Explore every episode of the podcast The Friederike Fabritius Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastering New Year's Resolutions: Brain Insights for Success | 12 Jan 2025 | 00:14:04 | |
In the very first episode of her podcast, Friederike Fabritius discusses the neuroscience behind why 92% of New Year's resolutions fail. The episode digs into three core reasons: the brain's tendency to conserve energy, its immature prefrontal cortex, and its focus on short-term rewards. Friederike provides practical advice on setting realistic, emotionally meaningful goals that slightly challenge the brain. Emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy, she aims to help listeners choose sustainable goals and improve their habit-forming strategies. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:46 Understanding Why Resolutions Fail 01:34 The Lazy Brain: Neuroscience Insights 05:12 Setting Realistic Goals 08:53 The Importance of Emotional Relevance 13:43 Conclusion and Next Steps
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter.
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| Building Habits that Stick: Applicable Neurohacks For Getting Started | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:14:49 | |
In the second episode, Friederike dives into the psychological and emotional aspects of habit change. The discussion covers the elements of habits—triggers, routines, and rewards—providing practical advice on creating effective triggers and manageable routines, as well as emphasizing the importance of starting immediately. Friederike highlights the need for rewarding oneself and integrating small wins for sustained motivation. Neuroscientific insights underscore why simple inhibition of undesirable behaviors and relying on willpower alone is inefficient. The episode concludes with tips on optimizing energy levels for initiating new habits.
00:00 Introduction to Habit Change 00:31 Understanding Procrastination 01:22 The Anatomy of a Habit 02:18 Identifying and Controlling Triggers 03:58 Creating a Manageable Routine 05:21 The Importance of Rewards 08:14 Replacing Old Habits 10:43 The Power of Visualization 13:20 Final Tips and Conclusion
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| Staying on Track: The Neuroscience of Habit Change | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:14:35 | |
In the third episode of The Friederike Fabritius Show, Friederike offers science-based strategies for maintaining motivation and staying on track with personal goals. She emphasizes the importance of implementation intentions, advocating for specific 'if-then' statements to create clear triggers for actions. She discusses the role of a supportive social environment, the risks of setting too many goals simultaneously, and the concept of keystone habits that positively influence multiple aspects of life. Friederike rounds out the episode ends by sharing her Fun, Fear, and Focus© framework as a way to stay on track and boost neuroplasticity - helping you reach your fullest potential.
00:00 Introduction to Staying on Track 00:56 Understanding Implementation Intentions 03:48 The Importance of Social Support 06:12 Avoiding Overwhelm: Focus on One Goal 07:29 Keystone Habits: The Power of Exercise 08:44 Simplifying Routines for Success 10:11 Training Your Willpower 12:44 Conclusion: Fun, Fear, and Focus©
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol - Why There Is No Safe Limit | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:14:09 | |
In this episode, the Friederike explores the surprising negative effects of alcohol on the brain and body, despite its social normalization. She discusses how alcohol kills brain cells, disrupts the gut microbiome, weakens the prefrontal cortex, and impairs memory and learning ability. The episode highlights the long-term consequences of drinking, such as increased stress, poor sleep quality, and higher cancer risk, while also offering practical tips for mitigating some of these negative effects. Ultimately, Friederike stresses the importance of informed choices when it comes to alcohol intake, and shares the potential for brain recovery by reducing or eliminating it altogether.
