Host: Mike
Episode Length: ~15 minutes
Category: Science • Psychology • Society
In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike dives deep into the neuroscience and psychology of gender identity—separating scientific fact from political fiction.
We unpack what peer-reviewed research says about the brains of transgender people, explore how hormones and neural connectivity adapt during transition, and discuss the psychological concept of minority stress—how discrimination, not identity, drives distress.
This episode goes beyond talking points to show how empathy, data, and humanity align.
Neuroimaging Studies: Brain regions involved in self-perception and gender identity
Hormone Therapy & the Brain: Structural and functional neural changes
Psychology of Gender Identity: What the APA and global research actually define
Minority Stress Theory: Why discrimination—not identity—causes higher anxiety and depression
Real-World Impacts: From affirming care to dehumanizing policy rhetoric
What Science Recommends: Evidence-based support for mental health and inclusion
Guillamon et al., NeuroImage: Clinical (2021) – Brain structure in transgender individuals
Smith et al., JAMA Network Open (2023) – Adolescent brain imaging and gender diversity
Hendricks & Testa (2012), American Journal of Public Health – Minority Stress Model in transgender populations
Colizzi et al. (2016), Psychoneuroendocrinology – Effects of hormone therapy on brain structure
Reisner et al. (2016), The Lancet – Global mental health outcomes and access to affirming care
“Reducing gender to chromosomes is like saying Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is just air vibrations.”
“Science is complex; rhetoric is loud. And loud doesn’t mean right.”
“When society supports its most vulnerable, everyone flourishes.”
If this episode resonated, share it, rate it, and help plant more seeds of empathy and evidence.
Next week: The Psychology of Teen Vaping — How Industries Hack the Adolescent Brain.
#TransgenderScience #GenderIdentity #Neuroscience #PsychologyPodcast #TransRightsAreHumanRights #ScienceOverRhetoric #LGBTQEducation #TransAwareness #BrainBlossomsPodcast #TransgenderFacts #NeuroDiversity #InclusiveScience #MindAndIdentity #TransResearch #EmpathyAndEvidence #SocialPsychology #TransSupport #PrideAndScience #UnderstandingGender #MikeTalksScience
📘 Episode Description (Show Notes):
Why do we become emotionally attached to our favorite snacks? Why does one person call Goldfish an S-tier comfort food while another swears that Takis should be banned from planet Earth? In today’s episode, we taste-test our all-time favorite snacks live while diving into the psychological science of preferences, cravings, nostalgia, and reward systems in the brain.
We rank everything in a full tier list while breaking down:
Why familiarity shapes what we call “our favorite”
The dopamine loop behind snacking
How childhood memories affect taste perception
Why you get irrationally angry when someone hates your favorite snack
This is part science, part chaos, and 100% S-tier entertainment.
🎧 Stick around to see which snacks made God Tier… and which got canceled.
00:00 – Intro: Why snacks reveal your psychology
02:30 – The Brain Science of Preferences (Dopamine & Memory)
07:15 – Snack #1 Taste Test (Immediate debate erupts)
12:45 – Tier List Begins (Comfort vs. Craving Psychology)
19:00 – Why We Hate Change: The Familiarity Effect
24:30 – The Great Chocolate Controversy
32:00 – Final Rankings & What Your Favorite Snack Says About You
38:20 – Listener Challenge: Submit your S-tier snack!
Mere Exposure Effect (why repeated foods become favorites)
Dopamine Reward Pathway
Nostalgia & Emotional Memory
Sensory-Specific Satiety
Identity Signaling Through Taste
Comment your rankings to get featured in the next episode!
Comment your favorite snack and why you think you love it. Is it flavor? A childhood memory? Emotional support?
We’ll read the best ones in the next episode!
psychology of taste, why we have favorite foods, snack tier list, best snack ranking, food cravings explained, dopamine and food, psychology podcast, tier list debate, snack taste test, why we love snacks
#TierList #SnackRanking #FoodPsychology #FavoriteFoods #TasteTest #PsychologyPodcast #Dopamine #Nostalgia #BrainScience #SatisfyingSnacks
🌱 Grow Your Brain: Neuroplasticity 101 | Planting Thoughts
Your brain is not fixed — it’s flexible, rewiring itself every day based on what you focus on. In this episode, you’ll learn how neuroplasticity works, how to train it, and how to rewire your brain in 30 days using proven neuroscience.
