Your Best Brain: The Science of Brain Improvement

by John Medina

Inside your head sits the most complex object in the known universe - the human brain. This amazing organ has unique powers to make predictions about the future, form relationships with other people, adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, and so much more. We all have a basic conception of how our brains function, but when did you last dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience to truly understand the inner workings of your mind?

For decades, the field of neuroscience has been in a near-constant state of disruptive transformation, as we continually learn more about our incredible brains. Thanks to rapid advances in technology and in our understanding of the brain, today’s neuroscience research goes far beyond trying to understand how the brain works, and into the search for proven ways to optimize brain performance. In Your Best Brain, Professor John J. Medina - an award-winning scientist, New York Times best-selling author, and leading advocate for brain research - delivers 24 exciting lectures that probe the origins of consciousness, memory, emotion, attention, intelligence, and beyond. He focuses on five key areas of study in neuroscience: the brain’s physical structure and function, and how it enabled us to become the planet’s apex predator; the ways in which the brain processes information, and how that relates to intelligence; the intricacies of emotions and socialization, and how empathy is a vital survival mechanism; how our brains develop and change throughout our lifetimes; and how we can best use and expand our cerebral processing performance. After gaining a thorough understanding of the science behind your best brain, you’ll learn scientifically proven methods for improving your memory, boosting your creativity, and keeping your mind sharp for years to come.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Neuroscience, Health, Self Help

440 pages, Audiobook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

DR. JOHN J. MEDINA, a developmental molecular biologist, has a lifelong fascination with how the mind reacts to and organizes information. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School" -- a provocative book that takes on the way our schools and work environments are designed. His latest book is a must-read for parents and early-childhood educators: "Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five."

Medina is an affiliate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He lives in Seattle, Washington, with his wife and two boys. www.brainrules.net

Reviews

[Lubinka Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys like John Medina are the reason I enjoy popular science books so much. Not only has he got a thorough knowledge of his subject, but he's really passionate about it himself, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He's not afraid to say "I (we, the scientists in general) just don't know", which is not something that we often see in such writings. He also cannot stress enough the fact that the brain is a physical organ and not a magical place where our soul-psyche-spirit etc reside. So in many ways it's just as vulnerable as the rest of our body, and just as dysfunctional when harmed.
On the other hand, when he knows, he manages to share his knowledge with us in a really practical way, so that we can apply the information in order to actually improve or brain function, or at least preserve it from deteriorating through bad diet, lack of sleep, not exercising etc. The quotes, the references to pop culture, and generally the visualization of the different subjects he presents are a great advantage to the book (Star Trek, anyone?). But his humor and his excited narration are the reason I read it almost overnight. Highly recommended.

[Vincent Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an audio lecture regarding the brain and ways to improve it. I guess I can summarize it as:

1) Exercise. 30 minute workouts five times a week is sufficient.
2) Eat Mediterranean Diets.
3) Video games such as Brain Age don't help, but games such as Mario Cart do.
4) Sleep correctly.
5) Socialize, the more friends the better. (bad news for us introverts).

The professor certainly goes into much more detail than this throughout the lectures and says quite often about how we don't know about many things when it comes to the brain. Much of what he does say is quite fascinating. He also goes into detail regarding the various subjects such as explaining how to sleep correctly (no blue light before bed, careful with your eating, know how much sleep you need a night and at what times, etc.)

I did find the professor a tad annoying at times as he would sometimes randomly laugh for no real reason. All in all though, the information was quite fascinating.

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a terrific program.

The instructor, Dr. John J. Medina is grating at first, due to his goofy voice and horrendously corny, nerdy dad humor. But he rapidly grows on you because of his enthusiasm, vast knowledge and wildly original and fantastically creative pedagogical style.

The course is a general tour of brain structure and function, with various stops along the way to focus on subjects such as sense perception, development, aging and sleep.

