In the first half, neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi discussed the brain's unique capacity for neuroplasticity —the ability to change and rewire throughout life— and how we can prevent and reverse cognitive decline and enhance mental sharpness at any age. He highlighted how behavior significantly impacts brain health: "Stress, poor diet, and obesity can shrink your brain, whereas habits like exercising, avoiding stress...[and] learning new things can grow the brain." While brain cells do not regenerate, the organ remains highly malleable and capable of recovery if harmful habits are replaced with healthier ones, he explained. Citing a case study of a 70-year-old patient, he noted that after participating in a 12-week program involving medication adjustments, physical activity, and cognitive training, she experienced mental improvement and even a 3% increase in hippocampal volume, effectively making her brain "three years younger."
He clarified distinctions among memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, noting that Alzheimer's is a form of dementia characterized by brain atrophy linked to proteins called amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Importantly, he challenged the notion that these proteins alone cause Alzheimer's, pointing instead to underlying risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic stress, which "shrink your brain at the microscopic level every day." He described PTSD as a negative rewiring of the brain, where "a person goes over the same memory over and over again."
On diagnosis, Dr. Fotuhi reported recent advances: "For the first time, you have a blood test that can show the abnormalities in the brain. This is a total revolution in the field of neurology." He recommended omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) for their protective effects against Alzheimer's disease and praised foods like blueberries for their antioxidant properties and ability to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain repair. Addressing intelligence, he challenged traditional IQ-focused views, identifying at least 30 different types of intelligence. Everyone possesses unique intelligences, he noted, but one of the most important forms of intelligence is to learn how to be happy, linking purpose and passion to cognitive vitality.
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In the latter half, Joe Diamond, the Midwest Mystic, delved into his unique blend of mind reading, history, and paranormal themes that he uses in his stage shows. With 20 years of professional experience, he combines interactive mentalism with storytelling, often incorporating elements like psychometry —reading the energy of objects— to engage his audiences. He also employs historical mesmerism techniques, which, in contrast to hypnosis, do not put individuals into a trance. His performances often take place in historically and paranormally charged venues, such as the Maxwell Mansion, known for its hauntings.
When asked if mind reading is science or paranormal, Diamond described it as an art form grounded in psychological science. He emphasized the blend of craft and intuition in his performances, noting moments where "I don't necessarily always know where it comes from." He identifies as a magician, but not in the conventional sense. Drawing on occult symbolism, he explained how magic tricks carry deeper meanings, such as "pulling a rabbit from a hat" representing the creation of life. He recounted paranormal occurrences during his shows, including a chandelier flickering during Halloween performances, which he interpreted as spirits interacting live with the audience.
He recalled a remarkable stunt where he solved a 33-mile corn maze blindfolded in under three hours, relying on intuition and "thinking about what [his guide] was seeing." In tarot readings, Diamond typically pulls one card focused on future guidance, favoring vivid Major Arcana images over minor symbols. During the last hour, he offered tarot readings for callers.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein, Seth Shostak