NeuroBlast! kicks off a new season with a big question: as AI moves into more of our lives, how do we protect and use our own thinking well? Host Athena Stevens talks with Dr Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa, a professor at Harvard Extension School, about what AI really is and how it is already used in medicine. They also cover the risks AI poses to research and writing, how it can help with accessibility, and the open questions it raises about who the author of creative work is. Along the way they discuss the ethics of AI-generated images and scientific research, and land on the idea at the heart of this season: cognitive stewardship, meaning we take deliberate responsibility for how our brains work alongside machines.

Chapters:
00:01 NeuroBlast Season Introduction
00:30 Defining AI and Its Medical Uses
04:00 AI Risks in Research and Writing
07:14 Accessibility, Creative Authorship, and AI Recipes
08:45 AI Ethics in Images and Research
11:50 Cognitive Stewardship and Human-AI Interaction
14:34 Season Sign-Off

Cognitive Stewardship: Keeping Our Brains Ours in an AI World (with Dr Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa)

In this episode of Neuroblast! Dr. Tracey and Athena discuss the impacts of AI on our brains, brain health, jobs and the workplace, and if we're really at risk of being taken over by bots. Tink your brain is just like a computer? Think again!

Original music by: Julian Starr

AI is Ruining Everything

This episode debunks the myth that people are either “left-brained” or “right-brained.” Neuroscience reveals that skills like creativity and logic are distributed across interconnected brain networks. Believing in hemisphere dominance can limit potential. The brain functions as a whole, enabling everyone to develop diverse abilities through integrated processing.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Left Brain, Right Brain: Are Your Skills Really Only in One Hemisphere?

In this Neuroblast episode, Athena and Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa debunk the myth that emotions hinder good decision-making. They explain how emotions and logic work together in the brain, influencing attention, memory, and judgment. Rather than avoiding emotions, embracing them can actually lead to wiser, more balanced decisions in real life.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Cool Head - Better Decisions?

This Neuroblast episode debunks the myth that trauma is purely psychological. Athena and Tracey explain how trauma physically alters the brain and affects the body, leading to lasting health impacts. They advocate for trauma-informed care that addresses both mind and body to support true, holistic healing and recovery.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Trauma: In Your Body and Your Brain

In this episode of Neuroblast, Athena and Tracey explore how sleep supports learning. They debunk myths about sleep-learning, explain how REM sleep consolidates memory, and highlight the role of dreams in creativity and problem-solving. The takeaway? Quality sleep is essential for effective learning, focus, and brain health.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Sleep Perchance to Learn

This episode of Neuroblast busts the myth that diet doesn't affect brain function. Hosts Athena and Tracey explore how proper nutrition—especially complex carbs, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich foods—directly supports memory, focus, and cognitive health, while debunking the hype around sugar, junk food, and supplements.

Original music by: Julian Starr

You Are What You Eat! Your Brain is Hungry

This episode of Neuroblast debunks the outdated myth that bilinguals are less intelligent. Athena and Tracey explore how modern neuroscience reveals bilingualism actually boosts brainpower—enhancing memory, executive function, and long-term cognitive health—while also celebrating its cultural and social benefits. Bilingual brains aren’t weaker—they’re supercharged.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Bilinguals: Are They More or Less Intelligent?

Episode 12 of Neuroblast! challenges the myth that gender differences in the brain determine intelligence or abilities. Hosts Athena and Tracey explore its historical roots, reveal how modern neuroscience shows more similarities than differences, and discuss how outdated beliefs reinforce stereotypes. They advocate for focusing on individual potential, not gender-based assumptions.

Original music by: Julian Starr

Gender and the Brain: Are There Differences?

In this episode of Neuroblast! we debunk the myth that intelligence varies by race, tracing its roots to flawed eugenics and biased IQ tests. Athena and Tracey highlight modern research proving intelligence is shaped by environment, not genetics. They discuss the harmful consequences of this myth and advocate for educational equity.

Original music by: Julian Starr

There Are NO Differences in Intelligence Based on Race

AStevens-NB (@athenastevens) · Zencastr

AStevens-NB (@athenastevens)

Neuroblast! is a lively and accessible podcast where Athena Stevens and Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa bust common brain myths and dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience. With wit, warmth, and a touch of humor, each episode explores a new topic about the brain—demystifying complex concepts, debunking misconceptions, and uncovering the incredible potential of the human mind. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a curious learner, or someone looking for practical ways to harness the power of your brain, Neuroblast offers insights and inspiration to keep you learning and growing. Perfect for anyone who wants to understand how their brain works and maximize its full potential!