My favorite thing about the program (aside from the presenter and the subject) is the fact that Dr. Medina is such a shameless Darwinian. All of his conceptualizations are grounded in an evolutionary rationale and that makes me very very :-)

Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Teo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2017.10.11–2017.10.15

Contents

Medina J (2014) (12:24) Your Best Brain - The Science of Brain Improvement

01. How Your Brain Works
02. Your Unique Thinking Abilities
03. Damaged Brain, Damaged Function
04. Neuroplasticity: Your Flexible Brain
05. How Your Brain Uses Memory
06. The Advantages of Forgetting
07. Creativity and Fluid Intelligence
08. How Your Brain Uses Your Senses
09. Seeing with Your Brain: Vision
10. Feeling with Your Brain: Emotion
11. How Emotion Drives Attention
12. Pleasure and Your Brain
13. What Makes You Happy
14. How Your Brain Manages Stress
15. Your Social Brain
16. How Infant Brains Work
17. How Adolescent Brains Work
18. Sex and Your Brain
19. How Your Brain Ages
20. How Your Brain Copes with Grief
21. How Self-Control Works
22. The Power of Exercise
23. Improving Your Memory
24. Why Your Brain Needs Sleep

[Paul O’Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm blown away by the facts and suggestions for improving your life in this series of entertaining lectures by Dr Medina.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys learning about brain development and how to (try to) improve control over mind.

[Joseph L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watch a detailed review along with my favorite ideas and takeaways at:
https://youtu.be/_TOi-4j7wq0

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2014 The Teaching Company released Prof. John Medina’s 24 lecture course “Your Best Brain.” The audio cd course has a 211 page guide book. Each course is about 30 minutes long. Prof. John Medina teaches at University of Washington School of Medicine. He is an award winning scholar, New York Times best-selling author, and a well respected brain science researcher. His course is divided into five parts. It begins with a brain features map and explanations of the brain’s 17 functional components. The map and descriptions are very well done. He next describes how the brain learns, recognizes emotions in helping us build relationships, and how functional components of the brain develop from the time of conception through infant development, to adolescence and adulthood. His lectures on the aging brain are fascinating. The course ends with lectures about how the brain copes with grief, self control, and principles of wellness related to memory, physical activity, and the importance of sleep. I enjoyed Prof Medina’s conversational presentation style, his candor, and his ability to explain the science of our body in ways that are easy to understand. (P)

[Sagnik Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all in your head !

John Medina is humorous, precise, inspires awe and wonder, and tickles the curiosity muscle just the right amount, presents both sides of the argument busts myth and admits when he isn't sure of something - everything a great teacher should be. thoroughly enjoyed this lecture series ! the great courses has become my favourite among audible non fictions !

[Feng Ouyang · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his course consisting of 24 lectures, John Medina, an expert in brain and cognitive science, offers a detailed exploration of the brain, emphasizing its practical aspects. The course is designed for individuals with little to no background in brain science and neurology, providing a foundation in the subject matter. It links scientific knowledge about the brain with practical advice on how to use and improve cognitive functions. Medina's approach is to make complex neurological concepts accessible and applicable to everyday life, aiming to enhance the audience's understanding and application of brain science.

The course commences with a comprehensive overview of the human brain, where John Medina discusses its various parts, their collaborative functions, and the brain’s plasticity. By examining the dynamic nature of the brain and its integral role in daily life, the course continues to provide a holistic understanding of brain functionality and its practical relevance.

The author then first addresses memory, delving into its various functions and forms. Medina explains the role of working memory, also known as short-term memory, which temporarily holds information during tasks before it is either discarded or transferred to long-term memory. He then explores the facets of long-term memory, distinguishing between crystalized memory, which stores facts and experiences, and fluid memory, responsible for processing information and forming concepts, rules, and patterns. This latter type, closely linked to creativity, can be enhanced through open-mindedness and focused attention. While parallel to episodic and semantic memory, the crystalized/fluid classification is more relevant to intelligence activities. Medina notes that memory's diverse types correlate with distinct brain regions and mechanisms, a fact which helps explain why memory-improvement techniques are often limited in scope, primarily enhancing the specific memory type they target. This segment of the course underscores the complexity of memory systems and their significant role in our cognitive processes.

