The BrainCore Podcast

Is it okay if you don’t get into graduate school for psychology the first time? Should you take a gap year? What kinds of experiences should you aim to get before applying? How do I narrow down my research interests? Tolu is joined by 3 amazing graduate school friends - Amanda Nkeramihigo, Sabrina Valenzano, and Zachary Grey. Together, they discuss their own personal experiences, share the hurdles they faced, and offer invaluable advice on curating a successful application.  Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com

What is psychology? What does it mean to be a psychologist? Can psychological research really have applications in our daily lives? In this episode, Tolu and Regan break down misconceptions about psychology as a science. Regan shares the evolution of his answer to the question: “So, can you read minds?” Tolu shares some updates on her academic journey. Together, they discuss real-life applications of psychology - from analyzing news headlines to reducing your anger at bad drivers. The TOTE (term of the episode) is Psychology! Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com American Psychological Association (APA) Newsletters: https://www.apa.org/news/newsletters  Association for Psychological Science: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news  Extra Reading: Everyday Applications of Psychological Science Study like a Champ

How does psychedelic-assisted therapy give people perspective? How does ketamine help with diagnoses like depression and anxiety? Sabina Pillai, from Field Trip Health, enlightens Tolu and Kristina on the healing potential of psychedelics and ketamine. They discuss what a typical session looks like for clients who come to Field Trip Health. Sabina explains how psychedelics target the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person and may help with existential questions one may have such as “What have I been put on this earth to do?”. Kristina asks about how more individuals can get involved in creating more alternatives to current mental health treatments…and Sabina gives a great answer! The TOTE is psychedelics. Field Trip Health: https://www.fieldtriphealth.com/ Field Trip App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trip-psychedelic-guidance/id1520623904 (extra viewing) Michael Pollan’s Netflix Special: How to Change Your Mind Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod Website: https://www.thebraincorepodcast.com/ Extra Reading: Ketamine & Bipolar Depression: Kryst, J., Kawalec, P., Mitoraj, A. M., Pilc, A., Lasoń, W., & Brzostek, T. (2020). Efficacy of Single and Repeated Administration of Ketamine in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pharmacological Reports, 72(3), 543-562. Ketamine & Chronic Suicidality: Can, A. T., Hermens, D. F., Dutton, M., Gallay, C. C., Jensen, E., Jones, M., ... & Lagopoulos, J. (2021). Low Dose Oral Ketamine Treatment in Chronic Suicidality: An Open-label Pilot Study. Translational Psychiatry, 11(1), 1-9. Ketamine & Alcohol Use Disorder: Grabski, M., McAndrew, A., Lawn, W., Marsh, B., Raymen, L., Stevens, T., ... & Morgan, C. J. (2022). Adjunctive Ketamine with Relapse Prevention–Based Psychological Therapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(2), 152-162.

What is it good for? Tolu and Kristina discuss how genetic testing may provide individuals with an opportunity to know more about themselves with Dr. Robyn Murphy (Scientific Advisor at DNALabs) and Dr. Aaron Goldman (Chief Science Officer at DNALabs). What is DNA? What can one do when they have risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases? How can lifestyle changes decrease one's chances of having cognitive decline? The term of the episode or TOTE is Genetic Testing. If you're interested in purchasing either the LoveMyHealth or MatchMyMeds products from DNALabs, use our code 'BRAINCORE15' for 15% off!! DNALabs Website: https://dnalabs.ca/ Email: thebraincorepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @thebraincorepodcast Twitter: @thebraincorepod