Reclaim Your Brain and Escape Digital Chaos | Richard Cytowic

Curiosity often leads to unexpected discoveries. For neuroscientist Richard Cytowic, it was the word “synesthesia” that sparked a lifelong fascination to know more. In this episode of Behavioral Grooves, we explore the colorful world of synesthesia—a phenomenon where people hear colors, taste words, and even feel textures in response to sounds—and what this reveals about how our brains process reality.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg (a word that we hope tastes like ice cream) for this episode. We explore the fundamental ways our brains—wired for survival in the Stone Age—are struggling to adapt to the relentless stimulation of our modern digital world. Richard unpacks the myth of multitasking, anti-social media, and why our brains sap our energy. Along the way, we discuss the importance of silence, imagination, and the surprising effects background noise can have on cognitive performance.

During our Grooving Session, we are left with a powerful takeaway. The key to thriving in our distraction-heavy world is emotional intelligence. Developing self-awareness, understanding our biases, and regulating our responses can help us foster better connections and resist the pull of digital addiction. If you’re looking to reclaim your brain—or just want to know what color the word “Groove” might be—this is the episode for you.

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