Are we really in charge?
Summary
CrowdScience investigates whether humans truly have free will, prompted by a listener’s query about biological influences on decision-making. The episode explores the gut-brain axis, revealing how gut microbes can alter mood and behavior, and examines the sense of interoception, which allows the brain to process bodily signals like hunger and heartbeat often without conscious awareness. Through experiments and expert interviews, the show demonstrates that while we are not entirely in control, training interoceptive accuracy can help manage anxiety and improve our relationship with our bodies.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and podcast introductions
Introduction: Listening to stomach sounds and the question
Listener Mohamed asks: Are we really in charge?
Presenter's perspective on free will and biological control
Neuroscience: Libet's study and the readiness potential
The gut microbiome: An ecosystem inside us
How gut bacteria influence mood and appetite hormones
Study: Transplanting depression-linked microbes to rodents
Part 2 Introduction: Can we increase our control?
Interoception: Sensing internal bodily signals
Experiment: Testing the presenter's stomach sound detection
Results: High accuracy and the role of unconscious awareness
Therapy: Training interoception to reduce anxiety
Case study: Applying therapy to breast cancer survivors
Conclusion: We are part of a complex biological system
Credits and contact information
Outro: Haunted Library promotion
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