Neuroplasticity explained: how your brain physically changes when you learn
Why repetition, emotion, and sleep drive brain rewiring
The basketball effect: how athletes train their brains, not just bodies
2 learning hacks backed by science: spaced repetition & microlearning
Emerging brain tech: tDCS, sleep learning, psychedelics & critical-period reopening
30-Day Brain Rewire Plan you can start today
0:00 – Intro: You can grow your brain
1:15 – Neuroplasticity science (taxi driver study)
3:00 – Fire together, wire together (basketball example)
4:20 – Learning hacks that work
6:00 – Emotional neuroplasticity & mindfulness
7:30 – Weird frontier: future brain growth tech
9:00 – 30-day rewire plan & challenge
Pick ONE skill, habit, or mindset.
Practice it daily for 15 minutes using spaced repetition + visualization + sleep.
Track wins for 30 days = new neural pathway installed.
Key Concpets:
London taxi drivers: hippocampal growth (Maguire et al., PNAS, 2000)
Spaced repetition: 30–50% retention improvement (Cepeda et al., Psych. Science, 2006)
Sleep reactivation: memory consolidation (Northwestern, 2019)
Motor imagery activates same circuits as movement (Journal of Neurophysiology)
#Neuroplasticity #GrowYourBrain #BrainHacks #LearnFaster #30DayChallenge #MentalTraining #MemoryScience
neuroplasticity, how to rewire your brain, brain growth, spaced repetition, learn faster, brain plasticity, 30 day brain challenge, memory science, brain rewiring
Description:
What happens when psychedelics move from the underground to the therapist’s office? In this episode, Mike unpacks the real research behind psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine — the so-called “breakthrough” treatments for depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Forget the festival folklore — we’re talking Nature Medicine, JAMA Psychiatry, and NEJM studies that are changing how scientists think about healing the brain. From rewiring rigid thought loops to boosting neuroplasticity, these substances might just teach the mind to loosen up — safely, and under medical supervision.
Along the way:
The MDMA + therapy trials that helped PTSD patients reclaim their lives
Psilocybin’s rapid antidepressant effects and what makes guided sessions so powerful
Ketamine and esketamine — how anesthetics became one of psychiatry’s fastest-acting treatments
Why microdosing hype doesn’t match placebo-controlled data
And why science, not rhetoric, should guide the psychedelic renaissance
Because the brain deserves more than buzzwords — it deserves evidence (and maybe a sense of humor).
Key Studies Mentioned:
Mitchell et al., Nature Medicine (2021) — MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD
Davis et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2020) — Psilocybin therapy for major depression
Carhart-Harris et al., PNAS (2014) — Brain network changes under psilocybin
Ly et al., Cell Reports (2018) — Psychedelics and neuroplasticity
Biological Psychiatry (2022) — Ketamine and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression
eLife (2021) — Microdosing and the placebo problem
Episode length: ~9 minutes
Host: Mike — Planting Thoughts / Brain Blossoms
🎧 Listen, learn, and keep your skepticism stylish.
Ever wondered why smart, ordinary people end up in destructive cults? In this episode, Mike and Manon dig into the psychology of cults—why people join, why they stay, and how modern groups like NXIVM use timeless brain hacks to recruit and retain members.
We cover:
Milgram’s obedience studies, Asch’s conformity experiments, and the classic “foot-in-the-door” effect.
Why prophecy failures often make believers double down instead of walk away.
Scientology’s controversial status: cult or religion? What the research and courts say.
NXIVM’s corporate cult tactics and the psychology of branding, collateral, and coercion.
Heaven’s Gate and Aum Shinrikyo as chilling case studies of apocalyptic control.
Rick Alan Ross’s Nine Characteristics of Cults (Cults Inside Out)—a handy checklist for spotting red flags.