00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain 00:41 The Misconceptions About Alcohol 01:29 Short-Term Effects of Alcohol 04:39 Long-Term Effects of Alcohol 11:17 Practical Tips to Mitigate Alcohol's Impact 12:46 Conclusion: Reversing the Effects of Alcohol
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| The Truth About Relationships - Fail Fast or Fail Forever | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:09:25 | |
Friederike shares essential tips for both singles and those in relationships, stressing the importance of failing fast when a partner is unsuitable and trusting one's gut feelings. The discussion covers why individuals should avoid trying to change their partners and highlights the significance of finding similarities for long-term success. Friederike stresses the necessity of personal self-esteem work to prevent recurring unhealthy patterns in relationships. She explains the importance of prioritizing and showing daily appreciation to one's partner for a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
00:00 Introduction 00:35 The Number One Mistake in Relationships 02:03 Fail Fast 03:12 Trust Your Intuition 04:22 Work on Your Self-Esteem 05:20 Don't Try to Change Your Partner 06:12 The Importance of Similarity 07:43 Prioritizing Your Partner 09:07 Conclusion
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| Brain Diversity: Embracing Introversion and Extroversion | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:13:12 | |
Friederike Fabritius brings her expertise to the topic of introversion, providing insights valuable to introverts and extroverts alike. She discusses the neuroscience behind introversion and extroversion, society's bias towards extroverts, and practical tips for creating an inclusive workplace. Key points include the unique strengths of introverts, such as intrinsic motivation, resistance to groupthink, and deep intellectual engagement. She shares applicable strategies to make work environments more introvert-friendly - a benefit to both introverts and extroverts.
00:51 Understanding Introversion and Extroversion 02:18 The Strengths of Introverts 04:04 Brain Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts 05:22 Insights on Introversion 07:21 Creating an Introvert-Friendly Workplace 09:50 Practical Tips 12:24 The Importance of Silence and Solitude
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| Friederike Fabritius on Gender Diversity in the Workplace | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:13:09 | |
Don’t Change the Women, Change the Workplace. Rethinking Workplace Diversity to Include Neurosignature Diversity. In this episode, Friederike discusses the issues with traditional diversity initiatives like anti-bias training, which often do not yield meaningful results. She shares an alternative approach focused on neurosignature diversity, highlighting the importance of considering differences in personality, skills, and strengths (which are shaped by one's neurosignature) rather than just gender. By creating policies that respect these differences, such as fostering autonomy, creating flexible work environments, and focusing on outcome culture, workplaces can become more inclusive and benefit from a wider talent pool. This, she argues, would ultimately lead to more diverse leadership and better organizational performance overall, as a brain-friendly workplace benefits everyone. 00:00 Introduction Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. | |||
| Friederike Fabritius on The Secret to Great Feedback | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:13:03 | |
Not All Feedback Is Created Equal
In this episode, Friederike Fabritius shares her insight about the effective ways of giving and receiving feedback. She drives home the importance of intention when it comes to feedback by using real-world examples. Key points include understanding the giver's intentions, delivering bad news quickly and honestly, avoiding the 'feedback sandwich', and ensuring feedback is timely. Friederike introduces the EECC framework (Example, Effect, Change, Continue) as an effective guide for providing better feedback.
00:00 Introduction to Effective Feedback 00:17 When To Ignore Feedback 03:08 Understanding Intentions 04:29 Delivering Negative Feedback Effectively 06:43 The Problem with the Feedback Sandwich 07:47 Why Timing is Important 08:45 Balancing Positive and Negative Experiences 11:07 The EECC Feedback Framework 12:09 Recap and Final Thoughts
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| Can You Have Too Much of a Good Thing? Dopamine Decoded with Friederike Fabritius and Peter Sterling | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:14:20 | |
Chasing Rewards: The Role of Dopamine in Happiness and Health with Prof. Peter Sterling Professor Peter Sterling, author of 'What Is Health?', joins Friederike for the second time to explore the effects of dopamine on the brain. They discuss how we are hardwired to seek out rewards, and those little bursts of dopamine are so crucial for our happiness and health. The conversation explores how drugs, alcohol, video games, and even pornography can mess with our brain's dopamine system, making everyday joys seem less exciting. Peter shares why it's better to focus on simple, natural pleasures and real social connections instead of chasing big dopamine hits via artificial means. He also shares his experience with ADHD and how the current way of treating it may be ineffective.The episode concludes with Peter sharing his tips on how to get your dopamine levels back in balance by being honest with yourself and reaching out to others. 00:00 Introduction Peter Sterling is an American anatomist, physiologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is the author of What Is Health? Allostasis and the Evolution of Human Design (2020), and with Simon Laughlin, is an author of Principles of Neural Design. Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
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| Redefining What It Means to be Healthy and Balanced: Allostasis Explained by Friederike Fabritius and Peter Sterling | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:14:03 | |
