In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon unveil the recent name change for the podcast, and then dive into debunking common brain myths. They tackle widely held beliefs such as the idea that we only use 10% of our brains, the brain's activity during sleep, and the myth of left-brain versus right-brain dominance. The discussion also covers the capabilities of human memory, the validity of gender differences in brain function, and the misconception of multitasking abilities. Additionally, they explore lesser-known but essential senses and the brain's role in predicting happiness. Their conversation is peppered with research citations and practical insights, encouraging listeners to explore factual neuroscientific information. Reflection questions are provided to help listeners internalize the truth about their own brains and behavior.

Understanding Brain Myths and Facts

1. The 10% Brain Usage Myth: We don’t just use a fraction of our brain. That myth has been repeated so often it feels true, but in reality, brain scans show activity across the entire brain—even at rest. The misunderstanding likely comes from confusing conscious versus subconscious activity. The truth? Our brains are working at full complexity all the time.
2. The Active Sleeping Brain: Sleep doesn’t “shut down” the brain. In fact, the opposite is true. While we sleep, our brain consolidates memories, clears toxins, and resets cognitive function. I often picture it like a city’s night crew—quietly cleaning and preparing the streets for the day ahead.
3. Left Brain vs. Right Brain: Yes, the brain has two hemispheres, but the old idea of a “logical left” and “creative right” is misleading. Both hemispheres contribute to creativity, logic, problem-solving, and expression. The brain works as an integrated network—and so should we.
4. Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Dynamic Nature: We’re not stuck with the brain we’re born with. Our brains adapt, change, and grow throughout life. When we take on new challenges or learn new skills, we’re literally reshaping neural pathways. That’s both empowering and humbling.
5. Men’s and Women’s Brains: Not So Different: The narrative that men and women’s brains are fundamentally different is largely unsupported. Hormonal differences exist, but scientifically, our brains are more alike than they are different. Many of the perceived differences are shaped by culture, not biology.
6. Multitasking Isn’t What It Seems: True multitasking—doing two thinking tasks simultaneously—is inefficient. What we’re actually doing is “task-switching,” and it comes at a cognitive cost. For me, this is a reminder to protect focus and embrace monotasking where possible.
7. Human Senses: More Than Five: Beyond sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell, we also have senses like proprioception (knowing where your body is in space) and interoception (awareness of your internal state). Our sensory world is richer than we were taught in grade school.
8. Memory Accuracy: Fiction vs. Reality: Memory is not a flawless recording device. We tend to remember impressions and stories, not perfect details. This explains why eyewitness testimony can be unreliable and why we sometimes argue over “what really happened.”
9. Predicting Happiness: A Complex Task: We often overestimate the happiness we’ll get from achievements or possessions, and underestimate the joy that comes from relationships and experiences. Neuroscience shows our predictive powers about happiness are imperfect—and shaped heavily by societal values.
10. The Ease of Change: Change isn’t universally hard. Our brains are wired to adapt; resistance comes more from comfort and familiarity than from an inability to shift. With the right motivation and environment, the brain is primed for transformation.