In this episode, we discuss the growing hype behind psychedelic substances and their application to the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, addiction and PTSD. We also discuss the research limitations, safety risks and ethical concerns that are affiliated with psychedelic-assisted therapy, including sexual misconduct. We sat down with Dr. Ron Shore to discuss this subject. Ron is a Research Scientist with Queen’s Health Sciences and Post-doctoral Fellow in Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University. By the end of this episode, listeners will have an understanding of the current state of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada and gain a critical lens for both the promise and problems of this emerging field of mental healthcare.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette 

Rapid Review: https://healthsci.queensu.ca/source/Psychedelics%20Research/Psychedelic%20Medicine%20Report%20-%20Final.pdf

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

01: The Controversial Side of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

In this special episode, we’re sharing with you the full interview with Dr. Ron Shore on the topic of psychedelics and their applications to psychotherapy. Ron Shore is a Research Scientist with Queen’s Health Sciences and Post-doctoral Fellow in Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University. Ron taught drug studies and psychedelics at both Queen’s University and University of Ottawa over a 15-year period and spent 23 years in front-line harm reduction, community, and public health.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Rapid Review: healthsci.queensu.ca/source/Psyched…0-%20Final.pdf

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

02: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Ron Shore

In this episode, we're discussing a recent controversy in the field of Alzheimer's research that made the headlines in summer 2022. We discuss the history of Alzheimer's research, neurodegeneration, data manipulation (gasp!), shakespearian plays and the importance of integrity in science. By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to grasp the nuances of the recent data fabrication scandal in Alzheimer's research and understand what kind of negative (and positive!) impacts this scandal has on biomedical research. Don't forget to let us know what you think about the brain in our anonymous form below.

Authors: Dominique Hancock, Eve Racette

Brain Awareness Survey: https://forms.gle/nzEa4UXZgGz6sTXF6
Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

Brain Awareness Survey: https://forms.gle/nzEa4UXZgGz6sTXF6

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

03: Fabricated Evidence in Alzheimer's Disease Research

Is there a brain test for psychopathy? Can neuroimaging methods be used as lie detectors? Is free will a myth? In this episode, we discuss the fascinating field of neurolaw, including the controversial use of neuroscience in the courtroom. We are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Full Professor of Law, holder of the Bertram Loeb Research Chair, and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Chandler studies the legal and ethical aspects of biomedical science and technology, with a focus on the intersection of the brain sciences, law and ethics. She also works on legal policy related to organ donation and transplantation, and mental health law and policy. She coordinates the Hybrid Minds project (www.hybridminds.org), which brings together researchers from Switzerland, Germany and Canada to examine the implications of incorporating artificial intelligence in neuroprosthetics. She was elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2022. She is the Vice-Dean of Research for the Faculty of Law and leads the neuroethics pillar of the University of Ottawa Brain Mind Research Institute. She is active in Canadian health law and policy, having recently sat on two-government appointed independent expert advisory panels on medical assistance in dying in the context of mental illness, and served as co-chair of the legal and ethics group working on the development of a new Canadian clinical practice guideline on the definition and determination of death.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Don't forget to let us know what you think about the brain in our anonymous form below. Brain Awareness Survey: https://forms.gle/nzEa4UXZgGz6sTXF6

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

04: Controversies in Neurolaw Part I

Can there be biomarkers for criminal activity? Is AI going send you to jail? In this episode, we continue our discussion about the fascinating field of neurolaw, including the controversial use of neuroscience in the courtroom. We are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chandler, Full Professor of Law, holder of the Bertram Loeb Research Chair, and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Chandler studies the legal and ethical aspects of biomedical science and technology, with a focus on the intersection of the brain sciences, law and ethics. She also works on legal policy related to organ donation and transplantation, and mental health law and policy. She coordinates the Hybrid Minds project (www.hybridminds.org), which brings together researchers from Switzerland, Germany and Canada to examine the implications of incorporating artificial intelligence in neuroprosthetics. She was elected to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2022. She is the Vice-Dean of Research for the Faculty of Law and leads the neuroethics pillar of the University of Ottawa Brain Mind Research Institute. She is active in Canadian health law and policy, having recently sat on two-government appointed independent expert advisory panels on medical assistance in dying in the context of mental illness, and served as co-chair of the legal and ethics group working on the development of a new Canadian clinical practice guideline on the definition and determination of death.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Don't forget to let us know what you think about the brain in our anonymous form below. Brain Awareness Survey: https://forms.gle/nzEa4UXZgGz6sTXF6

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

05: Controversies in Neurolaw Part II

Imagine feeling like you've been hit by a train or stabbed repeatedly in the back. OUCH, right? Now what if this feeling was chronic but no one believed you? Similarly, fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition which has long been considered a controversial diagnosis. In this episode, we'll discuss what it is, why it's often dismissed or misdiagnosed and how cutting-edge research is contributing to improved clinical care for this debilitating condition.

