EP 3 - Selena Bartlett: 30 Years of Brain Science & What It Means for You
What does 30 years of neuroscience research reveal about building resilience, managing mental health, and raising thriving kids in the digital age?
In this episode, we sit down with Professor Selena Bartlett — a neuroscientist, registered pharmacist, counsellor, and Group Leader at the Translational Research Institute. With 110 published research articles and the Australian Neuroscience Society's Lawrie Austin Award, Professor Bartlett has dedicated her career to understanding how our brains work and how we can optimize them.
But this isn't a lecture — it's a conversation about translating cutting-edge brain science into real, practical tools for everyday life.
In this conversation, Professor Bartlett shares:
How neuroplasticity actually works and what it means for mental health recovery
The neuroscience behind resilience — why some people bounce back and others struggle
Parenting in the digital age: What screens are doing to developing brains
The connection between physical discipline (like martial arts) and brain health
Practical neuroscience tools for managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
Why understanding your brain is the first step to changing your life
The science behind habit formation and breaking destructive patterns
Whether you're a parent trying to navigate screen time, someone working on mental health, or just curious about what your brain is truly capable of — this episode is packed with insights you can actually use.
Topics Covered:
Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain
The neuroscience of resilience and mental health
Digital age parenting and screen time impacts
How physical activity (martial arts, exercise) changes the brain
Practical tools from 30 years of brain research
Building thriving minds in challenging environments
The intersection of neuroscience, mental health, and everyday life
About Professor Selena Bartlett:
Professor of Neuroscience at QUT
Group Leader at the Translational Research Institute
Registered Pharmacist and Counsellor
Author of 5 books including Being Seen: Master Parenting in the Digital Age
110+ published research articles
Winner of the Australian Neuroscience Society's Lawrie Austin Award