The deep psychology of why people stay: belongingness, sunk costs, trauma bonding, bounded choice, and intermittent reinforcement.
Feeling anxious? In this quick 5-minute Brain Blossom, Mike guides you through a simple but powerful breathing technique that can calm your nervous system in under a minute. Backed by neuroscience and rooted in ancient wisdom, this “Mindful Minute: Breath to Reset” shows how the breath acts like a remote control for your brain — flipping you from stress mode into calm focus.
You’ll learn:
Why controlled breathing lowers anxiety and boosts focus
How to do the 4–4–6–4 breathing exercise in real time
The science of vagus nerve activation and heart rate variability
How breath connects ancient yoga traditions with modern psychology
Three powerful practices (mindfulness, CBT, VR therapy) to pair with breathing
✨ A small habit with a big payoff: use this anytime anxiety spikes.
🎧 Listen now and take a calm reset — right where you are.
In this solo episode, Mike dives deep into the world of drugs, addiction, and the culture surrounding them. From brain chemistry to Hollywood glamorization, this conversation unpacks the science, psychology, and real-life consequences of substance use.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
🎯 Addiction & the Brain — how dopamine, memory, stress, and reinforcement learning wire us to crave.
🧠 Behavioral Traps — conditioning, cognitive biases, and why relapse is so common.
💊 Drug Categories — opioids, depressants, stimulants, psychedelics — the highs, the risks, and the myths.
🔥 Teen Drug Trends — Delta-8, THC-P, kratom, vapes, energy drinks, and what makes them so appealing (and dangerous).
⚠️ Nitazenes & Prescription Misuse — fentanyl’s “evil cousin” and the rise of ADHD stimulant misuse.
👨👩👦 Personal Story — Mike’s family history with addiction and why he left counseling for education.
🎬 Hollywood & Music — how culture glamorizes drugs and the tragic reality behind the curtain.
🍻 Alcohol & Party Culture — why alcohol is the most underestimated drug for teens and college students.
Key Message:
Addiction isn’t about weakness — it’s about biology, psychology, and culture colliding. With the right information, we can replace stigma with understanding and help people make informed choices.
👉 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Stay curious, protect your brain, and take care of yourself.
Brain Blossoms – Episode 1: Anxiety Unlocked
In this debut mini-episode of Brain Blossoms—the quick, 5–7 minute sibling podcast to Planting Thoughts—Mike breaks down anxiety in a way that’s relatable, research-backed, and even a little funny. From flat tires to racing thoughts, you’ll learn what anxiety really is, how it hijacks your brain, and why your nervous system sometimes acts like a drama queen. Backed by cutting-edge studies, Mike explores mindfulness, CBT, breathing techniques, and even virtual reality therapy as tools for calmer thinking.Perfect for curious minds who want fast, science-based insights without the jargon.
#psychology #podcast #anxiety #relaxation #plantingthoughts
Summary
In this episode of Planting Thoughts, the host delves into the intriguing world of ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) and its psychological implications. The conversation explores the science behind ASMR, its effects on relaxation and mood, and the contrasting phenomenon of misophonia, where certain sounds trigger negative emotional responses. The discussion also touches on the cultural significance of ASMR, its applications in coping with overstimulation, and related sensory experiences like frisson and flow states. The episode concludes with a reflection on the fascinating complexities of sensory psychology and its impact on our daily lives.
Takeaways
Sound bites
"ASMR is more relaxing than nature clips."
"ASMR helps with stress, sleep, and mood."
"ASMR has cousins, for example frisson."
Keywords
ASMR, Misophonia, psychology, relaxation, sensory experience, brain science, emotional response, sound sensitivity, mental health, popular culture
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ASMR and Misophonia
00:46 Understanding ASMR: Science and Sensation
04:54 The Psychological Effects of ASMR
08:21 ASMR in Popular Culture and Its Uses
10:20 The Dark Side of ASMR: Risks and Misophonia
12:49 Exploring Related Sensory Phenomena
15:02 Conclusion: The Fascinating World of Sensory Psychology
16:52 Borough
In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike and Manon tackle one of the most universal struggles of modern life—overthinking. Why does your brain replay conversations on loop? Why do “what if” scenarios hijack your sleep? And most importantly—how do you stop?