Following the discussion on memory, the author shifts focus to the brain's interaction with the body, highlighting the crucial role of sensory inputs. Medina explains how the brain dissects and then reconstructs sensory data to create a cohesive narrative or understanding of our surroundings. He uses vision as a key example to illustrate this complex process. The brain's lower-level neurons work to rectify the vision system's inherent flaws, while higher-level processing integrates visual information with other sensory data. In this integration, vision often plays a dominant role, being trusted more to 'correct' inputs from other senses. This segment of the course illuminates how our brain's interpretation of sensory information shapes our perception and decision-making, demonstrating the brain's remarkable ability to create a seamless and coherent experience from fragmented sensory inputs.



In the subsequent section, Medina turns to the subject of emotions, exploring their pivotal role as a bridge between the brain and the body. He delves into how certain brain chemicals, particularly dopamine, are instrumental in regulating our emotional responses. These emotional responses, he points out, often have a more significant influence on our behavior than our conscious thoughts. Beyond influencing our reactions to perceptions, emotions also play a crucial role in directing our attention. This understanding leads to a discussion on how emotional manipulation, a strategy frequently employed in advertising and political messaging, becomes a powerful tool in shaping our information intake and decision-making. This part of the course underscores the substantial impact of emotional processes in our daily lives, highlighting the importance of understanding these dynamics in the context of both personal and societal interactions.

In the course, Medina emphasizes social relations, exploring the brain mechanisms underpinning social interactions, emotional attachments, and cooperative behaviors. He provides an evolutionary explanation, illustrating how social cooperation has been crucial for human survival and development. This evolutionary perspective is not just a backdrop but a critical lens through which the course examines various aspects of the brain’s social functionality. Medina effectively demonstrates that social relations are integral to understanding the brain, serving as a cornerstone that connects and enriches various other topics discussed in the course. By doing so, he underscores the interconnected nature of brain processes and social behavior, highlighting the importance of social dynamics in our cognitive and emotional lives.

Transitioning from the theoretical aspects of brain functions, Medina shifts his focus to the practical applications in everyday life. He delves into how various characteristics of the brain, shaped during different stages of development such as infancy, puberty, and aging, influence corresponding behavioral traits. Medina also sheds light on the significant roles brain functions play in managing sexual activities, experiencing grief, and the mastery of executive functions like self-control. In this part of the course, he not only provides insights into these diverse aspects of brain functionality but also offers practical advice aimed at enhancing life quality. This shift to a more applied perspective underlines the direct relevance of brain science to daily living, offering tangible strategies for better understanding and managing our cognitive and emotional experiences.

In addressing each topic throughout the course, Medina adopts a multifaceted approach. He reviews relevant scientific findings, grounding his discussion in empirical evidence. Alongside this, he engages the audience with common-sense discussions, often drawing relatable examples from literature and movies, thereby making complex scientific concepts more understandable and relevant. While the advice he offers—such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, and maintaining social connections—may not be groundbreaking, its foundation in scientific studies adds credibility and persuasiveness.

The organization of the lectures in this course is commendable, with each session beginning with a clear overview and a detailed outline of the topics to be covered. Medina's skillful use of transitions helps in smoothly navigating through different parts of the lecture, enhancing the audience's comprehension and retention. Many of the lectures thoughtfully segue into the next, maintaining a cohesive flow. However, the course encounters a minor setback in its final sections, where the emphasis on the benefits of exercise and social interaction in the aging process tends to become somewhat repetitive, lacking in new insights or progression. Medina's delivery is notably lively and dramatic, effectively capturing and retaining the audience's attention. His approach, coupled with the course's accessible content, suggests a deliberate aim to appeal more to the general public than to a traditional academic audience, setting it apart from many standard “Great Courses” offerings.

In his course, Medina exhibits a commendable level of rigor in differentiating between well-established scientific results and common myths or unproven beliefs. His frequent admissions of “we don’t know” in areas where scientific consensus is absent is particularly noteworthy, reflecting an honest and transparent approach that is highly valuable for lay readers seeking reliable information. However, this commendable practice is somewhat tempered by the author's tendency to frequently oscillate between discussing hard scientific conclusions and exploring other, less empirically grounded notions. This shifting can sometimes make it challenging for the audience to track the status of the information being presented. Therefore, while Medina's approach is informative and inclusive, it places an onus on the reader to be vigilant in distinguishing between the different types of content and assessing the reliability of the information recalled from the course.

