Our brains produce new brain cells throughout our entire lives through a process called neurogenesis, and in this podcast, Dr. Brant Cortright is going to share what this means for our brain health and how we can enhance the way our brains operate. Dr. Cortright is a clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies, specializing in cutting-edge brain health and neuroscience-informed depth therapy.

When we increase the rate of neurogenesis, we see things like improved cognitive function, better memory, less stress, more energy and increased immune health. When we decrease the rate of neurogenesis, however, we see the opposite: poor cognition and memory, increased stress and anxiety and decreased immune health. In this interview, Dr. Cortright discusses the diet and lifestyle components — which mirror the ReWilding diet and lifestyle — that are crucial for your neural development. He shares some interesting information on sleep, and we also get into the effects of substances like caffeine, cannabis and mushrooms on brain health. Tune in for a fascinating discussion — rich with actionable information — that can help improve the functioning of your human animal!

*There is a bit of background noise in parts of this interview that we were unable to edit out. Apologies for the less than excellent sound quality in this episode! We feel the content more than makes up for it (;

Episode Breakdown:

Daniel shares on:
- Podcast updates
- Feasting with Maine community on Thanksgiving
- Hunting and gathering with a partner
- Privilege
- Strategic planning for 2017 hunting & gathering
Daniel answers your questions on:
- Inflammation caused by down comforters
- Eating parasites
- Eating raw eggs from fresh water fish
What is neurogenesis?
The optimal diet for neurogenesis
How much DHA should you be getting per day?
Best DHA-rich foods
The “heart healthy” vegetable oil myth
Crucial foods for neural development
Best exercise for neurogenesis
Caffeine and neurogenesis
Cannabis, mushrooms and neurogenesis
The importance of sleep for optimal cognitive functioning
An interesting occurrence in the last few hours of sleep
Mindfulness and meditation
Blending the natural and modern world
Dr. Cortright's prognosis for the future of the human species
Where to find Dr. Cortright's work

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Meet Dr. Cortright

Brant Cortright, Ph.D., is the author of The Neurogenesis Diet and Lifestyle: Upgrade Your Brain, Upgrade Your Life and a brain health coach. He is a Professor of psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. As a licensed clinical psychologist he maintains a private practice in San Francisco that focuses on an integral/holistic and neuroscience-informed approach to brain health and depth psychotherapy. He specializes in depression, stress and anxiety, career and meaning, as well as relationship and intimacy issues.

He has authored two previous books, Integral Psychology and Psychotherapy and Spirit (both published by SUNY Press.) He speaks and gives workshops around the US, Europe and Asia.