Authors: Shima Hassanpour, Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Don't forget to let us know what you think about the brain in our anonymous form below. Brain Awareness Survey: forms.gle/nzEa4UXZgGz6sTXF6

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

06: Why Some Doctors Don't Believe in Fibromyalgia

What if I told you that most of the information on TikTok is, not only false, but also potentially harmful to your well-being? In this episode, we explore how social media impacts the brain and the sea of mental health misinformation on platforms such as TikTok. We also discuss the future of social media as a platform for legitimate science communication. Is it even possible? Listen to find out.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

What would you like to know about grad school?
Click this link to ask:
https://notionforms.io/forms/graduate-school-qa-survey

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

07: Mental Health Misinformation on TikTok

What if I told you that music can heal your brain? That those road trips with your friends blaring music were actually good for your mental health? In this episode, we discuss music and music therapy. We go over controversies in the field, conflicting science and take a dive into the history and future of music therapy in Canada and around the world.

Authors: Honey Bryant, Eve Racette

Ask us about grad school: https://notionforms.io/forms/graduate-school-qa-survey

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

08: Music to My Mind - How Music Therapy Works

What happens when we die? Do we see our loved ones and a warm, bright light guiding us? Or we feel pain, discomfort or distress? In this episode, we explore the current science on near-death experiences to better understand the phenomenon of dying and death. We take a deep dive into the neuroscience of why and how near-death experiences occur.

Authors: Dure Khan, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

09: The Neuroscience of Near-Death Experiences

Have you been thinking about applying to graduate school? Did you already get accepted and you’re wondering what to expect of MSc or PhD life? Or are you already a grad student and you want to know how your experience measures up to others? This episode is for all of the above! Eve, Elena, Cassandra and Honey joined in for this relaxed and informal conversation. Consider it your grad school survival guide!

Authors: Elena Koning, Cassandra Sgarbossa, Honey Bryant, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

10: Grad School 101 - How to Get Accepted, Prepare and What to Expect

Are you really what you eat? Are there mood-boosting diets? If so, why do healthcare practitioners rarely talk about it? We know that a healthy diet plays a significant role in physical health, but a growing body of research is shedding light on how diet and nutritional intake may help regulate mood and mental well-being. This exciting field, known as nutritional psychiatry, could potentially be a game changer for the mental health epidemic that is becoming a global problem. But like any emerging field, nutritional psychiatry is not without its controversies. In this episode, we dive into the history, promise, pitfalls and controversies of research on diet and mental health.

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

11: The Field of Nutritional Psychiatry - Potential and Pitfalls

Description: What is a healthy gut microbiome? Can probiotics cure depression? Why should I eat like a Mediterranean? In this episode, you'll learn how the two-way communication between our gut and brain could be the secret to how our diets impact our mental health. For this discussion, we are joined by Dr. Caroline Wallace, a Postdoctoral Fellow and Part-Time Professor in the School of Nutrition Sciences and Institute for Mental Health Research at the University of Ottawa and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

Authors: Elena Koning

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

12: The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health with Dr. Caroline Wallace

Research is discovering that not only WHAT you eat but also WHEN you eat can have a significant impact on your mental health. In this episode, we discuss how modern society may be negatively impacting your circadian system and eating behaviors. We’re going to touch on the neuroscience of eating rhythms, how they impact mood and some of the clinical relevance of this knowledge. We’ll end off with a discussion of the sometimes controversial topic of intermittent fasting and some tools to help anyone looking to improve their eating rhythms, mood and overall life!

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

13: How WHEN You Eat Impacts Your Brain

Can you really be addicted to food? What causes emotional eating? How can simple mindfulness tools improve your relationship with food? Research on the relationship between eating behavior and mood is being increasingly discussed in the media, but it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. We break it all down for you in this deep dive into the neuroscience of eating behavior and mood. We discuss topics like emotional eating, binge eating, body image as well as some emerging tools and interventions which could help improve your food-mood relationship. 

Authors: Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Eating Disorder Help: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/eating-disorder-hotlines 

References: Koning E, Vorstman J, McIntyre RS, Brietzke E. Characterizing eating behavioral phenotypes in mood disorders: a narrative review. Psychol Med. 2022 Oct;52(14):2885-2898. doi: 10.1017/S0033291722002446. Epub 2022 Aug 25. PMID: 36004528; PMCID: PMC9693712. 

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

14: The Link Between Eating Behavior and Mood: A Deep Dive

Ever wondered how neuroimaging works? The development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 1990 was revolutionary for the field of neuroscience and has led to groundbreaking discoveries about the brain. However, it has also led to exaggerated claims and misinformation when results are misinterpreted and shared incorrectly in the media. Further, numerous issues and limitations have been raised by critics over the years, threatening the credibility of this method. In this episode, we discuss how fMRI works, what the critics are saying and the common misconceptions circulating about this important tool. What does the future hold for fMRI in the field of neuroscience?

Authors: Shima Hassanpour, Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

15: Beyond the Scan - Functional MRI's Impact on Neuroscience

ASMR is all over social media these days, whether it’s someone cooking for you, tapping their fingers on random objects or just comforting whispers. These simple sounds can cause tingly and fuzzy feelings of euphoria, and this response is known as the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR for short). Some claim that ASMR promotes relaxation, helps sleep, improves mood and even helps combat pain. So, what’s really going on in our brains during ASMR? Why do some people experience ASMR and others don’t? Could it actually have a therapeutic or anti-anxiety effect? We’re going to address it all in this episode on the mysterious neuroscience of ASMR.

Authors: Elena Koning

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

16: Brain Tickles - The Neuroscience of ASMR

Weed, Pot, Mary Jane, Dope, Janga, the Devil's Lettuce!! By now, we’re all familiar with what these names are referring to. The cannabis industry is growing worldwide and so is the presence of cannabis-related content on social media. Despite the hype, there is surprisingly little evidence for a beneficial effect of cannabis in humans. In fact, in some cases, it causes more harm than good. So how does cannabis REALLY impact the brain? Which therapeutic claims are actually backed by science? And what are the safety risks? We explore it all in the 3-part series on the neuroscience of cannabis. 

Authors: Elena Koning

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

17: How Cannabis REALLY Impacts the Brain

Is cannabis actually effective as a pain management tool or is it all just placebo? How does the media portrayal of cannabis research impact research? In part II of the cannabis series, we are joined by Dr. Filip Gedin, a postdoc in the Pain Neuroimaging Lab at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Dr. Gedin obtained his Ph.D. in health economics from Karolinska Institutet in 2020. In his PhD thesis, he explored the costs associated with back pain and the effectiveness of primary care interventions for individuals with persistent low back pain through systematic reviews, clinical trials, and register-based studies. He has previously worked at the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU) as a health economist. SBU is tasked by the government with assessing healthcare and social service interventions via the use of systematic reviews. The focus of his postdoctoral research is to further understand how chronic pain develops through the PrePain project, along with continuing to evaluate treatments for pain.

Authors: Elena Koning

Dr. Filip Gedin's Lab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kipainandbrain/ 

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

18: Cannabis, Pain and Unsupported Claims with Dr. Filip Gedin

What are the safety risks of cannabis exposure? Did legalization occur too soon? In part III of the cannabis series, we are joined by Kristen Yeh, a PhD Candidate studying environmental chemistry at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the chemical evolution of emissions produced from smoking
cannabis and the impacts of these emissions on air quality.

Authors: Elena Koning

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

19: The Health Risks of Cannabis Exposure with Kristen Yeh

What is generative AI and how is it fuelling the spread of misinformation and public distrust in scientific consensus? How should graduate students be using ChatGPT, if at all? In this episode, we discuss the rise of generative AI and the unique concerns associated with it, including the spread of misinformation, creation of deep fakes and promotion of science denial. We are joined by Dr. Gale Sinatra, a professor from the University of Southern California and co-author of the book Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It.

Authors: Elena Koning

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

20: Generative AI and Science Denial with Dr. Gale Sinatra

What is misinformation and why does it have such pervasive effects on society? How do our brain's thinking patterns facilitate the beliefs and consequences of misinformation? In this episode, we explore these questions as well as solutions in an effort to reduce misinformation and the sometimes dangerous effects it can have.

Authors: Deane Pinto, Elena Koning, Eve Racette

Email: thinktwicepodcast@outlook.com 
Instagram: @thinktwice_podcast
LinkedIN: Think Twice Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTwicePodcast 

Disclaimer: Think Twice is a podcast for general information and entertainment purposes only. The content discussed in the episodes does not reflect the views of the podcast committee members or any institution they are affiliated with. The use of the information presented in this podcast is at the user’s own risk and is not intended to replace professional healthcare services.

21: Your Brain on Misinformation

Get your critical thinking caps on! ‘Think Twice’ discusses controversial topics in the field of neuroscience with the goal of bringing more nuance and rigor to mainstream media. We’ll take you past the headlines by breaking down relevant neuroscience topics, interviewing experts in the field and overcoming misinformation/disinformation with evidence-based content. This podcast is run by a small group of graduate students at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University. We hope to bring down barriers to the dissemination of scientific information, give early-career neuroscientists a voice, and foster a culture of entertaining and accessible science communication.

Think Twice Podcast

Popular tracks