The course effectively illuminates the complex nature of our brain, emphasizing its sophisticated and dynamic architecture. Medina explores how the brain's various components, though distinct, are deeply interconnected, working in concert to support our cognitive and physical functions. He delves into the intricate ways in which the brain interacts with the body, through neuron signals, chemical messengers, and shared experiences, and how it processes and stores information with varying degrees of accuracy and robustness. This exploration provides a profound understanding of the brain's capabilities, contrasting sharply with the workings of AI systems. The course underscores the unique aspects of human cognition, highlighting the essential differences in complexity between our brains and contemporary computers. This comparison not only deepens our appreciation for the human brain's unique attributes but also prompts meaningful reflection on the evolving relationship between human intelligence and artificial systems.

“Your Best Brain” stands out as a valuable popular science course, particularly suited to those beginning their exploration into the world of neurology. Its clear, accessible presentation makes it an ideal starting point for newcomers seeking to understand the basics of brain science. While the course may not introduce groundbreaking new research or theories for those already well-versed in the subject, it serves an important role as a refresher. It effectively revisits the complexities and critical importance of brain science, thereby reinforcing key concepts and reinvigorating interest in the field. This dual appeal as both an introductory guide and a refresher course underscores its utility in a broad educational context.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good, and had some practical information. I think the author is a little hyperactive, and can't resist pop memes and movie quotations, to the point of tacky distraction. Useful thoughts about stress and being in control, and about sleep. I need to sleep more.... Goodnight.

[Saša · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. Author narrated it hilariously, he was really interesting and funny. Book held my attention to the end. Also, it was filled full of interesting information and actionable advice.

[Yaaresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content - 4.5 stars
Presentation - 2 stars
Full disclosure: I FF'd through the last six lectures to get the gist of them and skip the filler. See why below. Just couldn't take anymore of this presenter.
---------------

The information presented is basically freshman Psych 101 and Human Biology 101. I expected and would have preferred a deeper level of information, but it was hard to tell from the synopsis and sample video exactly what to expect. As it is, the information was well-organized and the graphics used were good. This is one of the newer Great Courses, and it's obvious they have invested in needed upgrades to staging, graphics, and sound quality.

The presenter is Dr. John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist affiliated with biotech and big pharma companies that focus mostly on mental health research/products. .

I did not enjoy the presenter. I don't like to pick on someone for something they might not be able to help; however, in the case of someone paid to do public speaking, I think commenting on voice is fair game. When the lecturer spoke in a calm, measured tone, his voice was not objectionable. . The problem is, he spoke in a calm, measured tone only about 15% of the time. The rest of the time, he tried (too hard) to be animated and emphatic. The more animated he got, the more his voice rose, cracked and grated on me. It was like listening to a cross between a teenage boy whose voice was changing and Scooby Doo. In short, it was highly irritating.

The lecturer also seems incapable of explaining anything without torturing and twisting it into a strained metaphor or bizarre simile or throwing in some odd pop culture reference that does very little to illustrate the point at hand. (The "brain processing is like manufacturing corn flakes" analogy was a particularly convoluted WTF ten minutes.) What's worse, this whole stage games doesn't seem natural, but comes off as a gimmick, as if the presenter felt the primary task was to entertain rather than inform. He's clearly convinced that that the little asides and attempts at humor were funnier than they are, but the relentless barrage of them got tiresome fast.

Perhaps the most annoying thing is that this was all unnecessary: had he simply presented the information in his more calm, natural voice, it would have been very easy to listen to him. His explanation of how addiction works was one of the more clear and concise I've heard, at least while he was focused on the science of it and not on being George Carlin. (And his bit attempting to rif on a George Carlin skit? Contact embarrassment doesn't begin to describe my reaction to that.)

