Welcome to Season 2 of Brainy Podcasts!
We are delighted to bring you the latest season of Brainy Podcasts, ready to hit your airwaves now!
In this season, we've delved deeper into human exploration and expanded our understanding of harnessing creativity, innovation, curiosity, and the art of asking the right questions.
We've applied these insights to ourselves, enhancing our critical thinking helping us to pioneer new strategies. Our purpose is to inspire you as the individual, teams to achieve their business ambitions and unlock full growth potential for organisations.
As we’ve discussed with many of our guests, while AI and tech excel in information, our human advantage lies in wisdom. Maintaining brain health, embracing our humanity, and valuing neurodiversity are crucial for extending our thinking and developing impactful ideas, alongside the remarkable advancements AI and tech offer.
We've engaged with fascinating guests who bring a wealth of knowledge on our human advantage. Topics include the future of AI, psychosocial safety's impact on critical thinking, CEOs embracing neurodiversity, menopause, education, leadership and management, organisational structure, processes, and culture. Our guests are specialists and pioneers in their fields and we’ve had great fun talking to them.
Join us on this journey to demystify, learn, and simplify our abilities to be imaginative and think critically, enabling you and your organisation to thrive as a way of life, not just a trend.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Season 2 of Brainy Podcasts!
We are delighted to bring you the latest season of Brainy Podcasts, ready to hit your airwaves now!
In this season, we've delved deeper into human exploration and expanded our understanding of harnessing creativity, innovation, curiosity, and the art of asking the right questions.
We've applied these insights to ourselves, enhancing our critical thinking helping us to pioneer new strategies. Our purpose is to inspire you as the individual, teams to achieve their business ambitions and unlock full growth potential for organisations.
As we’ve discussed with many of our guests, while AI and tech excel in information, our human advantage lies in wisdom. Maintaining brain health, embracing our humanity, and valuing neurodiversity are crucial for extending our thinking and developing impactful ideas, alongside the remarkable advancements AI and tech offer.
We've engaged with fascinating guests who bring a wealth of knowledge on our human advantage. Topics include the future of AI, psychosocial safety's impact on critical thinking, CEOs embracing neurodiversity, menopause, education, leadership and management, organisational structure, processes, and culture. Our guests are specialists and pioneers in their fields and we’ve had great fun talking to them.
Join us on this journey to demystify, learn, and simplify our abilities to be imaginative and think critically, enabling you and your organisation to thrive as a way of life, not just a trend.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AI is racing ahead faster than the industrial revolution, but our brains haven’t had a software update in over 200,000 years.
In this episode, Soraya and Tracy explore how artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we think, work, and lead, and what that means for the human brain. From reduced cognitive load and boosted productivity to the hidden risks of burnout and creativity loss, they unpack how leaders can build an AI strategy that protects brain capital and human potential.
Expect a lively, thought-provoking conversation that bridges neuroscience and leadership; challenging you to ask not just how AI fits into your business, but how it’s shaping your people.
Because the future of work isn’t just powered by technology - it’s human powered!
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Could a shorter working week make us more productive, less stressed, and better at our jobs? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Charlotte Rae - neuroscientist, lecturer, and Co-Lead of the Sussex Four-Day Week project - to unpack what the science really says about work, wellbeing, and performance.
From national and public-sector trials to live research with UK businesses, Charlotte shares what happens when companies trade hours for outcomes. The results may surprise you: productivity doesn’t drop, revenue holds steady, and talent retention gets stronger. For leaders navigating hybrid models and shifting employee expectations, the four-day week could be more than a perk - it might be the future of work itself.
Tune in as we explore the evidence, the challenges, and the cultural shifts needed to make shorter weeks work in the real world.
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This episode takes a wildly creative turn as we’re joined by Adam Hill - founder, executive creative director, and unapologetic disruptor. From purple Christmas trees to provocations about vibrators and artificial intelligence, Adam challenges us to reimagine creativity not as a job title, but as a way of seeing the world.
We explore why true creativity starts at zero, why discomfort is essential for breakthrough thinking, and how AI can help us get to better ideas faster—but never replace what makes us human. Along the way, we unpack the impact of education, confidence, leadership, and culture on our ability to think differently and make space for bold, uncomfortable ideas.
This isn’t just a conversation - it’s an invitation to unbox your brain, question everything, and trust your creative instincts (even if they make people uncomfortable). Whether you’re a strategist, student, or someone who’s forgotten how creative they really are, this one will stay with you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we welcome back the ever-curious Ross Stevenson, learning strategist, AI explorer, and all-around provocateur for progress. It’s been 16 months since we last spoke, and in AI terms, that might as well be a century.
