In this series of Podcasts - Derek interviews prominent business leaders, high achievers in their field and subject experts. They are short, sharp and succinct. ideal for listening whilst travelling.
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In this series of Podcasts - Derek interviews prominent business leaders, high achievers in their field and subject experts. They are short, sharp and succinct. ideal for listening whilst travelling.
Caroline Williams – award-winning science journalist, bestselling author, lifelong learner, and explorer of cutting-edge brain science.
Negotiators Podcast
38 minutes 16 seconds
1 month ago
Caroline Williams – award-winning science journalist, bestselling author, lifelong learner, and explorer of cutting-edge brain science.
Hello everybody – I’m Derek Arden, and welcome to another fascinating edition of Monday Night Live!
This week, we dived deep into the world of neuroscience, creativity, movement, and the hidden secrets of the human mind with our brilliant guest, Caroline Williams – award-winning science journalist, bestselling author, lifelong learner, and explorer of cutting-edge brain science.
From swallowing vibrating pills in the name of research to rewiring her own brain with electricity, Caroline has travelled the world exploring how science can help us understand why we think, feel, and behave the way we do. Tonight’s conversation was packed with surprising insights, practical takeaways, and a few “wow” moments that will change the way you think about your brain and your body. Let’s dive into the highlights!
What Is Neuroscience – And Why It Matters
Caroline kicked things off by defining neuroscience as the study of how the brain and nervous system create our thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and consciousness.It’s a field full of unanswered questions, and that’s what makes it so exciting. “Anyone who says we fully understand how the brain creates the mind is lying,” Caroline laughed.
Our brains are powerful but imperfect – capable of compassion, creativity, and optimism, but also vulnerable to anxiety, distraction, and depression. Understanding how it all works helps us get the best out of our minds and navigate the glitches that come with being human.
Zapping the Brain for Creativity
One of the most jaw-dropping parts of the evening was Caroline’s story of undergoing brain stimulation in Kansas City. Scientists gently reduced activity in her prefrontal cortex – the brain’s goal-setting “control centre” – to boost her creative thinking.
And it worked! Before-and-after data showed a remarkable difference. By temporarily turning down the “taskmaster” part of the brain, the rest of the mind was free to wander, connect ideas, and innovate. It’s the same principle behind “flow state” – when hours disappear as we’re completely immersed in a task.
Your Gut Talks to Your Brain (Yes, Really!)
Ever had a “gut feeling”? Caroline took part in an experiment to prove that’s more than a metaphor. She swallowed a pill equipped with a tiny motor that buzzed inside her stomach, helping researchers map how gut signals are processed by the brain.
The results? The brain has dedicated networks that respond to internal sensations – and understanding this “gut-brain axis” could transform treatments for eating disorders, IBS, pain, and more. These same devices are already FDA-approved to treat constipation. Talk about science in action!
Move More, Think Better
Caroline’s first book, Move, explores how movement supercharges the brain. Just 120 steps a minute – a brisk walk or dance pace – boosts blood flow to the brain by up to 20%, sharpening focus and fuelling creativity.
It’s no coincidence most pop songs sit around 120 beats per minute – our brains love that rhythm. Even short “movement snacks” throughout the day, like squatting while unloading the dishwasher or dancing in the kitchen, counteract the harmful effects of sitting too long.
Breathe Your Way to a Better Brain
Breathing isn’t just about oxygen – it’s a powerful switch for your brain state. Breathing six times per minute through your nose syncs your brainwaves, increases calm alpha waves,
Negotiators Podcast
In this series of Podcasts - Derek interviews prominent business leaders, high achievers in their field and subject experts. They are short, sharp and succinct. ideal for listening whilst travelling.