Apparently, the presenter does a lot of paid public speaking to nonprofits, school boards, businesses, etc. Maybe these are the tactics one has to stoop to when presenting to such audiences in order to compete with their cell phones or other diversions. That really isn't the audience for The Great Courses where listeners seek out the information knowing they will invest hours into listening to the lectures. Is it possible we got his "sales pitch" voice and not his regular classroom voice?

Usually, I can listen to three or four lectures in a series back-to-back. I had a very hard time listening to one of these without a break. If not for the content, I would have DNF'd it before the halfway point. I'd say proceed with caution on this one and check it out of the library rather than purchase it.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lecture starts by debunking 2 myths, You only use 10% of your brain, not true you use it all. You are left brain or right rain, not sure you use both and they communicate with each other. Then goes on to cover everything from a neurological point of view: sleep, brain development, leaning, memory, disorders, distractions, etc

Sleep is important, it is used for processing what you have learned and cleaning, slept debt is bad. If you are short 10 hours of sleep this week, it will take 4 hours of extra sleep this weekend and another 2 hours of sleep each night the falling week for your brain to catch up.

Talking on a cell phone while driving is bad (even hands free) from a neurological stand point it is nearly the same as being drunk due to the areas of the brain that are needed for the conversation which takes focus from the effort of driving.

Want a better memory or at least maintain it, eat things high in omega-3s, due cardio, and have a network of good friends (social connections)

[Roxanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another entertaining Great Courses audiobook; highly enjoyable to listen to while on the move. The reason why I didn’t rate this any higher is that, while entertaining, there is significant repetition of material with other Great Courses audiobooks, by this author and others. I didn’t learn anything new though if you’re relatively new on the topic of recent popular neuroscience and positive psychology research, this audiobook will definitely give you a few pointers. Author tries to give you some takeaways at the end of each lecture, which you can put to use to enhance your overall cognitive ability but nothing that you probably doesn’t already know if you’re read a few books on the topic.

[Kmorgenstern · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to digest introduction to recent advances in neuroscience aimed at the general public. The subject matter is fascinating and currently there are a lot of discoveries being made, which make it an interesting field to keep an eye on. I listened to the audio book and perhaps that colours my rating a bit - I did not enjoy the delivery of the reader, it sounded as though he was constantly smirking. A bit insincere, I thought and a shame as the it seemed to be well written, so I probably would have enjoyed reading it myself more. Nevertheless, I would recommend the book, especially to people, who are not at all acquainted with the subject.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audio lecture. It started out really slow for me but, but once t picked up it was very entertaining. It is packed full of information backed up by neuroscience data, and a truly interesting listen to say the least. I really enjoyed it!

[Fabio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a blast learning more about some of the mechanisms of our brain (that we know about): retention, learning, memory, addiction, pleasure, happiness, the role of emotions, brain development on children and how it ages, sex, etc.

[Jackballoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exciting because the narrator author made it that way! Much helpful information, some of which I did not want to hear.

[Kostis Tsap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the latest (2014) findings about the brain, how it works, and what has been proven to optimize it and promote its longevity.

[Lynn Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is great, but the narration feels overly dramatic and he laughs at random times for no apparent reason. It’s a little distracting until you get used to it. The content is great though

[Bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this audiobook; however, I would ultimately recommend it to anyone interested in an introduction to evolutionary psychology and neuroscience.

First, the good: Professor Medina is a very well-respected neuroscientist. He obviously knows a lot about brain structure and function, as evidenced by his awesome ability to explain difficult concepts using fun metaphors (often from pop culture). He uses voice inflection to catch your attention and to emphasize key points.

The topics in this series that I found most interesting were: 1. structures of the brain (he makes technical terms so easy to remember!), 2. sleep science (he shares recent findings on how sleep works, why it is important, and how to optimize sleep), and 3. technological innovations for improving cognitive dysfunction (he mentions the new development of empirically-studied video games such as "Neuro Racer").

There are many other topics that also have significant appeal; for example, nutrition (specifically, the Mediterranean diet) and exercise (specifically, its effect on cognition).