We pick up where we left off with a bold question: is the future still human? As organisations face shifting roles, rising redundancies, and a surge of AI-driven tools, we explore what’s really changing, and what leaders need to hold on to. Ross offers a grounded view on the human skills that matter most, how AI can elevate thinking (not just efficiency), and why curiosity might just be the ultimate superpower in the age of automation.
We also unpack the growing tension between instant results and meaningful transformation, and how decision-makers can bridge the fear gap without losing sight of what matters most: their people.
Whether you’re AI-curious, AI-fatigued, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will stretch your thinking and invite you to consider what we’re really trying to automate, and why.
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In a world where AI is accelerating change, critical thinking is the ultimate competitive edge. If you’re just keeping up, you’re already falling behind, because as Category Pirates say, “If you are comparable, you are replaceable.” Yet, despite its power, critical thinking is often misunderstood or mistaken for simple decision-making.
Why do we default to the easy and familiar? How can we sharpen our ability to question, innovate, and stay ahead?
Joining us for this thought-provoking conversation is journalist and writer Alison Pittaway, whose expertise spans science, technology, psychology, and true crime. A guest lecturer on Critical Thinking at UCL and a speaker on Narcissism and Coercive Control, Alison brings a unique lens to how we process information, challenge narratives, and sharpen our ability to think critically.
Together, we’ll explore how critical thinking influences everyday decisions, how it intersects with creativity and innovation, and how AI might actually enhance, not replace our ability to think deeply. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how leaders can create cultures where critical thinking is second nature, ensuring that people remain adaptable, engaged, and ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving world.
Category Pirates is a business and marketing advisory group.
The phrase "If you are comparable, you are replaceable" reflects their core philosophy: businesses (and individuals) that blend into the competition become commodities, making them easy to swap out for something cheaper or more efficient. The only way to stand out and remain indispensable is by creating unique value, whether through innovation, thought leadership, or category creation.
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Welcome to episode 14, where we’re diving into the world of creativity, confidence, and big dreams!
We’re delighted to be joined by Joel Kern, the brilliant mind behind Make Believe Group, a fantastic children’s theatre school that’s all about using performance to build life skills. Joel’s on a mission to help young people grow in confidence and communication. He shares his incredible journey, from his early days as a young DJ to launching his business at the age of 12! 20 years later, he continues to grow his business, living his mantra that ‘nothing is unreachable’.
We discuss the power of parental support, the magic of teamwork, and why creativity and critical thinking are so vital in education today. With Make Believe celebrating 20 years, Joel reflects on the highs, the lessons learned, and what’s next.
It’s an inspiring conversation filled with passion, insights, and plenty of takeaways—so let’s jump in!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Special Episode Exploring Standout Topics Through a Fresh Lens on Creativity and Innovation.
Did you know that 70% of women in the workforce are navigating peri-menopause? It’s a stage of life that impacts millions, yet remains under-discussed and in danger of being highjacked for commercial and political reasons. In this episode of Brainy Podcasts, we take a fresh look at this crucial topic, the impact it has on our brains to generate creativity, resilience, innovation and critical thinking and some myth busting too.
Joining us is Rachel Curry, Creative Services Director at Designate a fearlessly independent Advertising Agency. Rachel brings a powerful and deeply personal story about her sudden introduction to menopause while thriving in a vibrant industry surrounded by and leading young talent. Her journey has inspired her to become a mentor and advocate, offering vital support to colleagues and beyond.
Rachel’s experience and insights have helped shape menopause policies for her own company and other organisations, ensuring better support for women and greater understanding across the workplace and we think her “hot tips” (not hot flushes!) deserves to be heard.
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In each episode our mission is to pick the brains of leaders in their field to share their success on the importance of creativity, innovation and critical thinking, transforming imagination in to revenue.
In this episode, Soraya and Tracy dive into exploring the importance of nurturing a healthy mindset. Through the lens of neuroscience and the crucial role our brain has in driving creativity, innovation and critical thinking, the knowledge that everything we do impacts our brains health and cognitive abilities adds a different lens to our potential. They explore how reflection, reframing and self-awareness unlock human potential and fuel organisational success. You'll hear practical tips on keeping your brains super highway healthy and learn how leaders can foster a culture of growth. Feed your brain to be the best version of you.
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#11 Our Genius As Human Beings
The Human Self
In this episode, we explore the concept of "The Human Self" and its pivotal role in fostering creativity and innovation. We discuss why self-development, self-awareness, and self-belief are essential for unlocking human potential and driving organisational success.
Joined by Miriam Boote, Managing Director at creative agency, Designate, we examine the role of leaders and organisations in cultivating a culture of self-awareness and continuous improvement. We provide strategies for encouraging teams to take ownership of their growth and contributions, such as creating a supportive environment, offering development opportunities, and promoting a mindset of self-reflection. Join us as we discuss how embracing "The Human Self" can lead to greater creativity, innovation, and success for both individuals and organisations.
