Rephonic
Artwork for CogNation
Consciousness
Dreaming
Threat Simulation Theory
Mental Health
Daniel Dennett
REM Sleep
Anesthesia
Ethics
Sentience
Freudian Theory Of Dreams
Animal Welfare
Moral Circle
Dualism
Free Will
Naturalism
Evolution
Atheism
Materialism
Cognitive Science
Philosophy Of Mind

CogNation is a podcast by Rolf Nelson and Joe Hardy, two cognitive psychologists interested in the future of brain science and technology. We explore relevant topics in the areas of cognitive science, technology, AI, and philosophy. Although we dabble with dystopian implications of new technologies (such as the impending robopocalypse), we are led by our curiosity and try to keep it light and fun.... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes69Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceSociety & CulturePhilosophy

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Artwork for CogNation

Latest Episodes

For the third time, Joe and Rolf talk to Dr. Balazs Szigeti about psychedelics for the treatment of depression. This time, Balazs discusses his recent paper that shows an equivalence between psychedelics and traditional medications in effectiveness f... more

On this episode, Rolf and Joe talk to Dr. Valerie Bonnelle, a cognitive neuroscientist interested in the relation of processes in the body to peak experiences. We discuss her paper showing how heart rate variability and the interplay between the symp... more

What do the National Institutes of Health (NIH) do, and who works there? Rolf and Joe talk to Dr. Bradley Cooke, who works at the NIH as a Program Director in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases (located within the Nationa... more

Fresh from Psychedelic Science 2025, Dr. Steve Levine, the chief patient officer at Compass Pathways, talks to us about new Phase 3 results for psilocybin in treating depression.

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jeff Sebo
Associate professor of environmental studies at NYU specializing in ethics and animal protection.
New York University
Episode: Expanding our Moral Circle with Philosopher Jeff Sebo
Antti Revonsuo
Finnish cognitive neuroscientist, philosopher, and psychologist known for his work on dreams and consciousness
University of Hövde, University of Turku
Episode: Dreaming (part 3) with Antti Revonsuo
Pilleriin Sikka
Postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Stanford University School of Medicine
Episode: Dreams and Anaesthesia: Guest Pilleriin Sikka

Hosts

Joe Hardy
Host and co-host with a focus on cognitive psychology.
Rolf Nelson
Host and co-host with expertise in cognitive psychology.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 29 ratings
  • Charming knowledgeable hosts

    I am indefinitely a layperson, but I enjoy this podcast immensely. I learn something each time and Rolf’s and Joe’s humor shines through!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Oakland now Berkeley
    United Statesa year ago
  • Cognition

    Excellent podcast. Rolf and Joe are great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    carylwampus
    United States4 years ago
  • Awesome podcast on cognitive psychology!

    Awesome podcast on cognitive psychology.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VR minds think alike
    United States5 years ago
  • Cognition

    Excellent podcast. Rolf and Joe are great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    carylwampus
    United States7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

It is entertaining yet insightful, balancing humor with heavy topics.
Reviews highlight the engaging chemistry between the hosts, making complex subjects accessible.
Listeners appreciate the breadth and depth of discussions, often encouraging further exploration of the topics raised.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#195
Saudi Arabia/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Dreams and Anaesthesia: Guest Pilleriin Sikka
Q: How do you pick apart whether someone is having a dream but can't remember it versus just never had a dream?
We don't know, as we only know what people report us. It's likely that like normal dreaming, people might have dreams, but they just don't remember them.
Dreams and Anaesthesia: Guest Pilleriin Sikka
Q: Could you describe a little bit about the neural correlates of normal dreaming experiences?
Yes, dreams most typically occur during REM sleep, but they can also occur during non-REM sleep. The neural correlates of REM sleep do not fully explain dreaming.
Expanding our Moral Circle with Philosopher Jeff Sebo
Q: What probability do you give that AI is or will be sentient?
My personal estimate would be in something like the 10 to 20% range that there will be AI systems with sentience in the near future.
Expanding our Moral Circle with Philosopher Jeff Sebo
Q: How would you characterize the moral circle of, say, your average person who hasn't given a whole lot of thought to this?
There's a lot of disagreement and uncertainty across the board, but generally, it might include all humans as roughly equal and some charismatic vertebrates as honorary members.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About CogNation

What is CogNation about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content focuses on the intersections of cognitive science, technology, ethics, and philosophy. Conversations often explore complex topics like the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of AI, and the psychological dimensions of dreaming. The hosts engage with experts and delve into both academic theories and relatable personal anecdotes, aiming to make sophisticated ideas accessible and entertaining. This podcast distinguishes itself by maintaining a light-hearted tone while addressing serious subjects, leading to thought-provoking discussions that evoke curiosity and reflection.

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Which podcasts are similar to CogNation?

These podcasts share a similar audience with CogNation:

1. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
2. Pod Save America

How many episodes of CogNation are there?

CogNation launched 7 years ago and published 69 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on CogNation?

Recent guests on CogNation include:

1. Jeff Sebo
2. Antti Revonsuo
3. Pilleriin Sikka

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