Science Savvy

Welcome to this Science Savvy episode on Happiness. In this episode, I explore what happiness really is from a neuroscience & evolutionary perspective, and explain why it’s a biological miracle that we feel joy at all.

I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and in this episode I cover why dopamine gets all the hype (but shouldn’t), how gratitude rewires your brain, why you’re not supposed to be happy al...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions.

My name is Carmen, I am the host of Science Savvy. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. Science Savvy podcast is al...

Welcome to the Architecture and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the built environment influences the way we think, feel, and connect with others. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind sensory perception and neuroarchitecture, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the psychology of shared spaces,...

Welcome to the PCOS episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the mechanisms behind PCOS and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Basma Faris, a ...

Welcome to the Food and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the food we eat shapes not only our physical health but also our brain, behavior, and social bonds. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind nutrition and neurobiology and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how taste, smell, and texture stimula...

Welcome to the Migraine episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science, stigma, and impact of migraine through the lens of lived experience and neuroscience. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the biology behind migraine and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dehenna Davison, former Member of Parliament for...

Welcome to the Neuroplasticity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the incredible adaptability of the brain and what it means for learning, healing, and growth. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind neuroplasticity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the story of JJ, a boy who was born missing key brain structu...

Welcome to the New Year Habits episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how to build better routines using neuroscience-backed strategies. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind focus, motivation, and habit formation, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how dopamine drives reinforcement, how your prefrontal cortex sh...

Welcome to the Love episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the biology behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind love and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the three stages of love known as lust, attraction, and attachment. Together with my friend Alejandra, we explore ho...

In this episode of Science Savvy, I’m joined by my best friend of ten years, Dasha, to explore the science behind long-term friendship. With warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of evidence-based insight, we look at how your brain syncs up with your closest companions, why oxytocin makes you feel safe and connected, and how staying close to your friends can actually support your physical health and longevity.

We discuss how friends...

Welcome to the ADHD episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore what it really means to live with ADHD and how science is reshaping the way we understand it. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind attention, dopamine, and neurodiversity, and unpack how it all shows up in everyday life.

This episode covers how neurotransmitters like dopamine and norep...

Welcome to the Creativity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind creative thinking and how the brain fuels imagination. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind creativity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the roles of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, the surprising impact of dopam...

Welcome to the Gut Health episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how your gut microbiome does so much more than support digestion. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind the gut-brain connection and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how gut bacteria influence your mood, mental health, immune function, and even decisi...

Welcome to the Consciousness episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore what it really means to be conscious and how self-awareness shapes who we are. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind consciousness and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers everything from classic philosophical ideas like Descartes’ “I think, therefore ...

This is one of our early interview episodes. We shared a microphone and the audio is a bit raw, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

Welcome to the Love episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the biology behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind love and unpac...

In this episode of Science Savvy, we tackle one of the most common yet least understood experiences in women’s health: why do we get periods. From evolutionary theories to hormonal rollercoasters, I explore the biology and history behind menstruation and the science that underlies symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and acne. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down why periods exist in the first...

This is one of our early interview episodes. We shared a microphone and I hadn't yet perfected my audio editing, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I’m joined by my best friend of ten years, Dasha, to explore the science behind long-term friendship. With warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of evidence-based insight, we look at how your brain syncs up with...

This is one of our early episodes. We shared a mic and the audio is a bit raw, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

Welcome to the first episode of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how our brains work as prediction machines to help us make sense of the world around us. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind how the ...