Together, the co-hosts dig into the science of anxiety and rumination from multiple perspectives:
Evolutionary psychology – how an overactive threat system once kept us safe from predators but now flares up over emails and text messages.
Neuroscience – why the Default Mode Network and amygdala fuel mental spirals.
Behaviorism & cognitive science – how learned avoidance and distorted thinking patterns keep the loop alive.
Sociocultural influences – how social media, comparison, and perfectionism amplify worry.
The episode also explores the common personality traits of overthinkers—people-pleasing, oversharing, conflict avoidance, perfectionism—and how these tendencies interact with the science of anxiety. Special attention is given to overthinking in children, with early warning signs and prevention strategies for parents.
To balance the science, Mike and Manon turn to Buddhist philosophy—impermanence, non-attachment, compassion, and mindfulness—as powerful tools for letting go of mental clutter. Along the way, you’ll hear witty banter, relatable confessions, and a guest’s personal story of navigating life as a chronic overthinker.
From practical strategies like journaling, CBT, mindfulness meditation, and worry scheduling, to the timeless wisdom of Eastern philosophy, this episode plants the seeds of self-awareness and equips listeners with tools to step out of the spiral.
Takeaway: Your thoughts are not facts. You can notice them, let them pass, and choose where to place your attention.
Join the millions already listening—follow Planting Thoughts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and share this episode with the fellow overthinkers in your life.
In this deeply personal and research-driven episode, Mike and Manon explore the emotional and psychological realities of living with terminal illness, caring for those facing it, and grieving their loss. Using the lens of psychological research and lived experiences, they unpack the complexity of grief — from the Kübler-Ross model to anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and the Dual Process Model.
Special guest Ruthan shares her story of living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, offering raw insights into the emotional, spiritual, and practical shifts that come with it. Mike and Manon then turn their focus to astrocytomas and glioblastomas, revealing their devastating impact and the sobering statistics behind these brain cancers.
They also spotlight the fight against childhood cancer — from promising breakthroughs like CAR-T cell therapy and genomic targeting to the urgent need for more funding, as only 4% of the NCI’s budget is allocated to pediatric cancer.
This episode blends science, statistics, and heartfelt storytelling to remind us that ending cancer is about more than curing the disease — it’s about protecting dignity, relationships, and the human spirit.
Topics covered:
The real-life application and limits of the Kübler-Ross model
Anticipatory grief and its effects on caregivers
Complicated grief and attachment theory findings
Ruthan’s lived experience with stage 4 cancer
The medical and psychological toll of astrocytomas and glioblastomas
The urgent fight against pediatric cancer and recent research advances
Listen if you want to:
Understand the psychology of grief beyond the textbook stages
Hear powerful first-person accounts of living with terminal illness
Learn about underfunded but promising areas of cancer research
🎙 “When Fear Goes Viral: From Salem to Satanic Panic”
🎧 Episode Overview
A chilling exploration of mass hysteria, false memory, conformity, and moral panics, told through three historical lenses: the Salem Witch Trials, the 1980s Satanic Panic, and the 1518 Dancing Plague in France. The episode dissects how fear and authority can spiral into collective delusion, injustice, and long-lasting societal trauma.
Salem Witch Trials
Manon tells a vivid (and partly dramatized) story of Bridget Bishop, the first woman executed during the Salem Witch Trials (hanged, not burned).
Sets the thematic tone: hysteria, fear, the danger of belief.
Mass psychogenic illness in Strasbourg, France.
400 people danced uncontrollably; some died from exhaustion.
Linked to religious fear, famine, and mass stress.
Betty Parris & Abigail Williams trigger panic with strange behavior.
Use of spectral evidence leads to 200+ accusations and 20 deaths.
Social tensions between Salem Village (rural, poor, Puritan) and Salem Town (urban, wealthy) explain the deep divisions.
Families like the Putnams vs. Porters used accusations to gain power.
Religion, gender roles, and economic stress all contributed.
Key figures:
Tituba’s coerced confession
John & Elizabeth Proctor
Giles Corey ("More weight")—pressed to death
Judge Samuel Sewall later publicly repents.