Understanding Allostasis and Social Impact on Health with Prof. Peter Sterling In today’s episode Friederike interviews Professor Peter Sterling, author of 'What Is Health,' to discuss his groundbreaking concept of allostasis. Peter's extensive experience in neuroscience and with socioeconomically challenged communities gave him insight on the ways that chronic social tension and stress play a significant role in conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure). The pair examine how Peter came to discover and name allostasis, the limitations of the traditional medical model of homeostasis, and the predictive and adaptive nature of our bodies in response to emotional and social cues. Peter shares practical ways to incorporate the principles of allostasis into daily life to improve health and well-being, stressing the importance of social connections and adaptive regulation and why adapting to stress is not necessarily a good thing. 00:00 Introduction Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
Peter Sterling is an American anatomist, physiologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is the author of What Is Health? Allostasis and the Evolution of Human Design (2020), and with Simon Laughlin, is an author of Principles of Neural Design. | |||
| Increase Your Cognitive Control: Brain Stimulation Techniques with Friederike Fabritius and Dr. Jeff Tarrant | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:18:21 | |
In the final of 3 interviews with Dr. Jeff Tarrant and Friederike Fabritius, the pair discuss various brain stimulation techniques. They examine how these techniques, such as audio-visual entertainment and other consumer-friendly technologies, can be used to address everyday issues like stress, focus, and sleep. Dr. Tarrant explains the science behind brainwave entrainment and its applications for relaxation, cognitive enhancement, and overall mental well-being. They look at the potential for using these methods as learning tools to achieve states of relaxation and focus more naturally over time. Listeners will learn practical, science-based approaches to enhancing cognitive control and their overall mental health from Dr. Tarrant's insights. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. Dr. Jeff Tarrant is a pioneering neuroscientist, licensed psychologist, and expert in consciousness research, specializing in the intersection of meditation, brainwave technology, and intuitive abilities. He is the founder and director of the NeuroMeditation Institute in Eugene, OR, where he explores how technology-based interventions and meditative states can enhance mental health and cognitive function. Board-certified in neurofeedback, Dr. Tarrant’s research focuses on the brainwave changes associated with contemplative practices, altered states of consciousness, and technology-based interventions. He is the author of Meditation Interventions to Rewire the Brain
Websites: www.neuromeditationinstitute.com | |||
| The Surprising Benefits of Neuromediation with Friederike Fabritius and Dr. Jeff Tarrant | 23 Mar 2025 | 00:20:34 | |
Meditation: One Size Does Not Fit All In this episode, Friederike Fabritius talks with Dr. Jeff Tarrant, founder and CEO of the Neuromeditation Institute, about the fundamentals of neuromeditation—a brain-based approach to meditation. They explore this western approach to meditation and discuss the importance of personalized mindfulness practices, highlighting that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective for everyone. The discussion covers how different types of meditation can target specific goals such as improving sleep, managing depression, or enhancing cognitive control. TThey also examine the challenges of maintaining focus in the digital age and the detrimental effect that can have on your brain. The pair share how neuromeditation can be a tool to overcome modern distractions and repair the impact of constant distractions. Additionally, Dr. Tarrant explains the use of neurofeedback technology to provide real-time feedback during meditation, helping users in achieving meditative states more effectively. For more information, visit neuromeditationinstitute.com. 00:00 Introduction to Neuromeditation Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. Dr. Jeff Tarrant is a pioneering neuroscientist, licensed psychologist, and expert in consciousness research, specializing in the intersection of meditation, brainwave technology, and intuitive abilities. He is the founder and director of the NeuroMeditation Institute in Eugene, OR, where he explores how technology-based interventions and meditative states can enhance mental health and cognitive function. Board-certified in neurofeedback, Dr. Tarrant’s research focuses on the brainwave changes associated with contemplative practices, altered states of consciousness, and technology-based interventions. He is the author of Meditation Interventions to Rewire the Brain
Websites: www.neuromeditationinstitute.com | |||
| The Future of Neuroscience: Intro to Neurofeedback with Friederike Fabritius and Dr. Jeff Tarrant | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:18:00 | |
Exploring Neurofeedback and Brainwaves with Dr. Jeff Tarrant In the first of 3 conversations, Friederike Fabritius interviews Dr. Jeff Tarrant, founder and director of the Neuromeditation Institute. They discuss Dr. Tarrant’s journey into neurofeedback and his contributions to the field. Dr. Tarrant explains the basics of neurofeedback, detailing how real-time brainwave monitoring can teach the brain to change patterns for improved flexibility and mental health. The conversation covers different brainwave types (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma) and their roles in states of consciousness. They also explore practical applications of neurofeedback for both mental health treatment and enhancing peak performance. The episode highlights the significance of brain flexibility and its potential to improve mental states and executive functioning. 00:00 Introduction
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter.
