How We're Wired – Details, episodes & analysis

What do you want to know about the brain? What mysteries of human behaviour do you want to understand? And what incredible awards has How We're Wired won in the 13th Annual Lovies?

In this special episode, Dr Anna Machin shares some good news, and asks a quick favour...

Send questions to: wired@freshairproduction.co.uk

How We're Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode. 

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How do our brains get wired up in the womb? Why is it important that nerve cells find the correct partners to form connections? And how has our understanding of this vital process changed over the last 40 years?

In this special episode, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin and producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as they uncover how our brains get wired up with Brain Prize 2023 winner Professor Christine Holt. Plus, hear them reflect on some of their favourite moments - and key takeaways - from the show.

With special thanks to Christine Holt.

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do our brains change when we become parents? What does having ‘baby brain’ really mean? And how can fathers use the science of bonding to feel close to their babies? 

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of parenthood – from the evolution of how human parenting to why testosterone levels permanently drop in new fathers, and if there’s really a difference between Mum’s and Dad’s brain.   

With special thanks to Adi Yaniv, Amy, Alex, and baby Frank.   

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation.

Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

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How could virtual reality cure chronic pain? What’s happening the brain when we embody an avatar? And what complex conditions might benefit from experiencing bodily illusions?  

In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the science of virtual reality and how it could change the lives of people suffering from complex chronic pain conditions.  

With special thanks Jasmine Ho.  

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we feel pain? What parts of the brain control our reaction to painful sensations? And how is stem cell technology revolutionising the search for better treatments for chronic pain?   

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of pain – from how early pain experiences can make us at risk for future problems, to the complexity of treating life-changing pain conditions like fibromyalgia, and a new system for developing novel pain relievers.  

With special thanks to Rachel, Andy, and Clifford Woolf.  

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can some people taste sounds? What’s happening in the brain of those who feel other’s sensations as their own? And why might we have evolved some of these extraordinary abilities in the first place?  

In this focus episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she explores the science of synaesthesia – from a massage therapist who can ‘feel’ other people’s pain, to the neuroscience of ‘tasting’ words.  

With special thanks CC Hart, James Wannerton, Michael Banissy, and Jamie Ward.      

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we feel with our fingertips? What parts of the brain integrate the complexities of touch? And how are scientists creating prosthetics that give feeling back to amputees? 

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience behind our sense of touch; from the complex web of nerve endings that cover our skin to meeting the first individuals to experience feeling with a prosthesis. 

With special thanks to David Ginty, Dennis Aabo Sørensen, Loretana Puglisi, and Silvestro Micera.    

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

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How do you know if your dog really loves you? What’s happening in a dog’s brain when they’re with their favourite human? And how can close human-dog bonds help people, and dogs, heal from trauma?  

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she uncovers the history of the dog-human relationship; from scientific proof that our dogs love us to the genetics of dog sociability, and a look at the healing relationship between a dog and their person. 

With special thanks to Beth, Emma the dog, and Clive Wynne     

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.   

If you feel you need support, please contact your local crisis centre

UK https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
USA https://www.rainn.org/
Switzerland https://www.rcne.com/contact/countries/switzerland/

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What is love? What's happening in our brains when we're falling for someone? And why are we wired for forming deep, meaningful connections? 

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join evolutionary anthropologist and love expert Dr Anna Machin as she unpicks the neuroscience of love, from the genetic unpinning of our strongest relationships to the neurochemicals that bond us together. Plus, the story of a couple facing the challenges of making long-distance love work.   

With special thanks to Serafin, Megan, and Bianca Acevedo.    

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s happening in our brains when we sleep? Why are autistic people more likely to struggle with sleep? And how might new sleep technology help improve memory? 

In this episode of How We’re Wired, join producer Dr Eva Higginbotham as she looks at how autism affects sleep, and why devices that record brain activity could help autistic people get better rest, and everyone improve their ability to remember.  

With special thanks to Dara Manoach and Brian Baxter.    

How We’re Wired is a Fresh Air Production for The Bertarelli Foundation. Follow now so you never miss an episode. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.