Trials ended when the governor’s wife was accused.
Satanic Panic of 1980s
Sparked by Michelle Remembers (1980) and media amplification.
Panic spread to preschools, music, games (D&D), and TV (e.g., Oprah).
McMartin Preschool case: 41 children, bizarre testimonies, no convictions.
“Recovered memory therapy” now discredited.
APA and FBI eventually refuted claims—no evidence of ritual abuse.
Mass Psychogenic Illness (Mass Hysteria)
False Memory Syndrome – Elizabeth Loftus's research
Conformity – Asch line experiments
Obedience to Authority – Stanley Milgram’s shock experiments
Groupthink – Irving Janis
Moral Panic – Stanley Cohen’s theory
Suggestibility and Fear-Based Behavior – Role of religion, media, and authority
“This wasn’t just dancing—it was people mentally breaking under pressure.”
“Spectral evidence... basically the 1692 version of ‘I had a bad dream and now you’re going to jail.’”
“Psychology hasn’t changed—just the platforms that spread the panic.”
“Mass hysteria doesn’t always look like witches or demons. Sometimes, it wears the face of someone you trust.”
Mass hysteria arises from anxiety, fear, and suggestibility.
Authority figures can unwittingly or purposefully spread misinformation.
Historical panics may look different today but follow the same psychological patterns.
Vigilance, skepticism, and education are critical.
“What would you have done? Would you have spoken up… or stayed silent?”
Episode 13 Summary: Persuaded: The Hidden Forces Behind Every ‘Yes’
In this eye-opening episode, Mike and Manon dig into the psychology of influence and why we often say “yes” when we mean “no.” From subtle social cues to full-on memory rewrites, this episode explores how easily our perceptions, beliefs, and even memories can be shaped by those around us.
Highlights:
Classic Conformity StudiesSolomon Asch’s famous line experiment shows how 75% ofpeople conform to group pressure—even when they know the group
Elizabeth Loftus's Work:
Demonstrates how suggestion and phrasing can alter memories-proving memory is not a video camera but a reconstruction.
Cialdini's 6 Principles of Persuasion:
The crew breaks down reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity with modern examples from Costco to Tupperware parties and Nike drops.
Personal Stories:
Mike recounts how a vacuum salesman used nearly every trick in the book on him; Manon shares her husband Connor's brief but charming door-to-door roof sales.Takeaway:Understanding the psychology of persuasion helps you become a more conscious consumer, communicator, and decision-maker. Influence is everywhere—but awareness is your best defense.
In this episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike dives deep into the power of detachment—what it really means, how it’s different from emotional suppression, and why learning to “let them” is one of the most freeing things you can do. Inspired by the viral Let Them Theory, Buddhist philosophy, and psychological research, this episode explores how letting go of control and people-pleasing can lead to healthier relationships, more peace, and a stronger sense of self.
Mike shares a personal story of growth, offers insights from DBT and attachment theory, and unpacks the difference between healthy and harmful detachment.
Highlights include:
The Let Them Theory and how it rewires emotional control
What Buddhism teaches us about craving and suffering
Real psychological studies on detachment and well-being
Mike’s honest story about a relationship that challenged his identity
Tools for building self-worth without sacrificing authenticity
Whether you're healing from a breakup, feeling burnt out, or just tired of bending to please others—this one’s for you.
👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
New episodes every two weeks!
In this gripping and unsettling episode of Planting Thoughts, Mike and Manon take listeners deep into the chilling world of psychopathy—what it is, how it develops, and why it matters.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
The science behind psychopathy: From brain abnormalities in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex to the role of serotonin and dopamine.
The difference between psychopathy and other disorders like autism, narcissism, and schizophrenia.
Evolutionary theories explaining psychopathy as a survival strategy.
Childhood predictors and early interventions, with emphasis on callous-unemotional traits.
How psychopathy can show up in the boardroom—not just behind bars.
🧠 Chilling Case Studies:
Dennis Rader (BTK Killer): A suburban dad with a monstrous double life.