Dr. Jeff Tarrant is a pioneering neuroscientist, licensed psychologist, and expert in consciousness research, specializing in the intersection of meditation, brainwave technology, and intuitive abilities. He is the founder and director of the NeuroMeditation Institute in Eugene, OR, where he explores how technology-based interventions and meditative states can enhance mental health and cognitive function. Board-certified in neurofeedback, Dr. Tarrant’s research focuses on the brainwave changes associated with contemplative practices, altered states of consciousness, and technology-based interventions. He is the author of Meditation Interventions to Rewire the Brain
Websites: www.neuromeditationinstitute.com
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| Friederike Fabritius on the Neuroscience of Intuition | 10 Mar 2025 | 00:20:13 | |
The Neuroscience of Intuition Explained It’s not just a “gut feeling”, it’s science. In this episode, Friederike Fabritius explains the neuroscience behind intuition. Fabritius discusses why experts can make superior decisions with limited information and time, and how their subconscious brain contributes to this. She shares the importance of body awareness when it comes to intuition and decision-making, as well as the ways that this can be strengthened. Key points include understanding whether you are an expert, building mastery, keeping things simple, and how flipping a coin can reinforce your intuition. 00:00 Introduction to Intuition Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. | |||
| Move More to Think Better - The Relationship Between Exercise and Brainpower with John Ratey | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:11:44 | |
In the first of 3 conversations with Harvard Professor John Ratey, a neuropsychiatrist and ADHD expert, Friederike sits down with him to discuss his book 'Spark' and the significant impact of exercise on brain health. John shares the importance that physical activity has in his life with his personal exercise routine as well as how regular exercise enhances mood, cognitive function, and protects against diseases like Alzheimer's. He explains the success of a revolutionary school PE program in Naperville, Illinois, where a focus on wellness and fitness improved students' academic performance dramatically without any extra studying or homework. They discuss the importance of making physical education inclusive and enjoyable for all students and the broader implications of fitness for cognitive and overall health. Friederike and John share their thoughts on using your own personal best as the main metric for tracking progress and long term success, rather than comparing yourself to others. 00:00 Introduction
John Ratey (https://www.johnratey.com/) is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 12 books published in 20 languages. With the publication of his bestseller, "Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," Dr. Ratey established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection in areas such as ADHD, Autism, Aging and Cognition. Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. | |||
| Can You Exercise Your Way to a Better Brain? with Friederike Fabritius and John Ratey | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:12:11 | |
In their second conversation together, Friederike interviews Harvard University’s Professor John Ratey, author of 'Spark' and 'ADHD 2.0,' about the impact that exercise has on brain health. They discuss how physical activity helped shape the way our brains evolve, the benefits of exercise on mood and cognitive functions, and practical advice on incorporating exercise into daily routines. The pair answer the question of which form of exercise leads to the greatest neurological impact and the historical understanding of exercise as a tool for treating mental health issues. Highlights include insights on the historical context of exercise in treating mood disorders, the importance of both cardio and strength training, and unique exercise tips for improving concentration and managing mental health. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
John Ratey (https://www.johnratey.com/) is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 12 books published in 20 languages. With the publication of his bestseller, "Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," Dr. Ratey established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection in areas such as ADHD, Autism, Aging and Cognition. Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. | |||
| Connection, Curiosity, and Courage with Friederike Fabritius and Penijean Gracefire | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:21:14 | |
