The Mind, Explained

Ever wonder what's happening inside your head? From dreaming to anxiety disorders, discover how your brain works with this illuminating series.

Genre: Documentary

Cast:Emma Stone , Julianne Moore , Jewel Jordan , Faith Jones , Heather Berlin , Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche , Ali Mattu , Robert Stickgold , Octavian Mihai , Melanie Mignucci , David Byrne , Greta Thunberg , Moran Cerf , Srini Pillay , Michael Pollan , Robert Sapolsky , Richard Davidson , Gina Poe

1Season 1

S1.E1 ∙ Memory

Thu, Sep 12, 2019

The Mind Explained looks at how memory works and examines the way in which the brain stores, processes, and retrains memories. It also looks at the ways in which memory can fail and discusses how memories can warp over time. It talks to neuroscientists and a memory champion who explains her techniques.

2Season 1

S1.E2 ∙ Dreams

Thu, Sep 12, 2019

The Mind Explained looks at dreams and tries to explain what happens in the brain and body after we go to sleep. It looks at the significance of dreams and what dreams can teach us about ourselves. It talks to neuroscientists who discuss slow-wave sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep during which dreams occur. It looks at the history of dream interpretation and its validity.

3Season 1

S1.E3 ∙ Anxiety

Thu, Sep 12, 2019

The Mind Explained looks at anxiety and explores who it is so common. It talks to neuroscientists who explain the physiological and evolutionary basis of anxiety. Although it can help animals escape predators, anxiety can cause serious problems for human beings. It talks to sufferers of anxiety and examines the different types of anxiety people can feel. It also looks at how social media can cause anxiety.

4Season 1

S1.E4 ∙ Mindfulness

Thu, Sep 12, 2019

The Mind Explained looks at the power of mindfulness and meditation. It examines how different kinds on meditation (transcendental, dynamic, and religious) and notes that they are different from mindfulness meditation (satipatthana). It talks to neuroscientists who discuss what happens in the brain during meditation.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Psychedelics

Thu, Sep 12, 2019

The Mind Explained looks at what happens to the brain when someone uses psychedelic drugs. It looks at how psychedelic drugs may be useful in dealing with anxiety in cancer survivors and serious depression. It explores the history of psychedelics and examines early medical experimentation with the drug. It also discussed why psychedelics were banned and examines how they effect the brain.

1Season 2

S2.E1 ∙ How to Focus

Fri, Nov 19, 2021

So many distractions. Sustaining attention is harder than ever, but not for the reasons you might expect. Experts focus on the many challenges.

2Season 2

S2.E2 ∙ Teenage Brain

Fri, Nov 19, 2021

Why do teenagers act like teenagers? Hint: It's not just hormones. Neuroscience explains the fundamentally unique way a teen's brain operates.

3Season 2

S2.E3 ∙ Personality

Fri, Nov 19, 2021

Personality tests group people into handy types but reveal only part of the story. Learn how our personalities develop and evolve over a lifetime.

4Season 2

S2.E4 ∙ Creativity

Fri, Nov 19, 2021

Creativity isn't a mystical force - it's a mental muscle. See how your neural networks generate fresh ideas and learn ways to foster your imagination.

5Season 2

S2.E5 ∙ Brainwashing

Fri, Nov 19, 2021

What does it mean to be brainwashed? From the Satanic panic of the '80s to current conspiracies, dive into how belief change happens inside the brain.