Luis Garavito (La Bestia): One of history's most prolific child murderers.
Comparison killers: Bundy, Ramirez, Wuornos, and Kemper—what separates psychopathy from psychosis or trauma-driven violence?
😱 Hosts Take the Psychopathy Test:
Mike and Manon share their own results from the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, revealing how close—or far—they are from the clinical threshold. Spoiler: Mike's a little “spicy.”
💡 Final Thoughts:
Psychopathy is not binary—it’s a spectrum. Understanding it helps us navigate crime, leadership, and even our own behaviors with more nuance.
🎥 Available on YouTube & Spotify
Subscribe for new video episodes, and join the conversation: Should we screen for psychopathy in schools or CEOs? Can empathy be engineered?
👉 Next week: The psychology of vaping addiction—why it’s more than just a bad habit.
Mike and Manon welcome listeners to their video debut with a spoiler-filled disclaimer and a preview of the episode's theme: why certain films become part of our emotional DNA. From last week’s tribute to beloved pets to today’s discussion, this episode blends psychology, nostalgia, and storytelling.
From mirror neurons to moral reasoning, the hosts explore how our brains process movies—and why they leave such lasting impressions.
Neuroscience: Emotional triggers, physiological synchrony, and chemical reactions like dopamine and oxytocin.
Behavioral & Emotional Psych: Catharsis, conditioning, and parasocial relationships with fictional characters.
Cognitive Theory: Schema alignment, narrative immersion, and internal resolution.
Evolutionary Angles: Hero’s journeys as survival stories, and social learning from on-screen role models.
Social & Cultural Factors: Group identity, generational memory, and pop culture as shared language.
Individual Differences: How attachment styles, personality traits, and childhood experiences shape our film preferences.
Mike's Picks
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – A poetic dive into memory, heartbreak, and identity.
The Shawshank Redemption – Persistence, hope, and reclaiming freedom in a world built to break you.
The Big Lebowski – Absurdity, detachment, and existential humor through the lens of a dude and his rug.
Manon's Picks
Moulin Rouge! – Doomed love, emotional overload, and oxytocin-fueled escapism in a visual fever dream.
Interview with the Vampire – Guilt, repression, and eternal existential dread wrapped in a gothic horror.
Addams Family Values – Satire, nonconformity, and radical authenticity in the face of cultural erasure.
Each film is unpacked for its psychological resonance—whether it’s identity crisis, attachment theory, memory formation, or radical acceptance.
Despite wildly different genres and tones, all six films share universal psychological roots—resilience, transformation, and the search for meaning. These favorites act as mirrors of the self, reflecting where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Mike and Manon wrap with a warm invitation to join the conversation:
💬 What movie lives in your bones?
💌 DM your comfort rewatches & character soulmates.
👀 Next episode preview: Dive into the mind of a psychopath with true crime stories and clinical insights.
🧠 Segment 1: The Psychology of Movie Love [02:45 – 15:00]
🎞️ Segment 2: Mike & Manon’s Top 3 Films (with Psychological Tie-Ins) [15:00 – 35:00]
🔄 Segment 3: Common Threads & Closing Thoughts [35:00 – 38:00]
📢 Outro & Call to Action [38:00 – 40:00]
Keywords: pets, emotional connection, attachment theory, human-animal bond, grief, child development, pet therapy, oxytocin, dopamine, mental healthsummary
This episode explores the profound emotional connections we share with our pets, delving into the science behind the human-animal bond, attachment styles, and the impact of pets on our mental health and child development. It also addresses the grief experienced when losing a pet and how these relationships can serve as emotional support and social bridges.takeaways
Sound BitesChapters
00:00The Power of Connection with Pets
02:18The Science Behind Human-Animal Bonds
05:31Understanding Attachment Styles and Pets
09:53The Role of Pets in Emotional Healing
15:30The Psychology of Pet Ownership
18:21Physical Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
20:50Pets and Neurodivergent Individuals
25:38The Impact of Grieving a Pet
In this powerful episode of Planting Thoughts, host Mike opens with the true story of Jonah—a boy once labeled as "withdrawn" in preschool who went on to publish in a major optics journal by age 15. Diagnosed with autism, Jonah's journey sets the tone for an episode that challenges conventional views of neurodivergence.
