Pawd Picks: Weekly Podcast Recommendations
Episodes on topics ranging from brain health, to dinosours and the history of manners.
Hi and welcome to another weekly edition of Pawd Picks, where we recommend you podcast episodes from past week and more. Let’s get started!
Cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and head injuries: mitigation and prevention strategies
In the latest episode of the Peter Attia Drive podcast, Dr. Peter Attia discusses cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and head injuries with Assistant Professor Tommy Wood, an expert in brain injury and traumatic brain injury at the University of Washington in Seattle. Through the episode, they break down key areas ranging from cognitive decline factors, multitasking, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, to concussions and what can be done to mitigate and prevent these conditions.
Age-related cognitive decline is addressed, as well as pathological cognitive decline and its progression to dementia, such as Alzheimer's. They discuss various components of cognition and how factors such as the size of one's library of stored memories, pathological changes in the brain, and the amount of demand on cognitive function can play a role.
One interesting point brought up is that humans generally cannot multitask effectively. However, individuals can perform learned subroutines automatically or subconsciously, such as in the case of Formula One drivers. Some key aspects covered are the impact of retirement on cognitive demand and how complex, interactive cognitive activities can offer better improvements.
Further, the episode delves into Alzheimer's disease, dementia classifications, potential risk reduction with supplementation, and the discordance between amyloid beta presence and dementia-related symptoms. It is emphasized that lifestyle and environmental factors play a crucial role in late-onset Alzheimer's, and the need for advocating for one's own health management is paramount. Dr. Wood and Dr. Attia also discuss the importance of muscle strength as it relates to dementia, with evidence suggesting that stronger grip strength results in reduced dementia incidence and mortality.
Understanding concussions and their management is also discussed, suggesting that short-term management should focus on thermoregulation, managing normal body temperature, and prevention and management of fever. The role of supplements for brain injuries, such as creatine monohydrate and acetylcholine, is explored, along with the possible benefits and precautions around hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
In conclusion, this episode provides a wealth of information on cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and head injuries, offering valuable insights on preventative and management strategies that we can apply in our lives.
Exploring the World of Pterosaurs: Flying Reptiles of the Mesozoic Era
In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating lives of pterosaurs, the flying reptiles that coexisted with dinosaurs, though not classified as dinosaurs themselves. These creatures evolved from a common ancestor, within the expansive Archosaurus clade.
Distinct from birds and bats, pterosaurs utilized an elongated pinky to form the front edge of their wings, while maintaining three free fingers. These flying reptiles, much like birds, diversified into numerous species, occupying various ecological niches. Their evolution saw them progress from small, agile lizards capable of jumping to accomplished gliders and flyers.
Fossil evidence of pterosaurs is frequently found in lagoons, where delicate fossilization processes occur. The unique flight mechanisms of these creatures involved quadrupedal leaps, harnessing their powerful arms and legs to initiate aerial motion.
A remarkable anatomical feature of pterosaurs is the extreme lightness and hollowness of their bones, with some only a millimeter thick. Despite their seemingly fragile structure, the bones contained cross-sections that provided added strength. The largest pterosaurs sported wingspans of 10 to 15 meters, and possibly weighed around 20 pounds.
Additionally, the episode touches on the growing interest in pterosaur research, with some experts even referring to the 21st century as the "Golden Age of Pterosaur Research." The hosts also discuss pterosaur paleontology community dynamics and share a listener's story on the cultural evolution of foot binding in China.
Join Josh and Chuck in this captivating episode as they journey into the realm of these awe-inspiring creatures, further enriching our understanding of life during the Mesozoic Era.
Why Manners? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating world of manners and etiquette. They discuss how manners are culturally-specific expectations of polite behavior that serve as the glue holding civilization together, while etiquette refers to more formalized published rules for behavior.
Throughout history, philosophers have agreed on the importance of manners for a properly functioning society. However, some thinkers, like Diogenes, believed that manners were merely a mask hiding people's true selves. As we explore the ways in which manners differ across cultures, we learn about the unique traditions of the Joho Nazi people of Namibia and how the first guides to manners emerged during the Renaissance.
The episode also highlights the contributions of Emily Post and Judith Martin (Miss Manners) to American manners and etiquette. As manners can vary immensely across cultures, Edward T. Hall's research from the 1950s emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural differences when interacting with people from various backgrounds.
In addition to discussing the role of manners and etiquette within different cultures, the episode touches upon topics such as punctuality, eye contact, smoking, tipping, work culture, going out, dating, and ghosting. It emphasizes the importance of practicing courtesy, respect, and honesty to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and respected.
In conclusion, this engaging episode underscores the critical role that manners play in our daily lives and highlights the valuable lessons we can learn from understanding different cultural practices and traditions.
Bert Kreischer: Comedy, Drinking, Rogan, Segura, Churchill & Kim Jong Un
In this enlightening episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, comedian Bert Kreischer delves into various topics including the lives and routines of notable historical figures like Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway, his passion for storytelling, experiences with drinking, and the significance of humility and honesty in his career.
Kreischer celebrates Churchill's daily habits by observing his death anniversary and lives a day like the former British Prime Minister, complete with cigars and scotch. Furthermore, he expresses admiration for Hemingway's ability to immerse readers in stunning depictions of nature and quotes, "There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed," appreciating the importance of genuine storytelling in his comedic journey.
Bert contemplates the possibility of drinking with world leaders, such as Churchill, and touching upon the challenges that come with balancing online content creation and real-life experiences. In their engaging conversation, Kreischer and Fridman also discuss the importance of trust, camaraderie, and communication in personal and professional relationships, as well as the impact of exercising openness and faith in new experiences.
The episode features insightful discussions on discipline and consequences in parenting, learning from a variety of personalities, and the benefits of napping. Aspiring content creators will benefit from Bert's tips on success, which include embracing the possibility of failure and maintaining the fun and energy throughout the process. Reflective moments on finding motivation within work and seeking joy throughout one's life journey make this episode a must-listen as it strikes a perfect balance between humor and introspection.
Wrapping Up
We hope you enjoy this week’s recommendations. Let us know in comments which one you enjoyed the most!