Did you know that two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease patients are women?

In this episode, Tolu sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Natasha Rajah to discuss why women are disproportionately affected and what researchers are beginning to learn about the connection between menopause and brain health.

We talk about the Canadian Brain Health at Midlife and Menopause (BHAMM) study, why this topic has historically been overlooked, and what women should know about brain fog, aging, and cognitive health. Here are some of the themes we discuss:

• Why Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects women
• The Canadian Brain Health at Midlife and Menopause (BHAMM) study
• Why this research has historically been overlooked• How sociocultural factors shape brain health
• The impact of studying mostly “WEIRD” populations in psychology
• Brain fog during menopause vs. early dementia
• What women can do to support brain health

We also explore Dr. Rajah’s journey into neuroscience and her advice for students interested in studying brain health, aging, and gender differences in research.

#BrainHealth #WomenAndAging #Neuroscience #HealthEquity #MidlifeMatters

Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?Website - ⁠thebraincorepodcast.com ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/⁠Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/thebraincorepod⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcastEmail - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-PensonIntro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-DavidsonVideography: OluVision Media

In this episode of BrainCore, Tolu sits down with behavioural scientist and professor Tosen Nwadei for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, academia, and the science of human behaviour. As a first-generation Nigerian American, Tosen reflects on the concept of double consciousness and how it shapes his experience navigating academic and professional spaces.Together, they explore how behavioural science connects with psychology, the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, and what research reveals about identity expression in the workplace. Tosen shares insights from his work on career outcomes, belonging, and the subtle social forces that shape decision-making. The episode closes with reflections on the future of behavioural science and an unexpected turn into salsa!Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?Website - ⁠thebraincorepodcast.com ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/⁠Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/thebraincorepod⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcastEmail - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-PensonIntro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-DavidsonVideography: OluVision Media

In this episode of BrainCore, host Tolu Faromika sits down with social psychologist and relationship researcher Dr. Amy Muise to talk about love, sex, and the advice we’ve all heard but rarely question.

Do love languages actually predict relationship success? Is scheduling sex romantic… or the opposite? And what are we really saying when we repeat phrases like “happy wife, happy life”?

Amy brings the science to the table as we unpack the myths, the data, and the cultural narratives that shape how we think about intimacy.From the research on desire to why talking about sex can still feel taboo, especially for women, this conversation is honest, practical, and just uncomfortable enough to be necessary.

Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?Website - ⁠thebraincorepodcast.com ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/⁠Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/thebraincorepod⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcastEmail - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-PensonIntro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-DavidsonVideography: OluVision Media

In this episode of BrainCore, host Tolu Faromika sits down with clinical psychology graduate student and lecturer, Melanie Mascarenhas for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about what clinical psychology really looks like and how she found her way into the field. From once dreaming of becoming a chef on a cruise ship to navigating the realities of traumatic brain injury in her family, Melanie shares the unexpected experiences that shaped her path into psychology.Together, they unpack what clinical psychology involves beyond stereotypes, including assessment, intervention, and the clinical thinking that happens behind the scenes. This conversation is fun! It blends insight with humor and reflection, making it especially relatable for students who are curious about psychology but unsure what the path is supposed to look like. Tolu ends the episode with a little gift for Melanie!Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?Website - ⁠thebraincorepodcast.com ⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/⁠X - ⁠https://x.com/thebraincorepod⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcastEmail - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-PensonIntro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-DavidsonVideography: OluVision Media

What is psychology, really?

In our RELAUNCH episode, Tolu takes you on a fast, thoughtful tour through the key moments in psychological history that shaped how we understand the mind today. She takes you from early philosophical roots to modern scientific thinking! This episode really sets the foundation for what BrainCore is and where it’s going - are you excited?!

This is also the start of a new chapter for BrainCore, so make sure to show us some love on our socials below!

Want to find BrainCore elsewhere on the internet?

Website - thebraincorepodcast.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebraincorepodcast/

Twitter - https://x.com/thebraincorepod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thebraincorepodcast

Email - thebraincorepodcast@gmail.comCreative Team:Intro/Outro Graphics Design: Earl Bamidele-Penson

Intro/Outro Jingle: Jakim Iretomide Ayo-Davidson

Videography: OluVision Media

Graphics: Alexa Adams

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.