Titled “Different, Not Less,” this episode dives deep into what autism really is—not a disease, but a neurological difference that shapes perception, thought, and interaction. Mike breaks down outdated labels like “high” or “low” functioning, replacing them with a more humane, accurate view based on support needs and lived experience.
In Segment 2, we explore cutting-edge science—from brain structure differences and local hyperconnectivity to prenatal risk factors and shared genetic signatures. A special guest, Manon, joins to share what it’s like growing up autistic in a world built for neurotypicals.
The episode also confronts myths and media narratives head-on—especially the dangerous and false link between autism and violence. Backed by a wealth of research, Mike exposes how autistic individuals are far more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of abuse and harm.
But it’s not all challenges—autism brings profound strengths. From hyperfocus and pattern recognition to creative and ethical thinking, this episode celebrates the “superpowers” of neurodivergent minds.
With a passionate blend of science, personal storytelling, and a call for societal change, “Different, Not Less” is a compelling listen for anyone seeking to better understand the richness of human neurodiversity.
Key Topics Covered:
The real definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Brain structure, genetics, and environmental factors
Common myths, media misrepresentation, and abuse risks
Strengths of autistic cognition and ethical reasoning
Manon’s story of self-discovery and resilience
Aggression myths, co-occurring conditions, and evidence-based interventions
Quote to Remember:
“Autism does not equal violence. Autism equals difference. And difference requires understanding, not fear.”
Call to Action:
If this episode moved you, take 10 seconds to rate, review, and share. Start a conversation. Plant a thought. Open a mind.
Would you like a short version of this for social media promotion too?
In this insightful episode, Mike takes listeners on a deep dive into the science and psychology of attraction. From brain chemicals to cultural norms, he breaks down the forces that shape desire—and why we fall for the people we do (even when they text "lol" and nothing else).
Key Segments:
Brain Chemistry & Love: Attraction activates the same brain areas as cocaine. (Yes, really.)
Facial Symmetry & Confidence: Your brain is drawn to balance, but confidence steals the show.
Emotional Chemistry: Deep conversations (like Aron’s 36 Questions) create real connection.
Cultural Influence & Social Proof: What’s hot is heavily shaped by where—and who—you’re around.
Psych Tricks to Boost Attractiveness: Be warm, competent, funny, and most of all, real.
Red Flags to Watch For: When they’re “too busy,” but never for Instagram.
Keeping the Spark Alive: Novelty, emotional responsiveness, a dash of mystery, and mutual growth = lasting attraction.
Final Takeaway:
Attraction isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. The most magnetic people are curious, kind, and fully themselves.
Ah, the sound of the modern battlefield: the morning commute. Welcome back to Planting Thoughts, where we usually explore mindfulness, joy, and inner peace—but this week, we’re trading “zen” for “zoom” and diving headfirst into the raw, unfiltered emotion that is road rage.
In this fiery and fast-paced episode, Mike kicks things off with some hilariously dramatic shouting from behind the wheel (yes, bleeped for your safety), before pulling the car over—figuratively—and walking us through the real psychology behind our traffic-induced tantrums.
We explore:
The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis and why getting cut off feels so personal
How stress, deindividuation, and attribution bias fuel our fury
The surprising ways your personality traits—like neuroticism or conscientiousness—might affect how you react on the road
You'll also hear two powerful and relatable stories from our guests, who share their own red-light moments, the emotional fallout, and what they’ve learned about themselves along the way.
Mike balances the chaos with real solutions, offering practical tips to chill behind the wheel, from mindfulness to cognitive reframing—and even a shoutout to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for those who feel their anger’s driving them a little too far.
🚗 Fasten your seatbelt.
😤 Take a deep breath (if you're not stuck in gridlock).
🧠 And get ready to explore the psychology of why that guy in the minivan made you scream today.
Whether you're a road warrior, a passive passenger, or someone who’s screamed at a roundabout once or twice (no judgment), this episode will have you laughing, learning, and maybe even cooling off the next time someone forgets to use their blinker.