Most of the topics that Professor Medina covers are included in most General Psychology (intro to psych) classes. The neuroscience that is included generally spans broad topics and is included to provide support for suggested brain improvement strategies. The course's lack of depth is not necessarily a bad thing; after all, the title of the series does suggest that the focus is practical applications. Nonetheless, there was less science than I was anticipating.

Now, the bad: Not only does the author have bias, but he also sometimes fails to make a distinction between facts and his opinion; for example, while he sometimes does say that a certain hypothesis is his opinion, he might mock the people who do not agree with his hypothesis. At other times, he does not make listeners aware at all that he is sharing a hypothesis that has not been empirically validated. For example, he states that depression and other mental illnesses are caused by "chemical imbalances" in the brain, based on responsiveness in patients to antidepressants which affect neurotransmitter re-uptake. I will not go into the details here, but this scientific research has not validated this hypothesis, despite its apparent sensibility. Had I not done research on certain topics, such as this one, I would be inclined to view his opinions as facts-and even accept misinformed conclusions-based on his presentation of information.

Overall, I highly recommend this series, with one caveat: listeners should know that while this professor is very intelligent, he sometimes presents his own opinions as facts, despite repeating that he is a scientist and not a "snake-oil salesman" (a phrase which itself has some irony to me in this context: snake oil originally gained its good reputation because it is a beneficial product, similar to fish oil; "snake-oil salesmen" gained their bad reputation because they were in practice untrustworthy, often marketing common oils as snake oil. By not making listeners aware of his bias, he becomes less trustworthy as a source of information.) It is especially excellent for students who are considering taking or currently enrolled in a General Psychology class, or anyone who would like a broad overview of evolutionary psychology and neuroscience.

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to admit that by my own (admittedly not completely consistent) standards, I should give this book 2 stars; I'm giving it 1 star in a vain attempt to counterbalance all of the high positive ratings I see here. This series is subpar for The Great Courses in my experience (and I've listened to quite a few). The lecturer presents his goal as being that of making education entertaining and therefore more accessible; but all of his colorful anecdotes and short stories are at best tangential to the topic at hand, and far more often incredibly distracting digressions that actively inhibit learning (he is enjoyable to listen to, but if that comes at the detriment of learning, that's hardly a strength is it).

It isn't all bad; as I said, it should be about 2 stars. If you don't know much about the brain, and can avoid excessive distraction from cheerfully narrated anecdotes, this could serves as a basic introduction. However, I think The Learning Brain was better, even if my own review of it is rather lackluster. And if you aren't wedded to The Great Courses, their rival The Modern Scholar has two fairly good courses that specifically delve into sensory processing and perception in much greater detail than here: Seeing, Eye to I and Hearing, Tasting, Touching.

I also like the emphasis placed on how the brain has ultimately been tuned for survival, and how considering that can help to make sense of some of its quirks. Though I also wonder if it has as much explanatory power as suggested, and if claims like "twitchy ADHD types would have made good scouts back in the dawn of human evolution" aren't appealing but ultimately untestable just-so-stories.

In theory, these lectures teach not just how the brain works, but also how to improve it. In practice, the section in each lecture about improvement is fairly short and rarely of much insight. In the end, most of the advice boils down to three points: 1) exercise regularly, 2) eat well, 3) have strong social networks and lots of friends, which, frankly, is good advice, but easy to come by just about anywhere (I also think he overemphasizes the final point, though being an introvert I would say that, wouldn't I?). The only other thing of note is that there are some ways to improve working memory which can be helpful, but I had actually already learned that from The Learning Brain, which is already a better lectures series anyway.

[Himanshu Modi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good, comprehensive, as the prof. says, guided tour of our brain. There’s a fair amount of science and biology in this course. As an average listener, I don’t think I will remember those details, as fascinating as they were to learn. The great takeaway of the book really is how much of what we do really is just our brain responding the way it is biologically designed to respond. We can do some things to optimise our responses, sure. But certain things might well be outside the realms of our control. Things like what we are afraid of, our responses if we are clinically depressed, how we behave when we are sleep deprived.

