth, and longevity? Hilary dives into these topics and shares insights from her research, including a groundbreaking study on the effects of exercise on anxiety in adolescents.  Whether you're a seasoned runner, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about how movement impacts your brain, this episode will leave you inspired to lace up your shoes and hit the ground running!  🔗 Questions from Listeners:  Is running the only exercise that gives a “high”?  Does running promote neuron growth?  Cardio vs. strength training: Which is better for brain health?  What’s the optimal level of exercise for mental health?  ✨ Tune in now to learn how exercise can transform your brain and your life!  📢 Follow us on Instagram @brainstempodcast to submit your questions for future episodes.  🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.    🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.    🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos  🔗 Learn more about Dr. Marusak and her work:  The Trauma History Investigation of Neurodevelopment in Kids (THINK) lab at Wayne State University: www.wsuthinklab.com  Dr. Marusak’s School of Medicine Bio 

In this inspiring episode of BrainSTEM, host Dr. Hilary Marusak sits down with Jon Nelson, a dedicated mental health advocate and member of the One Mind Lived Experiences Council. Jon’s powerful story of resilience and advocacy, sparked by his personal journey through depression, is a call to action for dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness.  Jon shares insights from his journey, including pivotal moments that led to his recovery and his work in shaping mental health narratives through congressional briefings, national healthcare forums, and public outreach. Together, we explore the challenges of the current mental health system, misconceptions about mental illness, and actionable steps to combat stigma and support loved ones.  Tune in for an authentic and empowering conversation that underscores the importance of awareness, advocacy, and community in creating a world where mental health is treated with the care and respect it deserves.  🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:  One Mind  Pulverizethestigma.com  Contact Jon: [email protected]  🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!  ❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.  🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.  🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos 

TW: This episode briefly mentions suicidal thoughts and ideation. Most people experience symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and heavy breathing, from time to time. This is normal. However, individuals with anxiety disorders often experience these intense emotions and symptoms for prolonged periods of time. This episode is all about the neuroscience of anxiety disorders. First, for a more personal experience, Dr. Hilary Marusak talks with Amanpreet Bhogal, one of our very own producers, about what it’s like to experience an anxiety disorder. Then, Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Angela Fang, a licensed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist focused on understanding the social, emotional, and cognitive mechanisms associated with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive related disorders. To learn more about Dr. Fang and her work, visit: https://psych.uw.edu/people/9180 and https://www.uwconnectlab.com/ Mindful Walking Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kapvpqwcNLQ Finch: Self Care Pet is the app that Amanpreet mentioned which helped her with tracking her mood, building small habits around meditation, and setting goals like taking a shower and drinking water when life was difficult. This is not a sponsored post. Here is a link to the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/finch-self-care-pet/id1528595748 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Society for Neuroscience and Michigan Society for Neuroscience. Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos

In this Halloween special episode, Dr. Marusak interviews Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist and director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC) at Wayne State University about fear and his new book, “Afraid”. They discuss the purpose of fear, fear-based disorders, such as anxiety and PTSD, why we like to be scared (e.g., rollercoasters, haunted houses), some surprising benefits of fear, and more. We are giving away a free signed copy of Dr. Javanbakt's book! See our @brainstempodcast social media before November 7, 2023, for details. To learn more about Dr. Javanbakt, visit: https://www.starclab.org & https://www.instagram.com/arash_javanbakht/.  To learn more about Dr. Javanbakt’s new book, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Afraid-Understanding-Purpose-Harnessing-Anxiety/dp/1538170388.   Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.  BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Society for Neuroscience and Michigan Society for Neuroscience.    Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos  

First, Dr. Marusak talks with her best friend, Kristen Ciantro. Kristen is a stay-at-home mom with four kids (the fourth was actually born right before this episode aired!) and a degree in electrical engineering. Then, Dr. Marusak talks with Dr. Bridget Callaghan, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The University of California, Los Angeles, where she directs the Brain & Body Lab. Together with her lab, Dr. Callaghan studies the impacts of early caregiving relationships on mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan and into the next generation.   To learn more about Dr. Callaghan’s work, you can follow her and her lab on social media @Dr_BCallaghan and @BABLab_UCLA or visit her lab’s website: https://brainandbodylab.psych.ucla.edu/. Additional recommended readings/resources:  “Baby Brain” by Dr. Sarah McKay and Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist Tool on their website: www.psychologytoday.com.  Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.  BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Hilary Marusak. Audio and video by Amanpreet & Manmeet Bhogal. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the Society for Neuroscience and Michigan Society for Neuroscience.  Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos.