Science and Spirituality

292 | Why You're Not Behind, Based on New Brain Science on Adolescence and Adulthood

Have you ever felt like you’re somehow behind in life—like everyone else got the memo except you? In this episode, we unpack fascinating new brain science that completely reframes how we understand adolescence and adulthood. We explore research showing that adolescence doesn’t actually end in the late teens or early twenties, but can extend all the way into our early thirties. Through this lens, the uncertainty, exploration, and emotional ups and downs so many of us experience aren’t signs of failure—they’re signs of healthy brain development happening exactly as it’s designed to.We talk about what’s really going on inside the brain during these formative years, why your experiences now are shaping the grounded, stable version of you that’s emerging, and how societal expectations can create unnecessary pressure along the way. What if not having it all figured out is actually part of the process? And what if your brain is still pruning, refining, and preparing you for the next phase of life on purpose? Join us for a reassuring, science-backed conversation that invites us to embrace the journey with a little more compassion, patience, and trust in our own timing.Research / Articles Referenced: Topological turning points across the human lifespan - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65974-8Adolescence lasts into 30s - new study shows four pivotal ages for your brain - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgl6klez226o

291 | Why Talking to Yourself is a Self-Regulation Superpower

In this episode, Chris and Kevin dig into one simple, but powerful habit for lowering stress and thinking more clearly: speaking your thoughts out loud or writing them down.While breaking down why talking out loud or writing your thoughts is one of the simplest ways to regulate stress. They explore:-How naming emotions activates the prefrontal cortex and quiets the stress response-Why unspoken problems drain mental energy and keep your brain in “swirl mode”-How externalizing thoughts creates clarity and frees up cognitive load-A comparison to the double-slit experiment: unspoken problems = probability cloud; speaking/writing = collapsing it into focus-How this process returns you to awareness, reminding you that you’re not your problem, you're the observer of your problemAs always, they end the episode with a practical tool you can use right away to start applying this into your life.

290 | The Power of Studying and How Reading Helps Rebuild Your Attention Span

Have you ever noticed how different your mind feels after getting lost in a good book? In this episode, we explore why study and reading have such a profound impact on the brain—and how they can literally reshape the way we think. We dig into the science of neuroplasticity and talk about how reading in our own inner voice creates a level of engagement that’s hard to match. This simple act of slowing down, focusing, and letting new ideas in becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth, self-reflection, and long-term habit change.We also look at how reading sparks insights that shift our thinking and rebuild our attention span in a world full of distractions. What if reading is actually one of the most underrated tools for transforming your mindset? And how might your life change if study became a consistent part of your personal development practice? Join us as we dive into how reading rewires the brain—and how we can use it intentionally to create lasting change.

289 | Why You Need to Be Bored More Often

In this conversation, Chris and Kevin explore the importance of boredom in our lives, discussing how it can lead to greater creativity, self-reflection, and personal growth. Boredom is a lost skill (yes they consider it a skill) these days because we as a society have done an excellent job eliminating boredom and the discomfort that comes with it through constantly being connected via our phones and technology. What we fail to realize is that the discomfort we feel when bored actually allows our minds to wander, self reflect, and make connections surrounding life's most important questions: Why am I here? What purpose does my life have? Where can I add more meaning to my life? etc. They reference Dr. Arthur Brooks' insights on happiness and fulfillment, emphasizing the need to disconnect from technology to allow our minds to wander and think deeply. Key Takeaways1. Boredom is essential for creativity and self-reflection.2. Disconnecting from technology can enhance our mental well-being.3. The default mode network in our brain activates during boredom, promoting introspection.4. Embracing discomfort can lead to meaningful insights.5. Setting boundaries with technology can improve our quality of life.6. Boredom allows us to explore deeper questions about our purpose.Link to video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8

288 | Using Perception to Rewire Your Mind for Positivity & Growth

What if the way you see the world is shaping more of your reality than you realize? In this episode, we explore how perception directly influences mindset, mental health, and even our physical well-being. We share stories of how shifting perspective can transform experiences of anxiety and negativity into opportunities for growth, and we break down the science of why your brain literally filters reality based on what you choose to focus on. From gratitude practices to subtle environmental shifts, we uncover simple yet powerful tools that help rewire your mind toward positivity.Together, we look at how consistency and small daily actions compound into lasting change, and why mindfulness and self-awareness are essential for breaking out of old patterns. What would your life feel like if you trained your mind to notice more of the good? And how could your relationships, health, and sense of purpose shift if you practiced gratitude with intention? This is a practical yet deeply inspiring conversation designed to remind us all that our minds are powerful—and we have the ability to direct them toward growth and joy.