Episode 168: Understanding the Differences Between Boys and Girls with Dr. Michael Gurian

Our brains are uniquely complex information processors, yet most people know little about how they work. In Brain Rules, John Medina writes that when we understand how our brains have evolved, we can use their natural impulses and tendencies to our advantage, improving our thinking and learning in all aspects of our lives.

John Medina is a molecular biologist who focuses on psychiatric disorders. Medina wrote this book in order to help the general public understand in a simple, accessible way how brains work and how the functions of the brain affect how we interact with the world. In this guide, we discuss the 12 rules he’s identified that summarize the brain’s core functions, abilities, and limitations. We also offer ways to apply Medina’s principles in your daily life and discuss scientific and cultural ideas related to his brain rules.

From sibling arguments to temper tantrums, parents constantly have to manage conflict. These challenging moments are pivotal opportunities to promote your child’s psychological development. The Whole-Brain Child explains the neurological and developmental reasons for many of your child’s meltdowns and misbehaviors. When the different parts of your child’s brain—such as the logical left brain and the emotional right brain—are not integrated, it makes your child mentally and emotionally off-balance, which causes her to act out.

The book teaches you how to diagnose signs of dis-integration, as well as strategies to help your child to re-integrate her mind. With these tools, your child will develop a stronger relationship with you, increase her self-awareness and emotional self-control, and build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy relationships and mental and emotional stability.

Our brains are uniquely complex information processors, yet most people know little about how they work. In Brain Rules, John Medina writes that when we understand how our brains have evolved, we can use their natural impulses and tendencies to our advantage, improving our thinking and learning in all aspects of our lives.

John Medina is a molecular biologist who focuses on psychiatric disorders. Medina wrote this book in order to help the general public understand in a simple, accessible way how brains work and how the functions of the brain affect how we interact with the world. In this guide, we discuss the 12 rules he’s identified that summarize the brain’s core functions, abilities, and limitations. We also offer ways to apply Medina’s principles in your daily life and discuss scientific and cultural ideas related to his brain rules.

In this guide for women (men can learn something too), journalists and authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman examine the art and science of confidence—what it is, why it matters, why women have more trouble accessing it than men, and how this shortage affects professional success, personal achievement, and even happiness. Biology plays a role, and so do systemic inequalities, but confidence is also largely a choice. Learn how to make it in The Confidence Code.

Do you often think about what you need to do to turn your child into a well-adjusted, successful adult? If so, you may be acting as a carpenter parent—a parent who adheres rigidly to the blueprint for raising a “successful child”—instead of a gardener parent—a parent who nurtures the innate interests and talents of their child. In The Gardener and the Carpenter, Alison Gopnik explains that the goal of raising and caring for children should be to allow them to blossom into their unique selves and that parenting should not be a form of work but rather an act of love.

Gopnik is a professor of psychology, affiliate professor of philosophy, and author of multiple books on how to be a good parent. In our guide, we’ll explore the flaws in the current parenting model, how children naturally learn and grow, and how the schooling model also fails to effectively support children’s learning. We’ll add advice from other child-care experts, contextualize Gopnik’s ideas in psychology, and add research and statistics that support or contradict Gopnik’s theories.

Many successful leaders and businesspeople are lauded as “great geniuses,” but psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that talent and intelligence matter less to success than grit: the personality trait behind perseverance, hard work, and goal-setting. In Grit, she explores what grit is, where it comes from, how it drives success, and how you can develop it.

Duckworth is primarily interested in how to raise gritty kids, and her insights have inspired parents and educators around the globe since the book’s publication in 2016. However, she believes that adults, too, can develop grit, and she lays out specific, measurable ways to do so.

Her work has fueled debates about which matters more—talent or effort. In this guide, we examine these controversies and consider insights from other psychologists who either support Duckworth’s ideas or reveal nuances of them.

How can we raise kids to be self-confident, independent, and compassionate? In Unconditional Parenting, author and lecturer Alfie Kohn argues that we should throw away the standard parenting rulebook and replace it with a new approach built on unconditional support, acceptance, and understanding.

Find out what kids really need from their parents, why using rewards and punishments doesn’t work (and can even backfire) in the long term, and what you can do to make your kids feel loved and valued for who they are rather than what they do.

In this guide, we highlight Kohn’s practical advice and add a few more techniques to try out. We also update Kohn’s research and consider ideas from development experts with similar approaches, including Maria Montessori and Janet Lansbury.

Dive into a compelling exploration of human potential with "Huberman Lab," where renowned psychologist Dr. Adam Grant joins host Andrew Huberman to uncover the intricate dance between procrastination, creativity, and motivation. From combating the negative emotions that lead to procrastination to synchronizing peak productivity with your circadian rhythm, this episode is a masterclass in enhancing personal effectiveness. Grant's distinguished perspective, coupled with Huberman's expertise in neuroscience, offers unconventional wisdom and practical strategies for balancing professional growth, personal happiness, and cognitive mastery.

Listeners will be treated to a multifaceted dialogue that bridges the gap between neuroscience and psychology, providing insights into fostering resilience, embracing imperfections, and surpassing biases and distractions that hinder progress. As Grant and Huberman delve into decision-making, effective communication, and the role of language in science, they emerge with poignant lessons on navigating social media’s impact on professional success and maintaining self-worth. This episode goes beyond the discussion, emphasizing the role of "Huberman Lab" in building a connected community around education and well-being, making it an enlightening resource for anyone looking to unlock their potential and discover their unique abilities.

In the Lex Fridman Podcast, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman and host Lex Fridman delve into a myriad of interconnected themes, exploring the nexus of personal development, mental health, the dynamics of relationships, and the future implications of artificial intelligence. Together, they construct a rich tapestry of discussion, encompassing the crucial importance of physical exercise for cognitive stimulation, the value of introspection, daily rituals, subconscious cues, societal norms, and the influence of admiration within interpersonal relationships to craft a dynamic and enlightening dialogue.

Venturing into more intimate territories, Dr. Huberman unveils the transformative effects of emotional bonds, his aspirations of becoming a parent, and his unique approach to productivity. The conversation resonates as it zigzags from fitness struggles to triumphs in professional projects, before culminating into a compelling discourse on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on decision-making processes. Throughout the podcast, the synergy between the speakers creates a captivating blend of scientific insights, personal narratives, and thought-provoking analysis.

Embark on a journey to master your unique purpose with the latest Huberman Lab Podcast, featuring the renowned author Robert Greene. In a fascinating dialogue, Greene unfolds the blueprint to achieving personal mastery as outlined in his book "Mastery." Together with host Andrew Huberman, they delve deep into what it means to identify and pursue a life calling, casting a light on the profound impact early passions have on an individual's success and the necessity of an emotional connection to our professional endeavors.

However, pathfinding your purpose in today's distracted world is not without its challenges. Greene and Huberman navigate the complexities of modern distractions, including social media, and dissect the contemporary quagmire of gender roles and identity. The episode is rich with insights on mentorship’s influence, the art of active thought, cultivating depth in relationships, and understanding the transformative effects of adversity. This enlightening conversation is not just a guide to personal fulfillment; it's an invitation to redefine one's journey amidst societal expectations and to engage with a community dedicated to knowledge and growth.