There’s a whole lot of “we don’t know yet” as far as our brain functioning goes. I am a little afraid of how we will end up exploiting those things once we do know all of those things. For now, it does feel quaint to realise that we don’t know so much about an organ which essentially helps us build a body of knowledge.

The narrator, John Medina, has an infectious, child like energy and enthusiasm in his delivery. His humorous anecdotes, which are peppered across the course, are narrated with such gusto, that you can’t help but smile.

All in all, it was a pleasant read. An audiobook I wouldn’t mind listening to again.

[Vinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb series bringing the listener up to speed on the latest in neuroscience research and the evolutionary hypotheses explaining why the human brain has formed the way it has. Dr. Medina is extremely knowledgeable and relates the research easily to socio-cultural manifestations in our lives.

The series ends with practical advice on how to improve the executive function of our brain, which are facts that we commonly see reference about exercise, food, and sleep. However, the path from understanding how the brain evolved to execute behaviors conducive to continuation of our species, through understanding the clinical benefits of mindfulness meditation, up to the description of why simple changes can have tremendous effects, was well worth the journey.

The most useful aspect of this series is the understanding the principles of brain function, so that you can decide how to apply it to your own personal behaviors and better understand the impacts you have on others in your social interactions.

[Heather Pagano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive summary of how neuroscience understands the human brain, plus some practical tips on how to get the best bang for the buck out of your noggin. My favorite science books balance explaining the fundamentals of a field, highlighting some recent findings, and making some suggestions about how all this new knowledge could make life better, and this Great Courses lecture series did all these things. The professor giving the lectures was super engaging-- a touch corny uncle at times-- but in a kind way meant to keep listeners' minds from drifting. He had high integrity when it came to being clear about what is known and what is conjecture, and in reviewing pertinent fundamentals of the scientific method for the layperson when appropriate.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of dad and academic humor and plenty of lame jokes. A bit of a cringey delivery at times, but never too unbearable. Kind of like listening to your dad or an overenthusiastic uncle deliver a whole series of lectures--you love them, but they still make you cringe.

Took some getting used to, but there is a lot of useful and practical information on how to care for and improve your brain, especially in last half of the series. Basically, he reiterates what we all know--if you want to live a long and healthy life spend lots of time with friends, exercise your body and your brain, sleep well and eat well (he doesn't expound on the latter)--but he gives lots of examples and explains the science behind everything.

[Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Medina, a funny storytelling scientist :)

This was a pretty fun (but also informative) course on the matters of the brain.
In short: Your Brain matters :)
From the brain structures to the Darwinian explanations of various functions and dysfunctions Dr Medina goes through several interesting topics, in a fast-paced and funny way.
The 30 min lectures never disappoint, always have some easy take-aways, and Dr Medina makes lots of references, about sports, movies, TV shows and anecdotes of interesting personas. A well-worth listen!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this lecture series.

I loved it. John Medina does a great job presenting a challenging topic. These lectures are informative and entertaining. The lectures are so fun and interesting, I may revisit them again. I've listened to two other Great Courses lectures on the human brain and this series is my favorite. I highly recommend it.

(Note: I would have finished the lectures sooner, but I can only borrow 10 titles per month on Hoopla, and the series has 24 30-minute lectures.)

[Alex Pogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think you know about the brain? This guy will blow you away.

He provides amazing information and presentation including a tour of mental structure, evolutionary biology, a rundown of how we process information and how we store it, and some helpful tips on how to keep your brain functioning the best way possible - e.g. sleep, diet, social interaction, happiness, etc.

The only downside is the narrator’s vibe can get a little much. Sounds like he just used some of the substances from the addiction section :P

Also - So. Many. Metaphors.

Overall a great educational read, and I recommend it!

[Remus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great content and enjoyable experience, the book starts off in a more "documentary" fashion, full of explanations and clarifications (that are definitely mixed with fun stories and examples, to help with it becoming a great learning experience). Later, the book focuses more and more into the practical side of things, building on the concepts explained and offering life tips and helpful tips for a healthier brain development and aging.

Definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in both self-improvement and the biology behind human behavior.