Achieve Peak Performance and Get Into Flow Friederike Fabritius sits down with neurofeedback expert Penijean Gracefire for the fourth and final time to discuss the mechanisms behind achieving peak performance and getting into flow. Penijean shares the importance of identifying individual goals, rather than just painting “peak performance” with a broad brush. The pair explore what it means to be in flow, and the significance of building true expertise in today's AI-driven world. Penijean also shares her innovative approach to neurofeedback, focusing on connection, curiosity, and courage, and drives home the importance of tailoring brain training to specific activities and individual needs. Whether you're an athlete, executive, or creative professional, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing cognitive performance and maintaining mental well-being through advanced neurofeedback techniques. 00:18 Understanding Peak Performance Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. | |||
| Can An Old Brain Learn New Tricks? Real-World Applications of Neurofeedback with Friederike Fabritius and Penijean Gracefire | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:22:38 | |
Unlock Your Brain’s Potential Friederike Fabritius is once again joined by neurofeedback revolutionary, Penijean Gracefire. Today’s conversation focuses on creating a deeper understanding of brain stimulation, exploring innovative protocols that Penijean designed to improve people’s cognitive function right from the source. Discover how photobiomodulation can improve brain function, emotional balance, and cognitive performance by targeting specific brain wave frequencies. Learn about the importance of feedback in brain training and how it can be used to optimize mental flexibility, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether you're interested in improving focus, emotional regulation, or functional recovery, this science-filled episode will give you the insights needed to see just how useful brain-training can be. 00:00 Introduction to Neurofeedback with Penijean Gracefire Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association. Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean’s passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.
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| One Size Does Not Fit All: Avoiding the Kardashian-ification of the Brain with Friederike Fabritius and Penijean Gracefire | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:19:02 | |
Mastering cognitive control, adapting brainwaves, and optimizing flexibility. Penijean Gracefire joins Friederike for the second time to discuss the practical applications and benefits of neurofeedback, focusing on innovative techniques such as z-score training. Penijean shares her personal experiences with brain training and the importance of cognitive flexibility. The discussion also tackles the diversity of thought within the field, agreeing that there is no “right” or “wrong” way of approach, and the concept of allostasis. Both Friederike and Penijean emphasize the importance of a more personalized, adaptable approach to neurofeedback when it comes to mental health and cognitive performance. If you’re wanting to deepen your understanding on optimizing brain function, flexibility, and enhancing your overall well-being, this is the episode for you. 00:44 Personal Experiences with Brain Boosting Techniques Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association. Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean’s passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.
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| A Deep Dive into the Science of Neurofeedback: Cutting-Edge Insights with Friederike Fabritius and Penijean Gracefire | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:13:46 | |
Neurofeedback from A (amplitude training) to Z (z-scores) with Penijean Gracefire. Friederike Fabritius speaks with an innovative voice in the neurofeedback and neuroscience space, Penijean Gracefire. Penijean is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. The pair discuss the real-world applications for neurofeedback, specifically when it comes to working with mental health challenges. Penijean highlights the importance of accurate data collection from brain activity and how it provides valuable insights for personalized mental health treatment. She explains how brain mapping (QEEG) and neurofeedback can help individuals improve cognitive performance and emotional well-being. The conversation reveals advancements in EEG technology and the shifts that have happened over the last few decades. Listeners will learn more about how EEGs work, the benefits they can offer, and why it is important to look at each person as an individual when it comes to mental health support and treatment rather than just use the same standard approach. 00:00 Introduction Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and constant question asker who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. Her educational background includes a clinical mental health license and board certification in both Neurofeedback and Quantitative EEG. As a qualified supervisor, she also serves as the co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce for the American Mental Health Counseling Association.
Penijean constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Her ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Penijean’s passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.
