CortexCast - A Neuroscience Podcast

Oxford University

Welcome to CortexCast, a space for deep dives into the workings of the human brain. We explore neurones and networks, memory and meaning, the biology of thought and the art of being. Each episode brings inspiring conversations with world-leading neurobiologists that connect science, philosophy and imagination. This is the official podcast of Oxford University Cortex Club - the student-led neuroscience society that through research seminars and workshops unites the academic community to decode the mind.

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17 episodes
Updated January 26

Episodes17

Newest first

January 26 · 20 min
Season 3 Episode 3 | Between Order and Chaos: Exploring the Entropic Brain
Why do psychedelics, dreams, and mental illnesses feel so different from everyday awareness? We unpack the Entropic Brain Hypothesis and what it tells us about flexibility, rigidity, and the architecture of conscious experience. Consciousness may not be a stable state, but a delicate balance between structure and freedom. In this episode, we explore the Entropic Brain Hypothesis - a framework proposing that the richness of conscious experience depends on how flexible and unpredictable brain activity becomes. Drawing on research into psychedelics, altered states, and psychiatric disorders, we discuss how shifts in brain entropy may underlie creativity, rigidity of thought, and therapeutic change, offering a new lens on the dynamics of the mind. Reference: Carhart-Harris, R.L. (2018) The entropic brain – revisited, Neuropharmacology, 142, pp. 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.010
Nov 10, 2025 · 56 min
Season 3 Episode 2 | Our Brains, Our Selves: In Conversation with Prof. Masud Husain
If memory fades or motivation disappears, what remains of the self? In this episode, Professor Masud Husain reflects on how neurological disorders illuminate the fragile yet resilient architecture of human identity Our sense of self feels indivisible - until the brain begins to fracture it. In this episode, we are joined by Professor Masud Husain, neurologist and clinical neuroscientist at the University of Oxford, to explore how the brain’s failures can reveal its deepest workings. Drawing on his award-winning book Our Brains, Our Selves, he shares the stories of patients whose losses of words, memory and willpower challenge our understanding of identity. Along the way, we also engage in philosophical discussions about consciousness and AI. Our conversation is as much about humanity as it is about neuroscience - thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly profound.
Oct 9, 2025 · 12 min
Season 3 Episode 1 | Through the Looking Glass: How Your Eyes Decode the Light Show
How does the human eye transform waves of light into the vivid, detailed experience we call vision? In this episode of CortexCast, we follow photons on their journey from the moment they strike the retina to the point where visual signals begin to take shape. We explore the cascade of biochemical reactions triggered by molecules such as retinal and rhodopsin, the roles of rod and cone cells in night and colour vision, and the vulnerability of the central retina in age-related macular degeneration. We then turn to the networks of bipolar and horizontal cells, where visual information is funnelled, filtered, and sharpened into receptive fields — the brain’s earliest building blocks of images. Along the way, we uncover how a patch of neural tissue at the back of the eye becomes the gateway to our entire visual world.
Sep 9, 2025 · 27 min
Wired for Care: Neural Circuits with Dr. Johannes Kohl
In this episode, Neddy speaks with Dr. Johannes Kohl on the brain circuitry behind instinctive behaviours like parenting and shares insights for early-career researchers navigating the fast-moving world of neuroscience.
Mar 20, 2024 · 23 min
Motor neurone disease and iPSCs - Dr. Björn Vahsen
In this episode, Katy interviews Björn Vahsen to discuss his ongoing research on Motor neurone disease using iPSCs to co-culture microglia and motor neurons.
Jan 29, 2024 · 20 min
Sleep and Scents - Dr. Julia Harris
In this episode, we interview Dr. Julia Harris to discuss her ongoing research on sleep utilising the olfactory system.
Nov 22, 2023 · 30 min
Recovering Movement - Charlotte Stagg
In this episode with Professor Charlotte Stagg, we talk about non-invasive brain stimulation techniques used to understand how the brain adapts to new challenges in the recovery of motor function after stroke. https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/charlotte-stagg
Oct 6, 2023 · 31 min
Snoozing Fruitflies
In this episode with Dr Sarnataro, we explore techniques used during his recent PhD to investigate the mitochondrial dynamics in neurons of sleeping fruitflies. Raffaele also offers advice on how to make the most of an Oxford PhD position. Raffaele Sarnataro — Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) (ox.ac.uk)
Aug 1, 2023 · 20 min
The Moving Brain with Dr. Andrew Peters
We met with Dr Andrew Peters (a new PI) to discuss his career in neuroscience so far studying movement in the brain. By combining multiple modern techniques, Andy interrogates global circuits during motor learning and behaviour.
Aug 1, 2023 · 53 sec
Season 2 Trailer
The trailer for the second season of CortexCast.
Aug 29, 2020 · 54 min
It's All Optical - Adam Packer
We discuss all-optical interrogation techniques and the mysterious claustrum. Paula Kaanders and Lukas Krone talk to Dr Adam Packer from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics about his work on all-optical interrogation techniques: a technology that enables him to read and write neural activity. Besides this, we talk about his recent interest in the claustrum, a brain region we know little about. Adam also discusses his career path and his advice to graduate students.
May 28, 2020 · 48 min
Facing Depression - Catherine Harmer
We discuss the brain mechanisms behind depression. Paula Kaanders and Lukas Krone talk to Prof Catherine Harmer from the Department of Psychiatry about her work on emotional processing in depression and the latest developments in understanding and treating depression. We also talk about Catherine's career path and her advice to graduate students.
Jan 2, 2020 · 1 hr 15 min
This Might Hurt - Irene Tracey
We discuss the Neuroscience of Pain perception Lukas Krone and Alex von Klemperer talk to Prof Irene Tracey of the Oxford Nuffield Clinical Neurosciences Department about her pioneering work studying chronic and acute pain through neuroimaging as well as some of her more recent projects on Aneasthetic depth. We also discuss how she approaches both being a scientist and taking on executive roles such as head of department and her life outside of science.
Jul 23, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
At The Interface : Richard Mooney
We discuss Auditory Neuroscience in particular during vocal learning Auditory Neurobiologist Prof Richard Mooney from the Duke University joins Alex and Sam to discuss his work on the Neuroscience behind vocal learning and communication. We explore how the brain processes sounds and how this may be different during vocal learning or other movements that generate sound. We also discuss Prof Mooney's perspective on the advances in neurophysiology and how his love of music influenced his decisions to study auditory neuroscience. More information at www.cortexclub.com. Theme music is by Eves Blue
Jun 8, 2019 · 48 min
At First Sight - Holly Bridge
We discuss how the Brain processes vision. Holly Bridge from the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging discusses how the visual system works. We also talk about how visual processing is studied and what the brain does when sensory input from the eyes is disrupted. More information at www.cortexclub.com. Theme music is by Eves Blue.
Jun 8, 2019 · 43 min
Sleeping with One Eye Open - Vladyslav Vyazovskiy
We discuss the Science of Sleep Renowned sleep scientist prof Vladyslav Vyazovskiy from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University sits down with Alex and Sam to discuss the Neuroscience behind Sleep. We discuss how Sleep is studied and what its purpose might be for the Brain. More information at www.cortexclub.com. Theme music is by Eves Blue.
May 31, 2019 · 9 min
Intro : Cortex Just Keeps the Rest of the Brain Warm
We talk through what listeners can expect from future episodes of CortexCast. In this introductory episode Alex, Paula and Samuel explain the purpose of this new podcast series and how it came about. We also offer a sneak peek at some of the upcoming episodes.