{"id":60416,"date":"2019-10-09T16:15:20","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T20:15:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/?post_type=cu_story&#038;p=60416"},"modified":"2025-09-30T10:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T14:39:03","slug":"minding-the-brain-podcast-voted-favourite","status":"publish","type":"cu_story","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/story\/minding-the-brain-podcast-voted-favourite\/","title":{"rendered":"Minding the Brain Podcast Voted Favourite Canadian Science Site"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-max  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n                    \n                    \n            \n    <div class=\"cu-wideimage relative flex items-center justify-center mx-auto px-8 overflow-hidden md:px-16 rounded-xl not-prose  my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 bg-opacity-50 bg-cover bg-cu-black-50 pt-24 pb-32 md:pt-28 md:pb-44 lg:pt-36 lg:pb-60 xl:pt-48 xl:pb-72\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-1c.jpg); background-position: 50% 50%;\">\n\n                    <div class=\"absolute top-0 w-full h-screen\" style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.600);\"><\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"relative z-[2] max-w-4xl w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-2 cu-wideimage-image cu-zero-first-last\">\n            <header class=\"mx-auto mb-6 text-center text-white cu-pageheader cu-component-updated cu-pageheader--center md:mb-12\">\n\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold mb-2 text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] cu-pageheader--center text-center mx-auto after:left-px\">\n                        Minding the Brain Podcast Voted Favourite Canadian Science Site\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                            <\/header>\n        <\/div>\n\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"absolute bottom-0 w-full z-[1]\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 1280 312\">\n                <path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M26.412 315.608c-.602-.268-6.655-2.412-13.524-4.769a1943.84 1943.84 0 0 1-14.682-5.144l-2.276-.858v-5.358c0-4.876.086-5.358.773-5.09 1.674.643 21.38 5.84 34.646 9.109 14.682 3.59 28.935 6.858 45.936 10.449l9.874 2.089H57.322c-16.4 0-30.31-.16-30.91-.428ZM460.019 315.233c42.974-10.074 75.602-19.88 132.443-39.867 76.16-26.791 152.063-57.709 222.385-90.663 16.7-7.823 21.336-10.074 44.262-21.273 85.004-41.688 134.719-64.193 195.291-88.413 66.55-26.577 145.2-53.584 194.27-66.765C1258.5 5.626 1281.34 0 1282.24 0c.17 0 .34 27.596.34 61.3v61.299l-2.23.375c-84.7 13.718-165.93 35.955-310.736 84.931-46.494 15.753-65.427 22.076-96.166 32.15-9.102 3-24.814 8.198-34.989 11.574-107.543 35.954-153.008 50.422-196.626 62.639l-6.74 1.876-89.126-.054c-78.135-.054-88.782-.161-85.948-.857ZM729.628 312.875c33.229-10.985 69.248-23.523 127.506-44.207 118.705-42.223 164.596-57.709 217.446-73.302 2.62-.75 8.29-2.465 12.67-3.751 56.19-16.772 126.94-33.597 184.17-43.671 5.07-.91 9.66-1.768 10.22-1.875l.94-.161v170.236l-281.28-.054H719.968l9.66-3.215ZM246.864 313.411c-65.041-2.251-143.047-12.11-208.432-26.256-18.375-3.965-41.73-9.538-42.202-10.074-.171-.214-.257-21.38-.214-47.046l.129-46.618 6.654 3.697c57.313 32.043 118.491 56.531 197.699 79.143 40.313 11.521 83.459 18.058 138.669 21.059 15.584.857 65.685.857 81.14 0 33.744-1.876 61.306-4.93 88.396-9.806 6.396-1.126 11.634-1.983 11.722-1.929.255.375-20.48 7.769-30.999 11.038-28.592 8.948-59.288 15.646-91.873 20.147-26.36 3.59-50.015 5.627-78.35 6.698-15.584.59-55.209.59-72.339-.053Z\"><\/path>\n                <path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M-3.066 295.067 32.06 304.1v9.033H-3.066v-18.066Z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<p>Carleton University <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/neuroscience\/\" target=\"_blank\">Neuroscience<\/a> Prof. <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/neuroscience\/people\/kim-hellemans\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kim Hellemans<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ics\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cognitive<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/\" target=\"_blank\">Computer Science<\/a> Prof. <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/ics\/people\/davies-jim\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jim Davies<\/a> are well known for their innovative and enthusiastic approach to teaching and extensive expertise in their fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the duo\u2019s podcast <a href=\"https:\/\/mindingthebrainpodcast.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Minding the Brain<\/em><\/a> has won the People&#8217;s Choice Award for Favourite Canadian Science Site from the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC). The podcast, selected from a group of five finalists, focuses on the science behind the human mind and brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Peoples Choice Awards 2019 - Winner Announcement\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ImctxEaLCR4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The podcast, which started in January 2018, has focused on such topics as trauma, pet therapy and morning people versus night people. In the near future, the monthly podcast will discuss close relationships, gender and the brain, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cKim and Jim\u2019s informative and entertaining podcast brings academic research directly to Canadians and this is such an important part of Carleton\u2019s mission,\u201d said President <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/president\/\" target=\"_blank\">Benoit-Antoine Bacon<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cGiven the professional and personal qualities of the hosts, I am not at all surprised that it has captured the hearts and minds of listeners from coast to coast to coast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-60427 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2.jpg\" alt=\"Minding the Brain Podcast Voted Favourite Canadian Science Site\" class=\"wp-image-60427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-1024x580.