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| Rethinking Political Identities: Left Versus Right - What Does Dopamine Have to Do With It? with Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long | 26 May 2025 | 00:17:03 | |
Is your political identity really a choice? Or is it shaped by your brain? In their third and final interview together, Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long discuss the sensitive topic of understanding political identities. A bigger and bigger wedge being driven between the political left and political right, and Friederike and Mike take a look at this from a neuroscientific and biological perspective. There is a surprising connection between brain chemistry and political inclinations which Mike explores in his first book, 'The Molecule of More.' He reveals that our hierarchy of personal values is influenced by our unique brain chemistry and that this is a driving factor in our political leanings. The pair examine the differences between people whose brains are more driven by dopamine (an anticipatory chemical) versus the so-called “here and now” chemicals and how that affects their priorities and political views. The conversation underscores the need for understanding and community cooperation rather than divisive political rhetoric. Listeners will be challenged to reconsider how they view politics and personal priorities. 00:24 Dopamine, Serotonin, and Political Inclination Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new book, Taming the Molecule of More, and co-author of the international bestseller, The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he’ll tell you he’s a “professional explainer.” For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com. Links: | |||
| What Does Ozempic Have to Do With Dopamine? Rethinking Brain Health with Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long | 19 May 2025 | 00:19:55 | |
From Diet to Dopamine Detox: Rethinking Brain Health with Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long In their second of three conversations, Friederike and Michael Long, bestselling author of The Molecule of More and its new follow-up, Taming the Molecule of More, take a look at practical strategies for managing dopamine. They answer questions such as: Is there a pill or supplement that can be taken to boost dopamine? And clarify common myths that people believe about its role in our brains and lives. The pair discuss the role of medications and the impact of GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, on dopamine, highlighting their potential in addressing compulsive behaviors and addiction. Michael also touches on the importance of gut health and its connection to dopamine, recommending prebiotics and probiotics. Finally, Michael and Friederike discuss what a “dopamine detox” would look like, and if it is something that is possible. They share practical advice on 'dopamine revitalization'—an alternative to extreme dopamine fasting, advocating for small, sustainable lifestyle changes.
00:33 The Myth of the Magic Dopamine Pill
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new bookTaming the Molecule of More and co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he’ll tell you he’s a “professional explainer.” For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com.
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| Dopamie, Motivation, and Living a Meaningful Life with Friederike Fabritius and Michael Long | 12 May 2025 | 00:17:14 | |
Dopamine makes you happy…..right? In the first of three episodes together, Friederike interviews Michael Long, author of the new book, Taming the Molecule of More, and co-author of the international bestseller, The Molecule of More. Michael discusses how his varied career paths led him to explore the role of dopamine in human behavior. He clarifies common misconceptions about dopamine, emphasizing it's not the 'molecule of happiness,' but rather the 'molecule of more,' and its role in driving anticipation and desire. The pair explain how balance is key to managing one's dopamine levels and the risks that can arise if this isn’t considered. Michael explains the two primary dopamine networks in the brain: the desire circuit and the control circuit, and how these influence behavior. Friederike and Michael share practical tips for living a more balanced and satisfying life, as well as advice on how to make more thoughtful choices and to ultimately live a life with more meaning. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome Trained as a physicist, Michael Long is the author of the new bookTaming the Molecule of More and co-author of the international bestseller The Molecule of More, books that have changed the way the world talks about dopamine. A longtime lecturer at Georgetown University, Mike is also a produced playwright, an award-winning screenwriter, and a speechwriter. In addition, he delivers keynotes and seminars around the world on creativity, the craft of professional writing, and the neuroscience behind modern behavior. If you ask him what his career is, he’ll tell you he’s a “professional explainer.” For more, visit MikeLongOnline.com or TamingTheMolecule.com. Links: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamingthemolecule https://www.lemon8-app.com/@evmariexo?region=us https://www.facebook.com/MoleculeOfMore
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
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| How to Hack Your ADHD Brain to Gain More Control with Friederike Fabritius and John Ratey | 05 May 2025 | 00:19:09 | |
