In this in-studio episode of Smooth Brain Society, Sahir and Neil are joined by Dr. Kate Messenger as they explore the fascinating world of language acquisition. They discuss why children seem to pick up languages effortlessly, the challenges adults face when learning new languages, and even how bilingual brains store and mix languages. Expect a lively discussion about the theories behind language learning, including the critical period hypothesis and the role of environmental input, along with humorous takeaways about accents, passive constructions, and the everyday struggles of translating between languages. Tune in for a blend of scientific insight and casual banter that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the original file.

Dr. Kate Messenger's profile: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/katherine-messenger

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Bryant—executive director of Bryant Research and an expert in alternative proteins—to unpack the science, psychology, and politics behind the future of food. From lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives to the social and environmental challenges of industrial farming, we explore Dr. Bryant's research on how the “protein transition” is reshaping everything from policy to plate. Expect sharp insights, dumpster-diving research methods, and a few sausage-related revelations along the way.

Check out Bryant research: https://bryantresearch.co.uk/

Dr. Bryant and Team have published their a lot of their research in Psychology of Human Animal Intergroup Relations: https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair

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Merch and all other links: Linktree
email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

What factors underpin how we treat animals? In this episode, Prof. Dr. Christopher J. Hopwood of the University of Zurich and the Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations. Talks about his research related to how people perceive, treat, and interact with animals. Join us as we go through some fascinating studies which have been published in his journal and what the future looks like for things like veganism, animal treatment and upcoming food like cultured meat.

https://phair.psychopen.eu/index.php/phair

Support the show

Support us and reach out!
https://smoothbrainsociety.com
https://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSociety

Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsociety
TikTok: @thesmoothbrainsociety
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Merch and all other links: Linktree
email: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com