Social neuroscientist Dr. Tania Singer joins us to explore the science of empathy, compassion, and the plasticity of the social brain. She breaks down why empathy and compassion are entirely different neural states, what her research with Buddhist monks revealed, and why compassion, not empathy, is the more resilient response to suffering.

We discuss the ReSource Project's surprising findings, including why interpersonal "dyadic" practices reduce social stress far better than solo meditation. Dr. Singer also shares how these practices are being brought into schools, healthcare, and even economic thinking to help create a more caring society.

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

Website: www.fitmind.org

SHOW NOTES

00:00 | Empathy vs. Compassion: Understanding the Brain Networks

02:57 | The Journey into Social Neuroscience

06:15 | Landmark Studies on Empathy and Pain

10:50 | Compassion: A Deeper Understanding

14:32 | The Resource Project: Mental Training Programs

20:47 | Dyadic Practices: Enhancing Social Connection

24:34 | Cortisol Levels and Social Stress

28:40 | Implementing Programs in Education and Healthcare

34:14 | Caring Economics: A New Vision for Society

40:49 | Where to Find Dr. Singer's Courses

Dr. Singer's Website: https://taniasinger.de

Cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston joins The FitMind Podcast to share practical, research-backed ways to sharpen focus, lower stress, and keep the brain healthy at any age. Drawing from decades of neuroscience, she explains why multitasking quietly erodes attention and memory and what to do instead.

We explore simple, realistic habits that help your mind function at its best: 20-minute single-task blocks, 40 Hz binaural beats for deep focus, and a brief 5-2-7 breathing technique that can quickly calm the nervous system. Dr. Huston also highlights how aerobic movement, dance, and social connection drive neurogenesis and long-term brain vitality.

If you've ever felt scattered, stressed, or mentally drained, this episode offers grounded science and clear tools for regaining clarity and calm in daily life.

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

Website: www.fitmind.org

SHOW NOTES

00:00 | Intro to Dr. Therese Huston

07:45 | Wellness overwhelm and how she filters research into usable habits

10:06 | Why "practical" matters more than trendy protocols

12:20 | The multitasking myth: short-term mood boost, long-term costs

17:09 | Live demo: single-tasking vs alternating tasks

19:40 | Errors, brain activity, and stress during multitasking

21:51 | Escaping the multitasking loop with timers and clear agreements

24:30 | Focus tools: how to use 40 Hz binaural beats

28:47 | Why multitasking feels productive and how to reframe arousal

32:33 | Before a talk: "excited, not anxious" and stress-as-fuel

36:03 | Guided 5-2-7 breathing and what it does in the body

41:18 | CO₂, vagus nerve, and decision quality after breath cycles

43:19 | Rethinking "amygdala hijack" and protecting prefrontal control

48:18 | BDNF, neurogenesis, and an aerobic exercise target for memory

51:24 | Dance, social connection, and brain longevity

52:53 | Quick fire: myths to ditch and personal focus resets

54:45 | Exercise snacks and team culture ideas

World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance.

In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and what he calls the "mental immune system" can help us face fear, build resilience, and expand awareness.

Discover how lessons from the deep sea translate into a healthier, more conscious life on land.

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

Website: www.fitmind.org

SHOW NOTES

00:00 | Intro to Will Trubridge

01:21 | Will's Background & Early Freediving

04:59 | Role of Breathwork

09:43 | Physiological Adaptations Underwater

14:16 | Overcoming Fear and Mental Barriers

19:41 | Consciousness in Freediving

26:23 | Parallels to Meditation

31:59 | Limits of the Mind

39:56 | The Mental Immune System

43:59 | Practical Mental Techniques

50:26 | Applying Freediving Lessons to Life

54:53 | Science of Freediving

1:01:31 | Mind-Body Connection

1:09:41 | Awareness Training & Breathwork Exercises

1:14:59 | Closing Insights

Website: https://www.williamtrubridge.com

Mental Immune System: https://mentalimmunesystem.com