Our conversation aims to serve as powerful tools for personal growth and leadership development, helping individuals and leaders harness the potential of the human brain to achieve greater success and fulfillment.
www.brainycasts.com
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#10 Let Your Charisma Out Of The Bottle
Confidence, Gravitas and the Social Brain
Find out in this episode the importance of emotional safety for confidence. You'll learn how when the brain is not distracted by feeling safe, confidence can fly!, We also delve into the way we view the world and how shifting perspective, through a polished up lens, can bring more clarity and shift unsupporting cognitive biases.
Our conversation aims to serve as powerful tools for personal growth and leadership development, helping individuals and leaders harness the potential of the human brain to achieve greater success and fulfillment.
www.brainycasts.com
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#9 Manner Before Matter
What is Psycho-Social & Why Does it Matter? Part Two
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Leanne Drew-McKain. This is not the soft, mushy stuff! It's the stuff that creates the environment for those tough conversations and decisions to be made.
Our conversation aims to serve as powerful tools for personal growth and leadership development, helping individuals and leaders harness the potential of the human brain to achieve greater success and fulfillment.
www.brainycasts.com
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#8 Leaders Have Brains Too, But Do They Have Psychological Safety?
What is Psycho-Social & Why Does it Matter? Part One
In this 2-parter, we explore the importance of environmental climates and their profound impact on creativity, innovation, ideation, and critical thinking. Discover how the spaces around us and the cultures we work within can influence our minds and drive groundbreaking ideas and solutions.
We’re digging deeper and wider in our human exploration and knowledge of how to use the power of creating, innovating, ideating, remaining curious and asking the right questions. We’ve also pioneering a new strategy and model that underpins our purpose reached through everything we've explored in Brainy Podcasts.
www.brainycasts.com
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#7 The Human Advantage
In our first episode in season two, we start by taking a deeper dive into where we rely on the uniqueness of our brains and not on tech. as we move further into the next industrial revolution 5.0 (2020 to present).
We’re digging deeper and wider in our human exploration and knowledge of how to use the power of creating, innovating, ideating, remaining curious and asking the right questions. We’ve also pioneering a new strategy and model that underpins our purpose reached through everything we've explored in Brainy Podcasts.
www.brainycasts.com
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In our last episode of this series, we are going to explore what makes a conducive environment to create and innovate.
We are joined by Carlene Jackson, Founder, and CEO at Cloud9, who brings leadership insights into how to foster an environment that allows for openness in company culture to achieve the best of human potential
“If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” John Cleese
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters and how it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So at this point in the series, we’ve discussed what creativity is, who has it, creativity versus tech, and in our last episode how it shows up.
Today, we are looking at what blocks our creativity; like the impact of stress, lack of time, or our own limiting beliefs.
We hope to help mitigate the risks that stifle your creativity and understand the potential of your brain.
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters and how it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When are humans at their best creatively?
It’s all in the mind! We’ll explore what sparks the brain into creativity; key triggers and how this impacts the brain long term for things like solving problems and innovation, which is all from the creativity suite.
Helping you understand the potential of your brain and when to let those creative juices flow!
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters and how it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How are AI and other technical advancements impacting human creativity?
Wow, I’m not sure one podcast is enough for this topic. Technological advancements are moving so fast, that of-the-box thinking is already out of date!
We are joined by Ross Stevenson in this episode, who has spent the last 15 years working closely with some of the biggest names in tech. today.
We’ll be looking at how we’ve already been living with AI and how to utilise it in your work and life as it continues to become more mainstream.
It turns out, the future is most definitely human!
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters and how it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In episode two, we are joined by Karl Elwood, a wine merchant, who also runs a business network group.
We'll be demystifying creativity and innovation and how it goes way beyond artists and authors.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” —Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters and how it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to BRAINY PODCASTS the brainchild of Soraya Shaw & Tracy Filler. Soraya and Tracy are connected by their passion for understanding what makes people tick, or as Ruby Wax describes it what’s going on with our ‘mother ship’?
So, what’s got them all hot under the collar enough to join the saturated podcast world? Well, quite simply the conversations they’ve been having with each other and those around them, they thought “if we find this fascinating, perhaps we are not alone and these discussions need to be heard”.
This podcast series explores the wider context of creativity and innovation; What is it? Who has it? Why that matters? How it will impact our futures. We’ll be joined by inquisitive, creative minds from different walks of life to those who need convincing they fit this description at all.
Whatever your understanding or view, these podcasts will help you navigate your own thoughts on the subject and give you enough fuel to light your imagination and take action, whatever you do in life.
As a renowned Applied Neuroscientist, Soraya will be cementing your understanding with the latest scientific evidence of what’s happening in our brain when we come up with new ideas, new ways of working or solving a problem and how to have more of them.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.