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-700x397.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-2-200x113.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"relaying-the-science-of-the-brain-with-a-conversational-tone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relaying the Science of the Brain with a Conversational Tone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, episodes cycle back and forth between Davies and Hellemans as they interview each other about brain and mind topics related to their scientific backgrounds and research. They&nbsp;often feature guests as well.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe aim for more of a conversational tone, although there is certainly science embedded within the show,\u201d Hellemans says.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re attempting to translate scientific topics in a way that is meaningful to all audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Davies and Hellemans, who share a comfortable and lively rapport, a podcast was the obvious avenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cKim and I are both very dynamic teachers and our voices and charisma can come across in a way that\u2019s very hard to capture in text,\u201d Davies explains.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull wp-image-60428 size-full w-screen ml-offset-center cu-max-w-child-max px-4 md:px-6 lg:px-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3.jpg\" alt=\"Prof. Kim Hellemans (left) with Prof. Jim Davies\" class=\"wp-image-60428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3-400x227.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3-768x435.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3-700x397.jpg 700w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/162\/carleton-neuroscience-podcast-1200w-3-200x113.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"educating-listeners-in-a-fun-and-engaging-way\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educating Listeners in a Fun and Engaging Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of May 2018, more than 35 per cent of Canadians had listened to a podcast in the last year and about one in four podcast consumers listened monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Davies and Hellemans say one of their favourite parts of producing and releasing <em>Minding the Brain <\/em>is how it educates listeners in a fun and engaging way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI always think it\u2019s important to talk about science to think critically, to be aware of different lenses to see the world,\u201d Hellemans says.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s so much misinformation right now, we live in an information-dense, critical thinking-poor society right now. I think it\u2019s important that science and the topics we talk about are grounded in evidence-based research.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Hellemans and Davies thanked Michal Contos, a Carleton student they hired to help produce the podcast, and also the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.carleton.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\">Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS<\/a>) and the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.carleton.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\">Faculty of Science<\/a> for their generous funding and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They say they\u2019d love to engage more with the Carleton community for future editions of the show by interviewing students and faculty on their scientific research. The team adds they\u2019re always open to new ideas. To submit an idea, click <a href=\"https:\/\/mindingthebrainpodcast.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Carleton University Neuroscience Prof. Kim Hellemans and Cognitive and Computer Science Prof. Jim Davies are well known for their innovative and enthusiastic approach to teaching and extensive expertise in their fields. Now the duo\u2019s podcast Minding the Brain has won the People&#8217;s Choice Award for Favourite Canadian Science Site from the Science Writers and Communicators [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":60426,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_story_type":[28,13],"cu_story_tag":[1919],"class_list":["post-60416","cu_story","type-cu_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_story_type-community-partnerships","cu_story_type-research-discovery","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-science"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":"blueprint"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/60416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/60416\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97391,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/60416\/revisions\/97391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_story_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_type?post=60416"},{"taxonomy":"cu_story_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_tag?post=60416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}