Managing ADHD with Professor John Ratey In the last of their 3 conversations, Friederike Fabritius and Professor John Ratey dive deep into a discussion on ADHD and how to manage it. Due to the ADHD being influenced by neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, John highlights exercise as a key and underutilized strategy for its management. The pair discuss the pros and cons of treating ADHD and other similar conditions with medications and emphasize the importance of ensuring that kids have adequate support when navigating these challenges. Friederike and John explore how ADHD presents differently in girls compared to boys, and how it is a potential “'superpower” when it comes to creativity and focus.Finally, John shares his thoughts on the use of neurofeedback in the management of ADHD symptoms. 00:32 Understanding ADHD: Symptoms and Brain Mechanisms John Ratey (https://www.johnratey.com/) is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 12 books published in 20 languages. With the publication of his bestseller, "Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," Dr. Ratey established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection in areas such as ADHD, Autism, Aging and Cognition. Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. | |||
| What Does Consciousness Really Mean? with Friederike Fabritius and Mark Solms | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:22:59 | |
Exploring Consciousness and How It Happens Friederike Fabritius welcomes Professor Mark Solms, author of “The Hidden Spring,” for a discussion to answer this, and more. Mark explains the role of the reticular activating system (RAS) in generating human consciousness. It is a structure in the oldest part of our brain, the brainstem, and it plays an important role in consciousness, as well as our emotional state. Solms dives into how the RAS is not just a power source for wakefulness, but a generator of the raw feelings that form the essence of consciousness and how we experience the world.Key distinctions are made between human and animal consciousness, while practical advice on living a fulfilling life by prioritizing emotional well-being over cognitive achievements is also shared. This episode will be sure to leave you thinking about what it really means to be “awake” and the importance of feeling in your everyday life.
00:00 Introduction 00:43 Mark Solms’ Journey into Neuroscience 02:33 Understanding the Reticular Activating System 08:38 Differences in Consciousness Between Animals and Humans 19:33 Implications for Everyday Life 22:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew’s & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).
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| Who’s Really Running the Show? The Unconscious Mind with Friederike Fabritius and Mark Solms | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:19:40 | |
Exploring the Unconscious Mind with Professor Mark Solms Friederike Fabritius and Professor Mark Solms, author of 'The Hidden Spring,' use their final conversation together to discuss the unconscious mind. They explain how 95% (or more!) of what your brain does is hidden from you, influencing decisions, memories, and perceptions in ways you aren’t even aware of. Mark Solms shares a surprising experiment that reveals how subliminal messages can sway and shape the choices you make, and the practical ways to honor our unconscious in daily life. They finish their conversation by taking a look at AI, what it would mean to have a machine that is "conscious" and if that is a good or ethical thing to pursue. Tune in to rethink your understanding of your own mind and learn why trusting your gut might be smarter than you think. 00:00 Introduction to the Unconscious Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks. And if you're looking for more brain-friendly insights be sure to subscribe to The Brain-Friendly Newsletter. Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew’s & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).
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| The Free Energy Principle and Predictive Processing with Friederike Fabritius and Mark Solms | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:20:16 | |
Can you train your brain to make better decisions? Friederike Fabritius and professor Mark Solms, author of 'The Hidden Spring,' discuss two eye-opening concepts you may not have heard about: the free energy principle and predictive processing theory. Solms explains what free energy is as it relates to the brain and our “system” elaborates on the brain’s role as an efficient prediction machine. By reducing prediction errors, your brain can better meet your biological and emotional needs, which in turn ensures survival. Solms discusses the significance of updating our predictions based on past experiences, stating that memories are created in the past but they are for the future. If you want to understand why you make the decisions that you do, and why you might be stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, this is the episode you need to listen to. 01:13 Understanding the Free Energy Principle 02:13 Predictive Processing and Memory 06:31 Practical Applications of Predictive Processing 09:01 Prioritising Emotional Needs 17:10 Exploration vs. Exploitation 19:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow Friederike on LinkedIn to stay connected and up to date on her neurohacks.
Professor Mark Solms is Director of Neuropsychology at the Neuroscience Institute of the University of Cape Town. He is also Honorary Lecturer in Neurosurgery at the St Bartholomew’s & Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists. He is a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and the American and South African Psychoanalytic Associations. He has received numerous honours and awards, including the Sigourney Prize. He has published 350 scientific papers, and eight books, the latest being The Hidden Spring (Norton, 2021). He is the authorized editor and translator of the Revised Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud (24 volumes) and the forthcoming Complete Neuroscientific Works of Sigmund Freud (4 volumes).
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